After Death is Life

Story told by the late Emanuel Woods

Year 1899

I can’t believe I’m still here; the after life is teeming with spirits of past and present in a world much like the real one. The coldness bit into me like dogs into meat, my pale snow flesh and my clothes seemed to show fray and tears, as if I was stranded on an island for months, the elements rotting the fabrics away bit by bit.

I raised my head to see a familiar face that slivered over to me. Cilan, the Regnessem, in all of his mystic glory pulled me close to him “It’s taken me a while to find you, old friend.” he purrs into my ear, quivering with sheer delight, he knew I was happy to see him too.

Cilan kept me alive for as long as I could remember, countless nights and days he kept me afloat in the living world and now I’m finally in the after life to see him yet again. Being so close brought back a lot more as he kissed me deeply like he used to. I pulled back staring into his blue eyes to see something was troubling him,

“Cilan….something wrong?” I asked him as he and I drifted down the foggy streets of the after life.

“I’m no longer a Regnessem; the council put me in charge of teaching you the ways of retrieving thoughts from dead people’s minds.” Cilan said as we took a turn into where Cilan resides in. It reminds me of London’s tall dark buildings and foggy streets, yet it is filled with ghosts finding their way.

“You’ve been put out of commission?” I gasped, there was no need for opening doors, we just pass right through them into the dark lit sitting room. Cilan swooshed over to the bar, I didn’t think it was possible for a ghost to drink and eat like humans.

I sat down, watching him as he poured something into a glass and drank it before looking at me, “You thirsty?” he asked as he offered to pour me a drink. I did feel dry strangely. You think you loose the senses, but not all of them leave you.

Placing a filled glass in my hand I drank happily before putting the glass down, “You’re going to teach me and I feel sorry that you lost your role,” I said to him moving from my chair and to his side. Cilan had aged a little since I saw him, “I have no choice Emanuel, besides are you really wanting to do this?” he said looking into my eyes.

I looked away for a moment; I haven’t thought about my past, my life was dashed at the beginning when the doctor told me I had a heart disease. From there, it spiraled downwards into an obsession with death. “Emanuel believe me, you can do this easily.”

Cilan said to me as he coiled his arms around me. “Does this mean I’ll end up looking like you?” I said to Cilan, he wasn’t clothed, but he was spirit covered with black tattoos. “I honestly don’t know, Emanuel. I do find it strange that they want you to fill my position.” he said as he drank some more of his drink.

The Council of the After Life is a circle of the oldest spirits that walked the planet and this world. They assign out everything from guardians to Regnessem roles, so each spirit has a purpose to serve. Usually a regnessem must take upon a new demon like form, yet it was sad to hear that Cilan was no longer one of them.

“I’ve done my time, now you will have to fill my shoes. I’m too old.” Cilan said as he sat down. His face seemed to display sadness, yet a little guilt. He then looked up at me, “There were many things I forgot to tell you when you were alive.” he said. That moment I gave him a look, what did he mean by that?

“Do you remember anything before your death?” Cilan asked me as I sat down next to him. This had got my attention abruptly, “Cilan you have taken good care of me, what thing could you possibly have done wrong?” I asked him. Cilan raised his long finger tips and placed them on either side of my head,

“I’ll show you everything. I didn’t tell you certain things because I was greedy and wanted you to myself.” he admitted to me. Shaking my head I started to have doubts, “No, Cilan it’s too late to try and fix anything!” I got up and moved away from him.

Cilan stood up and went after me “I feel horrible about it. Please let me show you this, because it will affect whom you’re protecting.” he called to me from the sitting room. I paused for a moment spun around and floated back to him. “Who am I protecting? What does it have to do with my past?” I questioned him coldly.

“Remember how you had been struck in the head by a candle holder, wielded by the most hateful person you ever knew and that person you got imprisoned before you died?” Cilan said as he raised his fingertips to my head again.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I hissed. Then the fingers became like magnets to my head as a sudden angst rush flooded my vision and everything around me as I saw the past again. Cilan appeared amongst the flashing images,

“All this you see, you’ve forgotten about. I’ll freeze here.” he said as the images stopped I looked around wide-eyed. “I can see me and Anna-Maria and that crazy Albert guy!” I said in a surprised voice, spinning around, taking it all in.

“Emanuel, calm down. You stopped the marriage, which saved Anna-Maria and her family along with everything else at stake.” he said to me. I stepped back in fear, “Why didn’t you tell me about this, and who is that!” I pointed to a dark hair woman that sat next to me.

“That is Claire Davidson; then her father and then your grandfather. You just discovered that Albert was pretending to be William, like he repeated again when you saved
Anna-Maria’s life though she was suffering minor amnesia.” Cilan said to me. I sighed as I moved towards him and towards the front of the room,

“Talk about iconic attacks.” I said as I looked at Albert squarely in the eyes. “You were very much in love with Claire Davidson; the pair of you couldn’t resist each other when you worked side by side.” Cilan added as he waited for my reply.

All of this seemed stranger to me than before as I looked at Cilan, who stood down in the isle of the church “I was in love with that woman, and you never told me?!” I said in utter shock. Cilan hung his head, his hair crawling in all directions, “I’m sorry Emanuel, I can understand if you wish to not love me anymore.” his voice trailed off.

I could hear the beginnings of sadness from him. “I loved you so much, I allowed you to have Claire for a while, then this occurred and I thought it would just destroy you if you knew.” he added to it.

All I could hear was our breathing as I walked over to where he stood. “You did because of other reasons. It would have been a lot harder for me to remember her or anything else.” I said to him, placing my hands on his bare shoulders. “For shame, Cilan. You did do it just to keep me to yourself and not to inspire me to break out of my comforts.” I said to him squeezing his shoulders a little.

Cilan’s blue eyes watered as he stared into my stern firm ones, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” he whispered over and over again. My heart couldn’t help hearing him be in more pain. I let go of his shoulders and he stood upright again,

“I heard you will be assigned to protect and give Claire Davidson the ability to cleanse people’s minds.” Cilan said as he placed his hands on my head and takes us back into the after life once more. I looked around, feeling the rush frizzle away slowly

“I have to protect Claire Davidson….Will she remember me?” I said as I tried to program what occurred in my mind. Cilan retracted his fingers as he looked at me, “Who knows Emanuel, things can change a lot in the real world. She might have moved on and forgot about you.” he said as he moved upstairs to the bedroom.

I trailed him as he flopped on the dusty bed. I floated through the door way and saw him lying there. “I’m sorry, I kind of wish you told me when I was alive.” I said as I slid up against him. Cilan turned to see me close to him.

“But I do know now. When do I get processed into the Regnessem role?” I asked him my arms coiling around his body; a slight moan escaped both of our lips. “Emanuel are you going to be ok with this?” Cilan asked. The slight grind between us sent us both shivering with delight. I nodded as we became immersed in each other once more.

“Emanuel being a past carrier, you have to learn my side of the cleansing mind and channel it to the carrier.” Cilan said before kissing me deeply. Even though we are dead the love is still strong.

In the after world Day and Night seemed to be hard to determine, Sun doesn’t shine in here, clouds and fog is all that there is; and sometimes the shimmer of moonlight. The skies were either green or black; usually the green is what determines daytime. Since it was pitch black outside Cilan and I settled down into peaceful slumber.

My mind is very much alight with these new memories which were locked away for so long now. I was reliving the romance I seemed to have had towards Claire. My dreams were blown away with constant destruction; I kept seeing Claire fall apart in my arms, then the rest of the world around me.

“No stop it please!” I cried which somehow broke out of my mouth’s silence into Cilan’s ear, which sparked my body spasms. “Emanuel!” Cilan cried as he tried to wake me up from the horrid nightmare. “No….” my voice wore away as I sat up with Cilan gazing into my scared eyes.

“I had an awful dream…I think it’s because of those old memories. My dream has shown terrible visions of things to come…” I said as I curled up into a ball.

Cilan frowns as his hair creeps over me, “Oh don’t doubt the dreams, and let me have a look see…” Cilan’s hair rested on my head, but I shook it off, “Cilan you don’t have to probe into my mind.” I said as I sat up on the bed.

“I’m sorry, it’s just I don’t want you to suffer anymore than you have.” Cilan said. That moment left us both awkward yet Cilan had wandered into the next room leaving me alone.

“Tomorrow Emanuel, we have to go to the council to have you signed to the regnessem.” Cilan called out to me. Looking out the window the sign of green sky wasn’t around as it remained dark. Somehow I miss seeing the sun and blue skies; I think it being dark green is the lack of colour in this world.

Oh the memories just flooding back in making me even wonder why I seemed to like being dead more than alive. “Emanuel, you’re thinking about the past aren’t you? This was like your ultimate wish to die is it not?” Cilan said as he took up the vacant spot next to me. “I had to. I was dying as it is. I do wonder about Anna-Maria and everyone else.” I mumbled to myself.

A stiff breeze flushed through the foggy streets as we returned to sleeping once more. It didn’t seem to long before the green skies dawned, once again we rose up to a. intrusion, “Cilan, wake up we’ve got someone here!” I said shaking him to arouse the sleepiness from his eyes.

The ghost seemed to be an important member of the council. In the world of the living, this wouldn’t be seen as acceptable, and the visitor would be outside the house uninvited. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but we need you to attend the council circle immediately.” the council messenger said.

Cilan yawns and then frowns upon the man “You know you can’t just fly in here and disturb us. We got as many as rights as you do.” he said in a husky voice. The man gave Cilan a cold look, “I suggest you respect the high elders of this world, and obey them, or else!” the man spits as he glares over at me.

I noted the uniform; you didn’t think spirits would even wear such clothes. Cilan nudged me as we stood up from the bed, “Follow me then.” the intruder said as we floated out of the house and into the crammed streets of lost unclaimed souls.

The town was over flooded as the higher workers tried to shift and send each soul off to its right place. The journey to the heart of the after life seemed banked like a traffic jam, and you felt like you were swimming through all the souls that already made the pilgrimage.

The council resides in a somewhat giant-like coliseum looming out of the mist. The councilman led us through the giant arched doorways into the heart of the place. Rows and rows of seats filled with higher superiors claim permanent refuge in the building. All eyes focused to the floor below as I and Cilan entered the chambers.

“Your spiritual-ship and fellow council members, I have brought forward Emanuel Woods for the ritual move to replace Cilan in the regnessem sector.” the chamber man announced as he left the floor with just me and Cilan. I felt a slight fear rushing through my bones; this was like being in a court of a law yet very different in many ways.

“Cilan, you know already that we are leaving you in charge of one Emanuel Woods, who you cared for most of his living life. We entrust you to perform the ancient ritual here in front of the court. The Emanuel will recite the creed.” the oldest spirit spoke.

Looking into Cilan’s eyes, “I didn’t expect this to be a public event.” I whispered as Cilan proceeded. Shaking in utter fear as each garment that hung on me was taken away then Cilan proceeded to paint me. “Don’t worry Emanuel, you will get used to this.” he whispers.

During this, some strange music was playing as Cilan’s steady hand painted shapes similar to his own. “Each shape means something, and over time your figure will change. Your fingers and hair will grow.” Cilan said as the brush continued its way over me. Shivering with utter cold, I looked at him, “This is a pretty raw ritual.” my voice croaks.

These spirits staring down upon me with icy, emotionless stares. Soon enough the brush left my body and I was coated in lines and triangles on my white flesh. “The tattoo’s a symbolic maze of ones’ mind and thoughts.” Cilan said to me as he handed the black paint to a servant who, in return, handed the scroll.

The council seemed rather patient, yet stirring in some parts of the bench. “Precede to reading the creed out loud.” the elder said as Cilan unraveled the parchment and laid it out on the table. He looked at me with a gentle nod of reassurance as I walked around to stand behind it.

“Recite the creed which will bind you to the documentation and rules the regnessem must follow.” the elder said, stroking his long beard. I swallowed sharply, making a noise in the silence while gazing down on the hand written parchment.

“I Emanuel Woods will serve the After Life as a Regnessem until my carrier passes on into this life. I shall not wear clothes and remain in my pure form; I shall obey and honor the responsibilities that one comes with this position. I shall protect and aid my human carrier in cleansing minds and nor become too spiritually tied to the human I protect. I shall not abuse or stray from the duties or I’ll be banished for eternity in hell. With the aid of my guardian Cilan, I will honor the code until the day I’ll be no more than the soul I am.”

I let out a slow breath as I looked at Cilan and then out to the crowd. “Now that you have announced the ancient creed, you and Cilan will go into the human world to the carrier you will work with.” the elder said as he raised his hand to signal to leave.

Before we moved, I raised my hand, “Can I ask one question, great elder of the After Life Council?” I said in a shaky voice. The elder gazed down on me, “You may have one question.” he said in a deep voice. “Can Cilan still accompany me to the human world?” I asked him as I didn’t wish to part from his side.

There was some small chatting amongst the elders then the eldest spoke, “Cilan can not aid you in the human world. Through using psychic connection is the only way you can communicate.” the voice bellowed to me. It was then that Cilan grabbed my hand and we left the place in silence just as we came in.

“I guess I’ve got a lot to learn now, getting used to being naked all the time.” I muttered to Cilan as we walked the streets. Cilan was silent for most of the way, which showed me how unhappy he seemed to be. “You’ve got to realize, this isn’t something fun. It’s serious. You must prefect the retrieving of vital info, see it if paints a picture to the carrier...” Cilan said as we arrived at our dwelling once more.

Though as we entered the place a familiar spirit sprung out of no where. “Emanuel….” The female voice faded off as I was stunned to see Anna-Maria’s spirit standing in front of me in awe. Cilan almost jumped through the walls at the scare as Anna-Maria and I remained motionless.

The shock was too great, but what’s even greater is that I’m no longer a human spirit. “Is that you…I recognized the eyes excreta, I’m so glad I found you!” she hugged me tightly and I shoved her off. “Wait what are you doing here? Please don’t tell me you’re dead!” I said to her as she backed away.

“I guess I am, but I don’t know how. It has taken a while to find you, you must help me!” she pleads to Cilan and me. I looked at Cilan, and he then allowed me to guide Anna-Maria to a chair and sat her down. “You don’t know how? Was there anyone with you?” I asked her as she looked blankly into my eyes.

“What happened to you Emanuel, you’re practically bare and painted in strange patterns like that guy!” she said pointing to Cilan, I sighed as Cilan came over to support me. “Anna-Maria, Emanuel was just made a regnessem this is what we look like.” he said in a calm tone.

Anna-Maria looked at me again. “I just need your help, what if I didn’t die?” she wept as I held her in my arms. “Anna-Maria please, you have or else you would have woken up and not be here.” I said to her as she cried some more.

A glare appeared on his face as he just moved away from us. “She’s gone through to our side. She has died but she doesn’t know how. It could have been natural, psychical, medical so on so on.” he rambles to us.

Anna-Maria stood up from the chair “So but I want to know how! I don’t know which of those occurred. I felt like I was knocked out” she said as she went over to the window. “This place, its not heaven and it’s not hell. I’m assuming it’s the cross roads.” she stated to us.

It seems that death was too much of a scary experience to Anna-Maria, a rich woman, who was used to fine families and houses. She used to have power over several businesses and she is now nothing. It could be only one thing that could come to mind:

“Have you see that criminal psycho Albert lately?” I asked her straight out. Cilan had stood in the shadows watching us together. Anna-Maria turned to face me, “I haven’t seen him since he was arrested just before you died.” she mutters to me. Compared to all the souls that pass through here, I haven’t seen anything near an elegant female who was no more to the real world for long.

Though Anna-Maria had aged a bit, her youth never escaped her and she hasn’t changed a bit. “Cilan, what are we going to do here?” I asked him as he shook his head. “This something you must solve alone, you’ve got psychic powers, Emanuel or you wouldn’t be in this position.” he said as he left the room.

“He must be feeling useless or just disappointed” I said to Anna-Maria. What I didn’t understand is how close Anna seemed to me. Parts of my memory haven’t hit me where Anna-Maria passed me to her friend Claire like a piece of used paper.

“I’m so scared Emanuel, I don’t want to move onwards from here. I hope Heaven is beautiful as it has been displayed.” she said as I frowned at her. “Anna, what’s the point of me helping you? You’re dead….” Then she cut into my sentence, “Emanuel I know what you did in the real world. You foresaw into peoples minds and made sure that whatever they had behind you made it happen.” she said in a slightly distressed tone her eyes pleading for answers.

“So you want me to help you? I will try but you can’t stay in this place forever.” I said as Cilan returned with a mirror into the room. “Anna can’t stay here, the council people will be wondering why a stray spirit is in our house.” he said bluntly as we shifted towards where he stood.

“What’s with the mirror?” I prompted as Anna-Maria was skittishly looking around. “This is how we leave this world and go into the next. Emanuel you must go to Claire Anderson’s house.” Cilan said as Anna-Maria looked into the mirror seeing another room and no reflection of ourselves.

“You’re going to her house, why? I don’t trust her Emanuel!” she spat and walked away. My mouth fell open, “Did I miss something here? Anna-Maria, what happened between you and Claire?” I asked her as she marched around the room. Cilan revert me back to the mirror, “You must travel in and out of here. You don’t resign in Claire’s body and she isn’t suffering from anything.” he prompted me as Anna-Maria turned and marched over.

“Anna I must go, I can’t stay here and babysit you.” I said to her bluntly as I stuck my hand through the mirror. It was then that she shoved me abruptly and then shoved Cilan away before leaping into the mirror “No!!” Cilan cried at Anna-Maria’s disruption to the whole change, which almost ruined everything.

Cilan looked into the mirror; he was worried now that a human spirit used the gateway. Only regnessem could withstand the condensed pressure on the spirit body. As far as I know, that was an instinct as Anna-Maria clings onto me as we molded again in the human world. “Anna what the hell did you do!?” I spat at her as we stood up straight.

“Emanuel, I’m sorry I can’t leave you not until we get to the bottom of this problem” she said as I float out of what could be Claire’s bedroom as Anna follows me out into the next room. I spun around. “You realize you jeopardize your chances and mine in resting in piece!” I growled as I continued looking around the place.

Anna-Maria frowned as we traveled downstairs. “It seems this place is deserted.” I said while looking around. I then turned to Anna-maria for answers. “Claire and her father must have left the building for the day.” Anna sighs sitting down. This was a chance to try and milk out what occurred between her and Claire.

“What happened between you and Claire? Due to the amnesia I suffered from, your wedding has been left in a lurch…” I said to her as she sighs.

“Alot did happen Emanuel; you know they didn’t catch Albert. He managed to slide away so fast that I was left in tatters. Then after a while he managed to fight his way back and almost killed me. It was a miracle I didn’t die and you helped me gain my thoughts back and capture him.” she said as she took and breathed in.

The door to the Anderson’s funeral parlor opened as familiar faces entered. Claire Davidson had aged like Anna-Maria but her radiance was still there as she hung up her jacket on the hall way hook. “Look at her; she didn’t want anything to do with me. My father lost respect with them.” Anna said as I looked at her.

Obliviously unresolved issues were here. “How do I get her attention? She can’t see me at the moment.” I said as I stood blankly in front of her.

“Father’s business seems slow. Father, I can’t believe our own relatives cut us off!” she said to her father, who just entered the room. Mr. Davidson was definitely older. Then another man, who I’ve yet to know, came in. “Darling we really shouldn’t be so hasty.” the younger man said. Anna snubs away at the pair as I notice the gold bands worn by both.

“Hasty? We do everything by their rules and now we’re stuck with planning Anna’s funeral on a limited budget! After everything that occurred a number of times… I tried getting our friendship back….” Claire said to the man. “Oh she moved on….” I said to myself as the Andersons headed upstairs. Claire was very distraught, but her new husband comforted her.

Anna planted a hand on my shoulder, “Emanuel you completely disappeared on her. You vanished away, never to be seen again…” Anna said as I moved up stairs. Cilan kept vital parts of my memory away maybe cause of his own feelings and my protection.

That was when I felt clueless until I decided to make a psychic connection to Cilan. I took in deep thoughts and started to channel, seeking for help. Eventually Cilan responded, “Emanuel, you’ve got to get Anna back into this world! The council is going to have a fit if she isn’t returned.” he said as I looked at Anna-Maria.

“Cilan how do I get Claire’s attention?” I asked as he sighed at the question. “Special way of doing it, we wouldn’t have picked her if she didn’t developed a psyche. Channel your thoughts to her mind before she accepts your presence. Now please get Anna-Maria back into the after life.” he prompted.

I turned around and looked at her “Anna you have to go back! Right now!” I scorned to her as she pouted. “Why? So you can flirt with that traitor?” she said as she headed towards the doorway. “No, Anna, please do this for me. I don’t care about Claire; I came here to help you, didn’t I?” I said as I held her back.

Anna looked at me, her eyes showing that her stubbornness wasn’t going to settle. “I’m staying. Can we at least get to the root of this problem? I’d like see where my body is.” she said fleeing my grasp and heading towards the morgue. My attention turned to Claire descending down the stairs and heading in the same direction.

I wasn’t going to get a better time than now to alert Claire that I’m here. “I can’t believe we have to keep her remains. I wish her parents would come back from their trip, even if they haven’t found out about it.” Claire mutters as she approaches the table on which her cousin’s body lays.

My ears picked up on the facts as Anna-Maria stewed over her mangled frame. “Your parents are away?” I asked Anna as she frowns. “My parents moved away. I got the house, though I can’t believe I had no one to take care of me!” she sobbed as I cocked an eyebrow at her. Claire looked over the body before covering it up, “Kind of strange she just died. After everything you’ve done to me and our family.” Claire said as she turned around.

I made my move, “Claire….Claire…” I said. It was almost being like a ghost that made Claire eyes widen as she shook a little. “I know that voice! Where is it coming from?” she gasped looking around the room in fear. Anna-Maria shot a glare at me as I proceeded some more, “Claire, I hope you do remember me. It’s Emanuel Woods. I come here in spirit form.” I said to her. Claire is becoming more and jitterier; I think she is remembering about what we shared so long ago.

“Emanuel, I can’t believe you’re here! I bet you’re not pleased with me not talking to you.” she said as I attempted to arouse her to my presence. Her hair was still dark as the night, lips soft pink but now all of her belong to another man. It was then that I think she saw me at least a little and stood frozen in her spot.

“Emanuel…. What happened to you…” she said as she tried to touch me. “I’m surprised you still remember me. Yes my appearance isn’t so conservative because I’m a regnessem. I’m here to help you find what people left behind in their minds.” I said to her. Claire frowns as she looks at me, “I hope you don’t expect me to pry into Anna’s mind.” she said coldly.

“Anna is here you know. I want you to know and she wants you to know how she died. Claire I need you to develop your psychic ability I’ll be sending everything into your mind.” I said in a calm tone. Anna-Maria walks over to me and waves her hands around Claire. “Of course you… can’t see her.” I added as Anna walked away.

“Why is she here? So that she can realize that it’s her fault that she is dead?” Claire said as she headed away. I swooped in front of her, “She refuses to leave. I was given you as my carrier. I understand you moved on and I’m sorry I forgot you.” my voice had sounded sorrowful as Claire smiled a little and rested her hand against my face.

“It’s ok Emanuel…. it kind of reminds me about what you used to do.” she says as she wipes her eyes on a handkerchief. Anna-Maria huffs in jealously, “Emanuel, can we get on with this please?!” she spat in anger.

Though our intervention; was soon cut short when Claire’s husband came into the room, “Oh, there you are. Look I did get word back from your relatives, who are mourning. As for them coming here, it won’t be happening until tomorrow.” the man said as Claire just nodded. I wished I could at least get his name so I know him.

I turn around as Anna pulled me away over to her body “Is it possible I can go back in?” she said. “No you can’t Anna I want you to go back to the after life. I’ll inform you when I find out what happened.” I said as she stamped her foot. Anna-Maria was being cooperative yet I had to somehow talk to Claire.

“I don’t wish to move on Emanuel without the answers.” Anna said to me. A hint of fear in her voice her eyes reflected it too. “I know but you will be stuck here in limbo for the rest of your after life never able to move on.” I replied to her.

It was then Cilan’s voice chimes into my head sounding even more fretting for the situation at hand “Emanuel you must bring Anna back, the council will be coming here and if they don’t get Anna back, you and I will be history along with Anna!” he said as I looked at Anna again.

“Cilan wants you back in the after now Anna. It’s putting me and him at risk if the council finds out about it!” I said as Anna noted the fear in my voice. “How will they find out what happened!” she stammers as I took both her hands.

“Don’t worry you will probably be kept in the after life for a while before you get to go to heaven.” I said trying my best to convince her.

Anna sighs as she allowed me to take her back upstairs to the mirror where we entered together. “Emanuel…please make sure I know about the truth….it can’t be who I think it is!” she cried as we stood in front of the mirror. “I don’t know if you can go back alone you might get trapped. Cilan… Cilan...” I called around soon enough his voice echo back distorted by the mirror.

“Emanuel….you must make the crossing now hurry!” he cried as I grabbed Anna. “You ready? This better work or else we could be no more but pieces of nothingness.” I said as we both peered into the warping mirror. Sudden footsteps from outside the door sent fear into us. “We have to go in now!” I said as we leapt into the mirror the sounds of the time rifts seared our ears as we soon crossed over to see Cilan in danger.

“Emanuel go back!” he yelled as the council officers already seizing him. “Anna you must go now!” I said as I tried to fling her through the mirror “No… I don’t want to be taken away!” she cried. “You must go!!!” I said as could see the men were aiming a strange device at the mirror “Emanuel… go back, let Anna go!” he cried.

“Hand over the spirit now!” one cried as they pried Anna away from me and tried to pull me out. “Emanuel help!” she now through the mirror as they attempted to make a grab for me. “We must seal this portal now you failed to obey rules of the after life council and smuggling unprocessed spirits is a high offence.” the officer said as he pointed at the mirror.

Total fear went through me as I shoved myself back into the mirror and flew away, though my traveling was being slowed down the whole tube was slowly freezing up as I rushed fast as I could and broke through the mirror before it shattered into pieces. I hit the floor as I noticed that Claire’s husband got startled by the sudden breaking of their dress mirror.

I laid there as my heart was pounding, and his feet inches away from my face, he stood there staring in awe before he turned around and left the room. I had no clue what occurred but the fact I made it through the mirror just in time to see it be put out of commission left me more shaken and defenseless.

I don’t know what they going to do to Anna or Cilan... I was so vulnerable to the outside world now I have to tell Claire what occurred. “This isn’t working out so well….how am I going to get back….or even talk to them?” I thought as I got to my feet. Benefit to this spirit thing is that you couldn’t suffer the lacerations, cuts, bruises and any injury because the matter doesn’t exist of this world.

I’m surprised how Claire’s room reminded me of my own; a lot of these town houses are built symmetrical to the neighbours house. I sat down on her bed it wasn’t long before Claire returned with her slightly frantic husband. “Now Derek you telling me you came in here to see the mirror smash on its own” she said as she almost jumped to see me sitting there glaring up at her. “Yes that’s exactly what happened” Derek said as he stared at the mirror. “Right…..you didn’t throw anything at it?” she asks as she begins to pick up the pieces carefully her eyes looking at me. I could tell she wants to know what I was doing here “Honey I think you should get the dust pan and clean it up carefully” Derek said as he grabbed his coat off the hook. I noted the uniform he seemed to be wearing Claire married a doctor how bazaar for a mortician and doctor to be such harmonious relationship. “I got to go on patrol I’ll be back later on” Derek said as he planted a small kiss on Claire head and left the room.

The moment that he vanish Claire sprung up and looked at me “Emanuel…what is going on?” she spat as she sat down next to me. The look on my face I thought would explain it. “The after life council got Cilan and Anna, they froze up the gate way between he two worlds and I can’t go back.” I sobbed as I rested against her shoulder. Claire was a little shaken by my emotions and looks at the mirror.

“What if I got a new mirror will that get you back?” she said as it was meant to make me not loose hope. I looked at her and shook my head “No they have to make these portals commissionable for traveling, after the horrid mess up I made, I won’t be wanting to go back.” I said as she held me close.

“So ironic, after all this time you come back to me and you’re in my arms.” she said as she drifted off in her sentence. It felt so de-ja-vu, brought back a memory in my head how we were in my place on the couch downstairs. Her touch and scented perfume haven’t changed I could smell it and feel it.

“We done this before….long time ago….if I recall we were going to be working together….you were so happy being with me….we both shared kisses.” I said as I looked at her.

Claire was dazed off by what I said and looked away. “After that horrid wedding day, you never came back to me. You refused to talk me…..I felt heart broken” she said as she stood up and went over to the window.

“I suffered amnesia, Claire. I wouldn’t be able to remember anything. I felt that my days were numbered I became such a cynical man. I allowed death to be the only thing in my life eventually I died happy knowing I didn’t have to suffer anymore.” I said as I stood next to her. London doesn’t seem to change much still looked the same to me.

“Still….I heard about how you saved Anna from Albert alone…then you told her you loved her and you wanted her to be buried next to you” Claire said that sparked some old memories. “That’s right…that was my dying wishes…you must fulfill it, Claire.” I said in a panicking voice. Claire shot a glare at me.

“You loved her don’t you, you forgot about me we had a physical relationship, Emanuel!” she said as she walked out of the room. “Claire please…I couldn’t remember anything but I don’t know. Seeing you again left me feeling like I betrayed you.” I said as I draped myself over her.

I see that I was becoming more like Cilan, he hang off me like a second head. “Also…you probably knew what she died of anyways.” Claire said as she looked at me.

It had been a long time since I left this world to the afterlife and being in search of Cilan took longer.

Anna just came to me, it had been a while since I seen her. After a while of thinking it came to the surface I did know yet she didn’t remember. “I do…she died from breast cancer.” I said as Claire looked at me.

“Did she tell you that?” she asked as I coiled around her body “No….she seemed to be blank about her death…..” I said as Claire watched me. “That’s strange…. I thought when you die you know how it occurs.” she said as she touched me for the first time in my new form.

I couldn’t help let a light moan that waffled through the air oh how I missed being touched. “It’s been so long…do you still feel attracted to me?” I asked knowing she probably say NO yet she remained contempt with me. “I admit…Emanuel seeing you like this is scary….are all spirits like this?” she asked me.

“No I was assigned this role cause of my services in my past life. A lot spirits are still clothed and allocated to heaven or hell depending on their life’s works.” I said to her. It was then our talk was disturbed by thumping feet on the staircase “Claire where are you? We got that funeral to attend to.” Mr. Davidson called to see his daughter sitting on the chair.

“Darling we have to get going to the church.” he said as Claire stood up she looked at me as I hid behind her like a scared child fearing his parents punishment. “Ok father I’m coming.” she said as we headed downstairs. “Claire….you must tend to Anna’s mind please… you’re defying my dying wishes.” I hissed in her ear as she remained tight lipped.

We proceeded to the waiting carriage outside one already prepared to carry the coffin to the church. Some of the families grieving relatives talked to Mr Davidson while Claire climbed onto the front of the first carriage. “Emanuel…I don’t think I can do this. I’m too scared I’m not one to pry into peoples minds” Claire mumbles to me.

This was harder than I thought as Claire’s father joined her up front of the carriage. “Darling you ok?” her father asks as he gives the reins a jerk and the horses started to pull away from the curb. “I don’t know father, Derek’s been busy at the hospital lately and hardly spends time with me.” she said as he watches the people go by. Mr. Davidson put a hand on her shoulder.

“I know but he got people to take care of. We got our problems to deal with.” he said as there procession continued along. I remained behind Claire’s body as it was the safest place to be as the carriages pulled up outside the church. Claire climbed down along with her father from there some of the relatives to the deceased pulled the coffin out of the carriage and then they proceeded into the church.

Claire remained quiet as her black dress swishes across the church’s floor she soon drifted off to the side of the church while he father proceeded to the front. “Emanuel…I consider your dying wish with care. But for now I can’t bury her without her family request.” she said in a hush tone. I growled in frustration, talk about stubbornness and stickler for the rules.

“Fine then, Claire, if you prefer to keep me hanging.” I huffed as I pulled away from her to feel a sudden presence, one of which was another regnessem lurking around. Claire notices me venture away from her towards this stranger lurking in the corner of the church.

My eyes started to pick up on the figure, it was definitely another regnessem yet one I had a familiar connection too. His eyes moved from the front of the church immediately onto me. Those purple eyes seemed to remind me of my father it couldn’t be him yet I watched his mouth opened slightly at sight of surprise.

“Emanuel…..” the regnessem said that voice was so much like my father’s as I reached him and paused. My body shivers not in a scared way but in an excited way “Father…” I stuttered as the word just flowed off my tongue. He was more mature regnessem the long fingers and white hair yet the rest of him were like how I remembered him. It had been years since I saw my parents before that horrid boat accident it all flooded back to me.

“Father…you’re here…as what I am. Oh I had done a horrid mistake!” I said as he looked at me placing a hand on my bare shoulder. “It’s been too long, look at you, you grown so much….” He said his voice sound wispy weak.

I was reluctant to hug him but soon we were in an embrace I missed so much. I couldn’t help but shed a tear as Claire turned my way to almost be startled by the other spirit next to me. I watched her turn away as I continued with what I was going to say.

“What are you doing here?” I asked him as we drifted to the courtyard outside. “I was assigned to become a regnessem years ago to that man. Now my time is done here I never thought I’ll see you here.” he said as we sat down on a stone bench. “I thought I never see you again father, where is mother?” I asked him as he wasn’t too happy when mother was mentioned.

“She is doing good….look what were you telling me about mistake?” he asks me as I frowned at his bland answer. “I’m new to being this being, Anna-Maria found me and she wanted me to find out how she died. The council soon discovered the breech and they taken Cilan and Anna away I just made out of the mirror before it was broken.” I said looked down at the ground.

My father was little surprised as he placed a hand on my shoulder “Anna-Maria, I remember her, didn’t you play with her in the park?” he said reminiscing on the past.

“We were until I discover that she didn’t want a thing to do with me. That woman inside the church one looked at us. Apparently I loved her before this was after you died. Being back now in her presence is coming back my love for her.” I said as I looked at him.

He nodded slowly “So the after life isn’t pleased by the breech, I assume they won’t let you back into the afterlife now until you do your time out here.” he said as he stood up from the bench. “What am I going to do? I don’t have Cilan’s guidance and Anna-Maria will never know what she wanted to know!” I stammered as I stood up too.

My father headed back towards the church wall “Emanuel…she must know how she died. You better not worry about her she lost her chance of going anywhere.” he said in a disappointed tone. I was feeling frustrated as I grabbed him by his arm “No something is wrong here father. I need your help to solve this dilemma.” I said as he tensed up and slung me away.

“Emanuel…you broke afterlife laws. I have to return to the afterlife and be processed into heaven.” he said as he headed through the church wall. I gritted my teeth; he was angered as I got up and ran after him in desperation.

“No Father please…don’t do this, stay here and find another carrier! Don’t go back they might destroy you!” I said as he stopped walking to turn around. “Please father spends time with your only son” I said in a weeping voice.

“You don’t understand I can’t defy the laws. They will come and collect me.” he said as I staggered back “What am I going to do father, please go to the courts and tell them that Anna-maria came to me and it’s her fault. But please I don’t want Cilan or Anna hurt.” I told him as people started walking through us.

“Son, I’ll try and negotiate them. I’m not guaranteeing anything.” he said as he headed away. Eventually Claire came over and huddle me outside and out of sight “Emanuel who was that?” she whispered as we hid behind large oak tree. “My father, I told everything he will try and help me. I haven’t seen him in years.” I said my voice drifted off.

Claire wrapped her arms around me. “Your father…oh Emanuel!” she said holding me. I couldn’t believe she was willing to hug me outside in the open. “It must been an emotional shock for you.” she said as we walked around the gardens. “It was, Claire. We have to do this for Anna’s sake and mine. We must go back and fish out what occurred.” I said as she paused in her steps.

Feeling her digressions about it all she pulled me close to her. Our mouths were inches away “Please…it jeopardize everything!” I whispered my eyes showing enough sadness and fear as Claire stared back.

“Ok Emanuel…as long as you’re never leaving me….our feelings were so strong and our love needs to blossom again.” she said kissing me I closed my eyes and feeling her lips again was wonderful. Equally to Cilan who is in perils of becoming nothing, their kisses were so alike and potent though our kissing was soon interrupted by Claire’s father heading over.

“Claire! Come on darling we must head home!” he said as he looked at her arms and face. “Oh father yes of course!” she said little surprised and went over to him. “What on earth are you doing?” he asked as we headed back towards the carriage. Claire remained tight lipped. “I just needed some fresh air.” she said in a flustered and embarrassed voice as they climbed onto the carriage.

Mr. Davidson was finding it all too queer as he jerked the rains and they headed away. I remained crouch and draped over Claire’s shoulder. Her hand rested on mine as they traveled along. “I thought we were tending to service?” she said yet her father shook his head.

“We did our job for today, they will be fine.” he said with slight relief in his voice. Claire took that into account looked slightly over her shoulder at me “I wonder when Derek is finishing his shift.” she said.

“Who knows darling, you chosen very wisely in men. A Doctor does so well these days in wages.” he said as they soon arrived back their home. Of course by then day had already drifted sunset approaches upon White Chapel, London. Feeling tired, Claire climbed down from the carriage and went to the door and opened it up before walking inside.

“Claire we must go into the morgue now.” I hissed into her ear as she attempts to hit me her father gave her an odd look “What are you doing, darling?” he said closing the door and Claire regained composure. “Bugs are bothering me.” she said as she walked away upstairs and into her room closing the door.

I leapt from her and onto the bed. “Emanuel you must stop trying to annoying me.” she hissed as she put her coat away in the wardrobe. I could tell Claire that in her late forties and yet she doesn’t look a day over twenty. “I’m sorry Claire but this is important or else I could be destroyed forever.” I said as she brushed her hair.

She pauses and puts the brush down on the dressing table “It must be hard living like this…what a horrible job to do.” she mutters as she looked in the mirror at me. “I just started out….I’m yet to experience the whole collecting process.” I replied lying back on the bed.

I must be at least tempting her even more that I’m naked and old feelings were just coming back like a flood of lava so hot and sacred. “We never got far in our relationship…I know you moved on to Derek you must love this man” I said as she turned to see me splayed out on the covers.

“If only you were alive Emanuel…I would so marry you and we been happy together!” she said as she sat down on the edge of the bed. “You would have married me?” I asked her, propping up on my elbows she soon ran a hand down my chest feeling my rather boney figure underneath.

I was maybe invisible to everyone but her having her touch me was enough for me to sob a moan which made her smile. “I guess if things were different it might be better than the darkness I was in.” I said as I was a little surprised by Claire’s sudden straddling of me.

“Oh Emanuel I really wish I could have my way with you….” She drifted off as sudden intrusion sparked Claire to jump. “Who’s Emanuel?” Derek said as he saw his wife on the bed “Oh no one Derek.” Claire said as she smiled and got up off the bed.

“You’re home early!” she said as she gives her husband a kiss he responded back yet pulled her away. “Your father said you been acting a little odd, you ok dear?” he asked her as she held him.

Still splayed out on the bed I felt even more awkward as I slid off and hid away from them. Claire looked down and notice I was gone before she said, “I’m glad you’re home. How is work going?” Claire said as he lead her man out of the room. I stayed low out of sight as I float after Claire and Derek into the kitchen where her father have prepared dinner for them

“Another day’s work done and more money in the bank.” he said as the pair sat down at the table. “Soon enough we will be as rich as our cousins.” Claire chirps as she and Derek had their hands laid onto of each others. Derek’s subtle smile seemed to catch my attention as I watched in a corner of the kitchen area.

Something about him wasn’t right to me it was too early to make sudden assumptions on someone you just met. Though his looks weren’t one of handsome kind. His auburn hair and cold blue eyes made him less of a warm kind looking man. He seemed to have a twist to him, going back upon the doctor part I never seen him in action.

Though that part I’ll keep in mind as I watched them bond. “I had another patient died today, so expect them to come here for your services.” Derek said as he pulled his hand away looked a little upset.

Claire comforted him. “Derek it seems almost everyday a death occurs. It’s horrible to see you like this.” she said as Derek pushed his plate away. “I know darling, I feel like my job’s taking such a horrible toll on me.” he said as he fumbles with his hands. Claire pushed the plate back in front of him.

“Please eat Derek. You need it, just consider that the fact each day in this world people do die.” she said as Derek picked up the fork his hand shaking as he felt like he was performing an operation on a patient’s stomach. Claire looked my way to see me standing there in plain view.

Claire tried to signal me to leave the room as Derek and her father looked at her “Darling, what are you looking at?” her father said as Derek looked at her too. Claire faced them again “Nothing.” she said as she ate her meal, and the look of a liar splayed on her face as Derek noted it and proceeded to question Claire.

“Claire you seemed to be off in another world today dear. Something on your mind you like to tell me?” he said as he chews on some meat. “Nothing Derek, I’m just feeling depressed.” she said before standing up from the table. “Claire please sit down and finish your meal.” her father said as she turned and notice me in the door way.

“I’m finished anyway,” she sobbed and went straight out of the kitchen instead of going to her room she proceeded into the bathroom and closed the door. I flew into the room as she hugged me tightly “Emanuel….I don’t think I could take anymore of this.” she said clinging to me in fear.

“Claire, please don’t think it’s the end for you. You have me but we must get to the bottom of Anna’s death please!” I protested to her and slid away. “My husband keeps coming home each day in utter sadness, I can’t make him happy at all.” she said as she walked towards me. Claire looked utterly lost and the idea of her being with me in the afterlife was looming over my desire for Anna-Maria.

“You can Claire. You can’t have me as your lover. I’m here to service the afterlife by cleansing the dead and retrieving their thoughts, wishes and secrets.” I said to her trying to seem strong towards her. “I hope you’re not drawing attention to me, your father and husband are already seeing you distracted.” I added as she flopped down on a chair by the bathtub.

“Tonight when Derek and father are asleep, I’ll go down there will get on with this. I doubt you will find anything new and how we know that she died of breast cancer.” she said as I felt the need to intervene there.

“Derek. How long as he been a doctor for?” I climbed into the empty bathtub and laid up the end that Claire sat. “He’s been a doctor for 10 years and he works hard.” there was a moment of silence. “Is the afterlife wonderful place? What was it like dying?” she said as she saw me in the tub. “It’s like we’re sleeping in there and everything no longer wants to wake up.” I said to her.

Claire sighed her hand ran through my black and blue hair. “You know I wish I had that reached that point in life where I could die.” she said planting a kiss on my forehead. I couldn’t help but wonder where my father went to or whether Anna and Cilan were ok. No one has contact to me from the other world at all.

There was a sudden knock on the door as Derek’s voice came through the wood. “Claire, are you alright? Can I come in?” he asks as I got the sign that I better go. “Claire, spend some quality time with Derek. Keep him company and happy and yourself.” I said as Derek came into the bathroom.

Claire started filling the bathtub up and smiled at him “How about we have a bath together and cheer ourselves up?” she said as she kisses him on the lips. Watching the pair rely on cheering each other up as I remained in their bedroom alone waiting for any signs of the afterlife. “Cilan….Father…Anna anyone can you hear me please respond.” I said in my mind yet I felt a sudden jolt as I turned to see my father had returned.

“I heard your cries, but I didn’t go back to the afterworld. The council is very angered by what occurred I informed them what really happened. Still they are going to be lenient on you being new to this. They have let Cilan go but keeping Anna and you have to prove your case.” he said as he patted my back. I was kind of relieved by them letting Cilan go yet not so on Anna being kept away.

The subtle sounds of Claire and Derek in the bathroom bled into the bedroom as my father shook his head with a smirk. “Seems someone is happy.” he mumbles as he looked at me.

“I’m still yet to fish around in Anna’s mind and this is taking too damn long.” I growled as I stood up from the bed. “She still hasn’t done it, why is she stalling, son?” he asked me as the door to the bedroom opened and the married couple came in immersed with romance and passion. “Come on, son, let them do this. We will return when it calms down.” my father said as we left the room.

We left Claire and Derek to rekindle their love affair until the wee hours of the morning. I returned to Claire’s bedside and nudge her. “Claire wake up please we must do this now.” I whispered as she stirred to see me. “Emanuel…I’m trying to sleep.” she hissed yet I tugged on her arm.

“Now Claire.” I protested as she climbed out of bed and grabbed her dressing gown. We headed downstairs as Claire carried a lit candle to light the darkness as we entered the morgue below the house floors. The smell of stale air kicked in as Claire cringes it every time she comes down here.

Wandering over to where Anna’s body laid we pulled back the covers reveal her face and head. “How does this work?” Claire hisses as I tried to remember how Cilan did it with me.

“All you got to do is close your eyes, concentrate while I infuse myself into your arms and into Anna’s head. Place your hands either side now.” I said as she followed my hands and rested on either side of Anna’s cold head.

“Ok Emanuel, go ahead. I’ll close my eyes now.” she said as I began the process of infusing the gap between Claire’s mind and Anna’s dead brain. I was sucked into the darkness into Anna’s mind it was nothing like I ever felt before. I had to search for sparks of light which were hard to find because of the delay which Claire did.

Soon enough I sensed something and then went for it a burst of faded memory and absorbed it, I could feel Claire was shaking with the connection as I went through and transformed the memory visually. It displayed a dark vision I could see Anna laid up in a bed and someone had bypassed her body baring a object then the sudden scream as Claire must been totally freaking out as I retreated the mind quickly.

“Emanuel….argh…..” she stumbled back just as I returned to her outside Anna’s body again. “Did you process what I sent you?” I asked as she staggered backwards. Her eyes were wide as so was her mouth the horror shock.

I could relate to her shock when I discovered my ability too with Cilan. My father was present in the room gave Claire a startled. “There are more of you.” she cried like she completely forgot about meeting him before. “Claire, calm down what did you see?” I asked her as she stood upright.

“I saw Anna in bed it was pretty hard to distinguish anything.” she said to me. “I know... we left too late.” I said in disappointment that was all there was in Anna’s mind. My father frowns, “We only have that nothing else?” he said as Claire started to head towards the stair.

“I don’t want to do that again Emanuel….” she said as she left me and my father alone in the morgue. “I failed, haven’t I?” I said as I leant against my father. “Emanuel it’s not your fault. Claire isn’t ready for this. It does take time.” he said hugging me. “I don’t have a lot of time. What if Anna didn’t die from cancer?” I said as I started to review what I seen.

“I don’t know what you’re assuming here son, all you got was an unclear vision.” he said as I paced the floor. I paused half way and turned “Derek is a doctor, tonight he came home and told Claire he had a patient died.” I said as I headed towards the stairs my father followed in tow. “What does that have to do with Anna-Maria?” he asked as I stopped again.

In front of us Derek was already up and some how side tracked Claire “Why are you up so early? Lucky I caught you before I head off.” he said as he kissed her. Claire just went upstairs in silence, and father and I trailed behind her yet I watched Derek leave the house. “I got an inkling feeling that Derek could be the one behind it” as I looked at my father.

“You can’t tell Claire that her husband killed Anna, yet you don’t know the truth. Let alone why?” he said as he headed upstairs, I followed after him hastily as Claire was in her room lying in bed. “Claire?” I whispered as she groaned and turned in her bed to face me “Emanuel…I need to sleep for a while.” she mumbles as I climbed onto her.

“I think I might have an idea but you might need to help.” I said as she shoved me away as her father peaked into her room to see her arm stuck out in the air “Tired are we, you better wake up we got more bodies and funerals to deal with today.” he said as he left.

Claire sat up; her hair was a mess and her nightgown were loped side on her body showing off her beautiful shoulder. “You might as well tell me your idea Emanuel.” she said as she got out of bed stretching her limbs.

“I know this is sounding far fetch but I suspect Derek has done something to Anna-Maria before she died.” I said as she shot a glare at me. “That is absurd Emanuel, how could you come with such accusation.” she snapped as she grabbed her clothes and went behind the dress screen.

“I know it seems far fetch but we don’t have a lot of time here. Can we please insight a little more into him?” I asked yet she emerged dressed in her clothes. Lovely maroon dress graced her figure as she tended to her hair. Grabbing the brush, it ran through her black hair in sharp strokes as she eyed me through the mirror.

“Derek is a great man. You don’t know him well enough like I do. He just doesn’t like seeing people die at work.” she said as she grabbed some hair pins and a hat to place on her head. “I understand but…..I know this is sounding bad but….” I trailed off my father stood by the door way eyeing me off. Claire sighs as she stood up from her dressing table stool “Derek would never kill someone.” she said and stormed out of the room.

“This isn’t working out.” I hissed as my father shook his head “Proof is what you need, I say that Dr. Derek must have some medical papers or that around?” he suggested as we search the room. I just left father rummaging around the room, Claire was in the kitchen drinking a cup of tea before I entered.

“I’m sorry this isn’t pleasant. I don’t want you to be hurt or anything.” I said coiling around her. She looked at me her eyes still filled with anger and her mouth tight lipped she wasn’t willing to talk at all. The stomping of feet came up the stairs and Mr. Davidson was followed by Mr. and Mrs. Christianson who weren’t happy.

“I can’t believe you didn’t take care of Anna’s burial why is she sitting in the morgue!” Mr Christianson protested to him. Claire jumped at the sudden-up roar and entered the room. “We waited until you returned besides you can find another place to deal with your issues.” Mr. Davidson said. The Christianson’s were shocked as Claire entered.

“We came back as fast as we could. We are horrified that you didn’t proceed with our instructions.” Mrs. Christianson said as she sat down on a chair looking distraught. Watching from the kitchen door way the fight simmered a little.

“We might as well have you no longer be able to work as morticians in White Chapel. We going to proceed and take Anna’s body and get a service done, we’re not using all of you.” Mr. Christianson said.

Claire stepped forward “We don’t care; you can take her we are disgraced that we ended up with her body in the first place. Now if you excuse us we got other grieving people to deal with.” she spat and stormed off downstairs leaving her father and Christianson’s alone.

The tension was tight as I spotted father waving me over from other side of the room. I floated through as he had the door closed. “What is it?” I said as we moved to a corner of the room. “I found something might be able to help us.” he said as he pointed to a document on the table he laid out.

The document must had been placed away and forgotten by Derek it entails a letter contain some surprising details about Anna-Maria and the Christianson’s. Medical overview summary on Anna’s condition dated at least 3 days ago. I looked at father.

“This is about Anna…we need to show Claire about this.” I said as Father held me “There is something else here son….believe it or not this.” he said as he pulled out a note. “Apparently I think Dr Derek isn’t working alone….” He said as I gazed between the two documents the writing was different the closer I looked at them. “Then who is this note from….oh….god it can’t be” I stuttered the name at the bottom.

There was a sudden stirring outside the door as the handle moved, we stashed the documents away and watch a flustered Mr. Davidson entering the room and closed the door. “Oh how are we going to get out of here with the documents?” I whispered to father.

My father watched the man before him for a bit before Mr. Davidson became distracted by the papers on the bed side table. “Father….” I hiss as he kept me quiet Mr. Davidson grabbed the papers and read through them before almost doubling over it again.

“I don’t recall seeing these….wait that name…Albert.” he stood there before he jerked back into life and went downstairs. “Brilliant, we better follow him.” my father said as we floated out of the room downstairs to see Claire dealing with a bunch of moaners yet the Christianson’s were hauling Anna’s body away.

“Claire! I need you to look at these” Mr. Davidson said almost out of puff. Claire whirled around as she took the papers and gazed over them “What are these?” she said as she read them through. “Look the note, you see who signed it.” he said as the Christianson’s headed out of the door.

“We will have all the bodies transfer to a new morgue as for now you’re not longer running this business.” he said as me and father watched them leave. “No, you can’t do this!” Mr. Davidson cried as he tries to hold them from leaving. I moved close to Claire and gently touched her shoulder.

“I don’t understand….why does my husband have a letter signed by Albert? Why does it mention about Anna’s condition and bank details?” she said and looked at me.

That moment I thought Claire would at least understand what I said to her before. She stared and yet must have played that vague image I given to her inside her mind. “Claire…we must go and see Derek now. Please we could find out the truth.” I said as she shook her head.

“Ok. I had enough!” she yelled as she grabbed her hat and jacket and headed out of the door. “Get out the way!” she shoved her relatives aside climbed into the carriage I quickly followed with father in tow. “To the St Mary’s hospital now!!” she barks as the horseman refused to do so. “Get off our carriage, Claire!” Mrs. Christianson grabbed her yet Claire kicked her away before kicking the horsemen off the front.

The horsemen went crashing to the ground before grabbing the rains and riding away. “Come back!” the horse man cried as he watched the Christianson’s alerted some near by policemen. “No, the police aren’t necessary.” Mr. Davidson said as the Christianson’s climbed into their carriage.

“It is your daughter that just stolen our daughter’s corpse.” Mrs. Christianson said as Mr. Davidson gritted his teeth. “You don’t understand, we made a horrid discovery about Anna’s death. Listen to me please!” he said waving the papers Claire handed to him around. Mr Christianson grabbed the paper and looked through them as Mr. Davidson orders the driver to go ahead.

“Albert… what is his name doing on this?” Mr Christianson said as he looked at Mr Davidson. “You see that evil criminal is out there on the loose, he connected to Claire’s husband and that Dr Derek planning to carry out Albert’s revenge and killed Anna-maria and passed it off as she died of breast cancer. She couldn’t have died straight away.” Mr. Davidson said as the carriage weaved through the streets.

Mr. Christianson and his wife looked at each other as Mr. Davidson remained serious state. Far up ahead Claire drove the carriage along to see the police piling up behind her telling her to slow down. “Emanuel, help me loose them!” Claire said as I looked behind her.

Emanuel’s father appeared by Claire’s side startling her “Keep going, but take turn into next alley way and follow around.” he said as Claire pulled on the reins and the horse went up the next alley way which ran right along side the hospital.

Inside Dr. Derek was busy trying to cover up his mistakes, more deaths occurred as he was almost wanting to leave. Somewhere close by a dark shadow figure lurked as he watched Claire pulled the carriage up and then headed off into the hospital. An evil smile grew over his face as he wanted to alert his partner in crime inside.

Using the back entrance the figure noticed it open yet his attention turned to the waiting carriage. Yet he notices the coffin which withholds Anna-Maria’s body. Outside the cabaret arrived as Claire was already inside with Emanuel as she searched for her husband.

“Excuse me have you see where Dr. Derek is?” she said to another doctor. Dr. Derek almost walked out yet withdrew behind in the corridor. “I have seen him Mrs. Davidson, he was busy in the emergency wing.” the doctor said it was then the police and her father and Christianson’s busted in to see Claire move away quickly.

“Call the police off!” Mr. Davidson said to the Christianson’s yet they didn’t as they still wanted to pursue her. Unaware of the gun pointed at him from behind, Albert had to cut the strings on his connection to Dr. Derek and dispose of him fast. Claire was heading towards the emergency area as Dr. Derek was trying to hide away desperately.

“Claire is here…I must come clean.” he mumbles as Claire stepped into the area only to hear loud gun fire which she hit the floor only to see her husband’s body fall to the floor with a bullet wound to the heart area.

Claire looked up to see a figure making a break for it out the back entrance and towards the carriage. “Oh no Albert got to Derek first!” Claire said as Emanuel’s father headed off after the criminal. “Ok Mrs. Davidson you’re not going to run any further!” the police grabbed her yet she cried to her father.

“Albert shot Derek, he stole the carriage!” she flayed about in the police’s arms. “Let her go and go after the real criminal.” Mr Christianson said as they let her go and ran after Albert. “We have to find him!” Claire said as I held her in my arms “How could I married someone who could kill people?” she said as we moved back out of the hospital to the carriage.

“It’s not your fault Claire; I wish I was still alive I would have married you without hesitation. Though I couldn’t remember you.” I said to her as we left the hospital all together. “How are we going to find Albert?” Mr. Davidson said as none of them were aware of what Emanuel’s father was doing.

Albert rode the carriage along yet the sudden smell of smoke arising from the vehicle startled him as he swerved the carriage down a narrow street. People scattered out of the way as the carriage went straight down a step hill.

“Arghhh!” Albert cried as he tried to see where the fire was coming from yet he noticed he was running out of road for the carriage to travel on and there wasn’t any turn offs. “No, this can’t be happening!” he cried as Emanuel’s father was creating the smoke trail that caught the eyes of the police and the others as it headed along small jetty before it crashed into the waters.

The loud splash alerted the party as they pulled up short so they didn’t end up in the Thames. Claire and I climbed out of the carriage at the top of the hill and ran downwards to see Albert floundering in the waters.

The carriage and the horses were half a float yet sinking fast. “Oh no the coffin!” Claire cried as she looked about the waters, I was feeling horrible my undying wish could be dashed as Anna-Maria’s body is sinking into the depths of the river. “I need to get her back, I can’t let this happen.” I said as I almost was about to go in to see my father had brought the coffin back up to the surface.

“Please get the coffin out of the water.” Mr Christianson orders the police as they retrieved it and placed it back on dry land. “I will have my revenge on you, I can’t believe you’re ungrateful for what your husband did for you and your company Mrs. Davidson!” Albert croaks as he struggled with his gun.

“You will never succeed Albert!” Claire said as the police became cautious and aimed at the man.

Though Albert couldn’t aim nor could he swim he turned the gun on himself and then pulled the trigger “The truth dies with me!” he said before loud bang echoed about the area. Claire turned away as the evil man’s body vanished into the blackness. “He is gone; you won’t have to worry about him ever again.” I said to Claire as she hugged her father for comfort.

“I think we are done here. I had enough of being a Mortician.” Mr Davidson said as he looked at his rich relatives as they put the coffin back into the carriage. Claire moved away from her father “Mr. and Mrs. Christianson, I have one favor to ask you.” she said as she looked over her shoulder at me.

“What is it?” Mrs. Christianson said as she placed a hand on Claire’s shoulder. “I want Anna-Maria to be buried next to Emanuel Wood’s plot, it would make me very happy if you honor my request.” she said as her father came over to them

“Another thing, we are no longer in the funeral business. We prefer a new venture which will give Claire a much more positive look on life.” he said as I realize if they change my work with her has been cut short. My father looked on behind me as he received a message from the afterlife. I moved over to him to see him engrossed by the news.

“Father what‘s wrong?” I asked as I tried to tune into the psychic line. “The court had taken a hold of the case of Anna-Maria’s escape. Cilan is requesting us to go back immediately.” he said as I looked at Claire. “We must go back to the mirror now Emanuel, make your goodbye now.” My father said as he waited for me.

I pulled Claire away from the group “Claire, I have to go.” I whisper to her as she was surprised by my words. “You can’t go, you have to stay here and aid me don’t you?” she said as I shook my head.

She looked at me with sadness in her eyes “No, you don’t need me anymore, something very important I must attend to in the afterlife. It is jeopardizing Anna-maria and Cilan chances of survival.” I said to Claire, we both feeling torn as we will never see each other ever again.

“Goodbye Claire, someday somehow we will meet on the other side.” I said as she kissed me. I held her close and tired to savor it as long as I could yet father was getting impatient with me. I broke away and saw Claire crying “I want to go with you, be with you” she said yet I silenced her with my finger against her lips.

“No live as much as you can, you can forget about what happened and find a new man to take good care of you.” I said as I left her side. She watched me and my father disappear into nothingness.

It was hard to let go, though her love was equal to another one I cherish even more so. “Emanuel we must hurry, the mirror is close by, as the house is vacant. We must meet the gateway now.” he said as we located it and entered it. Throughout the trip, everything seemed to happen so fast, soon enough we came through into the council room where Cilan and Anna-Maria were fronted by the great gods of the afterlife.

“Emanuel Woods, and Mr. Woods I’m glad you have retrieved the body of one Anna-Maria Christianson just in time. Though we understand that Anna-Maria had made the request, which was highly against the laws to seek information in the real world. She attempted to leave through the gateway which is also against the laws and may not be accepted to move on into heaven” the great god said to them.

I looked at Anna-Maria who seemed more guilty than happy, Cilan feared his punishment too. “Your honor, council men Anna-Maria came to me in distress. Being a close friend of mine I had to listen to her pleas. I was going to leave on this mission for her sake and mine. I made a wish before I died that she would be buried next to me. Now that my wish has been fulfilled, I would like to have the punishment removed and placed upon my shoulders.” I said looking at Anna and Cilan.

“No Emanuel, don’t do this please” Cilan said to me as my father stepped in. “Your honors, my son is a good protector and he will not take upon any punishment. If anyone will take the punishment it will be me.” he said boldly. The council was baffled as they talked amongst each other.

I looked at my father, surprised that he wants to protect me. “Cilan, I missed you so much.” I said to him as I held him close, how I missed being close to him. “Attention council men; we can’t not lift the punishment unless we vote upon doing so.” the great god said.

Anna-Maria notices the affection I bestowed on Cilan she waited as the council begun talking again. “Emanuel, I love you so much, but my time here is done.” Cilan said to me. I looked at him “No it’s not.” I replied to him in a mere whisper.

Soon enough the council silenced again as the great god received final vote. “The council has voted…..not to punish you. But Cilan will be honored to finally leave to go to heaven and to never return.” the great god said as I looked at him.

“You can’t take him away!” I cried as Cilan smiled lightly “Thank you, it has been hundred years wait, I can finally move on.” Cilan said graciously to the council circle. I was shattered along with my father and Anna-Maria. “Very well Anna-Maria must be taken care of by the Woods. Until then the Woods will be resigned new carriers.” the God added as Anna-Maria sighed in relief and went over to me.

“I’m so glad I’m not going to vanished away.” she said as she flings her arms around me. I wasn’t impressed as I slung her away “Cilan, you will be allow to travel to the pearly gates less than 20 minutes.” the god said as my eyes wield up with tears, I know it’s selfish for me to feel like this but Cilan is leaving me far from my reach.

He gave me life when I was dying away on earth now he is moving to a happier place. “Thank you.” Cilan said as he headed out of the council circle I trailed after him cornering him. “I can’t believe you’re leaving me, after everything we had together. I don’t want you to go!” I said holding him close.

The electrifying feeling of being in love was alive in each other. He looked at me and pulled me into a room offside from the hall way. “Cilan, I love you, you know that your love surpasses anyone I ever know.” I said to him as he grinds against me.

“I know but this is my chance to move on. I been here for years I’m done here. I won’t forget you I’ll make use of the time I have now” he said kissing me deeply. Everything I had was fleeing from me, yet to feel Cilan deep inside me was worth it.

Our bodies moving, delectable moans we made as love without being intruded, seemed so fast yet Cilan soon pulled away as I leant against the door coated in sweat and saliva. “I never forget you, this image in front of me I’ll cherish forever.” Cilan said planting another kiss on my slightly bruised lips.

We have kissed hard and roughly yet the feeling was unbelievable. “Come in.” Cilan chirps to see two council workers. “Cilan you are ready to leave.” one said as the other led Cilan away. I watched them take him away to be shortly joined by my father and Anna-Maria.

“Father, I loved that man. I hope you don’t hold that over my head. I never see him ever again.” I said as he hugged me in his arms. “I know son, its ok let it out.” he said as I cried a little, Cilan was moving on and I was stuck here to serve my years as a Regnessem with my father.

Anna-Maria wasn’t too happy that I neglected her feelings as I let go of my father I went towards her. “I’m sorry Anna-Maria, but we were just friends that care about each other. I didn’t love you as much as Cilan.” I said as she backed away getting very upset. “How could you fall in love with something that isn’t human?”

“You knew me before he came into your life” she said. My father left me and her alone. “I’m sorry Anna-Maria. I’ll leave you alone until you’re together.” I moved away yet she snapped. “I don’t want to see you ever again. I know you went back in there and saved me, you didn’t tell me how I died.” she said which got me angry and whirled around my eyes no longer sad yet alight with anger.

“Anna-Maria everything I went through, I did it for your sake. Don’t sound ungrateful to me! Besides you were murdered by Dr Derek and that’s it ok.” I said and stormed away from her. That’s pretty much when it ended; Anna-Maria lived out in our house while me and father went back into the real world and continued our jobs. I do feel sorry for Anna-Maria, yet I didn’t wish to forget Cilan ever.

The End