Chapter 25: Changes
Dune and Nely floated together on the boat as the gentle waves rocked them. Nely worked quietly, making small enhancements to the vessel. Once satisfied, she sighed and lay back, staring at the sky.
"Bunny, what's the plan?" she asked casually. "I'm thinking we find a high place, rest there for a while, and take turns keeping watch. We can wait until these crazy bastards kill each other. Then we can win without even fighting."
Dune shook his head, his expression serious. "No, we're not doing that, and there's no "we".
"I have to find my friend and brother here first. I can't let them die." His tone was firm. "I won't stay in one place for long. I gotta keep moving until I find Ned and Atlas, and kill anyone who gets in my way. If you don't like this plan, then go your own way. I'll go alone."
Nely raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Why are you so cold all of a sudden? I wasn't even going to disagree, but now you're making me want to. I don't know who you were before the trial, but you better watch your tone when you talk to me. Remember, we're on *my* boat."
Dune blinked, caught off guard by her words, He went silent for a moment. She's right, it's her boat. His thoughts spiraled as he clenched his fists.
The moment I get to land, I'll leave her. That's the best choice. I don't need anyone else around me causing more trouble.
But something inside him resisted. His hands trembled slightly, and his jaw tightened. *Why is this so hard? Why can't I just make a clean decision?*
There was a tug of war within him, an unfamiliar pull he couldn't ignore. He gritted his teeth.
*You damn brat.* He knew exactly what it was the part of him from before. The trial version of himself without memories. That side of him was interfering, trying to steer him in another direction.
"Are you okay?" Nely's voice cut through his thoughts. Her hand rested gently on his shoulder, grounding him.