270: Brink of insanity

Brink of insanity

"Like… Jesus? Oy, Bear. I understand we were former felons. We aren't the good guys, I get it. But blasphemy? Seriously? Just how low have you fallen?"2

Bear pinched the bridge of his nose upon receiving such criticism from someone so unqualified. If he got the time, Bear would list down all the mortal sins Tiger did that disqualified him from saying such remarks. 

"Are you saying that when she died, her soul might get transferred to a different body that was somehow compatible with this new body?" Gray muttered, thinking he should help the old man before the latter would snap to insanity. 

"Yes." Bear ignored Tiger and shifted his focus to Gray. Although some parts of Gray's remarks were something that didn't cross Bear's mind, they still had the same meaning. "Do you think that's possible?"

"Are you high?" Gray blurted out, forgetting he wanted to help the old man just a second ago. "This isn't a novel or a movie. The only plot twist we can have are the realistic ones. In other words, the not-so-good plot twists because hey, it's reality."

Tiger rolled his eyes, quietly agreeing with Gray's blunt answer. 

"I don't think so." This time, Fig chimed in. 

Turning their heads in Fig's direction, their brows rose as the latter put down his pizza. It was rare for the man to put down his food because food was his priority. 

"What do you mean, Fig?" Bear perked up, hoping he would get a proper conclusion from him. "Do you think it's possible that someone who died can possess another person's body?"

"Hmm." Fig nodded. "If it's boss, I think it's highly possible."

"Huh?" Tiger scoffed. "Why? Do you think she's some sort of messiah?"

"No, but come to think of it. The boss had done many things when she was alive — she was pretty active in the underground. She's like a storm — a superstorm. Her existence and her deeds are enough to make her a legend in hell," Fig explained in a knowing tone, making it appear he was making some serious thinking. "Imagine her entering hell. Do you think she will just let those demons push her around?"

There was a long silence that fell in the living area after Fig's remarks. 

"Of course, she won't allow that! I wouldn't be surprised if she kicked out Satan from his throne and replaced him. She's like that after all!" continued Fig, still carrying a knowing tone. "That's why I said it's not impossible. She might still be too much for hell, so they rebelled against her and kicked her out of hell, sending her back into this world where she became a wandering soul."

Fig seemed pretty convinced by his conclusion, while the other three looked at him blankly. Even Bear, who sought any proper answer, was in utter dismay. 

"You know? Sometimes, it's better if you keep that damn mouth busy." Tiger clicked his tongue, shaking his head in disbelief. 

"What? I think I made a lot of sense." 

"It sounds good, but that is a mere fantasy." Gray sighed. "Though it would be nice if that fantasy happens in real life. But it's not, it won't."

"What makes you think it's not possible?"

"Come on, Fig. Don't tell me you actually believe that?" this time, Gray sounded a bit more annoyed. "If Boss actually became a wandering soul and managed to possess a body, don't you think she wouldn't contact us?"

Fig pondered about it before he nodded. "Right. I'm sorry. It seems I watched too much anime last night."

"God…" Tiger shook his head in dismay. "Let's not talk about that anymore."

The trio changed the subject to avoid disappointment, but Bear remained silent. Bear kept his head down, hands linked between his spread legs, brows furrowed. 

'No,' he told himself, recalling Gray's previous remarks. 'If she was able to possess another person's body, she wouldn't contact any of us.'

That was true. 

Bear knew Hera from inside and out, just like how she knew him more than anyone. He was certain Hera would live a different life if she were given a chance. After all, Hera yearned for a life different from the life she was born. 

'She didn't hate her parents or her life.'And he was certain of that. 'However, if she was given a chance, she would choose a menial life in a heartbeat. A life that is just completely away from the underworld.'

'Boss…'a sliver of hope flickered across his pair of silver eyes. 'Are you really Heaven Liu?'

The corner of his mouth curled up into a slight smile, but then it instantly faded. If this conclusion was correct, Bear was conflicted.

Hera didn't want anything to do with the underground. But now, she was surrounded by the most despicable and skilled assassins. That was because of Bear. 

'I don't know what to feel about this.' Bear buried his face in his palm, ignoring the people around him. 'I think I'm going insane. It doesn't make sense, but at the same time, how would she know about Esme? No. How would she know about my name?'

It couldn't be because of Dominic, right?

Even if Dominic worked with the central intelligence, they wouldn't pull out any other information about Bear. If that was possible, Bear wouldn't even be in the military.

Hera was amazing, after all. She did everything to give them a chance to start anew. 

In other words, there was no way aside from those who personally knew Bear knew his name. Even those very few in the underground didn't know his real name. All they knew was he was called Bear, a member of the animal kingdom called the Reapers. 

"Oy, Bear."

Bear's train of thoughts halted when Tiger called him. He raised his head, only to see the three looking at him with slight curiosity.

"We're going to drink tonight since it's our day off tomorrow," said Tiger. "Are you joining us or you're going to sleep? Just so you know, it'll be a party. So you might get disturbed. So you can stay in my room if you want."

Bear let out another sigh, darting his eyes between the guys. It had been years since he allowed any alcoholic drink to get into his system, but tonight, his heart, body, soul, and mind needed a beer's help.

"I'll drink," he announced under his breath, surprising the three guys. "If I don't, I might lose my mind."

"Wow…" Gray was in awe. "Should I call the psychiatrist I worked with three years ago? He's quite good, you know? I nearly hypnotized myself just so I forget about a certain demoness."

"Don't bother." Bear waved dismissively. "Let's drink. My treat."

And just like that, the three of them headed to the nearest pub to enjoy the rest of the night. Meanwhile, Bear only had one wish tonight. That was to wake up the next morning, sane. 

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