Reality hit me. The Purgatory is not just an extension of the human world where I can escape and move on from my previous life. The trauma I have will always haunt me here and who knows what other sufferings I could experience. The Purgatory is a place where they can torment me whenever they want. Next thing I know, I could be the next dish.
The door to the room they have put me opened. The sight of my visitor made my blood instantly boil. As soon as she closed the door, I aggressively confronted her and held her by the neck.
"You!" I am someone who would never harm the people around me but Lady Gumi is different. She is one of the evil souls.
I can feel my hands tightening on her neck. My fingers are leaving marks on her. She looks like she's having a hard time but she still decided to give me a smirk.
While having trouble speaking, she said. "I knew it, you're the perfect match for Damon. You know, I'm pretty sure Damon likes someone who's a little sadist."
"Stop joking with me!!" I shouted. My voice didn't even startle her. "Why me?"
"Believe me. I am just trying to help you."
"By bringing me to the Purgatory? How does that help?"
"I want you to be happy."
"If you want me to be happy, you could've just taken my parents and let me live my human life." My tears are starting to run down my cheeks. I know I have said something I shouldn't have but it just doesn't make sense to me. Why make me suffer when I am already suffering?
"I didn't take you here just because I wanted to. You're dead. And as the grim reaper it is my job to bring your soul to the purgatory. I even helped you get a place."
Lady Gumi's gaze went beyond my shoulders as if she's looking at someone.
"Could you please stop watching and help me?" Said Lady Gumi. I turned around and Damon is standing, watching us. Was he here from the start? I didn't notice.
"To be honest, you deserve it."
"Is that how you'll repay me? After what I've done?"
Damon looked me in the eyes and then to my hands that are gripping Lady Gumi's neck. He slowly approached us and touched my hands.
"Let go. You're just hurting your hands." Damon said in a very soothing voice. I loosened my grip and Lady Gumi sat down as she gasp for air.
I've only known Damon for a month and a half so I am still not sure if I should trust him. But, something inside me makes me feel that in this hellish world, he is someone I can rely on. Damon who is still holding my hands pulled me into an embrace.
The sudden action shocked me and made my guard down. His body is warm. This is my first time experiencing a hug. An action my parents couldn't give me. A warmth that I've only dreamt while I was at the human world.
I can feel my tears starting to well up. While still in an embrace with Damon, I started wailing. This cry carries the weight of the years that I've suffered from the human world. A cry that accepts the reality of the present situation. And the cry to finally let go and move forward.
...
I am not sure how long I cried for, and I didn't realize I had drifted off to sleep. But after all that, I feel that I am ready to start a new chapter in my life.
I smiled and tightened my grip on the pillow I was hugging, only to realize that no pillow could be as hard as this. I opened my eyes fully and found a muscular, bare chest in front of me. I know who owns this chest but what should I do?
Do I just sit up, walk to the bathroom and pretend I didn't notice? Or... Do I look at his face and greet him with good morning, if it is morning? Or... Do I just pretend that I'm still not awake and continue sleeping in this position?
I was just about to choose option 3 but Damon suddenly talked. "If you're awake, should we get ready to go back to Gatori Cafe? Let's go home."
"Sure." I said as I stare at his eyes. "But let me wash up first. I haven't cleaned myself since I vomitted. I think you should do too."
"I'll be back once we're ready to leave."
I took a shower and a clean set of clothes is already at my room. I changed into it and just waited. Damon is taking too long.
Maybe I should talk to the Supreme Ruler before we leave. I feel bad ruining the dinner. I should apologize.
I left my room. I didn't get to have a proper look yesterday but this place is similar to a palace. Contrary to expectation, the place is not dark. It is designed with marble white and glass with gold and wooden accents. Some areas with big glass windows are scarlet in color as the fire from the pit is the source of light.
The castle is quiet I can hear my own footsteps and not the screams from the outside. I am expecting that the place will be swarmed of helpers but I haven't encounter a single soul.
At the end of the hallway is a large door. As I walk towards it, I can hear inaudible voices so I quietly approached it. The door is slightly opened.
"I'm telling you, you only have 2 choices. Let the mere soul stay in the Limbus and I'll personally take care of him. Or bring him with you and expose him with the dangers that the lost souls experience." This is why Damon wasn't coming. He is talking with the Supreme Ruler.
"He survived during the Journey so that is proof he can overcome any challenges.
"He survived because you helped him. You're not going to be with him all the time."
"Liam and Johan also are capable of protecting him."
"Haa.... Damon. How will the souls look at us if we're protecting someone like him? You are meant to enforce our rules and lost souls are meant to wander around. Put him in a collar and I'll let you do what you want."
I instinctively held my neck to his words. Did he say collar? But collars are meant for pet slaves. Are they planning to sell me?
"He's already part of our cafe. He already has his purpose in the purgatory. And I'm protecting him as one of our employees."
"That ridiculous cafe again. You and Gumi are not kids anymore so stop playing around. Soon, one of you will replace me."
Listening to this conversation made me realize something. The Supreme Ruler is talking as if he's the father of Lady Gumi and Damon. Come to think of it, the invitation did say that the dinner would be with his children. Now I truly understand why everyone has high admiration towards Damon.
Learning this somehow makes me feel hopeless. The possible next in line to be the supreme ruler shouldn't be seen with a nobody like me.
"Punish Gumi then. She' s the reason for all of this. As for me, I'll be going back to the Paradis with Eugene."
The door swung open. My and Damon's eyes met. He grabbed me by the hand and started walking without glancing back. But, the Supreme Ruler gave us a warning.
" The seven levels are hungry souls. Everyone wants an unclaimed lost soul. Everyone will be targeting you."