My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcBcgDvmGK
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCtCFG11Kx
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7LcgQ5cPI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCo0f5IoIo
"Haa..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgcaKKvij0
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotxgDFuyxx
"Are you okay?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih5j3XyW3v
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtjt3PYlzg
"Phew. Now I am."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKre3VGZf92
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3bBx7RnXk
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5JKQ4C8Oy
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGJPbLRe2k
"W-What is it?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfOWQBpVLn
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMByvmdefJ
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rfobVSnjh
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuReI5CXQYS
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa7FKKwkm7
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFHSRhWaAW
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBa3znJewu
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNICMvKlhkV
"Well..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL78leH6p9
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchMSpjljKv
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLLxzEKbA0
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHeK0M1zaD
"Come on, tell me!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPfV3OBb1b
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxI69uQUCw
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l9P88LYm2
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhabfDigcJa
She sighed and shrugged.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYiCWFRtGu
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIZVoQrgRj
"Are you feeling nervous?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPxsOb9MzL
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVgR8zMEgM
"Of course I am."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCVSg1QPva
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9AJkLoy9e
"You shouldn't be."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGEQWZqkrp
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwGv3nkbIs
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSMsOOSuf5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3i8TmF8GO
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBo1VcpoXt
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7L8Rts3qE
"...What's that supposed to mean?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1shCx5Y99
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzX1e7grOH
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVHYpViqJm
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK7tJjupa9
"I think you came here a little too early."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6syop0Ec8U
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahKnM59rzE
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdihO0pMt4X
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYntmgpvpNu
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4iZcPNoYV
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKy9gC7LR3
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!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBc6j10uR2
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vY4rVUj33
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3Yhg9xU1Q
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlDTyasTnO
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVxdWpqt5v
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPm6BWD977
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvx6eboyte
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfQuCyKC5W
"Aren't you going to say something?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkScB26F1z
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCcw0l4nOp
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov8OujrDjS
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxItfRQS2gJ
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDxlXXlukw
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboF4jPHrq1
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKtM0pzGyC
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtuorhO3Gz
"...I-I still don't believe you."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡam9c1Zk02q
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuvR1gVRhs
"Are you serious!?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSCXTCjfYA
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepyMHPq0R4
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoWqojJWw5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUx8XjLkQi
"Can I at least have your name?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1GLrdUdSN
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XutkT7G6T
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjqOnPgKhx
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiteqIrGyOy
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbMln1GlQZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDpaGFx5gY
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcngQD2bWNm
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K9mhQjvwV
"A-Alright, I won't forget."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGKXs7q9dF
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FuupFsDkT
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaES1CePoA
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEDxjq4WYb
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u35q0OQtU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIcb9RaNI7
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6RG7F3r4g
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHH7VW2WVO
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38R37ote9S
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTJHEgAM0i
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfFsaqSmqR
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEinl3kYbGE
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPTY98MhgY
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6KjZGTVsc
"She's not very nice at all."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbamCxh7zrb
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNcs2FODOx
"I suppose not."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpskA8YW2qX
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhL0RyIVLI
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NKkKSuzIy
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9844Gdybs
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO6Gedek6D
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbRFSsan2i
**SMASH**214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKdl3ljuAR
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIdxNiLvuo
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBl9zpE1Fy
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGBQsnorAG
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VdGOLcs6H
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1zOUzGpU5
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUG7uEoOAF
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qU50SUZYP
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvR6KQoCOU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTGTmgzZgM
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6CLC3Zoj3
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriUk5xKC41
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIo0XzXxcf7
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAnHuRbUjm
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPqsNSI1nC
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfySHPe25h
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01d1XkdOCN
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX2KRJ4a8g
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyM02GFfcF5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD2TUxUike
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLuGw4uVYc
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAq2AD3wUz
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ104GTAPMBV
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdsyvno4Og
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzCdztrEHz
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRVMche0kH
"No, not at all."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOleSCSRw71
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HllLgLRe3
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndIAUxLSLE
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCwLRNeo7v
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GGPYnpFbu
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjp9ycPUYb
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJY5qKlb3Pv
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZAKYblSsR
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzRkDmx9W6
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAdnMA2uMi
"Is she our teammate?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6G7ISmDEF
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk9VzLqffo
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GWmvqB1BC
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSjsQlxaQN
"That so? Lemme test the waters."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGFv1WGwOm
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMIiq0okyj
"You'll regret it."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jh79tK8wU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7dxzCmeKP
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyZBFIhVDQ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO5xOWrky5
"...Wait."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QgsK6olAD
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqq36Fdz0a
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLiDlVuQ0M
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HN4O4YaiV
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n19cQ6mPW
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpNnIpMKLt
"A little? Just a little?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybggRRhwuQ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJeGujZTC7
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmdDD0TFZV
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSZ4ieNiZ6
"I met her five minutes ago!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXraSwwlns
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ET0tN9wr8
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9ugE4zLWE
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45ZIhNGYXU
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KDkzxjgE8
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuJNQzaZxO
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9vauBfnwO
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzQClNhjvg
"Really?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpCx5Y6ruT
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNncgqKjYc
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp5Dm6vdsS
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAx0dfUqte
"What do you mean 'really'?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVIjoQUo5g
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUNYvnfAjs
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFt699GTy0
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ic3hriidk
"--!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw74BajOI4
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVSlwypJXA
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZYNcsPCdZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC7wKD9NL6
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXRrqYGCbR
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ5WcIrAdN
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEgpZeH44A
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolGTMGyI8A
**SMASH**214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmzg7myOiR
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5chGWO39Mf
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp7YesBj8a
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv2sNndCku
My jaw dropped yet again.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphPgjET1lQ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwatkLKVuy
"ROY!?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT02yYtZfA
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6283ZpIp5
–
–
–
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMjnwNXKrZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlhdc8jSeJ
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmwevTOtTy
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03kD4vPmYD
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAkqcbfhuT
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKGWPA1CSY
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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzOC92Ho4U
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOIYsOm50R
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNJlrvqvkh
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLYXQsfFTB
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH6bwSX8Bs
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7Gd1A1zLj
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPwzBWP7MC
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkP4bdjCxvS
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WncnPD4Nk
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXESIRDMX2
"R-Right."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8KdvPCUqp
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYCuHcj6g7
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–214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfGRG9FtCf
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"Ack!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9PzTl7zBO
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDXcIsn7Zt
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwbl3f5ngP
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4Rf5C9szi
"F-Flinty, what was–"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxIUyLXcEK
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCv3c9gYS5w
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDMm0ZRUW5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZHF9JWLCM
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgkE3nuzm2
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5dPxHtVUo
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ774lBeE9Kc
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzoA9lKix0
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtv8qM0q8az
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBCNzsFh6V
"No, I'm not just saying it."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0HtX5xxY1
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwyrhldsCv
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4n6L7CEvG
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfJIh09D1v
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMDzbJGOeA
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2GEHpN6SG
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFp6jRefRw
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFkMPv1mcM
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoLIrxlIxC
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPVjRfsCNZ
"I–"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLknUaT4mU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyny2n0wfu
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3blfwxFFS
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BKXwxv3Uc
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMw1wbMm9va
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXt1YOFLfI1
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–214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdlmGyow9L
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDmJiUgOHB
And yet...214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sEbyMqZyH
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUmvmGApWT
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetp8i0rLmh
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSlF1Ef2UP
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw2nXfHVWn
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqlJOFt7Gc
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm9ymljM67
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS6GiU6YCZ
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAXKlczt7L
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMybUNcrld3
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dZHiQA0hZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEMYg8nM3h
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFf6IeZx6h
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUQBZWn2cv
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDT50fVsFz
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKT25e4xjs
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwvkKep9JT
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78buehwGYH
"O-Okay."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV85C1kMfO1
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnNHrdOgF3
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87PQe6vT12
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIOLpTGMmN
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm93UZyN6O
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ116KCFattu
"Okay okay, fine."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5og8OlaH64
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qTpPRh3pG
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexbgtXL1mb
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TwtNMeNf9
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO2WDGodqR
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5osi6MKmlq
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDQDpVB0IC
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWt6I5gMTw
–
–
–
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiSjNAaLxH
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKuyQ76YCe
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4JN3lD1Z3
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TQlFihGiT
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexQA7wjYzz
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvMGkw23O4
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa4cYd1RHu
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5TxlARkrF
"Huh...? What did you say?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWQRFpxGg5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeUQ5gXzHR
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0DtIipPwE
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0Pm3UGhNs
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNNEJFXE1W
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6RNbwiasW
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Vsve6XXYL
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBwS7MDoPu
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4Ic8X51Mo
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMyYQRep9I
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRQ82w2QkI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEGCk9rRGy
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac7fVxWA2D
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDtwuYeWD6
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa5Vdbcrhk
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYHlmP8qwN
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S3V5VJSQ4
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBFbijfhdG
"Note?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVrGw2XH8s
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9ndcBCHsc
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKkb80IKQI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsd6kS9Q5h
"What does it say?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqJwj9SLT1
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJYlvt5ksw
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0iVibMOqz
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIW7dSrl91
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZraRNp7ii
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0EwSKbSiB
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggg2loVHBn
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWPHAiMZCR
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICM617UoZj
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB7uZUXv72
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTDndEdyfQ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbncmWSWTs
Juke sighed and put the paper away.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxMpgfbcsx
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwft2QPIK3j
"So, how's about a story?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwQqDZTbHx
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVtx4DWnea
"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?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7rbXpQdZF
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpbn8c2k6G
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL4KY0gxs4
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb6rXxBjZV
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyMDsX56bs
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5mgbScqKr
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZjQZ1bS8S
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSZkbfDb5U
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WvujY6FbO
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfoJoEKxou
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq8ZxH7OmH
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u7PJVjuhY
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTsy4HjJ18
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQGNMiLPqz
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tyAN4q8lo
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFzbQxGzIw
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyXgtViQNL
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS85Ccp02Yl
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9TI0T3dr5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0SBW5Z3sW
"Seriously? You have to be lying."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AV9L7nnOv
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7WhDUw59O
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZmg1OLuo3
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxnaLOcC31
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQMftTl6Lh
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHV1SXge5R
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfj7HTZfH8
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRm4Iasv8B
"Like what?" I asked.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVn4zw0Cbb
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmRSZmLG9G
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppYvy9KJvW
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Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeuCLr0P5a
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg7VPAJ37w
"...Stardust?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsRLkGkNKi
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPnyUy4ECh
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbei6QW4IuJ
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Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNjSCSI1E6
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxxKX3usK5
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW6xdkesHb
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gMD5SmpOz
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeecA1GauZB
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqDWTf7KQI
"...The what?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDwh0CdTVS
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPmtyjPkrq
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBOZAXjT2g
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmtMKL5NMi
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLGWYJBQWo
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXIx9hniGD
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGiFuSDPXg
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQaZAXRxGB
"Of course I do!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBNpaqffSc
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPADDc18Up
She pumped her fist.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPyjhwfOAj
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"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R7rmLghpM
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLGSxjoRIl
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU8LXMlwSq
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNLqZ4B9zN
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWrAtzPmZW
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKnyar2TYu
"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–"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmNXQEHhvI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tB7lWJcow
"I already know this."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0giI5mHyn
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ090owfhmdn
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoI1K1Xtow
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq37aMYN8w4
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZrMjJIiP4
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEzAVSLUNq
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjTjrlYnIY
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAfxPOJKA6
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmWyp2JeEp
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVp3yrqRF9
"Eh? Why?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG804n2xCe
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmVq8tbWcv
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EE06J4xlU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQfJ7KvWPt
"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–"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwJ6KmveZH
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtEN1NOmf2
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuDnnB7uyl
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyqAyq7UzI
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQM1SLvCmj
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1m7Yf0qQ5
"That's cuz I met her."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDJssAy13d
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDPD7VMQy1
"WHAT!?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrE7VOHXtV
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7zfdIaQJP
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkYXrXqoyL
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVpbwaIuiF
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKDeZhTUuG
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5bvdzBe9G
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcQjGZuQTo
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhRhIQMPcb
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GWI1bwqBv
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSJeqM4bAL
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9XgcfNkC2
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEVHENLtFO
"You're kidding."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegI60RmOoZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC5G6trObn
He shook his head no.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAoLakRtB8
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl7AKfeBaR
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvaNIXMsy4
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR5dmee6dP
"You're making this up," I said.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfpQkz8IW5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnFgwBr88F
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr81EnxeHUG
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Juke shrugged.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiOcODfCSA
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3VojSw0Rv
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbSQ7Yl3By
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFxjLkTVU6
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PLEeTx7wg
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9gXMxKVwf
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqliWf6LdA
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wcAvWPPTc
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqxfhwg1HT
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKuH5WCCaV
"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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE76c7Yeehy
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRDDy9wZbX
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnos2tD8cro
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCSMU2ZZiW
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaXiEd0Ofg
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwGwtzDGJq
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQwXkUR7i4
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFWHHCHYEc
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fQzrYZ2UK
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFULzvPXzo
She pointed a finger at him.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDY2q173m6
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBH1QHp77c
"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!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPbOwgde7f
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopoNmIRtr5
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWqS5UtG6g
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxqhfxJj9r
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1AFtFml9U
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgMODWFFa2
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgRaDJ3dni
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TKCmLtLdj
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs2btfo7RW
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwez3jYcFRs
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EvthX258b
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeltcc74j16
"--Ngh! You guys...!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJZ6Th04LX
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtKuB4O0iU
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtzMoPmt2Q
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3wBxgt5Fx
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKySiu45fWJ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA7AGBdeMO
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKuucHHPfU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs886NrfNfB
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYWgSN1w1T
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvBTY0OSZd
"Ya look like you have something to say."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoUWIQhoQa
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeN5B5RB3lJ
"W-Well..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4BQ13PxfM
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7iQiQdlpF
She turned her head away.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM3l85X5fu
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu7J1sThpj
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ1jYqZkbU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX8Hh9097G
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn0x6wVLUI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPixckEGrxy
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv00olsUKfx
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZD4tF51ipU
"Mhm, I told you so."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO8lG4fF67
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukcEV0lydy
–
–
–
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHYo0T0XfE
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMtQtE44ZE
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIY5akeRZn
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlWUDjBNmu
"...So why am I not getting any?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd63YNTasDE
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMDshs72i2
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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoWr8rpSW8
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlZSkEm3Rh
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–214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEge1092wEE
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilSdvzoFUv
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiNcq08JxH
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnT96rSnt0
"Eh?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g9y2klzX2
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3S5D5Fk2k
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tjluti8tT
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdi6LLg879A
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP11HEpBFRJ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPJM40vu7j
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpVfmZsoB0
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsv5FI0Ibx
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9UQAP0qLq
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenZ9OuCCIb
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiZBhHDewN
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUw1w37MaV
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR5YeHrfYO
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjXhzB76ZD
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyuCst0QPG
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYouQ6uNFIz
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9XxDGEu0Z
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBNI7kRGZ8
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEWuJtGyMz
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI26JYokwX
"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?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WNqAFKEyV
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxO8q3lEYE
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncbiUFD8sH
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vadexOZEr
"A jungle? What elevation?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MFL9jAxrr
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpmtXrk4UM
He shrugged.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJOWZ0RWPp
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8ozczmAwq
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4Fkppy694
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vrZmPQz6C
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9mnRzSXAT
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBol6vHWamX
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfF7JR8V4ix
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJU1vvj6zo
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMpn45CPaw
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLF8nggd8R
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnvodU7GOq
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuXxeCJOo9
"Why?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6YCPqZQYg
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR7KXHvom7
"..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIs4yIGgxe
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzkn3R6aUN
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh3VwDMf34
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozT99fBpyY
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09DMmp6WhD
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7QwA9VOj1
"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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFDP7yII59
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryPERxApHX
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ayXrVes3c
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JrdvjNiZ6
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgP6tbKkfnU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lJfpwcK1u
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ670FHUbVjX
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe0exnxmyS
"..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt4jur7WjV
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTHvKdaG96
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVulcEYOja
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4kRM2U3SN
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSuf7v0f90
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7mwfMXQa7
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT10HTnQaup
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6LoUp2dnS
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlx6WigPEW
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH6LWPI464
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bclHg6FWz
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYzydZBvXP
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccIWMVVPYx
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKcahyQMq5
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mpuFRQ27c
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2z39x3Tdn
"TALBOT!?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxz1w4LGph
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjAAX3fGWo
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2UmluKIJ8
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbS0ONgNbP
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmX7eG8alb
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeiT3M0IjO
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbls7ptLti
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wuc1nOLO9
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CcTffbv99
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlmLvjodso
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfIVUzNvWV
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDzEU4Rptt
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8Ot7QS6Vp
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhBA1yi032
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVN6uiKfSN
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWFbP4WK12
"Are ya kidding me?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlvqnLW1Rc
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxw8klkNuO
"That's so lame!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0ItBFN7lM
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu8nDZjj9d
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqlpzoPzeE
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9crx3KJwo
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN8uiRKknZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92IThjv4bd
"What's that supposed to mean?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIFfK5XpOW
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wcLDUMa79
"Nothing."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7naYiP4AR
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv39COYmnPt
She returned to chowing down on her food.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNUIBMi2yw
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwblYs6L32v
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUE7mUBLgq
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kj3yreiXT
"Well..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1B4aXyGST
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeAmb5uyGS
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4pll0c8DX
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SmADyBfck
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gQC1ti6S5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1oVhtckPQ
"...No."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5v0xkzVlbj
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgXeKlzZXc
"Eh? Why not?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EX6ozKunr
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalBJK13e9e
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIvCxA69uF
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7gquMBc1E
"Huh!? What'd you say?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qmk5CWcDM
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoprQ839gk
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCFV1h5c32
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7SvE4tSWr
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UhIBD4Mxw
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfUi4M8Sf4
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDsVMa4lmq
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbbFiG1UwP
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBQECmR9wq
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO86ekng1SO
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeWOGFo2bl
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mgjYHE88b
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwAZIbubBz
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpw2SEsFbKB
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD26i269bd
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PCnVbJEO4
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRYYN7bulZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x1tukLZEK
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPaK9pFX2W
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSmozZgGvb
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnae1VJwbLh
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkApuPYhn9z
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UPzsZzThE
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz7ywrSE5J
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75A4cUDifQ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQH0ocWgKH
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirZBGtU6sp
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL24NRAsuvU
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOdKEsDhdp
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbxk04t4qO
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIqWXVzAsx
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeBRSvwEO2
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ315ZSftBPV
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJDnAqBSPB
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ808ETzSZxF
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoelhFnvCWh
"Custom design? Well..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqolGldMuMc
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She turned her head away.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI4IX18LHI
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"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW6ggkC7Dc
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Iik3pGWxG
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WC7ontSoR
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwpexiz5Hy
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgpp6D63uR
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK64J1zWchw
"Oh, this?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUnBUHWYmf
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OA6B6eZBi
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QRsCUrLfq
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQPPXhVTBY
"I stole it!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBxq1IpuE1
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4URLaaTdyQ
"No surprise."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIbhRJdZOy
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7h6pE9F2G
"I ain't surprised."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwz3xcnAnmi
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XSKaZPJCs
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIdxstE7Qn
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlrG5OF6AJ
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNCbVcjQoU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTo8VOxZloD
"No."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lHlk8VOzo
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR4OrE5MuR
"Not really."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyAzY8HRBZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVOdoGTIgX
"Ah... you two are lame!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXffjjp9MKv
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz28qAipVyh
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LPett8UUx
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS15Kg41Ll
"..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDGtYw2Kvh
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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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxnLeUSCHH
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPWbzkKxrL
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGNYI4oBkJ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlL3zscfkh
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx2bOXdnwU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYShhR6hw8C
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevPTVbmhqq
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEcQZoA5dx
"I-I see... I suppose so."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqykEWh9is
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHP26SMMu3
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgFQEGXGvv
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8MBGe251t
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSwSVnVfKR
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"Did you have to word it that way?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIFWtn9lJk
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRLMxdPAca
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xwBzJyAy3
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yJct7Qb9h
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKyIqZWlIV
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepfL6WILWy
"Ya got it, boss."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCYzZWyvd6
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0M9QqP1zN
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj4uRUD8Tl
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2dF4eUC1g
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnIQlCUK0e
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMIqpKah1g
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2xn813jJx
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TK1QNGckA
"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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU24i13QpX
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJdKaCE1NB
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsYYQrGQjA
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcmc55AiDP
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY7jiGPOYJ
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"...Well, alright. What is it?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRUoAfYwz5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImRwhwm3Do
"I... I wanted..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5izqFBNyb
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qIiZcUL3O
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYZNeFCof3
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BSwjhSU3u
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHd3hr465w7
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0sW4X9uYA
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshWuOcNrMJ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ax2rmLyBT
"Where's this coming from?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZQX95bNjg
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorSQtzwmnW
"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?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEgOUyapFx
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kbP3BTGUm
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTX50ynvrJ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DrberXpFZ
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1IEBNM3pk
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lzZEY4MgT
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZYj8iTZXN
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In that light–214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4qJEhpXET
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiMzEn4GxG
"Alright, apology accepted."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOMWDuu5ju
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezIrPYFZHc
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ35Itqiin
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnK4sD4EWS
"--only on one condition."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanGVt37qGI
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"Eh!?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB03taPmaMf
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Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhjeGy5dRI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AOK7OiDVD
"That's right."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69CU5Snmzq
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJpDtf8xbI
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LlEIo54hK
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs8Fnv9cwB
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1H4F1x55z
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oYs1HJCDv
"He sounds like a priss."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwPfPTtDfB
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknCijqi2yW
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59karTzZUX
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She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSZbGFYJZl
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"Fine, what's your condition?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddtx4HYjmI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxFhedvrlU
I pointed a finger at her.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UYjLFl510
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtMr9o361v
"We need to get along from now on."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmACvyh7xW
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZwCmSkQI6
"...Huh?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm5HoQyv8R
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVsqZgIwnS
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP69hyQsUN0
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcgWxSQrde
"...Ha, that's it?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkibvdyfzB
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIzYG6gJ9O
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqK5GbVdY1
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"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rFuapq9EN
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She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwzwiqgfSC
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnBz7AkGga
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpegRAnBKyO
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyKgGcQNUX
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs71OGCGz5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpACOHTvd6q
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrbM5LKS8b
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FKHl3Ia6E
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtDEWUlH5r
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnWN50iURr
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWGYntGTko
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"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xVj7iW0R6
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhexTLqq5s
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2enH5QXSgv
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEOyNVYIDe
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NF86kUNl6
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hwXFZDCqH
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKARaCFVSp1
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekDh8R7lCm
"What a weirdo, seriously."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K4vq4opZT
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIGDMbzBNm
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bopsZ91db
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3lnIdr2u8
–
–
–
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzSz600r6E
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VUVYsP3NB
"You guys! You gotta see this!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ932rs1rWQw
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eJ9SeyLPX
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tD26yx27q
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiXnIvFRDQ
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.
