I couldn’t believe it. I simply couldn’t believe it. I had so many questions. Was he dead, or not? How did he get those wings? That tail? What was going on? I was in a state of pure shock, unsure of what to say, or think.

“It’s me.” He whispered, trying to keep his calm. His hands held his chest, then turned outward towards us as he spoke. I had no idea what to think. Was this really him? There’s no way, right?

“Maybe we should go somewhere else.” He suggested, probably sensing that this was all a bit overwhelming. I followed him outside, with my back bent looking down, as I tried to process this. If this is him, I should be happy, right? But why am I feeling so stressed? Why do I feel sick in my stomach? This was all just too much to process right now. He led us to a bench outside, the sounds of people laughing and talking surrounding us. I wonder what they were talking about? Are they having shocking news delivered to them, that someone who they thought was long dead had just appeared right in front of them? Who knows.

“If you’re really Levi, prove it.” Demanded Kumoto. He pondered for a moment, trying to think of the best way to prove it was really him. I was already convinced though. I mean, there aren’t many people who’d know who we were. Back when we were friends, it was kinda just me, Kumoto, Fluffy and Levi.

“I know…” He started.

“Remember the time, when we were fifteen, and you, Kumoto, had a crush on one of the girls in our street, so I helped you practice asking her out, but you ended up being too embarrassed to ask her out?” Her lips quivered, upon realising it was really him. She held it together, though, but ultimately leaned in to hug him. When she spoke I could notice the wavers in her throat, trying to keep her tears in while we were in public.

“I… I missed you.” She sniffled, arm still firmly wrapped around his body, before letting go to lean against the wooden bench, sitting beside him. She sniffed, as she wiped her eyes, then her nose.

“So, what happened to you?” I asked. I probably wasn’t showing any emotions, not as much as Kumoto at least. I’m not sure why, but I’ve been told I just don’t seem as emotional as others, but believe me, I was just as happy to see him as she was.

Levi leaned forward, in order to see me, before looking back at Kumoto.

“That’s right. I have a bit of a problem that I might need your help with.” He instructed. It was so good to hear his voice again. I knew I missed him, but I didn’t know just how much I missed him.

“So, I’m technically dead.” Well, this was certainly an interesting development. I guess it made sense though, since Kumoto, Fluffy and I were there when he died. Well, not literally there, but we remember it. It was about three after Kumoto and I moved in to live with him, and a year since the three of us’d found Fluffy. We were one strong friend group.

Then, me, Fluffy and Kumoto were out on holidays, with Levi telling us he had something planned for when we got back, we got an vmail, telling us he died, in a house fire. Obviously, we were all completely distraught, but we couldn’t help but be in denial for the next few weeks. Whenever we woke up at home, I, at least, somewhat expected him to just be there. Even though I knew he wouldn’t be.

“I feel like most people know about the existence of an afterlife,” Levi continued. “But not many people know what it’s like, so I’ll briefly explain.” He gestured with his hands.

“There are two afterlifes, one where good people who want peace and tranquillity in their life, which is called ‘Diving Plane’. The other is for people who like to have fun, like, late night parties, people who drink, essentially people whose idea of fun isn’t finding inner peace. That one is called ‘Inferno’. And when they’re reviewing your soul, if they decide you’re a good person, you get to choose where you go. If you’re not good, there’s a part of Inferno that’s just for bad people. Anyway, I live in Inferno, but one day, after staying up all night, well… This doesn’t usually happen, but I blacked out, and I woke up here. Well, I had to walk a while to get to here, but I just meant I woke up on earth. So, that’s where I need you guys to help me. I don’t know what’s going on, but I think we can figure it out.” I was definitely up for it. I think Kumoto was as well. Fluffy probably was. Only thing was that he hadn’t been introduced to Purps yet.

“I’m definitely up for it, but before we start, can I introduce you to our new housemate, Purps? He’s Fluffy’s friend.” I said, gesturing to Purps who was sitting between me and Fluffy, who then got up on my lap so they could see each other more clearly.

“Oh, hi.” Said Levi, as he waved at Purps.

“Howdy.” Said Purps, tipping his hat, as his long, purple tail flickered behind him.

“Purps, this is our old friend Levi. We used to live together before we moved here.” I said.

“Pleasure meetin’ ya.” Replied Purps as he tipped his hat in greeting. I watched as the sun slowly fell, with each passing minute, making the air cooler with it. I promptly began to zone out as they continued their conversation. Then, I heard Kumoto say;

“It’s getting a bit late. Would you like to come home with us? You can stay at ours while you figure out what to do.” Levi, who was sitting in between Kumoto and I, nodded.

“Yeah, that sounds good.” He stood up, then moved slightly to the side so we could get up. First Kumoto stood, then me, then Fluffy then Purps, as all five of us began to head home, unaware of what was to come.