We walk silently except for the woman who is quite lively and talkative. She is afterall unaware that she's talking to the key holder that lost his whole family due to the greed for power of the few.
"Everything here is expensive. And most people here will try to ripped you off. But your group seems to be very smart and not easily fooled. Here's a place for you to stay in."
She stopped in front of a very old building. It's a hostel. The kind you see in horror movies. A place where you check in but you'll never be able to check out.
"Is there anything else you can recommend?" I asked.
I wasn't particularly afraid of the place. Except for the horror vibe the place seems safe to me. But we passed by some pretty hostels and unfortunately this is the worst looking. Like the whole town just went on a major renovation and overhaul but forgot about this particular place.
"No this is fine." Kai said.
"Well okay since it's your hometown." I said.
I can't complain since Kai already decided. The truth is something changed about him not just physically after we crossed. He became more intimidating so I dare not question his decision.
If I'm going to be very honest, all four of them changed in aura and strength. I still can't measure how strong they are. But basing on the strength of these for alone if creatures from this world decided to invade us, our world would be in trouble.
"Hometown? You used to live here?" Anais was actually surprised.
"Yes," Kai answered.
"Thats interesting. We usually don't have returnees. Always tourists or people from other kingdom or town. Is that why you believed me? Because you also know and witnessed what happened?"
"I dont think its safe to talk about what happened then. It could put your life in danger." The devil interjected.
"I don't care, I'm an orphan anyway. They don't scare me. But you're right we better not talk about it anymore. I don't want to put you in trouble."
She then walks inside the building and we just casually followed her. She then greets an old man who was just sitting quietly in a corner. Hey old man Emre, I brought you customers. Six people. Do you have available rooms?" Anais asked.
"Ofcourse I do. How many rooms do they need?" he said happily. This is probably the first time in a long time there's customers wanting to check in. I too would be happy.
"Six rooms." Kai answered.
The old man smiled, then went to the counter and brought out six keys. He then handed the keys to us.
Kai then brought out a gold coin. And gave it to the old man.
The man looked at the coin. "This is too much. A silver coin will do." The Old man said.
"Keep the change." Kai said.
Then he brought out another coin, this time silver and gave it to the woman.
"You don't have to give me a tip. The old man pays me to bring customers here."
"Just accept it. You deserved it." the angel said.
"Okay if you insists. See you later. You can find me in the market if you need anything else. I could show you around Fortuna if you want. Just ask for Anais. They know who I am."
"We'll find you. Thank you for your help." Kai said.
"No problem. I have to go. Enjoy your stay here. " She said, and then walked away happily.
Are you guys sure it's safe to stay here? Akana asked. She's a little hesitant.
"Don't worry young lady, this place is safe. This place may be a little old but it's sturdy and I keep everything clean. By the way, young man. You look familiar." He was talking to Kai.
"Am I?"
"Yes you remind me of someone. He's already gone but he looks like you. Khalid is his name. Are you his son?"
"You got the wrong man." Kai answered but I can sense the change in him after hearing the name.
"Well you're right. His son has been long gone and won't be coming back. But if you happen to run into him in the future tell him I will never forget his father's goodness."
"Will do." he just said.
"Let me show you to your rooms then." We followed the old man. All our rooms are on the same floor. And we're his only customers. I guess it's safer this way.
We didn't go inside our room right away. We waited for the Old man to leave then after he was out of earshot the devil talked.
"We will start looking for the key tomorrow but tonight we rest first."
But Kai instead of going to his room turned to leave.
"Where are you going, Kai?" I asked.
"Just somewhere."
Kai became unusually monosyllabic after we set foot in his hometown. He's not very talkative to begin with but now he rarely says anything.
"It's not safe Kai," the devil reminded him. But he doesn't seem to care. He probably still hate Eelie for lying.
"You want companion?" I don't know why I asked him that. I just feel that he needs someone right now.
"I want to be alone," Kai said
I just let him be. I'm tired anyway because Nagid got me good earlier. I'm fully healed physically but I'm still exhausted.
So after Kai left and the rest entered their designated room I also opened the door to my room. It's a bit dark so I looked for the light switch. But I found none. I forgot there's no electricity in this world.
I then saw a candle and a match on the table near the door. After I closed the door behind me I took the match to light the candle. After I lit the little candle the whole room suddenly became very bright.
The candle works like a light bulb and it's not even melting.
This is really a magical world. Even the match I used didn't burn. After I blew off the fire the match was good as if I didn't even use it.
The room is well maintained and clean. The bed and the linens are well kept. It's obvious the old man cleans the whole place daily in case a traveler rents a room.
I sat on the bed. It's even softer than the bed in my room in Manila. I was about to lay down when I heard a knock on the door.
I wonder who it is? I stood up. It must be the old man. I was about to open the door but a sudden warning inside my head stopped me. I'm not sure who is behind that door. It's not safe to just open it.
"Who is it?" I asked.
"It's me." It's the voice of the old man. I wonder what he wants from me.
So I opened the door. And I was right it was the old man but there's someone behind him. The old man looked scared.
"Who are…"
But before I could finish my question. The unknown guy blew something on my face and everything went black.