Luke "A Dream of Benji"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 2. Luke has confessed to the MC, and the two are a romantic couple.

Luke and the MC is in the veterinary hospital to visit Benji, a military dog who has gone on many missions with Luke. After being discharged from the military, he was diagnosed with depression. Luke volunteered to take care of him until his condition improved before sending him to the pet retirement home. But recently, his condition worsened which is likely due to old injuries, mental pressure, and old age. The doctor tells Luke and the MC to prepare for the worst. Trying to comfort Benji, Luke gently touches his nose against Benji's; the gesture is a method that Benji is familiar with to help him relax. To dogs, touching noses represents recognition or trust. Benji's previous trainer taught Luke of this method. Later, the MC spots Benji's name tag - the trainer's name is curiously blank.

Benji's original trainer was Luke's old captain whom he was trained under when he was in the capital. Benji and the old captain went on many rescue missions together. However, the old captain died during a mission. Luke then shares his first mission with Benji - during the time when a prisoner escaped into the snowy mountains, Luke and Benji scouted the area for many days. The prisoner took a hostage and it was Benji who was able to find the hostage. Seeing that Luke feels sad about the current condition of Benji, the MC decides that they should spend time with Benji.

Luke and the MC takes Benji to a dog playground and plays with him. During a short break, a man approached them inquiring if Benji was a military dog. The man is Mr. Henderson, an animal rescuer. Benji reminds him of Cooper, also a military dog, who he adopted after being dismissed from the military and who already passed away. He shares that sometimes he wonders what Cooper's life would be if he wasn't a military dog - would Cooper have lived a healthier and longer life? After sending Benji back, Luke and the MC return home. Luke seems quiet and the MC senses that something is bothering him.

The MC asks Luke if he's okay. Luke dismisses the question and says he's just tired. Deciding that the "gentle" method is not working, the MC grabs Luke and pushes him onto the bed. After pressing him further, Luke admits that Mr. Henderson's words got him thinking of the what-ifs. What if Benji was not a military dog? Would he have lived a happier life and would he have a better ending? The MC guesses that Luke is not just talking about Benji; he's also talking about himself and whether he can have a "better ending" with her. Suddenly, she touches her nose against Luke's. He then pulls her towards him and asks if they can stay like that for a while longer. She realizes that words are not enough to comfort him.

Luke and the MC takes Benji out to simulate a rescue mission. Luke disguises as the hostage and Benji successfully "locates" him. Later, the MC confronts Luke about his thoughts on Mr. Henderson's words. She tells Luke that it's not worth tiring himself out thinking of the what-ifs. She believes that every route in life has meaning and value and she hopes that Luke will prefer to remember happier memories instead of focusing on sad ones.

Benji continued to accompany Luke and the MC, until one sunny afternoon when he silently left the world in his sleep. After visiting Benji's grave, Luke and the MC heads to the park where they used to bring Benji. Luke lies down on the grass, and the MC proceeds to stare at him, which flusters him. She then observes that Luke's happier now. She also tells him that she knows that he wasn't just talking about Benji when he was worrying about the what-ifs. Luke admits that Mr. Henderson's words did make him think. What if he did not choose to leave? What if there's no such thing as a three-year limit? Maybe they would lead a happier life together. But he acknowledges that he should not wallow in the past and he should treasure the present. He shows her Benji's name tag and gives it to her as a token of remembrance. He then tells her that as long as she's by his side, then that's the best ending for him.

Illustrations

Best Ending"I'm here. I've always been here, and this is the best ending."

Video Call

Video Call		Luke: A Dream of Benji (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Luke: It's me. What took you so long to answer? Did you just finish showering? Your hair looks blow-dried.

Luke: Oh... Nothing important. I'm calling because I remembered there's something I haven't done.

Luke: I was too surprised by your actions when we were sunbathing in the park. It wasn't until I got home that I remembered I haven't thank you.

Luke: So... Ahem, thank you for everything you've done recently. You've always been there for me, helping me with many things.

Luke: Uh-huh... How is saying thank you to my girlfriend too polite? By the way, is there anything you want me to do?

Luke: Depend more on you in return? I don't mind that...

Luke: But besides depending on you, I want to protect you, just like when we were kids.

Luke: For example, when you're afraid of the dark, I can hold your hands. When you're afraid to sleep, I can count sheep with you...

Luke: That expression... You don't remember, do you? Guess I'll have to tell you more details to help you remember.

Luke: Huh? Why's it so dark over there all of a sudden? Did you turn off the light?

Luke: Do you mean it helps you remember the past like this? All right, but using cellphones in the dark is bad for your eyes.

Luke: Well, it's getting kinda late. How about you close your eyes and get ready to sleep?

Luke: Of course, I'll be there for you. No matter whether it's when we were kids or now.

Luke: Trust me. I'll always keep my promise to you.

Luke: Get some sleep. You have my word. When you wake up, I'll still be the first person you see.

Story Locations

Veterinary Hospital Ward

Time's Antiquities
Luke's Home

Veterinary Hospital Ward

Veterinary Hospital Ward

Time's Antiquities

Stellis

Secret Forest

Stellis

Story Characters

Luke Pearce

Doctor

Staff

Mr. Henderson

Story References

The Luke "A Dream of Benji" story contains brief mentions or references of events that took place in the following:

• Luke "Under the Milky Way"
• Fluffy Fuzzy Time I event story