You gave her a worried look out of the corner of your eye.

“Do you feel up for it? I’ve never planted a Bloodstone in anybody before.”

Young stared down at her hand, flexing it a couple of times before tightening it into a fist. To your supernatural senses, that same fist was becoming encased in a red, pulsing energy. After a moment, you recognized it as your grandmother’s chi. Only, now it felt…’heavier’? Was that the word for it?

There was an undeniable and oppressive density about the life energy that flowed around her fist. At various points in that chi flow, you noticed that the energy would occasionally crackle like lightning.

“Oh, yes. I will not rest until I have repaid Varnae for everything he has done here.”

Her eyes took on that eerie red glow once more, and you could feel your worry deepening. But at the same time…

“Save some for me.” you said, jabbing a thumb back at yourself. “I haven’t wanted to stake a vampire this bad since my parents faked their own deaths.”

You noticed a look of guilt briefly flash over Young’s face, her downcast eyes eventually finding the golden blade resting at your side. Mercy was keeping it close, just in case you needed it.

“Is that Atlantean steel!?”

You nodded, adopting a slightly sheepish grin as you patted it with one hand.

“Yup. It was a gift from mom before I got summoned here.”

Grandma Young slapped a hand to her forehead.

“It looks like that’s not all you took.” she said, pointing at the various potions and pieces of magical equipment you were currently wearing.

“It was an emergency!” you argued.

“Emergency or not, you need to be careful with what you take, or even touch in that shop.” she admonished.

You folded your arms over your chest and raised an eyebrow.

“You seriously think I can’t identify a cursed object when I see one? Mom wouldn't let me out of my room until I could do it with my eyes closed.”

Despite herself, Young grinned and let out a light chuckle.

“Yeah. That sounds like Nari, alright. She taught you well, I see.”

“Yeah. She really did...” you said, wishing that you had gotten a little more time to speak with her.

She nodded.

“Another thing to be grateful for. But there will be time to reminisce later.” she declared. “Now is the time to retake our city.”

You nodded as well, waiting for her to address the citizens of Monster Metropolis.

She turned, cupped a hand to her mouth, and shouted at the top of her lungs.

“Hey everybody! My granddaughter has something to say!”

“Wha-!? Grandma…!” you whined.

She winked at you, grabbed you by the arms, and positioned you to stand in front of her. You gave her an accusatory glare over your shoulder, before turning to face the crowd of monsters now staring directly at you.

Some were giving you dubious looks, but most of them were staring expectantly, as if you were supposed to give them an inspiring pre-battle speech. And you might have, if you were given advance warning and at least a couple of minutes to prepare!