Estimated reading time — 28 minutes

Hospitals were always the grimmest of places for me. There was a sadness and pain that no one but me could feel. To watch and feel the suffering of men, women, and children as they either got better or worse. It always brought a smile to my face when they recovered. And it hurt me to watch them die. But, it was my job to be there. To wait for them to breathe their last. Because that’s when my job would start. This time, it was an older man named Donald, dying of cancer, minutes away from losing his battle. I sat at his bedside, watching as he flatlined. I looked at my watch. Three… Two… One. Donald sat up straight, climbing out of bed, staring at his body in confusion. “What…” he began, “What happened?” “It’s your time, sir,” I said, standing to my feet, my gloved hands in front of me. I adjusted my black suit and fedora and stayed still. The old man looked at me. “Who are you?” “I’m a Reaper. I’ll be your escort to the other side.”

Donald looked to be in shock. As a flood of nurses and doctors moved past us. The man looked at me, with tears streaming down his face. “My daughter and grandchildren were supposed to visit today. They only come once a week.” I nodded solemnly. “I’m sorry. I truly am. But it is your time.” Donald choked out a sob and sat down at his own bedside. “Can I at least see them one more time?” he asked softly. I checked my watch. “If you stay too long or refuse, then you’ll be stuck here forever.” He sighed again. Donald stood up slowly, and I helped him to his feet. “Come on,” I said gently, “Let’s go home.” Donald and I walked slowly out of the room into the hallway. As I went to make the call, Donald stopped. I looked and saw a woman, her husband, and two daughters come around the corner. The woman’s eyes went wide and she took off running towards Donald’s run.

Donald was about to move toward her but I gently grabbed him. “You shouldn’t be around for this.” A second later, a painful wail pierced our ears. Donald covered his mouth and closed his eyes, and I decided it was time to make the call. I pressed my ear. “Open above,” I said. The ceiling tore open as reality itself opened up to reveal a large pearly staircase leading to a small door. “Come on, Donald,” I said. Donald stood in both awe and shock and took a step onto the stairs, and I followed.

The staircase began to move, and it took us up to the top. Donald turned around and watched the world as he knew it slowly fade away. I put my hand on his shoulder. “It’s going to be okay,” I reassured him, “Believe me. You’re going to a better place.” Donald nodded slowly, though I could tell he still didn’t believe it. I couldn’t blame him. Many felt this way. Death was not something that anyone wanted. Whether they were going to the good place or the bad, it was always a scary thing.

Finally, we reached the door, and I knocked twice. The door opened, and a man wearing all white scrubs stood in front of us. He nodded and stepped aside to let us through. Once we walked through, we came to a large marble office building, where men and women in white were moving about. Guards dressed in white and gold with long spears and weapons stood at attention in various places. I led Donald down the stairs to a desk, where a woman was sitting. She smiled as we approached.

“Hello! New arrival?”

“Yes. Donald Riley. Age 71. Died of cancer.”

The woman nodded sadly. “I am sorry. It must have been painful.”

Donald didn’t answer, only looking around. The woman cleared her throat. “Anyways. I’ll have you and him sign off. And I’ll escort him in.” I nodded, turning to Donald. “Okay, sir. It’s time. Just sign your name in the book, I’ll sign off after, and you’ll be in your new home.” Donald hesitated, still looking back. “You’ll see them again one day. I promise,” I said. Donald looked at me, and he seemed to relax slightly. “Is my wife here? Mary Darrows?” The woman took the book and flipped through a couple of pages before pointing the name out. “Yes sir,” she said with a smile, “She’s right here.” Donald’s expression turned to a smile, and he wiped a tear from his eye.

“Okay…” Donald took the pen and signed his full name in the book of life. Donald took a breath. I patted him gently on the back and I signed my name next to his. The woman closed the book. “All righty! Let me show you your new home.” Donald looked at me and nodded before going to follow the woman. “Hey, Samara!” I called. Samara turned. “Bring him to Mary first. Then show him around.” Samara gave a quick nod before her and Donald walked out the two big doors into the next life. I took a deep breath then walked out the door I came into.

I walked back down the stairs and I was back in the hospital. Immediately, I heard the crying. I peaked into the room to find Donald’s family mourning his death, particularly his daughter. I didn’t want to watch any more, and made my way out of the hospital. Again, I didn’t like being in places like that. I hated the grimness of it all. My existence as a Reaper was dark enough as it was, I didn’t need to be in places that made it worse. I walked out into the fresh air and crossed the street. Unlike humans, I didn’t need to wait for a red light or a walking sign. There was a park nearby that I decided I would hang out in for a bit before the next call came. Because it would come. It was just a matter of when.

I took a seat on the park bench, watching men, women, and children of all ages pass by. As hard as I tried to enjoy it, the thought always crossed my mind that at any point I would be called to guide them. It’s happened before. A while ago, a woman and her son who I had watched buy ice cream together died two hours later in a car accident. Another reaper and myself were sent to guide them above. As saddening as it was, I accepted a long time ago that this was part of life. People die, and it was my job to take them wherever they needed to go next. “Long day?” a voice asked behind me. I turned around to see a black haired woman wearing an all black suit with a skirt. It was the attire of a Reaper. All black suits with gloves. “Hey Ariel,” I said. “Nathan.” She took her seat next to me.

“Who was it this time?” she asked. “Donald Glover. A man in his seventies with cancer. Lost his battle today. You?”

“Heidi Litzger. Murdered in her home by an intruder. Brutal stuff.” We watched a young couple walk past us, holding hands and giggling. “It’ll be their turn one day too,” Ariel said. “Yeah…” We sat in silence for a bit, before turning to her, watching her wavy black hair and beautiful black eyes. She looked at me. “What?” she asked. I shook my head. “Nothing.” It was pointless. The curse of a Reaper was to feel but not be allowed to act. A Reaper could fall in love, but was forbidden and unable to act on their feelings. A Reaper could not prevent a death, nor could they accelerate one. We would have to be neutral in all affairs. It was maddening at times. To see injustice, heartbreak, and pain, but not be able to do anything about it. That was up to other forces outside our control.

“A beautiful day, isn’t it?” Ariel said after a few minutes, staring at the sky. I followed her gaze and smiled slightly. “Yeah. It is.” Just then, my watch beeped. “Death?” Ariel asked. I nodded. “Yeah. I’ll see you around.” “See you around.” I stood to my feet and clicked my watch. Instantly, I was on another street corner in a completely different city. A sports car lay totaled in front of us, with the body of a young woman splattered on the ground a few feet away. The authorities were already on scene working to treat the man, who had somehow survived. It wasn’t his time. I pulled up her report.

Elisa Riveira. Age Twenty six. Multiple occasions of adultery. She’d stolen from many of these men, drove her husband to suicide. This man she was with was the newest casualty and he had no idea. I clenched my fist slightly. Humans like this got under my skin. Not just the crime, but the shamelessness of some of these people. There was hope for redemption once people felt remorse for those crimes. Sure, it didn’t save them from justice on Earth, but on the other end it gave them a chance. But it had to be genuine. Someone like this, there was no remorse. Just shameless lust and adultery. I checked my watch again. Three… two…one.

Elisa climbed out of the car, leaving her body. The fear hit her immediately. She knew she was dead. Now was my cue. I marched over. “Mrs. Riveira?” She jumped and turned to me, hugging herself. “W-w-who are you?” “I am a Reaper. I am here to take you to the next life.” Elise’s eyes widened and darted around, eventually ending up staring down her mangled remains. She began to tremble violently and threw up, a strange colored bile leaving her mouth. I walked towards her. “It’s time to go.” Elisa stared at me in fear. “Where am I going?” she asked timidly, the shamelessness of her life gone from her face. “I think you know.” A gasp escaped her throat and she staggered back. “No… no….NO! It’s not real! It’s all bullshit!” I shook my head. “No, Mrs. Riveira. It is not. It is very real.” She began to cry and try to get away from me. Here we go…

“Elisa…” I began, creeping closer. “Stay away from me!” she cried, tripping over herself, falling through the paramedics and firefighters. I closed the distance quick, appearing in front of her in a flash. I grabbed her arm, causing her to fiercely struggle. “NO! I WON’T GO!” she screamed. “ELISA!” I boomed, causing her to freeze. “I suggest you come along in peace. Because this is all you’ll get from here on out.” Elisa began to sob, falling limp as I pulled her to her feet. “Open below,” I said into my ear. The earth split open, revealing a large rocky staircase that led down to a darkness. Elisa fell to her knees. “Get up,” I said, dragging her to her feet as we began the descent. Just like Donald, I caught her looking back to see the sun, the last she’ll ever see. The stairs descended for a long time, getting hotter and hotter. Elisa now walked in silence, occasionally letting out a whimper.

Finally, we reached the bottom, stepping onto warm rocky ground, the gravel crunching under our feet. A raging storm thundered above us, red clouds flashing orange lightning, some of which would hit the ground and start small fires. Ahead of us was a large gate of steel, with skulls and bone adorning the spikes at the top. Two armed guards, wearing black robes and hoods stood at the front. We marched towards the gate entrance. “Reaper. New inmate,” I said. The two guards nodded and thumped their large scythes, signaling the gate to open. A loud, deep rumbling echoed, and the gate opened up. A colossal building of brimstone and cement, resembling a mix of a large prison and an ancient castle. I’ve seen what both look like. I knocked on the door. Another hooded guard opened the door. “New inmate?” she asked. “Yes,” I answered, glancing at Elisa. Elisa had her head lowered, her eyes squeezed shut.

The guard nodded and stepped aside. They proceeded inside the dark hallway, mold and strange fluids dripping from the walls. Elisa gagged and retched, but I didn’t. We came to a large heavy door, which I opened up, taking me to a vast open structure, with nine steel doors, each with different symbols on them. One of the doors opened, releasing a flood of screams, wails, and unholy roaring. An older hooded man with cracked skin like dry rock, glowing red seeping through. He wore a dark crimson uniform, wearing a vest and gear lined with blades and other sharp weapons. He had a double sided axe slung over his shoulder. He nodded to me upon seeing me. “Nathan!” “Axe.”

Axe shook my hand before turning to Elisa. “Now who do we have here?” “New inmate. Elisa Riviera, age 26. Adultery and lust. A lot of it, one led to a suicide.” Axe’s face twisted into a scowl. “I see… Welp. Chamber Six, then right?” I nodded. “Correct.” I pushed Elisa forward, still squeezing her eyes shut. There was a furnace towards the middle of the room, with a large set of desks that had a handful of men and women sitting at them, typing away. Axe led us to one of the desks where a guard was posted. “Let’s get her processed. You want to walk her into Six?” I shook my head. “No, that’s fine. Your men can handle that.” Axe shrugged. “All right then. Mrs. Riveira, please give me your right hand.” Elisa kept her hands at her side, turning away from us, crying softly. “Oh dear,” sighed Axe, “One of those, huh?” “One of those.” I grabbed her arm, practically yanking it as I guided her to the desk. Axe pulled out a small pad, embers floating from the cracks. Elisa’s breathing picked up as I placed her hand on it. She screamed as her flesh sizzled and burned. I held it down as Axe and I looked at one of the men at the desk. He gave a thumbs up, and I took her hand off. Elisa wailed at the sight of her charred hand. A couple seconds later, a scroll was printed out from the mouth of some kind of statue, depicting a demonic animal of sorts. I don’t know what you would call it. The man at the desk pulled it from the tongue and handed it to Axe. Axe opened it up, reciting all of her personal history and information, every painful detail. By the time he was done, Elisa had hung her head in shame, falling to the ground. Axe cleared his throat. “Elisa Riveira. You have been condemned to Chamber Six for unrepentant adultery and lust, shameless acts that have driven a man you loved to suicide and hurt many others along the way. No. Once we destroy this, you will be erased. Once you go in there, there is no coming out. Do you understand these things?” Elisa nodded weakly.

Axe rolled up the scroll and handed it to the Furnace Operator. The operator took the scroll, dumped it in a container on the slab, before pushing the slab into the furnace and shutting the door. He proceeded to crank a lever on the side, and the fire grew brighter and hotter, embers and ash floating into the air. “Well, since you’re not escorting her… Mono, Scar!” Two masked men dressed similarly to Axe appeared in front of us. “Escort this one to Chamber Six.” Mono and Scar nodded, picking up Elisa and dragging her towards the Sixth door. Elisa began to wail and beg for her life once again as they pulled the door open and walked inside. “You never want to escort,” Axe said once they were gone. “I don’t want to. My job’s just to get them above or below. That’s it.”

Axe chuckled lightly. “You think they’ll recruit her?” I asked. Axe shook his head. “Nah. Word is Lucifer’s not really looking to add to his army from this place. He’s trying to create his people now.” I cocked an eyebrow and glanced at him. “How would he do that?” “Don’t know, and I don’t wanna know. He’s insane. I’m glad I’m not working there. I heard it’s even worse.” We stood in silence for a while. I had some time before I had to go up. Axe and I were, I guess you could say, friends, though Reapers don’t really have friends the way humans do. It was weird that I had more friends down below, than up above. What did that say about me?

“Oh but a Debt Collector came by earlier. Brought a witch with him. She’s definitely getting recruited. I heard she was powerful.” Debt Collectors were demons that collected the souls of people who sold themselves to Lucifer. Most of the time, collected souls were recruited into the ranks, though a few that regretted were sent into one of the Chambers. “Do you think it’ll ever come?” I asked. Axe looked at me and frowned. “What?” “The End. Of all of… this.” Axe shook his head. “It won’t end for a while. That’s just how it is. To be honest, sometimes I wonder if they even know what they’re doing. Politics, am I right?”

I nodded. I could agree with that much. My watch beeped. I sighed again. “Got to go.” Axe shook my hand again. “Until next time, Reaper.” “Until next time…”

_____________

Now, all of this was to show what I do. Like I said, I am a Reaper. My job is to take souls to wherever they need to go next. In Heaven or Hell. I deal with countless people. A while ago I had to collect the souls of people killed by a plague. I’ve had to escort soldiers off the battlefield to Valhalla, murderers and other monstrous souls to Hell. Children who’ve died at the hands of their parents to Heaven. The old, young, sick, healthy, good, evil. It’s all blended together. But that’s not what I’m actually writing about. I am writing about a string of souls I’ve collected over the last two months, ones that I will never forget. If I don’t write it all down, then I might go crazy. If that’s even possible for a Reaper.

It started with a little boy. My watch went off, and I clicked it, taking me into an empty field. I found little William wandering the field, crying for his parents. I approached him cautiously and carefully. “William?” I called gently. The boy screamed and turned around. I took off my fedora and knelt in the grass. “I’m Nathan. I’m here to take you home.” The boy took a step back. “It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you.” William whimpered. “That’s what the other man said…” I turned my head to look past him, seeing his remains. I can’t even describe the state he was in. Even thinking about it makes my heart sink and wither. I sighed. “I’m not the other man. I’m simply here to take you home.” “I want my mommy and daddy!” he cried. “I know you do, kid… But they aren’t here. Not anymore. I’m here to take you up above, where they can’t follow. At least not now.”

William’s eyes widened. “Am I dead?” he asked softly. I fought back emotion and nodded. “Yes. You are. You’re going home now. Up above…” William wiped his eyes and I crept up slowly, sitting a few feet from him. This time he didn’t back away. “We should go now. Before you’re stuck here forever.”

William shook his head. “I don’t want to go.” “It’s not scary. In fact, it’s a beautiful place. You won’t be afraid anymore, you’ll be happy forever.” “Not without my mommy and daddy.” I lowered my head before replying, “Son, listen to me. Your parents aren’t joining you. At least for a while. If you stay here, you won’t see them ever again. You’ll be stuck here. In this field.” William looked around, then back at me. I extended my hand, and he hesitantly took it. I stood back to my feet, averting my eyes from the horrible sight of the boy’s corpse, and making sure he couldn’t see it either. “Open above,” I said, my hand pressed to my ear. Once again, the sky opened up and the stairs appeared once again.

William and I took the first step, and it began taking us to the top. William’s fear and grief changed somewhat to wonder and awe, like many of them did. Like Donald, we entered the building, and was once again greeted by Samara who I was to process William through. Samara smiled again, but this time more sadly. “William Fuchs. Age nine. Murdered in an empty field.” Samara swallowed slightly but maintained her professionalism. “Hi William,” she said, pulling out the book, “I need you to write your name in this, okay?” William frowned. “What is this for?” he asked softly. “It’s to let us know that you are here. Think of attendance for school. That’s all it is. I promise,” I said.

William looked at me and Samara, then took the pen and wrote his name, albeit messy. “I’m sorry…” “No, hey it’s okay,” Samara said sweetly, putting the book away. Samara stood up and walked around to join him. “Come on. I’ll take you to your new home.” William looked back again, and tears dripped down his face. I rested my hand on his shoulder. “Your parents will come see you one day. I promise.” William looked at me with big, sad eyes, then wiped his face. “I’ll go with you,” I told him. Samara looked at me, surprised. “All right then. Come on now William, follow us.”

We both took William’s hands and led him out the door into Heaven. Unlike Hell, it was sunny and beautiful outside. Paradise. Beautiful streets of gold, lush grass and vegetation, man and animal living in peace together. William smiled as a golden retriever ran up to him, brushing against him and jumping on him. William laughed and petted the dog before moving on, the dog following us. Animals went through different channels to get to Heaven. All animals went to Heaven. They were the purest and most beautiful of all of Creation. I saw William’s fear and sorrow turned to awe and wonder as he looked at everything around him. “This is your new home now, William,” Samara said with a smile.

William wiped his eyes as a cat brushed against him. “Awe, kitty.” He picked up the cat and gently petted the creature as it purred. I gave the cat a pat myself as we kept walking. In Heaven, all animals get along. No longer do they eat each other. Like humans, they all live in harmony. A group of kids played tag, running past us, one of them fell into the grass, and the girl who was “it” tagged him. The game continued as the boy ran off and chased them.

By a river, a couple sat together, resting peacefully next to each other as a horse trotted by. As we walked over a bridge of gold, someone called William’s name. We stopped and looked around, and saw an old man walking towards us. “William?” he asked. William’s eyes brightened. “Grandpa!” He ran towards the man and hugged him, the cat and dog following close behind. The man looked at him, then at us. None of us needed to say anything. The man nodded, waved at us, then turned and walked away with William. Briefly, William looked back at us and waved goodbye. I raised my hand and did the same.

Samara sniffed and wiped away a tear. “As beautiful as this is, it hurts to see children come back here so early,” she said with a heavy sigh. I nodded. “I know what you mean.” Samara looked at me. “It must be harder for Reapers. You see so much more than the rest of us.” I shrugged.

“It’s my purpose. Until all of this ends.”

“What then?”

“I don’t know.”

Samara smiled sadly as we took another look at the beauty around us. As beautiful as it was to see these kids play with lions and bears with no fear, I was reminded that they came here through death. Their last moments were pain and fear, or maybe nothing at all. But that moment when they realize that their entire world has ended is always one of sheer terror and grief that no child should ever experience. For William, it was all three. Someone had taken him out to that field to torture and kill him. Why, I did not know, and I did not care. Whoever hurts and kills a child with no remorse deserves Hell and so much more.

My watch beeped again. Samara glanced down. “Another one?” I nodded. “Yeah. Until next time. “Until next time.”

_____________

I didn’t realize what was going on at first. Some time passed before the next one came about. As a Reaper you go where you are summoned, no matter where in the world. Unlike angels, we are not assigned to a specific division or region. We are guides that go where needed. In that time, I sent an executed prisoner to Hell, and a suicide victim to Limbo. Limbo was the in-between of Heaven and Hell. It wasn’t beautiful, but it wasn’t painful either. It was just a hollow, depressing void, one in which these victims wander until the Judges decide where they should go. It wasn’t one of torture, and in fact is kind of boring. When you kill yourself, it messes things up. Neither force of good or evil made this decision, so therefore good and evil can’t decide what to do with them.

Maybe a week after this happened, I was called again. When I was summoned, I was at a crime scene, surrounded by screaming parents, police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. When I turned around, I saw a girl crying a few feet away from her body, sitting in a ditch. I made my way down. “Layla?” I called gently. Layla jumped and turned around, her eyes wide with terror. I raised my hands innocently. “I won’t hurt you.” “That’s what he told me,” Layla whimpered, wiping her eyes.

I shook my head. “I am not him. I am simply here to take you home.” Layla didn’t move. I extended my hand gently. “It’s okay. I won’t hurt you. It’s time to go home. If you stay here, you’ll be stuck here forever.” “I don’t want to go!” “I know… But trust me. You’ll be safe with me.” Layla shook her head furiously. “NO! I WON’T GO! LEAVE ME ALONE!” I looked at my watch. Come on, come on…

I looked at her, this time more sternly. “I need you to come with me… please. This is for your own good.” Layla curled up further into a corner. “LEAVE ME ALONE! MOMMY! DADDY!” I hung my head. There wasn’t much time left. There was one other option, but I doubted it would make things better. But I had seconds left. I advanced towards her anyway .”NOOO!” Layla screamed, running away from me. I swiftly rushed her and grabbed her by the arm. Layla kicked and screamed and struggled. My watch beeped. No…

I let her go. Layla pulled away and sat next to her body, continuing to cry. Suddenly, she began to scream in pain as her skin grayed, her eyes turning orange, her bones cracking and elongating. “I’m sorry…” I said, as I walked away. When a spirit first is born, they have only five minutes to go up or down before they are trapped on Earth as a poltergeist, monster-like spirits who would roam the Earth and torment the living. It didn’t matter who they were: Man, woman, child. Old, young. If you didn’t go, you were a Poltergeist. I was too nice… I try to always be kind and gentle to the souls meant for heaven, but they don’t always listen. The ones meant for Hell I fight hard for. After all, fuck their feelings, right? I wiped my eyes as I walked onto the main road, waiting for the next soul to pick up.

_____________

William and Layla weren’t the only ones. According to a couple other Reapers, three other kids had been found murdered. I came across a TV playing as I walked inside a bar. A reporter was discussing the killer, who they called the Newport County Nightmare.

“Now in our local news, local authorities are still searching for the infamous child predator and serial killer now known as the Newport County Nightmare. Over the course of a few months, he has been suspected in a string of seven child abductions and murders, the most recent one being ten year old Layla Halbert. Sheriff Lucas Lambert is urging all its citizens to keep their doors locked at night, stay armed, and to always keep their eyes on their children.

Lambert: Until we can find and bring this monster to justice, I urge all citizens to be on high alert at all times. Lock your doors and windows, and keep your kids close to you at all times. If your child is in danger, I wholly encourage you to handle the problem yourself. We will clean up the mess afterwards.

Meanwhile, the public has expressed frustration about the seeming lack of suspects in this case, despite recent access to the public sex offenders registry revealing that there are at least three offenders living in Newport County. Local authorities have assured that the investigation is ongoing, and will continue to give updates as the case progresses.

“Fucking animal,” I heard a guy spit next to me. “I dare that bastard to come to my home. I’ll send his ass to hell real quick.” And I’ll be right there when it happens, I thought to myself. There was a tap on my shoulder, and I saw Ariel sit down next to me. “You look like shit, Nathan. Are you all right?” I didn’t answer at first, continuing to watch the news report. “Nathan? Hello?” I shook my head. “No. No I’m not okay. I just watched a fucking kid become a Poltergeist. That girl on the news.” Ariel looked at the TV then back at me. “It’s happened before. Many times. It’s never bothered you then.”

I nodded slowly. “Yeah well maybe that’s changing.” “Yeah well, it can’t.” “Why not?” “Because it’s our job.” “Our job…” I thrust my fist onto the table. “Why does it have to be?” I demanded, turning to her. Ariel didn’t react, just sat and looked at me. “How many men, women, and children have we had to take? How many people have we dragged to Hell, and taken to Heaven? I’ve listened to people beg to be brought back to their families, and beg to be spared from Hell. I’ve seen how they turn into Poltergeists, and so have you!” “I know,” Ariel said, calmly. “And that doesn’t bother you.” “It does. But what can we do about it?” “Exactly! What can we do about it? Nothing! That’s what we can’t do! We have to just sit there and watch their suffering! We can’t even stop their deaths! How is it fair that we can’t stop a fucking girl from being raped, mutilated, and murdered. How is it fair that we can’t stop an old man from dying before getting to see his children? No, instead we just have to pick up what’s left and hope they get to go. Oh and Lord forbid they go to Hell!” “The people that go down there deserve it. You’ve seen what they have done.”

I took off my hat and ran my hand over my head. “So what? Does that make it any fucking better? To know that where they’re going is a permanent torture. Nonstop, over and over and over and over and over a-fucking-gain! That doesn’t bother you? That doesn’t get to you ever, knowing that you just sent a soul to Chamber Four? Or Chamber Six?” Ariel didn’t answer at first, only smiling sadly. “It stopped getting to me a long time ago, Nathan. I thought it did for you too.” “Yeah, so did I…” Ariel put her hand gently on my shoulder, her eyes softening. “This will all end one day, Nathan. Just know that.” I rested my head on the table, squeezing my eyes shut. “When? When does this end? How much longer is this supposed to go on. How many more souls do we have to collect before this all goes away?” “Just have what the rest of us have. Faith. That’s all I can really say. We don’t know what the plan is, but we know our role, and we just have to play it.” Before I could say anything else, my watch beeped.

I clenched my jaw. “Duty calls,” Ariel said. I stood up and rested my hand on hers. Ariel smiled before letting go and walking away. I clicked the watch again, and I was on to the next one. This time, it was a soldier. There was a battle raging, gunfire and explosions erupting all around me. Right next to him, was a soldier reporting in on his radio, before firing his rifle again. Two other men stood over the fallen man’s body, medical supplies scattered all around them. I pulled up his profile. Staff Sergeant Henry Crawford, United States Marine Corps. Valhalla Gold. Henry stood over his body, then looked at me. “You’re time’s come, Sergeant Crawford. You’re going home.” Crawford stood in shock, looking at his body, then all around him, then at me. “And where is home?” he asked softly. “Valhalla. Gold side. You’ll get to rest there for now.” I saw tears fill Crawford’s eyes as he ran a hand over his mouth. “My wife and son…” he choked out. I walked up to him and rested a hand on his shoulder. “Nothing you can do for them now. But you’ll see them again. One day.” Crawford looked up at me through his tears, before nodding. I put a hand on my ear. “Open Warhall .”

This time, reality opened up directly in front of me, in the form of two large doors. Inside, was a massive hall, where various other men and women from all over the world and all different ages sat. Two large guards wearing dark grey armor and faces concealed behind large horned helmets walked up to us. “You have another one,” I said. The two men nodded, and led him into the Hall. Crawford looked back at me one more time before the doors closed. War Hall was usually an easy one. It was where all soldiers who died in combat went, good or bad. Satan recruits the corrupted souls from the War Hall and are recruited into the ranks of Hell. Heaven does not do this, and is only to wait until the End of Times. My watch beeped again. I closed my eyes and took a breath, and then I was on to the next one.

There were three of us present this time, standing in a burning building, the charred remains of three corpses lying in the center. Firemen, as humans called them, moved in and out, and the three souls stood in the way. It was myself, and the Reapers Wilford and Kelly, standing in front of the three corpses, waiting for their souls to awake. “Who’s going where?” Wilford asked. I checked my profile. “Sarah McDonnell. Hell. Adultery. Double murder, abuse. Rape. Suicide, but it has been nullified.” Kelly pulled up her profile. “Jackson Dunlap. Heaven.” William pulled out his profile. “Kailey Seresen. Once hellbound, but her status had been changed to Heaven. Genuine redemption.” So, it would seem that Sarah and Kailey had an affair, until Kailey had a change of heart. And then Sarah showed her true self. And Sarah burned them all to death.

The three souls emerged from their bodies, two frightened, one just as angry. “Who the fuck are you?” Sarah demanded. I stepped forward. “Sarah McDonnell. You are dead. And I need you to come with me.” “I’m not going anywhere with you!” “You don’t have a choice!” Sarah’s eyes grew wide with fear as she looked at Kailey and Jackson, who were holding each other. She knew it was the end of the line. “Wait… wait,” was all Sarah could choke out. We Reapers checked our watches, and nodded to each other. Wilford and Kelly walked over to the couple. “Come on, you’re going home,” said Kelly gently. Kailey clutched Jackson. “Are we going to Hell, too?” Jackson asked fearfully. William shook his head. “No… you’re going to Heaven.” Jackson and Kailey looked at each other with relief and willingly went along. “Kai, wait!” cried Sarah, tears streaming down her face. I moved forward and grabbed her. “Come on, Sarah. Let’s go.” “FUCK YOU!” she screamed, turning to swing at my face.

I decided to let her, and I felt the fist connect with my face. But I wasn’t the one who felt the pain. Sarah’s eyes went wide and she began to let out voice-shattering screams as she pulled her hand back, revealing her skin turning pitch black. “Let’s. Go.” Sarah turned to run but I jumped on her again. Gripping her by the neck. “THAT IS ENOUGH!” I roared, my voice changing and my vision turning black and white. Sarah froze up and fell to her knees. I hauled her to her feet. “Open below.” The ground opened up, and the stairs to Hell revealed itself. “Open above,” said Kelly and William. The ceiling and sky opened up, and the stairs to Heaven revealed itself. “Come on. Let’s go.” We went our separate ways, taking our souls to their respective places. Sarah didn’t fight me the whole way down. That happened whenever I revealed my true form to them. We Reapers only have human forms to greet humans, otherwise they could go insane or be paralyzed with fear. That had happened before with some Reapers. But I had no love for men and women who took pleasure in inflicting hurt and pain on the innocent. I had no idea what made Kailey make the decisions that she did, but what mattered was that she changed her ways, and she and her husband loved each other in the end. People like Sarah McDonnell deserved nothing less than Hell. I dragged her through the gates, through the hall, and processed her into the Chambers. I told Axe her charges, and we agreed to send her to Chamber Six. Sarah did not resist until we opened the door to Six. Then she began screaming and begging again. As she tried to crawl back out, large, barbed tendrils extended from further inside Six shot out and snagged her arms and legs, pulling her inside. Mono and Scar shut the door and went back to their positions. Axe and I shook hands. “You look pissed off.” I nodded. “I am.” Axe chuckled, “Well that’s new. Careful, you might end up a human.” “I wish…” I muttered as I turned and headed out. You know what, maybe being a human would be the best thing. Maybe I can actually enjoy a life, and live peacefully in paradise, instead of seeing all of this.

_____________

There were surprisingly no souls to collect for the next two human weeks. I guess they didn’t need me for anything. But then, my watch beeped, and I was sent to my latest location; And it was exactly what I wanted. The Newport County Nightmare. I pulled up the file. Jonathan Coddard. I looked in disgust at his long list of crimes and sins, including animal abuse and the murder of a classmate when he was in middle school. I had his entire list. It seemed to never end. And this demonic beast was going to have a place in the worst Chamber possible. The body of Coddard lay sprawled out in the room, a little girl crying in a corner, surrounded by heavily armed officers who checked his body and then rescued the girl. The soul of Jonathan Coddard rose from the body, confused and scared. If I had a heart, then that fear would warm it like a nice little fire.

“What… What the fuck?” Coddard breathed, “No… No no no no no no no FUCK!!” Coddard frantically paced around, screaming for someone to hear him. Time for me to answer the call. “Jonathan Coddard.” The tall, scrawny, young man turned to look at me, and knew immediately who I was. Bastard knew his judgment was coming. “St-st-stay away from me,” he stammered, staggering back. “It’s your time, Jonathan. Do not resist.” Please resist. Please fight. I would love it if you put up even the tiniest shred of resistance. “Stay away!” Jonathan cried, turning to run away. He ran through his window and jumped onto the alley below. I pursued him. I would not let this fucker become a Poltergeist. No, I wanted him to suffer in Hell. It was what he deserved.

I landed in the alley after him, and decided that I would do it. I would show my true form. I wanted his fear. I wanted him to feel as much fear as he could possibly experience. I leaped in the air, my coat becoming a large cloak made up of crows, all flapping their wings and cawing their song of death. My vision turned black and white, and I felt my body changing. “JONATHAN CODDARD!” I roared again, tracking the sound waves of my voice hitting him and freezing him. I had a couple more minutes. “Jonathan Coddard. It is now your time! Do not resist!” I landed on my now clawed feet and approached him. Goddard turned to face me, a look of intense fear and rage on his face. His eyes were wide, and he was breathing so hard that if he was still alive he would have passed out.

Jonathan let out a high pitched scream of defiance and charged me. I instantly launched myself forward, my hands outstretched towards him. I knocked him to the ground and began ripping him apart. My claws and talons eviscerated him, shredding him into pieces, watching his blackened soul stitch itself back together. Thirty seconds left. I reared my head back and screamed before picking up his now limp soul in the air. “Open below!” I called. Hell opened up, and I reverted back to my human form, my hair a mess, and my fedora having fallen off my head. I tossed him down the stairs, ran to pick my hat, and dragged him down. “Please… please,” he sobbed, both from the pain I just dealt him and of what he “knew” awaited him. I say “knew” because the truth is he had no idea what he was doomed to. “Have mercy on me…” “Mercy?!” I slammed him against the wall. “Did you show Layla mercy?! Or William?! Or any of your other innocent souls that you tortured and corrupted?! You don’t get mercy, nor do you deserve it!” Jonathan continued to sob as we reached the gate. I dragged him through the gate, allowing him to be struck by the lightning that crashed from above.

I dragged him through the hall, and into the Chambers area, where Axe was waiting. “Welcome back Nathan,” said Axe. “Who is this one?” “Jonathan Coddard. Serial killer, child predator, and many other things.” Axe grinned an evil smile. “Oh I love when your kind end up here. It warms my soul. Chamber One you go.” Coddard struggled the whole process. From burning his hand, to erasing his identity. Mono and Scar were already waiting as we finished. Normally around now, Mono and Scar would transport the soul into whichever chamber they were supposed to do. But today was different. “I wish to escort the prisoner inside.” Axe raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Well shit. All right then. Mono, Scar. Wait on Nathan.” Both guards nodded. Jonathan continued begging for mercy as I picked him up and led him to the door of Chamber One.

Mono pulled open the chamber, revealing the long dark, hot path to his eternal punishment. I pushed Jonathan inside, and then I followed. Mono and Scar walked in afterwards and we began to walk the path. The closer we got, the louder the screams got, and the more afraid Jonathan got. “Wait! Maybe we can work something out!” “No can do,” growled Scar, sneering at him, “It is the end of the line.” Jonathan began to cry again, and he began struggling. At one point, Jonathan actually broke free and ran back the way we came. “I got him,” said Mono, whipping out a barbed chain. “Get your ass back here.” Mono threw the chain, and I watched as the chain wrapped around Jonathan, the sharp barbs and blades digging into Jonathan’s flesh. “Scar!” “Coming right up!” Scar pulled out a long pronged tool, and jammed it into the chain. Red electricity coursed through the chain, shocking Jonathan, turning his skin into blacked, charred paper.

Jonathan screamed and stopped struggling as we reeled him back in. Scar stopped shocking the chain as I pulled Jonathan to his feet and we continued the march. Finally, we came to his final resting place. A colossal maw sat in the center of a large room, low growls erupting from its vocal chords. Inside was full of millions of razor sharp teeth, chewing up every soul thrown inside nonstop. But it didn’t stop there. Further down, were hundreds of torsos of many-armed demons, snarling and wailing as they used their claws to further rip apart the chunks of the soul, eating some themselves. Even further down, was its boiling hot stomach acid, smoke and dark fluid bubbling to the surface. The souls’ remains, still alive, cooked and fried in the acid, where creatures swimming inside eat them and spit them out, then eat them again. I heard that it went even further down than that, but none of us had ever seen it. After all of that, they are spit back up into the air, where they float just above until they fully heal, then fall back inside. Jonathan now gave up, falling to his knees and closing his eyes shut. “Just get it the fuck over with.” “No. No you’re going to take this all in.” I pulled him to his feet and forced his eyes open, making him watch the souls begging for mercy. “This is your new home. Endless cycles of mindless torture. It is what you deserve. You will suffer here, knowing that the children you harmed are now living in eternal paradise, knowing nothing but endless happiness. They have forgotten you. Just like everyone else has. But you won’t. Oh, you will forever live with this in your head. Your mind will only remember the fear and pain you inflicted on them, and you will feel every millisecond of it. That is what you are in for.” Jonathan wailed and fought to close his eyes. “Allow me,” said Mono, pulling out a small blade and cutting Jonathan’s eyelids off. “Let’s get this over with. Toss ‘em.” Scar and I lined him up at the plank, counted down from three, and tossed him inside. Soon, Jonathan was lost in the pile of souls being endlessly devoured.

_____________

I was reprimanded for letting my personal feelings get in the way, and for revealing my true form. I personally didn’t see what the problem was. Our bosses could be unreasonable at times. But, because of who Jonathan Coddard was, I was given a hundred year confinement. Which is not that long for Reapers. That is how I am able to write this. I am about fifty years into my sentence. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on the things I’ve seen. And while I have collected and sentenced many truly evil individuals, there have also been many sweet, innocent souls that I have had to collect too early. Though Death is my profession, I can honestly say that I am looking forward to when this all ends, when Death will cease to exist, and we can finally rest.

Credit: GhostShogun28