Maximus wasn’t sure what was wrong with him. This was their friend. The only person to ever show him kindness.

So why did he hit them so hard?

It was just sparring. He could have pretended. He could have taken it easy on them. But something just... snapped in him. He didn’t get it. He didn’t understand why he did this. Why he hurt those he cared for. What was wrong with him?

He pressed the wet rag to their bruised cheek carefully. Silent. Stewing in his guilt.