Snippet #2244993

As Quest organized his thoughts, Tekil already knew what his answer would be. He had hoped that now, under the light of the facts now revealed to him, Quest would feel obligated to honor his father’s legacy and join the Reapers. But the tone of mockery in his voice as he acknowledged one of the most well-hidden secrets in the history of mankind as if it were simply the answer to a dumb riddle not only irritated Tekil, but also confirmed his fear: Quest just didn’t care. And to think that Quest refused to believe that his father, Tekil’s own mentor, even belonged to the Reapers! It was outrageous.

“…The only spirits I deal with are the ones I hunt on TV.”

That was as much as Tekil could take. He was usually a very patient and understanding person, and that was necessary, since he usually took in people that had just found out about their Psyches and the spirit world and were frightened by it. But this… To see Hakeem’s son throw away the legacy of his family and of the Reapers by using his powers to make money… It was an insult to everything Tekil stood for.

-Listen carefully, you arrogant brat! Your father was one of the best Reapers that ever joined our order. He would want you to follow his footsteps to become an honored Reaper, not to waste your abilities into something banal like a television show! It is imperative that you learn right now how to master your powers, or to use the technical term, your Psyche, and ready yourself for the things to come. This is much bigger than you and me, Quest, and it certainly is much bigger than your ego and that ridiculous show of yours!

Over his years as a Reaper, Tekil had learned to seem intimidating. His large figure and the sight of Slagænde were usually enough to frighten people, but now he doubted he could be able to seem fearsome to someone he had seen growing up. Indeed, he noticed his demonstration of anger did nothing to shake Quest, who just replied again in his infuriating mockery tone:

“I’m so sorry. As much as I owe you…” You have no idea, Tekil thought. “… I’m gonna have to turn you down. Why don’t you ask Hassan? This is more of his speed anyway.”

The mention of Quest’s older brother made Tekil hesitate. It would have been so much easier if Hassan was the one whose Psyche had awakened! The oldest of Hakeem’s sons understood things like honor and duty. He would accept the responsibility without second thoughts. However, that was not the case, and Tekil had to convince Quest to, if not join the Reapers, at least allow himself to be taught to control his abilities.

-Your brother is… Not ready for this yet. It is a mystery to me why your Psyche expressed itself before Hassan’s, but I suppose your mother would have a better explanation. The Maori have always been more comprehensive with the spirits and their relations with humans than the Reapers have. – Tekil took a sip of the alcohol, trying to calm himself. – You see, over the centuries these groups collided, the Reapers sure that our plane would be much better if only the living inhabited it, and the Maori trying to adapt to what they call a different stage in life. Your mother’s tribe believes that the Lost are just that: Lost, needing guidance. We Reapers make sure they don’t bother innocent people, and these two different beliefs have been subject to discussion more than once. That is yet another reason why it is important that you join us. Your father marrying your mother was like a statement to the Reapers and the Maori that these two different groups are actually fighting on the same side. If you, the result of that union, were to join the Reapers, it would consolidate this statement and help proving that we are not so different after all.

Tekil now had assumed that fatherly expression that he often used with Hakeem’s children. Instead of intimidating, now he was warm and tried to be comprehensive. Even so, the Dane could not emphasize how vital it was to the Reaper cause that the young McBride joined them, and for reasons far beyond those that could be revealed to him…

-Please, Quest, I urge you to reconsider. We could show you how to use your abilities to the good of this world, and not for your own benefit. Your father would have wanted that…

Tekil felt a bitter taste in his mouth, and a grin full of sadness emerged in his wrinkled face. He talked about Hakeem as if the man was dead, which, in some sense, he was. He touched Slagænde’s hilt for good luck and in respect for his old mentor.

-Your father is another reason why I’m insisting on this. I have a deep respect for him, and owe him my life. However, he cannot remember any of these things, as his memory of his time among the Reapers is lost. Please, do not bother to ask me for details, as I can’t give any to you. No one knows just what happened, but your father doesn’t recall a thing about Reapers, Lost or Psyches. That is why Hakeem himself is not having this conversation with you right now, and I wonder if he did, you would feel more inclined to accept. – Tekil sighed, melancholic. – No matter. Just think about it. I cannot force you to do anything you don’t want to, therefore I hope you understand the legacy your father left behind, a legacy only you can honor.

Tekil touched Slagænde’s hilt once again.