(This isn’t current for Stefan. Decided to try an work on his past and his trust issues a little. So this is set probably roughly 5-6 years ago for him.)

Stefan groaned as he slid down to a seat on the floor, back against the cold damp stone. His whole body ached and screamed with every movement. Even breathing hurt. Grimacing as he reached into his pocket. Anger as his fingers curled around that small pearl.

‘Anytime you need something, just call one of us.’

The sound of the pearl cracking off the opposite wall as he threw it. What good was a linkpearl that only belonged to people like them? Leaving him to become fodder down here. Victim to the creatures that wandered these ruins.

All so they could claim everything for themselves…

‘As if we’d share with the likes of you.’ ‘You were just needed to help us find it.’  ‘As if someone like you matters.’

Stefan leaned his head back against the wall as he looked up towards the ceiling. He had never mattered to them. All he was was a means to an end. Once they were done with him they had tossed him aside like trash.

Wincing, Stefan pushed himself back to his feet. Using the wall to support himself as he caught his breath from the effort. He didn’t need them. He didn’t need anyone. That was something he would prove to everyone. It had taken him effort to make it this far. Pushing a bit harder shouldn’t be that much more of a challenge.

The cracked pearl crunched under his boot as he began to walk. First he had to get out of here. Then he could show everyone he was made of tougher stuff then this.