The Witcher

Young Atlas and Young Artemis

Raelle was in her room working on homework while Jim was in the backyard, training with Draal. It had not been long since Raelle's kidnapping and rampage on her birthday. Raelle glanced over the statue of her gargoyle self, and so many things went through her mind. But the main thing was where the Kilahead bridge was located. Raelle knew they must have hidden it somewhere in Arcadia after the fight with Nomura. And Raelle was brought there.

Raelle decided to take a break from school and work on her Witcher training. She walked away from her desk and sat cross-legged in the middle of her room before closing her eyes. Raelle inhaled through her nose and exhaled through her mouth, focusing on her breathing.

Minutes went by, and nothing happened. Raelle was about to give up when she had an idea. Raelle grabbed her phone and began playing one of her favorite songs: Warriors by Imagine Dragons.

"As a child, you would wait and watch from far away. But you always knew that you'd be the one that work while they all play. In youth, you'd lay awake at night and scheme of all the things that you would change, but it was just a dream. Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away). We are the warriors that built this town. Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away). We are the warriors that built this town."

Raelle listened to the lyrics as she slowly felt a familiar sensation. Suddenly, Raelle's eyes glowed white, and her consciousness was transported to the InBetween. Raelle opened her eyes and found herself among the statues of previous Witchers. She walked toward the statue of Alvara before moving on to the others. Each inscription on the pedestals allowed Raelle to know a little about her previous lives. Raelle began to wonder if she could live up to the name of Witcher.

Raelle turned around and looked toward the archway of the temple. Raelle thought that perhaps this time she would be able to venture out of the temple and explore the surroundings. She took a deep breath before walking toward the entrance, and the white light appeared again, blinding her. When Raelle opened her eyes, she was back in her room.

"Ugghhh, when I am ever going to get past level one?" Raelle groaned.

There was a knock on Raelle's door followed and heard her brother's voice.

"Hey, Rae. Can I come in?" Jim asked.

"Sure," Raelle replied.

Jim opened the door and walked into his sister's room.

"Everything ok?" Jim inquired.

"I guess. I tried going to the InBetween, and every time I try to leave the temple, I get sent back here. And it is super annoying. How was training with Draal?" She asked him.

"It was ok. I was a bit distracted, and Draal asked me what was wrong. I told him that I was nervous and scared about kissing Claire at the rehearsal tomorrow. At first, Draal was confused by what kissing was and then disgusted after I explained it to him."

"That sounds kinda funny," Raelle laughed, "Go on."

"Anyway," Jim continued, "Draal told me about this totem called a 'Grit-Shaka' and that it makes you fearless. And then he gave it to me."

"Can I see it?"

Jim pulled the Grit-Shaka out of his pocket. At first, it appears to be a common necklace with a pendant shaped like a fanged mouth and a glowing green crystal within it.

"Woah. Jim, are you sure this is safe for humans?" Raelle asked, "I mean, we don't know what kind of effect troll things have on humans. We got lucky with the Furgolator."

"Hey, I'm willing to take any chances I can get not to mess things up with Claire. Again," Jim said.

"Fine, but if this backfires on you, and it will, I'm gonna give you a big, fat 'I told you so'."