CHAPTER 12: THE MARKET OF BARGAINED FATES

After leaving the philosophical depths of the Library of Dreams, they find themselves lost in a bustling Interdimensional Marketplace where fate, memory, and even karma are traded as commodities. 

A soft glow pulsed from Preet’s chest the echo of the Key to Hidden Dreams they received in the Library. The Key resonated strongly in this place, as if warning them. “Be careful,” Preet murmured. “Every choice that was never lived… becomes dangerous if someone tries to buy it.” Rosi flicked her tail. “This market feeds on unlived destinies. That’s why the Key is reacting.”

Here, they encounter Oscar, who is attempting to purchase a new destiny, and learn the terrible price he must py, the sacrifice of his most cherished memories. The corridors of the Samsaraverse suddenly glow and transform into narrow alleys filled with strange stalls. The sounds of bargaining in various dimensional languages fill the air, mingled with the scent of foreign incense and the jingle of strange coins. "Our footsteps change everything," Rosi whispers warily. "This place only appears to those at a crossroads in their souls."

All around them, vendors offer magical items:

- Lanterns of Memory containing happy moments from other lives

- Hourglasses of Time capable of repeating specific moments

- Heart Eye Mirrors seeing others' true intentions

- And most valuable of all: Karma Coins the currency for purchasing a new destiny

Rosi’s fur lifted slightly. “These artifacts… they’re not native to this market,” she whispered. “We saw fragments of them before leaking out of that unstable portal's Okman” Preet brushed her fingers over the edge of the Hourglass, feeling a faint vibration. “If the Cartographer’s items are appearing here, it means someone has begun distributing them… and whatever we find ahead will be far more dangerous.”

Amidst the crowd, they spot the familiar figure of Oscar, now in a calmer and clearer form, as a soul nearing enlightenment. However, he was in a tense standoff with the Karma Broker, a golden-masked being with a perpetual smile, wearing a red robe. "Everything you want is yours, Oscar," the Broker cooed in a lilting voice. "A new birth into a wealthy family, perfect health, even true love. Just give me... a handful of your beautiful memories." Oscar hesitated. "Just... a handful of memories?"

"The most precious," the Broker replied. "Moments with your departed parents, your childhood laughter, the feeling of first love." Preet, with his keen senses, immediately analyzed the situation. 

"It's a scam! He's not giving you a new destiny; he's stealing it from another innocent soul!" Rosi hissed angrily. "Every 'good destiny' sold here is forcibly taken from another dimension. You'll be happy by cursing others!" Mr. David tried to advise Oscar. "Listen to them, Oscar. You've come a long way on your journey of redemption. Don't fall into the same pit of greed." Oscar looked at his nearly transparent hands. "I'm tired, David. Tired of fighting, tired of atoning for my sins. I just want... a peaceful rest." Shayla approached gently. "But Oscar, look around. The souls here those who 'bought' happiness have empty eyes. They're like smiling dolls." The broker grew impatient. "The choice is yours, Oscar. Instant happiness, or a struggle with no guarantees?"

In the tense silence, Oscar closed his eyes. He saw flashes of:

- Shayla's sacrifice that saved him from eternal torment

- Mr. David's patience that taught him about regret

- Preet's innocence that trusted him

"Back then," Oscar said slowly, "I would have taken that offer without a second thought. But now... I understand. True happiness cannot be bought with the suffering of others." Instead of buying a new destiny, Oscar did something unexpected. He took the remnants of his karmic energy the golden light that was the essence of his redemption and handed it to Preet. "Use this," Oscar whispered. "To help those who, like me, are lost in anger and regret." The light transferred to Preet, making her glow brighter than ever. "But... you will disappear, Oscar." "Not disappear," Oscar argued with a peaceful smile. "But finally... free."

His body began to fade, transforming into particles of light that spread throughout the dimensions.

The broker glared, disappointed. "You're ruining my business!" "Not business," Mr. David said firmly. "It's fraud. And we won't allow it." Before they could do anything, the entire market began to shake. The souls who had been lining up to buy their destiny began to regain consciousness, their eyes shining again. "Sometimes," Shayla whispered, "the greatest lessons come from those we help." Rosi purred contentedly. "He finally found true redemption, not by running from karma, but by embracing it and choosing to do good anyway." 

As they left the crumbling market, a new portal opened, this time leading to a completely different place.

"It feels... like a calling," Preet murmured, clutching her chest where Oscar's light now resided.

Mr. David nodded. "Like something is waiting for us. Something... or someone." The portal was a shimmering green with intricate geometric patterns. From within, came the sound of mechanical rustling and... laughter.

TO BE CONTINUED...