So, you were a samurai?

If that's what you want to call me, then I guess so.

Okay, so your old master is trying to keep people here and torment their souls?

His name is Katsu Hayate. He was a great Lord. As you know, he lost the light for his kingdom.

Look- Uh...

What? Is something wrong?

I-I never got your name... You know mine, right?

Well, yes.

Yeah, well, I don't know yours. The least you could do is tell me that much.

My name is Kuro Riku. I was the head samurai of the Hayate family and right-hand man to Lord Katsu.

Alright! Now, let's go find Syd and this master of yours! Hey, I hope you don't mind me beating his ass. It'd be awkward if you still cared.

I do. However, I do not believe there to be a way to cleanse his soul. If you do decide to... give him peace, then I will merely look away. You are allowed to do as you please. That is if you can actually kill him.

What?! I thought you said I might be able to.

I said you might be able to pull through for the boy. I did not say you'd be able to kill Lord Hayate.

Thanks, Kuro! What a great help you are! Now, which way do I go?

Look ahead, you will see a large opening. Go down that tunnel.

Okay. All I see are more... crystals. Nothing else. No opening, no hole in the wall.

You are not looking close enough. There is an opening, you just have to see it with your eyes.

I am looking everywhere!

Open your eyes!

As the boy searched, something seemed to gradually stick out. He then approached it and noticed that it was actually a slight opening in the wall. It camouflaged with its surroundings so it was hard to spot.

Now, stay put.

What?

Stay put or else he will attack you. He always sees trouble in those who move too recklessly.

What the hell does that mean?! How am I supposed to-

"You! Why are you here?!"

Syd! Oh, thank god!

"I'm here to help you. Don't-"

"I don't want your help! Stay away from me!"

Hah...?! This kid doesn't even want my help!

Now I see. He's one of those kids.

What?

He sees so much in himself that his pride is overwhelming him. He will come to you eventually, do not fret. For now, worry about Lord Hayate.

Alright. Where is he?

One moment. I must adjust your eyes so that you can see his spirit.

You're gonna do what?

Suddenly, the boy's eyes went dry and he squeezed them shut. After a few seconds, he opened them and looked around.

What... is this?

I looked around as small creatures flew through the air and walked along the cave walls. They let off a dim light that drew attention to them. They walked so peacefully, so quietly, so calmly. Faint voices were surrounding me.

Those are the cave spirits. They dwell in this cave. The cave spirits are peaceful creatures and produce energy that we larger spirits feed off of. However, if one of us human spirits were to find a host, then we would no longer need that energy. For example, at the moment, I do not need that energy because I am inside of your mind. I am feeding off of the energy you use to live. We share it.

Oh... Okay. So, it's like...

No. I am not a parasite.

I w-wasn't going to say that!

"Syd, just listen to me! If you want to stay in this cave forever, then be my guest! I won't stop you. But, the truth still remains to be that I came here to save you, and I will not leave until I do!"

"That's your problem isn't it!"

Oh, my... He's getting on my nerves.

Bare with him my boy. He is merely frightened. He does not know what to do, so the boy results in blowing off steam.

On me! This is frustrating!

There! Lord Hayate is there, above the boy!

Above Syd was this red ball of light. The more I looked at it, the more I could make a human silhouette out.

"What are you doing here boy?! Are you here to save this idiotic child?"

"I'm not a child!"

"Both of you just shut up! I came here to help Syd, whether he likes it or not!"

Shit... I'm challenging something that doesn't have a physical body. How much dumber can I get?!

Listen, you may not be able to defeat Lord Hayate, so you must focus on retrieving the boy. After you do that, I will return you to your friends. When you awake, the boy will be close, but you must find him.

Right, easier said than done old man!

I am not old thank you very much. I died young.

Yeah, sure whatever.

The boy then swung his leg forward and began running towards Syd. His legs seemed to move on their own after that. The boy got closer and closer with every step. At that moment, time seemed to slow. He reached his hand out as he neared Syd. Inch by inch.

"No, you don't."

Suddenly, a seemingly invisible force knocked the boy away. He rolled on the ground and eventually came to a stop.

"What the hell?!"

He stood and glared at the now visible man standing in front of Syd. The man had short blonde hair and crimson red eyes.

"Just let me take Syd and get out of here!"

"I do not think that's possible. You see, it is my job to keep people here against their will. Now, you want to take this boy back with you, but in reality, you too will be stuck here for eternity."

The boy cursed under his breath as he regained balance and clenched his fists. The man smirked and crossed his arms.

"Why? Syd has done nothing to you! Nor have I! Why do you want us to stay here?!"

"You ask me why? I would think that Kuro told you."

As the boy took a step closer, the man sighed and closed his eyes.

"I do it out of spite, and you know that don't you, Devan? Let me ask you this. Why do you help someone you do not like?"

"I'm helping him because he doesn't deserve to be stuck here for his whole life! Nobody deserves that!"

The man scoffed and let his arms fall to his side.

"What about those who have committed a crime against all law? What about those who have killed for fun? I believe that they deserve the judgment I hand down onto them."

Suddenly, the boy dashed towards Syd, who trembled in fear of the man in front of him. The man growled as he went to catch the boy. However, as the man got closer, it got harder and harder for him to do so. Everything seemed to be pushing against him. Everything seemed to be pulling him back. The boy reached for Syd, who slowly looked up at him.

A flash of light enveloped the two boys and blinded them. As time seemed to continue, the boy awoke to see his friends worried faces.

"Dev! Oh my god! What the hell happened?! You just fell to the ground dude!"

Oh. It's Nate and Gazzy-

"Oh shit! I gotta go find him!"

I jump up and run a bit further into the Crystal Cave. Kuro said that he wouldn't be that far away!

"Syd! Where are you?!"

"I'm right here so stop yelling."

I spun on my heel to see Syd standing a ways behind me. Oh my god! I thought I would have to search a bit more than that but okay!

"Syd? Whoa, Dev, how'd you know where to find him?"

"Um... luck?"

I lied. I mean, I know GAZZY knows that I just lied, but still. As I thought that I looked over to Gazzy, who had this really confused look on his face.

"What's up Gazzy?"

"I... can't read you."

What???

"What do you mean? I'm not doing anything, so... It's not because of me."

"I know. I just... can't read your mind, nor can I get into it."

Good. Now I have my mind to myself.

Not exactly, but whatever you say.

What the hell!? Kuro!? You're still here?!

Yes. It turns out that Lord Hayate actually fled after dealing with you. He is no longer a threat to anyone who comes near this cave.

Okay. One more question.

What is it?

Why are you still here?

Ah. You see, you showed something that very little people actually end up showing. I have decided that you will be my new host for the time being.

W-What?! I thought you had to stay here!

No. There are many spirits here. I found one before coming back to you.

Someone, to replace you?

Indeed, at least, for the time being, that is.

What was that thing that I showed?

Bravery. You also helped the boy, of whom you hate. That is something that not many people do.

Alright then... now I've got another person in my head. Wait, are you the reason why Gazzy can't read my mind anymore?

Indeed. The human brain can only handle so much at once.

Great. Perfect... At least... I didn't die.

Yes. You are very fortunate.

Anyway, we might as well head back.