I was staring at the message, floating in the air in front of me with wide eyes, while memories were beginning to appear in my head. I remembered Yukari very well, she was the first friend I made in the Kingdom of battles. I met her on my first day here when she bumped in to me on the street. And even if I never saw her again after that I clearly remembered what kind of a person she was, kind and sweet. She didn't deserve to die, not here and in this video game. She was supposed to go back in to the real world and live a happy life there.
I slowly raised my hand and clicked the X on the corner of the message, making it disappear. Then I lowered my head and slowly stood up. Just when I was about to walk to the door Arashi suddenly moved and grabbed my wrist, making me stop. '' Oi, shrimp, where are you going?! '' he asked with annoyance.
I frowned and slowly looked at him, with a dark aura surrounding me. '' Don't call me 'shrimp'... '' I muttered with a scary voice.
He narrowed his emerald green eyes at me. '' Forget that, '' he hissed. It was obvious that he was getting angry. '' You aren't really planning to go, right? You're not strong enough to face the Reaper of souls. ''
Reaper of souls? Apparently that was the name of the thing that I was going to have to fight to revive Yukari... It worked for me, now at least I knew it's name and what to expect. I just hope that it didn't have a scythe like Mero. I saw her in action and I knew that it was hard to fight against those things...
'' Natsu, are you even listening to me?! '' Arashi snapped and held my wrist even tighter, making me look at him again. '' Don't you even think about going! Everyone else that tried to go there died and if you go it won't be any different with you! ''
That was when I narrowed my eyes and pulled my hand out of his grasp. Now I was also mad. I knew Arashi only for a little bit more than a day, who was he to tell me what to do?! '' Then I'm going to die! '' I yelled and pointed at him. '' But at least I won't die as a coward! Are you expecting me to just give up and stay here! I'll bring my friend back or at least die trying! ''
Some people would back away after hearing that, but it seemed like Arashi wasn't one of them. Instead he stood up and hit my forehead with his. I screamed with pain and took a few steps back. Then I rubbed my forehead and stared at him with fury. '' What the hell did you do that for, you idiot?! ''
'' I was hoping that after a good hit in the head you'll make some sense, but I guess I was wrong, '' Arashi answered and laughed.
My eye twitched at the sight of the arrogant smirk on his face, then I began cracking my knuckles in a scary way. '' A good hit, eh? I'll show you what's a good hit, '' I muttered with a scary voice. '' After I'm done with you not even three healing potions would be able to help you... ''
I was just about to punch him when I suddenly sensed a dark aura behind me. When I turned around I realised that it was the owner of the tavern Arashi and I were win. He didn't look to happy because we were causing troubles and at the end it almost ended up the same as the last time, with Ayame, but I left before I could get kicked out.
I quickly rushed down the street, in the direction of one of the town squares from where I could teleport to Takesawa, the town in level 14. I knew that bringing back Yukari will probably be a dangerous mission, but it wasn't like I was just planning to give up. We were friends and Riku always told me that friends stood by the side of each other no matter what. Friends smiled, cried and fought together, that was how it was supposed to be. And it wasn't just that.
Yukari's friend Miyako called for my help. Not someone else's but mine. And that was why I didn't want to disappoint her. I didn't even know why it mattered so much to me, considering that I was doing just what I said I wasn't going to do from the start, get attached to too many people, but it just did.
'' Are you going to stop or not? '' Arashi asked with annoyance.
My eye twitched, then I looked in his direction. I didn't even notice that he caught up with me and was now slowly walking by my side, with his hands, stuffed in his pockets and a frown on his face. Maybe I didn't notice him because he was quiet... I was calm and happy until he opened his mouth. He should be quiet more often. It was a nice brake for my ears and mind when he was.
'' No, '' I muttered and narrowed my eyes. '' And that's why it's better that you give up. It'll just save you time anyway, '' I continued, with a dark voice and walked up the stairs that leaded to a small teleporting platform that was in the middle of the town square. I placed myself in the centre of it and then pulled a teleporting crystal from my pocket. I held it and already wanted to murmur the name of the place I wanted to teleport to when I noticed that Arashi was still standing next to me. I frowned, then I yelled with anger: '' What are you still doing here?! I already told you that I'm going! ''
He stared at me and smirked. Then he raised his hand and patted my head with it. '' Yes, you did and you were so persistent that it became annoying. So I guess that if you're going, then I'm going too. No matter if I like it or not, we're a team now, right? ''
My eyes slightly widened with surprise, then I quickly slapped his hand away and seriously shook my head. '' Get away, Arashi. We're not a team. Not this time. I don't know what's going to happen when I'm going to face the Reaper, but I'm a hundred percent sure that I don't want you there with me. ''
'' Why not? '' Arashi asked and raised an eyebrow. Then a smirk suddenly appeared on his face. '' Because you'll be so sad if I would die? ''
I just sweatdropped and seriously muttered: '' Because you would just be in my way and I also don't want to be responsible if you would die. ''
Arashi froze and I could see that he almost went in his sulking corner, but then he changed his mind and frowned with anger. '' You know what, I don't understand you. We're supposed to be a team and teammates are there for each other in a fight and in real life. But no, that's not the deal with you. Instead of fighting together with your teammates you prefer to push them away, just in case... ''
My eyes slowly widened with shock, then I stared at him with a serious expression on my face. I almost couldn't believe what I was hearing. I could believe that this guy, no matter how stupid he was, was able to figure me out so fast. He was completely right.
I narrowed my eyes. '' Well, you're right. Congratulations. Now you can leave. I have stuff to do. ''
He sighed and turned away from me. '' You're so stupid... I can't believe I'm stuck with an idiot like you... Call me if you'll come to your senses and want my help, okay? '' he said before he stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked away from the teleporting platform.
I was looking at him moving away for a few seconds, then I quickly shook my head and looked down at the teleporting crystal in my hand. I didn't need things like that to distract me right now, but... What if he was right?
I shook my head again and narrowed my eyes. No. He wasn't right. Not this time. I was perfectly able to deal with this on my own, without his help. I was strong enough to do it.
I wrapped my fingers around the teleporting crystal in my hand and ordered: '' Level 14, Takesawa. ''
***
Takesawa was one of the most depressing places in all the Kingdom of battles. I was always glad that someone managed to clear level 14 in just a few days so we could continue to level 15, because just being in Takesawa for more than a few minutes made me depressed too. The town was placed in a valley that was between tall spiky mountains. The very small number of houses was surrounded by a dark, scary looking forest, and like that wasn't already enough, there was always a lot of clouds of fog, floating around and absolutely no sun, making the whole thing look even more gloomy than it already was.
I heard that living here wasn't just depressing, but also dangerous. There were a lot of monsters living in the small forest that was surrounding the village and in the mountains. After hearing all that at first I didn't understand why would anyone even want to live here, but then I found out that it was because in the mountains you could find a lot of material that was useful to weapon makers. That was where the villagers got enough money to maintain a normal, as much normal as it could get in Takesawa, life.
I was currently in the only tavern in the village, trying to ignore the looks absolutely everyone was giving me. At first I didn't understand why my presence shocked everyone so much, but then I noticed that I was different from the others. Most of the people in the tavern weren't even fighters and I could easily see that the few that were hiding between them weren't very strong. Then next to that it was me, with my ginger hair and red outfit.
I frowned and stared at the cup of some kind of tasteless tea that I was holding in my hands, then my eyes travelled back to the two people that were sitting on the bench on the other side of the table.
Miyako was a small girl, the same age as Yukari. She had pale skin and long blue hair, tied in a high ponytail. Her eyes were big, round and grey, full of worry and sadness. She was wearing a blue shirt with rolled up sleeves, grey fingerless gloves made of leather, black pants, stuffed in to her grey boots and a white cape.
The person next to her introduced herself as Fumiko. She didn't look like a fighter. She had long, straight black hair and expressionless black eyes. She was also wearing a simple white dress that really wasn't good for fighting.
'' So, '' I started and frowned when Miyako flinched at the sound of my voice and looked at me with fright. Then I sighed and lowered my head, almost prepared to give up. '' Could you please stop doing that every time that I try to speak? I already agreed to help you, I'm not going to hurt you. ''
Miyako blinked a few times before she quickly nodded. '' O-Okay. T-Thank y-you, N-Natsumi! ''
I sighed and leaned on my hands. '' And stop thanking me. I'm doing this because Yukari's my friend... '' Then I looked at Fumiko. '' But who are you and why are you here? ''
Fumiko's expressionless eyes stared back at me. '' Miyako asked for my help. She doesn't know where the cavern of the Reaper of souls is, but I do. I can get both of you there safely. ''
'' Safely? '' I repeated.
Fumiko nodded. '' These mountains are dangerous. I can't protect you from the monsters that pass them, but I'll keep you from getting lost in the fog, fall in a cave and die. ''
I flinched and cringed at the way she was talking about death so easily, while Miyako stared at her with wide eyes and looked like she was going to start to cry any second.
Then I sighed and ran through my hair with my hand. '' That's settled then... I don't know what are we going to find in the cave of the Reaper, but I can assure you that we'll have to fight against someone. That's why I need to know your skills. ''
Miyako's eyes widened again, then she lowered her head and nervously said: '' I-I'm a magician and a beast tamer! I c-can use W-Water element m-ma-magic and Transformation magic! I'm o-only level 15, but I p-promise that I w-won't g-get in y-your way and d-do my best to fight! ''
I stared at him with amazement. '' Wow, transformation magic? Really? '' I asked.
She blinked and stared at me with surprise. '' W-What do you mean? ''
'' That's amazing! '' I told her and showed her a thumbs up sign.
Her eyes slowly widened with shock, then a slight smile appeared on her face and she started nodding like crazy. '' Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! ''
I ignored her strange attitude. In a way she reminded me of Megumi. Neither one of them really believed in their abilities, it was just that different from Megumi, Miyako seemed really scared of people and fighting, even if she was able to get an amazing magic.
Beast tamers were able to use two types of magic. The first and the most common one was called 'Beast taming'. When they were using it they were able to tame any kind of monster if they were strong enough and control them as they liked. Arashi told me that he used this kind, even if I never saw him do it. The truth was that I never saw him fight at all...
The second type of magic that Beast tamers used was called 'Beast transformation'. It was really rare between the players and strong. The one that had it were able to transform parts of their body in to the ones of a beast, like get wings, super long claws and things like that. But the strongest players were able to take this ability to a whole other level and to a full body transformation, which made them turn in to a monster of their choice.
Fumiko sighed and interrupted Miyako: '' So, are we going to go or not? If we wait a little bit more it's going to get dark and when it gets dark it's most possible that you're going to die. ''
Miyako almost started crying again while I just sighed, staring at Fumiko with disbelief. Really, how could she talk about death just like that... Then I sighed and put on my best encouraging smile. '' Okay. Let's go. ''
***
We were walking for what seemed like hours. I was really starting to get creeped out by the forest and the mountains. I always felt like someone was watching me, even if Fumiko reassured me that there were no dark guilds in level 14. And right after that she said another cold thing, pretty typical for her: '' But there are much worse monsters that could kill you. ''
That of course totally creeped out Miyako too and then I had to comfort her for about half an hour to make her stop crying. She was getting more and more scared ever since we left the village. She told me that she wasn't used to be without her best friend, apparently she and Yukari were like sisters and stayed together ever since the first day we all got closed in this video game. Yukari quickly became a strong swordsman and that was why she got invited in to a few guilds, but she always refused because she couldn't leave her best friend. Miyako felt a little guilty because of that, she thought that she was holding her friend back, but I knew that Yukari didn't think like that. Those were just things that friends did for each other, I learned that when I accepted Riku as my partner and also my best friend.
'' Fumiko, how much more are we going to walk? '' I asked her.
Fumiko that was quietly walking in front of us suddenly stopped, turned around and stared at Miyako and I with an expressionless look on her face. '' We're here. ''
For a second I just stood there and stared at her. I wasn't really sure what she was talking about. We were standing on some rocks that were in the middle of some kind of opening between the foggy mountains. The moon was already shining on the sky, making strange shadows appear all around us.
'' Where? '' I asked with confusion and frowned. '' Are you sure that this is the right place? ''
Fumiko nodded. '' Step closer and you'll see the entrance to the cavern of the Reaper. ''
I narrowed my eyes, still confused, but then I did what she said and stepped closer, together with Miyako. That was when we both noticed it. My eyes instantly widened with shock at the sight of the huge gap that was in front of us. And what was frightening me the most was the fact that I could even see what was at the bottom of this.
'' W-What i-is this? '' I whispered, still in shock.
Fumiko just stared at Miyako and I with an expressionless look on her face. '' You have to go to the bottom of it, but I'm warning you, jumping isn't an option, unless you want to die. I think that you're going to die anyway, just like the other players that tried, but I still wish you good luck. '' With that she turned around and slowly started walking away.
'' Fumiko, wait! '' Miyako called after her, but the girl didn't stop. She just kept walking until she completely disappeared in the fog. '' W-What are we going to do, N-Natsumi? '' Miyako stuttered and turned at me with teary eyes.
I was staring at the gap in front of us with a frown, then I turned at Miyako. '' This isn't going to be easy, but we can do it, okay? We're strong. ''
'' B-But I'm only l-level- '' Miyako started, but I interrupted her.
'' That doesn't matter. What matters is the strength that you have here, '' I said and pointed at her heart. '' I'm going to tell you the truth. I'm also scared, but I believe that we're going to succeed, because we both wish to bring our friend back. I believe that we have enough strength to do that. You may not think that, but you're strong just like me, if not even more. In fact, I'm not really strong, but... You are. ''
Maybe I was a better level than Miyako, but strength wasn't just about that. It wasn't just about fighting, it was also other things.
Miyako just kept staring at me with her grey eyes, full of tears, before she slowly nodded and clenched her shaky fingers in to fists. '' I d-don't care w-what happens to me, as long as I have the strength to protect my friends, I'm happy! ''
I smiled at that, happy that my words helped her to start believe in herself. I was kind of good at talks like that, wasn't I?
I looked back at the gap in front of us. '' We have to get to the bottom of that... Can you get wings and fly us down there? ''
Miyako's eyes slightly widened with fear, then she quickly nodded. It was obvious that she wanted to be strong and bring her friend back. '' Yes. I'll do anything to bring Yukari back, just like she did everything to always protect me. Right now it's my moment to be strong and protect her. '' With that she clenched her fists even more and I noticed that she started channeling her Live points.
I gasped with amazement when her back suddenly shined and then simple white wings appeared on it.
Then Miyako turned at me and lowered her head. '' I-I h-hope I'm s-strong enough to c-carry you d-down. ''
'' I believe you are, '' I said with a smile and nodded.
She wasn't.
Or maybe it was my fault? Did I gain weight? Riku was right, I really did have a creepy obsession with cakes. And money. But that didn't really matter right now, it was a whole other problem of mine.
Miyako was slowly lowering down in the gap, while holding my hands and trying not to drop me on the ground. '' I-Is everything okay? '' I slowly asked and looked up at her.
Miyako was clenching her teeth and I could see that she was trying her best not to drop me. '' I-I'm trying! '' she replied. '' I d-don't know how long I will still be able to hold you! I-I'm not s-strong enough and I don't have a lot of m-magic power! ''
That wasn't good. That really wasn't good. What were we going to do now? I had no idea how much meters did separate us from the ground. I knew that I could survive a fall, but not a very big one.
That was when I suddenly spotted two small lights under me. A relieved grin instantly appeared on my face. '' We're here! '' I happily yelled. '' There's only about ten meters to the ground, but I can fall that low without losing to much HP points! You can drop me n-no-now- ''
Just when I told her that she could drop me we got a little bit lower, just enough for me to see that the ground at the bottom wasn't normal. There were a lot of spikes coming from it and raising in the air.
'' D-Drop you? '' Miyako stuttered. '' O-Okay! ''
'' Wait! No! Forget that! '' I yelled, but Miyako already smiled and let go of my hands.
I instantly screamed when I started falling through the air. I could already see how I was going to get turned in to a skewer, but then an idea appeared in my head. I quickly pulled my sword from my back and did a few back flips, getting close enough to the cliff on the side. I stuck my sword in to it, hoping that it would stop me from falling and it really did. After a few meters my sword finally stopped cutting through the cliff. I smiled and sighed with relief. I was getting excited way too fast. The next second my sword already fell out of the cliff and I found myself falling again. I already started screaming, thinking that I was going to end with one of those spikes in my stomach, but the next second I hit the ground with my back.
I didn't even notice that I was so close to the ground. How embarrassing...
Then I heard Miyako's worried yelling: '' N-Natsumi! Natsumi! Are you okay? I-I'm so sorry for d-dropping you! I'm r-really sorry! '' I blinked and opened my eyes. She just landed on the ground next to me. Her white wings disappeared, then she squatted down and stared at me with worry. '' Are you hurt? '' she asked. '' D-Do you need a healing potion? I h-have th-three here! ''
I shook my head and stood up, groaning with pain. '' No, no, I'm fine, don't worry. Don't waste your healing potions on me. My back just hurts a little. I'm okay. '' I stretched and then frowned, looking around. '' But what is this place? '' Miyako and I were standing between the spikes that were coming from the ground and looking around. '' I wonder how are we supposed to bring someone back here... ''
'' T-There! I saw it w-when I was f-flying over this place! '' Miyako stuttered and pointed in a direction between the spikes.
I looked there and my eyes instantly widened with shock. There was a huge door that was made of metal, with torches burning on each side of it. It was a few meters away from Miyako and I, but I could still clearly see the sign that was carved in to it: PRISON FOR SOULS.