I opened my eyes, expecting to find myself in my room, scared out of my wits about another demonic nightmare. I saw the orange-red glow and Arashi in the corner. I closed my eyes and opened them again, hoping that the scenery would change. But it didn't. I sighed and got up from the floor where I had slept. I stretched, groaning at the pain in my back.
"Good morning," Arashi said, smirking.
I groaned again and sat down beside him. "Any chance the next place we stop will have at least a somewhat comfortable bed to sleep on?" I asked him.
"Doubtful. It only gets more hellish from here," Arashi said.
"Great." I pushed a strand of my black hair out of my eyes. "So how long does a typical day last here in Hell?"
"Depends on the dimension. Here in the first dimension, it's usually a typical 24 hour day like your place. But in the 9th dimension, it's eternal night."
I yawned. "Awesome. But we're not going to the 9th dimension, are we?"
"Hopefully not. If we don't draw attention to ourselves, the big guy in the 9th dimension need never know you were here."
"Okay. So don't draw attention to ourselves."
"Exactly."
"So...are we leaving?"
"In a few minutes."
I sat in silence, thinking.
"You're still thinking about what Chiya said. About you not being completely human."
"You didn't phrase that as a question."
"Because it's written all over your face."
I sighed. "Yeah. I'm still thinking about it. I have no idea what I am. All my life I've been different. But I didn't think I wasn't human."
"Well maybe you're like the big man upstairs. Maybe you're one of His angels."
"And maybe I'm like the big man downstairs in the 9th dimension. One of his demons."
Arashi met my gaze. "Maybe you are. But would it really be so bad? Not all demons are bad. I mean, look at me."
"You wanted to eat me when I first showed up."
"Still do." Arashi grinned. "But I'm not as bad as most of the demons you'll find here. The guys in the lower dimensions are worse."
"Good to know. Considering we're going to the lower dimensions."
"You'll be fine. You heard Chiya. As long as you stick with me, you have a chance at survival. And we'll find your friend. And I promised you I would try to help you save her. And I'm a man of my word, even if I'm a demon."
I smiled at him. "Thanks, Arashi."
"No problem. Now, let's get going." Arashi stood up and I followed him to the door. "The second dimension will be coming up in a few minutes. I need you to be on your guard. And for Pete's sake, let me do all the talking. The instant you start talking, they'll know you're not from here."
"Agreed."
