“Yes, I've been tracking it for a while. But it's just bubbling right now. The cultivation association won't act because of this. Especially since we don't even know the source of it or what exactly will set off the tribulation.” Johan says as he leans back in his chair.

“Well we have to do something. We can't just let it happen without trying!” Jesse calls out, hoping that Johan had an idea in mind.

“There's nothing we can do, Jesse. If it was an approaching disaster we could see or if it was an enemy we could fight then maybe, but there’s nothing for us to do. We just…” Johan says before trailing off.

“Gotta take the hit… Fuck…” Taylor exclaims in defeat before a thought crosses his mind. “You know… Hanz has been saying some pretty weird shit lately…” He says, hinting at the possibility.

Johan chuckles. “I wouldn’t doubt it if it was him. But like I said, the association isn’t going to act because of a few words.” He says, stating the situation.

“We could… you know…” Taylor’s dad starts to say with a bored expression.

“What?” Taylor asks with a raised eyebrow.

“We could treat the symptoms… Release some tension… A little bloodletting, if you know what I mean…” Taylor’s dad says with some cutting gestures.

Johan chuckles. “It could work. But I’m lazy. I’d rather just let the tribulation hit me where it hurts. Don’t tell me you’re afraid of a fight?” He asks, a hint of taunt in his voice.

Taylor’s dad also lets out a chuckle. “I don’t care too much for the violence. I’m just worried about the kids. You know how they are. Always whining. Why do I have to go to school and learn about the world? Why do I need to learn respect and boundaries? What do you mean I can’t do whatever I want?” He says with a mocking voice. “They’d crumble like a stack of cards against a tribulation. I normally wouldn’t care if the cowards burned, but… some these little shits are worth saving…” He says with a sigh.

Jesse eyes brighten at those words. I like him. She thinks with a smile.

“Well if you want to play doctor and try to fix the world, you can. But I’m going to sit this one out. I find that the world tends to fix itself. When it needs us, it will call.” Johan says with a wave of his hand.

“Yeah, I’d rather be lazy too. I’m not in the mood to run around looking for ghosts.” Taylor says with a wave of his hand.

Jesse gives Taylor a mean glare. Why aren’t you more like your dad? She thinks with some exasperation.

“Also, I kind of want to face it full force. I’ve never experienced a tribulation before.” Taylor says, his interest caught.

Johan gives Jesse a look and she shakes her head. “You should tell him. It’s about time this bastard takes responsibility. I’m a little tired of seeing him pretend to be a kid.” He says, a little anger in his voice.

Jesse sighs and looks to Taylor. “Taylor, the world picked you out.” She says, causing Taylor to raise an eyebrow.

“Picked me out? Picked me out for what?” He asks with creased brows. This didn't sound good… He couldn’t help but think.

“It picked you out as the vanguard. I’m pretty sure the world is going to start throwing weird shit at you. If the tribulation is starting then it will hit you first.” She explains seriously.

Taylor eyes open wide. “What? Fuck that! What do you mean I’m the vanguard!?” He asks, hoping for a way out of it. I hate it when the world is involved. It’s always some weird shit. He thinks, a little pissed.

“I mean you’ve been selected as a candidate. Whenever a tribulation happens there are a few people who are able to use it to rise to the top. You’ll be given that chance. As for whether you can succeed, that’s up to you. But considering your work ethic for the last several years…” Jesse says, lack of confidence apparent on her face.

“What?” Taylor asks, reluctant but a little intrigued. Not many would say no to the opportunity, but for Taylor… There were a lot of things that he would not sacrifice, even if given the chance. He understood his priorities and strength would always be below the parts of his life that he truly cared for. “Can I say no? I'm content to ride out the tribulation with everyone else, but I don’t want to take the brunt of it. Actually, I don’t think I could handle it. I don’t want to sound like a bitch but I’m only on the fifth stage.” Taylor says with some worry.

“You do sound like a bitch, Taylor. Kerry, are you going to say something to him? It smells like shame and anxiety in the room.” Johan says with disdain.

Taylor’s dad shakes his head. “Taylor, if you’re my son, you’ll take it in the ass like a man.” He says with disappointment in his voice.

Taylor’s eyes open wide. “What! Fuck you guys! How is that manly!?” He exclaims, thinking that these old guys have gone crazy.

“Taylor. Sometimes a man just has to get fucked. There’s nothing to be ashamed about. If you want to get high, you have to bend over sometimes; that’s just nature.” Johan says like it was obvious, a little teasing leaking out of his voice.

“Fuck you guys. I’m not listening to you.” Taylor says before deciding to ignore them.

Johan sighs. “You’re going to get fucked anyway, Taylor. You might as well enjoy it.” He says before bursting out into laughter. Taylor’s dad also begins to laugh out loud; he wouldn't quite put it into the same words as Johan, but he wasn't wrong.

Taylor’s eyes open wide with shock. “You guys are fucked.” He says, slightly pissed. I hate being the kid in the room. Old people can all suck a dick. He thinks with some bitterness.