MLTO C5, P2

This is the second Part of "MLIV:TO" 's fifth Chapter.
It was released on 04.03.2023.
== Plot ==
Reunited and stronger than ever, Geralt and Kaiden team up against the imminent threat that has arisen after the demise of Gaspar. Determined to find the man behind the mysterious attacks, they begin to search far and wide in the Known World, both on the Surface and in the lands of Avernum.
After being joined by a rebellious Dante, the four of them decide to take a tram to one of the main portals that will take them to Avernum. On their way there, they come across a mysterious and friendly individual who tries to strike up a conversation with them.
Should he be trusted?
== Story ==
As our heroes walk out of Silverdale and into the wilds outside of it, Kaiden keeps looking back at the seemingly calm city behind him. He thinks that something dangerous is about to happen, but is too afraid to share it with his comrades, as it will worry them even more.
"To think that Redmark's forces are hiding anywhere and everywhere can easily be dismissed as complete nonsense by the locals out there."- He says to himself- "But we heroes, we know better. Our training has allowed us to notice everything. Even the slightest signs of treachery cannot escape our grasp. Such a cowardly act is not foreign for that vile excuse for a sovereign... and he is capable of doing it more than once."
Geralt walks up to him, interrupting his thoughts.
"Hey, Kai."- He says- "I... have been curious about something for quite a while. And I... I feel like you are the only one that I can ask about it."
Kaiden smiles.
"Ask away, little bro."- He says- "I live to serve those whom I love."
Geralt sighs.
"Well, I was thinking about the trials that we had to face. The challenges that we had to endure. And I came to see that all of them were done without the wise guidance of our dear sister."- He says- "Tell me, Kai. If Kiki were here, how would she feel about everything that is happening in the world. Would she be proud of what we have done so far or would she scold us for being too slow?"
Kaiden shakes his head.
"To be honest, nobody knows. Kia was unpredictable, even as a child, so nobody knows how temperamental she would have become as a teen."- He says- "However, despite all of her flaws, she was a girl with a good heart. Her intentions were always pure and I'm sure that she would have found a way to fix this mess. In her own, special way."
He looks down.
"I wish that she were here with us."- He adds- "I'm sure that she would have been of great aid to us, the honorary heroes."
Geralt sighs.
"Yes. I voice the same feelings as you, big brother."- He says- "And I will do my best to make it happen."
Kaiden raises his eyebrow.
"Are you still trying to bring a dead soul back to life?"- He asks him- "I know that it's not my place to say this, but I feel ashamed of you. When a person leaves this world, it's best to leave their soul to rest. Playing with forbidden magic like this may twist it into something undesirable, or maybe even worse than that. It might be best for you to... well... stop thinking about it."
Geralt shakes his head.
"I have gone too far to fail my mission, Kai. The lessons that I learned, they are engraved into my very soul. I cannot deface them, no matter how hard I try."- He says- "And yet, what would be the point to stop? Seeing that we both miss her, it is best if we give it a try, at the very least. I know that it might not work, I am aware of it. However, as a brother and guardian of the remnants of her soul, it is my duty to give it my all to bring back the person who brought me back to life so many years ago."
Kaiden raises his eyebrow.
"But she only did that to save you!"- He exclaims- "Every sibling would do that, me included!"
Geralt shakes his head.
"What would seem like a simple deed to you is a sign of salvation for me."- He responds- "I saw the look in her eyes before she died. She was determined to teach me a lesson. To this very day, I still try to determine what it could have been, but I have had no luck. And yet, I feel like I am close to achieving clarity. I just need to stay focused and help the world in those who were unable to do so."
Kaiden sighs.
"I believe you. Such an act of providence is rare, but I know that you meant so much to her."- He says- "Perhaps her deed was not just out of love, after all."
Geralt sighs, as well.
"You are mistaken, Kai."- He says- "What she did out there was because she loved me, not because she was bound to her duties. Her intentions during that night were truly pure and that is why she has always remained so close to my heart."
Kaiden looks down.
"If only Kia had realized how much we love her before she died... "
Then, he looks up and smiles.
"But the Heavens are vast and bright. Even though she is gone, I'm sure that our sister is still out there. Watching over us. Admiring our courage."- He says- "So come on, Geralt. Let's make our dear Kiara proud once again!"
Geralt nods.
"Indeed, Kai."- He says- "Let us continue our adventure."
The trio walk for miles and miles through the endless wilderness, encountering all kinds of creatures along the way. Slimes, goblins, even the occasional ogre. However, none of the beasts prove to be strong enough to resist the might of those well-trained vigilantes. It does not take long for them to leave their enemies behind and reach for their next destination.
When they finally arrive, they look around, seemingly astounded by the place that they are are staring at.
"I think that I can hear trams somewhere around here."- Kaiden says- "Are we in a station, by any chance."
Geralt nods.
"And not just any station."- He responds- "We are standing at the entrance to Silver Railroads United, one of the finest stations for all kinds of vehicles that are reserved for humankind. Trams, trains, buses, you name it. And this is just one of them."
Aurelia smiles.
"Well, it looks like my dad's been quite busy during his time as a governor!"- She exclaims- "Using the region's precious resources to help people out instead of blowing it on his personal plans is very noble of him!"
Geralt smiles, as well.
"And I am sure that his good deeds have only just begun."- He says- "Just wait until the end of Redmark's rule. Every settlement around the world will flourish!"
Kaiden sighs.
"You're being hopeful again."
Geralt smiles.
"It is my job to be hopeful, Kai."
Kai rolls his eyes and smiles.
"Yeah."- He says- "I know."
The three of them step into the station below and purchase three tickets for the tram.
"Three tickets, please!"- Geralt says to the cashier.
The man looks at him and raises his eyebrow.
"Are you new exiles?"- He asks- "Or just simple visitors?"
Geralt gets confused by the cashier's question.
"Umm, excuse me?"- He says- "We are just... just... "
The cashier chuckes.
"Hah. I was just joking. Avernum doesn't take in any exiles anymore."- He says- "Welcome aboard, kid. I'm sure that you'll find Avernum to be a very peaceful place. And don't forget to enjoy what the land has already given you. Many more are seeking lost fortunes in those dark tunnels. Don't be like them."
Kaiden rolls his eyes.
"What kind of foolishness is this? Avernum is nothing that people should joke about."- He says to himself- "It may be an interesting place now, but once, it was a land of free souls. And saying things like that will only cause you to become an exile yourself."
Geralt nods.
"We will make sure to stay out of trouble."- He promises, although he does not seem to be sincere about it- "Farewell."
The cashier tips his hat.
"Good journey, kids."
The trio waits for the tram to take them away from the station. Unfortunately, it takes a bit too long. At first, they think that the tram is just going to be a little late. However, they soon hear the message of the speaker above and realize that it is not quite what it seems to be.
"Greetings, friends. Unfortunately, Tram #777 has encountered a strange problem that we cannot explain without sounding weird, so we had to stop for a while to take care of it. For those of you who might be curious, it involves a certain gelatinous substance that has to be cleaned by our janitor."- A worried voice says- "We apologize for the inconvenience. The ride shall be back soon."
As the rest of the people worriedly stare at each other, Geralt sighs.
"It sounds like another threat has arisen, even in this little place."- He says- "How unfortunate."
Kaiden nods.
"Perhaps the ride will not be as safe as they claim."- He says- "It's best to hold onto our weapons. Don't be lenient."
Geralt sighs.
"If only we knew more about this... "
After fifteen long minutes, the tram finally arrives. Everyone gets on as a bunch of terrified city folk get out.
Geralt approaches one of them and asks what happened in the tram while it was away. The person shakes his head and looks down.
"There was somethin' strange happening over there. Some small slime things gnawed on my boots and tried to knock me down."- He says- "Fortunately, security took care of 'em. And by security, I mean the janitor. He's the real security around here.. His mop has cut through more enemies than a sword ever could."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Umm... right."- He says- "Is it safe to get inside, for now?"
The man smiles.
"Oh, yes! The threat has been removed!"- He exclaims- "Don't sweat it, kids! The ride'll be good for ya, even though it was awful for us."
As the trio enters the tram, they take their places and stare at the man below. He smiles and gives them a final wave before the vehicle leaves this place behind.
"What a weird man! Talking about the janitor as if he's some kind of a hero!"- Aurelia exclaims- "Could he be more than what he claims to be?"
Kaiden shrugs.
"All kinds of people are living in this world."- He says- "Ninja janitors are just a small part of them."
As the heroes get accustomed to the current mood, a lone man sits next to them. Immediately after doing so, he takes a good look at them and smiles, as if he had seen some good friends.
"Fine weather we're having today, right?"- He says and chuckles- "It's nice to see that you're enjoying it, too."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"Umm, do I know you?"- He asks- "I am not supposed to speak to strangers."
The man smiles.
"Oh, it's alright! I won't bite you!"- He says- "Name's Jones, by the way."
Geralt looks at him.
"What is your first name?"
The man shakes his head.
"Just Jones."- He says- "I don't have another."
Geralt nods.
"Fair enough, I suppose."- He says- "So, what did you want to talk about?"
The man continues to smile.
"I came to communicate with fellow heroes such as myself, and I'm just glad that I found you."- He says- "I am fascinated by your looks and your charisma. You're clearly just as cool as I imagined."
Kaiden raises his eyebrow.
"Fascinated by us?"- He asks- "How do you know us in the first place?"
The man smiles.
"Why would I not?"- He asks- "You're members of the fabled Kaos family. Everyone has heard of you. Everyone is in awe of you. And I'm one of those who have admired you for quite a while."
Geralt smiles back.
"Oh! Umm... thank you!"- He exclaims- "You are very kind!"
The man nods.
"It's my pleasure, young one."
Geralt and the man talk for a while, sharing tales about their past experiences to each other. Geralt learns that this man is a fisherman and that he has caught bigger fish than some of the world's greatest hunters. His adventures earned him a lot of reputation, but he soon has to retire, in favor of starting a family. He now has a loving wife that he hopes to have childen with someday, hoping to help them become heroes like Geralt himself, something which greatly pleases the young hero, but worries his brother and Aurelia, who seem to think that this man is a little suspicious.
When someone else comes into the tram, the man stands up.
"Oh! Looks like my station has finally arrived!"- He exclaims- "Thank you for the company! I appreciate it!"
Geralt smiles.
"No problem, good sir."- He says- "Farewell. Thank you for the wonderful time."
As the man leaves, another one takes his place. However, this one seems to be very familiar to the trio. 
"Is everything going well?"- He asks.
The three of them look up.
"Oh, great. Another stranger."- Kaiden says- "What is it now?"
The man smiles.
"Can't you recognize my voice, Kaiden?"- He asks- "I thought that you were really good at it!"
Kaiden looks up and smiles.
"Of course I recognize you, Dan."- He says- "I'll never forget that powerful, confident tone."
Geralt raises his eyebrow.
"What are you doing here, cousin Dante?"- He asks- "I thought that you were going to become the king of Goznor for a while. Why did you decide to leave?"
Dante sighs.
"It's quite hard to explain. We had some political disputes back at home and my father's advisors refused to grant me the role, even for such a short period of time, curse their souls."- He says- "Thus, my mother was forced to take matters in her own hands and shush those incompetent fools by sending me away, hopefully to find you before you reach your final destination. It was her order and I had no choice, but to obey."
He smiles.
"In fact, she even left a little message for you!"
Dante holds up his arm and reveals a small pocketwatch, safely sitting on it. Then, the watch starts to glow as a small hologram appears on top of it.
"Greetings, o brave warriors of the world! Me and my husband hope that this is not an inconvenience for you!"- A miniature form of Sharla says- "We tried to get the people of the kingdom to accept little Danny into our society. However, they just wouldn't have any of it and forced me to send my child away as I had to take care of all of the king's back-breaking work and law enforcement until he recovered."
She smiles.
"I'm sending my son, my only boy, back to you."- She adds- "His precious life is in your hands now, so take good care of him, okay? Farewell, and good luck, no matter what you're planning to do next!"
As the hologram fades away, Dante sighs.
"I miss her so much already."- He says- "But I know that she'll do a great job, even on her own."
Kaiden smiles.
"Welcome aboard then, prince!"- He exclaims and pats him on the shoulder- "We're glad that we are being graced by your presence!"
Dante chuckles.
"Oh, you flatter me!"- He exclaims- "I'm just trying to help you out! And the people of this world, too. You don't need to make me feel proud of my deeds!"
As the four of them continue to speak, the speaker above turns on, notifying the passengers about a certain problem that forces the tram to stop for the time being.
"Again?"- Geralt says- "This is starting to feel like some kind of sabotage!"
Kaiden raises his eyebrow.
"Should we try to help the people out?"- He asks- "I know that it's not our place to act like heroes, but I fear that something bad might happen soon."
Geralt nods.
"I think that this is the best course of action."- He says- "Any sort of help is appreciated right now."
The four of them stand up, their hands close to their weapons.
"Alright, everyone."- He says- "It is show time."