Black Bone Tower Part 17

Previous: Black Bone Tower Part 16

Rinji: You know you didn't have to do all of that. [Held a hand of cards in his hands, two nines, a ten, a king, and an three. A truly terrible hand.] Your friendship has already been proven several million times over. Or was it pride that kept you from giving up on that fight?

Jiro: Pssshh, as if. [Still lying in his cott, holding a deck of cards with his head propped up by three pillows.] I have nothing to prove, you know that.

Rinji: Uh huh, as if I didn't hear your little banter with Ronald on the arena. [Put down three cards.] I will admit, I would have done the exact same thing, and kept fighting. But holy underwear, you literally went through hell in that fight. It couldn't have been easy to breathe.

Jiro: No, it wasn't. By the way, where is your lady friend? Wouldn't you want to spend time with her?

Rinji: Dala? Oh, well, I mean, you know, she's something--- somewhere, out there, yeah. I don't know. Why do you ask that?

Jiro: Uh huh, now look who's hiding things. You have seldom left her side since you met her.

Rinji: I told her I wanted to see you to keep you company while Ellis went on with some festivities. Since she'll be looking after you while we're in the Black Bone Tower.

Jiro: So, it's already decided that I'm not going? [Held up a two pair, Jacks high.]

Rinji: Damn. [Threw down cards and started to shuffle again.] Yes, there's no way any of us will let you in there in this condition. I heard it's dangerous enough without risking your life in this state, not to mention it will get our doctor out of harms way as well. [Started dealing the cards.] Besides, you've done enough, like I said.

Jiro: You're the captain. [Looked at his cards.]

Rinji: You know I could have joined your crew just as easily. Then you would be Captain.

Jiro: Well, I guess it's fitting that you stay the Captain. You are older, after all.

Rinji: By nine months. [Put down two cards.]

Jiro: Still, something does bother me about this mess.

Rinji: Oh?

Jiro: How did Sion Moir know you were Nero D. Rinji?

Rinji: Oh. [Frowned as he heard that bastard's name again.] He said he knew my Dad.

Jiro: That was a lie. He's hardly any older than us, and he didn't even know me, though he knew you. If he really knew you back from the homeland, then he would have at least recognized me as your friend. We very rarely left each other's side. If he knew anything about us, he must have another source.

Rinji: Well, I suppose there's plenty of time to find out, mewmeowmrrow.

Jiro: Nyaomewmrrowmrrr.