Chapter 2: Learning to Get Along
Author's Note:
Well this took some thinking and well making time for. Finally a second chapter is done and made and well I was doing my best on how to proceed the story. While it is going to follow the same path as the game I am gonna alter dialogue and some story beats due to the presence of something extra that is going to complicate the lives of our heroes. In addition of the dialogue between SOUL, Kris and the others. Sorry it took so long, but that's life as they say. I hope you enjoy the chapter while I still figure out the story. Until then, this is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off.
/
"Ugh…my head…"
"Oh! You're awake Kris! How are you feeling?"
Kris rubbed his eyes and noticed that a black fluffy face was staring at him cheerfully, "Huh? Oh…" checking to see if the face is real, he reached out and touched it.
"Oh! H-Hehe yes I'm real Kris."
"Whoa…fluffy…soft."
The human boy for a moment lost himself in the fluffy fur before snapping out of it and sitting straight up.
"Oh hey, you're finally awake. About time, for a moment I thought you weren't getting up."
"Su-Susie? You're still here?"
"Yeah…just making sure you are all there."
Ralsei smiled, "Yeah she was super worried about you when you passed out. You were exhausted!"
"Sh-Shut up! I just didn't want to return home having to tell your mother what happened. By the way…tooth paste boy there is Ralsei."
"Yup here to support you lightners on your journey! Though I didn't expect you to have a problem with your SOUL Kris."
The boy took a deep breath as he sat up, realizing that he was resting his head on Ralsei's lap. The entire time he thought it was a pillow. Shaking off the fogginess of his mind, the fluffy boy helped him up as he struggled to stand up, "Soul? Is…that is that what…what it was?"
"Mhm, uh but what happened back there…was messy. I managed to pacify the SOUL, so you don't have to worry about it right now."
Kris put his hand over his chest, concentrated and felt the presence of the extra body within his being. He tightens a fist as the memory came back to him, how this other entity tried to force him into doing something he didn't want to do. It's quiet but awake, however it didn't want to speak as much as he mentally shouted at it to gets its attention. He gave up after a while and shook his head.
"Is there anyway to get this thing out of me? I don't want it."
"Oh! Um are you sure because…umm…Kris you need it so you can live."
"Say what? Don't mess with me, there is no way that thing is my soul!"
Kris felt almost ready to grab the fluffy goat boy by the collar but decided against quickly. He was only trying to help and trying to explain to him what's going on. Gripping his fists, he took a deep breath and let it out. Even Susie was impressed by that level of self-control he was displaying.
"Wow, I could have sworn you were about to throttle him. Not bad."
Ralesi stiffened at the word and was sweating a bit, "P-Please we don't have to use violence to solve all our problems."
"It's…fine. Just tell me."
"Okay, well your SOUL is the only one you have. From what I read; you cannot survive without it. It's different from a normal soul but there is not enough information to say how different. What I do know is that it's a blessing if used correctly."
"How does another entity control my body a good thing?"
"Well, I think it's best to show you with a tutorial…that is if you are up to it."
The young man sighed but nodded silently. This caused him to smile with glee as he took Kris by the hand and led him out of the town an into a following area. Susie following behind with uninterest as she wondered what this was all about. The next area being a decently large space with a dummy of Ralsei positioned on the other end of the area. Kris was confused by the sight as the dark fluffy prince told him to raise his sword as he snapped his fingers.
"Battle start! Hehe, well not really a battle."
"Okay…so why am I raising my sword then?"
"Kris don't panic I'm going to wake up the soul now. Don't worry I can put it back to sleep, but please trust me it's necessary for this tutorial to work."
"I'm…not sure about this."
"Please? For me?"
"I barely even know you…damn stop looking at me with those eyes…"
Despite his reservations, Kris eventually relented with a sigh and gestured with a thumbs up. Ralsei smiled and clapped which stirred something inside of Kris's being. He can feel the SOUL wake up again and its voice clear in his head. He cursed mentally that he is allowing this, but he didn't really have much of a choice.
"Yawn…ooo…what happened?"
"I kicked your ass so hard that Ralsei had to stop me from beating you further."
"Oh, how I do not miss that attitude of yours. No seriously, what's going on?"
"We are getting a tutorial from the fluffy prince there. Pay attention and don't do anything stupid!"
"Oh him? Aww…he's so cute! Adorable fluffiness!"
"That's just perfect…"
Ralsei curiously looked over Kris and taking note of his stone-cold face. His mouth being the only telling sign that the SOUL is awake and already irritating him. He wasted no time explaining the system of their world. Battles taking turns and on their turn Kris, with the help of the SOUL can perform specific actions commands that the SOUL can see. Those actions being FIGHT, ACT, ITEMS, SPARE, and DEFEND. Essentially the entity inside Kris is acting as tactician for him and all the party members who willing follow Kris's lead.
"So, I'm the brains then. Well you make sure you listen well mister!"
"Shut up, Ralsei isn't done yet."
"However, we are capable of acting on our own. For those of us who choose not to listen to Kris's commands and choose an action we think best. We are people after all, but I am willing to trust both of your judgements. Though only if you work together though. Can't make a functioning team if you and the SOUL are on the fritz. I am speaking to BOTH of you by the way."
Kris sheepishly scratched the back of his head as he felt the SOUL deflate inside of him from guilt. Ralsei composed himself as he asked both Kris and the entity to try out each of the actions available to them. First trying to defend and magically the boy's sword turned into a shield. There was no conflict of interests with this action hence why it was immediate. However, things grew complicated when it came to act. On Ralsei's instruction they were told to hug the dummy.
Kris really didn't want to but was willing to hug the dummy to get it over with. The SOUL though really wanted to hug Ralsei himself. The two were at a crossroads again and began fighting with one another. Between the dummy or the real deal and because of this they froze in place. The dark prince sighed as he walked in front of them as Susie laughed in the background.
"See what I mean? If you two don't agree on an action, you'll freeze! When that happens, your turn is skipped and the rest of us must act on our own! You'll be vulnerable so please don't fight! Now try again, agree on hugging the dummy, its soft too you know."
"You hear that? The dummy is just as soft as the fluffy prince over there. Now we hugging the dummy or not?"
"I…argh…fine…he's just adorable though. Sigh…alright I choose to hug the dummy too."
"Good, but I'm driving."
"Grr…fine…"
The decision was shaky, but Kris freely walked over to the dummy and hugged. It was soft and a bit warm too. Not as pleasant as the SOUL hoped it would be, but it was satisfied nevertheless, and duo returned to their positions. The dark prince smiled as he now told them how fighting works. Explaining that sometimes enemies need a little stern reminder to be good people. While the SOUL has its … on attacking they do agree to the action and Kris with pinpoint accuracy hit the dummy strongly. Ralsei was surprised by the speed and lethality of his strike.
"Whoa! Have you done this before? That was a perfect strike!"
"Heh, practiced."
Kris looked over to Susie who immediately looked away to mask her emotions. Though her own bangs was doing a good job of that already in his opinion.
"Next select defend and get ready to dodge some projectiles! Using defend builds up a special TP meter that only your SOUL can see. You need it to help cast magic or perform certain actions. You can also earn more if you near dodge some of the projectiles. Why that happens? Because your SOUL companion can generate it when it does! Again, another reason why you need to work together! Your SOUL can really save you in a pinch, this also goes your companions too."
"What a mouthful."
"Get ready! Here they come!"
Absurdly the dummy began shooting projectiles at Kris in a predictable manner. Because of that he easily dodged it and for kicks let himself be dangerously close to some of the pellets. With a smirk he was posed unharmed. Ralsei clapped while Susie remained unimpressed as the final part of the tutorial came. Having to spare an enemy, a crucial skill according to him as not all enemies want to fight, or some are just playing around. So, when the opportunity presents itself, they can end a fight peacefully.
Susie booed in the background while Kris was on the fence about the idea himself, "Sparing? Huh…I never really spared anybody before. Actually, I was a firm believer in getting even or justified violence."
"You are a strange child…is the concept of mercy really out of place for you?"
"Sort of? I mean I never hurt anybody that didn't deserved it. Though mom told me to control my anger so that's why I haven't really done anything stupid in recent memory."
"Well, that's comforting…I think, but I would prefer it that we go out of way spare enemies we meet."
"No promises, but do not jack my body just because we didn't go your way."
"Yeah yeah…"
Ralsei mentioned the dummy can be spared at any time now, so Kris awkwardly pointed his finger at the inanimate object and snapped his finger which immediately caused a glow to appear around the target. Showing that they have been spared. It was anti-climatic as the dummy didn't react and the tutorial ended.
"Yay! Now you're ready for anything now! You been taking notes Susie?"
"Eh not really, I was just sticking around to see what it was all about. Now I saw it was a waste of time. Mostly…anyways I'm going to go on ahead and see if I can carve a way out. I would ask you to join me Kris, but thanks to that SOUL mumbo jumbo you are a liability. Don't worry though, I'll take care of everything."
"W-Wait! Susie!"
"Nope I don't wanna hear it toothpaste. I'm no hero, and never will be…" she paused for a moment and looked over to the fluffy prince and beckoned him closer. He cautiously stepped closer, and she brought him close roughly and quietly spoke to him, "Take care of him, okay? Also don't tell Kris I said that or you're dead!"
She let the prince go and took off quickly as Ralsei was left surprised and smiling. He walked back to Kris, "Well, looks like Susie is going ahead of us. Though I do worry what damage she could cause, but she doesn't look like a bad person."
"That's new information for me. What she tells you?"
"Uh…I kinda unconditionally promised her I won't say."
"She threatened you?"
"Y-Yeah…but I stand by what I said before."
Kris rolled his eyes, "Whatever, let's follow her."
"We just continue right from here. There is a large door that is separating my world from the new dark world. Once we pass them our journey begins! Lead the way, Kris!"
The human nodded as he followed the path to the door. It really was a large door as described with not much to note about it other than the symbol in the center of it. Casually opening the door, he immediately found himself in a new land with Ralsei tailing behind and closing the door behind them. If Kris wanted to show some surprise it would be a good time as any as the road ahead was now a full formed forest of reddish leaves against a purple-colored road.
"Surprised huh? This door is handy to get to any new dark worlds that appeared. Actually, that is all it does…I never understood that actually."
"Seems kinda convenient."
"Yeah, it is, though it just kinda does that. I only figured it out by messing with it."
"Right…let's just get moving…" Kris's voice was absolute as the duo walked up the road. He and the SOUL are still stepping on eggshells around each other. Reluctant allies they may be but not as close as they should be. Walking and running was a simple task, both can easily agree to it. Just as following the only road in front of them. Beyond the trees there was not much else, couldn't tell if there was a wall or endless darkness. Still with Ralsei behind them they could not really pause to check it out.
However, it was not Kris who was curious but rather the SOUL. The like of which was reminded mentally that they need to stay on the path to progress. Though it wasn't long before them across a sign. A somewhat childishly made sign that Kris raised a brow at it.
"Enemies ahead, you're gonna die. Signed Lancer…okay then…"
"Well, it was nice of him to write a sign for us. As strange as it is for somebody opposing us," Ralsei commented, confused by the message.
"More and more I am feeling less threatened by that kid. SOUL? You're thoughts?"
"I am surprised you want to hear my input."
"Do you have anything to say or not?"
"Well, he is just a kid Kris, as far as we know this could be just a childish game."
Kris rolled his eyes as he began muttering under his breath, "Of course it fucking is…"
The young man looked up and noticed an odd green hue serpent looking creature with a sword looking away from them. Kris had thoughts to sneak attack the darkner while its back is turn. A quick bump with the butt of his sword. However, his body froze before he can walk forward. The reason was clear, his SOUL did not approve of the action.
"Alright, what the heck. Are you really just going to sneak up on a guy? Knock them out? That guy could just be an innocent guard lost in the forest?"
"Come on, he has a sword, and he looks to be searching for something, someone! Look I wasn't even going to kill them! Plus, I think it's safe to assume that he isn't going to be friendly."
"You don't know that…oh hey here he comes to greet us!"
"Argh damn it! Unfreeze us right now!"
"Okay fine, just play nice."
Kris felt his body unlock and prepped his weapon as the serpent man rushed towards them. He mentally cursed as when they made contact. Ralsei and himself were moved to the side in the field of battle as the enemy was now ahead of them. Staring them down as it was their turn to act first. He can feel the SOUL stir within him, an audible gasp following with silence. There was a tang of guilt as he felt his out of body companion speak up again.
"Okay…my bad…"
"Next time…don't assume a random guy holding a sword is friendly…anyways what are we dealing with?"
"I believe on my end it called Rudinn…he doesn't look dangerous despite that sword though. My option on the ACT is to lecture it or convince it to not fight. I like both options personally."
"You got to be kidding me…how about we attack it?"
"I don't know…can we try to convince it not to fight?"
The two went back and forth a couple of times much to the embarrassment of Ralsei who looked at the Rudinn with an apologetic look. The monster shared the look before coughing loudly to get their attention, "Ahem…uh…are we going to start or not? I kinda get pay my wages anyways, but legally I am supposed to try and stop you."
Kris blinked a couple of times, "Uh…okay, do you really want to fight?"
"Between you and me, no. I rather just be at home enjoying my wealth. I actually hate my job. Anyways, that counts as your action for your turn, so your friend goes next."
Kris was about to complain but held his tongue as his SOUL told him that we can act next time. Now Ralsei's turn the SOUL checked his options but noticed quickly he really couldn't do anything. So, he told the prince to defend himself which he responded by covering himself with his scarf. No one question his defense method as the Rudin attacked and diamond shaped projectiles rose from the ground. Kris watched it pass through him as a box opened showing a red heart being attacked by the projectiles.
"Wahhh! I'm under attack!"
The heart swayed and dodged the projectiles as best as it can. The diamonds missed with only one coming close to hitting the heart with a close scrape. As it happened though, Kris noticed a white outline appear around the SOUL and with it a feeling of charged power. Recalling Ralsei's lesson he caught on his soul could generate TP as well. However, it doesn't explain how the attack did not target him but rather aimed for his SOUL. A mental note was added to ask the prince about it later.
It was his turn again. The monster sighed as it crossed its arms waiting. He really did not want to fight and that rubbed Kris the wrong way. With a sigh he conversed with his SOUL again and agreed to try and convince the monster to not fight. He swore he felt the entity in his body smile before telling him what he should say. What he heard annoyed him, but it is something he would say if he wanted to. With a sigh and striking a finger pointing pose Kris proudly declared,
"You should not fight any more for there are places we both rather return to!" the boy rolled his eyes. That was the single lamest line that he ever said and was ashamed of it immediately after it left his mouth. Still much to his surprise the Rudinn eyes shined like sparkling diamonds and looked giddy.
"Well okay then! I don't want to fight anymore!"
"Wow…that was too easy…"
Ralsei beamed, "That's great! Now we can spare him! I got this part!"
With a cheerful wave and a bit of glitter Ralsei spared the monster on the orders of the SOUL. The monster ran off and doing so the battle was over. The only thing they had to show for their victory over their first hostile encounter was a handful of money. Kris pocketed the change before making over to Ralsei.
"Okay explain, what was that all about?"
"Ah…sorry, I forgot to mention SOUL attacks. Us monsters have an ability to attack you physically and or attack your SOUL. When the latter happens, the SOUL must avoid the attacks or one of us is going to get hurt. If we choose to defend then we can reduce the damage the SOUL takes."
"Okay I got it, I thought we were done with the tutorials?"
"Sorry, last one I swear. We should get a move on."
Kris rolled his eyes as he told him sure, and they progressed onwards. Another sign greeted them by Lancer which did not make sense a single bit content wise. For it implied they were dead if they are reading it. However, the odd darkner antics became more apparent as another sign was waiting for them later down the path. With Lancer standing next to it pretending not to do anything. Once again, the sign had nothing useful to say despite his SOUL wanting to read it.
"Ho ho ho… if it isn't my two favorite people. Psyche! You guys aren't even in my top five!" This kid really was starting to annoy Kris, but before he could say anything Ralsei jumped in. To his surprise the gentle goat boy expression can be described as angry.
"Lancer! Where's Susie?"
"You mean the purple girl…? Ho ho ho… You fools! You're too late to stop me…!"
"What did you do?"
"Ha ha ha… it was so simple! She beat me up, so I ran away…!"
"That's a bit anticlimactic…"
Kris smacked himself on his forehead, "And here I thought you were a threat."
"Hey, am so a threat! By the way how are you feeling? Don't want you passing out again from my awesomeness!"
"Uh…was he actually worried for us?" Kris heard from SOUL. It was certainly strange for a so-called enemy opposed to their mission to express worry. Still, he had to keep his guard up just in case. Playing cute was something he did himself back in the day, still he can tell there was some sincerity to his words.
"Right, well thanks. I assume Susie is somewhere down the path?"
"Yeah, but I'm not going to tell you which way!" He laughed a bit more before resuming his loitering. The extent of his usefulness wasted Kris kept picked a path downward. Only to hit a dead end with a tree. One dumb sign later he left the area with a dark candy in hand. SOUL had the metaphysical ability to know what they are looking at. It's a healing item for sure but the fact a strange candy had that ability is strange.
Going east the duo was attacked by two Rudin's. Knowing how to deal with them they weren't too much trouble. The weirdness continued as they met a distraught chef whose cake had seen better days. Not to mention smoking for some reason. A 'monster' was described devouring the cake before being scared away by sprays of water. Kris smiled at the thought of Susie being sprayed by water like angry house cat.
"Aw, Kris, that sounds like Susie! We must be heading the right way! Though it's the only way hehe. Hopefully we can catch up with her before she gets into more trouble!"
"I feel like that's going to be easier said than done."
"Aw cmon Kris, it helps to be positive. Also no, you cannot have a piece of the cake."
"Well, I wasn't actually going to take it."
"You definitely were eyeballing that cake Kris," Ralsei added.
"Forget it, let's find Susie."
Kris sighed as he continued onward, leaving the chef with his cake. Another encounter and one simple puzzle later. He came to a stop at the next sign and next to it a ball of light that he saw before. The same warm feeling coursed through him as before as he sat down to rest. It was weird but he felt like he needed to take one. Just as the reality of his situation is falling onto him. He didn't show it physically, but on the inside, he wondered if anybody noticed if he or Susie are gone.
"Are you alright Kris?"
"Peachy, just resting my legs."
"If you say so. What do you think SOUL?"
"If you ask me, they better not say anything about my inner thoughts. If they know what's good for them."
"Right sorry…kinda hard not to hear your thoughts when I am in here. Sorry Ralsei."
"Its fine, though what a group we made so far. Combat wise you two are really coming together on sparing those darkners."
"Well…I hate to say that SOUL at least has a point in that regard. It just…yeah getting used to this situation in general. I mean, I'm only partially in control of my body and who knows what's going on back in my world."
Silence fell as Ralsei processed what Kris said. He placed a hand on his shoulder, "Sorry about that, I am sure the people back in the light world are worried about you and Susie respectively."
"I wouldn't go that far…I am more worried about my mom. Everybody else well…I don't think they would care too much…"
"I don't think that's true Kris…"
Kris shook his head, "You wouldn't understand. The only one who knows is this…thing inside of me. Even then they don't quite understand why I feel this way."
Ralsei fell silent and even SOUL wouldn't say anything to him. Due to his inexperience, he didn't know how to approach the situation at all. Sitting down next to him he just sighed and let them fall into awkward silence. He tweedled his thumbs for a moment before Kris finally got up from his spot and offered a hand towards him. Ralsei awkwardly took it and was helped up off the ground. Kris just gestured they moved on and without hesitation he followed.
Kris barely scanned the sign as he passed it, already sighing knowing it was from Lancer again. The signs seem frequent as they navigated the so called 'maze' one that even Kris began to laugh at. Lancer somehow got lost in his excuse of a maze. SOUL and Ralsei were a bit concerned for the darkner but figured that he would find his way out. The red chest however brought attention as Kris knew there had to be treasure within. He quickly opened it only to find a pair of white ribbons.
"Well, that's disappointing," He picked up the ribbons, "I mean…they're cute but I kinda expected more."
"Actually, Kris it's armor!"
"What…?"
"He isn't lying, it does beef up your defense a bit. Plus, it makes you cuter!"
Kris stared at the ribbons. He debated wearing them for that defense boost, but at the same time he wondered if his dignity is worth the sacrifice. Ralsei was all in for having Kris wear them, but then an idea came to mind.
"Hey Soul, how would you feel if Ralsei wore the ribbons instead?"
"Oooh…I like that idea! Put it on him!"
"W-Wait what? Put what on me!"
"Sorry SOUL and I came to an agreement. You are wearing the ribbons," the dark prince tried to back away slowly, but it was in vain. He put up no resistance as Kris tied both ribbons around his horns. His blush was vibrant against his black fur, meekly he poked his fingers together.
"U-Um…do I look cute?"
Kris swore he felt his heart skip a beat when Ralsei shyly posed with the ribbons. This joke backfired in a way that he had to look away to hide his own blush, "Uh…yeah, just um…stop doing that."
"If you say so, but are you okay?"
"I'm fine, let's just move on alright?"
"Sweet heavens he is a cutie…" Kris continued onward trying not to look back at Ralsei. SOUL not holding back on their opinion but keeping it at low volume so said prince wouldn't hear.
The duo reached the end of said maze easily as they found Lancer once again, however, not alone as he was talking to three Hathys who looked worried.
"Look guys it probably was a trick in the wind or something. I don't need you guy freaking out before you fight the heroes! It wouldn't be as awesome!"
Kris stopped to stay within hearing distance as he didn't make any noise to give away their presence. Carefully he listened more as the Hathy's made worried sounds and made noise that sounded like buzzing. For a moment he compared it to the sound of the humble bumble bee but listening to the noise more he could tell it was scratchier like an old television set having trouble with its antennae. Even Soul was at a lost what this could mean and Ralsei only shrugged to the question. Kris bit his lip thinking before deciding to hell with it and make their presence known.
"Hey Lancer, looks like you found your way out."
"Ah hello, er sorry this is kind a bad time. Could you go back until I am ready with my Hathy's here?"
"Yeah no, I don't think I will be playing your game here."
"Ah spoil sport…okay then, beat them up! Then we can sort out this other thing after you guys."
Ralsei sighed, "So much for hoping for a peaceful conclusion."
That said the battle started and SOUL was already checking their options. Kris still hated the feeling of waiting for the out of body being to make the choice but waited patiently. He took this time to look into the faces of his opponents and see their lingering fear. Not of the battle rather the thing that freaked them out before. They are distracted and glancing around as if something was going to jump them at any time. Just what spook these darkners he thought to himself.
"Uh oh…"
"What does uh oh mean?"
"It would seem that most of the pacify options are uh…locked…"
"Locked? How can they be locked?!"
"It just is! Uh…um…there has to be something we can do."
"Hmm…just a thought, but they look out of it. Maybe…a nice smack to the face would help them?"
"I uh…not sure if…I want to do that. I mean what if we seriously hurt them?"
"It's fine, it's just a little whack. Not full force, if anything it will get their focus back on us."
There was a brief pause from SOUL. Ralsei looked at him with worry that they may be mentally arguing. The young man in response sheepishly gave him a thumbs up to show that he was fine. Finally, he got the green light from SOUL and went in. True to his word Kris held back and smacked the Hathy with the broad side of his sword. The panicking Hathy was surprised by the attack and regained focus on the battle. The dark prince was confused but got the same command from SOUL. Running up to another panicking Hahty and giving him a light smack with his scarf.
The duo got ready as the Hathy fired out physical heart projectiles that they had to dodge. It was quick and predictable, their moment of fury preventing them from complicating the projectiles. The last Hathy was still too scared to fight back and the now the turns start anew again. Thanks to their actions SOUL's options are restored.
Though Kris was not too happy about hearing what the unique action is, "You want me to do what?"
"Flatter them, if you make them feel good then their will to fight should disappear."
"Can't we just go back to hitting them? I really don't want to…uh…flatter them."
"Aw…is somebody shy?"
"Say that again and I will look for a way to punch you somehow. *Sigh* fine…hey you! I think your tentacles are cool!"
The formerly angry Hathy jumped in surprise and blushed as it began thinking about the compliment. Kris was amazed how fast the darkner changed its tune. Ralsei followed up by sparing the combatant leaving only two left. The battle continued the back and forth until the last Hathy was snapped out of its fear filled panic and eventually spared, ending the battle much to Lancer's disappointment.
"Aw man! They totally would have stomped you guy if they weren't freaking out."
"Uh…you do know their team isn't balanced? Even if they weren't panicking before their attack patterns would be the same," Ralsei explained, "I am not sure why you thought they would be an effective team in the first place."
"Eh, whatever, I am gonna run away now. See yah!" The child only ran a few steps before stopping much to the bewilderment of the team. Even when asking him why all he responded that he was simply done running.
Kris simply rolled his eyes as he proceeded onward. Running into another simple puzzle room that they quickly found out they required a third person to solve.
"No good, if only Susie stayed with us," Ralsei sighed, "I hope we can find her soon."
Kris was about to respond until he heard loud banging and frustrated growling, "I don't think we need to travel far."
Beckoning Ralsei over they followed the path and found the purple lizard girl bashing her ax on the door.
"Open damn it! Why won't you fucking open!"
The human couldn't help but crack a grin watching the act play out, "Having trouble there Susie?"
"Huh? Kris? Looks like you caught up, about time damn it."
"Nice to see you too. Looks like you hit a dead end."
"Eh shut it, I was going to find a way to break it down anyways."
Ralsei gave a sigh of relief, "Nice to see your okay though. But um…how you get passed those spikes?"
"Walked through them."
Kris felt SOUL gasp on the toughness of this girl. He rolled his eyes as the conversation continued, "Somehow I am not surprised."
"Whatever, though now you guys are here. Maybe I don't need to utterly destroy this door."
The black goat prince blinked a bit, "Er right…well we need to solve that puzzle back there to open it."
"Nice, Well go do it then."
"But uh…we need your help to finish the puzzle, Susie. Kris and I already saw it ourselves. Plus, furthermore that there will be times all three of us are needed to solve a puzzle. Not to mention Kris is the only one who can seal the dark fountain. Since him and SOUL are together. So, if you don't then you won't be able to get home!"
"So, what you're saying is that I HAVE to stick with you guys."
"Yep!"
Ralsei's joyus expression was juxtapose by Susie's frowning face. Kris could read the defeat in her face. She reluctantly joined the party but choose to distance herself from them. Kris only shrugged his shoulders as the group headed back to the puzzle room and deftly solved it in record time. However, on their way back they were confronted with a new problem. A strange dog face poker chip was idly prancing in their path.
Ralsei believed it was a good time to teach Susie about the ACT action and fill her in with the combat so far. Kris advised against it but did not say much else as they forced themselves into the encounter. The kindhearted goat boy was trying to educate the imposing girl while SOUL set up their commands. Setting themselves to flatter and spare the harmless threat.
"I'm sorry what? Flatter it? Why would I do that? It attacked us first, we should be beating it to a pulp!"
"Um Susie we don't have to hurt it. That's why we can flatter it! I mean look at it! It's harmless."
"Okay then, hey little guy. I really like the ax in your face," There was a collective pause of shock as those words left Susie's mouth right before she leapt forward and hit the small creature with her ax. Sending it flying out of the battle space, "Where you get it? Heh heh heh heh."
Ralsei's looked small as he turned to Kris and spoke in a whsiper, "Umm…Kris, maybe I should talk to her…"
"Good luck with that, even SOUL is shocked at what just happened," he whispered back as they made their way to the door.
Kris mentally sighed as he knew Susie is currently a wild card on their team. It's clear to him that she doesn't want to stick with them longer than necessary. Ralsei's naivety is going to be the death of them. There are some people you can't change, and he felt Susie is one of those people. Also, how the heck is he going to explain the whole situation with SOUL with her? No doubt SOUL would like a word with her too after what just happened. It's one headache after another and he feels there is more to come.
