"So…. How was I?"
"… judging by your expression, it seems that you already know the answer to that question." (Ken)
Hearing Ken's words, Jericho brandished a wide smile.
Maybe because of his excitement he actually acted his age for once and playfully acted innocent.
"Hm? But I don't though. How can I know if you don't say it, I didn't receive some kind of mind reading gift or anything."
Seeing the playful look the black-haired kid had, Ken couldn't help but chuckle a little.
If he didn't confirm it himself, he would've never believed that this kid was the same one that threatened his friend with a knife just a while ago.
Playing along with his actions Ken decided to state what he truly felt after witnessing the show of power from the 5-year-old.
"Jericho, your gift is not something that strengthens you the moment you receive it. It is a gift that not only requires time, but also determination to bloom. If it was another child, no, if it was another person who received the same gift, I truly believe that his/her results wouldn't even come close to yours. Seeing your abilities firsthand was without a doubt an eye-opening experience, as it not only proved your effort, but also your talent. Jericho, you've passed with flying colors, congratulations."
Ken's heartfelt words touched Jericho more than he expected.
{although I knew that I was growing, that I was improving… hearing it directly from someone is…}
While Jericho was taking in the compliments he just received, everyone else was extremely quiet, although they expected something special after hearing of the gift, the child in front of them truly surpassed their expectations.
The silence was getting uncomfortable so Jake decided to take it upon himself and break it.
"Ehem!"
With his fake cough he made everyone pay attention to him.
"Well then, now that the tests are done, I guess it's now alright to tell you guys what your roles will be in the organization. After you hear this and decide to back out, we will not hold it against you so you can rest easy."
Seeing that the three children were listening to him seriously, Jake continued in a confident tone.
"As your still children at the end of the day, no matter how great the gift, the 2 most important things you should do remains the same. Grow and learn, these two are the only responsibility every child should bear. And these two are also the main job you'll do in our organization.''
"Is that really all? That doesn't seem to hard." (Millie)
"Ohoh… but I forget to mention that we will be the ones controlling the intensity of your growth. And unfortunately for you, our boss is hell bent on cranking that intensity to the maximum."
His confident tone immediately turned into a serious one as he looked at the 3 children with cold, unforgiving eyes.
"If you guys start thinking that your somebody special, I won't reprimand you for it as it is a fact. However, rather than hopeful beliefs on your talents our organization values results more than anything else. If you are asked something, accomplishing it is the bear minimum, and surpassing it is the standard. If you come with us you will be part of a program that'll raise children who will fully embody that ideal. Everyday you will be pit against your peers, everyday you will be forced to endure hellish training, everyday will be a day where you'll surpass your former self. If you think that it is going to be easy then I suggest you bury that idea, although there is still some time before the start of the program, after it starts don't expect any chances where you can quit will come easily. We're spending a ton of resources on this so having you guys waste it is a big NO."
Gulp*
Jake's ominous words really did well in scaring them, clearing any sense of ease coming from them. The three children were forced to reconsider their decisions, their conviction was being tested and they knew this as well.
"Well then, if you decide to still follow us despite that, then wait for us outside the orphanage tomorrow. Oh, and bring all your belongings, it will be a while before you can go back so make sure you pack everything that you consider important. See you tomorrow." (Ken)
Jake together with Ken and Des left the three children and walked towards their car parked a few meters away.
Now that it was only the three of them they were comfortable enough to talk about their thoughts.
"I will go." (Jericho)
"!" (F and M)
"didn't… didn't you hear him! This is more serious than we thought so how can you-"
"It's perfect"
"?"
"the environment… I think that it is the perfect place for my gift to shine."
"But"
"you don't have to follow me, this is my decision so you guys can decide for yourselves on what you will do."
Jericho parted ways with the two after saying so, although it seemed like this was based on his own decisions, it actually wasn't the only factor.
The truth was that his decision was actually affected by something, his gift's reaction to be exact. He didn't know why but his gift started reacting to the man's words, it was like the time he started feeling uncomfortable when he first started training. Only this time, instead of an uncomfortable feeling it now felt like a like the gift wanted him to go.
Deciding to trust this feeling, he steeled himself and started preparing his belongings. He packed his clothes and favorite blanket together with his favorite book. He will go to that organization and learn as much as he can.
"I think this should be good enough, all that's left now is for tomorrow to come."
....
"Hohoh, good… good! To be honest with you I was a little worried. I thought that I might've been too blunt and scared you guys away. But looks like it was just needless worry from my part, hahahahaha! You guys got guts!" (Jake)
"Pheeew! (Whistle*), this is a first." (Ken)
They were extremely surprised and happy as none of the three decided to run away. It should be stated that this was an extremely rare case, as from their experience only an extremely confident or an extremely insane child would still follow them after hearing that weird pep talk.
The fact that all three decided on following them was the first time it happened, most children would decide to re think their decision due to fear and anxiety, but these three.
{Are the children like this because of who raised them?} (Jake and Ken)
Looking at the nun that was hugging the children with a dazzling smile, the two men were unknowingly entranced by her beauty.
{although I couldn't notice it during our fight as my adrenaline and gift were working in tandem, she's quite a beauty isn't she.} (Jake)
{I've seen numerous beautiful women when I was out on missions, but they all pale in comparison to her.} (Ken)
Wanting to make a better image for himself, Ken approached Teresa and made the first move.
"Ehem*… I will make sure to take special care of them, so you can be assured."
Seeing his partner attack first, Jake couldn't help but retaliate.
"Although I might not seem like it, I have quite a high position in the organization. You can leave the kids to me"
Said Jake to Teresa with a thumbs up, trying to one up Ken.
"You only got your "high" position because of your dad, without him you'd be even lower than me."
Although no one but Des noticed it, sparks were flying when the two of their eyes met. As if they were ready to tear their 5-year friendship all for a single woman.
The woman in question being completely clueless to their intentions.
"?" (Teresa)