Chapter 6: We're On The Road To The Nation Of Lowee (Part 3)
"We're almost out of Lastation. Are you sure about doing this," Anonydeath asks.
"I'm certain. I won't get anything done by staying in Lastation," I say, peeling open a cup of pudding.
"I mean you don't have to live in Lowee to get picked for the convention. Am I wrong," he asks.
"It would be a massive pain to have to drive to Lowee for the con only to have to drive back after a few days. Besides living in Lowee would be a nice change of pace and a lot of my fanbase is there so it'll be fun to get noticed on the street whenever I do my face reveal," I explain.
"I see," he says.
Not seeing a spoon laying around, I lick and prod the top of the pudding, desperately trying to scoop a chunk out with my tongue. Anonydeath notices my futile efforts and flips the armrest compartment open.
"For heaven's sake, you don't have to act like a savage," he says, pulling out and handing me a small plastic spoon.
"You would understand my dilemma if you shared my tastes for pudding," I say, scooping out a large chunk of the delicious delicacy. Placing it in my mouth, that delightful flavor returns to my well acquainted taste buds.
It's even better than that coffee shop brand which means Linda went the extra mile.
This is that Planeptune brand stuff!
Oh, it's so goddamn amazing!
To think that she bought me a shit ton of these.
I assume a couple minutes or so pass as I enjoy myself.
"Based on the extremely sexual faces you're making over there, I'm going to hope you're not actually getting off on eating pudding," he says.
Didn't even realize I was doing it.
That's s-super embarrassing!
"N-No! Of course not! I'm not a weirdo," I say, trying to damage control.
"Anyway, you probably didn't notice but we're outta Lastation now or technically that was maybe half an hour ago," he says.
Time really flies when you're too busy not paying attention.
"So I probably shouldn't do this but may I ask an important question," he says, tapping a finger on the steering wheel.
Oh no. What is he about to say?
"That heavily depends," I say plainly.
"What is this really about," he asks.
"What's that supposed to mean," I say with an annoyed tone.
"This isn't only about the con and you know it. Tell me what the real reason is," he says.
"There's not another reason for this and even if there was, what's it to you," I say, getting angry.
"I'm worried that you're setting yourself up for disappoin-," he starts to say.
"You're not my dad, Anonydeath! So stop acting like it," I yell bluntly, cutting him off.
He hits the brakes, bringing the truck to an abrupt stop.
"Don't raise your voice at me," he says, tone becoming serious. I remain silent, looking out the window.
"I didn't have to help you with this but I chose to so I feel that you should be open with me as to what you're planning. Do you hear me," he says.
"Do you hear me," he repeats.
"Yes… sir," I say reluctantly.
He lets out a big sigh and continues to drive.
"It's going to take a long time to get there so we'll take turns driving," he says, back to his normal tone.
"Sounds fair to me," I say, dropping the attitude.
I should probably call her in the meantime. She'll get on my case if Marv tells her first.
As if on cue, my phone starts going off.
Please don't let it be her.
Looking at my phone, I sigh deeply.
Damn it, Marv.
"Are you going to answer that," he asks.
"Don't really want to if I'm honest," I say.
Let's just get this over with.
"Hello, IF," I greet, putting the phone to my right ear.
"What's this about moving to Lowee," she says.
"I was just about to call to tell you all about it but clearly Marv told you already," I say.
"Why are you moving," she asks.
"Mangaka reasons," I say.
"That's incredibly vague," She says.
"I'm going to this con in a few months that I've been dying to go to and I've been meaning to move to Lowee ever since I became a mangaka so that's why I'm doing this. That's about as good as I can explain without it sounding confusing," I explain.
"So this is about seeing Blanc in person so you can get her to see your hard work," she asks.
"I prefer my explanation but yes. Basically that," I say.
"That's all you had to say then. I understand," she says.
"So you're not mad at me," I ask.
"I'm not going to yell at you for following your dreams," she says.
"Aww! Thanks, Iffy," I say happily.
This is exceedingly different than how most of our conversations go.
"However," she says.
Did I speak too soon?
"Please make time for your friends. At the very least, call more often," she says softly.
"I will," I say.
"Good night, Leon," she says.
"Good night, Iffy," I say back.
Ending the call, I place the empty pudding cup and spoon in one of the cup holders.
Roughly an hour passes and we're now driving down a path, practically going through a forest.
"It's probably about time you take the wheel," he says.
"Alright," I say.
A loud thud suddenly happens on the roof of the truck, scaring us both.
"What the hell," I shout as he swerves back and forth while making sounds of panic. He finally slams on the breaks.
"S-Sorry! That almost gave me a heart attack! It's definitely your turn now," he says, now on edge.
"But first, we should make sure it's safe," I say, getting a sword from behind my seat. Getting out of the truck, I look at the roof of it.
But there's nothing there.
"L-Leon, behind you," he shouts.
Turning around, a person quickly picks me up by the throat and slams me against the side of the truck, making me drop the sword. I quickly grab ahold of the person's wrist as I'm being choked, trying to free myself.
My eyes widen in shock as I realize who it is.
H-How?
S-She should be dead!
"Isn't this quite a find," she grins devilishly.
"There's… no way," Anonydeath says in disbelief.
"M-Magic," I stutter.
"It's been quite some time. Hasn't it, Leon," she asks.