Sam's Office: The Warrior & The Crocodile

[John Hino]

"I... broke his hand..."

[Samantha McManus]

"Were you angry with him?"

[John Hino]

"I was scared. He was... being mean..."

[Samantha McManus]

"Did you really mean to hurt him?"

[John Hino]

"...No..."

[Samantha McManus]

"Then it was just an accident."

[John Hino]

"People don't bite people. Animals bite people. "

[Samantha McManus]

"Sometimes little boys bite people, because they don't know any better."

[John Hino]

"But he did know better," a deeper, cruel and angry voice said, "He was just too weak to stop me."

[Samantha McManus]

"Is that what you think?"

[John Hino]

"I am the true strength that he denies. That gives me power."

[Samantha McManus]

"You are a figment. He's given you power, but you're only what he made you."

[John Hino]

"No, I am his true nature."

[Samantha McManus]

"Perhaps you were once, but he's put everything negative into you."

[John Hino]

"What right does such a coward have to imprison me?"

[Samantha McManus]

"You won't do as you are now. That will change."

[John Hino]

"Oh? You intend to bend me to your will?"

[Samantha McManus]

"No, I intend to give him the tools."

"It's kinder than what I would do to you."

[John Hino]

"And what would that be?" the voice asked in amusement.

[Samantha McManus]

"If you're lucky, you'll never have to find out," she said as she turned to ascend the stairs.

[John Hino]

She emerged not into the yard, but an interior room. A black-haired young man in a yukata with mild Japanese features is waiting for her, hands well away from the katana at his hip. There is something oddly mechanical about the weapon.

"You truly intend to forge a truce between us?"

[Samantha McManus]

"That's up to John. I am however going to inform his therapist of this, so that he can begin to get at the root of things."

[John Hino]

"I will not interfere if my lord decides to take such a route, nor could I."

[Samantha McManus]

"I'm not looking to force anything on you, just help him make an informed decision."

[John Hino]

"Though I have my doubts that it is possible, a peaceful resolution would be a relief. Good luck."

[Samantha McManus]

"As to you," she said as she continued on her way out.

[John Hino]

No other information presented itself as she left.

Back in the physical, John blinked. "Done already?"

[Samantha McManus]

"Time perception differs between the mind and the physical realm."

"But aye, I think I've found something we can work with, here."

[John Hino]

"Anything you can tell me outright?"

[Samantha McManus]

"It's from very early in your childhood, and you never really accepted it. I think it's better that I relay this to Doctor Webster, though."

[John Hino]

"Alright..." he answered, obviously fighting himself to not ask for more details.

[Samantha McManus]

"I know more or less what happened, and I know the approximate age, but it's obvious you were extremely uncomfortable with this incident. It may be some work before you can really accept it."

[John Hino]

He nodded. "I didn't expect a quick fix."

[Samantha McManus]

"And as much as I realize you want to know, I'd prefer to leave this to a psychiatric professional."

[John Hino]

"I understand."