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<span class="mu-s">“Then why'd you bring me down here if everyone wants me dead!?”</span> you demanded. <span class="mu-s">“Doesn't that seem a little counter-productive?”</span>
Both Ben and Ana nodded, clearly wanting to know the answer as well.
Your grandmother fixed you with a stern look.
<span class="mu-s">“Cindy, me and the Kaiju King won’t be around forever. We're both very old, and there's no telling what the monsters around here will get up to once we're gone.”</span> she explained, placing her wrinkled hands on the table for everyone to see.
<span class="mu-r">“What about your little ‘Benjamin Button’ performance back there?”</span> Ben asked. <span class="mu-r">“Or did you just use up all of your anti-aging cream before the fight?”</span>
Young shook her head, not at all bothered by his little jab.
<span class="mu-s">“That was a manipulation of my own life essence. I can prolong my lifespan, but I am by no means immortal.”</span>
As if to demonstrate this, Young's golden aura flared up around her, and her appearance changed to that of someone who was closer to you in age. Gone were her wrinkles and gray hairs. And in their place, you saw nothing but unblemished, flawless skin and long, silky black hair.
Whoa. Chi manipulation really did wonders for the body…
The other two were likewise impressed. Ben was practically bursting with curiosity and excitement, but he kept his questions to himself for fear of getting off topic. The fact that he was worried about that at all was more than a little endearing.
<span class="mu-s">“Even in this form, I'm capable of dying of natural causes. The spirit can only persist for so long.”</span> she continued in the voice of a teenage girl. <span class="mu-s">“But before that happens, I will have you prove yourself worthy of their trust…or their fear. Only you can decide which that will be.”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“You…want me to make a good impression on them?”</span> you concluded.
Young nodded.
<span class="mu-g">“It would be safer to assert dominance early on.”</span> Ana agreed. <span class="mu-g">“I will allow you to take credit for killing our prize earlier.”</span>
She reached into her coat, brandished a long, sharp tooth and offered it to you.
You fought back the grimace that was forming on your face and accepted the tooth.
<span class="mu-s">“Oh…thanks, Ana.”</span> you said with a weak smile, mustering up as much enthusiasm as you could manage at this moment.
<span class="mu-r">“This is nice. Both my girls, out on a hunting trip together. And here I am without my camera.”</span> Ben said in a wistful tone, his head resting on his hand.
Ana nodded her agreement.
<span class="mu-g">“That is most regrettable. I left mine back at the hotel with the rest of my luggage. It would appear that I have once again vastly underestimated the amount of danger that we would encounter during our date.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“It’s like you don’t even know me.”</span> Ben said with a sad shake of his head.
Ana seemed to be doing a good job of keeping Ben distracted. He was already showing <span class="mu-i">remarkable</span> self control that he demonstrated in not pestering you about the conversation you had with your mom.
(Cont.)
