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<span class="mu-s">“And how do I know that these ‘trained warriors’ aren’t buying into this ‘Slayer’ nonsense?”</span> you asked.
<span class="mu-s">“For your sake, let’s hope that they do. The other side of that prophecy paints you as a beneficial savior of their kind!”</span> Young advised. <span class="mu-s">“You should let them help you. It will make your life easier.”</span>
After a moment, you let out a sigh and relaxed your shoulders. You’d been so tense going into this conversation, not knowing how you or Ben would react to what your grandmother had to say.
<span class="mu-s">“That’s not your decision to make. I like what I do. It might not always be sanitary, safe or convenient, but it makes me feel like I’m making the world a better place.”</span>
Young’s smile slipped, but you could tell that she was listening intently. So, you kept going.
<span class="mu-s">“I was raised to believe that I could use what I’ve learned to help people. What would be the point of all that hard work if I just…gave it all up?”</span>
Slowly, Young sat back in her chair, and started aging before your very eyes. All the while, she maintained eye contact with you. After a while, she smiled, and the corners of those eyes wrinkled with amusement.
Your grandmother let out a delighted laugh.
<span class="mu-s">“I must apologize again, Cindy. You are a much better person than I gave you credit for. I don’t know if I have your parents to thank for that, but I’m glad that you feel this way.”</span>
She glanced over her shoulder at Ben, who was listening intently to Shaggy’s explanation about the prophecy.
<span class="mu-s">“If you truly wish to balance your life as Cindy Moon, and your life as the Hunter’s Moon, then I’m in no place to stop you. Not after I missed so much of your life growing up.”</span>
There was an awkward silence between you two for a minute there, but thankfully, she was the one to break it.
<span class="mu-s">“Your…current guardian seems to really care about you.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">“Yes. He is very much a doting father.”</span> Ana agreed, smiling fondly in Ben’s direction.
You chuckled and brushed some white hair out of your face. You could feel your cheeks warming again.
<span class="mu-s">“He’s sweet. Embarrassing sometimes, but he means well. I wouldn’t even be able to speak right now if it weren’t for him.”</span>
Young raised an eyebrow at that.
<span class="mu-s">“Oh? Why’s that?”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“I got my voice stolen by something called a ‘Silvertongue’.”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“What in the underworld is a ‘Silvertongue’?”</span>
You laughed and shook your head.
<span class="mu-s">“Don’t even get me started. It’s a long story.”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“Well…we have some time before the council convenes. I’m open to hearing more of your stories.”</span>
That made you freeze up suddenly. It sounded like your estranged grandma was trying to bridge the gap between you, and possibly make up for lost time.
<span class="mu-s">“I hear you’re going to a private school now. How are you doing in your classes? Are you making friends? Are you having trouble vanquishing evil and getting your homework done at the same time?”</span>
She sure had a lot of questions.
(Cont.)
