Nothing but pain and sound, that ringing – now the sound of death. It’s ghost familiar –it’s volume; presently more amplified. Blurred vision subsides as I rip my sticky eye lashes open. Red rocks in the corner of my view. Razor sharp, like the edges of primeval barbarian axes they stick up as the only way out of the blackness behind me.

Positioning my hands in order to not get hurt was impossible; I will have to wear some scars in future. The way up delivers a mental beating; what is this place? Why am I here,? Do I deserve this,? This can’t be happening – This is Hell, and it’s your fault! It’s your fault!

‘Welcome to the Stairway to Heaven!’ Is all I hear; ‘Welcome! Welcome! Static – like a bad radio frequency. ‘Welco-Welcome!’ Loud and relentless. ’ Welcoooooome!’ Unforgiving and punishing. Unbearable pain again. Is this ever going to stop? I’m dead. I’m busy dying a brutal and painful swift death. The worst kind. Make it stop.

And in that moment all that was left to hear was the ironic sound of angel song. And all that was left to see was a cynical figure, hooded and crouching in a dark doorway: ‘Now that you have died – let me show you around the place. Haha. He stood up and faced me This is a world you will be spending quite some time in, my friend.’ The illusions silhouette revealed what was once something human before the shade concealed what was left of its disappearing act.

Blood came flowing my way from where ‘It had been standing – black blood. The pool from whence it came was overflowing – I watched as it became the shallow river bed I find myself standing in at the this very moment. Blood black feet I suppose; fit to my blood red hands. Murderous.

All I could think of was puking, as something seemed to be exploding just under my rib cage. A sick feeling as the pressure in my oesophagus builds. The eruption leaves nothing but bad taste and bruised organs.

I bend down to regain my composure, resting my hands on my knees, fingers touching the muck, as I see bubbles appear on the liquid surface – seemingly coming from down under. I shrug away – the bubbles seem to be becoming bigger and their coming up faster. I choose a safe distance before a sudden splash produced a gray floating orb, floating intimidatingly in front of my face.

Two bubbling pools appeared near where the first one had been – weird sounds from the gray little ball. It’s like it’s defending something. Within the bubbles lights start glowing – one blue and one yellow; they started moving towards the surface. Quick and precise motions almost instantly transport the eerie lights behind the gray one. My interrogation has begun.

The blue light placed slightly to the right of my focal point and the yellow orb a bit further back and to the left. The blue ball lit up in the rhythm of its words: ‘who are you? A name, an obsession and your least favourite drink is needed.’ The yellow light shone brightly in short fast motions after which the blue light added: ‘It’s a lot easier for us this way.’

I shot a precise jab at the gray ball trying to grab it or at least wound it, at which point it evaded my attempt with one easy motion and rocketed into my chest – fracturing my ribs and knocking the wind out from inside my lungs. I fell to one of my knees and started coughing uncontrollably. ‘Sometimes fast and initial violence to prove a point saves time – something we do not have too much of.’

‘Ok, ok.’ I muster; ’I’m cooperating.’ I cough out to stop the habit, as I get back to a stand. ‘What are you things?’ ‘Don’t understand the question.’ the blue one flashed – seems he’s the voice. Not exactly a helpful answer – they seem to be a well organised team though; Intelligence, translator and muscle. Maybe their some breed of assistance machines – no ‘being’ program running then.

‘We have to leave. ‘

‘Follow.’

No Choice.