Souls in Purge (English Version)

--‹«♦ Arrival ♦»›--

Matthew 7:15
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."

I woke up in the middle of the desert, surrounded by stone ruins, and in the distance I could glimpse an handsome sunset reflecting on the sea.

Disoriented, I looked around without understanding how I had ended up there. Little by little, some fragments of my memory began to become visible, although it was easier for me to remember how I felt than what actually happened. I seemed to recall that I was running desperately, trying to flee from something... or someone. Shortly afterward, I could feel a sharp and unbearable pain, and I remember falling, I don't know where, but at that moment I could see blood scattered around and then everything went dark.

I traversed the fertile and arid environment until I could see something in the distance. I spotted a figure dressed in a brown cloak and headed straight for him, speaking to the elderly man wearing the tunic, which had a golden inscription in a language I could not understand. He had very pale and decrepit skin, and always kept his eyes hidden.

- Excuse me, what are you doing here? - I asked politely.

- I should be asking you the same - he responded in a hoarse voice. - Follow me, I'll show you the way out.

- Do you live around here? - I questioned as I accompanied him through the desert.

- Not really, but I live nearby and was just passing through here today.

- That's good, isn't it?

- As you say - he replied.

- Can you tell me what this place is called? Seriously, where are we? I don't remember how I got here!

- Listen - he said, already annoyed - don't ask me so many questions, I'll answer everything when we get there.

- And where is there?

- Don't worry, I'm taking you where you belong.

I was somewhat distrustful, but I couldn't get out of there on my own. It was better to accompany the old man through this place. Eventually, night fell, and as it was getting dark, I checked my pocket and found a lighter and a knife, although this time I wouldn't need them. The night was illuminated by the moon and the stars, although there were some clouds, and at least that was enough for me to see.

I had to keep up with the pace of the old man who was guiding me. It was then that I saw him stumble as he passed near a cliff. - Help me, Damian! - he cried, asking for help. I approached and held him by the arm, trying to lift him up. I thought that would be it, but then I heard a pack of wolves howling in the distance. I paused to think without releasing the old man's arm, and then I had an idea. I took a branch from a pile of wood at the edge of the cliff and tore off a piece of my white shirt to wrap around the branch and light it with my lighter, creating a makeshift torch.

I saw the wolves approaching to the point that I could see their glowing eyes. I had to scare them away with the torch in my hands as the pack stood up against me, barking and baring their sharp teeth. - Leave me here and go on! - the terrified old man begged, but I wasn't going to leave him alone with the wolves. It took a long time, but eventually the wolves gave up and decided to move away. I took the opportunity to help the poor old man and used the torch to light a campfire with the logs nearby. We decided to spend the night there, although the old man seemed surprised that I had chosen to save him rather than continue on.

The next morning, the old man woke me up early, asking that we hurry, and I didn't understand why. He responded that most of those who spent too much time in this desert ended up suffering from the exhausting heat and having problems due to the lack of food and water. It's true that I was thirsty, although I didn't feel hot when I arrived there, and I didn't get cold the night before.

After a while, we finally arrived at the place he was talking about, although we were still within this desert. The site the old man wanted to reach was some old ruins with wooden and mud huts built on top, forming a camp. In the middle of it all was a wooden table with a white linen tablecloth, placed on the remains of a destroyed hall that still retained a religious stained-glass window on a wall that was part of the ruins of that place.

I saw the old man approach the middle of the table, which had wooden and clay containers and improvised wooden seats around it. - Sir - I said - where are we? I thought we would leave the desert.

I told you I would take you to the exit, but not as you think - he replied without turning around.

I don't understand, sir. What are you talking about? - I waited for an answer, but I only heard him praying the Lord's Prayer, leaning on the table. - Sir! I'm asking you for an answer.

Here's your answer - he replied, turning around and letting me see his blue eyes for the first time, then proceeded to remove the hood of the cloak that covered him, revealing a pair of golden wings. - My name is Zadkiel! Archangel of benevolence and mercy. I am also the same guardian angel who watched over you when you still had life.

You're... an angel - I was astonished. And what do you mean "when I still had life"?! No, it's not possible! I should be...

- I'm sorry, Damian. Your mother misses you very much, - he responded with that dry voice of his. Moments later, I suffered a panic attack and fell to the ground, while I still heard the angel's voice beside me - Damian! Hang in there, my companions will arrive soon. DAMIAN!! - Damian... I thought at that moment. When I was on the edge of that cliff, he also called me by my name, I was naive not to realize that I had never told him.