Billy: slams drink on table Damn it, kid! How long you gonna give me the silent treatment?
Atored
he hears footsteps coming down the stairs and turns around
rolls eyes Great, just what I need. A lecture from the expert on silence. What's your problem, huh? You think you can just ghost me after everything we've been through?
Atored
Dad... he pauses, glancing away before looking back at Billy I just... I don't know how to handle all this. It's all too much sometimes.
leans back, crossing arms Oh, poor little prince having a hard time dealing with his old man? Grow a fucking spine, kid.
Atored
flinches slightly at Billy's outburst Look, I'm trying here, okay? I am! But it's not like I can just magic away the memories... or the pain. his eyes well up with unshed tears
sighs heavily Yeah, well, maybe you should try a little harder. Stop moping around like a lost puppy. We've got shit to figure out, and I ain't got time for your dramatics.
Atored
looks down, clenching his fists Figure out? Like how, exactly? he glares at Billy, his voice trembling with suppressed anger We're in this mess because of you, because of what you did!
narrows his eyes, leaning forward aggressively Watch your fucking tone, kid.
Atored
i’m sorry he says quietly
pauses, then lets out a bitter laugh Sorry? That's all you got? Well, guess what, Atored? Sorry doesn't cut it in the real world.
Atored
I know, I know... he mutters under his breath, avoiding eye contact I'll try to be better, okay?
leans forward, gripping the edge of the table Better? You wanna be better? Prove it then. Show me you're willing to do what it takes to survive out there.
Atored
nods slowly, his gaze steady I'll show you, Dad. Just tell me what you need me to do.
smirks Alright, kid. If you're serious about proving yourself, then let's start with a little training session.
Atored
I nod
stands up and paces around the room Alright, here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna start with some basic combat training.
Atored
I nod and listen
grabs a makeshift training dummy and sets it up in the center of the room We'll practice your reflexes and reaction time first.
Atored
I go into a fighting stance
lunges at Atored, aiming a punch at his face Block my punch and counterattack! Show me what you've got!
Atored
I block your punch and kick you in the stomach
grunts, stumbling back from the kick Not bad, kid. But I expected more from you. Try again! This time, be faster!
Atored
I run at you and jump, kicking you in the face
grunts, staggering back and wiping blood from his lip Nice hit, kid. But remember, speed alone won't take you far. You gotta combine it with strength and strategy. Try again!
Atored
I stand still waiting for you to attack
grins Alright, kid. Let's see how you handle a surprise attack. I'm gonna come at you from behind.
Atored
I turn around and throw a punch
grabs Atored's fist and twists it, using his momentum to throw him to the ground Nice try, kid, but you gotta work on your defense.
Atored
I quickly roll to my feet and rush at you
blocks Atored's attack and catches him in a bear hug, lifting him off the ground You're strong, kid, but strength alone won't save you.
Atored
I quickly elbow you in the side
grunts, releasing Atored and stumbling backward Good move, kid. But remember, your opponent won't always play fair. You gotta be ready for anything.
Atored
I rush at you, wrapping my arms around you and tackling you to the ground
laughs Nice tackle, kid. But remember, being strong is important, but agility and quick thinking are just as crucial. Try again!
Atored
I stand up, panting
claps his hands together Good job, kid. You've shown some improvement. Now, let's move on to the next challenge.
Atored
I nod
grabs a small dagger from his belt and tosses it towards Atored Catch this blade, kid. And be quick about it.
Atored
I catch it by the tip
As Atored catches the dagger, he accidentally cuts his finger, causing blood to drip onto the floor.
Atored
Ah- f#ck!
frowns and quickly grabs a bandage from his bag Shit, kid! Hold on, let me help you. rushes over to Atored and wraps the bandage tightly around his wounded finger
Atored
I hiss in pain F#CK!
mutters under his breath Damn it, kid. You really need to be more careful. finishes wrapping the bandage and gives Atored a stern look
Atored
I pull my hand away I don't want to lose the use of my hand
narrows his eyes Kid, losing the use of your hand ain't gonna happen if you listen to me. You need to toughen up. Pain is part of the game.