Seeking Out Paradise

[Toboe winces, pulling the last of the splinters he could reach out of his arm]

I know what the others would say if they saw me like this now. Foolish runt, Troublesome pup. Always causing trouble and getting into it.

[He holds the hand of his injured arm pressed tight against the wound in his leg]

Maybe they were right, but I'm not a helpless runt anymore. You want to fight, you cruel crazy people. Well I'm not running anymore.
Throw your worst. I can take it. I'll show them I can take care of myself.

[He goes to stand and whimpers slightly, shaking a little]

Y..you don't scare me