human
Arakiya:  "Because without that, the soldiers cannot get to the island.”
gpt
Al:  “That ain’t gonna be easy.”
human
Arakiya:  “Hmm,” Arakiya said, annoyed at how quickly Al poked a hole in her plan when he heard what she was after. It was an adorable reaction, very much expected of a girl her age, but unfortunately for her, what Al said was true. She would not find it easy to do. As long as the drawbridge between the island and the mainland was up, the troops from the capital wouldn’t be able to assault Ginonhive. In other words, that drawbridge was the lifeline of the sword slaves currently occupying the island, and they would know it. Which meant only one thing:
gpt
Arakiya:  “The strongest card they have in their hand is going to be played there. And the strongest card on this island is a monster named the Hornet. We call her the Empress of the sword slaves.”
human
Al:  “The Empress…of the sword slaves? Is she strong?”
gpt
Al:  “Remember how you found me mostly dead? She did that to me,” Al said, pointing to himself.
human
Arakiya:  “—? Does that mean she’s strong?” Arakiya’s question was not really answered. Al’s prowess was likely a matter of debate in her eyes. He only had one arm, he’d been clinging to life when she found him, and Arakiya herself was probably no slouch in a fight. He couldn’t blame her if she didn’t think much of him. But there was no question about the Hornet’s strength. There was no one on the island who could stand against her, and even the strongest warriors in the empire might have their hands full in a straight fight. Even Arakiya, who appeared to be stronger than Al, was likely no exception.
gpt
Al:  “Might be a different story if you put it off a while, grow up strong and healthy first. You got a few years to kill before you need that drawbridge down?”
human
Arakiya:  “No… I have things I must do.” Arakiya shook her head and gave the obvious answer.
gpt
Al:  “Figures.” Al smiled ruefully but got to his feet, supporting himself against the wall. He still felt a little light-headed from blood loss, but he thought he could move if he focused on it.
human
Arakiya:  Arakiya watched him stand, then blinked her large eyes. "What are you going to do?”
gpt
Al:  “What’ve I got to do? You need to get to that island, right, young lady? You’ll need someone who knows their way around the place if you want to get that drawbridge down. That’s why you helped me—right?”
human
Arakiya:  “…Oh!”
gpt
Al:  “Don’t tell me you forgot! …Ooh. Yelling makes a guy’s head spin…” Al smiled at Arakiya, realizing she was the type to get lost in whatever she was doing at that moment. Here was the reality: Going back to an island bristling with enemies was suicidal no matter how many lives he had. But going with Arakiya? That was another story. His life might hardly be worth a grain of sand, but he owed it to her.