Through the Ashes

After getting home, almost out of breath, I push open the door. Damn, I didn't lock it. I sigh and lean my head against the door. This is way too much to take in and I need to relax. I take a deep breath and brush myself, mentally recuperating. I shut the door and and lay in the couch, opening the note first and setting the box to my side. I look down at the slightly shaky writing of an old man.

Dear Samuelle,

If you've gotten this note and are reading it now, it means I have passed on to the next life. You are probably wondering why I'm contacting you specifically, and why I even know your name. The truth is, I know what and who you are. You may or may not have been contacted by spirits but either way listen to my words and heed them well. Don't do anything that you don't want to do. Please go with them, help save humanity, kill the thunderclouds. Though it's not recommended, kill them if you wish. They probably already threatened you so injure them if that's what you want but know this: Many paths are going to open and many voices are going to speak to you but some will try to lead you astray. I already sense a deception in your life. Tread carefully, for you will encounter many dangers in the future.

Best wishes,
Ryder

P.S.
Take this gift. It's called a pendulum and if you go with the spirits, it will be of great use to you.

I fold the note up and think about what he said. How did he know about the spirits and what's that about a deception in my life? I try to think about my life and what or who it could be. He has to be lying but he knows about the Fellowship and how else could he be so specific?

I turn my attention to the black box. I shake it slightly and hear the click of glass and metal. I flick off the top and grasp a small golden chain, taking the pendulum out. I let out a small gasp at its beauty. It's a a clear prism that glimmers with a rainbow shine when it catches the light. It turns slightly and I brush it, dragging my fingers across the cool glass. I gently put it inside my pocket, not knowing how it could be of use.

I toss the coffee stained note and box on the table and notice the paper left by Godspeed and Catch. I lean forward and snatch it up, examining the crisp paper. It's been printed almost perfectly, the exact opposite of Buffer's note. On it reads a long number, about 8 numbers and then... an address? "Bottom level, opposite of prison entrance," it reads. It's located by the prison entrance? I scan the paper, looking for any other means of contact. I sigh and flop face down onto the couch, groaning into the throw pillow. What the hell is happening to my life?

"I assume that you need help, Sam?"

My head shots of the pillow at the voice and I glare at Godspeed. "What do you want?"

"Well, I thought you would want assistance in accessing the Fellowship's headquarters. Your spirit was showing signs of distress as well as curiosity."

"Watching me again?" I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. I guess Godspeed really doesn't have much experience with humanity. "Yeah, that would be great."

"So you have changed your mind about us and the Fellowship?"

"Well, I didn't really have a choice. Everything points to this story being true, although it seems impossible. Plus, you threatened to hurt my family," I remind him, standing up and walking to my room with Godspeed following close behind. "Just remember, don't try anything because I know how to defend myself."

"I'm sorry about that but we need you and honestly, if pain is what it takes to get that," he trails off. I shake my head angrily and I search my room, looking for any weapons I can take. Knives, guns, mini cross bows, poisons, and even a long sword are all hidden and I move my hands in and out of different spaces to try to find them.