My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCcUBdFzSn
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3gV1Dlcde
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgiWhV6d0p
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKEHSOVKsy
"Haa..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e8uIansOP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjqaR5OdOs
"Are you okay?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4ZCVV6Z5O
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvg4elVgAn
"Phew. Now I am."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC7QI7yY1i
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRnq7pz7RX
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIFvzhLZ6P
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR0hiYlL32
"W-What is it?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Sr4A9xSrD
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIcTJ5XAw2
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJS0812g91
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJAUHpkvd0
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSga7R4OmJf
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvNJqQRZ4q
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHDHtmLRwf
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6KI6AdWFr
"Well..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaV9pchOaY
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmqIwkwtcM
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrfuRql2jZ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU29WDyCBR
"Come on, tell me!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNABrvZSkZ1
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKx5RxspF5
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKPGwjnBsn
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7mPgQh50I
She sighed and shrugged.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNcBrOIRxw
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzbZEuM2HP
"Are you feeling nervous?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJult2tCzv
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuTzp0PqGk
"Of course I am."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDo069CHNO
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFG46OSwAL
"You shouldn't be."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPcbPBMRUd
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7sg6psQFO
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTuEDPYRTg
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqSkubPs2k
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DT1EO14oF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF90XcEOx63
"...What's that supposed to mean?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH6Dsw3L0V
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPfDbsc7A8
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmSSTJF73d
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5kG0GnQIE
"I think you came here a little too early."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RD4Zor6mI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQqLzn0crf
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nOF7X43wD
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC73TOO94e
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV5sT9Mh17
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1F3PD48V4
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!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmt6nNZXia
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVzFZTeSrq
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxem3JccGb
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlm53s5yyz
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvG4YRjXoZ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuVWAa56lQ
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QEzttS0vh
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlBkBfkuvH
"Aren't you going to say something?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMz00HzcX2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ReHBb1LGx
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEqWVCzwPX
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uxY49fXez
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cUTH8YwEY
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRxlP6QhJH
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ov69Ts4DY
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJbhv5VvWc
"...I-I still don't believe you."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mPkfr3YgT
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzZHAHKRdl
"Are you serious!?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPtDbr3pps
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ucPXwgmXJ
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfLyeFEA5R
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc1nR2eegz
"Can I at least have your name?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOjiOHdY9w
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHgm9Ec0Q2
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd2DFRtipj
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkNLmMr7jC
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjDC7u1GNe
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtJsHncAMA
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKjL1heWG5
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHJy8abdlI
"A-Alright, I won't forget."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhS9ck1ZhdO
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gKWkKIlyn
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvvq5Ks0VU
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqAd0cOjw8
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEOWXDQUSj
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGTYFpvWV0
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnkInWjBGY
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bZikZtLei
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd0OdopNbV
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5o8g5oASW
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JSsSCFXz4
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mHeVMNEK9
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHz7x5RMQS
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZLJ2zTwiB
"She's not very nice at all."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3QPPjnCCz
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgWAap2Zz7
"I suppose not."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvNhOImBls
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6ieWq05Dp
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1oZWPcjWK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf17tM3zSx
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ObNg9jHHr
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqccqiJnpg
**SMASH**76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ135j5YlLaf
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejShUHxEAK
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFyvlVgpjT
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtECX15n8Iz
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn2CZSJsBy
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKruYuVzrTA
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX8kwBURQP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SNw4WxhUQ
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtamWb5uxa
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzHCEZ4idA
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDiXJVWNQ1
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUuNPKZfan
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46rTMN1mNW
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyHP5FeTce
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDqj8GWKs1
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1v9kKrQEpv
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdUMqxJ6RO
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBZGIgdYKk
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuuFovYcjF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHZfdqjDov
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNey1erajkL
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CKHv8RFG4
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43HPDGvj5L
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07Q7rlWzmE
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnT0RC92dF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IXmda67vH
"No, not at all."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVd0CgqFkW
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgu6Cew9WZ4
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXZmlVy6j7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGmnrAFt8O
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVgT0Ezqiy
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nKcPrPD7H
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vxbBe6dua
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMtJWb0VCj
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4YGoXsLC0
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdnCwobBUj
"Is she our teammate?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6OkWwhFpl
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjT8gxDubL
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnawthoNDRJ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl7e0rDGbT
"That so? Lemme test the waters."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnyOXcgA5y
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxWUB7AxZd
"You'll regret it."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0m0YlyBmD
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05dVnqwg8l
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaU9b9bGre
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPBUFSgIaI
"...Wait."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9DCg98k0h
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc2rz5AWET
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFO4376JK7B
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5Bbg7hidD
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTntYC0hSn
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5myCeTYb4H
"A little? Just a little?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUkiNddKa8
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRlB4jmxxV
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStRIQGLExz
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVybcmQB86l
"I met her five minutes ago!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFcN2aVd6A
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHZyGkSwGk
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFmBNYOBn3
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaw9UCba5n
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjsIKSEoIz
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQpMZfTomv
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSqMtk2vz0
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Q6NIyIzai
"Really?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauRcrlt36q
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM4wCrw0BG
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMkEazWhHZ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXb98pO4IUi
"What do you mean 'really'?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpVuVcdyFZ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDnhEg7oiX
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iX4FkNxCx
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5vTNUclU0
"--!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOx3mXR3De
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTY7IDg26F
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaHv5Jpihs
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI3tPE9TYU
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUQAuwuTsx
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgjfhuVdnB
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkrmXPf8YK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveHxjy6KUU
**SMASH**76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHUrXpz3YB
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQONityeEf
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5bbRJUVdq
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA2YCMGpWY
My jaw dropped yet again.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2WYn96ywC
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQadE8NKsT
"ROY!?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK33hKTyUHV
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwFRzRzj0q
–
–
–
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLuva9Zt05
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF9VPyMee0
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOIIg8qHLI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbT1tNRoC9
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuaNRoOstk
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVWaYRWKNb
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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSBuU9lTSH
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXVeNHsHLR
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZuq5x9prY
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUCAaN26Ce
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNe3fTEcuX
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz3k03ODLN
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ICFOd6Hfn
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Hujlng6Xn
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWezsrzrxL
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOw8QihhTW
"R-Right."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJRS9KBHAG
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VfWRbD6ut
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–76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUA6wBvJJb
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISW4tNGzA9
"Ack!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZPX1edjFn
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0CS9YaggI
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjpZ7rD5pM
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe81QktsCkP
"F-Flinty, what was–"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KB7Q9NdOD
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmSIfQwXZg
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OXICmcNSP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQJj9yRgfS
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiwvrHZYo5
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCl35nuYqf
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHIG2bLX3u
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMKRAiF3yD
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFphTiBPipp
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCyZR9Uvgl
"No, I'm not just saying it."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8F9mXya2H
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNVchCPagn
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyefeVv9Mh
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dCeabZmQg
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AxH3kF9MK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJV0BZowrb
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAogTMd688
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ92y53teY
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LK34Cbg7Q
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX4OqhsoAD
"I–"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB0x1rrZtr
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebAdY6ZnAi
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdlYVVXPUK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW3X1U9sOI
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhe5R5PnIs
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZuAu0T84B
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–76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRVr5Op8fE
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYea35rmJhj
And yet...76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzdFU0qkJK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklWSehYWgb
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtC1h7jzGvK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjW247cPIhz
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZBX3e1XU7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mHJ5nw5yt
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCmP8aj3px
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5OZL57tF1
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk2SAya45T
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFEuaiOBaQ
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxhYlJfbcL
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hjNWRDA1s
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN7RBc4tGq
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlSBokTcel
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3PHC5gk7s
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDCvJfp7ZX
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ838EWZleyY
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxGHZEEmpF
"O-Okay."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABfgh6WHrE
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6FSJHwvz1
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDXjwIQmY2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7BDFXMWqe
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5pmlPuthC
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gGdqoEU4t
"Okay okay, fine."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSHUVxfEgX
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa35L4pjJE6
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT9HEi0O0w
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqciec7MjfI
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2oVZJO1ns
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7a53GWGwCR
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNWSM2uBZn
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oIXn9yo41
–
–
–
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqYJ9F7vxW
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sd4JcfAvh
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh35n5MoR0
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefKOuaQIXN
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF3fvYp1YI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3obDE3iy9
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnOoNy4b12
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaWow7IGb0
"Huh...? What did you say?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVCXoen2oi
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aCDwvVu3u
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf7vtEykLA
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79xb0AoxUz
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQf38OnNzwN
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwneiuT7eP
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAx8bnFDwT
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC1WoxDOKh
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEoIBFIDrC
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaHcGdtghV
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzgWjJjnU5
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsthEExhxxx
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjJtHsxaqa
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdy4gKmd6g5
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sc7omjUW4
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRnsupxjQS
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWQFhB9y6Q
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu4DIkuZJK
"Note?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACxRjD0oHk
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5fuYF85fZ
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHTeu5IA2a
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSMRh9zV19
"What does it say?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYWxyFaQTN
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzYtSYps6E
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dZuWYGe8D
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cPZmtskHh
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV03RQMW38
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVbeqGPnbK
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9m3VjDhRN
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3bslkcG93
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUCFo4JzYJ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLr1YcwRCY
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhadI8WemB
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItqQ6ateAv
Juke sighed and put the paper away.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQkajd8dnb
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFEO57P3LT
"So, how's about a story?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1KZzZz8kd
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBIOCE9wkA
"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?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaWDL0K5kJ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMV1eLspMof
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbLYpTl9Mf
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsi9anXytf
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzqJIz8Etj
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUlDxlUiTu
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW38DFQGKLw
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhPaiITbms
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlL8rXD9vj
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57Z3hJUznG
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYREimmikgp
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWfzTaqvoE
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBtVBrVyfP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK218f0DQQk
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zfsouH7dX
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRYgqCvhEd
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OHdn1KE7H
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQb7rvegIt
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ggErXFobI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeyQo6kWOd
"Seriously? You have to be lying."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsFqzRhXRw
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8soFuwFDU
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jy6knruDL
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0GqJdAW8y
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeZX3RLWMv
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCcb23rd4V
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlYlB5BnWL
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8UYElHMSn
"Like what?" I asked.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcpW7SOQAI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCodwq7FyR
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32NsCilRvQ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3reWcinE0
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFdtca7N5L
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriXkpqkcm7
"...Stardust?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88PHncVL9p
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBJ32Lw5WK
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDZaG9QAsT
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXiCwNsufd
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAGoQZDCDK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaK3YCqUMa
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQYwjmFO2W
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgvBZdHkXy
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gEhSrv11e
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8N5LdhxII
"...The what?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr9QvwOWDJ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EvYzrjngx
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld5wMA1Iay
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJcPbtb56F
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqy1DdcrEN
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU20FiPn0Il
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD0Mnp8nvj
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoDavPLmqq
"Of course I do!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDTUqZFTWc
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH0W2mzM7c
She pumped her fist.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL1IQ3TSt5
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaVoAwghjR
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3KLT5GyLc
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXXeGFhtmd
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEK0INoMAZ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d7r0J9mOh
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBXPvnWviY
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKXScLJUV5
"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–"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzhMx1lQKW
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZBhIBeEAq
"I already know this."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjwoamK5hk
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRgKn4Hbhn
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ006uM9Nfuq
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3u27vPd3K
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5ZvSKHgVE
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdzcZG7eeC
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4odhRPYae
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhjtl3nD7U
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar69aiXVbc
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYCWFWkEJF
"Eh? Why?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaqhGWnNFD
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8oOdSNHG2
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrROFymU8v6
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6vcNYVgnL
"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–"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2cxsMaEHC
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI2thotnPd
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50g7oX6yss
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaPd4c73nM
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvKkn7X4GW
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1yEyIlSIa
"That's cuz I met her."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYQSHmckxR
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRXS14n3yL
"WHAT!?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQElpUGZotI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy47SV62sS
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjRv9caoE5
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0JbhNFPny
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XQAfYXzNZ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx5Y0MAbfI
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMOkjkT74z
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwjoLqiLG7
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3Y8tkUMqg
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GoH3hHn02
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zd2TYhh2Z
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmjGjZsli9
"You're kidding."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaERtOVYxmI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBrYCczds5
He shook his head no.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjTpU2X1l2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwRRpmjKWE
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcAvzP2IuV
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGfCmXNTC9
"You're making this up," I said.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHd3wA61Ubk
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjeRzPH3TK
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzVEASBWWD
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZLvtNAyih
Juke shrugged.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwGWsXcGng
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypQLIMHdqn
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxalLo56tck
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNv1DdTSmy
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWXLC92Bkp
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuIuF7WrYN
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGHjXgFxvF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9u3b4eQSuh
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZbPe5rvyp
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQvoVzjGQq
"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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8TEViK6a6
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXaO2dF2pq
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI759Hc1bt
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDrU9MGNyU
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEvXawaNAi
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthTjYW97wf
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpJFghPYEg
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqKWqd6OHa
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTM9ev6SUd
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yMqHoJRgZ
She pointed a finger at him.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3ciHktuWE
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡba9brxTpWO
"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!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK8buKTQ3p
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA6EYxoC2N
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbDNddJ7wS
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2npFRCv9HF
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGR9eFUnKK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjslswvYZxR
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5o1jE2u9B
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA98U14mpLS
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlRsvIyVAS
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRAqMCUyZ4
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqysIthIU0Y
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKvUnF3vw4
"--Ngh! You guys...!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQPVWCjZX8
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aOuczJbUT
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JZL1jl3Qg
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAzHV3vMRu
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHntrGURHF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0roVYslwix
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcSV4PV8Ie
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyshxzdiTVW
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavFKnMYbdP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXJvqJG05f
"Ya look like you have something to say."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYGV6COOtb
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUBur38BE6
"W-Well..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf0alMcGbu
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7vDHZmcFT
She turned her head away.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgsTFvySdP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreKwSVIb0s
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8dvKpHRUb
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4w68KUQQZ
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcVdxCCYH7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJYq5r7eKN
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYYldz0q1e
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt0FVheF2k
"Mhm, I told you so."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FDFty8yF9
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhuMwnKjoc
–
–
–
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gxxyBOnqk
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8Q67KtEIc
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCNIuHzrmk
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9einLLFHA
"...So why am I not getting any?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefIAtdE2CP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOe46jEHS09
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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZjVf4JIoT
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7axk5DQjMr
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–76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFPFqBD7g2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlajIXwZyD
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5aN5CRA7V
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8rL4aTycH
"Eh?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQWxXV18ut
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1xHNZDeKv
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCqzVYZQaw
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6deMyeXJZ
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Hnj6lgCEL
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaS6tIcbA7
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsiY2FTB0j
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZcJASqnAt
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8lTcNWXGI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJSgeAAG8T
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVBEhWxXDs
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR9vAdsXap
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtWa1gqR7i
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYQAArZGfo
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BkNzCTdx7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpQ1pyerPH
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrcZdSseev
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJRbGyvRiB
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdmx3Cz8Xq
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvI5Hg0kOzm
"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?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq19xSDZhyj
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzv6QAcGTV
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUORcUADnIw
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEgSgwWCLl
"A jungle? What elevation?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkvNHvRUVz
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJTKw6l7Fz
He shrugged.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZ8KpMvmgf
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaZsAbpbSD
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6xvgyVjrD
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUhjA2D5OG
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQrv45L7H1
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuCSHRrf50
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDu4QlOsqW
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EdXVai4NF
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhupzPpgj63
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6r5UkDHo7
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu847oNkLl7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAMUc9sMqP
"Why?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNkiEtFPC7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK5J5CzT8J
"..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs9GAYwhM7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLt4hiDMzP
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGaKlqbkmI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vaeWZN5y9
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2PJ7uQEGW
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspIUBLgYVr
"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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWopxEdGN4
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO1t3PfoWW
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4INpQbraoZ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9QOAPrJBJ
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiQNaZAEIw
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs4WWrzvC8
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5Gl7tTkSC
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlwf7XqjLB
"..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6DpD3MC9A
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fc0UWeU1n
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTZtsUPU3q
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA284DCIxWQ
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD7SQOBQqI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHohmhkrDp
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0tJTQZ5Rr
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtrzhEtQ3B
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOZWSqO6m1
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw2C8kCPMk
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojC717Vq95
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7rMqwej5n
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOAysj8ewO
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY3fqFF6Oq
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ699PrOU2kg
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytXOIuKI8c
"TALBOT!?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAcDnAjgRr
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRwMQhce87
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcllI2Ch1K
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AFp4wF2Be
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM2x4YNhK5
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZffyRJZx3
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbfkJUVGs9
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp2DCoOkKn
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBNozkuWg5
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2RkeeC9D0
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCusmgzshqe
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalWQ9rc07E
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe2K0OMh28
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B2vMZHEeT
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWzKo6iFpo
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbziL6sWgW
"Are ya kidding me?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr6f1Ugx4P
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf7SV0xgSE
"That's so lame!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8AeSCyGRi
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVEJ99cbm9
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lHID7T6aV
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqJzgvtgL1
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUHp5HD9Vm
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjOdnIRMyd
"What's that supposed to mean?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgKa1MivoN
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkYY2QTwQn
"Nothing."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKLRhTX5Ba
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2d4f1CKS9
She returned to chowing down on her food.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡht68JOAVWw
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoCutRHtat
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5mfzAVDrb
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55jrmmZCXy
"Well..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUy1J6TjOpj
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWQyrvhjwN
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaKKMGl4WG
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb0EwFoMjv
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nl0CXub6u
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0xxfe4cEn
"...No."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiADIoAY0bt
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCT1Y39ppM3
"Eh? Why not?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3wtYhLkUQ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa5q5t5vfj
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PDvsKqIdc
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvfs4JZR70
"Huh!? What'd you say?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBgmNiBhfT
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3ZnAdtxHI
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk9j9F2ihQ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrNxmuATlE
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmn9caUgFB
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2Gu7R9FyC
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5ReVZlqWi
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6SXVVFlgO
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlITJrNOw0w
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb43ujqXoOF
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDzRVpM3Kq
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhn1UnDfKY
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYWJDYiHHL
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ74CVnbpUU
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQb7sRIp4XC
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp1gdsdhiS
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoYch16YuX
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWknNCChHb
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyrNX6xIGu
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoS7cZQ1Wz
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOnUVFilab
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY01KZfjoV
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S58F9ikwx
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuCF4bHQog
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9lIUfwlTm
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcop8CrfXCt
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpyJq65M0l
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjN7JsmhyX
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcsWIrzWHG
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJnWTIyy0L
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwlKHlPVDl
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB39XnYi56
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbWDcJhI9u
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6djo9jeRrt
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwtOre4pgJ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYYlSfuVny
"Custom design? Well..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNehWDGQtyo
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWtReljxX9
She turned her head away.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7EcsSDyMI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb5s33umeK
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6U0E1a4ho
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYNnuhWGur
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74JQGzXXya
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4REj2iXEz
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4Qs5fpIMh
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzTs0dqLTv
"Oh, this?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLmjnsfc9m
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOns2SOuxTG
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy6kjmGlz7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG9t8C8pRd
"I stole it!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtKphMxaqV
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPI4fHtiGg
"No surprise."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz9Wttpw4P
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8asofKNKq
"I ain't surprised."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXaxq8QeJH
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUYp0h1G5f
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cTJ5AhNLP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3tLz9BIH7
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oM9y2aAUV
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4d0AcIag6
"No."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXsHU5WUBe
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBDuSMKrk9
"Not really."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjl6nSNTj1
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwOyrKSKci
"Ah... you two are lame!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yUoby2vuF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeTXtV7ZyD
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95rKt6RBoY
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc2mpo7vYg
"..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjQ1aZ4VmG
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnbAlPTDRl
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt18hg0WaYy
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6CsYP4Lz4
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd1Bkb2Jrf
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKOStILGxt
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3qg4hpE4C
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuCWW26gSd
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2icKfxAvfx
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXtaWNkQr4
"I-I see... I suppose so."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSJCgbV8jl
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnKPZOHeDh
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynBr6ikuD5
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDWntuYYSt
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oB25I2tWP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhufVp7kWE
"Did you have to word it that way?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfEZZKgvQ2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65lMXr521g
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVEnZXyO6v
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qvLOOLMBN
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQxdQKFhwj
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZPJybKc6J
"Ya got it, boss."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKY73cwM40
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBF3PynhNL
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzvHUupKz9
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeBYd0l3Ii
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08jBGiQG3f
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YwRHKkNLH
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTiz60zKsF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1Cf5aqfp2
"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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQCiJu3wKG
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMZcVIPj4w
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L3KxgCk5m
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1raJIcFIz
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicShiCW9iE
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVQSx1E9ax
"...Well, alright. What is it?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMMQZdOSdP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKARKnC2nx
"I... I wanted..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj6jWupkrl
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGWO9tvbWD
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gOpChhkSg
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHoVusdaio
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ800eAH9mEQ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlD9gpMd14
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjUc4cc6Pq
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstuPXLR0jF
"Where's this coming from?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fYJd7qWlm
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCM6PH61mL
"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?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi61X2fIdh
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzdpH7NY18
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIQcGtQewr
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw8erRH73t
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkSu7Z8qSg
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKQSVwg5g9
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUmTiwuXiu
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UM2skancS
In that light–76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAumIu9dSi
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE4vevrT2q
"Alright, apology accepted."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe9yTzUuuI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZiI4RKARX
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuokVLkHB1m
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO9fp2ymhe
"--only on one condition."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqjhMMJvpG
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JnFZwXsOC
"Eh!?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F3NAci7E2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ614DZKhZg1
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJyMgBIFas
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVonwj15dvw
"That's right."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq0Y9Xqinc
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9FdxKAawh
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnw1EUHa6Jk
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDc64xNw8YO
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qq5nL70i2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuchi5lk69z
"He sounds like a priss."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6xXxWBJvn
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oZhnAs3N3
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWKTJtGCLy
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcMsZ32Lfe
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTZrT79BFj
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Km4vTlhJ6
"Fine, what's your condition?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJmiGjhW5J
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsYQ8JPvcV
I pointed a finger at her.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1AhQh2i4U
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3nRYADObn
"We need to get along from now on."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6b8fJG2Ls
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29zRjcqxzs
"...Huh?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCUQa2mQ2f
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCnToq7fHA
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzAyed5uwJ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfJad6GrI5
"...Ha, that's it?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hS62GHIl2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEg7Ykg5r4
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQz7YWnLnI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9seXf0nq64
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7TSm8x2x6
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrhQYIpxRR
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcP6Irnudz
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMOvwHA105
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw27pF7ITt
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS1d3TSPIS
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATk6sazc33
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6s4hhwHBmE
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p7Tadtqzs
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrvkUbeRbc
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiT5uxi8y2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d4Vefy0Ta
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dP8Tj0pzE
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpCG6jhjDn
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTEUVn1r4T
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k2WqehO3k
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuwHnDkiXX
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSbOMBtczI
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW7b9oc0Zt
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCw8vG1mBd
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefVAqvjIJY
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0phdKXCfWw
"What a weirdo, seriously."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhPe0wWPra
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9t3oyXDV8
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFABUkzmoL7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnbgRaOzlZ
–
–
–
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9kvfrJ8wk
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA5aeO39yn
"You guys! You gotta see this!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRioQT7SGk
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5yaDlEyoJ
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLxLirNpAT
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGaqRZEKlu
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.
