Frowning I recalled the reactions of those people downstairs on the ground floor. No one wanted to talk to me, fearing I would bring the wrath of whoever was the boss here down upon them. Or maybe it was me? Who knows?
Robert nodded. “It is true that there is that being here that rules us all, he has billions upon billions of eyes and ears on all of us, knows all, sees all, and hears all. He cannot be escaped. If you get on his radar, then be afraid, although I’m sure he is already watching you intently.”
“Is he the one you say is imprisoned here?”
“Yes. You would know it if you saw him, but I cannot envisage the chaos that might bring if you met with him. For now, let’s help you build and understand your other powers. There may be some you are yet unaware of. Firstly, though, know that you can come to this realm whenever you wish. The times most people arrive here is when they are wearing thin on energy. I believe you already know what happens if you drain yourself completely. You fade for an unknown amount of time. It could range from days, to years, but it feels like seconds to you, as though you have been asleep. So be wary of your limits.”
“Is there a way to gain more energy at all to use each day? I seem to drain pretty fast.” I asked.
Robert sucked in a breath before replying. “There is, but it is frowned upon by the higher ups. I am not sure you should know how, or maybe you should, in case you do it by accident. Gah, I’m so torn, I hate the feeling of indecisiveness. I’m normally so sure.” He rested his head in one hand, staring at the desk as if having a battle with his own thoughts.
A strange thought popped into my head. “With your specific powers, can you use them on yourself?”
Robert looked at me strangely. “What an odd question. No one has ever asked me that in the whole time I’ve been here. As to the answer to that, no, I don’t believe so. And if I ever did, I would never remember doing it.”
“So, how can I gain more energy? I think I should know personally. I need to know everything there is to know about this realm, my powers and what I’m here for.”
He sighed. “Ok, fine, but promise me you will never have to use this power. Not everyone can implement it, only the higher ups, but as you are different, you may be able to tap into this too.”
“Ok. But how do I know I have it unless I try?”
Robert thought a moment. “I don’t think you can without hurting someone. This is why it should never be used fruitlessly. You are basically stealing part of somebodies soul, their identity. If you take too much, it could leave that person a vegetable. But even the smallest amount could do serious harm. A soul is energy and few of us can tap into that. I cannot, for I’m not strong enough.”
I nodded. “Ok, that sounds bad. Is there another way I can harness more energy?”
“I’m not sure, there may possibly be a way but as I have been unable to myself, I never thought to ask. I shall find out for you from a higher up though. So what else can you do so far?”
I told him about all my encounters with the neighbours from hell and how I combatted each one. “To have managed all that in such a short time, considering you faded for a couple of months, you pick these things up pretty quick. I’m sure you will be able to cope with much more, but one step at a time. Some abilities can drain you quickly and must be used sparingly, especially moving very large objects, like cars for example. You may not think how or why you would need to move a car, but we have to think of every possibility or realise them in the living realm. Ok so far?”
I nodded, smiling.
“Ok, so first, let’s see how good your control is for the manipulation of objects. See that jug on the windowsill. Bring that here.”
I went to walk over to it, but he stopped me. “I don’t mean collect it. Use your power to bring it to us.”
“Oh.” I said, a little embarrassed. I raised a hand and focused on the jug, and it lifted up off the sill and I started pulling it towards us.
“Good. Now put it down without breaking it.”
I concentrated on lowering the jug carefully, and placed it neatly on a desk.
“Fantastic. You have good control of manipulation. This is also known as Telekinesis. How do you feel?”
I focused on myself, checking my energy levels. I felt good. “I feel fine. That didn’t take hardly anything out of me.”
Robert smiled. “Great. A lot of spirits with telekinesis, such as poltergeists find that power drains them fast, but you must have a greater pool to work with. Let’s continue.”
I rubbed my hands together, excited at what I might learn, and engrossed myself in my first real lesson after death.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
After much enthusiasm of what I might learn that day, I was more disappointed as the things we went over were already abilities I had used. Robert was a good teacher however, and helped me hone some of my skills so I didn’t need to use so much energy when using them.
When it came to trying to take on another form, he explained that there were spirits out there who were Shape-shifters. It appeared that although I was some sort of Daemon that could use multiple abilities I still was not using them to their full potential yet.
“So why exactly was I chosen to be one of these Daemon’s? What would have happened if I had just died?” I asked, curious.
“Well,” Robert began, “most people who die, die of natural causes, old age, disease etc. Those people lived their own lives and died when it was their time, so when they die, they come to the Afterlife first, where they have a choice; One, they can move on into a higher plane of existence; Two, they can stay in this realm and meet friends and family; Three, they refuse to be dead and end up haunting the living realm for eternity.”
“So, if those newly dead stay on this plane, do they stay here forever or can they move on the higher plane eventually?”
“Yes but they only have a limited amount of time to choose. This realm gives people time to reconnect with their loved ones. If they wish to stay, they get to stay with their family forever, or, they can say their farewells and move on.”
I paused a moment. What a difficult choice to be handed, stay with your family or move on? “So, what is on the higher plane?”
Robert laughed. “Nobody knows. Anyone who moves on, can never return to this plane. That is the ultimate choice a person can make, but who knows how you would feel if you went there. Feelings might be non-existent there, and the only people who would miss you are those here and in the living realm.”
“Wow. I can imagine it’s extremely difficult for them to choose that path. So what about me? Will I ever get a choice to move on?”
Robert thought a moment before answering. “I believe you would, but those who become Daemon’s tend to stay like that for a very long time. No one I know who has become a Daemon has decided to move on, yet.”
“So why did I get made a Daemon? Why didn’t I just die and move on here with a choice?”
“Well that’s an easy one to answer. Sort of; Firstly those who die before their time, due to being attacked, run over by vehicles, murder, etc, they become spirits with certain abilities, so they are able to gain vengeance, as it were. Some choose not to, and they move on here, but most want revenge. As you are fully aware, hauntings can be a good way to get your point across to make sure that person doesn’t do it again. Daemons such as yourself however, are created when the way in which you died was so terrible, hauntings would not do you justice. You for example were raped, tortured with a knife and killed by three men. A heinous crime. For some reason though, you have been chosen to be a much more powerful Daemon. What else happened to you? For only those who lived in hell ever get this sort of opportunity to be Daemon’s.”
I recalled my past few years of my life to Robert, explaining the amount of noise and hell my neighbour had put me through, and how I found the noisy neighbours website which had helped me through many troubled times, when the authorities would not. He nodded as I spoke, taking it all in.
; “Sounds like you had an awful time. No wonder you have been doing those things to those other neighbours from hell, I quite agree with you. I’m sure many people would. However, some here would not, and how you have gone about the punishments, many would find extreme. Luckily, I’m not one of them. Just don’t get yourself in too deep. Power is one thing, but it’s how you use it that defines you. Just be careful.”
I nodded. “Yes, there was a spirit I spoke to in a hospital who mentioned us being watched. Obviously I don’t want to attract the wrong attention. I hope you will be able to help keep me on track?”
Robert smiled warmly. “Of course, I will do my best, but remember, I can only help you here, so if you have a dilemma you will need to work through it yourself in the heat of the moment, as it were.”
“Ok. Well thank you for the help so far. I should be getting back, or I will be missed.”
“Missed? By whom?”
“Er, well there’s a man who can communicate with me, and also see me without me needing to try. He is living in my house. Or what was my house. Him and his housemate have been helping me with my transition on how to haunt.”
Robert paused. “There is a living human who can see you? Speak with you?”
“Yes,” I confirmed. “Is this a problem?”
Robert shook his head. “No. No problem. Just interesting. I may have to look into it though. Do NOT tell him about this place. No mortal should know until his or her time comes. Understand?”
I nodded again. “Alright. I’ll make sure not to. Can I go now?”
“Of course. Please come back soon, and we can continue our lessons.”
Smiling, I shook Roberts’ hand, grateful for the help, and left the room. Back in the corridor, I wondered momentarily what might be higher up, but decided it could wait for another day, and headed to the stairs. Meanwhile inside the classroom, Robert was tidying the chairs and desks back, when he stopped suddenly. His form flickered, and a figure in a black cloak, with stars for eyes took his place for a short moment.
“Well done.” It spoke. “Keep an eye on her for me, help her, gain her trust; my trust. You are a good servant Robert. Soon I will be free of this place.” The figure vanished, leaving Robert standing alone, one hand clutching his head.
“Thank you Master. I will do as you bid.” He continued tidying the room before he left then headed upstairs.
*****
At the bottom of the stairs, I halted, watching the other dead folk mill about, trying to avoid me. I couldn’t understand why they were so afraid of me, but it was very disheartening. Would there be no one else here apart from Robert who will even have a conversation with me without trying to run? I sighed. And how the hell do I leave this place? I tried to catch someone’s attention to ask, but they hastily moved out of my way.
I decided that maybe I should try to speak to the room itself, and maybe someone would answer me, hopefully. “Excuse me? How do I leave this realm? Back to the living one?” I looked about the room, the people still with their heads down, not making eye contact. I was about to give up, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Follow me.” A male voice sounded, to which I turned and found a tall, handsome man beckoning me towards the main tower door. The only thing I could do was follow, so follow I did. He held the door open for me as I exited, then led me along the path I had entered on.
“Thank you.” I spoke.
“No problem”, the man replied. “What’s your name?”
“Sharon. And you?”
“Alex. Pleased to meet you.”
“Same. I was beginning to wonder if anyone would speak to me.”
Alex laughed. “I felt the same when I entered this place. Must be over 5 years now. It was as though people were afraid of me. Now they just let me get on, they’ve become accustomed to me, and many speak with me freely. It will change for you too. I’m sure it’s just because you are…. New.”
I raised an eyebrow at the pause. “New, huh? I know what I am, are you the same as me?”
“A Daemon you mean? Then yes, I am. Though you feel slightly different to the other Daemons here.”
I nodded. “Yes, Robert who was leading a class on the second floor was trying to explain to me what was different about me, but he couldn’t tell either. He said there was only one being here that can, but he was locked up. A prisoner.”
Alex halted mid step, causing me to falter. I stopped and turned to him. “Is something wrong?” I asked.
“Robert didn’t take you to him did he?” he asked concerned.
“Oh no. He said he couldn’t, for fear of my inadvertently releasing him. Not sure how I could but he said it would be probable.”
Alex nodded. “Good. Got me worried for a second then. I have seen him in his prison. I wouldn’t want him to break free and start a rampage here, or worse, on the living realm. He did that once before.”
“Oh?” my interest was suddenly piqued.
“Yeah. You know the Sahara desert? That was his doing. Killed everything in sight, the environment was changed, where there used to be sun, rain, trees, wildlife, now there is barren sand. Luckily over the years, wildlife has returned and a few hardy plants that can survive with barely any water at all.”
My mouth was hanging open. “That was caused by this prisoner?” I was shocked.
“Hard to fathom isn’t it? To think, if he could do that, can you imagine what it would be like if he was freed to go and destroy more civilised areas on the planet?”
I shuddered, trying not to think about it. “Good job I haven’t been made to go see him then! I certainly wouldn’t want to feel responsible for the destruction of cities, of the loss of multiple, innocent lives.”
“But you have killed, what’s the difference?”
Shocked, I tried to defend my actions. “That was different. It was only a bully neighbour!”
Alex raised an eyebrow. “But that neighbour probably had family, friends, people who cared for them.”
“He was scum, and deserved what they got.” I pouted, insistent that what I did was right. I had gone through all this already in my own head, fighting a battle of wits and morals with myself for what I had done. In the end, I agreed with myself that what I had done was good, for the better of others. They were after all, a waste of good oxygen. I made my point to Alex, who just replied, “If that’s what you believe, fine.”
I sighed heavily. I would not be interrogated. Not now. “So, how do I leave this place anyway?”
“Trying to escape me now eh?” Alex smiled. The look on my face made him serious. “I’m just joking Sharon. Don’t take the questioning personally, but you must be careful in the living realm. Death by a spirit is highly frowned upon, although you made it past the higher ups warning beacon by causing the death by carbon monoxide, it was still risky. The higher ups are not known for their leniency.”
“I’m sorry Alex. I didn’t mean to come across rude, but I do believe what I did was the right thing. That will not change.”
“Just try to remember that when the time comes and you’re standing before them explaining your actions. Power corrupts. Especially those who believe we are doing the right thing. We cannot play God.”
“So there is a God?”
Alex laughed. “Only if you believe there is. All death realms are different depending on your beliefs.”
“Does God exist here?”
“Good question. I’ve never seen it myself, maybe that is who the higher ups are? I couldn’t say. What do you think?”
I shrugged. “I was never that much in to religion myself. They cause too many wars and bitterness between people and I can’t be bothered with that.”
“Yet now you create justice because you do care about others, and what you do could be considered war.”
I thought about it a moment. “Well it is I guess. War for the right to live in peace, to be able to enjoy our homes and live our lives as WE want, not be dictated to or forced by nuisance neighbours to live by their liv
es.”
Alex nodded. “I see you are passionate about this.” I nodded back, determined. “Then I hope what you achieve will be positive for the people you are helping and others out there in the same boat.”
“Thank you Alex, I appreciate that.” I smiled.
“Well here we are. This is your exit.”
I turned around, and found a door in the middle of the path. Turning back to thank Alex again, he had disappeared. How did he do that? I shrugged to myself, then opening the door, walked slowly through.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Passing through the door was a bizarre experience, going from the realm of the dead to the realm of the living in a blink of an eye; it felt as though you were being sucked in through a straw, your body feeling long and thin, then you literally popped out the other end. I appeared in the kitchen, next to the table. I felt my arms and legs, making sure they were still attached and not ridiculously long, and headed into the living room. It was empty.
“Hello” I called, “anyone home?”
There was no answer. I headed quickly upstairs, but there was no sign of Steve or Michael. I guessed they had gone out for the day. It felt like I had been gone for hours, so I went back to the kitchen and checked the clock on the wall.
It seemed only an hour had passed, so I went back into the living room and finding the laptop in its regular spot, I booted it up. Time to see if I have had any replies to my post. I logged in as soon as the computer would let me, and scrolled through the new posts. Finding mine I found it had multiple new views and a few replies. I clicked on the view topic button and the replies appeared in front of me.
All Hope Lost Page 10
