What happens in the Departed Realm, Stays in the Departed Realm

We Just Wanted Answers, Got a Tragic Backstory and a History Lesson

Madeline calmly stepped forward. "Kai and Cole, I presume?"

Kai crossed his arms. "Yes. And who are you supposed to be?"

Madeline offered a faint smile. "Madeline. This is Kiara and James. We're part of a team dedicated to maintaining order in this realm."

Kai and Cole glanced at each other. "We have questions."

James said calmly but focused. "And so do we."

Kiara stepped forward. "That's why we're here. To find answers. Together."

Cole raised an eyebrow. "Alright, let's start simple. What are your names?"

Madeline offered a faint smile. "Let's start with our names. I'm Madeline."

James grinned slightly. "James. Nice to meet you!"

Kiara offered a polite nod. "Kiara."

James tilted his head. "And your names are?"

Kai's eyes flick toward James, and there's a brief pause. His posture is tense, his stance more defensive than necessary for a simple introduction.

Kai exhaled sharply. "Kai."

Cole gave James a wary glance. "Cole."

James leaning slightly against the stone structure, now watching Kai with mild amusement.

"You always this aggressive over introductions, or is this a special occasion?"

Kai narrowed his eyes. "Excuse me?"

Kiara spoke up. "I mean, it's just names. Not like we asked for your life's backstory."

Madeline turned her head to face Cole."It's primarily noticeable on your red companion."

Kai shot a glare at her. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

Madeline spoke calmly. "That you're more tense than you need to be."

Cole threw a side glance at Kai. "I mean... you have been acting a little tense since we arrived."

Kai gritted his teeth."We woke up in a place we shouldn't be, and we have been walking and talking to a bunch of strangers in a dark forest. And you have not been much help lately, Cole. Forgive me if I'm not exactly relaxed."

Kiara takes note of the tension immediately, exchanging a brief glance with Madeline.

Madeline spoke up. "You have every right to be cautious. But hostility won't get any of our answers faster."

Kai exhales sharply but doesn't argue further. He still looks guarded, but the moment of tension passes. "Okay. Now that we've got that out of the way... who are you, and what exactly do you do?"

Kiara smiled slightly. "Our job is maintaining order and preventing chaos. Not just by stopping threats but by making sure souls can coexist peacefully."

"One of the scouts mentioned you are 'the realm's saviors'. Do you go around fighting bad guys in the afterlife?" Cole asked

James snorted.   "That's, what—maybe ten percent of the job?"

Kiara raised an eyebrow.  "Fifteen percent."

Madeline shook her head. "Both of you are wrong. It's 20 percent at the maximum."

Kai and Cole exchange glances as the three of them debate the actual percentage.

James rolled his eyes. "Really, Maddie? You think it's that high?"