Nolan plunged into the chasm but instead of crashing into dirt or stone he landed on soft sand that shifted under his weight. He pushed himself up coughing. The air here was warm like summer desert air but it carried a strange metallic scent. The space around him looked like an endless canyon with high walls shifting like they were made of mist rather than rock.
The ancient voices followed him echoing through the canyon.
Face what binds you. Face what breaks you. Show the truth of the keeper within
Nolan grit his teeth. He hated riddles especially ones that echoed like thunder.
A shape moved ahead of him. Nolan steadied his breathing and walked toward it. As he stepped forward the canyon floor rippled like water. A figure appeared from the mist.
It took Nolan a moment to realize the figure was himself.
Same jacket same boots same tired eyes.
But the other version looked worn down older somehow like years of failure stacked on his shoulders.
Nolan swallowed hard.
You are not real
The mirror Nolan stepped forward without speaking. Its eyes were filled with doubt.
The canyon darkened.
More whispers echoed.
Keeper must know the weight he carries
Nolan shook his head. I already know my weight
The mirror stepped closer and whispered with Nolan’s own voice but drained of strength.
You cannot save everyone
Nolan clenched his fists.
I know
The mirror leaned close. You pretend you do not break when animals die in your hands when injuries are too deep when you write reports saying we did our best
Nolan’s chest tightened because the words cut deep.
He had whispered those same doubts to himself countless nights.
The mirror spoke again. You think kindness is enough You think gentle hands can fix every wound You think you can walk into a different world and not repeat the same failures
The canyon trembled under Nolan’s boots.
He took a shaky breath.
No I do not think kindness is enough he said quietly But it is where I start every time
The mirror’s eyes flickered.
Nolan continued.
I cannot save everyone I know that It hurts every time But I still try because stopping means giving up on every creature that needs help And I am not built to walk away
The canyon walls shook.
The mirror stepped back the mist pulling at its body like threads unraveling.
Nolan spoke louder steadying his voice.
Fear does not decide who I am Effort does Heart does
The mirror cracked like glass then dissolved into blue particles drifting upward into the shifting canyon walls.
The ancient voices returned softer now.
Truth accepted. Step forward keeper
The canyon brightened and the walls parted revealing a path of glowing sand. Nolan walked along it until the ground lifted beneath him like a rising platform. The canyon faded replaced by the blue basin once again.
The towering silhouettes stood around him but their eyes were warmer their bodies steady like guardians rather than judges.
You hold fear but also the courage to push through it one voice said The forest accepts you
Another leaned closer.
The bond you share with Kaelun will shape your path But the world beyond the forest awaits and danger follows the traveler who crosses realms
Nolan frowned. Danger
Before he could ask the silhouettes stepped back melting into the mist.
The blue glow dimmed.
The basin floor steadied.
Nolan turned and saw Kaelun waiting where he had left it golden eyes bright with pride and relief.
Kaelun bowed its head.
You faced the trial and endured
Nolan managed a tired smile. I fell through a hole fought a ghost of my own anxiety and argued with myself
And you stood again Kaelun said
Nolan walked forward his legs unsteady. Kaelun curled its tail around him helping him keep balance.
What happens now
Kaelun lifted its head.
Now the forest grants you passage Beyond its borders the world begins And you and I must face what stirs in the east A shadow that awakened when you arrived
Nolan exhaled slowly. His journey was only starting.
Kaelun nudged him gently.
Come keeper from another world The path calls us forward