Chapter Twenty-Three

A Reaper's Coming

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Mati's eyes sparkled with a hidden knowledge as he observed me carefully. "Let's begin our journey here, in the Field of Reflection," he said. "Every step we take will bring us closer to understanding the true nature of this realm and your unique connection to it."

I watched as he interacted with the surroundings, watching as his feathers gently touched every piece of soft grass just about that he could reach. He was calm, and it was a lovely presence. This realm was beyond beautiful.

We continued to walk through the field, the soft grass brushing against our feet. As we moved, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to this place, something that Mati wasn't fully revealing yet.

"Look closely at the flowers and the grass," Mati said, his tone gentle but instructive. "Notice how they respond to your presence. The energy of this place is sensitive to those who walk through it."

I knelt down to examine a cluster of flowers, their petals shimmering with a faint blue light. As I reached out to touch them, they seemed to lean towards me, as if recognizing my touch. "Why do they react this way?" I asked, curious. It was as though they sucked around my fingers, trying to grab me themself.

Mati smiled softly. "This realm is attuned to the energy of those who visit it. Your presence here is special, and the field recognizes that. It's a sign that you are connected to this place in a way that goes beyond mere exploration."

“Special?” I repeated with a soft smile, pulling my hands away from the grass that grabbed onto me. I couldn’t help but feel at peace here. “Is this the Reaper’s Realm?” I asked him, “Is this where the Previous Reaper lived?”

“Something like that,” The owl said, standing beside me.

We continued our walk, and I noticed more subtle environmental changes as we did. The grass seemed to sway gently, and the air was filled with a soothing hum, almost like a melody.

"These small details are important," Mati said. "They are clues that guide us towards understanding the greater mysteries of this realm."

After a while, we reached the edge of a serene river, its waters sparkling under the light. "This is the River of Passage," Mati explained. "Souls must cross it to reach Elysium. But the river can also reflect the state of the realm. If there are disturbances, they often show up here."

I gazed at the river, its surface smooth and clear. "What should I be looking for?" I asked.

"Look for anything unusual," Mati replied. Look for ripples that seem out of place, changes in color, or any sense of dissonance. The river is a mirror of the realm's balance."

As I observed the river, I noticed a small area where the water seemed to swirl slightly, creating a tiny vortex. "Is that normal?" I asked, pointing it out to Mati.

He nodded thoughtfully, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "It's a sign that something is not quite right. The river should flow smoothly, without any disruptions. This could be a clue to the disturbances we've been sensing." He paused, then added with a playful grin, "Or maybe the river just likes to dance when no one's watching."

We moved on, eventually arriving at a place known as Grove of Echoes. The air here was thick with reverence, and the trees seemed to whisper secrets to one another. "This is a sacred place," Mati said softly, his usual scatterbrained demeanor replaced by a rare moment of solemnity. "The voices of departed souls can be heard here. Sometimes, they offer guidance to those who listen. And it’s also a place where the Reaper can view one's Life Strand just about.”

“Life Strands?” I repeated.

Mati's eyes twinkled with hidden wisdom. "Yes, Life Strands," he said, almost as if sharing a delightful secret. Every soul has a Life Strand, a unique thread that captures the essence of its journey from birth to death. The Reaper can view these strands here in the Grove of Echoes. They provide insights into a soul's past, choices, and sometimes future paths."

I looked around the grove, and the trees seemed to hum with ancient energy. "How do you see these Life Strands?" I asked, intrigued.

Mati scratched his head, pretending to be forgetful for a moment. "Oh, let's see... how did that go again?" He then chuckled and winked. "Just kidding. The Grove of Echoes responds to the presence of the Reaper. When the Reaper focuses their energy, the strands reveal themselves, shimmering like silver threads."

He paused, watching my reaction with a playful curiosity. "Would you like to try?"

I felt a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "Me? But I’m not the Reaper."

Mati's expression turned more serious, though his eyes still held a trace of amusement. "Just humor me. Close your eyes and focus on the energy around you. Listen to the whispers of the grove and let your intuition guide you."

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. The air was filled with a soft, ethereal hum, and the whispers grew louder and more distinct. I focused on the sensation, feeling a strange warmth spreading through my body.

"Now, reach out with your mind," Mati instructed softly. "Imagine the Life Strands, delicate threads that connect to the souls around you."

Following his guidance, I felt a tingling sensation in my fingertips. Slowly, I opened my eyes, and to my amazement, faint, shimmering threads began to appear, weaving through the air like gossamer.

“I can see them,” I whispered, awestruck.

Mati nodded, his expression both proud and thoughtful yet with a hint of his usual playfulness. "You have a natural connection to this realm, Snow. The Life Strands recognize you. This is a rare gift."

I reached out to touch one of the strands, and as my fingers brushed against it, a flood of images and emotions washed over me. I saw glimpses of a life—joy, sorrow, triumph, and regret. It was like experiencing someone’s entire existence in an instant. This was amazing!

“But I thought only the Reaper can see these lives?! That’s what Yushin has told me.”

Mati’s eyes narrowed at me and he shook his head. “You are dull,” he muttered. “Ugh, this is so hard.” His voice had changed entirely, and he covered his face with his wing. The small owl jumped a few feet back, a shimmer floating from his body. The owl shifted into something more significant and shaped differently.

I stared in disbelief as the owl transformed into a human figure with wings. The shimmering faded to reveal a tall, striking young man. His vibrant red hair, adorned with small decorative owl feathers, caught the light, and his eyes were mesmerizing—one a brilliant yellow, the other a fiery red. A noticeable scar ran diagonally across his left cheek, hinting at past battles and bravery. His athletic build was enhanced by subtle, owl-like features such as slightly pointed ears.

Mati was dressed in a fitted, high-collared tunic of deep forest green paired with tailored black trousers and practical leather boots. Over his tunic, he wore a long, flowing cloak with intricate feather patterns that shimmered in deep red.

The shock that this owl had just turned into a man was a lot. “Oh,” I said, staring at him in awe. “You’re like… Beautiful?” I questioned.

Mati noticed my reaction and smirked. “Close your mouth, you’re going to catch flies,” he teased, his tone light and playful. “I thought you were dull, but it seems I’ve managed to impress you after all.”

I snapped my mouth shut, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. His teasing broke the spell of awe, and I couldn’t help but laugh nervously. “You’re... you’re amazing,” I stammered, still trying to wrap my head around the transformation.

Mati chuckled softly, the sound warm and surprisingly comforting. “Amazing, huh? I guess that’s a step up from dull. Maybe there’s hope for you yet.” He winked, his heterochromatic eyes twinkling with amusement.

I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”

“Life’s too short to be predictable,” he replied with a shrug, causing his cloak to shimmer slightly. “Besides, someone has to keep you on your toes.”

I nodded, still feeling a mix of awe and gratitude. “Well, consider me thoroughly impressed. Thank you for showing me this.”

Mati’s expression softened momentarily, a hint of sincerity beneath his playful exterior. “It’s not every day I reveal my true form. Consider it a sign of trust.”

I felt a warmth in my chest at his words, realizing the significance of what he had shared. “I won’t take it for granted,” I promised.

“Good,” he said, his usual smirk returning. “Now, let’s not waste any more time. Reality check,” He said quickly as he turned away from me to continue what he was trying to explain beforehand, except now, I was with another human-like being.

Mati’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he glanced around as if considering his next move. “Well, since you’ve finally woken up to how amazing I am, how about we test just how sharp you’ve become?”

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I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Test? What kind of test?”

He spread his wings slightly, the feathers catching the light in a dazzling display. “Here's a little challenge: See if you can keep up with me. Ready?”

I gasped, “You want me to run… After you, a literal being with wings?”

“Oh but I thought… I thought you wanted to know why you can see the Life Strands?” Mati’s voice was teasing but with a hint of genuine curiosity.

I blinked, momentarily thrown off by the shift. “Of course I do!” I exclaimed, my determination flaring even brighter.

With that, Mati took off, his wings lifting him gracefully into the air. I watched for a split second before sprinting after him, determined to prove that I wasn’t so dull after all.

Mati flew low, skimming the tops of the trees with a grace and speed that left me breathless. I pushed myself to keep up, my eyes fixed on his shimmering form. After a few minutes, he landed on a large, ancient oak, perching on a low-hanging branch. I arrived moments later, panting slightly but exhilarated.

“Not bad, Snow,” he said with an approving nod. “You’ve got much more spirit than Yushin gave you credit for.”

“So-so-so,” I panted, holding up my hand to him, “I haven’t run like this since the demon—hold on, let me catch my breath,” I said, leaning against the tree and catching my breath. “Do I get to ask a question now?”

The man flipped upside down, now walking on the large branch he had landed on, his wings fluttering slightly to maintain balance. “Ask away,” he said with a grin, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "Why can I see the Life Strands? What makes me different?"

He came up to me, face to face, except he was upside down. I stared into those beautiful heterochromia eyes of his, one red with passion and the other yellow with delight. I could even see my own reflection in those eyes. “You’re really not getting it, are you?” he asked me, bopping me on the forehead. Let’s try something else.”

I rubbed my forehead, a bit puzzled but intrigued. “Okay, what now?”

Mati flipped back to an upright position, landing gracefully on his feet. He extended his hand to me. “Take my hand and close your eyes.”

I hesitated for a moment before placing my hand in his. His grip was warm and reassuring. I closed my eyes as instructed, feeling a slight breeze as his wings rustled.

“Now, focus on your breathing,” he said softly, his voice soothing. “Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, imagine your breath intertwining with the world around you.”

I did as he said, taking slow, deep breaths. With each exhale, I tried to visualize my breath merging with the air, the trees, and the ground beneath me.

“Good,” he murmured. “Now, open your eyes slowly.”

When I opened my eyes, I saw the Life Strands and something else—ethereal, shimmering orbs that floated around, each pulsing with a gentle light. These orbs seemed to have a life of their own, moving with a purpose yet connected to the Life Strands.

“Do you see them now?” Mati asked, his eyes twinkling with delight and a hint of caution.

I nodded, a mix of awe and fear in my voice. “Yes, I see them. The Life Strands… and something else. Glowing orbs.”

He groaned loudly, throwing his head back slightly. “You are... not the smartest Reaper I’ve come across, but a strong one.” He sighed. Those are souls. They are connected to the Life Strands, representing the essence of living beings. It’s a rare sight, even among those who can see the Life Strands.”

“Mati, you didn’t answer my question!”

“And you can’t answer your calling to save a life, apparently,” he muttered under his breath. Snow, you are the Reaper! How are you so dull? You literally led a soul to their afterlife after Yushin brought you to the Spirit Portals. You can see Yuna, made with the previous Reaper’s blood!” His voice grew louder as he spoke. You can see Life Strands!!”

“What?” I murmured quietly, listening to him explode.

Did he just say I was the Reaper?

Nah, it couldn’t be. Obviously, it was a mistake.

He approached me, gently grabbed me by my shoulders, and gave me a little shake. His red and yellow eyes stared into me like they were staring into my soul.

“You. Are. The. Reaper.”

I blinked as I tried to process his words. “But how? Why me? My parents were sorcerers.”

Mati sighed, releasing my shoulders but keeping his intense gaze on mine. “You have a unique connection to the living and the spiritual realms. You can see the Life Strands and the souls. This ability is not just rare; it’s almost unheard of. And it marks you as the Reaper.”

“I don’t understand, Mati. How? I don’t know how to be a Reaper! I was raised as a human!”

“Are you sure?” Mati asked, crossing his arms. “As far as I know, you saw someone else who wasn’t Ren and Sayuri, correct? In that little dream you had with Kurai, right?”

“What, how do you know about that?!”

The winged Celestial floated back up to the thick branch above him, his arms resting behind his head. “I have eyes and ears everywhere, sweetheart.” He said with a shrug. “I am not a Spirit Walker. Keep that in mind, my friend. I do not guide souls. I just work for the Sinless Council, which, by the way, is not as sinless as you expected. I’ve been working side-by-side with the Reaper for many years but staying in the Celestial Realm, watching them and working beside them as requested by the Lady in Red.”

The Lady in Red.

I remembered briefly what Kurai had taught me, but it wasn’t much. “They told me she disappeared,” I called up to him.

“You didn’t hear that story, did you?” Mati sighed. He then stretched out his wings. “Come up here,” He said as he motioned me up.

Confused, I stared at him, “You want me to climb?”

“No, I want you to crawl into the tree,” He groaned, shaking his head.

I looked up at the thick branch where Mati perched, his wings shimmering softly in the dappled light. Taking a deep breath, I began to climb the tree. My movements were hesitant initially, but I grew more confident with each step. When I finally reached the branch, I settled myself beside him.

“Alright, I’m here. Now, tell me more about the Lady in Red,” I said, curiosity mingled with apprehension.

Mati looked at me intently, his eyes reflecting sadness and reverence. “'The Lady in Red' was a powerful figure who greatly influenced the cycle of life and death. She was the Reaper long before you came along, who set the balance in motion. But something happened, and she vanished, leaving a void that needed to be filled.”

I frowned, trying to piece together the fragments of information. “But why did she disappear? And what does that have to do with me?”

“She disappeared to… have a child,” he explained. The child is you, Snow.”

I felt my breath catch in my throat. “What? But how is that possible?”

Mati’s expression softened, and he sighed. “The Lady in Red was married, and she was pregnant. She disappeared to keep you safe when she realized the threats against her and the balance. Once you were born, she entrusted you to Ren and Sayuri to protect you from those who would seek to harm you.”

I struggled to process this revelation. “So… my entire life has been a lie? Ren and Sayuri aren’t my real parents?”

Mati frowned at me, placing only one of his hands on my shoulder and shaking his head. “No, Snow. Ren and Sayuri are not your real parents,” he murmured gently. “I can only assume that the demon who marked you,” he paused and gently removed my marked arm off his shoulder, placing his hand on the marking and continued, “knew who you were… That’s why he wanted you dead. This demon…” he murmured sadly, his golden eyes glossing over. “He will kill you, just as he did Sayuri, Ren, the Sayaki Tribe… The previous Lords… You are his marked target.”

His voice trailed off as he gripped my arm where my marking was. “You cannot let him win, Snow. You must find him and kill him before he kills you.” His eyes raised and locked with mine, and I could tell he was hurt and scared.

“Mati…” I murmured to him, searching his eyes for that spark of hope.

A small smile appeared on his face, “If anyone can bring balance to our three worlds, it has to be you, Reaper. There is so much more you must discover—I know who you are, your story—your life. Watching over you was my promise to The Lady in Red, so I chose to join the Celestials. I am your Guardian Angel. I am sorry about Ren and Sayuri’s death—they did everything they could to protect you,” he told me.

I feel a tightness in my chest and my breathing becomes shallow. My fists clench and I can feel the anger rising within me. My eyes begin to burn, and I can feel the tears forming. I try to hold them back, but it's too late. The first tear falls down my cheek, followed by another and then another until I'm crying from anger. It's frustrating and overwhelming, and I don't know how to stop it. This entire situation got my blood boiling, but I was so angry that I couldn’t understand it.

“The Council of the Sinless must be stopped from turning souls into Lost Souls. I have watched them misjudge so many innocent people—turning them into souls to be devoured by demons or watching them wander the Fields of Mourning, or as you know it, the Shadow Realm. The demon can sense you since you are marked, but also because of the blood, similar to the Reaper’s.”

"Innocent souls sent to the Shadow Realm? That's terrible," I said, feeling a deep sadness wash over me. "I can't believe they'd send innocent people there—to be forgotten by demons who would devour their souls or leave them to wander alone. It breaks my heart."

"What about Sora?" I immediately asked, my concern growing. "You said she was okay, right? Is she really okay?" I turned to him, careful not to lose my balance on the tree branch.

"Sora was a lost soul being hunted by the same demon," he explained. "You and your Underworld friends saved her the day you activated that portal and made your contract with Kurai. She was sent to the Fields of Mourning. But now that she's been retrieved, every high-ranking Celestial knows the Reaper is alive. They just don't know who the Reaper is."

"What does this mean for me?" I asked, feeling a knot of anxiety in my stomach.

"It means that any corrupted demons the Council of the Sinless can control will come after you," he said gravely.

"Why would they want to chase me?" I asked, bewildered.

"I don't know," he murmured, clasping his hands together. "I wish I did. I'm sorry. You're much safer in the Underworld fighting a demon than in the Celestial World fighting the council."

"Can you come with me to the Underworld? You know so much, Mati. I need someone like you to guide me, to help me!" I begged, taking his hands in mine for a moment.

His face turned sad as he shook his head. "I'm sorry, Snow. I can't. If I were stripped of my wings, visiting the Underworld without reason would be hard. I could become a lost soul, and I don't want that." He gently took his hands from mine, standing on his tree branch with enormous wings. "Once I find a reason, I will be more than happy to help you—help you destroy the Council of the Sinless. I am a Dreamwalker-”

"So, perhaps in a dream?!" I asked excitedly.

A sad smile appeared on his face. "Perhaps. But not likely." He offered his hand to help me up. "I will say, though, I'm grateful to meet the new Reaper." His voice was soft and gentle.

I grabbed his hand, and he helped me back up. I smiled at him. "Thanks, Mati!" I felt absolutely safe with Mati; something about his presence was calming and made me feel better. For whatever reason, I reached out and gave him a tight hug while still on the branch. "Thank you so much for talking to me about this. Now I understand why I'm here."

"Ehh? I don't do hugs," he stated, trying to push me off him.

"Just this once," I insisted, taking in his warmth.

"Ehh..." He sighed, patting my head. "I'm used to being hugged by children."

"Hey! I'm not a child!" I huffed, giving him a cold glare.

He grinned. "Sure, kid. Whatever you say. Now, let's get you home," Mati said, his red and yellow eyes twinkling with delight. "Just promise me you'll stay low-key. Stick with Yushin for a bit. I cannot protect you in the Underworld, Kirasa."

"Kirasa? There's that name again!"

"Ask Yushin about it. Now, do you trust me?" He asked, holding his hand out to me on the branch.

"I do," I said, looking at him as I retook his hand.

"Good, now close your eyes again," he directed.

Holding his warm hand, I closed my eyes, and all sense of reality faded.

Good luck, Aria Kirasa.

I tried calling him again when he said that name, hoping he could tell me more. But as I did, I felt a gentle push to my chest, and the branch seemed to disappear from under me. I felt like I was falling—gently and carelessly, like a feather. I opened my eyes again, but the entire realm I had just been in had vanished. Now, there was only darkness.