Land of Taria: The Awakening

Chapter 2

Jason is kneeling on the floor, eyes shut as he meditates. He keeps his eyes closed as he feels the tent flaps open.
"Ty'Vander. Come in."
The Korwan pauses. "How did you know it was me? Some kind of detection magic?"
Jason chuckles, "I'm afraid I'll be of no use in the magic department. Autumn is the only one who can do that kind of stuff. I only knew it was you because the others know not to disturb my mediation time." The man spins around to face Ty'Vander, who slowly backs up.
"Should I come back another time?"
"No no, please sit." Jason leads Ty'Vander's gaze towards the spot across him. Ty'Vander sits and  they stare at each other. They sit in silence for a moment.
"So I came here to--"
"Quiet." Jason states.
"Oh." Ty'Vander flinches to the sudden tone change. He feels like he has to hold his breathy to avoid any unwanted attention.
"So, you came here to give me answer?"Jason hasn't yet opened his eyes yet but Ty'Vander can just feel his soul being pierced.
"Y-yes sir." Ty'Vander can't even look at the man, without becoming hesitant.
"What is your answer?"
Ty'Vander looks at Jason for a moment and pauses, thinking to himself about what he wants. He firmly looks Jason and states "I'll join you guys. I want to train and become stronger."
"No." Jason shakes his head.
Ty'Vander looks at Jason in disbelief. He wonders if he heard him correctly.
"Did you say no."
"I did."
Ty'Vander just blinks at Jason. Jason looks up at him, his cold blue eyes seem to slice Ty'Vander with daggers.
"Why did you say no?"
"Because you're not agreeing to join us, that comes later. You're agreeing to train. I don't want you part of this group if you're here just to get food and shelter. I want you here to fight. I want you here to work. And I want you here to learn." Jason stands up, towering over the Korwan.
"By joining this group, you will have our trust. You will be part of this family. You will have our backs and never leave us in the face of danger. I see potential in you. But you won't be officially joining until I see more."
Ty'Vander can't seem to move his gaze, as if Jason has his eyes bounded into position. Ty'Vander suddenly finds himself free to move and able to take his eyes away from the intimidating man in front of him.
"Do I want an answer? Yes. But I want an answer on if you're ready to show me you have true potential." Jason's voice echoes in Ty'Vander's mind. After what feels like forever, Ty'Vander opens his mouth.
"Autumn told me that you were going to ask if I wanted to join. She said that you would extend the offer to join your family. I thought she was crazy. I thought you all were. But now I see it."
Jason looks down at the Korwan, who slowly rises to his feet.
"I have no home to go back to. But that doesn't mean I'm quitting. You say I have potential. I don't see it myself. I've never seen it myself. But if you say I have it." Ty'Vander looks up at Jason fiercly. "Then I will do my best to make you proud." He exclaims, feeling a surge of confidence explode throughout his body.
Jason just chuckles. He walks forward and places a hand on Ty'Vander's head.
"No need to be dramatic, kid. I know you have what it takes." Jason walks towards the tent opening. He paused and turns towards Ty'Vander.
"Just don't make me regret it, ok?"
Ty'Vander nods at him.
"You won't, sir."
Jason smiles and turns to leave.
"But wait. I just have some questions."
Jason stops. He doesn't turn any part of his body to face the Korwan.
"What's your story?"
Jason flinches.
"Pardon?"
Ty'Vander can feel the negative energy creeping up his spine.
"Autumn told me that you've all gone through your own troubles. So what's your story."
Jason doesn't say anything. He just stands there and stares outside the tent.
"Let's just say I've seen enough to last a hundred lifetimes." Jason walks out of the tent, leaving Ty'Vander to ponder over what he said.
"Why do I feel like what I've gone through doesn't even compare to what they've endured." Ty'Vander stands there for a moment. He goes to walk out but finds himself face to face with Autumn. He jumps back, startled by her sudden appearance.
"How did it go?" She beams.
"Um. I wouldn't exactly say good." Ty'Vander chuckles and rubs the back of his head.
"Well from the looks of it, I think it went great."
"How can you tell?" Ty'Vander tilts his head in confusion.
"Because you're not dead." Her smile makes Ty'Vander a little uncomfortable.
"Hey, can I ask a question?" Ty'Vander looks around but can't seem to spot Jason.
"Please ask me anything." Autumn just can't seem to keep her excitement down.
"What do you know about Jason?"
"Jason? What do you mean?"
"Well back in the tent, I just couldn't seem to understand him. Or what his motives are." Ty'Vander ponders on what Jason said about his past.
"Well that's just Jason. While we're all close and like a family, he's always been the mysterious one of the group. Why do you ask?" Autumn takes a seat on a log, inviting Ty'Vander to sit.
"Well, I asked what his story was."
"Jason has always been about earning trust. Unfortunately, while the Matías, Doruntus, and I have earned his trust, we don't know much about Jason."
"Isn't that a little shitty?" Ty'Vander states.
Autumn just laughs. "It would be if he hasn't earned our trust. He's saved our lives countless times and gave us second chances at life. At this point, I don't care what kind of past he has. I just care that he's a good person now." Autumn looks up at the sky, smiling.
"So, what's your story?" Ty'Vander looks at Autumn, whose smile has faded. "How did you meet Jason?"
Autumn looks down at her hands, revealing a scar covering most of her right hand.
"Jason found me in the woods. My former master had abandoned me and left me for dead. I was barely alive when he stumbled across me. He brought me back here and nurtured me back to health. This was years ago. Matías and Doruntus had already been here, so it was nice to have more people to rely on. Still, I was hesitant in the beginning, because I didn't know if I could handle being betrayed again."
Autumn states at her burn scare and tears begin to form. Ty'Vander just looks at her and feels sadness consume his heart. He places his hand on hers. She looks at him.
"I'm sorry, Autumn. I didn't know it was a touchy subject."
"No no, it's perfectly ok." She wipes hurt tears and smiles. "I'm happy it happened, otherwise I wouldn't be here."
They share a laugh.
"Just make sure you give us all a chance, ok? We'll make sure to give you one as well." Autumn smiles at Ty'Vander.
"I promise I'll do my best to make you all proud." Ty'Vander beams with determination.
"Good, I expect nothing less from a Korwan."
They both sit there for a moment.
"Come on, let's go test your sparring skills." Autumn jumps up, extending her hand.
"Try not to kick my ass." Ty'Vander takes her hand as they walk over to the clearing, feeling like a weight has been shifted from his shoulders.