Okotan Adventures: The Dark

[Winger]

@Ghid

“You have failed.” Makuta’s voice was soft and quiet, just audible enough for Ilya to be their only recipient, as the mask maker’s violet eyes returned to his. “I set a test of your skill before you and you failed in every possible capacity. You did not lead your team, you did not approach the enemy, you did not exhibit the slightest hint of bravery. By every possible account, you have failed.”

Ilya …

Didn’t flinch.

For the barest second, other thoughts flashed through Ilya’s mind. First, thoughts of defense. He wasn’t suicidal, and the Makuta was clearly more dangerous up close. It had been tactical, not cowardly. Ilya had few real weapons. He had only just been appointed leader, he-

He no longer cared. He stared almost straight up, doing his best to meet Makuta’s towering gaze. What had once been awe-tinted disdain had shifted to weakly masked loathing.

He regretted it immediately. Of course he cared. He didn’t want to become disgrace, to be branded a pariah by a Mask Maker. Maybe he had never asked for - let alone wanted - leadership. But that didn’t mean that subservience was a desirable or viable alternative.

Failure. That word stung like memories, but with the sting came a morbid humor. Makuta called him a failure, in this. But Makuta was wrong. Ilya knew what it was to fail. It was nothing like this.

He looked down again.

That didn’t matter anymore. Failure was failure. He would be replaced. He didn’t know what would happen then. He wouldn’t desert. But being forced to trail along as a disgrace would be even worse. Maybe he’d be discharged.

@Ghid

“So perhaps the notion has crossed your mind that I would revoke your position and hand it off to someone far more capable, more competent at fighting, like Cheshie has proved herself to be.” He continued, slowly circling the Okotan while looking casually at the ceiling, before his eyes whipped back around with a menacing air.

Ilya looked up again. Makuta didn’t seem to be one for second chances.

@Ghid

“ Wrong. There is one truth in this universe, Ilya, and that is every Okotan fulfills his Destiny. You try to weasel out of yours at your own risk.”

Ilya hadn’t-

That wasn’t-

Was it? It was.

Of course. Because you’re a coward. A failure. A coward.

@Ghid

“In spite of your secondary title, you will be doing the majority of the commanding on the field.” Makuta broke eye contact once more, having his back mostly to Ilya. “I know Tullus, and he is a skilled marksman, but he is not destined to lead. You will fill the void, or your team will abandon you for someone stronger.”

“What say you?”

Ilya knew, then. He understand. This wasn’t a second chance. It was nothing like that.

It was like being an insect pinned on a card.

Ilya really did flinch at that thought. He met the Makuta’s eyes again. Less blatant hate, more bitter resolve.

“I …” His voice seemed too thin and too taciturn for addressing a Mask Maker. “I don’t …” Say something. Not something weak, not something disrespectful. He spoke in a lowered tone, to the Makuta, not the others. “I don’t know I believe in destiny’s predictability.”