Soul Chaser: Soul Chaser Duology, #1

By E. R. Reading

Tatiana Walker is a wild-spirited girl who makes an unlikely friend, with a ghost, named Arthur. As she tries to help her new friend with a unique problem, his tragic past catches up to him. Together they discover the world of Demigods and Giants is not all that it appears to be. 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: E. R. Reading
• Release date: May 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781738916016

Book preview

Prologue

Iwas supposed to be able to trust them; unfortunately, by the end, I paid for my mistake.

I walk through this city every day with nothing but muck and grey clouding my vision; despair and anger filling my heart.

There are rumors of someone who can help me, all pointing to a girl who is powerful enough to redeem someone like me.

I feel as though I’m close to finding her. There is a spark of hope that has grown inside my icy heart. That hope is the reason I sit here on this bench, like every Tuesday. The rumors say she frequents this park. I’ve never laid eyes on her, but I know that when I do, I will be absolutely certain it’s her. Have I missed something? I ponder. A moment or word tracing back to her?

I sit for hours. The people in the park throw a blend of strange looks and whispers my way. I ignore them and wait, leaning my back against the bench. Before, I would have felt the heat of the metal on my skin, but I can no longer experience the touch of this world.

I can hear the laughter of families sitting on blankets enjoying picnics and the cries of children in the far distance as the world drifts away and I fall into a daydream. Picturing the sun, formerly bright and colourful, and the sky, like a new painting each day. Remembering the vibrant greens of the leaves rattling in the wind, I look up at the sky filled with fluffy clouds that appear grey to me now. If only I could see the vibrant sunsets again.

I snap back to reality as I hear laughter. So joyful and full of excitement that it must be the girl I’ve been searching for. I scan the crowd I should have been watching, and my eyes find a short teenage girl. Her chin-length hair bounces as she walks. My eyes fixate on her, unmoving. A familiarity fills me. How do I know her?

I think our eyes lock for a moment, but she quickly looks away. She waves at someone and takes a step through the grass onto the path. I see her walking toward me, bopping to the alternative pop blasting through her earbuds. Eagerly, I sit up, but she doesn’t acknowledge me as she passes. Did I imagine the moment? Nervously rising from the bench, I follow behind her. 

Now close to the park’s outer edge, she swiftly bends down and picks something up. Smiling, she places it in her pocket. I didn’t see what the object was, but that look in her eye makes me eager to ask.

Lost in thought, I run into a garbage can that clangs loudly through the park. I dodge behind a tree and glance around its large rough trunk to see her still walking on the path. She must not have noticed. 

She leaves the park and heads into the street. I do not feel prepared for this today. Still, I am not willing to lose her. So I follow as she nears the edge of Uptown. I see the shimmer of glass as we pass by buildings and hear the noise of the city as a distant background in my mind. She turns down the strangest roads. I feel uneasy since I haven’t ventured into these alleys before. She is walking with power, like she knows exactly where she’s going. 

Entering an area with towering buildings, I sense a damp chill and watch her slide into a different alley. Not wanting to cut it too close behind her, I linger before turning the corner, finding myself alone. I whip my head around. Where could she be? I just saw her. I glide over to the end of the alley, where the street connects. Did she cross over the road already? I’m so stupid. How could I lose her? 

The comforting hope I have held onto for these past few months starts to disappear when I hear the crackle of gravel behind me, and a sharp voice says,Why are you following me?

I turn around slowly and see the girl. She’s holding a knife toward me. I am frozen, sensing this powerful energy emanating from her. She stands there holding a weapon, threatening me, and yet I feel alive. How could this be?

The grey haze flits away for just a moment; that’s when I see her eyes. They are full of colour. Violet.

Chapter 1

The morning breeze drifts through my hair, blowing it into my eyes. A rush of excitement passes over me as I sense this day will be the start of something new.

I place my feet on the pavement and take long strides to the beat of my playlist. The music sends a magical sensation through my mind. Today, it lightens the already bright summer sun, causing the windshields of cars passing by to blind me.

Normally, I would not be traveling so far from home, which lies closer to the city’s edge. However, I feel drawn to one of my favorite places. The park.

As I walk down the clear sidewalk, something colourful catches my eye. On closer examination, I see that it’s a button popping out of the grass. Smiling, I place it in my pocket; letting it clang against the various objects that already have a home there.

I take in a deep, refreshing breath. This part of Downtown is almost free from the stench of brewing mixes and factory smoke. I hear the beep, signaling that I am free to cross the road. I place foot over foot on the paint and teeter like a tightrope. Hopping back onto the sidewalk, I see the park is just ahead.

It expands for two blocks, but my favourite part is at the front entrance. The trees are seemingly endless. As a child, I wanted to be as tall as them and the Giants of Uptown. My mother told me that was unlikely. She was correct, as she often is, but now I am grateful for my short stature because I can stand here and appreciate the magnificence of their height and beauty.

The park bustles with families who have small children. I breathe in the summer breeze as I walk down the path. The rocks feel gritted and rough beneath my feet, so I veer from the cement onto the soft grass. There is nothing quite like the warmth of the dirt beneath my bare feet.

I am taking laps around one of my favourite places in the city for exercise and to people watch. I notice a few couples holding hands, several people walking dogs, a person with a leather jacket and long black hair. That must be hot. I am making my rounds when I see an old friend from school. I rush over to say hi.

Ember! I wave to her, and she turns to me. The surprise on her face is evident.

Hello, Tia, she says, smiling. I hug her, and then let go.

How’s your summer? she asks.

I tilt my head. I’ve been reading a ton of books and enjoying the weather.

She grins.

Ember never was a close friend at school, but she was always polite.

What have you been up to? I ask, and she lights up.

We’re going to the lake tomorrow, for the rest of the summer.

I nod and smile. That’s awesome!

Unfortunately, my parents’ room is next to mine, and my dad snores like crazy. I laugh wholeheartedly in reply.

Well, I wish you luck.

I wave goodbye and catch something out of the corner of my eye. No, it couldn’t be. I want to go around the park again, but I can sense someone following me. My pace quickens as I near the street. There is something strange about them. That thought causes my entire body to tremble.

I walk, trying to act confident, and that’s when I see something in the grass. I bend down and pick it up, placing the pencil sharpener in my pocket with my other treasures. Standing up, I hear a clang. Just act natural.

I try to slow my breathing as I enter the street. I bounce, anticipating the pedestrian sign to signal that it’s okay to cross. The hair is standing up on the back of my neck. Please, no. Suspense builds up inside, causing pressure in my temples. I put my tip toes on the edge of the road.

Closer, they’re drawing closer.

Beep. Finally! I race across the street.

Finding a familiar alley, I slide down it. They’re still following me. I consider calling someone, but no one is coming to mind. My brain is not taking direction and is acting on instinct as I head down a dark, slim road under a rocky stone bridge. I suddenly realize that I’m making my way back to my house, and there’s only one more street until I reach it.

Not wanting to put my family in danger, I look for somewhere to hide. To my left, there are large buildings with worn-down brick. I see a gap between two of the walls and without a second thought; I slide into it. Reaching inside my purse, I pull out the silver knife that I always carry, just in case I need to pry a treasure from the ground or a wall. I flick it open and take quick breaths, waiting for the stranger to pass by.

I see movement out of the corner of my eye. Breathing shallowly, I pause before leaping into the alley behind them.

Why are you following me? I hold the knife out towards them.

It’s a boy in grey tones from his head to his toes. My eyes widen, and I wobble a little forward. He is around my age, or at least he was.

He just stares at me.

There is a flash of something; I blink, and it’s gone. I could have sworn he looked different.

Answer me! I demand with a shaky voice.

Okay, he says, an iciness to his tone. He opens his mouth to continue, but he glances at my feet. I know we’ve just met- he suddenly has a carefree attitude, and you don’t know me, but where are your shoes? He looks from my feet to my eyes.

It doesn’t matter where they are! I shout at him.

Well, I need your help, shoeless girl, he says, maintaining his cool boy attitude.

What could you possibly need my help with? Ghost Boy, I say with disgust.

"That’s hurtful. I am, well, I was seventeen."

"Boy," he mutters to himself.

The likes of him used to be contained in camps outside the city. A few years ago, the government made a law that allowed ghosts to live in society again. I fear them because several are violent and dangerous. I am astonished that he can stand there, acting like his kind hasn’t done so much damage to the human population.

Anger bubbles up inside me as I grip the knife beside my leg.

I don’t care, I say, my feelings threatening to overflow.

Ouch, his sarcasm dripping like a faucet. Like I said, I have a reason for stalking you. He shrugs his shoulders. If you’re willing to listen.

I hold my breath. What is it?

It’s quite a strange request. I need help to channel my energy so that I may see the world as it once was.

My face contorts. A ghost wants me to… help him with energy?

I know nothing about energies, I say and walk away. Sorry, I can’t help.

He calls after me, There are rumors of a girl who can. I knew they pointed to you by the power that flows and emanates from you. Please don’t walk away.

You can’t know that. I shake my head.

I do know it. The chill in his voice sears me to my bones.

I can’t help you, anyway. I don’t have time. I go to leave.

Are you busy tomorrow? he asks, floating next to me.

Ahh! I jump a little. Don’t do that! I say rudely.

He looks at me with hope in his eyes. My mind goes blank as I try to come up with a believable excuse.

Feeling defeated, I give in. You get one chance, Ghost Boy. Meet me here tomorrow, same time. Let’s see if there’s any truth to this theory of yours.

image-placeholder

I walk home silently, my feet dragging. My mind feels numb, muting the sound of the city. Can I help him? Do I want to? That I’m seeing him tomorrow might speak for itself, but I think I will get a second opinion before meeting with him.

Our little yellow house comes into view. The dark green ivy climbing up the trellises on the front porch. The smell of delicious food wafts from inside. At least for now, I’m home.

Chapter 2

Iclick my pen on the table, hearing it vibrate through my ear on the wooden surface. I think about the strange ghost boy and how I didn’t even get his name. Setting the pen down, I sit up.

What are your plans today? Mom sets pancakes in front of me.

Because our house is small, we eat at a circular table in the centre of our kitchen.

I am meeting up with someone, I say, a little bitterness left in my mouth from yesterday’s encounter.

Well, be mindful. The Giants are Downtown for some business, and you know how they can be, she says, lovingly rubbing my arms.

Alright. I think I’ll be back for lunch, but if not, I’ll text. I dig into the delicious fruit and whipped cream piled on the pancakes. Thanks, mum, I mumble with my mouth stuffed.

She looks at me and wrinkles her nose. We don’t want you to die before you leave this house.

I snort and choke on my food. She rolls her eyes and returns to the dishes. I finish licking my plate when my older brother enters the small room. He looks like he’s a zombie in his grizzled morning state.

Hey. Grumbling, he messes up my hair before sitting down.

Hey. I stand to take my plate to the sink.

I set my plate in the warm dishwater, feeling the soap tickle my fingers as I scrub it clean.

Where’s Daddy? I ask Mom, while drying the freshly washed dish.

He’s at work already. Some big meeting, I think.

I nod, remembering that he said something last night, but my mind was pre-occupied with Ghost Boy.

I kiss mom on the way ou the door. Breakfast still occupies my brother as it closes quietly behind me.

I feel determined to get answers today as I turn on my favourite playlist and start to walk. The cement is a little colder this morning.

The streets carry some uncommon visitors to this part of the city. Giants. The wealthiest beings in the country, maybe even the world. They only come Downtown for business.

I think about turning around and not meeting the boy, but curiosity takes over. How am I supposed to help him? I decide to visit a friend for advice before meeting up with him. I stop in front of their house and knock on the door. I wait, knowing they might need a bit to answer. Finally, it swings open.

My, my, I didn’t expect a visit from you today, a crackly voice says.

I need some advice. Can I come in?

Of course, child. The elderly woman opens the door.

How are you and Bob doing? I sit in a chair that has welcomed many long conversations.

We’re doing fine, as always. Did you see all the Giants Downtown? It’s very strange. She shakes her head, sitting in the seat across from mine.

They’re here for some meetings, I say, uninterested in the subject.

Ahh, well, at least it’s something for me to watch this afternoon. She looks out the window towards the street.

Dorothy, what are your thoughts on ghosts? I nervously play with my pink locks.

My thoughts on ghosts. Now that’s a complicated subject. She smiles and rocks back and forth in her chair, which creaks with old age.

I think they felt lost and alone as they moved into the city. Many people are afraid of them. I think they are something unnatural…. Her voice trails off before continuing, -but they were once people. If I were to become a ghost next week, I would want everyone to treat me the same as they do now. She grabs her cup of coffee from the side table next to the chair.

What should I do, hypothetically, if I were to meet a ghost that wanted to hang out? I fiddle with the arm of my chair.

Think of how you would treat someone who is among the living and then act as though that person is more sensitive.

I nod. Alright, thanks, Dorothy, I say, standing.

You’re leaving already, dear? She sets her cup back down.

Yes, I have to run, but my Mom will stop by later.

Tia, she calls. I stop at the front door. I know you can change your emotions quickly in order to cope with hard things. Try to keep that in mind. With Dorothy’s strange warning, I leave.

I heard what I needed to in order to meet with him.

I walk down the busy street and pop my music back on, thinking that this can be a chance to make a new friend, and I love making friends.

In the alley, I lean against the building where I hid yesterday. The brick feels cold against my back. I am tempted to walk home and pretend that it never happened, but Dorothy’s words stick with me. I want to overcome my fear and become friends with this boy. I sigh and fiddle in my bag, feeling inspired to jot down a note or two while I wait. I lick my already dry lips, wondering if the ghost boy will show.

Hey, a monotone voice says as he peeks around the corner. I notice that he came from the opposite direction than I had. Where does he live?

Oh, you showed up. I fold up my notebook and place it back in my bag.

Well, I was the one who asked you to come. It would be rude not to show up. He shrugs.

I pinch a rock between my toes and take a deep breath as I press my back off the wall.

What do you expect from me? I walk to the middle of the alley to look him in the eye. He’s slightly taller than I am, but he is floating off the ground, which adds to the height difference.

I told you already. I want you to help me see light and colour in the world again.

I don’t know if that’s even possible, I huff.

He looks at me, determined. At least, I think he’s determined. There is a general glum feeling to him, a sadness that is hard to describe.

I have a thought. I wave, gesturing for him to follow.

Alright. Gonna tell me where we’re headed? he asks, following behind.

You’ll see when we get there. I look down the street and head in the opposite direction I came from, toward the city’s median.

The rough sidewalk is refreshing beneath my feet. Each step gives me a glimpse of my freshly painted, hot pink toenails.

We’re almost there, I assure him.

I sprint to see if it’s open, jogging forward a little faster. I haven’t been here for a while and am excited to see them. I’m unsure if it will work with him, but I figure it’s worth a shot.

What is this place? He asks.

It’s a happy place. I push open the door to a small shop. Most people pass by this ordinary-looking building. I, however, have found that it’s beneficial to my soul to stop in every so often.

Chrysta, are you here? I call into the shop. Looking at my feet, I see a little friend who is saying hello.

One moment! she calls from the back room. I smile and pick up the fluffy cat.

A cat cafe? The boy judges.

Did you like kittens when you were alive? I ask, stroking the cat’s ear.

Sort of. We didn’t have pets, he says, with a touch of cold reminiscence.

Hello, Chrysta greets us, appearing at the counter. She is a middle-aged woman with dark hair and plain features.

What can I do for you today, love? she asks with a bright smile. Chrysta has owned this shop for a few years. I come in often to check up on her and enjoy some cat snuggles.

One table for me and my friend here. I nod to the boy. Chrysta looks shocked, like she hadn’t noticed him before.

Alright. She digs in the drawers to find a notepad.

She walks over to one of the light-coloured tables and points to it. We sit near the window. Another cat climbs onto my lap, and I giggle.

The boy asks how this will help him.

It will help you experience emotion again, happy emotion. I relax into the cushioned seat. I start to think about what I want to buy when I realize ghosts don’t eat. I gasp a little, quickly bringing my hand to my mouth, hoping he didn’t notice. Thankfully, he is distracted by an orange kitten that has wandered up to him.

What would you like to have? Chrysta brings out her notepad and pen.

A cherry danish please.

You? she asks the boy, uncomfortably.

Nothing for me, thanks.

Chrysta nods and leaves.

Hi, I say, enthusiastically. The boy, looks up, startled.

Hi?

I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Tatiana, but most people call me Tia. What’s your name? I bounce with energy.

My name? It’s Arthur. I think I forgot to mention that yesterday. Sorry, I’ve been out of sorts.

I smile. Nice to meet you, Arthur. I feel like we’ll be great friends. I reach into my bag to grab out a notebook. Chrysta brings my Danish and leaves, mumbling about how I make many strange friends.

Here’s my phone number. I slide the note across the rough table.

Uh, thanks. He snatches the paper up, smiling.

Weird, he almost looked in colour. I laugh at the thought. A ghost can’t be colourful. Can they? Well, maybe he was right about the whole ‘see the world in colour again.’

What were you like before this? I gesture to him up and down.

I was, let’s see. I was funny, I think anyway. I had quite a few friends. Of course, they abandoned me when this happened. He shakes his head, looking uncomfortable.

Well, now you have a new friend, I look at the kitten on his lap.

It would appear that way. He laughs.

I wanted to ask. I chomp down on the rest of my treat. Did you live in the city before you… um. I try not to offend him.

Died? he finishes. Yes, I was Downtown. My mother was an elementary school teacher. Her school was close to the church. She loved teaching there- His mouth twists into a small smile.

Did you have any siblings? I wipe my hands on my pants and collect my things together.

No, just me.

I nod and stand up from the table. Come on, I have one last thing I want to do today.

I hear a cat’s meow as I clink the bell on the way out.

Bye, Chrysta, see you soon! I yell and bounce down the sidewalk.

image-placeholder

I don’t understand. Arthur looks around. Why the park?

Too many questions. I roll my eyes playfully.

I’m just not sure you want to be seen with me. He seems nervous.

It’s another place that makes me feel happy. I need some inspiration about how we can heal you. I sit on the grass below one of the tallest trees. He hovers above the ground next to me. Let’s start with things that brought you joy while you were alive. I prepare my pencil to scratch down ideas.

Well, I hung out with my friends at an Uptown shop that made the best ice cream. I enjoyed riding my bike through the streets of Downtown, and I liked to sneak into an old, abandoned observatory. I would look at the stars from its roof, daydreaming for hours. I guess that one was more of a ‘just me’ thing. He looks disheartened.

Thank you for the information. Now I can make a plan. I will meet you here at lunchtime tomorrow. I shake the grass off of my behind. Waving goodbye, I walk through the trees, heading home.

image-placeholder

Darling, is that you? Mom calls from the living room as I close the front door.

Yep, just got back. I plop my bag on the floor and glide into the kitchen to find an apple.

Don’t go eating anything. I have lunch almost ready, she says as I bite into the apple.

Sorry! Frowning, I wander down the hall to my room, wanting to have some time alone to think. Daddy could help make a plan, but I’m unsure of how to approach the subject.

I swing the door open to my cave of joy, as I call it. Flowers hang upside down from the roof. There are all sorts, but I particularly like the roses. The dead flower stench is potent this morning. Rushing to the window opposite the door, I fling it open.

I turn to look at my desk, which is covered in junk and nail stuff. Ignoring the mess, I flop onto my bed among the piles of books. I haven’t cleaned up in a few days, and I was too busy last night to tackle it. I smile at the alarm clock near my face that sparkles like pixie dust.

Lunch! I hear my mother call.

I heave my body forward with too much momentum, putting me on the floor with books falling around me. I scramble to my feet and race to the door,