The Soul Keeper

"Why should I take this thing with me?" I protested at her suggestion. The chain lay on the ground still. "It could have killed me!"

"Yet it didn't. It's clearly magical in nature. It could prove to be a very useful tool." Rina calmly explained. "It'd be a waste if you let it be here. Besides," A glimpse of a wicked smile appeared on her lips for a moment. "We don't know what it did to you. It could cause you great trouble if it fell into the hands of others."

"It could cause me great trouble if it zaps me in the middle of a fight too!" I waved my hands around. "Rina, I already have enough cursed stuff with me."

"I'm not letting you leave unless you take it." She said with a deadly glare. I flinched. She was much more powerful than me, she could easily realise her threat and then some more.

"I'm blaming you if this thing gets me killed." I grumbled as I reluctantly took the chain and put it in my inventory.

"Of course," She said with a smile. "I'm also taking credit if it saves your life." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"Ugh," I gave up on the conversation and brushed past her. "Let's just go before I find more cursed stuff." She giggled and followed me.

The cold night breeze touched my skin as we stepped outside. Alex was waiting right there, with her back leaning on a tree. She joined us as soon as she saw us leave the old ruins.

"What did you guys find?" Her eyes sparked with curiosity.

"A bunch of old stuff that we can sell and a magic chain that I made him take with him." Rina said with a straight face. Alex paused for a moment.

"I'd rather leave it there but..." I mumbled. "Oh well."

"What does the chain do?" Alex asked. Rina shrugged as I answered immediately.

"It zaps me." Maybe it was my words, or maybe the fact that we'd survived our adventure, all of us suddenly burst laughing. Once we regained our composure, Rina suggested we go back to Stonepatch Village. Both Alex and I agreed, we were exhausted.

We descended the cliff much easier and faster than our climb. By the time we had reached the forest floor, we were joking around and laughing.

"So, wait." I said with a grin. "You both have younger sisters, and that's how you met?"

They nodded. "Rina hated my guts for a long time before we finally became friends." Alex said with a chuckle. "All it took was a thunderstorm and a burnt dish."

"What?" I said with a laugh. "What kind of a weird situation is that?"

"We ended up friends after that, so that's all that matters." Rina smiled. They glanced at each other as we passed through the forest.

"What about you, Kai? What was your life like, out there?"

I shrugged. "I studied, I trained. It was simple."

Alex wrapped her arm around my shoulder. "That's it?"

I hesitated. "Well, I met Samantha and the others." I nervously laughed. "I guess that's how I ended up here." If I hadn't met them, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't be stuck. It wasn't a pleasant way to think, but it wasn't a lie either.

"I see," Rina mumbled.

"I'm sure your family will be glad to see you when we get out of here." Alex said with a smile. I flinched. I wasn't sure if I'd survive meeting Mother.

"What?" She squeezed my shoulders. "You can tell me."

"Ah, it's..." I hesitated. "I'm not very close with my family. They'll probably just be angry that I got myself trapped in a virtual world." I chuckled. "My sister will never stop messing with me for it." Despite my words, I'd kill to be able to see her again.

Both women chuckled, though there seemed to be some sadness in their eyes. They probably pitied me.

The rest of our walk passed in silence. Soon, the lights of the village illuminated the path ahead. As the ground beneath our feet changed to a cobblestone path, it was time to bid each other good night.

"I know you'll tag along with Samantha and the others Kai, but can we ask for your help from time to time?" Rina asked.

"Of course, I'll be there if you need me." I said with a smile. Alex smiled and gave a rib-crushing hug. Rina was gentler than her. "Just... Don't let them hold you back, ok Kai?"

"Don' worry, I won't. I still have to catch up to you two." I said with a grin. They laughed, then headed towards the southern side of town.

I slowly made my way to the tavern. It was a bit past midnight, probably 2 a.m. or so. I didn't know where Erik and the others stayed for the night. I could probably ask the barkeep though. I stepped on a loose stone and almost lost my footing. As I regained my balance, I felt a little saddened. Alex had been helping both me and Rina whenever we stumbled during our climb. I already missed listening to their friendly banter.

The tavern was still as lively as before. All the lights were on and I could hear the feint humming of low voices. Someone laughed every once in a while, disturbing the calm evening. I hesitated before going through the door.

I could see about five occupied tables. While most of the customers were Ereth, a particular table immediately caught my attention. Five familiar figures were playing cards. As I stood there stunned, Joshua hit the table with his palm, and with a huge grin, said something. I only faintly heard his voice, but I think he declared his victory.

"Oh, it's you." I looked around, trying to figure out whose voice it was. The barkeep waved at me, prompting me to approach the counter. "On the house." She said placing a large glass filled with orange liquid on the counter. "As thanks for killing the cursed bird."

I flinched. "How did you know?"

She smiled and gestured to the side, where two Ereth sat slouched over what seemed like a bunch of paper. "They're with the Guild. Apparently, the Crystal let them know of what happened." She sighed. "The two girls here had been trying to get to the damned thing for a week now. I'm glad you helped them out."

I tapped the glass as I spoke with a low voice. "They helped me more than I helped them." I chuckled. "It was fun, they're good people."

"That they are." She glanced at Erik's table. "Can't say the same for everyone here."

"They're not evil." I mumbled. "They're not used to hardships." They had spent their entire lives surrounded with wealth. I'd bet on my life none of them had ever even learned how to cook. They didn't have the abilities and experience to adapt to this situation.

"Are you?" The barkeep asked with a grin. "Aren't you like them? Don't you come from the same place?"

I shook my head. "No. I'm not like them. We only happened to meet by chance." I sighed, finished my glass, and stretched my arms. "Thank you for the drink. It was delicious. I'd like to come again if I get the chance."

"I'll save you an open seat." She said with a smile. I nodded and left the counter. As I approached the table, Alina noticed me and shouted. "Oh hey! Look who's back!"