A Crystal

I rose from my makeshift bed, as the cool, still air of the room chilled my limbs to the core. Raising my right hand up to the light, I saw that the burns had almost completely faded away. Had another day really passed in this bizarre world?

As I sat up, the sofa creaked wearily, sending motes of dust floating into the air, illuminated by the single crack of dull light peeking in through the window. Looking around, I saw that I had woken up earlier than yesterday, as the lights were still turned off. If I listened closely, I could hear the soft rumble of Martha’s snores from the room across the hall. Everything was so mundane, so normal, but it felt comforting in a strange way. It was only then that I realized how much I was affecting the life of the woman asleep in the other room. I was the one who dragged her and her normal everyday life into a maelstrom of magic and hunters, of killers like me. And I knew, if this kept up, this peaceful life would be shattered by my hands.

I didn’t know why the pressure of this just started weighing on me. But I felt this same comfort yesterday as well, while just working at the Oasis. All I did were simple tasks, yet it felt good, in a way. I knew I was just working to hide from my pursuers, but I found myself not hating the predictable patterns of work. It was something I felt like I might get used to. Something that I didn’t want to strip away from Martha, because I personally knew what it was like to suddenly lose everything. Maybe that was part of the reason this was bugging me so much, since I didn’t want to be the catalyst that would stoke the fires of catastrophe, and have someone else go through what I experienced.

And this pressure stayed with me the whole bleak morning, all the way until Martha stuck her head into the living room. Her hair was messy and unbrushed, as she blinked sleepily at me. “Morning. Awake already?”

Seeing her like this, so seemingly vulnerable and fragile, I knew I had to solidify my promise. I’d already swore to never let harm reach her, but before that was just to placate her, and I only took it to heart at that second. It wasn’t really that I felt like I had some inherent duty to protect her, nor was it something done out of compassion, but more of just a selfish personal wish.

Until I found my way back to my old world, I wouldn’t let myself be the person to ruin an innocent woman’s life.

Martha’s tired face shifted into a smile. “What’s with that expression? You finally decided to pay your due respect to me?”

I returned the smile. “In a way, I guess.”

For a moment Martha looked a little flustered at my response, but then she closed her mouth and gave an exasperated chuckle. “Well, thank you. Truth be told, that wasn’t what I was expecting as an answer at all. Where’s the snappy comeback?”

“Is that what all you think of me? Maybe my all-encompassing kindness was plain to see the whole time, and you were just too blind to notice.” I grinned.

“Don’t be stupid. My theory is that my mere presence is turning you into a better person.”

“This is a pointless conversation,” I sighed. “So, what’s for breakfast?”

“What am I, your maid? I’m not cooking for you every day,” Martha said, puffing out her cheeks. “Let’s eat out somewhere. We’re meeting up with the rest of them in the afternoon, so it’d be more practical to eat a combined breakfast and lunch somewhere close.”

“I bet that’s just so you only have to pay for one meal.”

“So what if it is? Doesn’t change the end result.”

I couldn’t exactly argue with that, so away we went. I didn’t really have much of an expectation for the homey little breakfast house we settled for, but found that the food tasted great there as well. Might’ve been because the technology was so advanced here it made cooking good food that much easier. If so, it would be hard for me to adjust once I got back.

We met up with the others later that day, and as promised, went shopping together. I really didn’t understand much of what was going on, but the sheer size of what they called the “mall” really did amaze me. Without the use of magic, the humans of this world really did need to focus on technological advancement, but here even the most normal buildings could rival the craft of famous architects back in my world. The mall had four whole floors, bustling with shoppers and filling the whole place with a lively mood. In a way, it was similar to the markets in places like Righard, but I noticed that there was a lot less cursing and violence.

I can’t say that anything noteworthy really happened, but it was an interesting experience nonetheless. Connor dragged everyone around to wherever piqued his interest, to the point that Chris decided just to let him wander off. I could tell that Jasmine didn’t really want to be there, but she did eventually warm up a bit, and went shopping for groceries with Martha. Martha also made me buy more men’s clothes since she didn’t have much at her home, but I didn’t really know how to pick anything, so Connor kind of just took an armful of shirts and pants off the racks and piled them into the basket. The whole day felt kind of like I was just following everyone around, but I didn’t feel too bothered by that. I was so used to the rapid-fire pace of my old world that it was nice just to let my guard down and go along with things, even if it was all just an act to disguise myself. But, of course, I knew this temporary comfort wouldn’t last.

“Is it already starting to get dark out?” Connor asked, squinting at a small window on the ceiling. “I should be heading back soon.”

“You’re leaving?” Shouldering her bag of groceries, Jasmine walked over to where Connor was standing. “I’ll come with you. We take the same bus home anyway.”

Chris turned to me. “What about you guys? Do you two live close together?”

“Closer than you’d think, actually,” I responded.

“Too bad, then. I live on the other side of town from Martha, so I guess it’ll just be you two left.” Chris headed towards Connor and Jasmine, waving a hand in the air. “This was pretty fun. We should do this again sometime.”

I nodded slowly. “Yeah. See you.”

Watching their figures fade into the bustling crowd, I frowned over at Martha. “How are you even supposed to maintain conversations with other people? I felt like I was just being awkward the whole time.”

“No cure for that. Spend more time around normal people, and you’ll get used to it.” Tossing the stuffed paper bag of clothes over to me, Martha pointed to the exit on the other end of the long hall. “We should probably head back too.”

We started down the hall of vendors, careful to avoid the customers rushing around at full speed. We were also bombarded by potential sellers who tried to get us to buy their products every three steps we took. After turning down the fifth person to approach us, I narrowed my eyes. “What’s going on here? Is it always like this?”

Martha frowned, tapping her chin. “No, it’s unusually busy today. Maybe there’s some kind of event going on that I didn’t know about?”

“I guess that could be the case, but –” Suddenly, my eyes widened, and I stopped in my tracks.

“What is it?” Martha stared up at me.

I slowly approached a row of glass cases to my right, filled with an assortment of jewelry. There were intricate rings and necklaces studded with gold lined up pristinely, but it was a rose-colored crystal lying on a pedestal that grabbed my attention. It throbbed with an almost palpable aura, but no one around me seemed to notice. There’s no way…

“Jewelry?” Martha asked curiously. “I’d assumed that you weren’t interested in that sort of stuff.”

“That’s not it…” It didn’t seem possible that I would just find something like this in this world, but if there was a chance, I wouldn’t pass it up.

“Detect,” I whispered under my breath.

Words swirled into view above the pinkish hue of the crystal. Crystallized Manalite, 96% purity.

At that, all of a sudden, a rush of emotions twisted in my chest. Sudden relief, ecstasy, but there was also something else I couldn’t quite place. Probably anxiety. It can’t just be that easy for me to get back. There must be some kind of catch.

“Martha, look there.” I gestured subtly to the pulsing crystal resting on a purple cushion. “That’s… a genuine Manalite crystal.”

“Manalite?” Her eyebrows went up. “As in, the thing used to channel magic?”

“Yeah.” A smile started to creep onto my face. “Meaning, if I get my hands on that, I’ll be able to get home right now.”

“Right now? That’s…” Martha quickly glanced at me, before fishing around in her purse. “I’ll stay here and see how much money I’ve got on me, so why don’t you check out the price?”

“Can do.” Heading towards the stand, I came to a stop in front of the round looking salesman standing there. The sweaty man adjusted his shirt, probably hot from the overload of people and energy.

“Can I help you?” He asked.

“Yeah. You run that counter over there?” I stuck my thumb out to the jeweler’s stand, where several people were already gazing at the offers.

“Oh, that stand isn’t run by me. You see, in this event, any private seller can show off their merchandise as long as they have a permit.” The man wiped the beads of sweat from his brow. “I think the gentleman that runs that stand doesn’t own a store at the mall, actually.”

“You know where he is?”

The man scratched his head, and opened his mouth to respond, just to be cut off from behind.

“Is that man looking for me, Albert?

We both turned, as a slender man in maybe his late thirties strolled over. He didn’t seem to be affected by the heat nearly as much as the round man, despite the expensive-looking, and probably stuffy, suit he was wearing.

“Ah, William, just in time!” The round man ushered me forwards. “This man has taken an interest in your sales, it seems.”

“Is that so?” The slender man smiled, stroking the thin goatee hanging off his chin. “Well? Which one of my wares has caught your eye?”

“Oh, well…” The man’s question caught me off guard, since I’d never considered how I’d justify picking the Manalite crystal out of so many other exquisite stones. As such, I scrambled for a reasonable explanation. “My… daughter’s birthday is soon to arrive, and I thought I’d pick out a present for her. This lovely pink crystal, uh… fits her tastes.”

“Oh, a gift for a loved one?” The man led me to the glass box holding the crystal and rest his palms on top of the case, his steel-colored eyes glinting.

“Tell you what. I like you. You’ve got an intelligent look about you, and you’re celebrating a special occasion, no less. So, why don’t I strike a special bargain, just for you?” He gestured for my ear. “You’ll have to come close, though. Don’t want the other buyers overhearing and getting jealous.”

I angled my head down, and leaned over, as the slender man brought his head to my ear.

“Found you, Conqaide.”

My blood ran cold, and I jerked my body backwards in a sudden movement.

“Woah there.” The man grinned, holding his gloved palms up. I could feel the blood suddenly rushing to my head, beating like a drum against the inside of my ears, as the world narrowed down to just the man in front of me.

He was dressed in a sleek black-and-white Earth suit with an unbuttoned jacket lightly covering over it, and his black hair was elegantly slicked back behind him, ending just above his shoulders. His goatee was trimmed just as immaculately, and the man wore a calculating expression over his sharp features. He was probably above thirty years of age and yet looked several years younger than that, which may have owed to his smoothly unwrinkled skin, and the feeling of shrewdness that gleamed from within his intense grey eyes.

“That your companion over there?” He pointed a thumb to where Martha was standing, completely unaware of what was going on. Brushing his dark jacket aside with a hand, he ran his fingertips over his now-uncovered belt, and I saw his hand circle a long metallic cylinder. “Make one suspicious movement, and I’ll kill her.”

“You little…” I growled under my breath. The Manalite crystal was sealed within the case, so he shouldn’t have been able to use magic. I knew it was most likely a bluff, but there was still a slim chance that it wasn’t. I couldn’t afford to take that chance.

“You understand? Now, relax your posture, and lean back in, slowly.”

Forcing down the burning in my gut, I unwillingly shifted my leg back and shakily descended back to his side, clenching down on my teeth.

“That’s a good boy.” The man’s sly grin never faded. “The others described you as some kind of ruthless killer incapable of feeling compassion. Guess they were wrong about that.”

“Are you a bounty hunter too?” I hissed. “You come for my head, or to take revenge for Eli?”

The man scoffed. “Eli was an impetuous, bloodthirsty fool whose death was long overdue. That psychopath slaughtered whole villages of innocents without hesitation before, just to earn a little extra coin. Though, it’s nothing personal that he was the one to ask me for your whereabouts, Conqaide. Just a matter of business.”

He was the one who helped Eli find me? My voice was cold as I spoke. “If not for Eli, then you’ve come for the money after all.”

“Well, I just couldn’t resist.” The man laughed heartily. “Do you know how high the bounty for your head is right now? It’s an unbelievably good deal. After word got out about Eli’s defeat, the price went up even higher. To be fair, your victory over such a renowned hunter scared off much of the weaker prospectors, but that also means that whoever’s left in the game is bound to be fairly powerful.”

“So, does that mean you’re going to fight me? Right here?” My eyes darted around. “Don’t you see how many people are around? They’ll die.”

“You’re mistaken to lump me in with those other bounty hunters. I do have some class.” With a chuckle, the man pulled on the fringe of his suit. “But this world really is strange. Their forms of attire are entirely uncomfortable. And what bizarre names! William? I’d rather stick with an elegant name like Karsis.”

At that, my eyes widened a bit with familiarity. “It’s you. Oracle Karsis.”

Karsis’ left eyebrow raised. “Finally remembered, hm? I’m rather offended it took you that long, actually. I am quite famous back home, after all,” he sighed. “But that’s neither here nor there. I consider myself to be somewhat chivalrous, so I wouldn’t dream of causing any unneeded collateral damage to these innocent civilians.”

“Well… at least you still have some common sense.” Karsis’ affirmation was a moderate relief, but there was something else that continued to nag at me. Didn’t Karsis also have another title? One that could give some insight into his abilities.

“I expected to run into you at a crowded area, so I thought ahead and decided the best plan of action.” From his belt, he retrieved two of the long canisters. “A targeted attack, one that would affect solely you.”

As Karsis unlatched the lids of the canisters, it finally came to me.

Ah, that’s right. It was Spiritmaster Karsis.

In a moment’s span, two brilliant plumes of colored smoke burst from the cylinders, forcing their way down my throat before I could even react. Tears appeared in the corners of my eyes, as the suffocating pressure increased like a boulder on my chest. When the plumes finally disappeared down my neck, and the smoke stopped obscuring my vision, I could only hazily see Karsis through my now-blurred vision. The pressure never disappeared and instead morphed into what was now a dull ache, incessantly pressing into my heart.

“Do you know what those are, Conqaide?” Karsis asked wryly. “They’re lesser spirits. Less powerful in comparison to greater spirits, but have the power to inhabit a living creature, leeching off on their life force.”

He raised his index finger. “In one hour, the pain will have increased three times.”

Then, his middle finger raised to joined his index. “In two, your breathing will become restricted, and you’ll soon lose consciousness. And by the third…” Karsis laughed, crossing his arms. “Well, you can probably guess. An inescapable attack, which follows you wherever you go. And after they’re done with you, they’ll just return to me.”

“Genius.” I responded dryly. “So? You just gonna gawk at me till I die?” Even speaking seemed to aggravate the throbbing pain in my chest.

“Oh, I wouldn’t be so harsh. I wasn’t really lying when I said I liked you. After all, we’ve met before, which makes us acquaintances.” Karsis tapped his bearded chin using his index finger.

“I believe it was maybe five or six years ago, when a blue-haired teen stumbled into the largest tavern in my Elkardian hometown. Got into a fight because he saw the opposing team cheat in a game of cards, and singlehandedly wiped out the local gang on their own turf.” Karsis gave a nostalgic laugh. “I was the dealer. Good times.”

I spoke through a strained voice, pausing to catch my breath. “What’s your point?”

“I’m a man who likes his games,” Karsis continued. “A man who likes to take risks, and believes that those who suffer should be rewarded appropriately. So, I’ll promise you two things. One: if you manage to survive this attack, I will make no further attempts to pursue you.”

“And? What else?”

The man grinned, bringing a gloved hand in front of his face. “Tell me, Conqaide. Do you believe in fate? In destiny?”

“I believe that fate is nothing more than a worthless scam, invented by deceitful charlatans like you in order to cheat money out of tourists,” I spat.

“Oh, well. I can’t tell you what or what not to think.” Karsis said with a sigh. “But my second proposition is this: I will tell you how your future will unfold, should you survive my test.”

His eyes twinkled mischievously. “And my divinations have never been wrong.”

“What? My future?” I glanced up.

“That’s the spirit.” Karsis chuckled. “Yes, I will show you the future that will happen to you, if you manage to survive attacks of the spirits.”

I laughed without humor. “Well, I’m not paying money, so it’s not like I’ve got anything to lose.”

Karis brought his index finger and thumb together to form a circle, and raised it over his right eye. “Hmm, yes, I see it! If you can make it through these next three hours, I see you successfully accomplishing your ultimate goal!”

“The hell? That’s way too vague!” I snapped, but launched immediately into a coughing fit. The pressure’s getting worse…

“Ah, well, I don’t know what your ultimate goal is in exact. That’s up to you to decide.”

Goal… My eyes snapped open. As in, getting back home? I stared at Karsis, and shook my head. No, no, I shouldn’t base my actions off a suspicious phony’s words.

Something kept bugging me, though. But if these predictions don’t actually work, it would be impossible that none of his customers have ever come back with complaints. He said that he’s never been wrong in predicting the future, right? Damn, this is confusing!

Karsis smiled lightly. “I can see that you’re starting to doubt yourself.”

“Shut up,” I groaned. So, if this guy’s words are to be believed, then all I have to do is survive these two spirits, and I’ll be good to go no matter what happens next?

“See? Is this not a fair game?” Karsis asked.

“I’d say it would be, but the problem is that you don’t have anything at stake.”

“Oh, that’s where you’re wrong,” he answered. “I’m wagering the bounty on your head, since I agreed to stop chasing you if you live. Besides, I gave you your fortune as well. If I’m giving you something for free, that makes up for the fact that I’m putting in less risk than you.”

“Not sure that makes much sense.”

“Well, you’re in no position to make any demands right now,” Karsis said. “This is a much better deal than what you’ll get from any other bounty hunter.”

I scowled. Well, he’s got me there.

“And, with that, I take my leave. Since I’ve already set my trap, there’s no further need for me to remain here.” With a leisurely movement, Karsis drew out a small key, inserting it into the glass box containing then Manalite crystal. As he brought it out infuriatingly slowly and gently slipped it into his pocket, all I could do was watch.

My key, my way out of this prison where I was powerless, was dangling right in front of me. It was so painfully close, and yet worlds away. It took every sliver of restraint in my body not to launch myself at Karsis and wrangle the crystal from his grasp. But I couldn’t bring myself to attack in this crowded place. Not where dozens of innocent people like Martha could be hurt because of my selfishness. And I’m sure Karsis understood that.

“Do as you wish with the other merchandise. I’ve already got what I needed.” Karsis held out a gloved hand, his back already facing away from me. “Good luck, Conqaide. I’m sure you’ll need it.”

As his tall, well-dressed figure melted slowly into the bustling crowd, I felt a sense of indescribable anguish. It was right there…

But a sharp pain in my chest reminded me that this wasn’t the time to dwell on the past. I needed to get rid of these spirits before anything else. Stumbling my way over to Martha, I tapped on her shoulder. “Come on. We need to get out of here.”

“Hm? Why now?” She crossed her arms, zipping her purse shut. “I just finished –”

“I was attacked by an enemy.”

“What?” At once, Martha shrunk back, and her eyes darted left and right, nervously glancing at the crowd. “Like, attacked attacked? Are they still here?”

“No, he’s gone, but his assault’s already begun,” I panted, my breathing labored. “Are there any large open areas in walking distance, where there aren’t many people nearby?”

“There’s the big public park, and a smaller one nearby as well, I think. What happened?”

“I’ll explain later. Just bring me to…” I breathed. “Bring me to whichever one is closest.”

We stepped out of the automatic glass doors and into the pitch-black night, our breath fogging up the air. But because of the mounting pain within me, the coldness of the wind and air felt like daggers to my chest every time I inhaled. As I followed Martha down the dark streets, illuminated only by flickering electrical lights, I felt my head start to spin. I staggered slowly to a stop, watching Martha move farther and farther away.

She came to a halt, and peered back at me. “Don, you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m…” I grimaced, and clutched my chest. “Fine. Just a little hard to walk.”

As Martha stepped back over to me, her expression seemed to soften a bit, and she crossed her arms.

“Jeez. You don’t have to force yourself to do things alone all the time, you know?” She shifted her body underneath mine, slinging my arm over her shoulders. “Come on. We’ll walk together, ‘kay? The park’s not too far off from here.”

I opened my mouth, but closed it again. “Yeah. Thanks.”

It’s… warm. Feels a little easier to breathe, somehow.