Chapter 7 A Trip to Heaven

-JULIA POV-

We were in heaven. Heaven. This is heaven. He took me to heaven.

I was so silent because I had so much to say that I didn't know which words should come out first. The overwhelming beauty around me left me breathless, the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the soft hum of celestial music.

"Come, we cannot be late."

Reaper said, grabbing my hand and leading me through a field of daisies that seemed to stretch endlessly under the shimmering night sky.

"Where are we going, master?"

I asked, my voice barely a whisper, awed by the beauty and serenity surrounding us.

He smiled back at me, his hair flowing like liquid silver in the wind beneath the night skies.

"You trust me, so you shouldn't be asking."

It was such a cocky answer, but what did I expect? Just because we were in heaven didn't mean he'd start acting like an angel. He's a Grim Reaper, after all.

As we marched onward, the field of daisies ended, and we found ourselves at the outskirts, facing an enormous gate followed by a glistening bridge in the distance. The enormous pearly gates stood tall and bold, shimmering with an ethereal glow and adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to dance and shift as we approached.

Master waved a hand, and the gates opened with a silent grace. We were met with sky-high emerald hills, vibrant flowers in every hue imaginable, and a sparkling silver stream that lay at the distant side of the long bridge ahead of us. The bridge had a transparent glow, both eerie and peaceful, as if woven from threads of moonlight.

The bridge ahead was a marvel of ethereal beauty, stretching gracefully into the distance. Its structure seemed almost otherworldly, with a transparent glow that made it appear as if it were crafted from pure light. The delicate arches and intricate railings shimmered with a soft luminescence, casting a serene light on the path below.

Funnily enough, the bridge was its own streetlamp, with its glow lighting the path ahead, guiding us forward with a gentle, otherworldly radiance.

"Even if you fall, you'll be fine."

He said, his voice soft yet firm, guiding us to the bridge.

As we approached, the bridge's surface revealed itself to be smooth and glass-like, reflecting the twinkling stars above and the lush greenery surrounding it. Each step on the bridge felt like treading on a delicate layer of light, the sensation both enchanting and slightly unsettling.

When my foot touched the bridge, I saw other souls. They were dancing, laughing, talking, and simply enjoying themselves in heaven. They radiated joy, and I yearned to feel that too. Had master chosen for me to stay in heaven at such an early stage? I still had two years left with him, and previously, he seemed adamant about keeping me by his side until then.

Just then, we arrived at a mansion.

Under the night sky, this grand white mansion looked regal and serene. Four tall pillars stood proudly at the front, giving it a majestic appearance. The many windows, especially the French doors on the lower level, reflected the soft glow of the lights, adding to its charm. The clean, white walls shone brightly against the dark sky, making the house look even more impressive. I noticed a river flowing into it, its waters shining silver under the celestial light.

Without a word, master ushered me inside. The interior was stunning, with pristine white walls and gold filigree, and ceilings that seemed to reach the heavens themselves.

A sparkling silver river flowed through the grand hallways, casting reflections on the marble floors and filling the air with a peaceful charm. It truly felt like heaven.

I heard someone clear their throat, something deep and rustic, and I followed the sound, seeing someone appear before us.

"God's house?"

The voice was familiar to me. It was Rolio.

"Odd choice, and a stupid one too. God said you can't keep her, so give me the soul."

My master had the widest smile on his face before revealing the scar we recently made on his hand.

"What was it with blood contracts? Ah yes."

He said knowingly.

"You can't touch what's mine, and I can do whatever I want."

Rolio yelled next.

"You can't! This is disrupting our laws!"

"You want me to play by the rules, but I prefer to play the rules."

Rolio was fuming, but Reaper didn't care.

"I assumed you would be coming with some angels. Where are all the angels? Did you leave them at my house? Make sure to clean up. You know I like a clean place, and I hate when their feathers drop everywhere."

"Two stories up this house is God's seat. I just have to bring you to him, and your punishment will ensue, Reaper."

My master chuckled coldly at that.

"Sure, whatever you say, leader. I just have a little thing I need to sort out first."

Just then, he shouted an unfamiliar name, as if summoning someone.

"Adonis!"

A man with dark features came down, bowing with a brawny kneel to the ground. He stood, his armour a clad of gold with carvings that could tell a thousand stories. He held a staff, a foot taller than the giant he already was. His muscles sculpted into his suit, featuring every single fibre he packed, a block of muscles and bones by the looks of it. He looked like someone no one should mess with. Though I could see his age, his white hair and wrinkled face, he still held strong, if not stronger than anyone I have ever met.

"Reaper, you call my name."

His voice was husky and regal.

"Adonis, debts are to be repaid, and I am here to collect."

Adonis looked to the fuming Rolio, then to me, and then back to Reaper.

"Careful, Reaper. We are in God's house, and your leader doesn't look too pleased about this situation."

Wait. Rolio was a leader? For what? I didn't have to wonder any longer, master was speaking, staring daringly into Rolio's hard gaze.

"I don't care what a petulant Grim Reaper leader has to say. I want you to reincarnate her, now."

My master pushed me forward to Adonis, but Rolio got in the way, holding my wrist.

"If you don't care what I have to say, I don't care for your blood contract. I don't know what desperation you have for this soul, but she is damned."

Master didn't stay quiet, gripping me into his arms, away from Rolio's grasp.

"She doesn't deserve hell or that devil."

Master stood up for me. He was defending me! That was absolutely unheard of.

"Adonis, reincarnate her."

Master demands once more.

"I understand my debt with you, Reaper, but reincarnation of a human who has not been tested is fatal to the universe."

"Well, that's why you should never be indebted to a Grim Reaper. They'll make a deal with the devil look weak, Adonis."

Adonis sighed before gently taking my hand in his warm and giant ones.

"I understand, and for the debts I owe you, if I do this, they will be no more."

"Adonis, if you do this, God will punish you!"

Rolio shouts out in warning, and Adonis defends my master.

"Reaper has saved my life many times throughout the ages, and he has taught me many things. If this is his wish for how I shall repay him, then it is granted, Rolio."

Rolio gripped my shoulder-attempting to take me away, but the moment he did, Adonis waved his staff, and a static electric bolt fell onto Rolio's hand, causing him to groan and move back.

"Remember your place, Rolio. You were not made from God's hand. Reaper made you and all Grim Reapers. Whether God made you a leader of them instead of him, it doesn't take precedence to me. He will always be far greater than you."

The information I was taking in sounded shocking, and very believable coming from a man that sounded regal and dressed the part.

He waved his staff over that silver river that made its way through the mansion. Nothing happened, but Adonis told me to jump in.

I looked to my master, suddenly not wanting to go, even knowing that it would be better for me.

"You took me here so I could be reincarnated?"

He gave me a curt nod.

"Yes, now go."

"But what if I don't see you again?"

I could feel the tears at the verge of my eyes, and he approached me, holding up his scarred hand and mine together.

"You will. I'll make sure of it."

"But what about you? Your punishment, and-"

I felt the tears spill, and he lets go of my hand, interrupting me.

"I hate when you cry."

I wiped my tears after he told me that, not wanting to upset him.

"Go. I have to deal with Rolio now."

He left no room for argument, yet in that split second, memories flooded back to me, each one a poignant reminder of our time together. He truly did care about me, otherwise he wouldn't have gone to such lengths for me. So even when I didn't get a goodbye kiss, I still looked back at my master. I remembered him telling me that I wouldn't remember him or anything when I was reincarnated, but it was going to be okay, because master was giving me something no one else would-rebirth.