My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OTP5gKMBi
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh21SlDKgr
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhapsfi5sVk
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYv39Xvz5g
"Haa..."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpK870RP7hg
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvPN12tIJE
"Are you okay?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue14Lmt8sU
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpeTEnA7qj
"Phew. Now I am."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidmq1aYrGr
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntQTX58yx5
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MKdxL8LAN
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmknrPIBWxA
"W-What is it?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlUItEcOG9
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQKLifznV9
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo1aMJLJFl
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XrAukJDzt
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDZ2f28S2u
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDCTzKGvrH
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrqUEPDXqg
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbXDIeEtiJ
"Well..."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpfpJ4zVOz
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGxoEuiaz9
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wUfV2rRBt
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmXNpwrHwh
"Come on, tell me!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nPWY8mNki
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8McRsqDUm
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V0EhYrb7i
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWHc6x2NVr
She sighed and shrugged.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UZSvUNYLO
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEnkrwyclA
"Are you feeling nervous?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNOelvpbO5
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iqBEC8C2A
"Of course I am."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7APWk5oeW
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg3FvHr1OS
"You shouldn't be."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR6vwLwcYr
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VViQ5jQbq
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhkTbs4ghw
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPH1rB3XKcB
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aZ4vmJdqa
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8hSuzR3j3
"...What's that supposed to mean?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg55gyX3zL
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX9H2ILvLm
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8XwsSA5fp
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0yhmqkkgw
"I think you came here a little too early."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwFDyetQO1
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf9wRvpBHb
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FzaJpHEAM
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmbEdaCEbC
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVyvDi5YjT
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8DvnuoTxC
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!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3dPG0aRuI
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMpgMLD6EZ
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y2Ip0G8Y5
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRVZzeaSyc
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiEmiZ8ZzI
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMYvWBM9uH
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8onDX3D63
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vaL0WSqcC
"Aren't you going to say something?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OcNr0fttv
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUKrE0acNd
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvteiHNMfG
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VFkFtTtBc
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzdtobYwqd
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbdDfgpYNM
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS0IBJDZ8C
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zUqqnA23u
"...I-I still don't believe you."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5EBmzUX6N
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYj3ukj8aZ
"Are you serious!?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwImSzi4e6
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T1j4B3BBk
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSozI17AZJ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFOBxpWwXN
"Can I at least have your name?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqJZ0X4RzQ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTK6jBT78R
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDokEjJrYo
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOQqVIwSlB
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriT0Xvmdjc
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nvsoWcwMP
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjwqLcoIw6
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0n9JEK1f2
"A-Alright, I won't forget."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ488EZc5VIe
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHC1tUod7X
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3fLo57h6w
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoahglGQAp
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkamLWtPCL2
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ws9ctNMZu
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAHHVWdNxz
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Wb1aXbPaZ
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvur1eICq1
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdTcpMBfI3
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtxL3uzqej
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1w8XGNpEw
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXOnl1PmhS
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMi21ZczNJ
"She's not very nice at all."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQITimJlB3L
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00jJS6YYGa
"I suppose not."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXN4bk03b9
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb9zZwy96z
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMH6NMFDHq
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFz4cIEjT8
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefRLOY8mk5
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLk51EO8yq
**SMASH**382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ81CJ6lh2T
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xjMnMRr0q
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgWAprgsTG
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuCgimZO07
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYfKsGad1L
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uQdHp7VB8
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpvAukmWPJ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS45TwgSQdY
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzZJpFVroi
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdTlJpsKPm
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxr5Jfb8Zy
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfYCBJGVlx
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp0DOum1uO
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsaimRA29v
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBZruxSTQr
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJkMM0R6wl
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mtEs4ZFHU
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yQFNEuXVh
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJXkSEqAlI
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhwOxRD2WX
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwPi4PUeyD
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimZF0KwQTl
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEOr5UHX8E
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKgqWDm6QF
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G9tNJ6zI9
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwKUY5B0Ky
"No, not at all."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf4D123Jsf
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QyUlsC1ZZ
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFjeuzPaa8
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF7Js8uxr2
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQxgpgNH2v
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrz3iRvzX0
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPKjrZ0ME9
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWuLxHI8i8
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVzyfsnXjX
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuPPeqLaC7
"Is she our teammate?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15RNxyUBK5
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCOtJyfWDX
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM8zioynT1
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAxLVs0JxQ
"That so? Lemme test the waters."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA17RvMKeNW
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHXYNCZ4GU
"You'll regret it."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGajV03kfww
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVP7pTMMKm
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1jYvWCBJd
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRK6ZtRsKI
"...Wait."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUleQk2U66D
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N4mpEGIkd
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT2mvUmknb
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR1kq91aU4
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRwvApRw1k
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA3HelVsoz
"A little? Just a little?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcGEUlE8fx
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz9fSviQkp
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ENEwMxFKS
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX5WqgD752
"I met her five minutes ago!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZuY2oMh4b
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VdHyepiHE
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYTiAVZZ0g
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLKF40rPcT
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsUYgYghhQ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ixkex8nqD
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzJIhMpz9C
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBfcizh7Tm
"Really?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXo7giUYh8
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZSac1vxKX
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZMknPEnhn
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvqDSZG23V
"What do you mean 'really'?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97OPL03yJM
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DznC2qaY3
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDjc9faje7
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoi2cWAKS0
"--!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh05mwoPUNb
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnIkSC9JOq
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEo9CxGCsa1
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aTm9qZubK
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnNhpdEsym
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8XjYMAviJ
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU77BJ3jY6e
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AQgm6AtTZ
**SMASH**382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AQ09gKAWI
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPEpI8ugw5
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm7Lj8YLg3
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR0rt0B6Cu
My jaw dropped yet again.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fiTh1xF38
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QqSKadu8e
"ROY!?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zw0m25YcQ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqOHie4rcU
–
–
–
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuSFrDXJYv
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjvJVqIZKq
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HrSL4aVq1
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LcswEb1Ma
"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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIrWKXPCWL
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOXj3Csvi9
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehpcR0NDTF
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo4NHYPifL
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZjMrld4Zs
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBal1VmR7lr
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEx4FYM0ac
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA4sH2HqTk
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SImsea8f2
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJV1eAsnCt
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlBI87YDO8
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbOEME23tf
"R-Right."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01oDGRUZMr
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTcuOPp97l
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–382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTZbV38y8w
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkVqXyMVlZ
"Ack!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtM6WMyHSH
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSd8RdrH8hW
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rlYvyXj0H
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrR88Cfc8V
"F-Flinty, what was–"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5AM4g1dbb
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCv5mLDwMmx
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvqcoIDG9T
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXyh2rsgsR
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UeKt2nHzP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStYAXORHB6
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW0YGuhHAU
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjKGEpTaKs
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xRGVDDh0B
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccyZvtBRSw
"No, I'm not just saying it."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46mESjeCcC
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC6f6oib1C
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajMbDE73rp
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRRn3NORon
"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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6qHXnPvj6
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXqDe6HQHZ
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXM0irw7C3
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXME29BwGI
"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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0j1xTcPmAv
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCnEOlGW1e
"I–"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbT9Cc1nWmR
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraXltxwEAH
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnstXQsmjSV
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRZ4aVwceo
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23NAP3zH6L
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m0mCNSxgQ
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–382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dTeHXJL2J
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHLINnOrAs
And yet...382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAZrHVYUwj
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC83BbXXAdr
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWxIFkPbVZ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAKwlblYVD
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe2NLp3yMy
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsoNbuBSLG
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeGZw7b6Ke
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBbFsfJzTe
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY8dclidz9
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSAvrU0nfR
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjaGJSm8Fl
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLkOtgSLDr
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAmg7Tu4yb
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvMlvr1fd4
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWYXwlTEPU
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDmYkXESfT
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEWVikCi00
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKOU5WgsNw
"O-Okay."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZb0ikfAPC
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw4x6iCtSI
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Epbqpkqas
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9L3QfdoOs
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYua0zJPJ7
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN6UQ2J5tb
"Okay okay, fine."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h5gvSHoZh
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa4p2Omm30
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOikf6iwhe
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe33kx79pQN
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaGFPNr25V
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoWNnl19qz
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue9SB8mKX1
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15zFRqANXH
–
–
–
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOyR5jsUmJ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRddPMrpZr
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx28YvN3IP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqFwAnLFXY
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMACFaaMyC
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBb2f5ufsa
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5dIyo1Gxf
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7iMgx3oY0
"Huh...? What did you say?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiNc25Rztl
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZciBT0zGx
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQt9YIl1oN
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLbzUBZD5O
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsga9Ydqtp
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnosmGQ9w5
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v7wYXkvE6
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wPwtvS5tu
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL82zRSU33
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlupXh3UtN2
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdobk0fj7te
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcxbWdymPd
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAZlJ2mOeN
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQMcVshZWy
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW41qchrgP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mAf4oqDHp
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa60XtkwCo
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbaTGyhePg
"Note?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLZURG8gFY
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyi2BGguok
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2ooapGwtD
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZW6nJEn8f
"What does it say?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ecLfxCXIy
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhmSUWMS9c
"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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLvZXzxnra
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkOiq5S8zy
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8Nufv9HQh
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ops19N3Ib
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcehCAPLT7
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvFPH16Xop
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdkT4UR8gg
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdRXrD7mBJ
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPFB74q7jR
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDeGtxHnbr
Juke sighed and put the paper away.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5FhhJyAd4
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0yUjuIWNM
"So, how's about a story?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxdnYLkQ1O
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yWes4o3Y4
"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?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ905PJX3Ioj
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIv9fgd8TNc
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBoNrhYJts
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqaGyDejWR
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHx2AXGvwP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYMMKNz6w4
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGfLj1gpd2
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAysyaO9qLb
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0mDRdDlhM
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8KEZCWjiR
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCwqtrKDEM
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIP2yLhj5k
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgcbIX93Yf
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCs8ATpfax
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QaDBjzDOJ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SHxYINta1
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyiYHS6Y1Y
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzFUWeONFV
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPYczdgXYm
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd99se8a8Bc
"Seriously? You have to be lying."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVeFr4YVxB
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpInlzzFngR
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd9P5DAd9e
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GA6i4TQIP
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqojYhsjw3t
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPoymTEIHj
"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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20KXzekrwi
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KmAf9dEjx
"Like what?" I asked.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVAMh3O9o8
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwDKhR9y6J
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGyBYkq6HA
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEQoGDcDQz
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINaHlD2Yil
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR3jXBUJ8h
"...Stardust?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWefQaND1kw
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtrkv5Orwi
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGSsGx1zoo
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZdUPvMJxQ
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvkmspYo9o
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFmdo8DMkC
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEi9QwJ6Us
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6uEMFBN3X
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwLvehZyIx
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0graZ7rf2J
"...The what?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIJZrh5elM
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmdFSLNbAg
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6Y9aokWvJ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEetrDt5Cs
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xcbJoR2Yr
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoAsYF2myZ
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe2vaGbwAg
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi7tcg6FVu
"Of course I do!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6J1y6Wlrn
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbseymetdv
She pumped her fist.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDImEDAtF4
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7404PpOpB
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6CFRmfHkD
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik0JYFPVxy
"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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OxIZ1BGYa
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH5OeuYIC0
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fWJNf7MGh
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPbgbAuj4U
"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–"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp8LfAbYVG
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pOEpddZjZ
"I already know this."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9QSgRfStP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtmzYenAx1
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuL3m2LJOg
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIafJIu3iIH
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cH0B9C69B
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNseoaQgP4b
"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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkerzTGGsA
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwbTxdWI3B
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcyKe448S1
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYH2lL1a2v
"Eh? Why?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLf63IQ2YG
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu8iWs3dbH
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGvlIjWdNA
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Tk3eRqDY4
"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–"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHehSEiUHM9
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM75YJbZLV
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO45709Yy9Q
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00O9JKN7DE
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztgDzdizAK
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDgPjrWoEJ
"That's cuz I met her."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSnYxLmCUs
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0bwzlsdYj
"WHAT!?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJRL3sTg9Y
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQe8HDYUJf
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUo8rkxZp4
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHY2UlUKwho
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsfiADMgbf
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MdIadyLGj
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha6jUXPYkX
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUU3YIPhZc
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV6kqgklNE
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLclEnBYr3
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhBUJLHQr6
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ12MAxFMEq
"You're kidding."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkni2IXjHSu
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eXxRGy4KB
He shook his head no.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zg5eo1oMh
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzjQUOHN18
"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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6QepAQGMb
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tylXtLSpA
"You're making this up," I said.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl47YLjs7MC
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzflzAaVaq
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gz92NwKpS
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5kVeAaFxe
Juke shrugged.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9qGonkReu
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWX1lHMGeC
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBtQBsZMGX
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GRbg9LZ1O
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxQF2mCif3
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMfSXwsw3r
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC8b0B3jjE
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG4AnWwAX4
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYptCmpvBee
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUOItW3fED
"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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKsoE99lxF
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbN6QxiZKLm
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50sr0w3A9V
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOh7SUAtQu
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuSY1Uu2AP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbOqhT8CYr
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl3TJTaM2g
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lM4PS0mmD
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2US17O38eJ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3DoY9c17O
She pointed a finger at him.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QkrfAcM1x
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjahAbBYqP
"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!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZc93ElMMJ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡry1BNXhlvA
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n74DMKEjb
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw0piIDQmD
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFO0h8h0yg
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlBH4KgGK4
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqulVZRq0Ud
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApmJv67rVB
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBr5eUOSoT
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqX5yIO6m6
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARa8LQbxca
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucgLygfXV2
"--Ngh! You guys...!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvEzSKlgaD
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3nlDb9lWC
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph5ExNWEYa
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3izFPZ8wN
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EhT5yTOp9
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuoIlw8jH0
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP2xNnZ0Dj
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡED8s8LxtBY
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEbvXFC8Ak
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgetvUzRUJ4
"Ya look like you have something to say."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfxben4GYp
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4qaDF966P
"W-Well..."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPhSWCdszx
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVckHnRP9Ho
She turned her head away.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi9xadTXh5
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzcZi4BHWC
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8ZzEIIdbN
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpMJYvoSZ9
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQhPJqdPvC
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxMg2yitHb
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5UbirQQ8o
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqevhQd7Ta
"Mhm, I told you so."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VenWMPqVF
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fUbSoJWPI
–
–
–
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI8RlwkyFO
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMuy0bNnU0
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ923gAPCiI
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEzRzwGMvM
"...So why am I not getting any?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJjgiveHcr
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlRrOOXa9p
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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl584cVXrPY
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkudtpLkq1J
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–382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYcbRWHPhp
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbFHdrzrnX
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkQIikg5Tr
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3Thwx5I1M
"Eh?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft9bbl7cAf
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhRHof1uJW
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkAYMFEYew
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSddWVfMlvp
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3DnpBN3vu
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqRJdP5R7L
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0zp0R1un4
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8psnHrWL4J
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlozeI1gyWV
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvr7XeL7CI
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdMPehveCV
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc98tSbmOJ
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXKMG7oV6m
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFcLtX6NY2
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MXmMAyBI4
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HOUGCq8yw
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKVu19bGq1
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeSf5zacXf
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctBjHhbxHT
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNqWIbycs7
"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?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK1SpKTl9M
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFa2sUkBwd
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2fcdMLklA
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGEeORy3Lm
"A jungle? What elevation?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrH1Bo5bFmr
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB2lz0oxHb
He shrugged.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3ttBYTJ4J
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTmn0YrKRQ
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDFQ2vSm7Y
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ep1qvURcx
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcGFynmKgx
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRyvlEJEOh
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPKhrWUEc0
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBLl0KOVL9
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32yh7l1SjA
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpf3YtzVEb
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw67GXwZNLs
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDoyzCOgv7
"Why?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRkane61tF
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaxYATGxCE
"..."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM9ShPDcq3
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBITDXqr2Fe
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc5qpFTJ2k
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y7jhxyWbJ
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2izuJYChZQ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2st22iENDO
"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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cQnFuT9kv
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGClZK1kYYP
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDpRwu5kn7
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYoru76kmt
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zIlInIyaX
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFjh4lCpPY
"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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3cKFc33mk
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRsMufTbFb
"..."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD6gIPwT4k
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTblkB391C
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3TeJHVhK4
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEILrpKxix0
"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."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1iNOzxor3
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxLrPYWma8
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WEreJoirM
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiELZPPBblD
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRLIsCeiYp
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ3ufZy2Im
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiGOMAuvM0
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrrs7ib3rD
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhRoQqGdOP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqqaknQldb
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qFYUEqe9A
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRolo55sMD
"TALBOT!?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMf3GHBAf0
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxDRH0SxiE
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb9f84uBlC
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSOiMiaLxQ
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerUc0ajfKA
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUIsYBIWI7
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcY80eEO7S
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUDbBHDl9V
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdpZQCh7ps
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy94JG0Xrs2
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmzunKBWtS
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wXg5mDAIJ
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6iwdjtaXh
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAoBKNZ4e8
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bs0b1tShb
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKdxwYCgLD
"Are ya kidding me?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxvrmoJ09Y
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDykYKes8ZV
"That's so lame!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVPOHfIhMp
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6YDcVUSUV
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNULLgp8HmK
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeNQvrjzTQ
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsw3mj6HIDF
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXWfgliOc2
"What's that supposed to mean?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJXHrwGOYx
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8JA6Vj0gE
"Nothing."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqysU2b6UP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyA7gQswyN
She returned to chowing down on her food.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3DwgqQMpk
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJuYXBFBOH
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPLmkZUwpg
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgc1C5Qlby
"Well..."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQSei6PfYf
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuFqEe1XkJ
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTFRm8zxuN
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ547UWgV2b4
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y8QSMnYiP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfJ7EwfsQf
"...No."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43JANWXLgg
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkC5LzZ2Il
"Eh? Why not?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJxl8lKafQ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPWmFM5kHD
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeKY69p06d
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORNu2KUb75
"Huh!? What'd you say?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaODafYNcm6
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22baYnQcSo
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXlaVECyjQ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJoPO91E40
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0UGnZLcAv
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzKAe8Pzo6
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSDbqNm8GY
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTc5XLYOoh
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S0e1NThUe
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7ot1AhvaR
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKroZtjvoL
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFXphKjJEj
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4RsD2sexn
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavL2qSQoBL
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2hkI8Z8v3
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYilh5PMGc
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4LoOfAPCa
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNHxzXEd5G
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6CdiLHz5k
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlkfNAhUvN
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKJ7UIYt9Z
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TNzocRVlF
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkwmZ4Po64
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ56hNBgwj
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmKgyzCakM
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdARZ4pRJJh
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSocFOGVjm
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRcNjx293S
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W41D2oNfe
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf706345qSl
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpIlTgfGrJ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIhpB5L106
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoh5OsCxAt
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUobxf3ckqh
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjQ6bfS8lb
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yfd0PsxKU
"Custom design? Well..."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ED3gkjEZs
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SFPRwSPdz
She turned her head away.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bUg1wY7dL
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhvylYlE64
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwDmBY56iT
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcqezUg9fH
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8u9vaBa3nC
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ027boqvCND
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgcL5CDQQ0
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ438yj82lLs
"Oh, this?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlnthHqQv1
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QKvylvsXs
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjkYCzb5Pz
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7BcGwbaE8
"I stole it!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7LW9kYPa3
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEft8BfDjKn
"No surprise."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOTNbfArlu
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOqmKs2I1A
"I ain't surprised."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsFQl47ERD
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXo9Xily5b
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrTFEioJdC
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtTZxT4S8K
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1NQjcbGJ5
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd9FPg62Kh
"No."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvicDFt9Ebp
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAtzYW1VQW
"Not really."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdYTkCRBKM
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwOfmyRZ1j
"Ah... you two are lame!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DNpOxDU7t
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMz5nPy1Dx
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvqfog1Ja1
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShGrGrz215
"..."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvyiPzGQPu
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8iHgLYwzp
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3hGPy3RZj
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XGAV8lnJP
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73CKyLk1V4
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFrx2inPWM
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9thtyL5yp0
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnEEmprAY2
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsfLoZ6GYJ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdd3eZWQCO
"I-I see... I suppose so."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTflXZA2lQ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihAD9E5Qfj
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD9mlDR5AA
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cxTPx4Yui
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvRud60xch
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1UjHp3UCo
"Did you have to word it that way?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF3HlDLiCB
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SLHL5upDz
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5slJdlkXJI
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EElPSp2PY
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI6JjUSBaB
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUoybo3VXQ
"Ya got it, boss."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIfSjZf4kA
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAOXrDR2vs
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wafyxb3g1
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBYuWHNYnJ
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsUrQPgO6X
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPXiO58EnK
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVRNa232ng
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2To4F9GBf
"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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjviyuGX5g
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20zj8ORWpS
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupcHE8yMi3
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvbDqp9LqR
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJZiAXPgUX
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD5gmaUMFE
"...Well, alright. What is it?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYh6dqeoLW
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLG2d18xi3
"I... I wanted..."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mflmHQMLv
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCHKIoJkJA
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1xU7nMkBQ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzwLfMpOn2
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJR2jf6LaJb
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwe9cmtwY4
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtczpPPlaKz
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8l02XRz84g
"Where's this coming from?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBLkvxfKE5
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cetLajedv
"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?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmQpRRLVGP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zpE5JXFkm
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKFu3SQZAX
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qGNNG1UVu
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOovq137o2n
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEYMJZcz7R
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FhST1fc8i
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm5GVGWhJa
In that light–382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiN5PF89gNW
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WM2wteU5P
"Alright, apology accepted."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2616cN68uu
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwOTmUIhen
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAFHT3qRak
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xVBMcU2x8
"--only on one condition."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapArxGEwDF
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbr9kTGgAI
"Eh!?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxwEefD3iu
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNlujdWgwe
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7tOmo6MHj
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tVU7KHR9p
"That's right."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6FkDwdsBr
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYL7pHo2wc
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIehBpCUhY3
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT8YZOXYLi
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bj0GKPEOP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqpSYEOvHw
"He sounds like a priss."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviX3t6DslJ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBT5lZJ8ife
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0k2fngWwB
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrVN3oxs7w
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdg9lRlOsKy
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQgE3Y7G3B
"Fine, what's your condition?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1pYUu1ORv
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9WIyDjCny
I pointed a finger at her.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqcsjpTcJh
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2z8yJxtHo
"We need to get along from now on."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoyN2zQfT9
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pRPIYEev4
"...Huh?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmAJpFmGDB
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq64Z3QWrwL
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcBzGNCZXz
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5vzWA63nk
"...Ha, that's it?"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZd50EDPaH
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1cXNoBZrL
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBw1aiUjmP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYI9a3QyHH
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjryxtpjc8e
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKubRdNlp1z
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaSrnk0gia
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9FsB6AR3D
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DP7ryfle0
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2clXTKQm0
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6Ihjiczf0
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmElc6lVZ6
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPfBV5NEaP
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zYwJt4PmV
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBvQ8v1MFQ
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTqDlt99ht
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWjbSa7YXx
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovGKUJhAGB
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4Bxb3qOdG
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTNsflhj7X
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglXhdJcs1v
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmBKt3RMQa
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fuQnZRmzL
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD0RTRRi1u
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8bwjPI5hv
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYi6CeGR3Q
"What a weirdo, seriously."382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXljRsDCQu
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCkjhce7EQ
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BdS8pP52c
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qwa1P16sa
–
–
–
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7nvoC9P96
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2Dth1I4jj
"You guys! You gotta see this!"382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdBBrEInXb
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sKWN8iIE7
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.382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17RorrzfuR
382Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRQTmV2Aa5
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.
and then Add to home screen.