I Wasn't Crying

Later that night at the apartment Yui and Yuna greet Ryker home with a hug and a happy birthday cheer. The 4 of them celebrate until late that night since it wasn't a school night. On this pouring night on the top floor of the apartment building sat Ryker and Yui. Ryker had taken on a role as her older brother since he would live there for the next few months, and what came with this was Yui actually accepting him as an older sibling since she hadn't had a brother before.

Ryker: So Yui what were you thinking about doing for your birthday.

Yui: Why do you ask?

Ryker: Well your birthday is 3 weeks from now.

Yui: I haven't thought about it that much, I've been helping big sis with learning Wind Magic

Ryker: What? Why would she be learning Wind Magic, she's an Earth Mage.

Yui: She says that she won't let herself stay on the sidelines like the fight with the Duke of Pride.

Ryker: I'm sure she wasn't just sitting back and watching.

Yui: Well she thinks so, I think you should talk to her about it.

Ryker: Maybe tomorrow after school, she's out cold I assure you.

Yui: Really, how do you know?

Ryker: I got a feeling she was the main anchor behind what happened today.

Yui: You mean the crying?

Ryker: Zip it kid, I wasn't crying.

Yui: Yeah you were.

Ryker: You weren't even there and one tear isn't crying.

Yui: Crybaby.

Ryker: Twerp.

Yui: Spike

Ryker: Listen here you little monster I'll have you know I've never cried before.

This comment resonated with Ryker for a moment because he realized how true it was.

Ryker: You should get to bed Yui, It's getting pretty late.

Yui: Party pooper

Ryker: I'm gonna try to sleep so get out of here before I pick you up by the ankles and toss you in your room.

Yui: No don't. Runs off laughing and taunting Ryker, calling him crybaby.*

Ryker to no one: Crybaby, huh, who do you think I am kid. I'm a knight, A Knight of The Wind at that. The most destructive force of nature.

Ryker:...The most destructive force of nature.

With this thought unable to escape his mind Ryker tries to sleep but sits awake all night unable to sleep until passing out from exhaustion.