decus could think of a million things that hell could be, having known his life after death far before he should’ve even thought of dying. if you were to describe a city with massive buildings and technology far beyond even tethe’alla’s advancements, he would’ve laughed. but he’d encountered stranger things, so he assumed this was it. though, he expected more of an “eternal punishment” vibe.
naturally it was disorienting in the beginning. he didn’t expect to wake up at all, let alone in this odd city, greeted by whatever he had just seen. so when he stepped out, he had to pause for a few moments before he snapped out of his stupor. he soon found himself going about as normally as possible in an unknown city, mostly attempting to find his way to the apartment he was assigned.
of course, the moment he found himself conscious, there had only been one thing on his mind. he knew that she wouldn’t have given up; that his death would’ve only served as time. perhaps throw their foes off guard and give her a chance. so, for the first time since his parents died, he prayed. he prayed that somehow, she hadn’t succumbed to the same fate he had, that she had been able to survive.
and so, when he thought he saw a familiar girl, he prayed once more that it was an illusion. someone with strikingly similar appearance. anyone or anything that wasn’t her. he didn’t know if this place was truly hell, but he didn’t want her to be there or just in some strange city. and he needed to make sure. his surprise limiting his energy, he stepped closer, albeit a bit faster than a normal walk. he forced himself to stop before he got too close, lest he startle a complete stranger-- though, if it were her, it’d be a smart idea as well. his voice barely above a whisper, he didn’t hesitate for longer than necessary.
