Max wasn’t following anymore.

“But, what about the big shadow we all saw?”

“That was the Fog playing it’s tricks with our minds. Such a brillant defense mechanism, we got to admit.”

“crap, crap and more crap! how i hate this crappy bridge and its crap fog! xô! xô!”

Max was happy everyone was safe. And more than all, relieved he wouldn’t have to use that sword.

For now.

“I must say, my boy, that you have exceeded all my expectations. Never saw someone more courageous in my entire life!”

“and thats quite a big ‘entire’! he’s right, though! i almost wish the troll was real, only for you to beat the hell of his butt!”

“It needs a lot of guts to walk in a wall of magic like that, Max. Let alone face the possibility of facing a ghastly monster. You did excellent!”

“B-but I WAS scared! I felt fear.”

“hohoho! and even though you did it! you came to rescue me!”

“To be courageous is not about to be fearless, boy. But instead, to put the fears past your duty. It is about doing what needs to be done, even when all you really wants to do is run away for your life. That is the line that separates the braves from the cowards. And you, Max, is such a brave boy. Truth it is.”

“Time will come when you shall brandish this blade for real. And the time comes, you shall be ready.”

Max looked at his hands.

He wasn’t shaking anymore.

The sword: steady.

Maybe Mr. Rabbit was right. Maybe he was brave after all.

He was ready take down that Troll, if it existed in the first place.

Maybe.

Maybe he wasn’t all that bad…

He gets up, still holding the blade.

“Thank you, Mr. Rabbit. Here, take your sword back.”

“No. It yours, now. You’ve earned it.”

Max smiles.

“such a beautiful bounding moment, boys, but i must remember you that this is MY sword! mr. bunny, your old butt, WHAT WERE YOU MESSING WITH MY BELONGINGS?? WHO GAVE YOU THE NEEDED PERMISSION???”

“Oh, boy, I’m busted.”

“Hahaha!”

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