The Dividers

Chapter One

                                                          CONTENT WARNING: Self harm, cursing

Heaven and hell. Both unconfirmed, both uncharted territory. For some, heaven is seen as a guaranteed reward. For others a motivator. Or, of course, it's seen as complete bogus for those who disagree with the logistics that there might be a sanctuary for only the most gracious of the dead.

Hell; it's much more agreed upon. It's used as a scare tactic, a way to shake children into acting dutiful and kind. But both places have never been seen by the naked eye, or experienced by the living. So, how could one ever confirm its existence?

It's real. All of it. Really, you can trust me. Well, maybe you shouldn't, but I'm telling you it's real. After all, I belong to a group more important than the gods themselves. We call ourselves The Dividers. Not very original, but it works, and sounds pretty kick-ass– though I might just be biased. So, you may be curious as to which sector I belong to. Heaven? Hell? Am I the god everyone's' always sucking off?

Short answer– no. I wish.

I belong in the between, a shit-hole called 'limbo', and I protect it. We protect it, we being Mika, Gale and I. The succubi and devils down below are tricky bastards. Even when one's soul is meant for heaven, they'll try and snatch it, and drag that soul down to hell. When a soul is weak– damaged– it's unable to fight the grasps of the devils. So, they're easily taken. Why, you're wondering? Well, human souls feed Satan– yes, the Satan–and damn, he's one hungry bitch. So, we guide. We protect. We divide, at least in this sector of the world. Specifically, heaven and hell. No one is allowed into the other. In other words, no Satan in heaven, no Gods in hell. And no soul sabotage. That's what we do. We're likely the reason your dear old granny's soul isn't cooking in hell right now. You're welcome.

Anyway, back to me, as I'm sure you're itching to read more.

Greedy humans— nothing ever satisfies you.

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I'm collapsed in a tree, my limbs hanging limp when a figure materializes from a pink mist above me. It's Mika, in all her glory. She soars to my branch, and strokes her sleek black pigtails that swing down past her hips.

"Archiel..." She mutters disapprovingly, observing my state.

"You got any aspirin?"

"That earth garbage? No, I don't have any."

"Worth a shot." I exhale.

"You're hungover again." Mika states with a disapproving frown, "I know for a damn fact the alcohol I'm smelling on you isn't from no heaven or hell. You've been going to the humans' world again, brat."

I respond with a shrug of my shoulders.

"No, I haven't."

I totally have.

Ah– this is a good time to mention that I have free access to the earth— the dividers are the only ones that can cross the ultimate border since we escort the souls to heaven. That also means I'm free to the human world whenever I want– free to their alcohol . Which tastes like ass, but gets me feeling pretty damn good. Don't judge— I get lonely out here. You would too. Humans can't see me, though. Alive or dead, I'm invisible. I'm just a force that guides, and no one but me and my team know it.

Pretty heroic life, huh.

"What so great about that shithole, anyway?" Mika sighs, slumping her chin in her hands, "I much prefer limbo. Even with all the trouble, it's miles better than having to eat and like– sleep."