Fate of the Blessed

Chapter 15

Amara

We waded through the water in silence, the gentle swishing of the oar a comfort to us all. It had been a simple escape. Did Aeron let us go? I let my mind wander to the guy that saved me. After what happened to Connor, I didn't want to pull anybody else into this fiasco, but what if he could help find a way out? There were so many questions swirling around in my mind, I wasn't able to focus.

"Who are you?" I said, breaking the silence.

I looked at Tae-Seong, but he refused to meet my eyes, so I tried to shuffle around to look him in the eye, but he just turned back the other way. Exasperated instead, I turned my head to focus my attention on the portly gentleman rowing the boat.

"Since he won't answer me, perhaps you could tell me your name at least?" I said.

"Ha, I like her, let me introduce myself, I am Charon the ferryman of the dead." He chuckled.

Although on the inside irritation reigned. I smiled at him. He was infectious with his jolliness. It was like a breath of fresh air after tonight's ordeal.

"Well, pleased to make your acquaintance, sir." I dipped my head in mock greeting.

"Kind lady." He did the same. I genuinely laughed, something I didn't think I would do for a long while. Charon and I exchanged further pleasantries. I laughed at his obscene jokes, but out of the corner of my eye I noticed his intense gaze. Yet, he still refused to speak to me so I, instead, pushed my nose in the air. Why was he so cold when he came to save me?

Tae-Seong

I observed the exchange with interest; she had an air about her that made me feel comfortable, but I didn't want to get too close. I wasn't here to make friends, I just wanted to get out of here and if she was the way out, then I would just have to go along with it. I knew I was being rude by not speaking to her, but I couldn't afford the civilities. It was a waste of time..

Although I could not deny she was alluring, despite my misgivings, I considered myself warming to her. I smiled, relaxed I sank into the coarse wood and closed my eyes. This time the darkness didn't take flashes of a scene that seemed so far away, yet so familiar. I was floating above myself as if I was in a movie. The bizarreness of it all almost made me laugh.

I walked down a gravel path next to the Tancheon, a tributary leading from the Han River in Seoul. My hands were stuffed into my pockets to save them from the freezing weather. My black jacket zipped all the way, partly covering my face. I stopped at the bridge near Jukjeon, gazing curiously at the sight. From behind the pillar stepped an older guy in filthy jeans and a blue ill-fitting hoodie. His head darted from left to right, like he was on edge that someone was going to overhear us.

"Do you have what I asked for?" he hissed. I pulled out a small non-descript bag full of white powder. The mysterious man reached to grab it. I pulled it back and stuffed it in my pocket.

"Do you have the information I asked for?" I said. The man continued to look about, fidgeting with his fingers as he did. My patience was wearing thin.

The stranger beckoned me closer; I did so with reluctance. From my vantage point, I could tell something wasn't right. The man was reaching into his pocket. I tried to scream at myself, but no sound came from my mouth. Why the hell was I here, what was happening? This had to be a dream. The other man stopped as he pulled a handgun from his pocket, waving it in front of me. I put my hands up in mock surrender. Before I could do anything, I heard two gunshots ring out.

"Jung-Soo sends his regards." He spat as he dug into my pockets to pull the package free.

The bullets hit me high in the chest and I slumped to the ground, gasping, trying to catch my breath. But each drag became difficult. Panicking, I saw the astral me pull towards the sky, leaving the other me lying in a pool of my blood. I tried to fight it; however, it was too strong.