My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXnpuz08cW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OuL07CFK0
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDuEZk08jp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRL399K3de
"Haa..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpApgWNjfJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCp5X57VQY
"Are you okay?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLXPWQYsgG
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDBdOWSrq7
"Phew. Now I am."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVRfdP6JUP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzutnyk2w4
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXUGgsemGq
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88Gi3VnYOA
"W-What is it?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlFJ5UTPk0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKNyCk2Yye
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxH6XgJzJw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEloyyKNdxd
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4soyCZG5dl
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXep93PqMg
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2zXmromuJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRPnqHmYng
"Well..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n836fptYW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cAbVWH7Fa
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48QvdXLMir
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7ad4IMfJE
"Come on, tell me!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9n5LcI1TP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgveV6NPbhb
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJspirWO65h
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKPATD689w
She sighed and shrugged.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOrqKKzZTM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OslEiiMWm
"Are you feeling nervous?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcI60kLzi1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1eGwYZSL5
"Of course I am."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxX9P5qR1N
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVJE2UOBHL
"You shouldn't be."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi35jPJYaZu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6ZQKXJZxJ
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDmTo6gEr4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCBkpcJu39
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcNbZG0fKE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8zrHaYWt1
"...What's that supposed to mean?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOysuNAubjx
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGaGcmT4go
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSyQ3KcJP7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FaFWavF2E
"I think you came here a little too early."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBJuvbp5Os
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkvK0t8YGH
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4Q5rpKPuQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6OK3FwXeB
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYswCiC1TcV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknnwTRqyKa
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!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9AgrN9Xs1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDcncKjNQ6
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpAV8wRghs
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqaxaVLppy
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02d2jABlPL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt5tL0qNpH
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVT80NxutVD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN70C6nLWVE
"Aren't you going to say something?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAtbdsYa28
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHUYWyRyNt
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUkoLom7Ur
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k2TfRmGcL
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmK5SfjGPB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUROlr7xXY
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFhuqNklfY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSzjKt9TZJ
"...I-I still don't believe you."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe3UllCE9Q
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDQXXp9i2u
"Are you serious!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAI2Gl0uoQm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPB8R8Nij5
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmIVMIlB5V
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeerUokIBZb
"Can I at least have your name?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhJksnMUKB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNht5lzAYDG
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA9buPQlvA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNOBBlpPWI
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5zYPdQfep
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi69DHYfMC7
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiIT3SjMsk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbxDMCgtQT
"A-Alright, I won't forget."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oreRX4OZ5
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYhdw1f6sh
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7D5SEWkzg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWXuJfhFrO
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnet8zO50rv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YZjBXWRIH
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFbjL5jMyF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TU1FzQ6G3
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN6F8gNQ0s
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII4DQrc5yE
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZDpE5JB4o
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q2Cu0Gry1
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuTKXMWjyD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSBNVcxCfy
"She's not very nice at all."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AlsHusVlX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTKzwRD4Tj
"I suppose not."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN80PeALhL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBkxcBirbz
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRYXaHDGxt
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqo0afNW6ln
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gspMCGU85
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMGAWbnkgr
**SMASH**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F0F3h6QNC
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzNO1zCeVq
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvuG6vzobu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjBhi0ltpU
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZLJfJTZPU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM9vexB1ws
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOukQSerPDv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqktizXeUVS
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R41NYUSyt
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaLTPC2rvz
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl55DfFtWhT
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEQjVnVLCT
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan0SBj4qsk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjgfpPNMSx
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xOcu4EvcE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHJjMAQVyu
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Xmu1zKXHw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77rTBEWTIk
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl71D6YHNSX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvqBqT94bg
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJIQnLNGCp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRX2Ly6asT
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AlyQjIpb7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiisVz2cguJ
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6jX7j3vWq
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnhgPhi2O4
"No, not at all."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSVt0gTLhX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ejyeScbyw
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4erH9j1338
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw34H2nFlRV
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYaqhszn1V
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoOmnyBj13
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL91XyhXGV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGXkSMc8eQ
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslT3LKogwQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eozhJVSWA
"Is she our teammate?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO1rVRhWHp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYFWXY1oIj
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb4PLTxBhj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflmoaje2Q3
"That so? Lemme test the waters."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVlecn1DMJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLHdZoZ8Nt
"You'll regret it."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtTaZLXYEW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlIyOcYHbM
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFdU4nXXgI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYRL4Xj0a2
"...Wait."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPysDpuKOC
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt6P3I4sxp
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzEBA3PQZB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvGYq5FjRJ
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBwDPNBmkO
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABJcAlfP7C
"A little? Just a little?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaSR5BhOf4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrty5mKnkJU
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5hy4XNDJg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMeQ9rxQaj
"I met her five minutes ago!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWH3OLz4S3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphN1bnTpqw
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDynGLVyr3b
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTdAYfz4vO
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvLYsOc1HS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXSs96TDw0
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMztQzQ3Wf
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjx6d8InfD
"Really?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfj5pHX4g7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLomSfo90il
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPhztsQ4x6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EGAL31dy6
"What do you mean 'really'?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSrve2AszD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B8cxDFnXw
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHMpW8bHzN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDb9cmswS4N
"--!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlo7t5GveXe
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtnYen2zL6
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOmke5OBkI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8WWnkaFBr
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH6WqOjNJc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfElOPOXbrE
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xeGaWdy2A
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EPZb1pGOK
**SMASH**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7prR9NJbq
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPFeVD1bOb
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PbnRiqWpR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWVJw36BD7
My jaw dropped yet again.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnpRPtZK48
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDax9w1Og9s
"ROY!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqt5I6CA7T
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmpbJv7kTE
–
–
–
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFmTyUGic7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvDcgf6Dl8
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWsRHYaRLs
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHPdxQfh4b
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacPNhbJrvW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEQtaXGVxU
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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLeuNpNC4m
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w0cnUjNxe
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rvH7kT9ss
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs6UBxhn5c
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcR3kfpg1S
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWtvOeLuD3
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd40ItbbJi
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWtqRZSvuC
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4RU5ywPr8
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEws4XA9NT
"R-Right."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHuM9c2vEj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsbX46MqC9
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYi09DikQV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgnIOvtu52
"Ack!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBPjOJIrVI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjwBhJjbbR
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsIWFujtkE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvNvLS30jn
"F-Flinty, what was–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCbcuFRf8K
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9euyuXnwi
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh45XkUcIx
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlPIZwhBJO
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVbeRab9sq
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflMPxkLDdb
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsovOo9VWRL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7BIcqkX4A
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocsW8D5AKp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJN8RLIWPD
"No, I'm not just saying it."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlJAo5BDiD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsgV1FL1OD
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtGSPRrsKl
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWg76GTSSUW
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMTlbdizN2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWeqV7J73Q
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC88K1wRKul
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyxKPsUgAb
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLem2aJl4lE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXRJbpmwit
"I–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPZoyCi5Md
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcRRLhBc4d
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGljLcRx4ge
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTyeFfH47f
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaiOlfjfZv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZIAlHfkCf
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg8I1QSOR3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYZeGGrs8g
And yet...212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6QJN75lXM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi3Vspn9pL
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSpu0BegNt
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc3raMhu3x
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK7knaDaYz
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQq99WrqaI
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMg7MAqpWa
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32kFfUlto4
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfypvDk0ir
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINScuZvXrC
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOLaNFKIBj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qfoPYH6uY
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVcLzkVKn2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJGtZ6gB3Q
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtazbevMLk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcRA2gx6vY
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODZucoPCeB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu4B47ynuz
"O-Okay."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDelQIgcth
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBeWJR2sSk
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOVrFZfd52
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzo49E7E0M
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aecZIMG1v
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fnLIJgUUs
"Okay okay, fine."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGbNBrQm0Z
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jzKbby0q3
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWHEuMc51X
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPKhX1qNZi
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxWHS6A05D
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqDDk8mm3P
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjEIFMcG5J
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrzJKmPMsX
–
–
–
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJTOeZpu2J
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9JI0gxv5I
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFIEy5YZuC
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt2k5a4BYc
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOQdqClQ0j
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCnTK4eb4y
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0v1aHD3rc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde463XOUG1
"Huh...? What did you say?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGd1esU7YF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavLFy8KXQa
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC80PgDoDlB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG99xB4zMK
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxUs8Jn9Ai
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH7JfrcIR8
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymdecc6zaV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F9HcR3Wzh
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YAjZj1mc3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtshJnWbGK
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXnlb4AMP9
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM1uRfghNe
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfObirFl03Y
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5RMdifY3A
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7rEPvHmlM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRzeV47M3f
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuOMjWZNAJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gQatFYyBI
"Note?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPW1eF2MewN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeUv9JhIna
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrqwRz6ZbZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPJ4Jkslcj
"What does it say?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYeeDGm2wj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOSn1ycHWG
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtWwBz9vaz
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkKU6FrFRt
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SUgxKa30D
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueJ3SlVIOT
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO5rPPhbDe
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NnV2yOpp7
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrRS2rNgwM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1okJ80CVyr
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYXX04VYP6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuzh1U8VIP
Juke sighed and put the paper away.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK32RBXyJ4X
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX0T929mah
"So, how's about a story?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumW9TFlRFA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd8alJYv6x
"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?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Omh6RWIRI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSgdifQjUP
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjLBollW51
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AiBu6vyit
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oWI1SS9MQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRtNttfYX3
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOCTRhcNPM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryyOziYwW9
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1mw5pLyEG
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKsmScWFrn
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCktDIYROc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVj5TKZ0AY
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbehgIN0en
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbduoa6FSCh
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5dfqKtIqa
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABQhv0edqA
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaarBLg7QG
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2RcFlRmwd
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPgfOdOFu2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMy7vflpE5
"Seriously? You have to be lying."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DZPU7nPQZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPsskGIsoz
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmwbiKx2x5
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWLTslVsWB
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUn7s40EWj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9W1hx1y9L
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUFVEENGON
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAuqgUWYFk
"Like what?" I asked.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY5ugLrzaY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NdS3FXY5S
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKubiSNyo6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVHyxAdGxG
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMDynNHw9B
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84d2X9s6ST
"...Stardust?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUvPAPsjCV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhBUjAcpLM
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BEQ9KuZ5g
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx9Xdfdm0N
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX3DIuFo72
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK11A0xynum
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5maftiqTJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BEFSAWqrp
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YbnvB8gJ6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaTqAu195d
"...The what?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01gYnAs9Y0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIY88s66m5d
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6da0zCGhS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwELuxfVku
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsp99sg4L2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHblAGT3lR
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiD9yojvGM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5K7GSnpOE
"Of course I do!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwrsxNGkVb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFnM2LNmnc
She pumped her fist.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuruNpz1XZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSClvwUO3ZN
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj59gCHfgw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjahYdHswm
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNkbHPuucW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgX42S9Fmf
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzPmyKVisZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnpXR4g23F
"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–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jUrLsrLFS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLTIWQjmu1
"I already know this."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5zkB9rGZt
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq99QeCir29
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bl1ryKXdE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJclGv9iaa
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDo2VsO0Vj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOxEdNpNKo
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYdlpbMe0F
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyy3CDrEl6
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ8AfStWBF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3eCaF8oqS
"Eh? Why?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjcCv9B6bu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETQpgLXnM8
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtifjySbdei
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcDjq617oo
"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–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiyaGtzLON
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMRMhUIAtT
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj8aBDUOte
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTUZQnUo2F
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fs17jgVOp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrnqExSyw7
"That's cuz I met her."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUxMKSGR92
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"WHAT!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgpeXbh177
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5e2ScHQ4Y
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSXpKxrkpX
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoFDIZNltg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaT651mk4s
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2NIlGFIa4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtorCx2AsK
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXsDNgxWH0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzbnUjEJfZ
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItsIzeiN6A
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfGIsfxOn3
"You're kidding."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTyfLWgn6f
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieIsP9Dm9u
He shook his head no.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMaVKs0T0Q
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFg0CgKYPn
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DaRrVUOj0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjRidcZJdn
"You're making this up," I said.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsnK9rE2Cy
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mlTH6MCvm
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SyIT72kdW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ27oxmNYlh
Juke shrugged.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jV0HCF30z
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsZYIpiPsi
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtqWyqmBdf
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva1DBhBCoS
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAXYmq1a1a
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCeCMRhMwM
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEFoWfDR2E
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLfWMqCpjX
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI4GkmmEms
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGcOMo4Z5G
"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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6JEAGiatX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnforYIhkT
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBc8jhwoEb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGVg7pv1Qn
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydlEnOhltQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJrVvmCD9B
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0Gk9tNsH6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kPQ35ny0K
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOKCIRy0Lc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAyzQQEi3c
She pointed a finger at him.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvjifSJbvi
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrabuxMBtsa
"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!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOtZbRUD8t
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UmmttOoIb
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hnkOIbmMx
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SKHUBwWbz
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZvF5FbSsZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wWjp4QUWE
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMK14qxc7S
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP18pheh0HT
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5ZrSSVJw4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGNMNp4mUJ
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeM3c8iDrT
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbEYYWgYZw
"--Ngh! You guys...!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lBT9eZHy9
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Cchw8vWsa
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWekSYet3ab
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcXdNFC3GY
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7McUy1jeJR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOenlEecR7I
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb6FBZT3D4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5TT4gcm1O
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI0dEuQYDV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZkvjhKJA7
"Ya look like you have something to say."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRYvr46Utv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVefdVC7wPU
"W-Well..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqNTBqGRzD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuGd4R4R2U
She turned her head away.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qYP6WVNw8
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9h8sEAXFI
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx2VQeO8FZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsfG88RZAJ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xuwmWNQP2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KzJv7vHWN
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbbK16GCOl
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd58JB4kI0L
"Mhm, I told you so."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDNzb7po6F
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlqk5eUwbV
–
–
–
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4W4fr9cnr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5mgWgDMiC
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTxCE7YCNG
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffdZNExhVu
"...So why am I not getting any?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4y6Ff9NWv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrivGysvBY
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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHIZFG9wld
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuQ5IdfJDU
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLgCc8uOfF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaaMMT9Sis
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqyAlr7B8M
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaThncdIIm0
"Eh?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZTg05QoIt
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwAmcp02q6
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rFGUuChd2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMostNnkDf
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6LsOR1ykz
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQSoffEKUA
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOTAOVC5FV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpaU2XGaHf
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxF4Jmhex3I
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eHNiFwr5Y
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthP7cAooyo
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3k0lsti1x
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6SQNIqXVw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7u4d5BCuW
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHxnWlP0Y3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DtijDIi1H
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDwgdT4WBv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLdO3HLAAd
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOrfhU3uXC
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08Ic6PzP0j
"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?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj2H74ijEV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3d6wqWypjQ
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwihX9U6EE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ExVQiYj4k
"A jungle? What elevation?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiLJvV1UyX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Wo6AopBfi
He shrugged.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gAqQ3Vy5T
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kTsZ8Ogu9
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51Y8IHiQKk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZYS5DI2D8
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj8jYfZwou
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeTZXOFQw3
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XXQ3SOYP4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5UMQz36rv
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYHGQOZNEE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79FLBqnerC
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP36thL3FH
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkV3fkYrEt
"Why?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mleFjGZ8M
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkKkB5zJ37
"..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfHxsv2lM7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIaGVENFAJ
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxcc3up5aE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuIkudgBuO
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmOc3QBqss
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBmuiaOIuW
"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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOKAfpZX7Z
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BkGRs4Gpv
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJOY299YD5
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFko3eheaP
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyOIyCLdbT
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqVNcayD7Y
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDL5GYmvHAh
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg96RymLrgQ
"..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV2SlEbRDs
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW27hspdrg
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFsjjVrOt8
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetaPY6RUxh
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZsPFKUN4E
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci3cwNxccy
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah7CCoOTSt
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylaTYopwXy
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PiIHTeqee
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHKBH6kqbp
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCBBQFqlia
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhNwkUNMCf
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEBbhAGPGc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukVPDIIhSh
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIQnqDWzbs
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Le4iBk1y
"TALBOT!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1i66zCW5a
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1YuYDCleq
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7hm2OWMdm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib3D9vpeLC
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9veGoFyDb3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GHFoapbEE
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD343H19vrF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJTJq67rW4
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74z8PrBh2G
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPKIe6ubTZ
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNVYJY0QeS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkgXvvNLfD
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIBygvbVmu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUvJk7sw8V
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEuev1f1Rr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Tohbjn2an
"Are ya kidding me?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HkTtxfwMT
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxabpKdDukd
"That's so lame!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwiTuLQJtn
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTlB7NTswX
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAl0HHPadH
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xyRSDfUjj
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDjMYhUMng
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUgJ3ZSDrn
"What's that supposed to mean?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE3rMqbGZn
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SRivtav3O
"Nothing."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUASOn4Ddq0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojQPVvBeYy
She returned to chowing down on her food.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiK7GIwt4KB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWawuY70cZ
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q7XpaX0fV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDt3JBTL0l
"Well..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT9dPrdhcA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhQRSJoRhR
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdvKC47fxa
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCkIqlLlSs
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kBrG3tHPQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG7Ioul4OV
"...No."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIyy4vwyDW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0Xwbr614R
"Eh? Why not?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuzp57EreW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXEGUYDax0
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiKVlflTRM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSnqJLsKqH
"Huh!? What'd you say?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJjaAmHrcd
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUJSFYIYql
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8nRZXOSc8
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmDdMQ3eHL
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFOl8EK5o2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoJvpy4QTV
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwVjyJPJLP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN3VjH9ekE
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3b5kb6GSW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvdGuy7Z4X
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeqeaTzQoB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI22qmPRv2Z
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEkQzm38dZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRt1JZHgSup
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBNjER0ONA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ8f8rNr99
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld1M4Yn2Me
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTUlXi5TVP
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVkrZ0jGE8
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqUmBq0iwU
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAmg8wv9qg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXfjZl0l7m
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KDX4UJrnF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlxoQdy2Od
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEE3BOcKpv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6UFtl6LMG
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xSaJm8hUA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo64knjgZD4
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAvpE4lRqJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNUSWwiPPQ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyF6fcWFuv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVxblesCn1
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIJ9MRGVe7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnNj0jR0To
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbT0UzwSWaa
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCgaEa6UoK
"Custom design? Well..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY5CdMjXDH
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TvvvngJmh
She turned her head away.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOR2g8aum1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIDlf1IhOQ
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaICdBig0P
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAn5coufatc
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa65RNnRo0B
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ4WA8QvXH
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8DYz1iR0f
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRkd95QakN
"Oh, this?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8pc0m010f
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcrAOibCOm
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG13ox4KLbR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk3GKO3sLW
"I stole it!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpiesawLUu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbkmPIbcFn
"No surprise."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67D4Hl4tbZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl92m5ziG1x
"I ain't surprised."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzL9CUvbqt
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9LCiYBOWF
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g4rs2yCAU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9D3giqw0d
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcb2EpTph5e
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEMuSj6b4V
"No."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqKuSftfSr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8181xU0AjP
"Not really."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFd4BIrWsua
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyOrZwQMHG
"Ah... you two are lame!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpyjXoDaYr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoqQoJBctt
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAojGOFUCBc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sUXbdbjLD
"..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst9bUNPcEY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdwwym7ZVi
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGu6RpdHKV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13WgfThAmJ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlmwX0pzQC
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JDe7EKaW3
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp2z1J0VlD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP6BU7bg95
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivJBDNnmGA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrTfOwyS3g
"I-I see... I suppose so."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB56rsrV76A
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wGZrsPHQB
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXbedRM7dj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fikxEAg62
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bx2ejuUgF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkibnJGBgD
"Did you have to word it that way?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUB91WBet93
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBz4HllCqd
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2cHDDA0VM
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtxvmXaLSf
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXylRPqrld
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkAfxsevpV
"Ya got it, boss."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQnc0yXQHl
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGAQhYa71Z
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjJzUWvtQf
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoq2aw5qtE
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgT843G0AR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SMDK3BzDW
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaygnLzBVn
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhzkUfxcJv
"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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPowf3D9qv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Mib8XYSN1
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz7o6jKeKY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sopLK4YDK
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuuX56EGaA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTznanwpgJq
"...Well, alright. What is it?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wpydDfhSK
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkAmH7e8JJ
"I... I wanted..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF39sNZ2FUU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRA5DNLjg5
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNVatQjx45
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUqD62Gdv3
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHin0dhEnR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMI0FdEt2Q
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30XNmWVLNY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4bm86bzMX
"Where's this coming from?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6ew3YFg64
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2U1FXhkhX
"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?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplYK8Co6qb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMZldgU1ob
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8394LZxCqf
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgJWUfIcNn
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKYjLm5QN0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88uOOejq6X
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybqUVyi0kP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1cMugdLUG
In that light–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNBihq2ZYN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW5lR1M3Gb
"Alright, apology accepted."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTziPI1pIDG
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z9WWODUwC
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqlS7GS4Ep
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7k2buhaXn
"--only on one condition."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2skcJnMF7l
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnATkdKmSpv
"Eh!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeSXSCX3Tg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYSgpCsDeg
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgABdIgI9Rs
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRociEl7GeO
"That's right."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVeEMp4bRd
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpnzyxT3MV
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKvqYqVatD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2yhNxqA5z
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsThevX6uva
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23iCOh2XqS
"He sounds like a priss."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7nKFhQC5M
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl8O2dozAC
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhXM4REyLj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0hJs9clHO
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjFC6lhCnD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5pIDNYywq
"Fine, what's your condition?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEoDdrUy3N
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5vWT6KQwE
I pointed a finger at her.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqimdDiveZt
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsLb4ktW9a
"We need to get along from now on."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDhjiOxAbL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxkcBZm9hB
"...Huh?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGzaPmnr8V
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF3AT4H4n4
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNHmDGH33S
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jAvxO3DnO
"...Ha, that's it?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk1E9yILSV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJnW12nuLw
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoPNhUN2QJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSn3Dblyt3
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQJxSsN6QT
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYZIbItrFu
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn6xrE1qr6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ371aS48CzN
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcumsELdj80
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUBStroDxZ
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhthNOmImy
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzer9WMpR1
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64RIvhMhcN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR63BTUQhv
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv63eTVQQoY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jQDtW4S3b
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGjzXUQFJl
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKHGuObhgT
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTkZwRr8wR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpPkrXp0Ss
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PmWu8cnWj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepK4NZtLos
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFl1AfdRe4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9LfF0yPKo
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbAHYiW3BZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ0NCT1F8W
"What a weirdo, seriously."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVubFHWGQ9
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9nyKrFebF
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJDIpedDj2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7AfmEpmyX
–
–
–
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgH6BpKX9H
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJvNzXXyN2
"You guys! You gotta see this!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡya1BivxXMw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb7WJiXgY1
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvulyBuULw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H3GIrO6mR
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.
