Clementy

Year 2000

Souls walked all over the silent streets of Clementy. Some with visible injuries, missing limbs, body parts and even figuring out how to stop their bleeding. The ones who were here longer have already fixed the injuries they acquired before their death.

The permanently grey sky was only illuminated by the faint light of Heaven that shone upon these souls, as if mocking them. Telling them that if they've done just a small thing differently, they would be in paradise now. But the ground was warm. Reminding them of the eternal fire they were lucky enough to miss.

Sam was one of these souls, on her way to work. A piece of hair was stuck under her shirt, as a reminder of her hurry when leaving the apartment. The feeling wasn't a pleasant one. She turned towards one of the windows on the building beside her to fix the issue.

A strand of long brown hair was slowly pulled out from under her shirt. Her pale reflection stared back at her. Looking thin and tired like a dead body. Which she actually was.

Tearing her gaze away from the window, she kept walking, taking a turn towards a rather unique street. This was a place, amongst many, where the freshly dead souls appeared. Always so full of pain, fear and confusion. Sam always took that road, because it was way safer than walking down the alleyways where anyone could attack her.

The concrete ground was full of fresh souls, some already standing up, looking around in absolute confusion. This place was not what they dreamed of before they died. It wasn't what Sam had dreamed of.

One scream in particular got Sam's attention. She turned to the soul. It was a man, lying on the ground, his hand tightly on his forehead. Screams of pain left his throat, a contrast to the quiet and confused souls around him.

It was enough for her to feel a bit of sympathy for the man. If she didn't help him now, who would? He would just stay here like a treat for the demons. The souls who arrived to Clementy weren't perfect, but they didn't deserve to meet the demons right on their first day. Especially not one who was in so much pain already.

She cautiosly walked closer to the man, leaning down to him. Just then did her eyes register that what the man was covering up was a large stain of blood on his head. It was soaking his blond hair, making it look almost brown.

Sam tapped his shoulder once. No reaction. The girl took a deep breath and spoke up "The first one is always the worst. Just a few hours and it'll pass." as she said that, a realization downed on her that it probably wasn't the most comforting thing for the man. So instead she wrapped an arm around his torso.

It was stupid. That's what she told herself, but she already touched him, so she couldn't give up now.

Slowly, she lifted the man to his feet. He didn't resist, because why would he? He was in an unfamiliar world, his mind full of pain, not knowing what's happening. A stranger leading him away wasn't his priority

The walk to her apartment wasn't long. Luckily. If it was a little longer, she would not have brought the crying man into her apartment building, dragged him up the stairs and made him sit on her couch.

"I'll bring you some water." she wasn't sure if the man had heard her, but she still walked into the kitchen and pulled out a glass, filling it with water.

She rarely used the bottle of white pills she had in one of the cupboards, but now was the right time. The only time she even thought about that secret stash of Rohypnol was when she had problems with falling asleep. It was the only drug she didn't sell, knowing what it was used for by most people.

Sam put one white pill into the water and mixed it with a spoon. As soon as the pill disappeared in the liquid, she made her way back to the man, who was still curled up on the couch, clutching his head in pain. She grabbed his arm and carefully pulled him up.

"Drink this. It'll be better." she tilted his head up and poured the drugged water down his throat. Now Sam just had to wait. The man looked a little more calm as he drank the water. He didn't know yet how calm he's going to be when the drug takes effect.

It would take a while until then, so she sat down next to the stranger and observed the wound on his head. It was at the left side of his forehead. The place had a dent in it, so his skull was broken. Badly. No wonder he didn't survive whatever happened to him.

What to do with him now? The Rohypnol would help a little, but what then? It was already her and Tracy here. The apartment only had two bedrooms. He would have to sleep on the couch. What was this guy even like? Letting a stranger live with her and Tracy was stupid. Especially with Tracy here. Who knows what he could do.

The guy beside her was already getting dizzy. Sam touched his shoulder and pushed him down on the couch, covering him with a blanket that was draped over the back of it. Just then, the door to one of the bedrooms opened and Tracy came out.

Her dirty blond hair was a mess and she was dressed in one of Sam's hoodies, which was a little big on her. Joanne didn't pay Sam much, so the two of them had to share clothes. Tracy was holding a glass in her hand, ready to hit whoever intruded into the apartment. But realistically, a 13-year old girl couldn't do much damage to anyone.

Sam could practically notice Tracy's face relax as the girl realized it was her sister who came back and not an intruder. Her eyes darted to the man sleeping on the couch, then back to Sam with a silent question.

"You should be asleep." Sam's voice was calm, just looking at Tracy, not acknowledging the man next to her at that moment.

"Are you just avoiding the fact that you brought a guy here and drugged him?" Tracy crossed her arms over her chest.

"Tracy, go back to bed." Her voice was firmer now.

"How is it fair that I can't have a pet, yet you can bring a random guy here?"

Sam raised her eyebrows at her sister's words, waiting for her to acknowledge how stupid what she just said was.

"Okay, okay. Pets are hard to get, yet the streets are full of people. But still. You just brought a stranger here. What if he robs us or assaults me or-"

"Lock yourself in my bedroom. Everything valuable's there." Sam cut her off and stood up from next to the sleeping man, walking towards the exit from the apartment.

"You're not seriously leaving me here." Tracy quickly ran after her "Sam... Sam!"

But Sam was already out the door, walking down the stairs. The stranger didn't look that strong. If Tracy locked the bedroom door, there was no way he could get in. Plus, he would be disoriented and weak from the drugs for a few hours. Her sister would be safe enough.

~~~

The bar was packed already, even if it wasn't even noon yet. Here they only cared about time because they needed to know when to get to work. There wasn't night or day here, so for this place it wasn't rare to turn into a nightclub or strip club in the morning. Dancers were dancing on poles, with crowds of men and women cheering for them.

But Valerie was instead walking up to Sam, with a robe covering her revealing outfit. She had a smile plastered on her face as usual.

"You're late." Her words weren't angry or accusatory. Moreso amused.

"Had some stuff to take care of. If Joanne asks, I died on the way here."

Valerie crossed her arms "You know those excuses don't fly with her anymore. By her words: If you know you can be killed on the way, just leave the house earlier." Valerie playfully tapped Sam's shoulder "Now shoo. Get to work. We don't want these damn alcoholics turning the bar upside down."

Sam couldn't help a smile at the other girl's attitude. As colorful and crazy as her side cut neon pink hair "When's your performance?"

"It should start just now. Luckily I haven't seen Joanne all day, so there won't be all the 'you missed a step, Val', 'it was visible how you almost slid off the pole, Val'." She mocked their boss "Even though we know that these guys and girls don't care about any of that." She shot a knowing look at the costumers who were cheering for the other dancers.

Valerie said her goodbye and walked over to the pole, sliding off her robe and starting to dance. Lingerie that was a black corset at once, hugged her body. The reason for this was that she was deformed. Dying by being hit by a train left her spine bent. She always wore a corset to keep herself straight. At this point, that piece of clothing was like second skin for her.

It was a wonder how used to it Valerie was. Must've been in pain pretty often because of it, but her face never showed it. In fact, she was the most positive soul Sam has met in this place. No one, not even Valerie herself, knew how she got to Clementy. Most likely something stupid, like lying or being jealous once.

Sam got behind the bar and started pouring shots for the various souls who appeared.

"Finally. What took you so long to get here, bitch?" An angry guy spoke to her, making Sam raise an eyebrow.

"You're not getting a drink for that one." The bartender said flatly.

She could see the irritation leaving the costumer's face "Sorry."

Sam nodded in approval and poured him the drink he ordered. That was how it went for a few hours. After her performance, Valerie came to her to talk a little, but nothing dramatic happened. That was better than when her boss was there. With Joanne around, the day would be full of yelling and even getting physical with either Sam or the dancers for one or another reason. At the dancers it could be for not letting the costumers touch them, at Sam it could be for telling a guy that he can't get naked. Yes, that actually happened.

"Have you heard that Joanne wants to expand?" Valerie asked just as a costumer left with her bottle of beer.

"Expand? How?" Sam raised an eyebrow in confusion. Joanne owned a couple of nightclubs all over Clementy. The idea that that woman wanted even more was absurd.

Valerie leaned closer to her, talking more quietly "She wants to employ girls who offer more... sexual entertainment." A sigh left her lips "I hope the dancers won't be put into those roles. I mean... It't not like we can quit if she forced us to do it."

Sam stayed quiet. Of course Joanne wanted to play a pimp now. It was an unspoken law that sex sells. If that woman wanted to have more money than she already had, she was welcome to. Now the bartender just hoped that her boss would leave her and Valerie out of it.

She took a deep breath and nodded "Joanne is confusing. She-" just as she was about to finish that, clinking chains could be heard on the outside. The blood in her veins froze, knowing what that meant. The guests looked towards the entrance too as the chains got louder and louder.

A man entered a bar. His outfit was black, with chains tied to it that were being pulled along while he was walking, making souls know that his presence meant danger. His skin was pale, a contrast to his black hair. His red eyes darted towards the bar and Sam behind it. Chains clinked against the floor, getting closer and closer to the bartender.

Her gaze swept over him, noticing a sword tied to his belt. Just how much being stabbed with that thing would hurt... The girl forced that thought out of her head and looked at him with a neutral expression.

This man was a demon. Or someone just dressed up in a demon costume playing an unfunny and cruel joke on everyone. The second option was less likely, since no one found demons funny.

"What can I get you?" Sam forced her voice to not shake.

"Water." The demon said, sitting down on the barstool. He looked her over, judging her, trying to read her. But most importantly, silently telling Sam with his gaze that he was better than her.

"Would you like something... extra with your water?" It was a question she asked every new costumer she got. But now she mentally slapped herself for asking a demon that. What if the guy got seriously disgusted with her and decided to torture her right here? No one would dare to step in.

The demon gave her an angry glare, silently telling her 'no'. And judging her even more, it seemed.

Sam managed a nod and poured him a glass of water, slowly setting in on the counter in front of him. The demon didn't say anything or look at her, just sipped the beverage. Would he even pay? She didn't dare to ask him.

"They're trying to intimidate us. Act like everything's okay and he'll see that we won't be scared." Sam flinched as Valerie's whisper got to her ears. Yeah. As if staying cheerful and acting like everything is okay in front of a demon was easy.

Of course, Valerie adapted this lesson of hers and pulled out her phone, searching for something. Sam hoped it wasn't any weird picture that would embarrass Valerie in front of the demon. But knowing the dancer, it probably was.

"Look at this." Valerie shoved the phone into Sam's face, not even giving her a moment to ask her what she's doing. The picture showed Tracy, dressed in a rather... strange dress. It was red and tight, with her sides bare.

She looked away from the phone and glared at the dancer "Val, she's 13. It's weird."

A scoff of laughter left Valerie's mouth at that, obviously not taking Sam's words seriously "She's been 13 for like what? 50 years?"

Sam took a deep breath, keeping herself from saying something rude. It wasn't a good idea in front of the demon.

"Just look at her! She looks so good!" Valerie did not give up and kept holding the phone, changing the angle of it slightly. At that moment, the demon's eyes flew to the screen.

Sam grabbed the phone and turned it off, pushing it into Valerie's hands "Do not." She gave the demon in front of her a quick glance, signaling to the dancer that with the red-eyed creature here, it was not the time to talk about her sister.

A sigh of relief left her lips as a costumer sat down on the stool at the other side of the bar, signaling for her. He was as far from the demon as he could be, which was good. Really good.

The demon was at the bar for only ten minutes, but it felt like ten hours to everyone, especially Sam. Coupled with that was the worry that he knows what her sister looks like. Demons were known to mostly target children in Clementy. From his point of view, getting to this child might really hurt a potential drug dealer.

"He saw that picture, Val." Sam glared at her, right as the demon walked out the door.

"I'm sorry, okay? If you want, I can take care of Tracy and make sure the demons don't come after her." Valerie put her phone away as she spoke. Her smile dropping immediately at Sam's seriousness.

The bartender shook her head not wanting to talk or even think about this anymore. She looked at the exit where the demon left to, as if he could come back any time. But instead of the demon, a woman walked in.

All eyes were fixed on her as she made her way through the crowd, towards the bar. People parted for her as if she owned the place. Which she did in a way. In fact, her girlfriend owned the place. Katya was the model of the place. The 'A' in JAS. The face of their brand.

With graceful steps, Katya glided over to the bar. Her pastel pink hair reached towards her shoulders and bangs covered her forehead. Everything about her screamed that she was a part of the highest group in Clementy.

"It'll be my usual." Despite her nationality, she did not have even a hint of a russian accent. Who knows how long she spent in the North America part of Clementy.

Sam gave her a friendly smile, getting into making her usual drink. After so many visits from the woman, she already knew that by usual, Katya meant 'watermelon Margherita with GHB'. When she was done with mixing the drink, Sam poured a small amount of the liquid into it and handed it to her.

"That'll be 15." her voice dropped to a whisper "Plus another 3 for the extra."

A faint smile appeared on Katya's lips as she pulled out 20 in cash and handed it to her "Keep the change. You provide... amazing service here." Katya made her voice sound professional, like a regular compliment to an employee. After that, she walked away, still being admired by all the men who were there.

"Your favorite costumer, huh?" Valerie stood next to Sam with her arms crossed.

"The only one who doesn't threaten me." She lifted the money towards Valerie's face, satisfied with herself "And she always pays more than she should."

"Yeah, she's literally Joanne's sugar baby. Makes sense she has money." Valerie rolled her eyes and Sam couldn't help the snort of laughter that escaped her.

"Pretty sure Katya has her own money. Joanne would freak out if she found out her girlfriend spends her money on drugs." Sam shrugged, not wanting to talk about her boss's love life. She began cleaning a glass that was left on the counter by a costumer.

Valerie suddenly nudged her, making her almost drop the glass. Tha dancer didn't say anything, just pointed towards the entrance.

Tracy was there. The girl scanned the bar, her eyes landing on Sam. Her shoulders visibly untensed as she quickly made her way towards her sister. Sam put the glass down, because she would drop it or break it in her grip from the sight.

"Tracy!" Valerie stepped towards her before Sam could say anything "How's that scarf? The material is not too rough on your skin, I hope." She touched the light blue scarf that was wrapped around Tracy's neck.

"No, it's really good, actually. Especially the color. Makes me feel good and it hides-"

"What are you doing here?" Sam interrupted her sternly, not letting her go on a tangent about colors.

"The guy started to wake up. And I didn't wanna be in an apartment with a stranger who's an adult man." Tracy spoke as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

The bartender had to take a deep breath in order not to yell at her "Do you realize that there are demons out there who could hurt you?"

"It's a really low possibility that they would actually catch me. Plus, I'm being careful. Would you rather I stay in the apartment with a stranger?" Tracy shrugged her shoulders, pissing Sam off even more.

"I told you to stay in the fu-" she took a deep breath "I told you to stay in my bedroom. Are you so against listening to what I-"

"Sam, calm down." Valerie put a hand on her shoulder. Tracy was almost looking at her sister with fear, making Sam feel like crap.

"Fine. You can stay. Hang out with Val while I'm working." She turned away from the two to pour a drink for another guy who came to the bar.

Occasionaly, she glanced at Valerie and Tracy as they were talking or while Tracy was watching her performance. It wasn't on the list of things she approved of Tracy doing, but there was nothing she could do about it at the moment.

~~~

"Time to go." Sam's shift was done and now she was standing next to Valerie and Tracy, giving Valerie a look. The dancer took a step back from Tracy, silently telling Sam that there really was nothing to worry about.

Despite Sam's reaction, Tracy took a step closer to Valerie and gave her a hug. Then without saying anything, she followed her sister.

"You shouldn't have left the apartment." They were walking down the street together as Sam spoke "He could've robbed us already. Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to leave a stranger alone in your home?"

Tracy was hugging herself while walking, not answering her sister, which made Sam sigh. The two of them didn't take a turn towards their apartment building. At that, Tracy looked at her in confusion.

"I have to take care of some things." Sam didn't look at her as she walked ahead.

Their destination was a large building, more like a tower. Its walls were decorated in shades of blue, pink and purple, aiming to stand out between the grey and damaged apartment buildings around that were provided to their employees. On the top of the tower, there was a huge 'JAS' sign on a digital board written in purple letters.

Tracy looked at the tower in awe, while for Sam it wasn't anything unusual. She's been to this place a lot. It always made her wonder who built it and how little JAS payed them. Likely nothing. Grabbing Tracy's hand, she led her towards the entrance. A receptionist welcomed them with a warm smile, security guards standing right behind her.

"Good afternoon! May I see your pass?"

Without a word, Sam pulled out a card.

'JAS Tower pass

From: Else

Reason: other business'

"The girl is with me." She nodded backwards towards Tracy.

The receptionist carefully exemined the card, her expression thoughtful. After a few seconds it was back to her normal sweet smile as she gave the pass back to her.

"Miss Else is waiting for you. Do you need directions to her office?" A polite smile was still plastered on the woman's face, but Sam shook her head.

"No. I'll manage on my own." She took Tracy's hand again, leading her towards the elevator. Sam pressed the button and the metal door slid open, letting them step inside.

"So you have some secret deals with the JAS? Isn't that dangerous?" Tracy asked once they were already inside the elevator. Sam pressed a button to the second floor and still avoided looking at her sister.

"You wouldn't get it." She replied coldly.

"Seriously? I know that you sell drugs or something. I'm not stupid." Tracy crossed her arms and Sam could feel her glare.

"Okay, I'll rephrase it. Stay the heck out of it as much as possible." she gave her sister a glance that only lasted a second before she turned back around.

The elevator dinged, signalling their arrival to the floor. The doors slid open and the two of them walked down the hallway. Vintage items decorated the place, such as bookshelves or old phones. It made Sam internally roll her eyes that someone was still sticking to this style. Especially Else who made technology that was more advanced than back on Earth.

Tracy looked around, uncomfortable as well at the memories the decor brought up. Sam put a hand on her sister's shoulder, telling her without words that she's not there anymore. But her eyes were still focused on the door at the end of the hallway.

Right in front of the office door, stood a man in a suit with a hat. She stopped a few feet away from him, not wanting the stranger to do anything to Tracy. Or her. To her unluck, the stranger already noticed them.

"Good afternoon. What brings you two here at this time of the day?" His voice was polite with a strong french accent as he looked into Sam's eyes, then looking at Tracy "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Richmond Lefebvre."

Sam was taken aback by his politness. The name was very familiar to her, but she couldn't remember where she heard it. And didn't care at the moment. He man must've been famous if he used his full name. There wasn't any need for full names in the afterlife, so most souls didn't use them. She extended her hand towards his for a handshake, returning his polite demeanor, while still shielding Tracy.

"My name is Samantha. This is my sister, Theresa." She turned to the girl next to her "Are you Else's business partner?"

Richmond's polite smile turned amused "Oh, no. I was simply interested in buying old artefacts from Miss Else. But she refuses to give them away. I'm guessing she is just as attached to the past as me."

Sam glanced at the door to Else's office. Richmond noticed this "Just go inside Ms. She is currently not busy."

Taking a deep breath, Sam knocked on the door, immediately hearing a "Come in." from the woman. She looked down at Tracy, unsure what to do. The thought of bringing the girl inside to her meeting with Else was weird and uncomfortable.

"I see your hesitation." Richmond pulled her out of her thoughts "Do not worry. I have a liking towards children."

Sam blinked. And again, making Richmond laugh "Oh, these times are so paranoid. I like children in a perfectly acceptable way, Ms. Samantha. Your dear sister will be in good hands with me."

Tracy looked at her sister then at the man with hesitation, then hesitantly stepped closer to him. There was nothing Sam could do at that point, only hope that the meeting with Else would be quick and nothing would happen to Tracy. She opened the door and walked in.

There was Else, standing by the window, sipping a cup of tea. Her blond hair was neatly put up into a ponytail and her body was decorated by a vintage dress. The kind that Sam knew very well and couldn't understand how someone could still wear them.

"Hello Sam." She put down the tea she was sipping and pointed to a couch in the corner of the office ,,What you're looking for is under that."

Without saying anything else, Sam walked over to the couch and pulled a suitcase out from underneath it. Just to check, she opened it, seeing various types of pills, liquids and a few bags of white powder.

Sam closed the suitcase and picked it up "Do I have to take the secret route?"

"No. Joanne is in her living area, too busy arguting with her... lover." The word 'lover' left her mouth with a mixture of mockery and disgust. The fact that Else was only tolerating that her two female collegues were in a relationship wasn't something Sam liked about the woman. But she had the access to Heaven. Therefore, the access to the drugs that Sam sold. On top of that, she only asked for 30% of the money earned.

"Would you like some tea? The herbs are fresh from Heaven." She took a sip of the tea as if to make a point. Sam shook her head.

"My sister is waiting for me outside. I don't trust the man who's with her."

"Oh, there is no need to worry about him. He's perfectly harmless towards innocents. But if you don't wish to risk it, feel free to go" she turned back out the window.

"You'll have the money in five days max." With those words, Sam turned towards the door, ready to go. Just before exiting, she caught Else's next words.

"I never doubted that, Sam."

Tracy and the strange guy were having a conversation with each other outside the office. Or rather it was mostly Tracy talking and looking over his suit. How did this girl have a talent of getting along with the most inconvenient individuals?

"Tracy, we're going home." She used the hand that wasn't holding the suitcase to touch the girl's shoulder.

"Fine. It was nice talking to you." She gave Richmond a sad smile and Sam quickly pulled her along towards the elevator.

"You should control who you get into a conversation with. You talk to the wrong person once and..." She took a deep breath, not wanting to imagine that "I don't even know what could happen to you here. Just stay with me and do what I tell you."

"But he was so nice! I told him that I like his suit, he asked me what's so special about it and I couldn't stop myself!"

Sam bit her lip to stop herself from lashing out "You should control this weird obsession with clothes. You're not getting better ones."

That made Tracy look at the ground and not say another word. It didn't feel great for Sam to see her sister like this, but what else was she supposed to do? Let a child talk to potentially dangerous people?

The two of them arrived to the apartment door. Tracy was already less miserable, but she still didn't talk to Sam.

"Okay. The guy is inside. If I don't yell at you to come in in 5 minutes, run." She took Tracy's chin, tilting her face up, making sure the girl understood.

Tracy averted her gaze, but still nodded her head. Sam let go of her and got inside the apartment.

The man was sitting on the couch and his head snapped in panic towards the open door. The wound on his head still looked the same, but he wasn't in pain anymore. Now, he was confused and Sam didn't blame him.

"Uhm... Hi. I'm Sam and I dragged you here." She cautiously walked closer to the couch, sitting down next to the stranger. His confused expression didn't scream danger so far.

"Where am I?" His voice was shaky, which made Sam let out a deep sigh.

"I'm not going to harm you. But you're... You're dead. This is the afterlife." She paused. Letting the man process everything.

He swallowed hard, looking at the ground "So I didn't survive that crash..."

Sam sat next to him in silence, then spoke after about a minute "I'm sorry. It must be hard to leave your loved ones."

,,I hope someone can take care of them..." He kept looking at the ground, not focusing on Sam, just his own greef.

"Come in." She called out towards the door where Tracy was still standing. The girl walked in, seeing the man on the couch.

"Sooo... He's safe, right? No need to worry about him stealing me or something?" She cautiously walked closer to the couch, looking back and forth between the man and Sam.

"Doesn't look like the type." Sam said calmly, looking back at the man.

Tracy walked over to the couch, sitting down to the man's other side "So you miss someone from down there on Earth. What is it like? I wouldn't know, because I had no friends-"

"Tracy." Sam cut her off before she could start making jokes.

"Sorry." Tracy pulled away from the man, giving him space.

"Do you wanna talk? Or do you wanna stay alone?" Sam asked him in a soft voice.

The man finally looked at Sam and sighed "I have no idea. There's so much I was doing on Earth with the kids-"

"You had children?" Tracy's eyes widened in slight excitement.

"Not exactly mine. It's... Complicated."

"Tracy, stop with the personal questions." She sighed "Look. You can stay here. It would be nice for Tracy to have company while I'm at work."

"So now you approve of me talking to strangers?" Tracy gave her a small smile.

"I'm kicking him out if he hurts you. That's a promise."

The man shook his head at Sam's words "Of course not. I very much like children." He reached out towards Tracy, extending his hand for a handshake "I'm Jayson."

Tracy happily shook it back "I'm Tracy. Or Theresa, even if I hate that name."

Sam looked at her "Your name is pretty. Stop talking badly about it."

"Well, it would be pretty for an actual adult woman. It sounds wrong when I'm just a kid." She crossed her arms.

"Be happy that you're a kid. You'd be done if you had to deal with the job I'm doing." Sam rolled her eyes.

Jayson gave her a curious glance "What do you work as?"

Sam opened her mouth to answer, but Tracy spoke before her "She's a bartender and a dru-"

"I'm a bartender at one of the bars owned by JAS." She quickly interrupted her sister.

"JAS?" Jayson looked at her, not having a clue what Sam was talking about.

"Three girlbosses. Or as my sister always says, two girlbosses and one glorified chippy." Tracy was smiling, but it was made short by Sam.

"Tracy!"

"What? I'm just quoting you." The girl shrugged, making Sam sigh in frustration.

"So you're willing to take care of her. Right?" She looked at Jayson, needing his agreement one more time.

"I've worked at a children's hospital. I know how to take care of them." He reassured her.

"You worked at a children's hospital?" Tracy turned towards him, asking more and more questions about his job on Earth, while Sam slowly walked away from the two of them.

She grabbed the suitcase with the drugs, carrying it into the kitchen to sort them and properly hide them under her clothes. Sam was glad that Tracy wouldn't be home alone anymore. Jayson didn't look like the type of person to hurt her. Finally just an average soul.

~~~

Her sister was already at work when Tracy got dressed and walked out of her bedroom. Jayson spent the night on the couch and it seemed like he was still there, staring blankly at the ceiling.

"You're bored?" She walked up to the couch, sitting down on the armrest.

"That and didn't sleep well. Is there some forever sun outside or something?" He looked at the window, through which the grey sky was visible.

"Oh. That's Heaven. You can go to the angels and tell them to turn their light off. See if you come back in one piece." She joked "Aaaanyway, why are you here? I know this whole 'not asking personal questions' rule is a thing, but... I have no clue what else to talk about." Tracy let out a scoff of laughter.

Jayson raised his eyebrows "We don't have to talk."

A small laugh left Tracy's mouth "Do you wanna stare at the ceiling until my sister returns? Conversation is the best way to keep ourselves busy."

"Why don't you even have a TV here? That would be more entertaining than doing nothing." He looked around the living room, looking for a TV, but there was none.

"My sister's boss gave us this apartment. And she thinks that a TV would be too much of a spending." She crossed her arms, looking at a coffee table where a TV would be if they had one "Besides, there's nothing interesting to watch. Just news, advertisements and a couple of movies that are all made by the same studio. Gets boring after a while."

Jayson nodded in agreement "And what do you usually do here alone then?"

Tracy shrugged "Stare at the ceiling, look out the window, talk to my teddy bear... Is it embarrassing to have a teddy bear at 13? I mean... My peers would laugh at me if I was alive and I'd be expected to get married in five years." She sighed, pausing to think of a topic "So down on Earth people usually eat every day. Right?"

Jayson froze "You guys don't eat?"

"Food is a luxury here. We don't need it to survive and only eat for pleasure." She slid off the armrest of the couch, sitting next to Jayson "I could get groceries if you want. Haven't had food in ages."

Jayson touched her shoulder "You shouldn't go out alone. Something could happen to you out there."

Tracy rolled her eyes "Oh, come on! I'm not a little five year old kid. I can take perfect care of myself. Besides, the corner shop is down the street. If any demon attacked me, I'd be the unluckiest soul ever."

"Wait. Demons?" Jayson froze again, obviously having problems with processing all of this new information.

"Don't worry about that." Tracy stood up and waved a dismissive hand "I'll be back in ten minutes. Maybe even less."

He finally gave in and exhaled "Fine. But make sure nothing happens to you."

"Will do!" She said before making a beeline towards the door and walking out.

The streets were empty. Pretty much the standard for mornings when everyone was either at work or getting drunk in some bar. Tracy walked down the street and it was suspiciously quiet. To be fair, there wasn't a rational person who would come out at this time. What even was there to do? Souls could only get drunk at JAS bars while watching strippers.

The corner shop wasn't far. Just as she told Jayson, it was by the end of the street at the bottom of one of the apartment buildings. It didn't have many kinds of food. Groceries were expensive, even for the shop owner.

Tracy pushed the door open, being met with the kind face of the middle aged owner "Where did you leave your sister?"

"She's at work. I'd like the usual she always buys. Bread, ham, soy yoghurt... Oh and popcorn!"

The woman nodded and started to gather the goods from behind the counter "I don't have any popcorn. Only got two today and both of them are sold already."

Tracy looked down in disappointment. Popcorn's been the only food she really craved at the moment.

"Fine. I'll get it somewhere else." She muttered, putting the groceries, each with the JAS logo, into a plastic bag.

"Be careful. You shouldn't be walking around alone. Especially not at a time like this." The lady was visibly concerned for the girl's safety, but Tracy shrugged it off and handed her some money.

"I'll be fine. See you next time." With that, she left the shop, plastic bag in her hand.

Popcorn. She had to get popcorn, there was no way she was going home without that. What's the worse that could happen? She'd be late and Jayson would be worried about her? He'll survive.

Walking down the street was dangerous. She could get noticed by demons. That's why the alleyways were the best way to go. She stepped inside one, trying to ignore the horrible smell and the drug packages or other trash that were scattered on the ground.

Tracy had a rough idea which direction the other grocery store was in. Didn't know the exact location of it, though. Just knew that it was on the same street where Sam worked.

Her steps were careful, but she still flinched every time she stepped on something that made noise. No matter how hard she tried, her movement in the alleyway was still loud. The girl even stopped a few times, debating if she should go back. But she already got this far, so there was no way she was going to give up now.

The alleyway was finally coming to an end after minutes of walking that felt like hours. Her steps quickened, but she stopped. There was a sound behind her. Footsteps. Her head whipped around. Clear. No one was there.

Maybe she was just imagining things. Fear could do that to someone. Tracy kept walking towards the end of the alleyway, clutching the plastic bag with the groceries in her hands.

A hand over her mouth. She dropped the groceries, weakly grabbing at it. She tried to scream, but a sharp pain shot through her. The person stabbed her right below her ribs. Once, twice, three times, four times... She didn't count, trying to scream from the pain, but her mouth was held shut.

A warm liquid was running down her skin. Her eyes widened and her struggling grew more desperate. Two men were laughing behind her. Tears came out of her eyes, a mixture of pain and fear. Her struggling grew weaker and vision blurry. She lost consciousness.

Tracy woke up lying on something. Or rather someone. The smell of her own blood was still in her nose as she opened her eyes. She was on top of her dead body.

A terrified squeal left her mouth as she kicked the dead body away, ready to bolt. A pair of arms caught her.

"And where do you think you're running?" A demon appeared in front of her. A woman with orange hair, a sword attached to her side.

"Haven't found a child for at least a hundred years." Another male voice spoke from behind her.

"Don't... please-" she tried to plead, but a hand was clasped over her mouth quickly.

"Shut up. I forgot children could be so loud." The female demon rolled her eyes.

,,Hmm... Maybe we should get rid of these arms..." The male who was holding her in place spoke. He grabbed Tracy's arms and lifted them up to his sides.

The girl quickly realized what they wanted to do and screamed. She kicked him, tried to get away, but it was useless. He was so much stronger than her.

"Great idea." The other male demon walked up to her. Her grabbed one of her arms, while the one who was holding her from behind took the other.

Tears were spilling down Tracy's face. She struggled against their hold as they pulled her arms apart. Everything was useless. Her tears, her screams, everything.

The female demon watched her struggle in amusement "One... Two...-"

"Stop it." A voice rang out, belonging to another man. He approached the three demons, giving them a judgemental look "We're supposed to be in time period districts right now, making the lives of old souls more interesting. Not torturing children in the capital."

The three demons looked at each other, the two men reluctantly loosening their hold on Tracy.

"Keep going." Another female voice rang out and a demon with purple hair appeared. Her red eyes practically pierced the demon who previously interrupted the violence.

"We have commands from Lucifer. I'm respecting them." The black-haired male demon spoke, his red eyes piercing the others.

The purple-haired woman laughed "Lucifer doesn't give a shit who we torture up here. Children are more fun anyway."

"You should stop acting like a psychopath, Xenia. I'm the leader of this group." He took a step closer to her. All Tracy did was watch as tears were still running down her face.

"I don't know where you got that from. We're both leaders, Azri. And Lucifer likes me more." She poked the man's shoulder, clearly trying to irritate him. And it worked as he had to take a deep breath in order to stay composed.

"Go to time period districts. Now." He grabbed Tracy's arm, pulling her out of the hold of the two demons. The girl struggled against his hold, but he ignored it.

~~~

"You told me you would sell me..." The angry guy was in front of Sam, leaning over the bar. She stood there, not threatened by what was happening.

"I told you I'd sell you if you pay me. No money, no selling." Her voice was neutral, almost tired.

"Please... I can't live without it anymore..." He begged, which made Sam sigh.

"I'm doing this for the money. No money, no drugs." She stood firmly, not giving in just because he begged. So many people thought that they could get drugs from her by doing a pity party, threatening her or flirting with her. She never gave in.

"You bitch!" He slapped the counter, Sam didn't even flinch "You ruined my fucking life!"

"You ruined your own life. Stop blaming me for your bad decisions."

Her neutral tone pissed the man off even more. He reached out for her, trying to grab her hair. She just calmly stepped back. A sword pressed to the man's throat.

Her breath caught in her throat as the demon from yesterday was standing there, holding the man in place ,,Leave." His tone was firm, full of authority. The man gave Sam one last look and left the bar, shaken up.

"I've got someone that belongs to you." He stepped aside and Tracy stood behind him. The girl was shaking and crying, her clothes were messed up and there was a small blood stain on them.

All thoughts of the demon left her mind as she ran up to her sister "Tracy!"

The girl didn't say anything, just kept shaking in place.

"What the heck were you doing?! Didn't I tell you not to go outside? What were you thinking?!" She yelled "Are you not even worried about yourself? This is the reason you can't be left alone."

Tracy burried her face in her hands and her body shook with sobs. Sam bit her lip, thinking. The situation with Tracy could be useful if she just played her cards right. She turned towards the place where the demon was standing previously. No one was there. She sighed in frustration.

"Come on. We're going somewhere." She grabbed Tracy's arm and pulled her along, praying that Joanne would not look for her while she was gone.

They walked down the street, towards the guarded gates. It was a portal through which angels could get down to Clementy to bring souls food, building material and many different kinds of things. There were lots of them all over Clementy. In every single country part in every single time period district.

The gates were always guarded by an angelic soldier, not letting anyone in. This time, there was a woman. Her white dress that contrasted with her dark skin made her look... innocent. But the sword strapped to her belt told everyone that that couldn't be further from the truth. Luckily, angels rarely attacked souls. Their weapons were only for self defense.

Sam walked closer to her, still holding Tracy's arm. The girl has calmed down a little since the incident, but that didn't ease Sam.

The angel's firm look suggested that she was familiar with Sam. The woman already went up to her thousands of times, begging her to let her and Tracy go to Heaven. The angel always refused.

"It's me again. I have a good reason now, I swear." Sam stepped aside, showing Tracy to the angel "My sister was attacked by demons. Do you think it's good for a child to suffer this way?"

"The demons are only doing their job. If you're a sinner, you deserve the punishment that's coming for you." The angel answered coldly, not even trying to humour the idea of letting sinners go to Heaven.

"Don't call us sinners. We're just souls. Tracy's a kid. Is it really inevitable for her to get attacked?" Sam spoke in a softer tone, trying to convince the angel.

The angel's gaze darted to Tracy, taking in the sight of the shaking child who was eyeing her sword with caution. Finally, a sigh left her lips, her wings relaxing "I shouldn't be doing this..."

Sam perked up. Are they finally going to Heaven? Was all this suffering worth it at the end?

The angel touched Tracy's shoulder and a light appeared around the girl's body, completely swallowing her. Sam watched, holding her breath as her sister... wasn't there anymore.

In her place stood an adult woman, wearing her sister's outfit, with dirty blond hair, just like Tracy's.

"Wow..." Tracy looked her new adult body over, taking everything in. Her experience from earlier momentarily forgotten. She ran her hands down her curves, completely in awe.

"Demons are more likely to attack children. If she's an adult, they won't be that interested in her." The angel calmly stepped back from Tracy.

"Wait. You could change my body... Can you also change my hair? I want it to be lighter. And curly." Tracy was practically shaking from excitement, making Sam clench her fists. The angel did as Tracy requested and changed her hair to blond and curly.

"Now, have a nice day. I did everything I could." The angel turned away from them, leaving Sam there with her now adult sister.

~~~

Tracy was touching her curls, enjoying how they felt under her fingers. Sam slid a glass of water in front of her, not as cheerful about everything as Tracy. Why did the angel think she had any right to age her up? Now she was a kid in an adult body. Just that thought was enough to piss her off and make her worried at the same time.

But Tracy loved it. Her eyes trailed over her body, not being able to get enough of it "I'm so hot. That angel knew what she was doing."

Sam bit her lip at that, sliding the water closer to her "This doesn't change anything. Just because your body grew up, you're still a child."

Tracy gave her a smile and stood up, showing herself off "Does this look like a child to you?"

"Sit back down and stop acting like an idiot." Sam glared at her.

Tracy scoffed, sitting back down on the barstool. A girl sat down on the other side of the bar, signaling to Sam.

"A margherita, please." Her high pitched voice made Tracy flinch in her seat. Sam noticed her reaction and turned to her sister.

"Valerie finishes her performance in a few minutes. She can take you back home." She started to make the girl's margherita.

"I'm fine here. Seriously." Her words weren't convincing as her eyes trailed around the bar.

Sam served the cocktail to the girl, putting away the cash she was given. Tracy wasn't fine, but of course her stubborn self wouldn't admit that.

"Hey! How about you give me a drink too?" A smile appeared on Tracy's face, but Sam didn't look amused by the suggestion.

"No." The answer was simple, not leaving any room for an argument.

Tracy sighed in disappointment, sipping her water.

Sam didn't pay her any mind. She would calm down eventually. Her attention was caught by a water stain on the bar counter. She grabbed a rag and wiped it clean. But as she worked, someone was watching them.

Looking up, her gaze landed on a pair of red eyes. Joanne's. The woman walked closer to the bar, every gaze on her. With the red contacts and her green hair, the woman looked mystical. Not even human. Many souls did feel that way about her. She was a human soul, of course, but she's been in Clementy for so long that it was hard to picture her that way. As someone helpless and freshly dead on the ground.

She sat on the barstool next to Tracy, her eyes piercing into Sam "I don't pay you for chatting with the costumers, Sam."

"This is my sister." Sam tried to keep her composure as Joanne's eyes darted towards Tracy.

"I thought your sister was a kid." She extended her hand towards Tracy for a handshake ,,I'm Joanne. You might've heard about me. The owner of this place."

Tracy looked her over in awe, admiring the person who was in front of her. Sam understood why many people found Joanne attractive. There was something about her behavior that drew people in. That was now drawing her sister in, because she returned the handshake.

That made Joanne smile and she didn't let go of her hand. Sam cleared her thoat "Boss... I don't think you should talk to her. She's quite young. Basically a child."

Joanne's gaze trailed over the girl, which made Tracy freeze in place "Doesn't look like a child to me."

"She was 10 minutes ago-"

Sam was desperate, but Joanne cut her off by putting a hand on Tracy's shoulder. The girl flinched under her touch, but decided not to pull away "But she's not now. How do you like the drinks here?"

"I haven't had any of them. Sam thinks I'm too young for it..." She admitted, averting her gaze from Joanne.

"Bet it's not easy to be with her." Joanne removed her hand from Tracy's shoulder and put it on the counter, still watching her.

"It's not." Tracy shook her head.

"You're an adult now. An adult who can make her own decisions. What would you say to a job? Away from your sister?"

Tracy's eyes widened at the suggestion, all her tension from Joanne's presence disappearing.

"Don't even think about it." Sam pointed a strict finger at Tracy "And you." She looked at Joanne "Don't think about seducing her into being one of your hookers. Because it won't work." Her voice was firm and confident, glaring daggers into Joanne.

Her boss laughed "Look at that. Just the thought of you getting independant makes her so mad. But it's your decision. You'll get used to the job. It's not that bad when you do it for a while."

Tracy took a deep breath, hesitating. Her gaze darted between Sam and Joanne as she weighed her options. With an exhale, she turned towards Joanne "Yes. I want it."

"What?!" Sam's voice rang out. Did Tracy just agree to that offer from this woman who was known to be a terrible person? "Tracy, no. Get this stupid idea out of your head."

Joanne's red eyes narrowed. A silent threat "Sam, I suggest you make her a drink." She turned towards Tracy "What would you like?"

Tracy froze, silent for a few seconds "I don't know... What do you recommend?"

Joanne laughed at that and showed her a menu for the drinks. Sam closed her eyes, her hands shaking as she started to prepare whatever drink her boss suggested to her sister. Other than pissing Joanne off, what was there to do now? Joanne was asking Tracy some questions and Tracy was nervously answering them. While Sam made their drinks and was powerless to stop anything.