Marushia
5th February 2005, 08:49 AM
1I changed some of the colors and names of things, but all the new stuff is in crimson.
Link to Last Spar/Quest (http://www.giveupalready.com/showthread.php?p=178969#post178969)
1
Index
Basic Info
History | Character Flaw | A Hard Case to Crack | Selling Your Soul | Angels Divine
Abilities
Inventory
Journal
22
Basic Info
Name: Ray/Rei Ghost
Aliases: Petenshi Yurei (The Fake Ghost), Soul Eater, Soul Assassin, Soul Stealer
Race: Human, Soul Eater (Sub-genre of vampirism)
Age: ~25 (Human Earth Years)
Height: ~5'7"
Weight: ~156lbs.
Eye Color: Ranging from bluish-grey to black
Hair Color: Midnight Black, Shoulder Length
Appearance: Gothic look with black, tattered, leather cape and black, steel-toed boots. Under his black trench-coat, Rei wears a teal blue shirt with an ethereal manta ray silhouetted on it in evil purple.
Religion: Most accurately, some hybrid variant of Monotheism, Philosophy, and various ancient mythos.
Location: Sayarin Mountains, Naslyum
Home: Rei is formerly from a habitable planet in another galaxy. See history.
Index
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37
History:
Character Flaw
Sometime in the near future, there exists a young man by the name of Ray Ghost. He is twenty-three years of age and it is on this day that we, the people who knew him best, do remember his tragic and unwarranted end.
Ray was such a cheery soul as a boy. He was a good Christian with a generous heart filled with love. Intelligence and talent were his companions and he never failed to leave a good impression on the majority of people he came in contact with. He was a bit unusual. He seemed to isolate himself from the rest of the group, either studying or socializing with his few close friends. He made more friends among adults than among his peers. I suppose he would have been better off being born one generation before his time. Nearly everyone who met him said he was practically the role model child.
That all changed as Ray entered into High School. It was there that he faced reality and learned many harsh truths. Over a steady four years' time, the lessons he learned slowly widdled away at his being. Slowly, everything he had learned and believed as a child became questioned or shot down. He began to diverge from his faith, started acting more delinquent, and eventually lost the stunning reputation he had made for himself.
The hardest lesson taught to Ray was that no one really gave a damn about him. All the praise that was given him was totally insincere. From that point on, Ray became an outcast in society, shunned by any and all around him. He had come to learn that to be human meant to be cold, emotionless, and, overall, without a heart or soul. No where did this hold more meaning than when Ray first fell in love for the most beautiful girl in his school. Her name was Elah. Elah had always treated Ray with kindness and even seemed to flirt with him. Ray made a decision to ask Elah out but, when he finally did, the she replied: "Hah! Why on earth would anyone want to love you?"
This rejection was like a knife in Ray's heart that could not be removed. It pained him day and night. For weeks, even months, Ray wallowed in anguish and misery as he contemplated morality and love and what they really meant. It was at his lowest point that Ray Ghost finally found the answers he so desperately sought.
Several years passed and Ray and Elah both went on to college. They hadn't seen each other since graduation. Ray sent a letter inviting Elah to come to a New Year's party. Having grown a little older, Elah sent a reply saying that she would be delighted to go. The two met outside an abandoned apartment building where the party was to take place. By this time, Ray had undergone a total transformation of himself. He seemed calm, collected, and confidant. His attire had changed from that of a childish outfit to one more serious, seductive, and mysterious. He called it his "half-goth" look since he wore all black, but without the make-up.
Ray reached out his hand to escort Elah upstairs to where the party was. As they ascended the disrepaired staircase, Ray's guest began to grow nervous. It felt more like walking into a haunted house, but it was not even Halloween. As the two made their way up the creaking flights, Ray rambled on about how he had found enlightenment and that he was a totally transformed man from the one he was formerly. This only served to make Elah more afraid.
As they reached the top of the stairs, the sounds of loud music and strobe lights emanated from a door that half hung on its hinges. "You'll like this," Ray told Elah as he stopped just before the door, "Trust me." The instant they remained there seemed like an eternity for Elah. Her face began to turn white with fear. Something didn't seem right about all of this.
Ray opened the door. It would have creeked if not otherwise drowned out by the loud and satanic music coming from within. He then entered into a shamble of a room with boarded windows and cracked walls. In the midst of everything was a massive orgy of about a dozen people. Ray's eyes flashed about the room, taking in the cumulatively grotesque sight in its entirety as he walked towards the center of a large green carpet. Elah followed behind, now terrified, being dragged by the arm by Ray until he suddenly came to a stop. His head hung low, as if in regret. Elah turned to look at him. She was overcome with a feeling most closely described as pity.
She was about to speak when Ray turned up his head. His eyes were still closed. "You stupid fools," he muttered, "You selfish, lustful, arrogant bastards!" His tone and volume increased. Ray then drew a small knife from his pocket and threw it into the speaker from which the noise emanated. In a burst of sparks, it ceased playing. Ray then repeated the phrase, loud enough for everyone to hear.
"You stupid, selfish, lustful, arrogant wastes of human existence! What on earth or in hell are you doing? You're like viruses. You live only to consume and perpetuate your own pitiful existence." In an exhibition of rage, Ray toppled a nearby table that had been the support of various alcoholic beverages. The vile fluid crawled along the wooden floor and down through some of the cracks in it. He then withdrew a lighter from his pocket and, in a sickening smile, said "Well, if you're all the disease ... then I'm the cure."
As he finished these words, he ignited his lighter and let it drop to the floor. The alcohol immediately caught flame and began spreading to all those orgy members that were in the room. Through his peripheral vision, Ray caught the motion of two people trying to escape out the only door. "Oh no you don't," shouted Ray as he kicked an unbroken bottle of wine towards them. It shattered and burst into flames, as did the two victims. Ray let out a sadistic laugh as he watched the sinners burn and cry out in the fires. He then pulled out an elaborately designed dagger and proceeded to slash the burning people with it.
At the sight of all this, Elah dropped to her knees and began unleashing rivers of tears. "What do you think, Elah?" asked Ray, "I told you you'd enjoy it."
"How could you do something so heartless, so inhuman?" she asked in reply to Ray who had now turned his back to her. Ray said nothing for a while as smoke began to fill the room, but not before escaping out the boarded windows. Presently, Ray spoke. "Heartless, you say? You say that what I'm doing is heartless? Funny, I still have a pulse, which must mean I still have a heart and that means it must not be a heartless act, but in fact a just one. But if you say it is heartless, then allow me to make that the truth!"
With the will of a berserker, Ray grabbed his chest and pressed hard in between his ribs until his fingers pierced through them and blood spurted out of the orifices. He reached into his chest cavity, pushing his ribs aside, and grabbed his heart. He could feel its pulsing gushiness beating in his grip and with one hefty tug, ripped it clear out of his body breaking all the major blood vessels attached to it. He stood stiff with the same sadistic smile as he held up his heart in his hand.
"Here, I offered you my heart before and I offer it again. You can have my heart. Where I'm going ... I won't be needing it!" And with his last bit of energy, Ray through his heart towards Elah. It flew past the poor, traumatized girl and dripped blood on her as it sailed for a head on collision with the opposite wall. There it splattered in bloody chaos and stuck to the wall as blood dripped down around it and dried quickly from the immense heat, staining the painted surface and the brick behind its cracked portion.
Ray looked up and smiled but his countenance quickly changed to stunned as he felt the last of his energy had been depleted. He fell to one knee and tried to prop himself up with his hands but without success. Ray's strength gave out and his body crashed dead on the floor. A tongue of flame caught the tip of his trench coat and spread across his body, enveloping him in fire as the last of his blood drained from his body. It was on this day that Ray Ghost died and set himself upon a pyre with the rest of the souls whom he had claimed that day.8
Index
A Hard Case to Crack
"Uh, where am I?" It was dark at first. Then, as his eyes slowly opened, he saw a wavy blur of black and grey. His eyes then focused and adjusted to the light. "Uh? Where am I?"
Ray Ghost sat curled up off by himself. He turned his head to look around. All that he could see was an endless plain covered with a low mist. A grey aura hung about the air. Ray felt no fear, nor joy, nor sadness. He felt no stress or peace. He simply felt ... normal. Ray picked himself up from the ground which seemed to be a solid slab of marble or slate. He was dressed in the same attire that he had worn the day of his death, but it was whole, not burnt at all, except for his leather cape which was torn to begin with. "Wow! This is wierd."
Ray then noticed one thing was different about him. Instead of a black shirt, he wore a teal blue shirt with a wavy symbol in indigo that he could not distinguish, but he thought it looked sort of like a manta ray. For the most part, he seemed entirely whole.
The shadow of some figure approaching grew clearer through the haze until it drew near enough to become distinguishable. Ray stepped back as he saw that the being who came towards him was an oni (ogre), blue-skinned and very solemn. He motioned for the human to follow him. Not knowing what else to do, Ray followed obediantly.
As the human and his demon guide traveled across the plane, Ray noticed that the fog had started lifting. All that remained of it was a thin layer of mist no higher than a foot or two above the ground. The two came upon a group of beings who sat crouched down low to the ground. The majority of their features were hidden by shadows, but they looked fairly human with long grey and blue hair, fair skin, and transluscent-blue eyes. Ray stared in awe of them, seemingly lost in a trance. *Snap!* He was shocked back into consciousness.
"I thought that might get your attention," came an ominous voice.
"Who's there?" called Ray as he searched for the source of the sound.
"Hehehe, as time goes by, you humans become more forgetful of the fact that magic is still an integral part of this universe."
As Ray turned back around, he saw a man dressed all in black with hair half black, half white, standing right in front of him. "That makes it all the easier to fool and surprise you," he said. Ray was taken aback. "Where the hell did you come from?" he asked. "Certainly not from hell, nor heaven for that matter, or any planet in the Earthly Plane."
"What? Look, never mind. Just, where am I and how did I get here?"
"Hmm, interesting. Usually the next question people ask is: 'Who are you?'"
"Alright, then. Who are you? Where am I? How did I ..."
The being interrupted him, holding up his hand. "I am known by many names and aliases in all of the tongues in this universe. But for all intensive purposes, you may refer to me as Spectral. I am neither with nor against heaven or hell. Rather, I am the one who prevents them from killing each other off before the predetermined date of the Apocalypse and the final battle. I am the Guardian of the Balance between Good and Evil and you are in my domain."
Ray's eyes lit up at this last part. Spectral continued: "You are, or were, a Christian, right?"
"Er, yeah," replied Ray.
"Then you must know Hell's design, having no doubt read 'The Comedy.' I say this because that is typically how your placement here is considered, but yours is, not so much a unique case, as it is a rare and interesting case. I get bored so easily so anything out of the ordinary peaks my interest, which is why I chose to take your case personally. Right now, the task is figuring out what to do with you."
"What do you mean 'what to do with me?'"
Spectral ignored this question and just stood ther with his hand on his chin going over the events of Ray's life. "Hmm, well you have to many sins on your head to get into heaven." He turned to Ray. " Are you sorry for killing those people?"
A look of determination and resillience came to the human's countenance. "Everyone of them deserved what they got. I have no regrets about that."
"Hmm, point taken. So purgatory is out. You've been baptized, so Limbo is also out of the question. Have you ever lusted?"
"Is flatulance habitual?" retorted Ray.
Spectral luaghed. "Hmm, you have a sense of humor. That's good. I'll take that as a yes. So possible candidate for the Hurricane. Gluttony, no. Reckless spending, not really. Hmm, while you definitely could go to Level 5, I'm not sure whether you'd be put under wrathful or sullen. Sullenness more likely."
"Sullen? Why?" Ray inquired.
"Well, you see, it's rather a complicated thing. You killed those people, certainly, but really only one of them was innocent. The others have all recieved their just desserts. However, I would not be so quick to put you among the sullen, considerring it was the result of injustices done to you. However, that doesn't mean you get off scott-free. Since you've taken your own life, that would normally land you in the Woods of the Suicides."
"So I'm to spend eternity warding off harpies while hanging from some stupid hell tree?"
"Not exactly. Note, I said 'normally,' but your case is far from normal. You took your own life, that is true, but you also took the life of an innocent. Your governments generally punish such barbarism with capital punishment as the only way to pay for taking a life is to give one back. The higher powers, too, follow such a rule, so in taking your own life, you've repaid a life debt."
Ray was now lost by Spectral's explaination. So many components that made up one insignificant life such as his. He wondered how it was possible that Spectral knew all of this, but then came to realize that he must have some sort of omnipotence. Ray did his best to follow as Spectral continued.
Index9
Selling your Soul
The Balance Guardian paused for a moment and paced about. Ray followed him with his eyes. "You still haven't answered any of my questions yet, Guardian." Spectral stopped mid-stride and looked wide-eyed at his client. "I'm sorry, did you say something? I could have sworn you spoke to me. Lest you forget, your fate lies in my hands and I could have you sent to the Malebolge on a whim if I felt like it.
"Speaking of which, that brings me to your next two crimes: deceit and trechery. Deceit and trechery land you in Levels 8 and 9, respectively, also known as the Malebolge and Cocyctus, respectively. Heh, decieving and betraying poor Elah like that. For shame, and I thought you loved her."
"I did ... once," answered Ray, his head turned down, "But that was before ..."
"Before what?" Spectral pressed. Ray grabbed his chest where the manta ray emblem was. He felt a chill come over him. "Interesting," noted Spectral, "you've no heart, yet you still feel the pain of heartbreak."
Ray snapped back into a defensive state of mind, his eyes glared towards the Guardian and his feet were rooted in the same place they had been throughout his judgement.
"Hehe, that emblem on your shirt, Ray, is the same mark that your blood made after splattering your heart against the wall of that apartment. The blood dripped down in that same shape. Some coincidence how it looks like a manta ray and that your name is also 'Ray.' What's also interesting is that it looks much like a ghost, as well, which is not only reflective of your last name but also of the fact that 'Rei' in Japanese means 'ghost' or 'spirit.'"
Ray thought about this for a moment and marveled at the coincidence.
Spectral continued: "You are a very strange case, indeed, Ray. I think that, out of all the tortures, the Woods of the Suicides is the worst and perhaps also the most appropriate for you. However, I have a proposition for you. As the Balance Guardian, it is my duty to maintain universal balance between good and evil through whatever means necessary. Even I cannot perform all the tasks needed to ensure its true equilibrium, but then, true equilibrium is not necessary. So, what I generally do is enlist the aide of those who possess certain talents. These individuals then do what I generally cannot while I oversee them and only step in if necessary. So, here's the deal. I will grant you a new life filled with unlimited potential for power and in exchange, you will perform the tasks I asssign to you until our contract is terminated."
"What happens after that?" asked Ray.
"Well, that depends upon the contract. Generally, you are free to do whatever you wish after that," the Guardian answered.
"Then, I'd have to see the details of this contract."
Spectral bowed his head and smiled. "Hmm, already it seems you're learning from your mistakes. You know not to gamble with your life without knowing what will happen after. That means you're not stupid and that's a very good thing."
With the wave of his hand, Spectral caused a piece of parchment paper to appear out of no where and hang in mid-air. On it was written the conditions of the contract. Spectral read it aloud:
Upon my signing of this contract, I, ____, do hereby agree to the following conditions:
I shall perform all requested duties as required of me by the Balance Guardian, Spectral, until the time of my death or contract termination and, in exchange, shall become a Soul Eater.
By becoming a Soul Eater, I, the afore mentioned, claim responsibility for the death of the first 1,000 beings that I kill and may, if I so choose, take their souls for my own, at which time, I shall be endowed with new power. If, for any reason, the soul of my victim is not consumed within a period of 24 hours, I forfeit all rights and powers as pertaining to that particular soul. Should I choose to, I may, at anytime, release a soul's power from my control.
At the time of contract termination, the measure of each soul which I have claimed will be weighed and I shall henceforth be judged accordingly.
Spectral took a deep breath as he finished. "There you go, that's our contract. And before you ask, this is the best I can do. I cannot grant you your life back forever."
"Good," said Ray as he finished re-reading over the contract, "I wouldn't have it any other way. How long until contract termination?"
"Eight years, or until you die, whichever comes first. And after that, each soul you've taken will count towards my final decision of where to place you."
Ray seemed skeptical. "Gee, I don't know. Usually, there is some sort of fine print."
"Trust me, Ray. This is the only way out or else I'll make my decision now. Who knows, you may even manage to get into heaven."
At the sound of this, Ray's eyes glistened. "Alright, but I want a new name to go with this new life," he said. "Sure," said Spectral, "whatever name you sign will become your new name for as long as this contract remains."
With that, Ray Ghost signed his new name: R-E-I. As soon as he had completed the last letter, the contract rolled itself up and vanished in a flash. "Then we have a deal," said the Guardian, "From now on, you shall do as I say. From now on, you shall be known as 'Petenshi Yurei, Rei, Eater of Souls.' The title 'petenshi yurei' means 'fake ghost.' A fitting title considering you are now neither living, nor dead."
"Alright, so I signed your damned contract. Now what?"
"Now, I fulfill my part of the deal."
Index
2
Link to Last Spar/Quest (http://www.giveupalready.com/showthread.php?p=178969#post178969)
1
Index
Basic Info
History | Character Flaw | A Hard Case to Crack | Selling Your Soul | Angels Divine
Abilities
Inventory
Journal
22
Basic Info
Name: Ray/Rei Ghost
Aliases: Petenshi Yurei (The Fake Ghost), Soul Eater, Soul Assassin, Soul Stealer
Race: Human, Soul Eater (Sub-genre of vampirism)
Age: ~25 (Human Earth Years)
Height: ~5'7"
Weight: ~156lbs.
Eye Color: Ranging from bluish-grey to black
Hair Color: Midnight Black, Shoulder Length
Appearance: Gothic look with black, tattered, leather cape and black, steel-toed boots. Under his black trench-coat, Rei wears a teal blue shirt with an ethereal manta ray silhouetted on it in evil purple.
Religion: Most accurately, some hybrid variant of Monotheism, Philosophy, and various ancient mythos.
Location: Sayarin Mountains, Naslyum
Home: Rei is formerly from a habitable planet in another galaxy. See history.
Index
1
37
History:
Character Flaw
Sometime in the near future, there exists a young man by the name of Ray Ghost. He is twenty-three years of age and it is on this day that we, the people who knew him best, do remember his tragic and unwarranted end.
Ray was such a cheery soul as a boy. He was a good Christian with a generous heart filled with love. Intelligence and talent were his companions and he never failed to leave a good impression on the majority of people he came in contact with. He was a bit unusual. He seemed to isolate himself from the rest of the group, either studying or socializing with his few close friends. He made more friends among adults than among his peers. I suppose he would have been better off being born one generation before his time. Nearly everyone who met him said he was practically the role model child.
That all changed as Ray entered into High School. It was there that he faced reality and learned many harsh truths. Over a steady four years' time, the lessons he learned slowly widdled away at his being. Slowly, everything he had learned and believed as a child became questioned or shot down. He began to diverge from his faith, started acting more delinquent, and eventually lost the stunning reputation he had made for himself.
The hardest lesson taught to Ray was that no one really gave a damn about him. All the praise that was given him was totally insincere. From that point on, Ray became an outcast in society, shunned by any and all around him. He had come to learn that to be human meant to be cold, emotionless, and, overall, without a heart or soul. No where did this hold more meaning than when Ray first fell in love for the most beautiful girl in his school. Her name was Elah. Elah had always treated Ray with kindness and even seemed to flirt with him. Ray made a decision to ask Elah out but, when he finally did, the she replied: "Hah! Why on earth would anyone want to love you?"
This rejection was like a knife in Ray's heart that could not be removed. It pained him day and night. For weeks, even months, Ray wallowed in anguish and misery as he contemplated morality and love and what they really meant. It was at his lowest point that Ray Ghost finally found the answers he so desperately sought.
Several years passed and Ray and Elah both went on to college. They hadn't seen each other since graduation. Ray sent a letter inviting Elah to come to a New Year's party. Having grown a little older, Elah sent a reply saying that she would be delighted to go. The two met outside an abandoned apartment building where the party was to take place. By this time, Ray had undergone a total transformation of himself. He seemed calm, collected, and confidant. His attire had changed from that of a childish outfit to one more serious, seductive, and mysterious. He called it his "half-goth" look since he wore all black, but without the make-up.
Ray reached out his hand to escort Elah upstairs to where the party was. As they ascended the disrepaired staircase, Ray's guest began to grow nervous. It felt more like walking into a haunted house, but it was not even Halloween. As the two made their way up the creaking flights, Ray rambled on about how he had found enlightenment and that he was a totally transformed man from the one he was formerly. This only served to make Elah more afraid.
As they reached the top of the stairs, the sounds of loud music and strobe lights emanated from a door that half hung on its hinges. "You'll like this," Ray told Elah as he stopped just before the door, "Trust me." The instant they remained there seemed like an eternity for Elah. Her face began to turn white with fear. Something didn't seem right about all of this.
Ray opened the door. It would have creeked if not otherwise drowned out by the loud and satanic music coming from within. He then entered into a shamble of a room with boarded windows and cracked walls. In the midst of everything was a massive orgy of about a dozen people. Ray's eyes flashed about the room, taking in the cumulatively grotesque sight in its entirety as he walked towards the center of a large green carpet. Elah followed behind, now terrified, being dragged by the arm by Ray until he suddenly came to a stop. His head hung low, as if in regret. Elah turned to look at him. She was overcome with a feeling most closely described as pity.
She was about to speak when Ray turned up his head. His eyes were still closed. "You stupid fools," he muttered, "You selfish, lustful, arrogant bastards!" His tone and volume increased. Ray then drew a small knife from his pocket and threw it into the speaker from which the noise emanated. In a burst of sparks, it ceased playing. Ray then repeated the phrase, loud enough for everyone to hear.
"You stupid, selfish, lustful, arrogant wastes of human existence! What on earth or in hell are you doing? You're like viruses. You live only to consume and perpetuate your own pitiful existence." In an exhibition of rage, Ray toppled a nearby table that had been the support of various alcoholic beverages. The vile fluid crawled along the wooden floor and down through some of the cracks in it. He then withdrew a lighter from his pocket and, in a sickening smile, said "Well, if you're all the disease ... then I'm the cure."
As he finished these words, he ignited his lighter and let it drop to the floor. The alcohol immediately caught flame and began spreading to all those orgy members that were in the room. Through his peripheral vision, Ray caught the motion of two people trying to escape out the only door. "Oh no you don't," shouted Ray as he kicked an unbroken bottle of wine towards them. It shattered and burst into flames, as did the two victims. Ray let out a sadistic laugh as he watched the sinners burn and cry out in the fires. He then pulled out an elaborately designed dagger and proceeded to slash the burning people with it.
At the sight of all this, Elah dropped to her knees and began unleashing rivers of tears. "What do you think, Elah?" asked Ray, "I told you you'd enjoy it."
"How could you do something so heartless, so inhuman?" she asked in reply to Ray who had now turned his back to her. Ray said nothing for a while as smoke began to fill the room, but not before escaping out the boarded windows. Presently, Ray spoke. "Heartless, you say? You say that what I'm doing is heartless? Funny, I still have a pulse, which must mean I still have a heart and that means it must not be a heartless act, but in fact a just one. But if you say it is heartless, then allow me to make that the truth!"
With the will of a berserker, Ray grabbed his chest and pressed hard in between his ribs until his fingers pierced through them and blood spurted out of the orifices. He reached into his chest cavity, pushing his ribs aside, and grabbed his heart. He could feel its pulsing gushiness beating in his grip and with one hefty tug, ripped it clear out of his body breaking all the major blood vessels attached to it. He stood stiff with the same sadistic smile as he held up his heart in his hand.
"Here, I offered you my heart before and I offer it again. You can have my heart. Where I'm going ... I won't be needing it!" And with his last bit of energy, Ray through his heart towards Elah. It flew past the poor, traumatized girl and dripped blood on her as it sailed for a head on collision with the opposite wall. There it splattered in bloody chaos and stuck to the wall as blood dripped down around it and dried quickly from the immense heat, staining the painted surface and the brick behind its cracked portion.
Ray looked up and smiled but his countenance quickly changed to stunned as he felt the last of his energy had been depleted. He fell to one knee and tried to prop himself up with his hands but without success. Ray's strength gave out and his body crashed dead on the floor. A tongue of flame caught the tip of his trench coat and spread across his body, enveloping him in fire as the last of his blood drained from his body. It was on this day that Ray Ghost died and set himself upon a pyre with the rest of the souls whom he had claimed that day.8
Index
A Hard Case to Crack
"Uh, where am I?" It was dark at first. Then, as his eyes slowly opened, he saw a wavy blur of black and grey. His eyes then focused and adjusted to the light. "Uh? Where am I?"
Ray Ghost sat curled up off by himself. He turned his head to look around. All that he could see was an endless plain covered with a low mist. A grey aura hung about the air. Ray felt no fear, nor joy, nor sadness. He felt no stress or peace. He simply felt ... normal. Ray picked himself up from the ground which seemed to be a solid slab of marble or slate. He was dressed in the same attire that he had worn the day of his death, but it was whole, not burnt at all, except for his leather cape which was torn to begin with. "Wow! This is wierd."
Ray then noticed one thing was different about him. Instead of a black shirt, he wore a teal blue shirt with a wavy symbol in indigo that he could not distinguish, but he thought it looked sort of like a manta ray. For the most part, he seemed entirely whole.
The shadow of some figure approaching grew clearer through the haze until it drew near enough to become distinguishable. Ray stepped back as he saw that the being who came towards him was an oni (ogre), blue-skinned and very solemn. He motioned for the human to follow him. Not knowing what else to do, Ray followed obediantly.
As the human and his demon guide traveled across the plane, Ray noticed that the fog had started lifting. All that remained of it was a thin layer of mist no higher than a foot or two above the ground. The two came upon a group of beings who sat crouched down low to the ground. The majority of their features were hidden by shadows, but they looked fairly human with long grey and blue hair, fair skin, and transluscent-blue eyes. Ray stared in awe of them, seemingly lost in a trance. *Snap!* He was shocked back into consciousness.
"I thought that might get your attention," came an ominous voice.
"Who's there?" called Ray as he searched for the source of the sound.
"Hehehe, as time goes by, you humans become more forgetful of the fact that magic is still an integral part of this universe."
As Ray turned back around, he saw a man dressed all in black with hair half black, half white, standing right in front of him. "That makes it all the easier to fool and surprise you," he said. Ray was taken aback. "Where the hell did you come from?" he asked. "Certainly not from hell, nor heaven for that matter, or any planet in the Earthly Plane."
"What? Look, never mind. Just, where am I and how did I get here?"
"Hmm, interesting. Usually the next question people ask is: 'Who are you?'"
"Alright, then. Who are you? Where am I? How did I ..."
The being interrupted him, holding up his hand. "I am known by many names and aliases in all of the tongues in this universe. But for all intensive purposes, you may refer to me as Spectral. I am neither with nor against heaven or hell. Rather, I am the one who prevents them from killing each other off before the predetermined date of the Apocalypse and the final battle. I am the Guardian of the Balance between Good and Evil and you are in my domain."
Ray's eyes lit up at this last part. Spectral continued: "You are, or were, a Christian, right?"
"Er, yeah," replied Ray.
"Then you must know Hell's design, having no doubt read 'The Comedy.' I say this because that is typically how your placement here is considered, but yours is, not so much a unique case, as it is a rare and interesting case. I get bored so easily so anything out of the ordinary peaks my interest, which is why I chose to take your case personally. Right now, the task is figuring out what to do with you."
"What do you mean 'what to do with me?'"
Spectral ignored this question and just stood ther with his hand on his chin going over the events of Ray's life. "Hmm, well you have to many sins on your head to get into heaven." He turned to Ray. " Are you sorry for killing those people?"
A look of determination and resillience came to the human's countenance. "Everyone of them deserved what they got. I have no regrets about that."
"Hmm, point taken. So purgatory is out. You've been baptized, so Limbo is also out of the question. Have you ever lusted?"
"Is flatulance habitual?" retorted Ray.
Spectral luaghed. "Hmm, you have a sense of humor. That's good. I'll take that as a yes. So possible candidate for the Hurricane. Gluttony, no. Reckless spending, not really. Hmm, while you definitely could go to Level 5, I'm not sure whether you'd be put under wrathful or sullen. Sullenness more likely."
"Sullen? Why?" Ray inquired.
"Well, you see, it's rather a complicated thing. You killed those people, certainly, but really only one of them was innocent. The others have all recieved their just desserts. However, I would not be so quick to put you among the sullen, considerring it was the result of injustices done to you. However, that doesn't mean you get off scott-free. Since you've taken your own life, that would normally land you in the Woods of the Suicides."
"So I'm to spend eternity warding off harpies while hanging from some stupid hell tree?"
"Not exactly. Note, I said 'normally,' but your case is far from normal. You took your own life, that is true, but you also took the life of an innocent. Your governments generally punish such barbarism with capital punishment as the only way to pay for taking a life is to give one back. The higher powers, too, follow such a rule, so in taking your own life, you've repaid a life debt."
Ray was now lost by Spectral's explaination. So many components that made up one insignificant life such as his. He wondered how it was possible that Spectral knew all of this, but then came to realize that he must have some sort of omnipotence. Ray did his best to follow as Spectral continued.
Index9
Selling your Soul
The Balance Guardian paused for a moment and paced about. Ray followed him with his eyes. "You still haven't answered any of my questions yet, Guardian." Spectral stopped mid-stride and looked wide-eyed at his client. "I'm sorry, did you say something? I could have sworn you spoke to me. Lest you forget, your fate lies in my hands and I could have you sent to the Malebolge on a whim if I felt like it.
"Speaking of which, that brings me to your next two crimes: deceit and trechery. Deceit and trechery land you in Levels 8 and 9, respectively, also known as the Malebolge and Cocyctus, respectively. Heh, decieving and betraying poor Elah like that. For shame, and I thought you loved her."
"I did ... once," answered Ray, his head turned down, "But that was before ..."
"Before what?" Spectral pressed. Ray grabbed his chest where the manta ray emblem was. He felt a chill come over him. "Interesting," noted Spectral, "you've no heart, yet you still feel the pain of heartbreak."
Ray snapped back into a defensive state of mind, his eyes glared towards the Guardian and his feet were rooted in the same place they had been throughout his judgement.
"Hehe, that emblem on your shirt, Ray, is the same mark that your blood made after splattering your heart against the wall of that apartment. The blood dripped down in that same shape. Some coincidence how it looks like a manta ray and that your name is also 'Ray.' What's also interesting is that it looks much like a ghost, as well, which is not only reflective of your last name but also of the fact that 'Rei' in Japanese means 'ghost' or 'spirit.'"
Ray thought about this for a moment and marveled at the coincidence.
Spectral continued: "You are a very strange case, indeed, Ray. I think that, out of all the tortures, the Woods of the Suicides is the worst and perhaps also the most appropriate for you. However, I have a proposition for you. As the Balance Guardian, it is my duty to maintain universal balance between good and evil through whatever means necessary. Even I cannot perform all the tasks needed to ensure its true equilibrium, but then, true equilibrium is not necessary. So, what I generally do is enlist the aide of those who possess certain talents. These individuals then do what I generally cannot while I oversee them and only step in if necessary. So, here's the deal. I will grant you a new life filled with unlimited potential for power and in exchange, you will perform the tasks I asssign to you until our contract is terminated."
"What happens after that?" asked Ray.
"Well, that depends upon the contract. Generally, you are free to do whatever you wish after that," the Guardian answered.
"Then, I'd have to see the details of this contract."
Spectral bowed his head and smiled. "Hmm, already it seems you're learning from your mistakes. You know not to gamble with your life without knowing what will happen after. That means you're not stupid and that's a very good thing."
With the wave of his hand, Spectral caused a piece of parchment paper to appear out of no where and hang in mid-air. On it was written the conditions of the contract. Spectral read it aloud:
Upon my signing of this contract, I, ____, do hereby agree to the following conditions:
I shall perform all requested duties as required of me by the Balance Guardian, Spectral, until the time of my death or contract termination and, in exchange, shall become a Soul Eater.
By becoming a Soul Eater, I, the afore mentioned, claim responsibility for the death of the first 1,000 beings that I kill and may, if I so choose, take their souls for my own, at which time, I shall be endowed with new power. If, for any reason, the soul of my victim is not consumed within a period of 24 hours, I forfeit all rights and powers as pertaining to that particular soul. Should I choose to, I may, at anytime, release a soul's power from my control.
At the time of contract termination, the measure of each soul which I have claimed will be weighed and I shall henceforth be judged accordingly.
Spectral took a deep breath as he finished. "There you go, that's our contract. And before you ask, this is the best I can do. I cannot grant you your life back forever."
"Good," said Ray as he finished re-reading over the contract, "I wouldn't have it any other way. How long until contract termination?"
"Eight years, or until you die, whichever comes first. And after that, each soul you've taken will count towards my final decision of where to place you."
Ray seemed skeptical. "Gee, I don't know. Usually, there is some sort of fine print."
"Trust me, Ray. This is the only way out or else I'll make my decision now. Who knows, you may even manage to get into heaven."
At the sound of this, Ray's eyes glistened. "Alright, but I want a new name to go with this new life," he said. "Sure," said Spectral, "whatever name you sign will become your new name for as long as this contract remains."
With that, Ray Ghost signed his new name: R-E-I. As soon as he had completed the last letter, the contract rolled itself up and vanished in a flash. "Then we have a deal," said the Guardian, "From now on, you shall do as I say. From now on, you shall be known as 'Petenshi Yurei, Rei, Eater of Souls.' The title 'petenshi yurei' means 'fake ghost.' A fitting title considering you are now neither living, nor dead."
"Alright, so I signed your damned contract. Now what?"
"Now, I fulfill my part of the deal."
Index
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