SOULTALE | By ShadowNTS

(Chapter 65) A ghost.

There exists a calming silence. The one that isn't just pure silent but holds other calming sounds like the sound of water, etc. Some people don't believe in ghosts, but they are very real.

JSS: huh... where am I...?

Her voice echoes in the realm of the dead.

JSS: Hmm...? What is this place...?

Jess finds herself on a small pool of water. She sits up and looks around. A seemingly infinite series of rooms surrounds her.

JSS: Am I dead...?

Footsteps can be heard from behind.

JSS: Huh...? Who's there?

Jess turns around. A beautiful woman smiles at her.

CHAR: Hey-y Jess, Welcome to the afterlife.
JSS: Who... are you?
CHAR: My name is charoline and I'm the only resident of this realm who can freely exist... or at least until you're here. Your souls' will is strong enough to exist too in this realm of the dead.
JSS: I see. So that means I am dead...
CHAR: That's true. And now a new quest awaits you.
JSS: What are you talking about?
CHAR: You see... I'm in dire need of a stronger soul. That's all I require in order to return back to the world of the living and assist my... friend in her quest to save the world.
JSS: Your friend... save the world... I see. So you're that brats' ghost friend!
CHAR: You're so smart knight of integrity.
JSS: Shut the fuck up and get out of my sight.
*CHARGE*
CHAR: This is gonna be fun.
*BOOM*

The explosion echoes through the infinite space. Charoline brushes the smoke away.

CHAR: I'm not as powerless as in my ghost form. You don't understand.
JSS: Huh?
CHAR: THIS IS MY DOMAIN!

Charoline summons a storm of blades and throws them towards Jess. Jess manages to block through them and realizes her inability to use soularia.

JSS: (I can't use my power. Why is that?!)
CHAR: You're probably thinking why you can't use your power. There's a good explanation to that which I'm willing to give you before your demise.
JSS: Tsk, speak up.
CHAR: Every living being possesses a soul. That soul in turn fuels them with power. The amount of power varies on the souls' trait and essence. This essence isn't located inside your body, or should I say inside your physical body. Your soul is just the embodiment inside your body of something else. This something else is called a soulist. They're the spirit version of your soul. Each time you use your abilities, this spirit lends you their power. The reason you can't use your abilities now is because that spirit has lost their touch with you. You're dead now.
JSS: But those spirits do reside here, don't they?
CHAR: They do, but I managed to eliminate yours before you woke up.
JSS: What?!
CHAR: Your soul bond was weak. She didn't even come looking for you.
JSS: You can't form a bond with your soul, it's part of your body!
CHAR: Rhett Murdar, Frisk Dreemurr, Loyd Skope, and more that I know of, have created a special bond with their soul, allowing them to use their powers to the fullest extent.
JSS: I'll defeat you and show you that you're bluffing.
CHAR: Come at me, Jess Kalm.

Jess gets ready for battle. Charoline bears an eerie smile. The infinite realm falls into silence.

End of chapter 65
"A ghost"

[ Jess understands the situation she's in. What master plan is she going to concoct?! ]