The Realm That Decides

The moment the voice finished speaking, the entire bus erupted into applause. I flinched, my eyes darting around the space.

“What’s going on?” I asked, my voice sharp with confusion. No one answered, they just kept clapping like something exciting had just happened.

“You will be assigned a spirit guide shortly,” the voice continued, calm and steady, completely ignoring me. “But for now… sit.”

Before I could react— I was already seated. My breath caught in my throat.I couldn’t move.

“Now that we have the final addition to this dimension,” the voice went on, “we will begin the journey. I implore all souls to remain seated throughout. If you have questions, discuss them with your guides.”

“You cannot die any longer, as you are already on your way to death in the spirit world.” My heart skipped.

“…But take note,” the voice continued, “there are consequences if this ride becomes troublesome.”

Everyone kept silent, even the breathing around me felt controlled.

“This realm is your only chance of returning to life in the mortal world. If you attract those consequences…”

He paused long enough to make my chest tighten. “You will die.”

My lips parted. “Death?” I whispered, the word tasting strange on my tongue.

Then louder— “What do you mean I’m on my way to death?”

“I advise you to save your questions for your spirit guide,” the voice replied immediately. “They will be with you shortly.” Something inside me snapped.

“No,” I said, pushing myself to my feet. “No, I want answers now.” My voice rose, shaking with anger.

“I’ve had enough of this!” I continued. “Today has been a nightmare. First, I woke up in a hospital where no one can see me in, then I step outside and end up here—and now you’re talking about death like it’s normal?”

A few people chuckled.

I turned to them in disbelief. “Why are you laughing?” I snapped. “What is wrong with all of you?”

They didn’t answer, they just watched me like I was the strange one.

“I’m tired,” I said, my voice breaking slightly. “I just want this to end. Tell me the truth. Am I dead? Is this some kind of sick joke?” There were more laughter not loud, but enough to make my skin crawl.

“Why does everyone seem okay with this?” I muttered. I turned away from them, with frustration boiling over me.

 

That's because you are dead," a calm voice replied. "Wait, you heard me?" I asked, feeling curious. "How did you hear me?

“You are no longer within your mortal body,” the voice continued. “You exist now as your consciousness alone. You cannot think privately. Every thought is heard.”

My heart started pounding. “No…” I whispered, that wasn’t possible. That couldn’t be—

“Now, sit.”

Before I could resist— I was back in my seat. My fingers tightened against the armrest.

“If I must repeat myself again,” the voice added, colder this time, “you will fail to transition.” I clenched my jaw.

 “My name is Eliana.” I folded my arms, sinking into the seat.

“We have a mode of operation within the transition realm, new soul.” I rolled my eyes, “Of course you do.”

“Of all the souls received this week,” they continued, “you are the most resistant.” A few people around me shifted slightly listening.

“This attitude will not aid you in the trials ahead.”My breath hitched.

Trials? I didn’t say it out loud because there was no point, and they would hear it anyway.

“To determine your continued existence in the mortal world,” the voice explained, “or your passage into the afterlife, every soul must undergo a series of tests.”My chest tightened.

“There are obstacles,” they added. “Designed to measure your worth.” I let out a small, disbelieving laugh.

“So I go from failing one test… to being thrown into another one that decides whether I live or die?”

There was silence.

Then— “Point of correction, Eliana.” The voice was different this time. My body stiffened.

“This is not your life.” A presence formed beside me, while i turned slowly and my breath left me in a sharp gasp. A scream tore from my throat before I could stop it.

“What the fuck is that?” I cried, clutching my chest as I scrambled back against my seat.

“The gods greatly disapprove of  your use of such language,” the figure said calmly. I froze.

“That’s what you say?” I snapped. “Not ‘sorry for scaring you’ or ‘you’re safe’? Just that?”

The figure tilted their head slightly. “You will adjust.”

My breathing was uneven, and my heart refused to calm down.

“I’m not adjusting to this,” I muttered. “I don’t even know what this is.”

“You are in the transition realm,” the figure said. “And I am your assigned guide.”

I stared at them. “You’re joking.”

“I do not joke.” “Of course you don’t,” I muttered.

I dragged a hand down my face, trying to steady myself. “Okay… okay…” I whispered. “Let me get this straight, i pointed at them.''

“You’re telling me I’m not alive, and that I’m not exactly dead either.” “And now I have to pass some kind of test… to earn my way back?” “Correct.” My hand dropped slowly.

“And if I fail?” I paused.

Then— “You cease.” The word hung in the air. I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. “This… this can’t be real,” I said softly.

“It is.” I shook my head, backing further into my seat.

“No. No, this has to be a prank. My friends—they’re messing with me. That’s all this is.”

“I mean, come on,” I continued, my voice rising slightly. “A faceless guide? A talking bus? Souls and tests? This sounds like something out of a bad movie.”

“I hate this,” I muttered. “I hate all of you.”

My jaw tightened. And then— For the first time since this started— No one responded to my thoughts.

I blinked, wait i frowned slightly. Did they just ignore that? Out of everything I had thought…

That was the one thing they didn’t react to. A strange feeling settled in my chest, something wasn’t adding up.

But before I could think deeper— I disappeared from where i was to a bus. My fingers tightened around the seat.

The journey had started. And somehow… I knew there was no going back.