Distant noise woke me up. I got up quickly and carefully looked out of one of the broken windows . It was still pretty dark, but I could see the smoke and bright glow somewhere far away. Something must have exploded there, which wasn't a good sign. I've decided to investigate, still remembering about my observer.

I left the building and darted towards the closest cover, that I could find. I scanned my surroundings for anything, that would look suspicious, but the darkness was impenetrable, making me unable to see a thing in front of me. The risk was too high, but I decided to go for it. I left my cover and ran towards the smoke. When I got there,the fire has engulfed a large area, making the place hot like hell. Then, I hear a gunshot. Second, third and more soon after. The smell of gunpowder fills the air. I hide behind a big rock, trying to understand, what's going on.

- Hey! We got him! - Somebody yelled from one of the buildings and the guns went silent.

A stranger came outside, holding the hostage. I focused my eyes on them. A man had a gas mask on, pistol in one hand, pointing it at other man's head. The hostage was wearing a strange looking mask, which covered his entire face. I took a closer look at him and noticed a piece of fabric with red star. ''He might be the one from the hunters group'' - I thought. ''I have to help him somehow...''

- Nicely done! Now we can take care of him. - Another voice exclaimed. A group of ten has emerged from the opposite building, all in gas masks too. - So... where is the key? We know you have it somewhere.

A man in a strange mask didn't answer, standing still and being surprisingly calm, despite having a dozen of guns pointed in his direction. I didn't wish to risk and get him killed,so I pulled out an arrow and I waited for a good opportunity to strike.

- Hmmmm... You seem to be a tough nut to crack. Then, - he stepped closer, - let us have a deal. How about that, you will give us the key and we will make sure, that you will come with us to the safe city?

- If you think, that they will let you or even me in... heh, you're so wrong and stupid. - The hostage finally spoke.

- You are wrong! - Masked man exploded. - I heard, that they let someone in! So there is still hope for us!

- Damn, man... you really ARE stupid. - Hostages shoulders shook, he was... laughing.

- Agh, that's it! Shoot him!

He quickly broke free and pushed away the guy next to him, making him fall to the ground and lose grip on the weapon. He quickly grabbed the gun and opened fire. It was a good opportunity to help, so I shot my arrow at one of the bastards. The fight ended in mere seconds, leaving only me and my "ally" alive. Then, suddenly, he pointed his gun at me.

- Hey! Don't shoot! - I showed my mark. He slowly lowered the gun.

- Who are you? - Stranger tilted his head. - I don't think I recognize you.

- I'm "new"... I'm here to find the lost hunter group. Are you from it, by any chance?

- Yes... - He looked away, thinking for a second. - Yes, I am.

- That's good... where are the others?

- Dead.

- Oh... I'm sorry... - An awkward silence followed. A moment later I cleared my throat, asking carefully. - What happened, if I may ask?

- They attacked us in the Blue Canyon. I had to run, there was no way I could help my people.

- I understand... - I paused. - Are you alright?

- I'm fine. But enough of that. Now I will ask you something. - His tone changed. - You came here alone? Did they sent only you to find us?

- No, they didn't. Sio, Thomas and Ario were with me.

- Where are they now?

- I don't know. I was attacked by a monster and we got separated. I couldn't find them after that.

The man stopped asking questions and just stood there. His face was still covered, but I could feel his gaze on me.

- Okay. - He finally broke the silence. - Let's go back to the house.

- Wait! - I reached forward. - What is your name?

- My name is Aven.

- Nice to meet you. I'm Joker.

He stopped moving and turned back to me, voice as cold as ice. - I don't care what your name is, let's just return to the house.

I sighed and simply followed. Something about him felt wrong, unsafe, but I decided to ignore those feelings for now.

The sun rose by the time me and Aven arrived to the house. The guards let us in and took our weapons to the safe place. Aven left quickly, without saying anything to me or even to the guards. ''Whatever,'' I thought to myself and leaned against the wall. Then I heard fast footsteps approaching, Noiry was running towards me.

- Joker! Are you alright?! - Worried eyes scanned my face.

- Yes, I'm fine.

- Are you sure?! You look awful!

I looked at my dirty, torn clothes and my red, bloody hands. - As fine as I can be, don't worry.

- Come on, Joker! Your wounds should be taken care of!

I knew, that Noiry wouldn't leave me be, so I gave up and let him escort me to the medic.

- Wait... - I stopped. - Are Sio, Thomas and Ario back as well? I lost them somewhere.

- Yes, they are back. Well... Thomas isn't in the best condition, but I'm sure he will get better soon.

- Alright, that's good to hear. - I sighed with relief.

- By the way, Joker. - He cracked a smile. - You did a great job. Thank you for your help. You have deserved some rest.

I thanked Noiry and let the medic to take care of me, even though my wounds have mostly healed already.

I slept for half a day,cold air chilled my skin and woke me up. My clothes had to be washed, therefore I had only my underwear on right now. I frowned, thinking about the events from the past days, but suddenly, someone knocked on one of the walls of my "room".

- May I come in? - It was Sio, I recognized her voice.

I invited her in, while still sitting on my bed. She came in, but then quickly covered her eyes and turned around with a yelp.

- What's wrong? - I asked, confused.

- Are you... n-naked?!

- No! - I snickered. - I'm not, don't worry. I had to give my clothes to the wash, but I still have my underwear.

She slowly turned back to me, face red like a tomato, making me burst into laughter.

- Stop laughing! - She pouted, but then started laughing as well. Sio sat down on a corner of my bed. - How do you feel? Did the monster hurt you?

- I'm fine, no need to worry. You know, who I am.

- Right... A Ghost can heal the wounds pretty fast, but it doesn't mean, that your body can take everything. Remember this, Joker.

- Yes, yes. - I looked at her. - Do you know, how a Ghost can die?

She gasped, shocked expression appearing on her face. - Die? Joker... you don't want to..? You know.

- No! Of course not! I don't want to kill myself or something. - I tried to calm her down. - I just want to know, if there's something, that I should look out for.

- Well... I guess everyone's weakness, no matter who they are, is if someone will cut their head off or pull out the heart. - She leaned closer. - I'm not sure, what else can kill a Ghost, but... - Sio silenced herself and looked away with a sad face. - I know, that there are people, whose purpose is to stop and kill Ghosts.

- Really? Who are they?

- They are called Keepers.

My heart was ready to jump out of my chest, breath quickened. I found a grave of one of them before and the other one I've met personally. Ven... he is a Keeper as well, but back then he helped me... I don't understand why.

- Joker? Are you okay? You look so pale.

- I'm fine, sorry. Was just thinking about something...

- Alright. - She whispered, giving me concerned look. - But tell me, what about your brother? Are you still trying to find him?

- Of course I do! I've even found something. - I quickly reached after the sketch, that I found in the notebook and handed it to her. - Look, I found this sketch in the city. That's my brother! This means, that he was there and can still be alive!

- If he was there, then where is he now?

- I don't know yet... but I will find him no matter what. Mark my words.

She returned the sketch to me and stood up. - Okay Joker, I'm gonna go. And you have to rest.

- Wait!

- Huh? What is it?

- Do you know how Zack and Jim are doing? I came here with them.

- I'm sorry, Joker, but I have no idea, who they are. - She shrugged and bid her farewell, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

No no no, something is wrong. I tried to figure it out, but I couldn't wrap my mind around it. I felt more and more lost in this world.

My clothes were finally clean and dry, so I got dressed and left my tiny ''room'', slowly making my way through the corridor. It was already dark outside, but the lanterns and candles made the house bright and warm. People were spending time together, playing games, talking and laughing. They looked so happy and safe at this place, but the feeling, that something is wrong didn't wanted to leave me. I came to the balcony to have a better look at people dancing and having fun outside. I could have joined them, but I wasn't sure, that it would be the right thing to do now. An outsider from another world, coming by just like that and trying to blend in... it wouldn't work.

- Hey, Joker! - A happy voice returned me back to reality. It was Noiry. - What are you doing here alone? - He handed me a beer and leaned on the railing, waiting for my answer.

- I'm just... enjoying the party.

- Oh come on. Don't you want to join them?

- No... not really. I'm not a party guy. - I laughed a bit, rubbing my neck. - What's the party for? Did something happened?

- Naaah. They just need to relax, hence the party. The monsters are lurking around, everyday someone goes missing or gets killed. People need events like this to survive and still have something from this life.

- I see. It's not that easy to live in this world and I've been here just for a couple of days.

- How's your world? Do you also have different kinds of monsters there?

- No, but we have bad people, who sometimes can be worse, than monsters.

- Ah... people and their desires. They will do whatever it takes to get what they want... right?

- Yes...

We spend some time in silence, but then Noiry turned to me, raising his bottle.

- But right now we need to have fun! Forget about bad stuff and have some hope for tomorrow!

I smiled and we took big sips of our drinks, when I noticed, that someone was looking at me from another balcony. It was Emma, she smiled softly at me and raised her cup, nodding. Something about her felt wrong. This feeling again... I just wasn't sure what it means... at least yet.