Aw Shucks Cutscene File

"Did you just—"

The rain hammers a syncopated rhythm on the tin roof. Inside, the air smells of hay, dust, and failure.

Maverik tries to stay offended, but a traitorous grin tugs at his lip. He kicks a loose piece of straw. "Aw, shucks."

MAVERIK (18, scruffy, a wannabe hero) stands in the center of the barn, holding a tarnished locket. His rival, LYS (19, sharp-eyed and immaculate), leans against a wooden post, arms crossed. Aw Shucks Cutscene

Lys follows his gaze. Her smirk fades into wonder.

Lys pinches the bridge of her nose. "So you grabbed corn."

Maverik looks down. In his palm isn't a glowing seed. It’s a single, slightly squashed corncob. "Did you just—" The rain hammers a syncopated

"...Cornelius."

The pun hangs in the air.

He sits up, dripping. A slow, incredulous smile spreads across his face. He kicks a loose piece of straw

"You panicked ?"

"It was shiny under the moonlight!"

Maverik looks at the cob. Then back at Lys. His voice is tiny.

"…Maverik. Is that corn glowing ?"

For a moment, they just breathe. The rain softens.