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>The stranger, turned his head a bit, shaded left eye just barely out of view
"Hm."
>There was a delay as the stranger thought about just leaving
>He even turned his head away, as if contemplating beginning his trek down the road
"Yes mis'er, what troubles ya?"
>He could tell from Jessie's tone that he desired to just vent frustration
>The stranger's character just refused to let him leave things be like this
>Jessie took a deep breath, grateful for the opportunity
"I just... I don't know how I can go on sir."
"Quite formal... Why do ya think ya can' go on?"
"Ever since I became this... 'popplio,' thing, my life's been a living hell."
>The man turned to fully face Jessie
>His facial features were obscured by the vaguely green bandanna
>But even with that, Jessie could see that the stranger grimaced in sympathy
"The folk around here think that a northerner like me is already the devil, and... Well, and the blue really doesn't help, now does it?"
>Jessie's attempt at humor didn't cut through the tension like it should've, so he cleared his throat and continued
"They think of me as some sort of... demon, as someone who took the bargain of the devil. With the voices clawing at my head, I can't help but think they may be right."
>The man did not verbally respond, but his hand made a motion, beckoning Jessie to continue
"Visions of a past life I never held attack me every day..."
"I... I don't know if I belong as 'Jessie', anymore. Does the lord want me to be Jessie? What was his plan with this?"
>There was an uncomfortable silence between the two, where neither wanted to go on
>Gleam kept turning between the two, not sure what to make of the scene herself
>The man finally made his move
>He knelt down, taking his metal framed glasses and bandanna off, and hanging both around his neck
>His face was filled with resolve
"Jessie, was it?"
>Jessie nodded, staring up at his eyes
"Why would bein' a popplio change thangs like that?"
"What... What do you mean?"
