Page 34 of Dark Shaman: The Lost Treasure
The walk to the gym was pleasant, and the village was quiet and peaceful at night. When they got there, it was already busy, and Kian was surprised to see many more people than he'd expected to be there.
It seemed like Vivian had called around and organized a bigger showing for Tim, who might not appreciate such a turnout for what he considered to be public humiliation.
He was already in the ring with Magnus, the Guardian was saying something to him, and Tim was actually listening and nodding.
The guy wore a tracksuit that seemed brand new and hung loosely on his soft frame, making him look even more out of place in the gym.
"He looks nervous." There was pity in Syssi's voice.
"He should be. He's about to fight a Guardian."
They entered to find Vivian seated on a mat next to the ring, wearing a yoga outfit and displaying an elegant posture. Ella sat beside her, looking more casual than her mother but similarly excited. Parker and Lisa sat on Vivian's other side, and several Guardians were standing in a group around Julian, listening to something he was telling them while gesticulating with his hands. Roni and Sylvia were present as well.
As Kian walked over to the group, Vivian waved Syssi over. "I didn't know you were coming."
"I figured I'd add my support," Syssi said, sitting down next to Ella. "Thank you for roping Magnus into this," she said quietly. "Tim's reputation precedes him, and people didn't want to be tied to him with bonds of friendship forever."
Vivian smiled. "My Magnus can be friends with anyone. He will be a good influence."
In the ring, Magnus was demonstrating a hold, moving slowly so Tim could see exactly what would happen. Tim nodded along, but his face had taken on a grayish cast that suggested he was anxious despite his attempts at bravado.
"How is your newest patient?" Kian asked Julian.
"Out of shape but otherwise surprisingly healthy for a guy who thinks exercise is walking from the couch to the refrigerator and back."
Andrew arrived looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. "I can't believe I'm here at this hour. People with little kids should be exempt from attending these midnight ceremonies."
"I'm here." Syssi wrapped her arm around her brother's middle. "You'll live."
"You guilted me into it." His expression softened as he glanced at Tim. "He does look like someone who needs all the support he can get."
Kian had planned to keep things simple, but Syssi was right—Tim deserved a proper ceremony. He hadn't brought the ceremonial wine, but the ritual could be done without it.
He walked up to the ring. "Are you two ready?"
Up close, Tim looked even more nervous, sweat already beading on his forehead despite the cool temperature in the gym, but he nodded.
"Ready as I will ever be," he said.
Kian turned to the small crowd and lifted his hand to draw everyone's attention. "We are gathered here to witness Tim's attempt at transformation. He comes to us vouched for by his ability and sponsored by..." He paused, realizing they'd never formally assigned Tim a sponsor.
"By me," Andrew said. "I vouch for him."
"I second that," Magnus added. "In the short time I've known Tim, I've seen his commitment to this process. He asks good questions and listens to the answers."
Magnus was always generous with his praise.
Kian nodded, adapting the formal words in his head. "Tim comes before us, vouched for by Andrew and seconded by Magnus. Who volunteers to take on the burden of initiating Tim into immortality?"
"I do." Magnus stepped forward, his tall frame dwarfing Tim.
"Tim, do you accept Magnus as your initiator? To respect his guidance and honor the gift he offers?"
Tim swallowed hard, his usual sarcasm nowhere to be found. "I do."
"Does anyone have any objections to this pairing?"
Silence greeted the question, though Kian caught a few surprised looks. Usually, this part of the ceremony was a formality. Tonight, the silence carried weight.
