Kael stepped outside.
Mind heavy.
Thoughts louder than before.
"…I need control."
Across the plaza—
Ben sat alone.
"…Hey," Kael said.
Ben flinched.
"…Y-you're alive."
"…Barely."
Kael sat beside him.
"…You froze again."
"…I know."
"…Do you want to die next time?"
"…NO!"
"…Then move."
Silence.
Then—
Ben nodded.
"…Teach me."
Kael blinked.
"…Oh."
"…You're serious."
"…I don't want to be useless."
Kael smirked.
"…Good."
"…Because I can't carry you."
"…You already don't."
"…Exactly."
———
Ben stood.
Tried a stance.
"…Like this?"
"…You look like a confused chicken."
"…I hate you."
"…You'll live longer hating me."