Chapter 16: Kiss of Life

Annia stood slowly, her legs being the first to be attacked by the poison. She bent toward the sleeping soul. She touched the face, expecting to feel the warmth of the skin, but her hand passed through. As she did, she felt the hollowness in her stomach return. Still, Annia sat Danny's human soul up, having him rest against her chest. She knew Daemon and Danny was around but she ignored them. All she concentrated on was the soul. Shifting her breath once again, Annia prepared to receive the soul. She bent down and gently kissed the lips of the soul. As Annia breathed in, the soul entered her. It warmed her, and for a brief moment, the poison dissipated.

"Annia?" Danny whispered. His voice sounded watery and far away to her. But she still turned and looked at him.

"Come here." She said and beckoned. As he approached, Annia stood. Her legs wobbled again and she fell forward. Danny caught her and stood her up. Annia stroked Danny's face, which was cold, and felt the tears sting her eyes. She was going to miss him.

"This will only hurt a little bit." Annia murmured. Danny looked scared but Annia kissed him. She pushed Danny's soul out of her body and into his. She felt his lips warm and his arms encircle her. He was holding her to his body. Annia had to push away when she felt the soul escape. Now Danny staggered backward and held his head. His hair became darker and when he opened his eyes, they were blue again. His outfit changed back to normal before Danny was fully human. A rosy blush came back and his skin took a healthy tint. But he looked scared.

"Was that Hell?" He asked. Annia shook her head and regretted it. She know felt very dizzy.

"You were in the Boarder Lands. You weren't judged so you couldn't be sent past any gate." Annia replied.

"What gates?" Danny questioned. Annia didn't answer right away but sat down and closed her eyes. Her head throbbed and her throat was dry. She felt clammy and her legs were very sore. Her eyes also hurt and Annia knew that her heart rate had doubled.

"Dante's Inferno," Annia began. "Explained the Seven Rings of Hell. He wasn't so far off and it was rumored he knew a Necromancer or two. But there are Seven Gates of Hell. They go from least to greatest in severity. The first three offer redemption while the last four do not.

"The Gates of Heaven work the same way. The first three can put the souls back into a reincarnation of sorts, in theory any way. And the other four are for the greater good. God resides behind the Seventh Gate as Satan does behind the one in Hell.

"Once a soul has been judged, it is sent to one of the first gates. A good soul can enter either gate while an evil one can only go through Hell's first gate. When a good soul enters Hell, nothing can harm it but it is usually used to torture the other souls by showing them a piece of Heaven.

"And good souls can walk through mostly any gate; with a few exceptions. An Angel, who resides behind the Sixth gate, can enter all the gates below it except the Seventh Gate of Heaven or Hell. And a soul cannot pass a gate higher than the one they are on. And only God and Satan have access to all the gates."

"Is there really a God?" Danny questioned. Annia shrugged.

"I wouldn't know. All the ones behind the Seventh Gate are Archangels and if you see one then you're going to believe. None of the souls that see God, or Satan for that matter, ever make it back to say so." She answered. She was surprised she was able to explain. But now, the poison seeped into her stomach and she doubled over.

"Annia?" Danny asked alarmed. Daemon suddenly appeared and handed Annia the medallion. Annia opened her eyes as she took it.

"Time to go Mistress." He said.