My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5irAOGovUJ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VRJCAOXMu
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHQ5Aazs5d
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMF6inpVKrU
"Haa..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H5XX4l8zY
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLstomc4Y1
"Are you okay?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyHDs5pGM1
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGs9NOfH62
"Phew. Now I am."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUCQqy7isn
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm0nVnJPbz
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp35iYZidxp
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWVe3cu0Wr
"W-What is it?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Gu6VZaDpH
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XumPXtYdL
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mtTG5qmtY
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XVuNypUsd
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF49CrTJCY
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHz0HIaNR4
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacdf0sxZFX
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlO6PPns00
"Well..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmRuTC9099
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfxW4XB7pr
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATDkS7HTJ5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZYO0KSxEp
"Come on, tell me!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwAJQeVGUl
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS74kyXryzF
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXARvhnpD5v
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYexjSMsfiM
She sighed and shrugged.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtTQfIWOJG
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hDKNlR7yy
"Are you feeling nervous?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn44YPwuqf
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryJsBOapWg
"Of course I am."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKpKhuTA5H
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvDEyIzf5q
"You shouldn't be."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUTnj0QEal
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA6L0R7gMG
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe34zsz7kmM
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1c3BfeHNQ
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb576GTcseh
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGUSyI1eju
"...What's that supposed to mean?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY170PAaW3Q
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fLYn08Fb1
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKf7h4LqRS
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeWnsviKFN
"I think you came here a little too early."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9RWtqiqQV
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw1RfVc0UU
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T8XQqZFBL
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYiVOI7LfK
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC2CBaeHSB
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp1BEtQVVc
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!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdLHiYJSFi
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy0WTv5vv0
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjF5zdrB1M
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstTEeGF0xO
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRtWHRdf6M
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmPRsDX97a
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEv5qxKE28
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6hchdEFW6
"Aren't you going to say something?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBQ54Hc7ii
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpukg1AFwUL
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA04BKJ5JoF
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBHtowiKWc
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOstelIT01
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqrsp7fQ17
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOqOtexVu0
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi38YTYn3BQ
"...I-I still don't believe you."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQbENlzRRa
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsGoHUAJoc
"Are you serious!?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sVSUomEfl
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgcGYyNZ74
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YYNZIF2K9
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqB0pivMGg
"Can I at least have your name?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pGgh7NwIx
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy24na9umns
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQMtI9HvU5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUIvULtP5k
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe8hGtoaOX
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbxNxbsEP5
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmzlI4R1U9
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTYPCOrYbZ
"A-Alright, I won't forget."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLkCRLfRxH
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54FiZlTVhU
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ikoIkthNt
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXCwgGAxnK
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZcm12c6Ex
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmH0m4Myjx
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xDS3qJLYG
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtKwtCy1Y4
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeulk0FU7L
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXHns5WEvL
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl99ZAiwLKM
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwORNkl5Vx
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZoYmBKssI
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqfV8VF9CO
"She's not very nice at all."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAJR7hwUJ2
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQAMLs5arF
"I suppose not."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGu822bda3
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4S37FnVCp
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2nOgHJWfo
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOuao4Tuxa
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHR2LvTXS2
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Fp1EKaVja
**SMASH**113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeafaraQRRZ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2BmSOJ9v2
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtyajI8btN
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwcqaatvAF
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0Ldlm7OzR
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1q289pJM8
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0PkgZlfUu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjOKI6SXhs
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvnqfPfZ3I
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA7kFjlZcc
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfrhQzcTZI
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdHa4Abc62
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHE95YR473
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KrTD4IMDK
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTO3AEQ8ZO
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8WAOrtwib
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoyqueEJZ9
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW6ygpjqJu
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7b06hBqUzE
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGaUnTKDPy
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9EQzeVlAV
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4Ctira9jH
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9HajZvBIV
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73V8nMZg80
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaDxuVc30E
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF4uSPEBOK
"No, not at all."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKzzJUGbiZ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYMJ7Jnf6I
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXl98gaoiV
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd40Nok64H
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3Dz5frCuy
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJk3p0aJ4d
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEgGYrIB2F
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh8vNI6VNA
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQt24uhYUV
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyPkTsBYuF
"Is she our teammate?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxK4xjJzzvj
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqlHQgWFcu
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesRyUv2RZu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuBhFkDnYe
"That so? Lemme test the waters."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52nUJZZgGL
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNmnNEGf5a
"You'll regret it."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcob8HCaUv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEr96OHgHt
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEbAFjlVNt
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskfNIds7QA
"...Wait."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7Eh1TWg6j
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLH64bh16n
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfCdaRaodW
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu1mjw918n
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCIdGZOTGs
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3k4oKJLWz
"A little? Just a little?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7wJ79TKtR
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTnVHy1Knd
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzwX2PLOXG
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cOaqBM7VS
"I met her five minutes ago!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKtwi8m4IK
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR68vSJx1Wr
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvB1pzHvGl
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIksOppQHS
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPeZG6pN2a
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtMZZEOhE1
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4BqZunUqH
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vfimTsUb3
"Really?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7s3TZxwSE
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySSbRsTydG
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQ3HZwsypG
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDVkOmAA89
"What do you mean 'really'?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1brGxcWAM
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5MN9XDcRl
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAKVsfcJoG
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvicgAUAij
"--!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHF1FDZA0Q
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JkJ3UG9OI
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO93GFHBt95
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3D09D4KhH
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBFakiJN07
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCHnMprAXE
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjNkmPz4sA
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcTbpCVuoM
**SMASH**113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWndICsTee6
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MUiuqGOqZ
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0eY1D4EeR
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3pq5yOV97
My jaw dropped yet again.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BbZKl1tFa
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfb5p4DH9d
"ROY!?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBQaiDiZM7
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmvV8Za67Q
–
–
–
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PshIDFk7o
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7kJojQcYw
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhYg1V2ocH
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4ixxDZ2Hs
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOBijrKgHP
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDtflJp3ay
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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutinira04A
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2YwHQCTr0
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE416OyaXC
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCIMWF2zsW
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsN9G7uBbV
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yTuE4vhba
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBy7ZxjQ7e
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4eBRKsZ3O
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG3qfaeUKK
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki18RZQKEC
"R-Right."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTgc1Jm8qX
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZPCVCRWMQ
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–113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRf0jEDO45
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX1pljils0
"Ack!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqegdVzxFA
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu7N4QTzxc
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePSW0OCmsJ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGtVcOD1vj
"F-Flinty, what was–"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPLpfTTUcn
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK4RkVKsUj
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MRDch5KmC
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MPVe4gLn8
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZteGjaj47
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjGh09cC6D
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPdDBGKsqz
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEzJbWFYl0
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJIvQAIDYC
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XCdWZx1d9
"No, I'm not just saying it."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrbi1fnzCM
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YdN0SKbI0
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf5OjDuuQN
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv81hNY2kp
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwY88LULax
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGcYmdmVQy
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2ZVXsGjqz
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIZsiJIV4B
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOVB7TdJhV
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKEpb3dQBU
"I–"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlfK5Xeyuv
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"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNNBt0uJU0
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPjCOiowdn
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwns9Uu1Ul
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PFwzt3HJW
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–113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHysRROEuYt
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0NNuoh7cj
And yet...113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nPE4Dq8OY
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx8G9l9taZ
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhiL9N2Yq5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BlZfk08sD
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKr0NyglCQ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIDFcIdZ8K
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiDPxjvb0T
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFhId1CpOz
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtYAx6PuVL
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnpfpiqc44
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadndiTOOb5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hQVhx728W
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9K816u3rB
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLPv4uGVUW
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIThUkMlzn
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrIHNnPc3z
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH3UF1vmtX
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QIjpq46CC
"O-Okay."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCupw9T6bVR
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I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3bqLHdnEd
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKsjIu2a7G
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AfehSEU4i
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmrCtDFYo6
"Okay okay, fine."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66U6hfSJiy
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWa4TVRFHg
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfataBgKCC
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qUJDAgO1o
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhauOIGA0s
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOv9vqpAAB
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3el0mU4gP0
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEmLy4Erze
–
–
–
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPhL7qp9bj
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7wvxkHFdC
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZr3IvlD5R
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG85U3Om3sH
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6JIc8Yqq8
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqivtWrocAd
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjpQ7BHpeg
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaQ5rRMS1L
"Huh...? What did you say?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB8B6gRE0C
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc0E0TEbTC
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyw3gc6kMv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk2e5SZTXV
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq19Wmy5SDT
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFKuepCmZF
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFJAHCZdM5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtn6SsuMBE
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMy0lw8Diy
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHYZg8xYBZ
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D305PlSww
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKq6LSI1iR
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaBluKYm01
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"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLhbHIWL8B
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIpJv01Eig
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdapWZA0BfF
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pnUpyargB
"Note?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgVUgZd39W
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR47wjYNw47
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalhlSLV0C3
"What does it say?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03MRQ64Wdb
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgViM9gTBHz
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUwhBLdv9v
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9kmLRhfko
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ7GOstDnW
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG9HeSXx1d
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLxxDpX54I
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytqdkExnFh
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnICl4ySze8
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBIuxP7e5Z
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4FVwJEYOK
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu4GaTvQ7c
Juke sighed and put the paper away.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTQ7PaDDsf
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKjQfD6CRa
"So, how's about a story?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaEJDOMUll
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SvnUPaFiD
"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?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU8NmCaKWJ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ106JT6c73O
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV35KBVM6c
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3GlrKZfcY
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LlRgNyrS3
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"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUorKgEVLY8
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRuPp3lUkO
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6qR9ruU0X
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gk3hV9Drn
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaeEb9JfUM
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WcHWMC2aG
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvwHXg8Abo
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pzbYdWot8
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyYioGTrRh
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBsIeTXeha
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwo5c5opy1
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tHRdqeaxX
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR4XvinGY4
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO1gtOLTzp
"Seriously? You have to be lying."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MdJLe2oVa
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0OZumfBQh
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH29K2sZgX7
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYXPPTA1qz
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJx4Ltr0ou
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMNQIIFeEV
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKggKtoRtw3
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37YrEVNZfk
"Like what?" I asked.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4fs41TdHJ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdK8GJffhf
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMr0F2IlC9
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhde8hEbUC
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgUBylp3Ch
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gDnAdgSXz
"...Stardust?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJbnE24JxW
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK0kPBr48j
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk82L6l44Pq
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLNMhIGiQg
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMa0NMnSHx
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3gFPvyqKz
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgC01aw0SQ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNthB8b4aCu
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5YKpbjRdm
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sxxJZvgv3
"...The what?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2ChDfctrw
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8aWjwkxwS
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHtHNjWKLh
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyg4kYLvhL
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0INoPudUl
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtgx0sRHIi
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcicuWnpu0
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPPQIWbt1a
"Of course I do!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyoFEJqEmW
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She pumped her fist.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBc7VcBHAP
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"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMdsPTeSl3
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8d7YfJsUO
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp4UibRNfk
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtmAfJ1Tav
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91ortWBgdA
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"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–"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAiabsvOrz
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbeRS8xEvH
"I already know this."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi2iHhnvmL
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbUZItpn3a
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL8KJknn9B
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BklftU45A
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvDlkEjTaS
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsjq8urHUH
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce31E91hqw
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmaX9YHZel
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJbZHJOn9g
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsD2Z58nS7
"Eh? Why?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DWN2S5GSz
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HuCNSYcTe
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxg9ad1qKh
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMo9YxjbRq
"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–"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHjhu4NfiT
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XahCSsMRo
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuqYXsl6kP
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JsllllOHu
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfB6TShEjQ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAt5GLUrBQ
"That's cuz I met her."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHk7I4J8Rg1
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"WHAT!?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmmNyYhbRk
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKdVbmWahr
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkR2dcOIt7
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi46vLznTow
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7EuUaILES
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrqIXXTQXc
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwXWRFWQn9
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9zjYW6I99
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo6Laz0gzY
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4BnX7V4PW
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWtRDzE8Kp
"You're kidding."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSIJ6IZNtf
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He shook his head no.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDOSZKI5bJ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqHJOmNxkJ
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aXBN4inxp
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE67v910Z0
"You're making this up," I said.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jyJVaOftZ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUUHoWP57w
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkJd23PxVo
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqpRdxcIhI
Juke shrugged.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhTrnvNY4D
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"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8LgGKYX8K
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjG6HcjOYH
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DcOi0pK4y
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNlr741iqa
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqRilyqRpR
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQJUL3fQxe
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2IuwuanrB
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEMbJnpOXN
"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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9uHJ0PN4N
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeWeLfWSNO
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnwkmOImpk
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpD0lkc2WQ
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLPe41qydu
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnsgVbzlaP
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8HkPwg0Rv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiuEGUMsmU
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzdFeRkaWW
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5tCCMYVjK
She pointed a finger at him.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrRJGZs4Sv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCErCnkov2
"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!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKwkXDmVUA
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotQheQllki
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKWCyf5DXx
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0V0qBnfGM
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvJJtd5BcC
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAut6jjCdPA
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HQifa6JsT
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfcnx0VMLo
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpROqOVHC2F
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsBkViD9ZM
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWQOZKxnOx
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPgwBJkKio
"--Ngh! You guys...!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDzSlyEqAO
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPKLtuTYwg
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK6MagBoqf
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVeyowOFaw
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Bdxj3Off7
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmCWy4iW18
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETces6dHZO
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsNjZPUucz
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVgJOozlXb
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSGhDNkWXw
"Ya look like you have something to say."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jQ3PJaOAK
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mwB4jMrb0
"W-Well..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMW0B33t3a
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEAv3IdWLt
She turned her head away.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAZ1uhva7Q
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyN4LfpJDt
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rBGr4eFw4
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysUefq7eEW
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRmvvcGk0i
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58EyiHjNVy
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGHh2G7gYw
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zEQwp07Is
"Mhm, I told you so."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjvf62N09N
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfa4HN7kb9
–
–
–
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RdbSidurb
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XspUfv0iS
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm3xBYDdH6
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xVWN5RZU9
"...So why am I not getting any?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtchPxaisAr
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj8kTrSAWK
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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vie1OuEGc
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVXPHhllKd
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–113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYD5dEIXUC
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX7qoEE4L7
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aJAj1z6em
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NqJBRYlyI
"Eh?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFom2FfmxOv
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0uFHMkDTI
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMc43CrGax
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p8hHlprOc
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCpBk0rUFr
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2sdpawSpl
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghccltIgzR
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy7JewWJuz
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqfE27T0VC
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEEjDraLOw
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcro5CA0vZ
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXgztqvXDx
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPPnHWGffd
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ijmAiEQRm
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ35VwN3wB
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKapLptTDb6
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX9Yjbllz0
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPYCVvjsif
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarM03FICSK
"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?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbNOtKd6av
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXBkAAJzZW
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHfwY3cEK2
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTns7O9UP9
"A jungle? What elevation?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsatvFBhal4
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoWZOcgm1u
He shrugged.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPh3KJ8zO5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADAuBmS7db
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kAswi47Fd
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6DLZKKKEt
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQCOkuN4qh
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsr0QtMX0u
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIU9axnyNT
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIXb6QBR3i
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMdgKbwPog
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ54zYsb7E
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsdZcX5Xco
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkd3y6jHeL
"Why?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc51Z7KkswZ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltQUjzIOxL
"..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYBJw3WfAi
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnV1b5LJDg
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfbqIRlqmv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciAg3fLZJq
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVFROnAT6z
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl7USarYUO
"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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9RkAMO4dQ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfREsufk7qf
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FTzMebRQV
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlpuY0hxcb
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxPiKhOvFx
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ441YOtxzYn
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i6Jnxx8RF
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3Fztiip9b
"..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZPwtMmFIp
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp6yMy1I5h
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE0vDTSDuz
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwPiqJIXko
"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."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN7ElCUB6G
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPJkOjGyt9
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNNhCC9H81
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjxPmDEr73
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU0yhwYZJX
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yyeXbR83C
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIOxhC8FRj
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrjwYj32wn
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtq1heZkBO
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzLNWB2cUp
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O0ksayfdT
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZWg6JqEC1
"TALBOT!?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpt1FHI22O
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUTLmbcv90
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHwuBVf4ts
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSckBmt4UGm
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlFkiQt06j
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGoezkiut7
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8sl1JzFFM
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyHEUZmnEg
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnREdUCnmuV
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6geVAUQQn
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFINwtBPTRd
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgc8A7XnKF
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJN0vzUZE5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8B0t95JTU
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuZtze4lzq
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KaAaoC65K
"Are ya kidding me?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62fCBbJzAi
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Cjx4RkU1T
"That's so lame!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lIXgPZKwa
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfLc1GWot2
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATV39UAMOH
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9FXMA37rS
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxAZAsmXnc
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7xW8XT0Sx
"What's that supposed to mean?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnv3PP3kBMv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeEV0Tv0rp
"Nothing."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpRFCGPAcZ
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrKKmjDheL
She returned to chowing down on her food.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63VMj24XQg
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEK99gJvtq
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnULw95ljlH
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHbYFhOyjF
"Well..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVycNdguSrL
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdQ0WaxPzT
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpC23kbXfvj
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRJleNQ3aE
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4qifQqGTp
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmimGS9mbOE
"...No."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPFb9MDq7q
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBUaR67lYZ
"Eh? Why not?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse9IJGHcDE
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92Ffaq2YHs
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdet82gpUd
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0FLb6zpg1
"Huh!? What'd you say?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDgqfkrP2h
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrTxt8GCH3
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlBPxUBJhH
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7UqiPU0RF
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtccRtEPYR
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFt2nFkw1j
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVscxd3fYG
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOODllNOPXr
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHy96r22P1
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxrt74cUIP
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fnbJ6FXFi
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAC8fFi59S4
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEAz6iXPEe
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzTBfHkzR3
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg8mKyOUTF
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1PduEqe8T
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmstlleJCIr
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI39wBT1W8g
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIfYShAeuI
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvLHFdpONL
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkS7WnlIch
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHL0E3KAlhD
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJVnM4Qf87
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfczvWbChhr
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWXnYj2oz2
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDGz0ExuWG
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGhGNmnpr5
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXbOnIitZa
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw99iPgHmDv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvadsall1a
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaf6UzKbNk
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBylZTKOo7d
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDbqHLEZBX
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaLzzyIPFq
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSH2cntS2r
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprF0fCxJXz
"Custom design? Well..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftfVCwoIEy
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She turned her head away.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8h5MLkWiK
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"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUOJOPKJoB
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzS8xrcoetr
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoiuyUy58z
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VQDFuXxPy
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnR6ZGtUU3
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"Oh, this?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjmWyRfKav
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yqCPP2S1I
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZgtFHpCJ5
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"I stole it!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp3Tcojcsa
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRY9WJMu9O
"No surprise."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzzPn1N6Kv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0XoyWqZwJ
"I ain't surprised."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdxHXTqFCm
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGNwGYDLmr
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0VqAYeQX3
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXcyLwb22L
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGjWuMMDPc
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQv3MeFNnB
"No."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiluOuLi55
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"Not really."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYtp3WrV5D
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXds4cjmKj
"Ah... you two are lame!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRlWXnA59o
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eFCi3nu8n
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKrRKJq0j2
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"..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6x4jQaNKF
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb6hNCtYDp
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCC8mr85bK
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T5AkLGnNo
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86xPLyr1Cr
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI0fpoQ43Z
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ861wrPi8N0
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVrWWyqSde
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunNYtVdOzj
"I-I see... I suppose so."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIZmNikUVi
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4siLGQy0kn
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjiTiVgGTs
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiinKZXVP1Q
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11FolILB4C
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"Did you have to word it that way?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YCLoxu2Je
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU0oyNcQ2F
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcic3oUGDb
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz6B1cgixH
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTotJqAu0qs
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBkGaUT69R
"Ya got it, boss."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD4zf0G0Yv
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECFSKHJDqO
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPg12EDa5D
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeyhgTfZIf
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2Wj01J6Bp
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H4cG9PBgX
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjFFM2i6mV
"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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGUfFdBM49
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cOgAEzU5e
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsoSnULIKK
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh6poWub3Y
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4jGcPvNjQ
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"...Well, alright. What is it?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3y0DvvvAp
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y99jdDIJj
"I... I wanted..."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd1Byq79Vu
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCaNu3fA94
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyelGJJMhq
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVhpQpQOvT
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBF2TJEC4a
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcm8Vd7oDUe
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"Where's this coming from?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlZAW5Ve47
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG18Am1S7sR
"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?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIdwQxwH7x
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXB10mBw3L
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF3qsYVZ4E
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS9eBpkkW6
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO96UqvVwB
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ9cWHxiR3
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In that light–113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4QznjnGxg
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"Alright, apology accepted."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7q5fhPL3I
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74Mv52yxdJ
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpRpqcb5Hf
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uPpnkWMHe
"--only on one condition."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyKnjXXybB
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"Eh!?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5l4TpG6Iz
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Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSQOfhacyv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe7lzEnziI
"That's right."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyhXdVSwpB
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"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16VXIqLVsv
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbMV4EtDhe
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1FTXZtJ8r
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Dbd4b09PY
"He sounds like a priss."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsoo4W792m
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMxNmOcitR
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZCgza9Vpi
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She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPYK742Ep8
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"Fine, what's your condition?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkryavZcMt3
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I pointed a finger at her.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqBpp46GeR
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"We need to get along from now on."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLYWzE2DSP
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"...Huh?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvsNpbLzMH
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwMPcGMYmE
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6okTx8VJ28
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRGtCST0kg
"...Ha, that's it?"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Wit6wz36t
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I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqqLeeAdkb
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"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOobCCgsdQD
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She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyncYTGMUs
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiWDceIC8k
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfMqjE0lAB
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw509NW0v1
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"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwzqDzKX4p
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ6sKPnrdC
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnM4ZcIR6Fg
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She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wVnyW3KX3
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"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8FzAKBoKL
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"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHVGl2s2FX
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CV0Zn6SAk
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGcZMnX70V
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0q0fKNGJd
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS9hNKgzjF
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWm4Pi3tBX
"What a weirdo, seriously."113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCpmSCbJRq
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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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNYvB7AxRi
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–
–
–
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKk8INoxQO
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcOFGyu2iU
"You guys! You gotta see this!"113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoFpYeNIom
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLgOnUtDEl
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.113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCfy85tUys
113Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2GmVnqNpE
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.
