On their way to the village center, they hear loud chants and noise from the area. “Excuse me, but is something happening in the center?” Inara asks.

“Ah, yes. It slipped my mind earlier, but today is the carnival,” Father. Kayden replies.

“What’s that about?” Asks Ace

Enthusiastically, Father Kayden replies. “Today, people from Hans Village and nearby areas gather to open stalls and sell their goods,”

“Some of the best snacks and food are sold today, too,” Radcliff adds.

Rubbing his belly. “You’ve got my attention with food,” Ace says.

Inara shakes her head at Ace.

Should a large gathering even be happening if a monster is on the loose? she thinks.

“We’ll be sure to get you some by the end of the day,” Father. Kayden says.

Ace nudges Inara “We’d love that,” he replies. Bringing her out of her thoughts.

“You can also check out some performances by bards and even witches,” Radcliff says.

“Oh yeah, one of the guards mentioned Inara being a witch,” Ace says, pointing at her.

“Are people with powers common here?” Inara asks.

“Not really. Those who can use mana are still in the minority. But rest assured, we’re not being hunted or anything,” Father. Kayden says.

“We?” Inara and Ace ask in unison.

Father. Kayden laughs. “Oh, yes. Radcliff and I are mana users.”

I guess Ace and I are don't have to worry about hiding our powers

“That’s cool. So you're like us then” Ace asks.

A slight chuckle escapes from Father. Kayden. “Far from it, biologically we're very different.”

“Yes, we call it ketsu,” Inara replies.

“Oh I see, wait, the biology thing is real.” Ace asks with a stunned expression.

Inara looks towards him. “You never knew?”

“More like I never believed. I thought Persephone was pulling my legs as always” Ace says.

Persephone?

Radcliff and Father. Kayden share a laugh while inara stares at Ace.

I really don't know what to think of this guy.

“Lady Persephone is very right Ace. The only similarity members of the 7 realms share is tapping into the same energy.” Father. Kayden says.

“We just happen to call it mana and I'm sure your kind has a different name for it,” Radcliff chimes in.

“Wait, do you know Persephone, Father. Kayden?” Ace asks.

“Oh, I don’t know her personally. I’ve just heard stories here and there. Why do you ask?” Father. Kayden replies.

Scratching his head. “Well, she’s my stepmom,” Ace says

“Oh my Lord. Who would have thought Lady Persephone would have another—” Father. Kayden coughs, interrupting himself. “Never mind. Still very interesting.”

He really didn't grow up in plict. I'll keep my eyes on him for now.

Inara bumps into Ace, pulling him close. “Hey, some advice. Next time, keep that kind of information to yourself,” she whispers.

“I don’t think it’s harmful information, though,” Ace replies.

“Your step-parents are the rulers of the underworld in their pantheon. Letting random people know you’re connected to them just puts a target on your back and makes their lives harder,” she argues.

Ace pauses for a moment. “Oh. I didn’t think of it like that. I’ll be more careful. Thanks for looking out for me,” he replies.

“No problem.” she replies, allowing Ace to move past her.

It’s none of my business anyway.

“Something wrong?” Ace asks, noticing Inara has stopped moving.

“Nothing. Let’s keep going,” she replies.

They finally arrive at the village center, greeted by an eccentric atmosphere. Villagers crowd the streets, with food vendors and stalls lining every turn.

The group continued their walk through the center, where they exchanged greetings with the passersby who took notice of Father. Kayden and Radcliffe.

Moving through a crowded center a stall of witches make their presence known by reaching out. “Father. Kayden, how about letting your guests take a peek into the future?” A witch calls out.

“We really shouldn’t; we need to be somewhere else,” Father. Kayden says urgently.

“Come on, one round each. It’ll be quick, and you even have a blossoming young witch with you. That’ll make things interesting,” another witch says.

“A reading wouldn’t hurt. You wanted us to take part in the carnival eventually anyway,” Ace says.

“Wonderful. The little guy gets it,” the witch says.

Inara stylishly tries to walk away from the situation. “I don't really beli —” is cut short by Ace pulling her into the stall.

“Come on, I'll go first” he says, with Father. Kayden and Radcliff following close behind.

A witch halts them. “Only those ready to be read may proceed” she says looking towards Father. Kayden and Radcliff.

“Then I guess we'll wait here” Father. Kayden says.

“Are you sure it's okay?” Inara asks.

Radcliff nudges them forward. “Of course, have a carnival experience,” he says with a smile.

“Sure” Inara says, barely audible while studying his expression.

“Thanks. We won't take long” Ace says, pulling Inara with him into the stall.

Within the stall the witches lead them into a dimly lit room. Inside is a clothed round table with a somewhat large box on it. One of the three witches sits while the other two stand behind her.

“This is a lot of space for a small stall don't you think?” Ace whispers to Inara who takes a good look around the well ornamented room.

“Maybe Space manipulation” she says.

“You sit” the three witches speak in unison.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Lowering his voice towards Inara. “Cool and Creepy. Wish me luck, ” Ace says.

Good luck I guess. It's not going to be meaningful anyways.

Speaking in unison. “Not you boy. Ladies first” they point to Inara.

“Why me?” She questions.

“Exactly I asked first” Ace argues.

The candles in the room light up and flicker as they spoke. “Those who carry in themselves cursed blood shall always be honored by witches. So please sit child”

Inara looks towards Ace and shrugs her soldiers.

Ace sighs. “Fine I'll watch for now, go first” he sulks, making his way to a mat in the corner of the room.

Inara takes her seat at the table facing the witches.

“Any questions before we begin?” They ask.

“What did you mean by cursed blood?” She asks.

They cackle for a bit before responding. “We're not from your realm, so you best can answer that question better than we can. From our perspective you just feel familiar.”

Inara stares down at the witches.

Calm down, it's just a party trick. They can't know what happens in plict.

“If that's all please put your hand in the box. You'll feel a small prick.” They say.

After a little hesitation Inara places her hand through a slit in the box.

“Ouch, ” she quickly pulls her hand out. To see dots of blood on her five fingers.

I don't like this.

Shortly after words. The box springs open releasing multiple cards into the air. The cards fall face down on the table neatly stacked on top of each other.

Then suddenly they spread out into a row of five before shuffling themselves back into a single deck. Finally three cards shoot out from the deck flipping themselves over before the witches.

I can't lie, that was really amazing to watch. Now for the real magic trick.

The witch picks up the first card and reveals it to Inara. “The Death Card Reversed Position. This tells us how you view yourself. And right now you see yourself as a cancer that needs to be cut from this world.”

She places it down and reveals the second card. “The Emperor Card, Advice Position. This tells us you'll find yourself in a situation that requires you to dig deep and find the will to be your final authority. A sovereignty that only those with royalty in their blood possess.”

“And finally” Revealing the last card. “The Death Card, Love Position. This reveals to us that In the end, the challenges that lie ahead of you is an opportunity to let go of it all and shed off old woes and identities much like a snake shedding its skin. Only then will you begin to walk the path of eternity.”

Upon their last word the cards returned themselves into the box. “Next” they announce.

Slamming her hands on the table as she gets up with frightened eyes. “Wait, I have questions.” she yells.

“And we do not respond to such. Out!” They command and Inara finds herself outside the stall.

Squinting her eyes to the sudden brightness of the sunny afternoon.“What, when did I? —”

“I see you got kicked out” Father. Kayden says with a hand on her shoulder.

“How did you know?” She asks, feeling her hands.

“Not our first time,” Father. Kayden replies.

Ace then appears with the witches from the stall.

“Really? That's it. I was expecting something else, ” he argues.

Patting his head a witch replies. “Sorry kid, that's all we've got for you. If you don't relate to it you most likely don't know yourself well enough at the moment, ” she says.

With crossed arms and a suspicious gaze Ace replies. “Or you're wrong, ”

The three witches look at each other before bursting into a Loud laugh. “Rest assured kid, we're never wrong, ” one of them replies.

“True, so far they've been wrong about someone” Radcliff says, making the payment to the witches.

“Pleasure doing business with you. Stop by some other time,” They announce.

As they depart from the stall Ace calls out to Inara. “Hey you alright? ”

She bluntly replies. “I don't like them.”

Ace laughs, while Father. Kayden chimes in. “They surprisingly grow on you. Let's get moving shall we?”

“Sure, ” Inara and Ace reply in Unison.

Oh right I should ask him.

While they begin to walk towards the church. Inara pulls Ace behind and asks. “Hey so what was your reading? If you don't mind sharing”

“Sure I don't mind, I recorded it on my Pocket” He says fiddling with his wristband.

Inara sighs. “Why didn't I think of that, ” she says Palming her forehead.

“You looked pretty stressed in there so don't be too hard on yourself, ” Ace says.

“Still I should have known better,” she mutters to herself.

A display screen appears above Ace’s hand. “Ooh. It's playing. ” He calls out to Inara.

“Your first Card is The Fool's Card, Reversed Position. Mentally you see yourself weak, perhaps for psychological reasons. But there's no doubt you're a far cry from a finished article.

The second card is The Devil Card, Advise Position. You will find yourself in a situation where the only way out is to accept the depths of your soul. Hiding nothing, Asserting your Agenda and above all being honest with yourself.

And finally, The Wheel Of Fortune Card, Reversed Position. The challenges that lie ahead will break you. It may seem you've hit rock bottom but it is then the path to renew yourself is clear. Just as you've fallen from great heights you'll rise from the ashes to greater skies.”

“And done, what do you think, ” Ace asks

Inara pauses to think for a moment.

He said he couldn't relate to any of it.

“It's very similar to mine,” Inara replies.

“I know right. I'm thinking they made a mistake” Ace whines.

“Ace, are you sure you can't relate to anything they said?” Inara asks.

“Yeah I'm pretty sure”

It's his life anyway. I should worry about mine.

“Alright” then. Let's catch up to Father. Kayden and Radcliff.” She says.

A few moments later, they arrive in front of the church, with Father. Kayden gesturing for one of the nuns to come forward. “Please get me sister Lily,” he says.

“We didn't even see much of the carnival,” Ace complains

With crossed arms. “I blame those witches. They took too much of our time,” Inara adds.

“You'll have plenty of time. It lasts a whole week, ” Father. Kayden replies with a chuckle.

Just then a ball hits Father. Kayden on the leg with A group of groups not far behind.

“Sorry Father. , ” a brown haired boy says walking up to him.

Handing the ball over. “No problem. Are you heading to the village greens? ” Father. Kayden asks.

“Yes, carnival games are going to start soon,” he says.

“Well let me not hold you here any longer. Enjoy, ” Father. Kayden says.

“We will,” the boy responds, running away while a nun dressed in black appears.

“Did I interrupt something, ” she asks.

“Of course not, Inara, this is Sister Lily,” Father. Kayden says, pointing towards her.

“Might I know your name?” Sister Lily asks.

“My name is Inara,” she replies.

She's so pale.

Sister Lily takes Inara’s hand in both of hers. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Inara. May the Lord grant you success in this test.”

Inara feels a slight spark of electricity in her hand, though it doesn’t seem to catch Sister Lily’s attention.

Inara musters a fake smile. She’s a nun, so why am I getting this uneasy feeling? she wonders.

Inara awkwardly pulls her hand back and hides it behind her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too. This is my friend Ace,” Inara says, trying to break the awkwardness.

To her surprise, Sister Lily looks at her with a confused expression. “Uhm, who are you pointing to?” Sister Lily asks.

Finally, Inara notices Ace’s absence. Inara begins to look around, panicking.

Oh my God, where did that boy go? It’s not like he knows his way around here, she thinks.

“Looks like he wandered off into the center,” Father. Kayden says.

“I’m really sorry for this. I’ll go look for him,” Inara says, bowing her head. She tries to message Ace using the screen on her bracelet.

Huh, that’s weird. There’s no signal. Hmm. I’ll leave a message; it should send when the signal comes back.

Father. Kayden laughs. “Perhaps you should focus on heading to the barn. It's the closest of the two locations the monster attacked. Let Radcliff go find him.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I feel like we’re letting you help us a bit too much,” Inara replies.

“Don’t think too much about it. It’s a small village. It won’t be that hard to find him,” Radcliff says.

“Thank you for your help. And once again, sorry about him,” Inara says.

“Well then, since things are settled, Sister Lily will guide you to the barn. Feel free to ask her any questions you might have,” Father. Kayden says.

“What about you?” Inara asks Father. Kayden.

“I’m afraid I have to focus on filling in for the mayor and finding a medicine that works for his illness,” he replies.

“Oh. Best of luck to you then,” Inara says.

“Shall we?” Sister Lily asks.

“Yes, lead the way, please,” Inara replies.

They begin walking towards the barn, while Inara thinks to herself.

I wouldn’t want to be Father. Kayden right now. He’s essentially juggling two, maybe three jobs. And as for Ace, I didn’t even notice when he left us.

I'm a bit distracted but that's actually impressive—rude but impressive. Plus, I don’t know if any of his mess-ups will affect my test grade. This is frustrating. She sighs loudly.

“You sound frustrated,” Sister Lily comments.

“Oh, sorry. I’m just overthinking things,” Inara says.

“Here, let me calm you down with a hymn from the church,” Sister Lily offers.

Hesitant at first, Inara agrees awkwardly. “Uhm, sure. Let’s hear it.”

Sister Lily clears her throat and begins to sing:

“The Devil goes and takes the king,

And in the depths of Hell, he does fling.

The people cheer and dance with glee,

For the king's death finally sets them free.

They celebrate all through the night,

And thank the Devil for his might.

They know the price is steep and high,

But for their freedom, they're willing to die.”

After the hymn, Inara stares at Sister Lily with a blank expression.

She has an amazing voice, just as you’d expect from someone like her. But this uneasiness I feel—it’s hard to tell if it’s from the words she sang, from her, or both.

“What did you think of the hymn?” Sister Lily asks.

With a forced smile, Inara responds, “You sounded amazing. But those words scared me a bit.”

“No need to be afraid, Inara. After all, at the end of the day, the Devil always ends up in Hell,” Sister Lily says with a smile, looking at Inara.

Inara just smiles back, hiding her hand, which is currently buzzing with electricity. As they continue walking in silence she thinks,

The sparks never lie. This woman is not human. Test or not, we need to be careful from now on. Hopefully, I find Ace in time.

They continue their walk to the barn, with Inara choosing to stay behind Sister Lily, occasionally glancing at her from behind. Eventually, they arrive at the barn, and Inara immediately notices damaged areas of the field and a hole through the farmhouse door.

Inara examines the field, taking a sample of the soil from the damaged areas. “Fire was definitely used here,” she murmurs, rubbing the soil between her fingers and running an electric current through the ground without Sister Lily’s knowledge.

“These are scorch marks and—.” Inara frowns before quickly putting on a neutral expression. “I’ll check the farmhouse just to be sure,” she comments to herself.

Inara walks over to the farmhouse with Sister Lily not far behind. While Inara enters the farmhouse, Sister Lily remains outside.

Inara notices broken metal stables, unburnt hay, and sees that the barn doors were blown open from the outside, with a smaller hole on the side of the barn towards its rear end.

Inara takes a moment to sit down on a pile of hay.

All signs point to a fight between two people, no monster was here.

Occasionally glaring in the direction of the ever-smiling Sister Lily.

Just as I thought. There are either demons or a devil in this village. Inara’s gaze remains fixed on Sister Lily.

“Can I help you with something, Inara? You’ve been looking my way for quite some time,” Sister Lily asks.

Whoever fought here must have had some form of divine ability, to force a demon to use demonic flames.

“Actually, I was thinking of moving something over here, but it looks heavy to lift alone. Can you help me with it?” Inara asks.

If divination was used, its embers should still linger inside this barn. Any devil or demon that crosses that door right now will get a burn.

Inara stares patiently waiting, anticipating Sister Lily’s response.

“Sorry, but we sisters are not allowed where the blood of pigs has been spilled. However, I don’t mind heading back to the village and finding someone else to help,” Sister Lily says.

Inara just smiles. “Of course, take your time. I’ll be waiting right here.”

“Well, see you then,” Sister Lily says, taking her leave.

Inara breathes a heavy sigh.

It’s probably best this way. I wouldn’t want a situation where there’s more than one coming at me. She probably doesn’t know what to expect from me as well.

She lays down fully on the haystack. “This whole test is becoming annoying,” she says, rolling up her sleeve to look at her tattoo. “I hope I won’t have to use this today.” She sighs deeply before closing her eyes. “I wonder if Radcliff has found Ace yet,” she says to herself.