Ritual

-Outside-

Natalie lit six white candles on the floor. Masayuki could smell sage and cinnamon. The angel took a breath.

“Are you ready to do this?” she asked. The angels came to her side.

“Yes,” they said. Natalia turned to Masayuki. Her gaze made him tense up for a second.

“Are you ready?” she asked him. He clinched his fists at his sides.

“Yes,” Masayuki said without missing a beat.

“You must understand,” Natalia said. “You can’t afford to fuck this up. If you get trapped on the other side, we can’t get you out. You got that?” The boy turned serious.

“Yes,” he said. Izumi watched him with narrowed eyes.

“Okay,” Natalia said. “Walk forward to the circle.” The boy walked over to the circle made of salt. He was careful to step over the salt.

“Lay down on your back,” she commanded. Masayuki lay down on his back. Natalia drew in a deep breath.

“Close your eyes and focus on soul traveling,” she said. “We will guide you through the other side. Remember what I said.” The boy nodded and drew his eyes closed. Natalia and the angels held out their hands they all began chanting. Masayuki let his mind wander into the other side. All sounds began to fade away around him. The rain, the wind, and the chanting.

When he opened his eyes, his soul was out of his body.

“I did it,” he said. Masayuki looked down. The five angels all circled him with their hands out. Their voices sounded distorted.

But Masayuki didn’t get a chance to take in the scene.

His soul was yanked up into the air before it vanished.

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Masayuki opened his eyes to all white around him. A low buzz filled his ears. The boy rubbed his right ear. He gasped and clinched his teeth.

“Gah!” the boy shouted. Masayuki sank down to his knees.

But then, he heard someone calling him.