John Anderson: avoids eye contact S-s-son, I n-need you to d-do something... f-for me. Give up... your life.
.... What do you mean give up my life?
takes a deep breath and looks at Toughty It's time for me to pay the ultimate price. You need to continue on your journey and find your true purpose.
grips Toughty's shoulders firmly Listen to me, Toughty. This is the only way. I've been thinking about it for weeks.
And how exactly am I supposed to do that?
pauses, his voice filled with determination You will go to the village elder and ask him for the blessing to become a Seeker.
No! I can’t… Dad, you’re not even making sense!
raises his voice, frustration evident Toughty, stop resisting! This is what needs to be done!
tears welling up in his eyes I can't... I can't lose you, Dad...
gently wipes away Toughty's tears Son, listen to me. This is what I want. It's what's best for both of us.
Why would you think that? How could that possibly be good for me? For us? You’re dying.
squeezes Toughty's hands tightly Because I know you have a strength inside you that you don't even realize yet.
And you think that strength is enough to keep me alive?
stands up and walks towards a small chest in the corner of the room
wipes his tears and watches intently
opens the chest and pulls out an old, worn-out map Look here, Toughty. This map leads to a hidden temple where ancient warriors rest.
points to a marked spot on the map This is where you will find the answers you seek. It's a place of great power and knowledge.
…How do I know that it’s not a trap?
rolls up the map and hands it to Toughty Take this with you, son. Study it and follow the path. Trust in yourself.
But dad, why can’t you come with me?
grabs Toughty's arm firmly I can't, Toughty.
Okay…I slowly stand up. Can I ask you one more thing though?
nods, his eyes filled with determination Of course, Toughty. Ask away.
…Why do you want me to live on? What do you have faith in me? Why should I trust myself?
pauses, his gaze softening Because I've seen your potential, Toughty. You have a fire inside you that can't be extinguished. Trust me, I've seen it before.
I look down for a moment then nod resolutely Alright, I’ll do it.
Toughty embarks on a perilous journey to the village elder, seeking his blessing to become a Seeker