Ghost Me

Under the Earth

One thing I never told you was that Ghosts are able to willingly go to the Underworld. This can only be achieved through a Death Wish.
A Death Wish can only be used when a Ghost truly knows that there is nothing left for them in the Living Realm. If a Ghost does not have any family or friends left, they would use their Death Wish to end their lives once and for all.

The Underworld isn't as bad as people think it is. It looks quite pleasant, except for one or two flaws. But the real cruelty of the Underworld is the fact that you remember exactly how terribly painful your original death was...

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Finis awoke in a haze. He opened his eyes just enough to see he was in a beautifully honey-toned field, with tall grass and small poppies dotted around the area. Instead of getting up, Finis lay on his back and stared into the sky filled with strangely stippled clouds.

'I wonder why everyone fears the Underworld...' Finis thought.

"I used to wonder about that too, Finis... Well, before I started to remember everything."

Finis jumped up at the speed of light into a standing position, then suddenly realized he was back in his solid, human form. 

"Do not be alarmed, Finis," the voice continued. "I am aware that I have disrupted your peace, and I do apologize. However-" 

"Who are you!? Wh-where are you?!" Finis stuttered. 

"I am just a mere spirit that is technically in your head-"

"So I'm talking to myself?" Finis asked, scared.

"Not necessarily. But the Underworld is basically a perfect image that you have created in your head... I am your friend now. A friend who will keep you company for eternity-"

"Wait... No!" Finis was suddenly overwhelmed with emotions. He stumbled back, his brown, coiffed hair flopping out of place. "No no no no no. This isn't what I asked for-"

"Well then what did you ask for, Finis?" the voice snapped back. 

"I wanted to spend the rest of eternity with- with-" Finis fell to the floor, screaming in agony.

Flashes.

Finis was walking through the flower fields of Charrault.
A sharp pain sheared through his chest.
He was on the floor, blood covering his white laced shirt-

A loud, painful scream echoed through the golden fields.
"I remember-" Finis choked, feeling the pain once again... Tears streaming down his face and onto the grassy floor.
"I remember my original de-death..." he breathed.

"Finis, I used to be a Ghost. I have felt your pain before... I promise you will be okay." 

"Wait-" Finis began, trying to compose himself. "You-you said you were part of my head... How were you an actual person- or Ghost before?"

"After some time of being in the Underworld, I was assigned to be a Guardian for newcomers. My true human form does not exist anymore... But this is not about me, Finis-"

"What's your name?" Finis asked, sounding slightly less on edge.

The Guardian didn't answer.

"What is your name?" Finis asked once again. This time more sharply.

The Guardian hesitated before answering, "My name will not be known by anyone, nor will my true form."

Finis began to get agitated. "You said you would be my friend! If are going to be my friend for all eternity, I need to know your name!"

"Maximus." the Guardian whispered.

Finis finally had the strength to turn over on his back to look back at the sky. "I do not want to be here..." he sighed.

"But you used your Death Wish," said Maximus. "Surely that means that you prefer to be here?"

"No... I got assigned someone to Haunt. And I had fallen in love with him. And in a moment of rage, I used my Death Wish. Dain had told me how I had died... after I even told him I didn't want to hear of it. I supposed I shall never see him again, will I?" Finis began to cry once again.

"I am truly sorry, Finis. But I am confused on one thing... Did you say 'he?'"

"Yes. I know it is considered wrong to certain people. But I cannot help it, okay?!" Finis retorted. "I am who I am meant to be, and nothing can change that. Not even your measly opinions on how it should be! If you do not accept me, then I do not need you to be here and you can find a way to leave."

"I apologize, Finis. I did not realize that things have changed since my time alive and as a Ghost."

For a while there was only calming silence. Birds were chirping in the distance and the wind was blowing slightly. Finis stayed splayed on the ground, gazing at the bright blue sky.

"Finis, I can see that you loved this boy you speak of very much... You do belong with him, Finis-"

"He didn't seem like he felt the same way... I told him that I was in love with him and-"

"Finis." Maximus snapped. "You are meant to be with the boy. However, you are not supposed to be here yet. I will send you back to the living realm... But before I do, let me tell you something; I have been a Ghost for decades, and I have never failed to Haunt someone before... until I was assigned to Haunt you. I failed to keep you safe, Finis, that is why I was sent to the Underworld. And, as I have told you before, I was told to be a Guardian... A Guardian for my past Haunts."

Finis' eyes were wide, but a certain relief crossed over him.

"You need to be with Dain. Farewell, Finis... I will see you again eventually, but now is not your time."

Realization hit Finis. "Wait! NO NO NO NO-" 

Finis' human form disapparated completely.

The last thing Finis saw was a man, no older than thirty, with red hair, small freckles and a wide grin crossing over his face.

"I promise you will finally be happy."

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