The next day was sunny and way warmer, than these past couple of days, but I was feeling dead and sleepy, thanks to that party. My legs wanted to fold up and my eyes were closing by themselves, while I was stading outside, thinking, that fresh air will wake me up. We still had one free day till we would had to come back and thinking about the way back made me shudder. I noticed Thea coming to my direction with something in her hand. She greeted me and handed me a glass with unknown liquid. After last night's betrayal, I was distrustful of the drink.
- Come on... it's for your hangover. It will help! - She said. - Trust me.
After some hesitation I took a sip. Not really tasty.
- So... what are we going to do today? - I asked with tired voice.
- Well, there is a change of plans.
- What do you mean?
- I got a call from Noiry. They've been attacked by monsters. We need to come back today, so get ready and meet me near the gate in two hours.
- Attacked?! Are they alright?
- For now they are fine, but they noticed increased number of monsters, so I don't know for how long they will be able to hold.
- Give me ten minutes! - I said with determination. - I will get my things and we can leave immediately!
- The fastest we can leave is in half an hour. They need to prepare our bike. - She held my shoulder, stopping me. - But go get your stuff and we will meet up near the gate.
We split up to prepare for departure. I was worried about Noiry and others, I wanted to come back as fast as possible.
I was standing near the gate as I saw Thea leading the bike closer to me. We hopped on the bike and began our journey back to the "Red Star" house, I've already forgotten about my hangover as my thoughts began to wander in so many directions and heart pumping from stress.
We were moving fast through different paths of the forest, Thea didn't wanted to go near the Botanic Garden again. I've noticed something in the distance - through the thick layer of trees I saw a big bridge, leading to the giant gate, a washed out silhouettes of, presumably, skyscrapers behind it. They didn't seem to be destroyed, gleaming and reflecting the rays of the setting sun. I asked Thea if we can stop for a moment. She stopped the bike near the cliff, where we had a better view.
- What is that? - I asked with interest.
- This? - She pointed her finger to the city. - These are some fucking lucky people, who closed themselves away from all the problems, what we have. - She said with angry huff.
- What do you mean?
- When the monsters showed up, they closed the gates, so no creature or disaster would come through... to protect their own asses. We asked for help many times, but the soldiers just kept pushing us away.
I wasn't sure, what to think about it, but some part of me started to think, that maybe I could find Shaun there. I stared at the city, lost in my mind, but Thea shook me off quickly.
- What if my brother is there? - I asked. - How can I get to this city?
- You can't. - She looked at me like I was completely crazy. - As soon as you step on the bridge, they will start shooting to you. They have snipers on top of this gate, waiting for any fool, who would try to get to the city. - She turned away. - There is no way your brother is there, Joker.
I joined Thea on the bike, still glancing at the city over my shoulder. Despite Thea's words, the question "what if?" was still in my head.
The path we followed was longer, than the last one and the darkness of the night didn't make it easier. I was holding onto Thea tight out of fear of falling of the bike, the stones on the road were causing the bike to shake. We were thankful, that the rain was absent at least on this journey. We were driving close to the clif, when we heard the screams of the monsters. Many... many screams. Thea stopped the bike near the entrance to the bridge, that stretched between two cliffs. We fell silent, trying to hear anything, but the screams stopped as well. I looked at the bridge, it was long, old and made out of wood. I doubted, that we would be able to cross it with the heavy bike. Thea suggested to lead the bike to the other side, slowly and carefuly. I agreed and so we got off the bike, Thea took the lead and I followed behind with my bow ready, just in case. I've glanced behind me at the deep forest and then I saw them... herd of red, glowing eyes. My heartbeat has increased, when the monsters have emerged from the forest to attack us.
-Thea, we need to hurry! - I screamed as she went back on the bike.
- Jump on!
I looked at the bridge again and I heard a cracking sound.
- Go! The bridge will break in a moment! I will hold them off!
- What?! Are you crazy?!
- Go! - I shouted as I fired the first arrow.
I heard the engine start up and the bike moving away from me. The cracking sounds were getting louder. I fired coupe more of the ghost arrows at the monsters and managed to stop some, but there still were many more coming at me. I noticed the wood crumbling under my feet, it was time for me to run. I gathered all my strength in my legs to escape the disaster. I saw Thea made it to the other side, waiting for me. As I ran to her the bridge fell apart before me. It was still too far away for me to teleport there and then I saw a terror in Thea's eyes. I knew, that I will not make it to the other side.
- Joker! - She screamed.
I began to fall down with the parts of the wood and monsters, who didn't stop in time. I looked down at my doom, I saw stones, sharp like daggers and darkness underneath, whistling of the wind was covering my ears and after this the impact of the ground reached me.
Art Page 14 P1 by Kinia24Lara [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/82661c93-9351-4e6d-b82f-6e1e720e90f5/df00ry3-ffa56f26-c367-482f-b5d9-725767b01bee.png/v1/fill/w_1280,h_602,q_80,strp/art_page_14_p1_by_kinia24lara_df00ry3-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NjAyIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvODI2NjFjOTMtOTM1MS00ZTZkLWI4MmYtNmUxZTcyMGU5MGY1XC9kZjAwcnkzLWZmYTU2ZjI2LWMzNjctNDgyZi1iNWQ5LTcyNTc2N2IwMWJlZS5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI4MCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.12p9GaHVEOs0aerGaQlj1zUy3Fj_SIlYHKp2mBO7t_w]
Not knowing how much time had passed, I've opened my eyes and I saw puddles of blood and dead monsters around me. The sounds of fighting in the distance got my attention, someone was having a hard time fighting against the creatures, that survived the fall. I tried to get up from the ground, but the tremendous pain pierced my right leg. I looked at it, my leg was broken and I couldn't move it at all, but I've noticed, that my weapons were gone as well. I needed something to protect myself with, then I saw one of my arrows laying down on the ground in front of me. I quickly crawled to get it, when the scream of the last monster went silent. The fog was covering everything down here, I squinted, trying to see the figure, but could only hear the sound of steps coming towards me. I tightened my grip on the arrow and pulled it out in front of me like a sword, even though I knew it wouldn't do much. Then I saw something, glowing red light, moving closer and closer. It was a weapon, glowing red katana and a mysterious person wielding it. He walked slowly and quietly, having his head down, so I couldn't see his face. Suddenly, a man raised his weapon and quickly striked down, making a red vertical wave pass me by, killing the last creature, that was sneaking behind me. I looked at him with terror and surprise, not knowing, what he could do next and if I will be his next victim. He finally raised his head, red eyes piercing through me. I couldn't see his full face because of bandana and fur from the jacket. I kept holding my arrow, shaking from fear and pain.
Art Page 14 P2 by Kinia24Lara [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/82661c93-9351-4e6d-b82f-6e1e720e90f5/df00rz4-85642455-55e3-4cca-9a7c-12ac6b324fda.png/v1/fill/w_1280,h_585,q_80,strp/art_page_14_p2_by_kinia24lara_df00rz4-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NTg1IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvODI2NjFjOTMtOTM1MS00ZTZkLWI4MmYtNmUxZTcyMGU5MGY1XC9kZjAwcno0LTg1NjQyNDU1LTU1ZTMtNGNjYS05YTdjLTEyYWM2YjMyNGZkYS5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI4MCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.bCQmKfHiuX8PdSViJ_m4W667v26kD6d53POxfI91yXQ]
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- Who are you?! - I screamed.
A man stopped walking and his katana disappeared.
- Your old friend. - He said in deep and calm voice.
- Friend?
- Don't you recognize my voice? - He started walking to my direction again. - Is your memory failing you already?
Then it struck me - in the past, when I got free from the stone, I've met a man, who helped me out and called himself my new "friend", his name was...
- Ven? - I said quietly, still unsure.
He crouched down beside me and extended his arm to me.
- I was afraid you wouldn't remember my name.
He helped me to stand up and sat me down on a nearest stone. Then Ven bandaged my leg, using some pieces of wood to stiffen it more. I wasn't sure what to do or even what to say, he knew who I really am and I knew, what he would do to me.
- You are a Keeper, right? - I asked with some doubt in my voice.
He just looked at me with cold eyes as he finished taking care of my leg.
- I WAS a Kepper. - He said, sounding more angry. - Not anymore.
- I'm sorry... - I tried to calm him down. - I didn't wish to upset you.
Ven sighed heavily, looking away from a moment and then focusing his eyes on me again.
- You know more, than I thought. - He got closer to me. - I don't have an intention to kill you, Joker. I'm here to protect you from your own derivative proceedings.
- My what?
- This world doesn't feel compassion towards Ghosts, or, let alone, have any empathy towards them... towards you. Yet you are walking everywhere and spreading the word about who you really are. That's really irrational.
I felt strangely awkward by this situation. He was right in some way, but I still did not understand everything.
- What should I do then? - I asked.
- Be more careful. - He replied shortly.
- But... - His eyes somehow got more angry looking, when I started speaking. - Why are you helping me?
He sighed again and moved a little away from me, looking up at the not so visible sky.
- When I was a Kepper, my purpose was based on one thing - keeping the future save. Keepers have the power to look into the future and comprehend it. - He pulled out a glowing gold orb. - It wasn't an easy job. Even when we knew the line of the future, we didn't know how to defend it. How to make it right. And then Ghosts were our other "complication". - He looked back at me. - Their purpose was to suppress any obstacle, to get to the ultimate goal. Destruction of the world and reborn of a new, where they would be gods and rule how they wish. - These words scared me, but he continued. - In the generation there always was only one Ghost, who could do that... a "chosen one". This Ghost was our real target. If the chosen one died, the other one would be selected in the future... and so on and so forth. It was like a spiral. - He paused for a moment.
- I don't want to destroy the world... - I said.
- You can say that, but Keepers won't listen. It's the purpose, no matter what... and this is how things fell apart... - He looked sad, like some kind of bad memory creeped on him. - We fell to the darkness, that we have created ourselves... - After a while he shook off the dark memories. - But I won't be talking about this nonsense. The point is, my dear friend, that there is still one more Keeper, who wants your head. - He looked at me again with those cold eyes. - And he won't stop, until he will complete the purpose. - Suddenly, Ven went silent and his cold eyes shifted to more friendly and warm. - My apologies... I don't want to scare you... I just want to warn you.
- I understand... I will try to be more careful. - I said hesitantly.
Then he stared at my leg, probably doubting, that I can walk by my own and he would be right. I felt heavy and low on energy to even stand up from the rock, that I was sitting on. He grabbed my arm and put it around his shoulder, helping me to stand up. Then I remembered about my weapons, scattered somewhere around this place. I asked him, if he could help me out to find them. Ven leaned me against the rocky wall and began the search. It didn't took long till he returned with my bow and knife, handling them back to me. I touched his hand for a moment, it was cold like ice. He lifted me again and we started walking through the thick darkness.
After a couple of minutes we saw the light, the fresh air touched my skin as we exited the shadows. I still couldn't move my leg and my breathing was getting heavier by each step. I wasn't bleeding, but I felt like I could puke with blood at any moment. Ven noticed me struggling and pulled me closer, so that he was almost carrying me.
- You know, that you are not immortal, right? - He asked.
I forced myself to nod, because I couldn't get a word out of my mouth. I was getting dizzy and my eyes heavy, after a while I passed out.
I've heard music playing somewhere near me, when I finally opened my eyes I was laying down on the couch, covered with blanket. The light of the sun was coming through the big, dirty and dusty windows. I looked around, looking for Ven, but he wasn't there. The place was big, with really high ceiling and the music was playing from a radio. On a chair in front of me I've noticed Ven's jacket. I calmed down a bit, because I knew, that he didn't leave me alone.
Art Page 14 P3 by Kinia24Lara [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/82661c93-9351-4e6d-b82f-6e1e720e90f5/df00s0w-1a390a69-1e78-49fb-81f7-aed31e86ba39.png/v1/fill/w_1230,h_650,q_70,strp/art_page_14_p3_by_kinia24lara_df00s0w-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9Njc2IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvODI2NjFjOTMtOTM1MS00ZTZkLWI4MmYtNmUxZTcyMGU5MGY1XC9kZjAwczB3LTFhMzkwYTY5LTFlNzgtNDlmYi04MWY3LWFlZDMxZTg2YmEzOS5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI4MCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.i23-flk3-1gKy3hSDBvqqd7dYcpKNpuQh85yx6GRYRU]
Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me. It was Ven with something in his hands.
- How do you feel? - He asked, putting the container on the table.
- Better... Thank you. I can move my leg a bit now. - I glanced at him, he didn't had his bandana on and I could finally see his whole face, the guy was smiling. - What is this place?
- Let's say it's my home.
- Oh. - I looked around one more time. - That's a cool place. Quite cozy, even. - I smiled.
- I like it as well. It's far away from everyone, so I'm able to get some peace
- And what is this? - I pointed at the container on the table.
He opened it and I saw some food inside. He grabbed it and gave it to me.
- I figure out, that you might be hungry. - He said to me as he took another container.
The ammount of happiness and pleasure I felt, after finally seeing some good smelling and looking food, was immeasurable. The taste was amazing, as if I've never had anything better, but that could be, because I was eating mostly junk food, since I've gotten to this world. I thanked him for the food and for taking care of me, when I passed out, he just smiled back at me, staying silent, so I could enjoy my meal.
When I finished eating, Ven wanted to make sure I can walk by my own. I stood up from the couch on my feet, I was limping a little, but it didn't stop me from walking. Ven looked at me with pity in his eyes.
- What? - I asked. - I can walk now.
- Yes, you can... - He approached me. - But you need to learn more combat moves.
- Combat moves? I can fight pretty well!
Unexpectedly, he hooked my legs and I fell down on the floor. It hurt a bit, but when I glared back at him, the tip of his katana was inches away from my face.
- You need to be ready for everything. You need to trust your body and every move you execute. Your enemy can utilize your maladaptation, pain, unawareness... - He helped me to stand up again. - You need to learn more. Maybe you are a Ghost, but your skills have much more to be desired.
- And you are going to teach me or what?
- I could... if you prove to me, that you're worth it. But right now you need to heal. With this broken body of yours, we won't do much.
He turned his back on me and then swinged his weapon in the air. A strong light came out of no where, opening some kind of portal. I was shocked and a little scared, last time I've seen portal like that made by Jade and I wasn't sure what to think about it.
- Don't worry. - He said with calm voice. - I am no demon. Everyone who has... or had their own realm, can do portals like that. - He looked back at me. - Even you. Ghosts have their own realm and they are mostly going there, when they have died "for real".
- I... - I was at loss for words, my eyes glued to the portal.
- It is difficult to understand... but you still have a lot of time. - He started pushing me towards the portal. - And now I think you should go back to your "friends"...
- Wait, what?!
- This portal will take you to the "Red Star" house. I think, they need your help.
I reminded myself, that Thea got a message about the monster attack and this is why we were going back. I collected my thoughts, even though I was terrified, I was ready to use this portal.
- How will I be able to find you again? - I asked Ven.
- Don't worry about it, my friend. I will find you. - He smiled.
I smiled back and then I made my first step into the portal. I didn't know, what I should expect, but in the blink of an eye, I found myself in the woods. No portal was left to be seen, but I noticed a smoke in the sky. It was coming from the direction of the house, so I ran as fast I could, limping, ready to get out my weapons.