After you die, you feel a moment of peace enveloping your body and then a light. The light shimmers all around you, wrapping across your appendages as they pull you forward. Faster and faster they pull you until suddenly your surroundings disappeared and shift to a black abyss. The light unwraps from your body as they settle you down onto the ground. And there you see a woman dressed in white, a soft light draping her body as she plays what looks to be a rectangular guitar.

The woman's hands strum over the strings of the item, producing almost ethereal sounds of music that echoes within the abyss that you stand in. She looks up to you and simply says,



What he assumed was his death, turned into something completely unexpected. Shigeaki took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm his nerves, before responding to the porcelain-skinned woman in front of him. "Wha-what just happened?"

The goddess sits in the middle of the abyss, her eyes focused on the strings of her instrument as she plays a soft tune. “You have just died, child of earth.“

The moment she had confirmed his death, Shigeaki couldn't help but tightly clench his fists and grit his teeth underneath a closed mouth. He wasn’t the type to immediately believe whatever was told to him, but given his current situation, it seemed like he had no other choice. “Death, huh? So, what now?” Shigeaki said with a hint of disappointment in his voice.

The goddess looks up, her song wavering as she shifts her attention. “Come close child of earth. “ She would pluck a singular strong from her instrument, emitting a sharp sound and from that sound, a low rise table would appear.

It could have been the soothing music of the white-haired woman’s serene voice, but without a second thought, Shigeaki’s body instinctively heeded to the instructions given to him and slowly advanced forward. ~

“Sit. “ She would say softly, hopefully avoiding an imposing presence over Shigeaki. ~

With each word, he obediently complied as he found himself kneeling on the floor with both legs resting atop each thigh, while his bottom rested on his heels. His hands, faced down, were folded modestly on his lap. Whilst straightening his back - his posture was never that good - Shigeaki couldn't help but stare at the woman in front of him. "Uh, not to be rude, but who are you again?" ~

The goddess smiles, her hands moving across her instrument as she softly plays. Her movement jumpy and light, she plays a song of hope and dedication. “Child of earth I am, Alaela. Goddess of the South Winds and one of the many protectors of my homeland, Akohana. “

As much as he wanted to believe her, Shigeaki found himself doubting the words he had just heard. “An actual Goddess is speaking to me?” He thought to himself as he tried his best to convince himself to accept the situation he was in; it didn't help that he wasn't the religious type. Maintaining his composure and usual deadpan expression, he decided to take in Alaela's words with a grain of salt for now, but he definitely needed to know more.

“Shigeaki Hinihara.” He subtly bowed as he introduced himself. “So, Miss Goddess. That's certainly interesting, but I don't think that explains what's happening right now. Maybe you could enlighten me?” ~

“You are in the abyss, a place in which stretches out for thousands of miles. Usually, souls are caught into the abyss but in your situation, you were called forth to the abyss and I am here to give you a choice. “ ~

His right eyebrow slowly raised in curiosity. “A choice?” ~

“A choice. “ she would repeat, the song she plays becomes more tense and serious transitioning to a song of sorrow and despair, “For thousands of years my homeworld has been at peace, growing and advancing steadily throughout the years. But suddenly darkness manifested, placing its seeds into Akohanas crust. From these seeds birthed creatures of darkness that pillaged and terrorized countless villages and cities and in their destruction, stole the lives of innocents. From this panic, the most powerful of magicians and gods gathered to cast a great spell which invoked souls from across all fifteen planes, though only one answered. The child of earth's plane was beckoned and twelve souls including yours have been called forth to be given a choice. To accept the grand quest and fight this dark evil or pass on to the sea of souls.”

Shigeaki's chest tensed up as he heard the sorrowful tale of the Goddess’ homelands, but from the way she was speaking, his guy told him where things were about to go. Frustration began to build up in Shigeaki, but he didn't show it in his face. After a life of bearing a burden that wasn't his to bear, he thought that his death was about to free him. Unfortunately, it didn't appear that way.

“You've got to be kidding me, right?” Shigeaki's voice began to tremble.

Like his previous life, responsibilities he never asked for was being forced unto him.

“You've got to be kidding, right?!” He screamed at Alaela as he rushed back up to his feet. No longer was he able to keep his emotions in check. He had been doing it all his life and if he chose to do so, he'd just continue doing it until the end if his next. Shigeaki couldn't stand the thought and finally lashed out. “What the fuck makes you think that I'd be willing risk my life facing some unknown evil?! I fucking jumped to my death! So, why me?!” Tears slowly trickled down his face as his voice, although deep and full, began to crack. ~

“Child of earth, after you died your soul had been picked out of the millions on earth to fight a great evil. Picked by the great one, a great light-- it has chosen you, it believed in you. This light is the all-seeing eye, its hand transcending through time. The light sees potential and knows your greatness even if you don’t. Though I cannot tell you why you were chosen, the choice is for the better. But if you do not feel comfortable fighting this darkness then you can simply pass on to the sea of souls. “ ~

The answers Shigeaki was receiving did little to quell his rage. He was a man who did not believe in the divine or supernatural. He even had doubts on the situation he was currently in. If he wanted to, he could just associate everything with a form of psychosis, but that would mean his attempt to end his life was futile. That would mean, he'd still be trapped. And that was fate he feared the most.

He was at a lost but the choices he was left with were both unacceptable. Life was unfair, and he knew this, but he just didn't want to accept this. Falling to his knees, his shoulders dropped and his head tilted downward as he stared down at the black floor. He couldn't accept death, but he couldn't accept such a life that had that much responsibility yet again.

“Neither.” He whispered in a faint yet decisive voice. “Give me a third option.” Shigeaki shifted his gaze to the Goddess as he made his demand.

The goddess sighs, a cold breath releasing from her mouth as her eyes wander the abyss. “There is no third option, child of earth. If it’ll ease your mind I may answer any questions that you ask.”

“No questions.” Getting back up to his feet, Shigeaki began tidying himself up. He tucked in his shirt, folded up his sleeves, and fixed up his hair before continuing. “You already said that you couldn't tell me why I was chosen.”

He began approaching the Goddess, drawing closer with each step. His confidence had returned as he was finally determined to live the life that he wanted.

“No responsibilities, no promises. Grant me a new name and a new life, then we'll see where things take us.”

He continued to advance forward, smirking as he believed to have figured things out. “Since your Great One believes in me and my apparent potential for greatness, my little request would be fine, right?” ~

“A new life? Yes. Name? That’s up to you. All you have to do is simply accept the quest, child of earth. “ ~

Shigeaki knew that getting what he wanted wasn't easy, but he couldn't deny that attempting to was something he found enjoyable.

“Miss Goddess, like I mentioned earlier, no promises. If your Great One is as great as you make him, or her, look to be, then we have nothing to worry about.”

The goddess could sense a shadow, lingering behind Shigeaki, “I would remind you, that even though the light is great you mustn't put all your faith into the great one. Yes he is our guide but you, yourself are able to change fate by one choice. Do travel, Akohana as if you are protected constantly, though you may be chosen by the light, that very light could be sucked away from you if your guard isn’t up. “ She sighs, looking up to the man, “With this warning, I ask you again. Will you accept this quest? “~

Although her warnings were sincere and genuine, for Shigeaki, they were simply akin to empty threats until shown actual proof. Like before, he would take these words with a grain of salt. At present, the only important thing for him was he was actually getting his way.

“Fine, quest accepted then” He flashed a smile before continuing. “But I'll tell you again, Miss Goddess. No promises.” ~

Her eyes close, hands resting upon the strings of her instrument, “Child of earth, if you stray from your mission you will be punished. We of the pantheon do not care what you do to complete this mission just as long as you kill the darkness. “ Her voice is stern, pressed back, and quiet.

“Gotcha.” Despite the grave message within Alaela’s words, did not feel fear nor intimidation.

“So I suppose that means we've got ourselves a deal.” With both hands resting inside his pants’ pockets, Shigeaki's previously aloof and uninterested demeanor was no more. His mood had improved and couldn't help but just smile.

She sighs her fingers plucking at the strings of her instrument as she plays a song of hope and destiny, “I will now grant you a gift child of earth. A gift in which will allow you the possibility of rebirth and a weapon in which will manifest from who you are and who you will be. The only thing you have to do, to receive this weapon is to simply close your eyes and… Think. Feel… and think. “ The goddess opens her eyes, a blue flame arising from her left and a pink one from her right. A ball of light forming in between the two as it hovers in front of them. The ball of light shifting shape until it rests onto a diamond form. The goddess then repeats once more, “Think of the love, of the hate, and feel the dirt of earth under your feet. “ The diamonded shaped light shines with a brightly that slowly becomes larger and larger until the light covers the both of them. Finally the goddess whispers, “Close your eyes child.”

Shigeaki had realized that he was mistaken. Death wasn't what was going to liberate him from the shackles that had bound him. It was the longing for life and willingness to try again. The moment he closed his eyes, Shigeaki was determined to finally let go of who he was and embraced what he wanted to stand for.

Despite his eyes being closed, he couldn't help but percieve what looked to be a sun. A bright scorching, but comforting sun that draw closer before engulfing him in a pillar of flame, searing away his attachments to the past.

He no longer needed to be conscious of his image; the ideal appearance that was expected from him and had to maintain was the first to go. His physique changed, growing larger, taller, more muscular, but was somewhat robust.

As he opened his eyes, the fire that was around him were no more, but for some reason, he still felt the calming warmth from deep inside him.

He know has massive hands, a bulbous nose, unkempt hair, thick brown skin, antler-like horns, and a deeper voice, but Shigeaki didn't care. This is what he asked for. This is what he died for.

“Honestly, things could be worse-ojika.” Shigeaki let out a hearty laugh as he took notice of his strange new body.

At that moment, Shigeaki decided that it was time to officially start anew. Shigeaki Hinihara was no more.

Facing the Aleala, flashed her a stupid grin. “Let's start over-jika. The name's Toppo-ojika.” The large moose man yelled out at the top of his lungs as he extended an open hand to the young Goddess.~

The goddess smiles, “Truly exceptional Toppo. Out of the souls I've greeted you have seemed to extend the crystals ability and reincarnated within the abyss. “ She lightly chuckles her song returning to a soft one. ~

Overjoyed with the Goddess’ kind words, he simply laughed. “I might sound like a broken record-jika, but what do we do now, Ms. Aleala-ojika?” Said Toppo with his large hands resting stop his larger belly. ~

The goddesses sternly stares at Toppo and then she closes her eyes “Careful, Toppo. Your mana energy is potent, flowing within your body yes- but may flood you. Once you depart into, Akohana be wary of those who oppose the beastclan as they too can sense your overwhelming mana. If caught into these peoples hands they will permanently turn you into a beast, a monster with uncontrollable rage. “

Toppo chuckled in response to the warning issued to him. This was not out of overconfidence or arrogance, but excitement for his adventure that was about to come.

“I appreciate the concern, Miss Alaela-ojika. I will remain wary of my surroundings-jika.”

“Alright then. Before you depart to Akohana is there any concerns you have? Questions? Experiences? “

Toppo smirked at the Goddess’ query, as if he had a mischievous thought in mind. “I suppose I have one-ojika. Is there any way of identifying others like me-ojika?” Masked by his laughter, was still cautiousness for what was about to come.

“The children of earth cannot hurt each other on Alohana. That is your only way of truly knowing. Is that all child of earth? “

Boisterous laughter was Toppo's initial response before bowing his head towards the Goddess. “Thank you, Miss Alaela-ojika.” ~

“Then this will be our final goodbye. “ The goddess lays her hands upon the strings of her instrument, finally she starts a song of foreboding, despair, and grief. The song plays until transitioning into a lighter and bouncer melody, representing optimism and faith. She plays for what seems like minutes until she suddenly stops. Toppo then begins to fall through the abyss, the goddess coming out of few as for the first few seconds all he could see is darkness. Then a light enveloped Toppo’s body and then… he wakes up in a forest.

Toppo hummed swaying his head and rocking his body along with the heavenly melody resonating from the Goddess. It was a glorious send off for the renewed Toppo. Waving goodbye as he fell through the abyss. “You have my thanks-jika. Until next time-jika.”

Be it challenges or an epic adventure, Toppo was more than prepared for the new world he was about to enter.

Takeshi doesn't know why but for some reason he feels completely calm. before he can wonder why though suddenly light wraps around him and is pulling him forward. Believing the whole thing to be a dream of some kind he doesn't resist. That believe quickly disappears when he realizes he can feel the air rushing past him as he moves faster and faster. By the time his surroundings are gone and he finds himself in the abyss he has to keep himself from panicking.

Luckily it doesn't take long before he is on solid ground and he takes a few deep breaths to try and calm down, something the echoing music somewhat helps with. Wanting to find the source of the music he spots a white haired woman.



Wanting to know what is going countless questions flash through Takeshi's mind and as such it takes a few seconds form to say anything. Eventually though he settles on what he believes the most important question that should clear things up. "What is this place and how did I get here?!" Despite his best efforts he still sounds a bit distressed.

The goddess in white sits in the middle of the abyss, a sole pillar of light illuminating her surroundings. An exotic instrument resides on her lap, her hands plucking at the seven strings of the instrument as she smiles towards, Takeshi, “Purgatory, child of earth. A space in which blocks out time. “

Not seeing any reason to refuse Takeshi slowly and cautiously walked up to the strange woman. "This is not a dream, is it?" Honestly he already knows the answer but hopes he is wrong and that she will reassure him this is all in his head.

“No. This is reality, please come and sit. “ The goddess plucks at a singular string of her instrument emitting a sharp sound. A low-rise wooden table would appear in front of her.

Since he has no clue what is going on Takeshi accepts her offer and sits down at the table. "So why was I brought here all off a sudden?" He knows he is being awfully direct but his curiosity and nerves are too strong to worry about politeness.

“Promptly after your death, your soul and twelve others was called to this world by the mightiest of magicians and gods of my world. A darkness threatens my homeland, Akohana-- it destroys and pillages the many cities and villages of my home. We called upon the souls of earth aid in the battle against darkness, hopefully eradicating them. “ The goddess sighs, “It’s been a tough battle, we’ve lost countless of lives to the darkness. “

The goddess shakes her head, her eyes levelling with Takeshi. “Will you accept this quest, child of earth? “

Takeshi is naturally surprised by what the woman said and ordinarily he wouldn’t believe a word of it but under these circumstances "Why me though? I’m not a warrior of any kind." Part of him just wants to refuse but on the other hand if he really can help save a different world, refusing would be not just stupid but also cruell. So he is willing to give her a chance to convince him he can help before making his decision.

“With the help of the great crystals that dominate my home, it chose who was going to be summoned. The light see’s something in you, a great potential that you may not see yourself, child of earth. “

"I really don’t see how I can help, but if you’re that certain I’ll agree." He really hopes he won’t let her down by failing miserably, as this is just too important.

“Now child, before anything else is continued would you request anything from me? “

While Takeshi has no idea who the woman is he also figures that they wouldn’t let just anyone recruit the saviors of this “Akohana’ so she no doubt has some resources behind her. After thinking it over for a few seconds he comes to a conclusion. "You wouldn’t happen to know what guns are, do you? I have never used a real one but I played several “games” where you use toy guns." Not the most accurate description of laser tag and paintball but it should get the point across.

“Guns are one of the many weaponry used to fight against the darkness. “ The goddess chuckles, “From what I’ve noticed you humans are awfully familiar with the structure our world, I’m sure you’ll adjust well in, Akohana. “

Well that certainly makes things easier, rather than spend hours trying to figure out what to ask for it seems Takeshi can just try and get something he at least some experience with. "Lets see, in that case would it be possible for me to get a gun that doesn’t require reloading? I mean I don’t have any currency to buy bullets with and all." If his request is impossible after all, he’ll probably ask for money instead next.

The goddess chuckles once more, “Do not worry child, with my gift you will be well equipped to fight the darkness. “ She shuffles around, finding herself into a more comfortable sitting position. With a stern pluck on the strings comes a wave of sound, her fingers move quickly over the seven stringed instrument, forming a soft melody. The sound causes a ball of light to form inbetween the two, floating down onto the table as it forms into the shape of a diamond, “Child of earth, are you prepared to accept this gift? “

"I have already said I would help and I’m not backing down now.” Curious Takeshi reaches out for the diamond shaped light with his right hand, making sure to be slow enough that the woman can stop him in case touching it is dangerous or rude or something.

“Child, now reach out to the crystal. For this gift all you have to do is think and feel. This gift will allow you to be reborn, it’ll create a weapon in which will be an extension of you, a reflection of who you’ll become. All you have to do is think of your desires, think of your family and home, now child of earth. ”Think. Feel… and think, dance with the crystal”. The crystal steadily grows a greater light every second until finally it consumes the both of them.

As the crystal engulfs them Takeshi tries to do what the woman said and just think, at first he wasn’t too sure what to think about but the promised gift kept popping up in his head. “Well like I said earlier a gun that doesn’t need reloading sounds like it could be very useful but what type? A revolver? No the “guns” I’ve used are more like rifles so that would be the best choice.” Not knowing about the different races that existed in the other world it never even occurred to him to become something other than human though if he had known he might have tried to become a dragon beast man.

“Wait didn’t she mention magicians? I wonder how hard it is to use magic, it would be cool to have something like that as well. No for now it’s best to keep things simple, maybe after I learn more about the world …” Hoping that was enough for whatever the white haired woman was planning Takeshi opened his eyes again.

The light would disappear as Takeshi opened his eyes, “Now you are connected to the great mana and stamina energies, this will prove useful to you against your fight against the darkness. “ The goddess would cough, “Now child of earth, before you depart for Akohana do you request anything of me one last time? “

”Honestly I can’t think of anything at the moment.” He wonders if there is a way to contact her if he needs something later on after all, or if that would just be rude. ”That said I’d like to know who you are, since I doubt they would let just anyone handle these summons.”

“I am Alaela. Goddess of the South Winds and one of the many protectors of Akohana. My master, Ulro has tasked me with guiding the souls of earth to Akohana. And if you are ever in need of my guidance simply find a temple that resembles my likeness. Now will that be all child of earth? “

In no other situation would Takeshi believe that he had been talking to a Goddess but once again this whole thing was crazy enough that anything seemed possible. N-no I’m good and ready to go, ma’am.”

“Now then child of earth, this will be our final goodbye. Are you ready? “

”As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Now then. “ The goddess closes her eyes, her hands returning to the strings of her instrument as she begins to play a soft melody that transitions into a calming song. The song grows louder each second that passes until finally she switches the tone of the song to something more foreboding and hopeless, “Child of earth. Good luck. “ She says with a whisper as she abruptly stops the song and then Takeshi begins to fall through the abyss, the goddess becoming out of view. He sees only darkness for a few seconds until he is enveloped by a light. Takeshi then awakes in a forest.
This time as he is falling through the abyss Takeshi doesn’t freak out like before seeing as he had done it before. Just like last time it doesn’t take very long before he finds himself in a different place, a forest this time. He wonders if the twelve others are nearby and if there is some way he can recognize them. He really should have asked Alaela about that but he just didn’t think about it. Oh well, no point crying over spilled milk. Moving slowly and listening for any big potentially dangerous animals he sets out on his journey.

After you die, you feel a moment of peace enveloping your body and then a light. The light shimmers all around you, wrapping across your appendages as they pull you forward. Faster and faster they pull you until suddenly your surroundings disappeared and shift to a black abyss. The light unwraps from your body as they settle you down onto the ground. And there you see a woman dressed in white, a soft light draping her body as she plays what looks to be a rectangular guitar.

The woman's hands strum over the strings of the item, producing almost ethereal sounds of music that echoes within the abyss that you stand in. She looks up to you and simply says,



Who would’ve known the afterlife was a black abyss. And one figure, playing a mournful melody.

”Are you Death?” He asked.

He wasn’t one for religion, but maybe in another life he could’ve been. And perhaps it would’ve been a safer bet to ask if the figure was God, but even if it was God, this wasn’t heaven, because his mother wasn’t here.

The goddess sat in the middle of the abyss, her hands tensed and focused as she strummed the seven strings of her instrument. A pillar of light shine down in the middle of the abyss, illuminating the goddesses surroundings. Her eyes moved towards the man and then finally spoke with a calm voice, “No, I am Alaela. Goddess of South Winds, one of the many protectors of my world, Akohana. “ She would bow her head towards the man.

He bowed back, waiting for her to continue. For a Goddess to bow to someone, he would think it meant a lot. Kindness should always be returned with kindness, reverence with due reverence.

She would begin to play a softer melody, quieter and less focused. The notes would blanket the abyss, “Please come close. “ Beckoning the man.

He stepped forward.

The goddess striked a singular string of her instrument, emitting a flat note and from that note a low-rise wooden table would appear in-between the two. “Sit, child of earth. “

He obliged. He was starting to think he should’ve asked more, but he was uncertain. What would you say to someone who appeared after you died? Was he worthy of knowing the answers to the questions he would ask?

“You may speak if you’d like. Take time, listen to the song, and think. I am patient. “ The goddess would speak in a soft-spoken town, closing her eyes after a few moments of silence.

”What am I doing here?”

“You’ve passed on and your soul has been beckoned here into the abyss. “

”What is the abyss?”

“A box. An emptiness a barrier that blocks out time. From this barrier it allows souls that are passing through to enter the abyss, though you are not a wandering soul. You’ve been called to the abyss. “

He connected the thoughts in his head.

”Then I’ve been… chosen for something.”

“Yes. My homeworld, Akohana is danger. After years of peace and prosperity a darkness seeks to ruin what we’ve built. This darkness grows within the crusts, Akohana. From its growth it births monsters of unspeakable evil, destroying everything in its path. From this panic the greatest of magicians and gods of my world casted a great spell which pierced the veil of planes allowing the souls of the fifteen planes to come forth. But only one plane answered to the calling, and it was yours. “

So death would not be the end. Though he had thought himself not afraid of dying, the realization he could continue a life brought no small relief.

”Will I be alone?”

“No your fight is not alone. Twelve others have been called forth and you included. “ The goddess stops to think for a moment, “As long as I am here, existing within this little space of mine my presence will always be there to guide you, if you do choose to accept the grand quest of defeating the darkness. “

”Of course,” He said, giving her a soft smile. To have a second chance was something he’d wanted to have for a long time. To see a different life lived. There was no end to the blessings he’d received in his life already, but for humans there is always greed, somewhere deep inside them.

He didn’t regret dying so early, but he did regret only just having begun to live after finally settling into a shape of himself he was satisfied with.

”Anything for you.”

The goddess tilts her head, “Child of earth, though I may be a goddess try not to put too much faith into those of divine presences, trusting those without strong support is dangerous and could easily lose your light due to open trust. From this I may ask you again, will you accept this quest? Even though you may not know what this evil may be nor the specific circumstances of your quest will you still fight against the evils that threaten millions of lives on my planet? “

”Of course,” He repeated, smiling again to himself.

This wasn’t about trust, but the fact that this Goddess had asked about his trust made her trustworthy in his eyes. Besides, he’d already left his other world behind, and how could he leave another world in peril when he was in a position to help?

The goddess would nod, “Well then. Before we begin, do you have any questions? Things you’d like to see on your homeworld before we begin? “

”...The only thing I’d like to see from my home world lies beyond even this life.” He said quietly.

The only thing he missed were the moments he couldn’t relive any longer, and he had moved on long ago. He’d decided then that he’d live for the moment and stop thinking about the past. All that mattered now was this.

“You yearn for completion do you not child of earth? To experiences what you had missed, what sights you couldn’t have seen do you not wish to do those things? To live a life that you couldn’t live? I can help you, I am patient and will wait. “ The goddess gives the man a warm smile.

Finally she smiled. It was as beautiful as he’d imagined.

”I’m ready,” He said.

“Well then. “ The goddess opens her eyes, revealing a glow blue hue almost as if blue flames had flooded out her eyes. “Child of earth you have accepted to fight a darkness in which most have run away from, a darkness that is powerful and could overtake nations. Child of earth you have been summoned along with twelve others to fight this darkness and if you stray from your quest if you ever waver from this quest then you will be punished and returned to the sea of souls. “

He nodded. The conditions left a bitter taste in his mouth but he understood the reason for them. It was by graciousness that he’d been saved from death, it was only right that they could revoke the privilege.

The goddess nods again, “Now then child of earth. I will give you a gift, a gift in which will aid you in your fight against darkness, a gift that will give you the chance at rebirth and a weapon that will manifest from who you are or who you will be. All you have to do is close your eyes and… Think. Feel. Child of Earth find the depths of your mind and sink. Feel the earth, and feel the love of your homeland. Think and feel, think… and feel. “ The goddesses voice vibrates growing louder as she repeats her verses, the sound fills the abyss until suddenly a glowing ball of light appears in-between the two. “Close your eyes, child of earth. “ She says quietly.

He could feel the undercurrent of the world somewhat, but it was vague and unfamiliar. Like he was waist deep in a river, rushing towards the edge of a waterfall.

He couldn’t imagine any other form than the one he’d had all his life, so then it appeared. This river was struggle. The waterfall was strife. Try as he might, in his current body he would be helpless, he needed power. His hands began to glow.

With one strike, he split the water. Instinctively, he jumped. The air underneath him coalesced and he took another step, and another, and another, until he was heading for a light that was all too blinding.

He opened his eyes.

The ball of light unravels, revealing strings of light which clustered into a ball. These strands of light become rapid, moving erratically until finally the strings of light form into a straight line, almost like an arrow. The straight line of light then shoots into Astrum’s body. “You are now connected to the great mana and stamina crystals these crystals will give you the energy to fight against the darkness. Now. Before we continue onto the next step, would you ask anything of me child of earth? Sights to see? Experiences to experience before you depart to Akohana? “

He shook his head.

”I’m ready,” He said, smiling one last time.

“Then this is our final moment, child of earth. “ The goddess returns her hands to the seven strings of her instrument, her fingers plucking each string of the instrument with a collective force as she melds notes together to create a song of foreboding followed by despair and lost hope and then rises to a high melody showcasing optimism, happiness, and hope. She plays with passion, her head bobbing as she followed the beat. And then suddenly she abruptly stops playing. Astrum begins to fall through the void, the goddess coming out of view as for a few seconds he is falling through the dark abyss until he enveloped with a white light and then… he awakes in a forest.

Astrum found himself in a forest, sitting down. He had his casual clothes on still, a black jacket and jeans.

The trees were familiar looking but he’d never seen a forest like this near where he’d lived. This was another world. A new world, new name, and a mission to fulfill.

The sunlight filtered down through the trees, bathing everything in a warm glow, but there was another heat inside him. A tingling in his fingertips, it felt like how he felt in the dream but a bit… less. He stretched out, it felt like he hadn’t used his body in a while. A thought rose to the surface.

”My name is… Astrum. Astrum Galliaster,” He said to himself, memorizing how it felt on his tongue.

That was his name. He wasn’t aware of when it changed, maybe he’d chosen it, maybe he’d been given it, but it was his name now. He would relish it.

”Alright, let’s test out this body,” He said, hopping up to his feet. Technically it was a new body, right? He doubted his original body on earth was in good condition.

He stepped up onto his toes and started practicing his footwork. He took a couple of swings with his fists.

”Muscle memory’s still there…” He said.

He tried out kicking as well. It wasn’t generally part of boxing, but he’d learnt how to kick a little from a friend of his uncle’s who was also in martial arts. He practiced a few high-kicks, a few mids and lows, and then a roundhouse.

It might’ve just been him, but he definitely felt a bit lighter on his feet.

”So I’m not alone.” He said, thinking back on his encounter with the Goddess. 12 people in total, he wondered where they were. It was possible that everyone was sent elsewhere, it seemed unlikely that everyone would be in the same forest to start with, but you never knew.

He started to walk. If there was someone, he may run into them, but if there weren’t it’d be good to get out of the forest to see where he was too.

One thing about his new name though, he didn’t know how it was going to feel to get called by it. Astrum sounded too lofty of a name for a boxer like him, it sounded more like a wizard’s name. Maybe he could go by Aster, or Galli, maybe. He liked Galli, actually.

Well, he’d see when he ran into someone else.

After you die, you feel a moment of peace enveloping your body and then a light. The light shimmers all around you, wrapping across your appendages as they pull you forward. Faster and faster they pull you until suddenly your surroundings disappeared and shift to a black abyss. The light unwraps from your body as they settle you down onto the ground. And there you see a woman dressed in white, a soft light draping her body as she plays what looks to be a rectangular guitar.

The woman's hands strum over the strings of the item, producing almost ethereal sounds of music that echoes within the abyss that you stand in. She looks up to you and simply says,



“W-where am I?” Yukino said, looking around the abyss confusedly.

A progression of chords echoed in the abyss, a goddess in white robes sat in the middle of the room with an exotic seven-stringed instrument laying across her lap. “Purgatory as you humans call it. “

“Curious… I didn’t think it would be so… bleak. You don’t look like the depictions of any god or goddess I know, who are you?” Yukino said, idly moving to standing at attention out of reflex and respect for a higher power.

“Child of earth I do not belong to your planes pantheon. As of you now you are standing in one of the many fifteen planes of this dimension, it would be understandable of why you do not recognize me. “

“So Dr. Feeney wasn’t crazy, we really do live as part of a multiverse. What are the other planes like?”

“Inhabitable. The only reason why this exists is because of the great crystal that protects us from the natural forces of the planes, it is still unknown why the plane of earth manages to exist without crashing into itself.”

“A crystal? How does a crystal do anything?” A sudden look of realization crossed Yukino’s face as she exclaimed. “WAIT! MAGIC! That’s the only way a crystal could do anything like that!”

“The crystal is a living being of whom generates massive amounts of magical energy that fuels a majority of the planets in this plane. “

“The crystal is alive? I really wish I had my journal with me, I need to document this. This is amazing!” Yukino said excitedly, bouncing on her feet.

“We-... “ The goddess coughed,” Are getting off track, child of earth.” The goddess shifts into a focused song, plucking the seven strings of her instrument with dedicated force. “For thousands of years my world, Akohana has been at my piece. Living in beautiful tranquility the inhabits of Akohana has been able to cultivate beautiful cities and magics. But, fifty years ago an evil had formed, planting seeds within the crusts of Akohana, growing monsters of terror and nightmare. These monsters pillage and destroy our once prosperous cities. And because of this danger the most powerful of magicians and gods worked together to cast a spell so powerful to pierce the veil of planes to beckon the souls of the lost, you are one of these souls child of earth. “

“So you need soldiers then?” Yukino asked, slightly smug before she snapped to attention and declared. “Captain Yukino “Seraph” Ayame of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force reporting for duty! I don’t suppose they have jets on your world?”

The goddess smiles, her song shifting back into a more polite and less forced song, “Airships are the predominant form of travel, though only nobles seem to use them. “ She coughs, her eyes leveling with the Captain, “Before we move on, I must ask. Is there anything you request of me? Anything you’d like to see before we begin the process of departure to Akohana. “

“Nothing I need to see, but I’d like to know more about these airships. How fast, how many crew, and can you pull off a Kulbit or a Cobra in them? I need to know how effective the air force is in your world, if I’m to best apply myself in this war.” Yukino said confidently.

“The mechanics of Akohana have yet to produce airships that provide battle capabilities. “

“I can fix that, easily. A proper air force is vital to winning any war, air superiority often turns the tide of battle vastly in the favor of those who control the sky.”

“You may find it difficult for you to produce such war machines in Akohana. Resources are very different from your homeworld, child of earth. “

“With enough time, some assistance, and the scientific method, nearly anything is possible. How many others are there like me, and are they combat ready?”

“There are twelve others, currently four or three have been dispatched into Akohana but time is stopped so you may appear at the same time as the others. “

“Are you sending soldiers like me or civilians?” Yukino asked, tapping her foot slightly.

“A mixture of both perhaps, I have yet to fully meet the thirteen. “

Yukino sighed heavily before saying. “Send me in, looks like I’ll have to whip some people into fighting shape so they can actually help win this war.”

“Hm… the souls may not be as compliant as you think nor the world you’ll be entering. “

“So what you’re telling me is you’re trying to force people into fighting a war they didn’t start and have no stake in?”

“The light has chosen the souls. Though you may disagree with the souls that were chosen, the light has specifically picked them to fight this evil. The children of earth have potential, and the light sees it. “

Yukino groaned before saying “I truly hope your ‘light’ isn’t sending children to fight, otherwise I may have to give it a stern talking to.”

The goddess nods, “The children of earth are a variety of ages, though no younger than fifteen. They may walk different paths from you but their paths will all lead the same direction and that is to defeat the evil that seeks to destroy Akohana. No matter what fashion they do their quest in as long as they can eradicate the evil then their mission will be complete. “

“FIFTEEN? Goddess, a fifteen-year-old child has no place on the battlefield. They don’t have the physical or mental strength to handle what happens on one.” Yukino said, absolutely astonished.

“Hm. I am not one to place judgment on the chosen, I will only guide them. “

“To their deaths,” Yukino said coldly before sighing once more. “I suppose it falls on me to try to keep them alive though, I wouldn’t be a member of the Self Defense Force if I didn’t.”

The goddess closes her eyes, slowly opening as they wander the abyss. “If there are to be children in the mix of the chosen, I hope that you will do your best to protect them, but also seem them as equals in the fight against darkness. As if they do not complete their mission their souls will return to the sea. “ Her song switches to a mellow tone, “I too question the light, but the light always finds ways to make me believe in it. I hope that you will find that chance to believe in it yourself. “

“We’ll see about that, Goddess. What’s the first thing we should do when we get to Akohana?”

“Hm. Let us begin our preparations. “ The goddess plucks at a singular string on her instrument, emitting a sharp note which envelops the room with its sound slowly becoming louder and louder until it fills the ears of Yukino. She then speaks her voice clearly cutting through the sound, “This gift I will bestow upon you will grant you knowledge for your travels, Akohana. It’ll give you a chance of rebirth and grant you a weapon that will manifest from who you are or who you will be, all you must do is close your eyes and… think. Feel… “ The goddesses voice echoes throughout the abyss, morphing into the sound of her instrument as she repeats, “Think and feel… “ A ball of light forms in the middle of the two, floating down onto the table as takes the shape of a diamond. The light begins to glow and as it glows the sound of her instrument disappears, leaving only her voice. “Spill your thoughts and emotion to this crystal and then you will receive this gift. “

Yukino focused inwards, saying out loud her thoughts as they came. “I need to be able to protect them from the filth rotting the world at its core. Clad myself in steel, become stronger than the armor and burdens I must bear. The only way to keep them alive, is to be able to keep myself alive. I must fight for the lives of all, the survival of all, push myself beyond the point of breaking. Evil may be hiding in plain sight, I need to be able to hunt it down and destroy it.” She paused, a cheesy grin appearing on her face as she said in a sing-song voice. “I’m fighting for my life yeah, I’m growing stronger now. Sink or swim, we’ll see what I am made of now. Beyond the reach of mere gravity, we’re here to save a life.” Yukino opened her eyes and declared. “No world will take the sky from me, remember that.”

After Yukino opens her eyes, the ball of light shoots into her body, disappearing within. “You are now connected to the great mana crystals, this will allow you to become one with Akohana and aid you through your travels as you explore. “

“When we win your war, do we get to go home?” Yukino finally asked.

The goddess stays silent for a few moments her eyes closed until she finally opens them, “The darkness is a culmination of corrupted energy from the mana crystals, though we do not have the power to take you home we may have that said power when you defeat the darkness. “

“That’ll have to do, anything else I need to do before I go?” Yukino said, clearly resigned in tone.

“No. Are you ready to depart then, child of earth? “
“Unless you have information that’ll be helpful in finding and defeating this darkness, then I suppose I am ready.”

“Then. This will be my final goodbye. “ The goddess smiles as her hands return to a more serious formation along her strange instrument, fingers plucking at the seven strings as she plays a melody of foreboding and unknown futures. She then begins to hum along to the sing, her head bobbing to the soft and mellow beat until suddenly she abruptly stops, the abyss shakes with a tense force, “Goodbye child of earth. “ Yukino then falls through the abyss, the goddess becoming out of view as she does and for a few moments all the woman can see is darkness until… light. Yukino finds herself in a forest.

Upon awakening Yukino immediately put a hand to her head, feeling her flight helmet still on and taking it off. She felt something fuzzy stuck in between her now ill-fitting flight suit and her skin. She then looked around, finding a nearby pool of water and rushed over to it. She stared in disbelief at her new form for a solid minute before quietly saying to herself. “I’m a catgirl now… well that isn't the strangest thing that could have happened I suppose. At least I look like I still have some muscle to me.” She then looked around and got her bearings. “No weapon it looks like, that CQC training may finally pay off.”

After you die, you feel a moment of peace enveloping your body and then a light. The light shimmers all around you, wrapping across your appendages as they pull you forward. Faster and faster they pull you until suddenly your surroundings disappeared and shift to a black abyss. The light unwraps from your body as they settle you down onto the ground. And there you see a woman dressed in white, a soft light draping her body as she plays what looks to be a rectangular guitar.

The woman's hands strum over the strings of the item, producing almost ethereal sounds of music that echoes within the abyss that you stand in. She looks up to you and simply says,



"E-eeh?"

When Lucian regained his consciousness, he wasn't in the remains of the car or the hospital as he would've expected.

Instead, he was in this some sort of a black abyss where he thought he should be falling, since there were no ground beneath him, but he wasn't. For some undiscernable reason, he could stand on the nothingness below him.

"W-what, where am I?" He looked around in panic. Realizing that his body wasn't hurting in the slightest, he quickly did a full body check of himself. Nothing. There were no wounds whatsoever.

"N-no wounds! H-how could there be no wounds?!"

Only then she noticed the woman dressed in white in front of him.

"W-who are you? Where is this?" he asked her.

The white haired woman looks up, her eyes slowly open, revealing a glowing blue hue. The goddesses hand picked along the strings of her instrument as she played a soft chord progression, “I am Alaela, Goddess of the South Wind. You are in the abyssal zone, a place closed off from time. “

All those words barely made any sense to him. Alaela? Goddess? Abyssal Zone? What in the world was she talking about?

“M-my name is Lucian,” he replied. He ended up introducing himself in the end for some reason. “A-and I still have no idea what you're talking about.”

The goddess continues to strum the strings of her GuQin, keeping a steady flow as she softly plucks the strings of her instrument. She could tell the man was confused and scared, “You have passed away. Your soul has been beckoned across another plane and now you are here, with a choice. The choice to live or the choice to pass on. “

The man looked down in despair. “S-so I really did die.” He had suspected it in the back of his mind. That this was some sort of an afterlife. But he denied it until the goddess revealed it to him.

“Ha… hahahahaha… ahahahahaha!”

He began laughing, almost like a maniac.

He couldn't believe it. His life; his short, unfulfilling life, just ended like that. With no fanfare. With no triumph. Just from a mere accident that everyone would forget.

He then stopped his laugh; tears swimming in his eyes.

“And now you ask me whether I want to live or pass on. Well, here's my answer. I refuse to return back to my old life! I'd rather pass on and reincarnate or something. Yeah, an animal is fine. Might be nice living such a mindless life,” he told the goddess.

“Forgive me for asking but do you feel vengeful in away? A certain spite for the place you’ve lived in? “ The goddess didn’t understand human emotion, she didn’t know why these specific souls felt the way they did, maybe this man might be the answer.

“Spite?” the boy answered with a chuckle. “The only spite I have is towards myself. I… didn't have a fulfilling life. I wish I could blame the world for it but I know that deep down, it's my own fault.”

Alaela nods, her eyes pouring out a blue energy as she stares at the man’s eyes. She could see a broken man behind his shell, a shell of flesh that covered a burdened soul. “Maybe this will be your chance at redemption, a chance at living a life in which brings a kind of excitement and joy that you’ve never felt. Maybe this will be your reset. “ The goddess tilts her head smiling once more as she continues to play shifting the tone of her instrument to something more inquisitive.

The man looked up in disbelief. “Y-you're giving me… a second chance?”

“Yes. If you do say yes I’ll guide you through the process of transporting you to a new life but if you say no your soul will peacefully be guided to the sea of souls in which you’ll bask under the great crystal-- our gods light. “

“Then… I'll answer with a yes,” he replied with a sudden determination. “I'll try again. And hopefully I would do better than my old life,” he added with a self-deprecating grin. He had no idea about the whole gods thing but if he could have his second chance, he promised that this time, he would live his life in the fullest, even if he had to go against society to do so.

“Well then. Let me debrief you on the current situation at hand. Currently the world in which beckons your soul is Akohana, a planet connected to the great crystal in which acts as our main deity. Akohana faces a great threat, a darkness that lingers the planets corners and with its greed it chooses to invade. With the help of your soul and twelve others you will be tasked with fighting this darkness. “

“Do you still accept? “

He paused. He couldn't answer right away. Great darkness? And he had to fight and defeat it? Such an outrageous thing. He was no hero. And twelve others? He was never good with cooperating with others.

But in the end, he accepted anyways.

Not because he felt he could do it. But because it was his only chance at redemption.

I just hope she wouldn't give me divine retribution if I ever decide to abandon her quest, he thought with a chuckle.

“Fine. I accept.”

“Yes. You will receive divine retribution if you do ever fade from the quest. “ The goddess smirks plucking at the strings of the GuQin changing to the tone of her song to something more stern and intimidating, “I have high hopes for you, child of earth. If you do complete this grand mission then you… will be compelled with another great choice. “

“W-wait, you can read my mind?” he blurted out, both in shock and fear. Oh crap I shouldn't have thought that!

“Do not worry child of earth, though you may have malicious intent as long as you don’t stray from your quest you will not be punished. “

He couldn't help but sigh in relief hearing that.

“Back to the topic at hand-- now that you’ve accepted the quest you will receive a gift that will benefit you as you travel through the lands of Akohana. “

“A-a gift?” he replied, not sure what kind of “gift” she would give to him.

“This is the simple part, child of earth. “ The goddess stops playing, reaching out her hand to the man in front of her. A crystal forms from within her sleeve, its shell shaped like a diamond, glowing with a myriad of colors. “This gift is an extension of yourself, a reflection of what you are or what you will become. For this all you have to do is feel and think, think of what you want, what you desire the most. It can range from anything to a powerful ability or to weapon of great destruction. The choice is yours, child. Now think. “

He took the crystal as gingerly as he could. He stared at it as the goddess explained what it was. He thought as hard as he could, on what he really wished for his new life.

Of course, I wish for a fulfilling life. That is my main wish.

But other than that, I…

His thought began to drift to his hidden desire. How he secretly wished for a female form.

Blushing, he began to think, I wish I could be reborn as a female. A-a cute one of course. A really pretty one. A dignified, noble-type kind of girl…

He began imagining in his mind the ideal female persona he would love to become.

She would be serious… analytical… yet kind at the same time…

He began to think of what kind of ability that would suit her. Magic-oriented, obviously. And since she's supposed to be smart…

The ability to analyze everything and anything. Not only it would help a lot for tackling a strange new world, she could also end up acting like a wise sage or some sort… o-or even a successful businesswoman…

Those thoughts swirled in his mind. And they were clearly transmitted to the crystal.

The goddess watched as the crystal lost its form, light unravelling from the broken shell as it spilled out. The light took form as a singular string, wrapping around the man. The light danced along the man’s skin forming and merging with his body until the light was gone. The remains of the crystal blew away, turning into dust as its remnants fell into the deep abyss below them.

“You are now connected to the great crystal, because of this connection you are now able to use what we call mana/ or magical energy. “

“Mana, huh?” he replied. “Makes sense. I have to be able to use magic after all.”

“Surprisingly you were only supposed to wish for an extension that relates to a weapon, but you’ve managed to complete almost everything on my check list which relates to reincarnation into another body. All that’s left is choosing your class. “

“Magician, of course,” he replied confidently. “I've always wanted to be a mage ever since I was a kid,” he added with a light blush.

“Hm… you earth children are awfully familiar with the systems of our world. Does your world have a ruling god? “

“...Well, let's just say it's quite the hot button issue that I don't really want to talk about,” he said to her cheekily.

“Hm. I shouldn’t question the integrity of the children of earth. Currently one has already been sent out to Akohana. The girl lays within a forest most likely unconscious, do wake her up for me. “ With that the goddess raises her hand once more a light escaping from her white sleeves. “Are you ready to depart, child? “

“Yes, yes I am,” he replied with a confident smile.

“Be warned child of earth, there are dangers unknown to you. Always step with a careful foot. “ The goddess nods for a final time as the light from her sleeves wraps around the man, engulfing his body until he disappears.

He embraced the light, closing his eyes as it enveloped him in its warm embrace.

And then, as if it was just all a dream, he woke up.

He smelled the scent of grass beneath him. Immediately, he sat up, groggily looking around at his new surroundings.

“This is… a forest? Oh yeah she told me I would go here…”

He stood up, dusting the grass and dirt of his clothes.

And only then, he noticed how his body was clearly wildly different.

N-no way… could it be?

Wide eyed, he immediately fondled the two mounds on her chest.

B-breasts! They're actual, flesh and blood breasts! And they're attached to my body!

He began rubbing his entire body. Sure enough, it was slimmer and softer than his usual body. And his hair was much longer. And brown instead of black.

And his little guy wasn't there between his legs.

He had turned into a female.

T-this is… the gift given by the goddess?

After you die, you feel a moment of peace enveloping your body and then a light. The light shimmers all around you, wrapping across your appendages as they pull you forward. Faster and faster they pull you until suddenly your surroundings disappeared and shift to a black abyss. The light unwraps from your body as they settle you down onto the ground. And there you see a woman dressed in white, a soft light draping her body as she plays what looks to be a rectangular guitar.

The woman's hands strum over the strings of the item, producing almost ethereal sounds of music that echoes within the abyss that you stand in. She looks up to you and simply says,



The boy looked around, slowly taking in his environment. His expression wass neutral and his face betrayed no emotion. But his eyes were sharp and focused, devouring the landscape before him with a quiet intensity. Eventually he turned his gaze to the woman and opens his mouth to speak.
"What the fuck?"

That was the only rebuttal the boy, Alphonse, could think of. Moments ago he had been dead - of that he was certain. He wasn't sure how he knew, or how it happened, but it had happened. Or had it? He was here, seemingly alive, face to face to face with a stranger. There was nothing around him, no walls, no ceiling, no clouds sun or rain, not even the floor he was standing on. There was only him, and the woman.

Alphonse wasn't one to swear, he did it on accident when he got too emotional, or when he was fooling around with friends. He hadn't meant to respond to the woman's greeting like that, but nothing less seemed appropriate. He didn't get surprised easily, but now he was completely bewildered. What had happened to him? What was happening to him?

She sat in the light, basking in the illuminated area. Her hands carefully plucking the strings of her instrument which laid flat on the ground in front of her. She could hear the mans thoughts of confusion, a little of distress, and bewilderment and so she responded in a calm tone, “Child of earth, you have arrived in what you know as purgatory.”

He looks around again, brows furrowed.

“What do you mean purgatory?” He asked incredulously. “It doesn't look like - well I guess I haven't been to purgatory before…”

Alphonse scratched his head awkwardly. The woman's answer had done little clarify his situation.

“In this space, you are confined in a box in which creates the abyss, the abyss stops time and allows souls to be caught into the abyss. You are one of the many souls that have been not caught but called into the abyss.”

“Alright, hold on a second.” Alphonse said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
The woman had explained many things but he had understood nothing. And for some reason, his head was starting to hurt.

“What'd you just say to me? A bit simpler, please.”

“Hmmm.. “ The goddess looked over to her right, thinking for a moment until finally speaking, “You are… hmm… you’ve been called to this place shortly after your death. This place is called purgatory. “ She had repeated herself finding a way to make the abyss a much simpler concept, “Purgatory is a space in which stops time around it allowing the deceased to pass into to be judged, usually but for your case, you won’t. Instead, I’ll be giving you a choice. “

Alphonse heard the woman speak, but he was fixated on only one thing.
“So I'm dead.” He said flatly. “How did I die?”

“A robbery had occurred, you simply were caught in the fray and had been fatally shot by the robber. You were taken to the local hospital but they weren’t quick enough to save your fleeting life force. “

He frowned.
“That seems… a bit unlikely. And rather violent.”
He felt like he would've remembered being shot, especially in that place. But he didn't. He didn't remember much of anything.

“Your memories were taken and filled in with blanks to avoid any ‘turbulence’ as you arrived in purgatory. Those with traumatic experiences in this abyss don’t mix together and often cannot recover from their trauma. I could give the memories back if you’d like.”

“That isn’t really the problem here.” He said, crossing his arms. “If I’m really dead then I don’t really need to remember it, but right now I have no reason to believe anything you say.”
The boy spread his arm out, as if greeting the empty space they inhabited.
“Even if everything is like this… I have no idea if I’m really dead. If I’m really in purgatory. And most importantly...”
He folds his arms back to his chest.
“I have no idea about you.”
He had died, or rather, he had felt like he had died. But there were too many loose ends. If she could give his memory back then what else could she do? It was entirely possible this woman had implanted him with the idea that he died.

“I understand that you cannot trust me, but you must. I am no evil, I am no entity that will harm nor manipulate a soul without cause. I am simply a goddess, a lower goddess, but still a goddess. If there is anything I can do to relieve your suspicious then I will do so. “ The goddess closes her eyes, strumming soft notes of progression along her instrument.

The boy tilts his head to one side, still frowning, as if to think for a bit.
“Well... for starters, you could tell me why you’re here. And what I have to do with that - it doesn’t sound like we’re in a good place.” He said.

“As said before I am a lower god, meaning there is a hierarchy within my pantheon and because there is a pantheon with a hierarchy I have a master. My masters name, a higher ranking god is known as Ulro, god of the raining flame. I serve under his orders where, to guide the souls of the twelve to, Akohana and if I fail… “ The goddess trail’s off looking into the abyss for only a few moments, “I am not certain of the consequence. But I hope the knowledge that I’ve given you has satiated your concerns. “

It hasn’t.
The boy resisted the urge to say that because it knew it wouldn’t help. Nevertheless the displeasure was plain on his face.
“Could you at least tell me why, then? Why you need me?” He asked the goddess.

“I don’t know. The light has chosen you and I do not know how the light works, mysterious as it is I must accept his choices as they eventually workout for the better. “

For a moment the boy simply stared at the goddess. Finally, he sighed and lowered his eyes.
“So what you’re telling me, is that you can’t tell me much.” He said flatly.
He put his hands into his pockets and began pacing the area, mulling the facts over in his head.

“My benefactor is a mysterious one, but his guidance has always helped the gods and my homeworld for the better. I understand if you do not want to comply, though a simple reminder is that if you decline you will not be returned to your home but to the soul of sea’s where all souls will eventually go. “

The boy listened to her words but did not give them much mind. If what she said was true it was fairly obvious that he didn’t have a way to return to his old life. That hadn’t been an issue for him. Then all that was left was -
“There’s one thing you haven’t told me.” He said, coming to a stop. He turned to face the goddess and ask one of his final questions.
“If I do agree to all this, what am I getting out of it?” He asked plainly.
His frown was gone, replaced with an expression devoid of emotion. But his eyes were as focused as they were at the beginning.

“A chance to live a second life. A chance to cultivate friendships and experience things you haven’t. Second lives are almost impossible for human souls… “

“...Could you put me back? When whatever it is I need to do is over, could you put me back to where I was?”
The boy’s face betrayed no emotion, no desire. His eyes remained unwavering.

“No. The sea of time and walls of the planes are hard to pierce, the spell cost is too much even with the help of gods and the most powerful magicians. After you finish your request you may either choose to live in Akohana or pass on to the sea of souls. You could either live another live or live in the sea of souls basking in the great light.

The boy sighed. He had expected as much. He still held the hope that this would be a dream or something else - If he had died but was still here, then this was a world where the impossible could be made possible. He had a choice to make, but with what he could glean, his decision was already made.
“Fine, I guess.” He said, scratching his head.
He wouldn’t mind being dead. But if he could be alive then he would be alive, because that meant there would be something he could do.
“Take me there, then. To Akohana.”

The goddess sighs in relief, “Forgive me-- but before we begin is there anything else you’d like to ask of me? I would like to make sure that you are comfortable when you depart to Akohana. “

The boy puts a hand to his chin and ponders for a moment.
“Well, nothing in particular.” He says, thinking.
After a moment he begins to stare at the goddess.
“I suppose there is one thing. Who are you, exactly?”
It wasn’t something of great relevance, but regardless he felt like he should know who he had talked to.

“Alaela. Goddess of the South, one of the protectors of Akohana. Will that suffice or should I tell you of my origins, child of earth? “

He shrugged. He was a little curious, but decided against it. He was done asking questions, he didn’t feel like he needed to know more.
“It’ll do, I guess. I don’t think I really need to know your story.”

“Alright then it is decide. For the ending of this, I shall give you a gift. A portion of my power that will give you the chance at rebirth, it’ll give you a weapon that will be a representation of who you are or who you will be. All you need to do is close your eyes and, think. “ Her words suddenly became louder, “Feel… and think. “ The goddesses fingers began to strum along her instrument, playing a soft melody that enveloped the room and from this song came a ball of light, forming in between the two of them as it cascaded down onto the table, “Child of earth think of the love, and feel the earth beneath your feet. “ She closes her eyes once more, the ball of light taking shape as a small diamond.

A small frown appeared as the goddess raised her voice but nevertheless the boy closed his eyes. What was he to think about? What was he to feel? He tried to recall what had happened to him prior to his alleged murder. Most of the day was a blank but he remembered the morning, playing games like usual. He thought back to the day before, then the day before that, and the one before that. Days, weeks, months, and years went by until the tapestry of his life shimmered before him.
How dull. He thought.

He had been like any child when he was young, full of energy and ambition. But somewhere along the way that shining brilliance had began turning grey, and it had seemed as if that grey would stain the rest of his life. Still, he lived. He had pushed aside those feelings and lived. He had often mused on what he’d wanted from his life but he had never carried the thought much further. Now he thought deeply about it. What had he been trying to live for? And all at once, the answer came to him.

The boy opened his eyes.

Strands of light broke out from the crystals’ shell, pieces of the shell falling onto the table as light begins to unravel from the light. The strands of light break out of the crystal’s shell and then quickly shooting into the man’s body. Then there was no light, simply the remnants of the light’s shell resting on the wooden table. “You are now connected to the great mana and stamina crystals, with your gift you will be able to perform abilities in which humans aren’t able to. “ The goddess returns to a softer song.

The boy examined his body, wondering what the light had done to it.
“Seems like I’m not that different.” He said.
He seemed to have become a little younger, although that could’ve been just him. He did feel different. He wasn’t sure what it was just yet, but he had an inkling of what had happened.
“These moments will be the final moments we have together child of earth, are you ready? “

The boy opens and closes his hands, testing their feeling. He stretches his arms and then brushes himself off.
“Ready as I’ll ever be, I suppose.” He responds. “And you can call me Alhponse if you want.”

“Alphonse. “ She closes her eyes for a moment, “This will be our goodbye then. “ The goddess begins to hum a soft song and then seconds later she begins playing, her fingers lightly plucking the seven strings of her instrument as she plays a song of foreboding, loss, and then slowly shifts into a hopeful song of optimism. The song becomes louder, filling in the silence of the abyss as she plays, her hums growing louder until she suddenly stops. Alphonse begins to fall through the abyss, the goddess coming out of view until all he can see is darkness. What seems like seconds he then is enveloped by a light, he then awakes in a forest.

Alphonse looked around. Green as far as the eye could see, and not a person in sight. He looked down at his hands.
“I think I have grown younger.” He said aloud.
His own voice confirmed it.
How Intriguing.

The boy began to stretch again. He looked the same as he had always been, for the most part, but he had never felt like this before. He remembered the goddess mentioning him being linked to mana and stamina crystals, perhaps they were the reason for what he could feel.
I suppose I should thank her, if I see her again.
After all, that would only be polite.

Alphonse finished up his warm up, cricking his neck before stretching his fingers out in front of him.
“Alright then, let’s do this.”
With that he took off with a light jog into the forest, in search of others like him.

Agatá looked around confused, this whole thing had been so sudden, one moment she is walking down the street, as elegantly as ever, and then bang, she was in some sort of dark tunnel, stuck in it as she was spirited away into some sort of light filled clearing. She, of course, did not take that kindly.

"What the shit?" she barked, looking around angry and confused. "Where the hell am I? And you, over there, with the white hair and the string thing! Who are you?"

The goddess simply smiles, staring at Agata with piercing eyes. She sits in the middle of the abyss, on her knees as she plays a seven-stringed instrument which lays flat on her lap. “Come close child of earth and all your questions will be answered. “

The woman blinked rapidly and winced, raising her hands with her palms open. “Wow, wow, what is with that hippie talk? Don’t try to act all wise when the wise thing is to give the answers to someone who is asking them.”

“Then I will not answer. “ The goddess close’s her eyes, her hands resting over her instrument as she waits for the woman to come close.

The woman started at the other for a few moments, growing increasingly annoyed, though thanks to her powerless position, she had no option but to begrudgingly walk towards the goddess, trying to stomp at the floor as she did but getting no results, soon, whether she wanted or not, she had complied.

The goddess smiles and as the woman steps closer a table appears in-between the two. “Please, sit. “ Her hands then return to her instrument, strumming a soft chord progression and then melding it into a soft-toned song.

Agatá looked down at the goddess, shaking her head, not saying she wouldn’t sit down, but just analysing this weird situation she had got herself in. With a grunt, she sat down, crossing her legs, one hand resting near her knee. “Okay, are you happy now?” she barked.

“Thank you child of earth, I am, Alaela. Goddess of the South Winds and one of the many protectors of my homeland, Akohana. I welcome you to, purgatory. “

The annoyance of the woman continued as she spoke, turning slowly into confusion as the woman presented herself as divinity before she went wide eyed at the word purgatory. “Purgatory? P-purg…” she took a heavy breath. “Why am I am here? Oh crap don’t tell me it's why I think it is.”

“And what do you think it is, child of earth? “

She rose her hand up to her temple, rubbing it. “Well, typically, you just get into this sort of limbo if you die, but… come on… how can I be dead? I for sure do not remember dying and I am always so careful! This must be a mistake, someone messed up the divine paperwork or the like...”

The goddess closed her eyes, “Child of earth or should I say Agata? You’ve received death in the most unlikely way, a stray projectile had hit you, fatally wounding you and causing your soul to escape your body. “

“I got shot!?” she said, rising up slightly. “Ah damn… crap… I freaking knew this could happen… you just never know, and I was in the gated area even… crap… I should have moved to a safer place but it made business and study so much harder…” she shook her head multiple times, rubbing it harder. “What now?”

“Before we begin, would you ask anything of me? Would you like to see your home, relatives, or places before I ask you a very important question? “

She looked nervous now. “W-well… Is there a way to go back? In time maybe? Take another path to the street?” she bit her lips. “I mean, I am gonna assume you cannot be bribed to help me out here a little bit… right?” the answer was obvious, but she was desperate.

“Time flows easily on this plane but on the plane where the earth is… time is like a tsunami, harsh and rough and hard to control. Even with the amount of gods and goddesses my homeland has they would not be able to overcome the harsh sea of time on your plane. All I can give to you is the sight to view the timeline of earth and everything on its plane, would you like to see?

“Aww man… I don’t want to see my family. I hate being emotional in front of others… I will break down.” she said, placing a hand in front of her face. “Though…” she continued. “I can see anything? anywhere? Into the future? Into the past?”

“Anywhere and anytime. And all of you have to do is close your eyes. “ So then, the goddess began to play a soft song. The song would envelop the abyss, filling in every crevice until no sound could be heard but the song. She focuses her eyes onto, Agata. Glowing with a bright blue hue, “Feel the earth, child. Let your memories seep into your bones. “

“Right…” she closed her eyes and focused, her mind going to the things that truly bothered her over her life, those scars of the distant past…

“I KNEW IT!” she suddenly burst in anger. “I always knew she was the one who had stolen my trading cards back in second grade, SHE NEVER FOOLED ME! To say she didn’t know on my face… what a…” she stopped herself, she was now wary of cussing in front of an actual bonafide goddess.

“Okay! Next… ohh, moon landing, I gotta see that one live and in color.” Agatá would continue to mess up with those powers, witnessing all sorts of things she knew from history, spying on quite a few people, looking at the future and seeing the fate of her company, her nation, the planet, and then going from those bleak moments straight to checking out gadgets and famous actors. However, she still avoided family until the very end, when she just remembered a short moment in a vacation long long ago. It was a nice moment, they had visited the airport and there was an air show, back then her parents didn’t mind her interests...

“Well… I think I am done. It felt like years since I closed my eyes, wow…”

The goddess would return to a quiet piece, her fingers lightly strumming the strings. “Humans are interesting people. Only if--... “ The goddess would cough as she looked up towards, Agata. “Now, are you ready for why you are here? “

“Cause I died, no?”

“That is not the reason. “

She tilted her head and crossed her arms. “Well... what is the reason then?”

The song shifts into a serious tone, “For years my homeland has experienced tranquility and peace. Living under a time in which allowed us to advance into greater magic and technologies until a seed began to grow within the crust Akohana, these seeds bored children of darkness that resembled monsters of terror and nightmare. These monsters destroyed and pillaged hundreds of cities and villages, killing innocents in the process. Due to this mass panic, the greatest of magicians and gods gathered to cast a great spell which invoked the souls of the fifteen planes. Though only one answered and that was yours. “ The goddess sighs as she stops playing for a moment, allowing the silence to fill the room, “Twelve souls, including yours, were chosen by the light to fight against this darkness. Will you accept a grand quest in killing this darkness and saving, Akohana from destruction? “

The woman had been immersed in the story but when it reached past the fourth wall to bring her in she reacted by wincing. “Me? Are you for real?” she questioned, gasping. “Like, what can I even do? I am pretty good at punching and kicking and the likes, but that is in comparison to the average human businessman. Mind wise, I have what? A few years of good education and a degree in business?” she looked back at the goddess very confused. “Did I just happen to be the one who died today or was this truly a handpicked call?”

“The light has handpicked you and twelve others to fight against the darkness. Though you may not see your potential, the light does and it sees the greatness that has yet to be unlocked. “

She nodded at that, and then smirked. “Yeah, you know what, you are likely right, I sure got a lot of potential.” as the shock of the revelations was dealt with, she started to go back to her normal self. “I mean, my history so far had been a constant succession of success, I can see why I would be picked…” she stopped herself and looked back at the goddess. “You managed to get me very interested, Alaela. Never thought I would say this about a topic as dreary as evil hordes… but I am very curious about what I am supposed to do in this scenario.”

“You have a choice. You can either accept the grand quest of defeating the darkness or pass on into the sea of souls where you bask in the great light. “

“Yes yes, I accept the grand quest, seesh, you are so formal about your wording. No wonder the south winds are rarely cool.”

The goddess laughs, “Now then. For this, all you have to do is close your eyes and think. The gift I am giving you is a fraction of my power, and this power will allow you to become reborn and gain a weapon in which will aid you in your fight against darkness. “ Her hands become tense, plucking each string with restraint as she begins to play a song of lost hope and slowly this lost hope is returned, she plays with emotion and feeling, humming along to the song until finally, a glowing white orb forms between the two, taking form as a diamond-shaped crystal. “Now then… Hear my song, child of earth. Think of you who you are and what you will become. Feel my song and its pressure. Feel, child. Feel and think. “ The crystal begins to grow with a bright light, her voice growing along with the intensity of the brightness until the light envelops the both of them. “Close your eyes child… “

Agatá trembles a bit now that it was really happening, she started to overthink but as soon as she closed her eyes her focus shifted to the visions that started to appear. Deep in the water she saw a silhouette, it was small but nimble, it looked like a girl, but she was weird, she had a pair of horns growing on her head and a long smooth tail, she was unlike anyone she had seen before, yet she also felt so familiar now. She moved from the water to the land, and then she started to run, chasing something? Escaping? Playing? Agatá could not tell, but she felt thrilled. A large ravine appeared, cutting the forest, the jump was impossible for someone to make, even a weird girl like her, but as she got close, her body shone, energy flowing, and when she jumped, she suddenly shot forward, it was as if she was flying, not literally, but she had such power and freedom in that moment as she crossed the gap in a second. When she landed, Agata’s eyes and the girl’s eyes met, and they were one and the same.

The business woman opened her eyes with a very confused look. “Whoa, that was freaky! There was this speedy weird horned girl… and stuff. Felt like a deja vu!” Agatá said as she looked back at the goddess.

Alaela chuckles, her eyes low and almost sorrowful though they almost instantly jump back up to wide-eyed look, “Child of earth, these will be our last few moments together and in these last few moments do you request anything else of me before you depart? “

“Oh… I am not seeing you in the new world? That is a shame, I was starting to get used to your company.” she said. “Hmm, last wishes? Can you send dreams to humans on Earth? Cause if you could tell Melissa Abril she is an absolute jerk, that would be nice.”

“Maybe I will. “ The goddess attempts her first wink, though semi-fails. The left side of her face scrunching up as she does with her right following. “Eh… “ She laughs with a hollow chuckle before returning her eyes to Agata, “Now then. Child of earth, this will now be our final goodbye. “ She closes her eyes, beginning to strum a soft melody on her seven-stringed instrument, playing a song of foreboding, the song growing in volume after every second until she suddenly stops. Silence filling the room until Agata begins to fall through the abyss, the goddess coming out of view. The woman feels nothing for a few seconds, only air until a light envelops her body and then… she wakes up in a forest somewhere in Akohana.

“U...ugh.” Agata said. “Ouch, my everything hurts, my hands, my head, my stomach, my tail…” she stopped for a few moments, looking at the sky over her, and the canopies, hearing the birds sing… “Wait, TAIL?”

She jumped up and immediately twisted herself so she could see behind her, seeing that indeed, she had a tail. She tensed up and it wobbled in a weird way, causing her to squirm and raised her head. Before she could spit her “what the crap” sentence, she felt her hand touched something on her forehead, looking up and pressing around, she found a pair of horns. “What… the... “ her eyes were wide.

“I am just like that weird girl now, what did that goddess do?” she rose her arms to the sky and before she could continue her rant she could not help but to feel how light they felt, in fact, she started to feel her own body, touching around it and noticing how thin she had become, like very thin. “What… Where are my muscles? My toned body? I wasted so much time on that... I want a refund!”

After some moments though, she started to feel a bit better. Her body was light and flexible, it was very different from the tall and imposing one she had on earth, but it was not worthless after all. She stretched around a bit, trying to truly feel as she did so, doing a few short jumps as well.

“Hmm… I guess my human body wouldn’t have lasted long in this world. I needed to be quicker, but I wonder if…” she glanced at tree isolated in the forest clearing she was in, calmly, she walked to it and delivered a punch, which cause some significant damage, but at the same time, she was not used at all to the pain that followed the delivery of a strong hit against a hard object.

“OUCH! This hurts…” yet when she saw the cracked tree log, she couldn’t help but to smile. In that moment of proudness, she looked down to pick a wood chip that flew after the punch, near it, she noticed a puddle and in the puddle she saw her reflection, it was the familiar face of the girl she had seen in the music induced dream, her eyes went wide.

After you die, you feel a moment of peace enveloping your body and then a light. The light shimmers all around you, wrapping across your appendages as they pull you forward. Faster and faster they pull you until suddenly your surroundings disappeared and shift to a black abyss. The light unwraps from your body as they settle you down onto the ground. And there you see a woman dressed in white, a soft light draping her body as she plays what looks to be a rectangular guitar.

The woman's hands strum over the strings of the item, producing almost ethereal sounds of music that echoes within the abyss that you stand in. She looks up to you and simply says,



Julia blinked, unable to speak for a moment. When she finally could, it was not much, nor was it enough to get out all of the thoughts whirling in her brain.
“W-where am I?”

The goddess simply smiles, her fingers dancing across her seven-stringed instrument. “Purgatory as you humans call it. “

She blinked again. Purgatory - so she was dead. Or perhaps just in some kind of coma, but from the fragmented memories of squealing wheels and several resounding snaps, the former was more likely. Dead.
“Is there no judgement? I guess if you’re a god, then, this is it, but…” Julia trailed off. This was certainly different from the religions and afterlife she had been brought up with.

The goddess nodded, her eyes observing the womans form, “Your plane does not have any gods to serve judgement. “

“I see,” she replied simply, not seeing at all. “What am I here for? I mean, I don’t think I’m much fun to keep you company for an eternity, or whatever.”

“You are here because your soul and twelve others has been beckoned by the mightiest of magicians and gods from my world to fight an evil that seeks to destroy my homeland, Akohana. “

“T-that sounds like a made up word,” Julia mumbled under her breath, before continuing a little louder. “But jeez, magicians? This has got to be some kind of joke. Can- can I just go back?”

“Child of earth, it is sad to say but I cannot return you to your home. Travel across the planes is a difficult job and requires the finest of gods to cast a spell of such power. “

“If that’s how it is. But, um, would you be able to check something back on my, uh, plane? I guess if you can’t then that’s it, would be nice though.”

“Yes. Of course. “ With a warm smile, the goddess plucks at singular string on her instrument that emits a sharp note, “Child of earth, listen to the sound. Hear my calling, find a path, feel the earth, and think of love. Find yourself of where home is. “ The sound of the note becomes louder and louder as she repeats the verse, the sound soon filling in the ears of Julia, her eyes becoming a gray color, “Now. Close your eyes, child.“

She closed her eyes, and all of a sudden, she was home again. On Earth, in her apartment, in her living room. It was dark except for the headlights that peeked through the curtains, and the glow of a phone that showed nothing but a picture of two people, one of them blonde, the other with brown hair and striking blue eyes. The phone rested on the latter’s chest, as he lay on the sofa, stroking a ball of fur with trembling hands. It nuzzled against him in return. She saw him, a vision of sorrow, but he could not see her. Perhaps he never would again. The clock on the wall told them both it was late, too late to be awake, but his eyes were open, tears spilling from them like water. Her throat felt sore.

”I love you,” she thought to the man, though she knew he could not hear her. ”I want you to be happy. You don’t deserve this. I’m sorry.”

With that, Julia’s eyes shot open, filled with a deep sadness. Her voice cracked as she spoke, though she offered a strained smile. “Thank you, uh, god lady. I guess I’ll help you. Not like I have many other options, since I’m, y’know, dead,” she said, laughing weakly despite herself.

“Then it is decided, child of earth. “ The goddess smiles, though for a moment she stares into the abyss. Her mind wandering to a place in which she had never knew existed, she shook her head in dismissal focusing on Julia. With a strong pluck, another resonating song emits from her strange instrument but instead of a high pitched note it was low and quiet. The sound grew louder as seconds passed, “I will grant you a gift, child of earth. A gift in which will allow you to understand the basic workings of Akohana, this gift will grant you a the chance to be reborn and finally it will grant you a weapon or an ability that will manifest from who you are or who you will be. All you have to is… close your eyes. And think. Feel. And think. “ A crystal would begin to form in front of Julia taking shape as a small diamond, “Now think and feel. “

As vague as those instructions were, Julia closed her eyes once more, tuning in to the hum of the instrument. She thought of home, and she felt for the life that had met its end. She thought of the people, the things she had left behind, and she felt feelings, for there was no other way that she could describe it. They burned deep within her, but it was not at all unpleasant. It was, as the goddess had asked, thinking and feeling.

The diamond would then glow, sashes of light escaping from its form as it slowly comes closer to Julia. The light would unravel from the diamond its shape slowly degrading as it slips into the structure of Julia’s body until nothing was left. “Child of earth you are now connected to the great mana crystals. Now all that is left is to transport you to, Akohana. “
“Do you request anything from me before you depart? “

“No, I think… I think this will be all. I’m not really in a position where I’d need anything, so.”

The goddess nods, her hands tensing up as she begins to play a progression of notes, a melody forming. She plays a song of joy and wonder, but at the same time of sorrow and regret. The song grows loud, filling in the silence of the abyss as the goddess speaks one last time. “Goodbye child of earth. “ The song ends abruptly, Julia begins to fall through the abyss, falling and falling the woman went until she awoke on a forest floor..

After you die, you feel a moment of peace enveloping your body and then a light. The light shimmers all around you, wrapping across your appendages as they pull you forward. Faster and faster they pull you until suddenly your surroundings disappeared and shift to a black abyss. The light unwraps from your body as they settle you down onto the ground. And there you see a woman dressed in white, a soft light draping her body as she plays what looks to be a rectangular guitar.

The woman's hands strum over the strings of the item, producing almost ethereal sounds of music that echoes within the abyss that you stand in. She looks up to you and simply says,



An empty world and a woman in white, her fingers dancing across a stringed instrument. For a moment, Sara didn’t want to stand up at all. She was dead. She had felt her ribs shatter, bone shrapnel pushing into her lungs and popping her heart, an instance of agony before the 18-wheeler turned her into paste. But if she didn’t get up, if she still slept, perhaps it’d become a bad dream.

Perhaps. But it wasn’t a bad dream. It was surreality made manifest by something beyond her understanding. She never had time to pray before, so swamped she was by work, but now that her soul was to be judged, maybe she should have.

She couldn’t watch Lia from the depths of Hell, after all.

Slowly, the brunette pushed herself up, staggering slightly. She opened her mouth, but her words came out as a gasp instead, her lungs heaving. A stinging pain burned her eyes and she pressed her palms against them, forcing tears back down their ducts. She had already accepted this. She never expected. Her daughter was strong. But she didn’t have the money to afford life insurance. Against her callused hands, the woman contorted her face, an expression equal parts anger and agony, hissing in deep breaths.

Her knees wobbled, then collapsed under the weight of a burden she was incapable of bearing, and her shoulders shook violently. Bile rose up her throat and she forced that as well, unwilling to let anything out. Restraining everything within. How pathetic was this, playing the role of a pitiful victim towards a god you never even spared a second on. How pathetic was this, showing such a weak front. She was stronger than this. She had always been stronger than this. She just…

“S-sorry,” she choked out, her nails digging deep into the wretched face she hid, “...just...a moment, p-please…”

The woman in white raised a left hand, like a gentle caress through the air she softly snaps. The snap echoes throughout the room, filling in emptiness. From her snap came a pulsating wave of comfort and warmth that blanketed the whole room causing the distressed woman to feel lighter, peaceful, and almost numb to the mental pressures that she was experiencing. The goddesses hand would lower back to the guqin, both her hands sliding across the seven strings that laid flat in front of her as she began to pluck at them, playing a soft melody.

It was divine manipulation, and a part of her bristled at the invasion of her very emotions, but Sara shook off that human arrogance. Her breathing became deeper and deeper, shuddering sighs that quelled the tremors of her body, and slowly she stood up once more. Her head tilted upwards, the woman wiped her face with her sleeves, the stinging pain subsiding until all that remained was a dull ache in her ribs.

When she faced the deity once her, her eyes were bloodshot, but carried the same light she had kindled through the fourteen years of her motherhood. The smile came easily then, slight as it was. “Hello,” the brunette said, “And thanks.”

“Welcome.” The goddesses voice echoed, continuing to pluck at the strings of her guqin, it's sound soft filling in the emptiness that seemed to expand as the woman came closer. “Please come sit.” The goddess quickly flicks her hand, a low-rise wooden table appeared in between the two.

Sara did as she was told, straightening her posture as she regained her composure.

“I am sorry for how abrupt you arrived here, If I had known how violent your death would’ve been I would’ve casted a spell of comfort before your final seconds. Forgive me.” The goddess would bow her head in apology.

“Oh, no no,” Sara waved, as if to brush away her sincerity, “It’s not that, really. Just that, you know...if I had known it was going to happen, I would have done some other things differently. Really, it’s nothing to apologize for.”

“Humble.” The goddess would whisper under her breath as she looks towards the woman, her dimly lit blue eyes cascading down the woman's form, “Excuse the informalities, I am Alaela, Goddess of the South Winds. A minor goddess of whom rules over a small country on my home planet.”

A small country? Was Canada really a country that was considered small? Sara blinked, before nodding and deciding to just go with it. “I’m Sara Ayabi,” she said, extending a hand, “Nice to meet you, Alaela.”

“Mhm, likewise. I’m sure you wondering where we are.”

Sara nodded. “The afterlife, I suppose?”

“No. You are in what’s known as the abyssal zone, an area in which is sealed off from time, this place would much go along with what you consider, purgatory.”

“So, this is...an interview to judge my soul? Or?”

“No. Your soul has been beckoned across all fifteen planes, the children of earth are the only ones of whom answered. You are one of the twelve that have been guided to this world.”

This wasn’t getting anywhere, and Sara massaged the bridge of her nose, before offering another smile at Alaela. “Just assume I know nothing and explain everything from the beginning, please.”

Alaela would sigh, her eyes opening as blue aura spilled from both her eyes and then rising like flames. The instrument in which she played suddenly disappeared as she stared at the translucent images would then arise from the middle of the table showing recreations of the story she would tell. “Roughly fifty years ago on my planet, Akohana was in a thriving peace that roared for ages. And due to this peace, our civilization expanded and advanced in tremendous ways but this caught the eye of a certain of a dark lord. This lord secretly planted a seed within, Akohana that now begins to grow creating monsters of terror and nightmare that seek to destroy and pillage our beautiful land. These seeds have spread throughout all of Akohana slowly destroying great nations and killing the lives of innocents. Because of this the greatest magicians on Akohana gathered and summoned the gods for aid and casted a great spell which invoked souls of the many planes existing in this universe. And from this spell, we managed to beckon twelve souls to our aid and you are one of them.” The goddess would blink her eyes, the blue like flames disappearing along with the images as the story ended. “Sara of Earth, I give you a choice. Become my warrior and fight to defeat this darkness or have your soul peacefully enter the sea of souls and bask under a great light.”

“This...dark lord,” Sara said, her fingers curling into each other, “Will he become a threat to Earth as well?”

“Yes. The dark lord has taken countless planets within our plane and if it takes over Akohana, the lord would be an unstoppable force that could destroy the very fabric of the multi-planes.”

Sara laughed mirthlessly, standing up. “Then isn’t it obvious? Where do I sign up?”

Alaela smiles, her hand returning to her lap as she closes her eyes. “Well then Sara, I will now guide you through the short process in which will take you to Akohana. Firstly I shall grant you a gift, a mere fraction of my power that will allow you to have an upper hand over the dark forces when the time arrives.” A glowing crystal begins to take shape in the middle of the wooden table and once it takes shape it floats in front of Sara. “Now, Sara this is simple. This crystal will grant you the knowledge in which will allow you to take shape and form yourself into a citizen of Akohana. It will allow you to change shape and grant you a weapon in which will aid you in the fight against darkness. This gift I give you is an extension of who you were and who you will be. All you have to do is close your eyes and… think. And feel, think and feel…”

“Ah, before all this,” Sara said, taking a step back, “Could you show me her again? My...daughter, back on Earth. Just a glimpse would be fine.”

The goddess would softly nod, her eyes opening and once they opened the crystals light would dim, floating back down onto the table. Alaela would raise her hand, pointing her index finger towards Sarah. “Show her.” The goddess would whisper as a string of light would shoot into the forehead of the human, showing Sara the life of her daughter after she had become deceased.

Sara closed her eyes, and let the light of another world flow into her mind.

She didn’t need to see the future. She didn’t need to see what she’d become. All she needed was to see her eyes. And that was enough.

…

The stinging pain didn’t return, but her heart throbbed still. Reopening them, Sara looked directly into the Goddess’s eyes, and saw in them the tens of thousands of children who she was now bound to protect.

“Alright.”

Three short steps closed the distance between deity and champion.

“I’m ready.”

“Now as I’ve said, focus on the crystal. Let your power and mine combine, let your thoughts and emotions fill the crystal and if you do so correctly then it will glow and shine transporting you to the forests of Akohana.”

There was no hesitation. Pressing her hand against the glowing crystal, Sara narrowed her eyes and allowed her mind to flow. Slowly, the cool surface of the object warmed, an energizing flame surging through her skin into her veins, as her will was made manifest. Golden light bathed her form as she moved on from her past self to a new one, a snake shedding its skin to be born anew.

The cracking of a lightning bolt resounded, the light dispersing to reveal a fair youth befitting of the role of a world-savior.

She breathed in the air of the abyss, filling her lungs anew.

“Well, I’ll be off.”

The crystal shined with a blinding light filling the darkness of the abyss that surrounded them, “Good luck, child of earth.” Alaela would wave a goodbye, watching as the blinding light consumed the both of them until only the goddess was left.

---

The first thing she smelled was the earth, damp and cool, the scent of the soil seeping into her senses. Slowly, her eyes opened, consciousness restored not by the ringing of a bell or the vibrations of a phone, but by the rustling of wind through the canopy above, imitating the sound of soft, steady rain. The world around her was flush with vibrant greenery, even as the wildlife all around was restrained in their motions. There was no birdsong here, no chitting of creatures.

It was peaceful, so many times more peaceful than the world she lived in before.

Pushing up and getting onto her feet, the woman was momentarily disoriented by how much larger everything looked. She had gotten shorter, hadn’t she? She patted her cheeks and marvelled at how soft and round they were, before shaking those thoughts away. Her clothes were still the same, even if her pants had now sagged off her legs and her shirt had turned into an extraordinarily daring mini-dress. Somehow, she’d have thought that the Goddess would have provided them with size-appropriate clothing, but she supposed not.

Eh, she’ll tailor it later.

Pulling up her jeans and kicking off shoes and socks that no longer fit, she stretched out with a groan, before deciding to…

...what exactly was she going to do now?

William shook his head, clearing the haze as he tried to process what had just happened; his last memory moments before being a charging bull. “Reckon I got killt then.” he let out a sigh as he noticed the unfamiliar woman standing before. He stood, clearly confused by this conundrum.

"Welcome.” the woman at last spoke.

“Mighty fine to meet ya miss, but I’m not quite sure what’s happenin’ here. Shouldn’t I be at the pearly gates about now?”

The goddess opens her eyes, revealing a blue hue that pierced the darkness. She sat with a strange strange seven-stringed instrument on her lap as her fingers caress the strings, harshly plucking at the instrument, creating waves of sound that molded into a soft melody. Though as a sudden voice echoed throughout the abyss her attention focuses onto the man a few feet in front of her, “No sir, you have arrived in what humans call, purgatory. “

“Well that ain’t right, I figure I’ve been a good man, properly god-fearing. How’d I end up here?” he grumbled, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes at the goddess, “And who, might I ask, are you?”

“I am Alaela; Goddess of the South Winds and protector of the small. “ She sighed, her eyes wandering to the child of earth. “Come close and I shall answer your questions. “

The bearded man squinted his eyes suspiciously, taking a few cautious steps forward, “Well ya ain’t Mother Mary, but I’ll play along for now.” he agreed. “So, why ain’t I where the preacher says I should be?”

Her eyes rose, looking up at the man, “Please. Come and sit. “ With an abrasive force, she picked at a singular string; emitting a loud, sharp note, and from this note, a wooden table appears in front of her.

Bill grunted as he took a seat, feeling a phantom pain in his chest where he presumed the bull’s horn had struck him, “I’m sittin, now git talkin’.” he demanded, “Wait just a dang minute, is this one of them Isicky things my baby girl never shuts up about?”

“Huh. “ The goddess pauses, thinking for a moment as she’d refer to another child of earth that spoke the same word, “Isekai, you mean? Are you familiar? “

“Ain’t that what I said? And naw, that’s about all I got. Something about dyin’ but not dyin proper like.”

“You are partially correct, child of earth. A calamity has risen from the depths of my homeland Akohana, and threatens to destroy the very life that sits within it. You and twelve other souls have been beckoned by the mightiest magicians and gods of my home to fight the growing darkness which destroys everything in its path. “

“Well, I suppose I could help iffin you need me. But I’m a workin’ man, I ain’t gonna do it for free.”

“There is no trade, old man. Only a simple choice. A choice to help millions or a choice to continue on to the sea of souls. “

“For one, I ain’t old missy. I’m forty. For two, I ain’t sayin’ I won’t help y’all out; I’m just hopin’ maybe you might have a way to send me back when it’s done.”

“Ah… you do not seek greed, man of earth. But simply to go home and that wish...hmm. “

“My youngest is fixin’ to graduate; I’d like to see her through it if I can.”

“Time is a powerful force in this plane, it is not weak and frail like it is within your plane. I cannot grant you travel back to your world without seeing it hundreds of years into the future. But what I can gift you is sight of your youngest. I can make it so that you can see her life in full motion or simply a second of it. “

“If that’s all you can do fer me, I guess it’ll have to be enough. I ain’t gon’ hang folks I can help out to dry. That just ain’t right.”

“Then, man of earth… will you accept this quest in turn for the sight of your offspring? “

“Can’t see why not. Wish it were more, but I ain’t the greedy sort. No need to push it.” he let out a sad sigh, “Anythin’ else or do you just shove me out the door now we’re done?”

“No, first I shall grant you your wish. “ With another abrasive pluck, the string emits a flat note, filling in the ears of the man and then his eyes. “Feel the earth on your feet, think of the voices of your loved ones and then you shall see. “ Her voice echoes, becoming louder and louder until all the man can hear and see is… (Then you post what he can hear and see >:O )

Big Bill did as instructed, bringing to mind the voices of his family; and a picture began to form in his mind as he closed his eyes. He first saw the inside of the old church, the one he had gone to every sunday for as long as he could remember; and then the casket. A simple wooden thing, and in the pews his family. The younger of the two women present approached, holding in her hands a piece of paper sealed with string. “I did it daddy.” she said simply, holding back tears.

A pair of young men in Marine blue-dress uniforms followed her to his casket, “We’ll miss ya’ Pa, truly.” one of the two said as the other pulled his siblings into a hug, Our tour ends soon, we’ll be back on the ranch in no time. Just like Grandaddy. We’ll take care of Momma for ya.”

The old rancher opened his teary eyes as the vision began to fade, “Ain’t sure what I expected; but thank ya’ nonetheless. She’s a strong girl, her ma too.” The old rancher coughed to clear his throat, “My boys will keep the ranch going. If they’s anything like their daddy, shouldn’t take ‘em long to start the next generation.” he chuckled.

The note ends, quietly echoing within the background of the abyss. “The Children of Earth have such beautiful memories. If only I-... “ The goddess sighs, shaking her head as she focuses on the man of earth. “Now finally, I will give you a gift. This gift will give you knowledge of Akohana. It shall reshape your body and give you a weapon that will pierce the darkness, are you ready for this gift man of earth? “

The mustachioed rancher glanced down, confirming the presence of his old leather gun belt; “I already got me a fine weapon. You got anythin’ else to help me along? I’ve always been darned good with critters but can’t exactly bring a horse that’s still alive with me.”

The goddess only chuckles under her breath, “No. The gift will be enough. “ With a quick cough, she moves her hands onto the strings of her exotic instrument, her hands softly plucking each of the seven strings until a peaceful melody is formed. She hums along with the music until a small glowing ball of light appears in the middle of the table. The ball of light forms into a crystal-like shape, glowing with a bright white hue. “Man of earth, this gift is an extension of who you are and who you will be. Now… think. Feel and think… “ Her voice becomes louder and louder as she echoes the same verse; the crystal’s glow growing brighter with each repetition, enveloping William in blinding white light until the only thing William can hear is, “Within this light, think of things you desire most, pour your thoughts and feelings into this light and your gift will be open. “

“Alrighty, let’s see what ya’ve got for me.” again Bill felt the phantom pain in his chest, and an idea began to form; “That bull was a nasty critter but a tough one, and it sounds like y’all got plenty of nasty critters to go around.” He muttered to himself, “I figure if I could make them beasties work for me that’d be just swell.” he pushed the idea deeper into his mind, recalling his time wrangling horses and cattle back home. “So uh… when am I supposed to stop?”

“Now. “ The light is absorbed into William’s body, completely difusing into his veins. “You are now connected to the great mana crystals, the main god of our world. The energy that the mana crystals give will allow you to perform tasks that no human would be able to do. “

“So do I gotta figure out how to do it, or will I know when I git there?”

“You will figure out, man of earth. “ With a low chuckle, she stops playing her exotic instrument. “This is a goodbye, old man. “ With a warm smile, she raises her left hand towards to the ceiling of the abyss and snapping with a powerful force pushing everything back; throwing William into the abyss. Falling through the darkness until -at last- he lands on a forest floor .

Things felt strange. That was for certain. At first, pain. Not of what was going on, no. It was only the fleeting memory of before. A severe eruption from inside Erin's skull. But, like many things, it faded away. Pain turned into fear, which in turn became nothingness. But rather than going quietly into the dark, something stirred her from her death. An awakening of light and the return of disoriented memories were her wake-up call. Things came into view. An odd woman? Nothingness? The pain that she remembered so deeply? With only the word welcome to guide her, she responded to the odd woman.

"Ahh... Did I die?"

The goddess spoke in a soft manner, her fingers strumming the strings of her Guqin as she looked up at the woman in front of her. Her eyes cascaded down the persons figure, observing and looking at what parts hinted at death but there was almost none and then she looked to the woman's eyes, the goddesses eyes began to glow a soft hue of blue as she looked through her mind and into her memories. A second passes and the goddess closes her eyes,

"A sad death I must say."

"Did my head explode?" Erin honestly asked. "It felt that like it."

"No. You experienced what you call, an aneurysm. You died an almost painless death, but because of your sudden death your soul traveled here with terrible turbulence."

"Oh. That sucks... So my brothers. Are they okay?"

"My knowledge of your plane extends across time, if you wanted. I could show you exactly what happens right after your death."

"...I think i just want to know if they're healthy," she said with a slight chuckle, "I don't want to see my own funeral."

The goddess smiles, nodding in understanding. "For the years that they have left which is much for a human, your brothers are healthy."

"Well, I'm thankful to hear that!" The confusion and fear that Erin had experienced had begun to vanish. "So what now?"

"Before that, I shall introduce myself." The goddess stops and moves her hands to her lap, the stringed instrument disappearing as she does. "I am, Alaela. Goddess of the South Wind. A lesser goddess that rules over a small part of the planet that I inhabit."

"So if I was to presume based on the classical Earthern scriptures known as 'tra-shi muan gua', I'm being reincarnated into a new body to save this planet from an overarching threat such as a demon lord slash evil kingdom slash evil god slash environmental disaster?"

Alaela looks up at the woman in bewilderment, coughing as she adjusts herself to the spew of knowledge that she had no idea a child of earth would know. "Have you already been blessed by a gods light? Is that how you are so familiar with the situation at hand?"

"Wait, I was right?" Erin paused in shock for a hot second. "We humans of the planet earth have been creating fine picture books of this exact situation for years. I didn't actually think that reading every single isekai novel and manga would actually come in handy."

"That's why the gods are so scared of interviewing the children of earth! They've been blessed by some unknown entity with prophecies and knowledge of the future that even the us, the gods can't see! That is amazing!"

"Hey, if you throw a million darts at the wall, some are eventually going to hit the bullseye. Don't blame an unknown entity, blame years of capitalism and terrible tastes that people have."

"Are you saying that humans are capable of creating such complicated stories of terror?" The goddess gasps.

"Nah. They sort of just copy each other and change one or two details and it all snowballs. We're still running the same storylines as 2500 years ago. Hero's journey my ass."

"Huh... so you know of the basic premise of the situation because of the culmination of cultures on your planet and 'terrible tastes?' "

"Yea, that and if my soul was being judged on its merits, I'd probably be instantly shot downwards for massive amounts of sloth. Had to be something important."

"Judged by sloth? As in the animal of your world?"

"It's a concept in classical earthen theology. Sloth is a sin that represents laziness."

"Why would souls be judged by such a thing as laziness?"

"I don't know, maybe the pope didn't want people to die because they didn't tend to their crops. The 7 sins and 7 virtues are pretty much code for being a decent person. Kind of hard to send a message back to the living, after all."

"But this so called 'pope' isn't a messenger of god. How could he create codes that dictate peoples lives without permission? Your plane doesn't even have any gods."

"Hang on, this is getting into some truths that I don't think I needed to know. Fact of the matter is, people believe what they believe in. Like flat-earthers and mom who believed in me."

"Oh! I-- I'm getting off topic. Let's change subjects to the matter at hand. Our planet, Akohana is in great danger and with the help of us, the gods and the planets most powerful five we were able to concoct a spell in which beckoned the souls of all existing planes. But out all the current fifteen only one answered, and that is the plane in which humans inhabit."

"I guess not having a god really helps in the collection of souls. So, where do I, the lowly schoolgirl who died of a brainsplosion, fit into all of this?"

"Because your soul has been beckoned, you have a choice. To transport yourself to our planet, Akohana or rest peacefully within the sea of souls."

"I think I'd like to live, thank you very much."

"Assuming by that, you've chosen to save Akohana?"

"I very much mean that."

“Then child of earth, I shall give you a gift. A gift that is a portion of my power that will give you the ability of rebirth, this gift will allow you to manifest a weapon that will aid you in the fight against the darkness. This weapon is a reflection of who you are and who you will be. “ The goddess rests her hands onto the strings of her instrument as she begins to play a soft melody, plucking each string with gentle force. “Child of earth, to accept this gift simply close your eyes and... think. “ Her voice boomed with power, echoing within the abyss as a ball of light forms in-between the two. The ball of light cascades down onto the floor, glowing with brilliance. “Feel, and think. “ The ball morphs into a diamond shape, floating as it hovers in front of Erin. “Close your eyes… “ Her voice is ethereal, echoing within the mind of Erin as the diamonds light envelops the two.

Following the commands, Erin closed her eyes. What was Erin? She wasn’t really anything special. She was just some nerd who was super obsessed with nerdy shit. Sure, her optimism was super human. But what was the point in being optimistic? She couldn’t save the world by being joyful. Well, if the stars aligned and the demon lord or whatever the great threat was simply suffered from the munchies, she could solve it with optimism. The problem of optimism was that the ability to snap and demolish 50% of the population was so much stronger. If it was just who she was, she wasn’t special. If she wasn’t anything special, what was she to become?

A fleeting memory of her dad came into mind. ‘Erin,’ he had said, ‘you can’t go to school in your costume. Halloween is over. Sorry kiddo.’ Of course, the very young Erin turned into a sobbing mess. Her dad continued, ‘you can just be who you are. If you’re the best you can be, then you’ll rub off on other people.’

Of course, her dad’s advice was garbage. He kind of missed the entire point of Erin just wanting to go to school in a squirrel costume, but the thought was appreciated. With a solemn heart, she understood what she wanted to be. Even if she didn’t state it outright, she had a feeling that everything would turn out fine. She just had to be who she was. Well, that and finally be a squirrel.

As, Erin opened her eyes the light that enveloped them soon disappeared and flowed within the girl’s body. She could feel a connection to the great crystals of mana and stamina, “How do you feel, child of earth? “

"Kind of like the time I got my wisdom teeth out and my soul was sapped from by body by that person with the needle but... Honestly, this is going to be the only time I say this to your face but... thanks for doing this. I'm going to miss my brothers, but knowing that they're okay makes me pretty happy. So I guess without any further ado, it's time for me to go save a planet. Or at least the small portion you have control ov-"

"No, not yet we still have like one more page to go."

"Oh. Then my sappy goodbye is ruined. Uh. Nice."

"The message was sweet, and I'll be sure to tell you the happy exploits of your brothers every now and then on your time on Akohana. But this is my final message to you. Your only mission is to defeat the prevailing darkness that seeks to destroy all of Akohana and its inhabitants. I do not care about what you do on your time on Akohana, just as long as you fight back the darkness with your greatest might and if you do... you'll make another choice."

"That's a pretty brutski pragmatist way of going about it. Anyways.... I think I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Let's go light up the darkness!" Almost instantly, Erin cringed at herself. She just said that. She couldn't believe it. She just wanted to vanish from this god's sight.

The goddess chuckles, "Are you ready to depart?"

"Yea, let's go. I pretty much ruined my impression of being a prophet three minutes ago."

Alaela nods, " Follow me. " She says softly, "To the depths of the earth, to the skies of mist, and to the land of fire." Her voice suddenly becomes louder and it echoes throughout the abyss. "Follow me to your home." With the final verse, Erin disappears once more in another flash of light.

This time, Erin awoke lying down. Rather than the cool grass and dirt to comfort her body, a strange fluffy object had separated her body from the dirt. As Erin became more and more lucid, the sudden realization struck her. Fluffy. Behind. It was a complete success, what the goddess did and all. She had awoken in the forest with the body and equipment of a squirrely beastclan woman. With the clothes on her back, the newfound mana coursing through her veins, and her lovely new tail, she was ready to save the planet.

After you die, you feel a moment of peace enveloping your body and then a light. The light shimmers all around you, wrapping across your appendages as they pull you forward. Faster and faster they pull you until suddenly your surroundings disappeared and shift to a black abyss. The light unwraps from your body as they settle you down onto the ground. And there you see a woman dressed in white, a soft light draping her body as she plays what looks to be a rectangular guitar. The woman's hands strum over the strings of the item, producing almost ethereal sounds of music that echoes within the abyss that you stand in. She looks up to you and simply says,



Flippantly waving his fingers, in an obviously dismissive gesture at the woman clad in white not caring an iota about the events which transpired, Yuudai Oshiro rolled his neck around while he allowed his other hand to hang by his side. "Hmph. Yeah, yeah you don't need to explain this bit; I'm a lucid dreamer. Usually I get more of your types to fawn over me in the throne-room." The young man continued to idly crane his neck as he peered at his squalid surroundings, there was naught but darkness and echoes. It appeared that Yuudai was slightly off his game in mastering the dream as by now he would at least have his throne room; this failing was chalked up in his mind due to upcoming stress for university.

Lazily raising up his free palm up, and looking down at the woman, he reached over to begin clapping his hands in a quick manner. "Well? Bring out the rest of the ladies to entertain His Royal Majesty." After all Yuudai probably wasn't going to keep this dream up for long so he figured might as well make the most of it while it lasts.

A goddess sat within the middle of the abyss, a light draping down upon her, illuminating her surroundings. With a soft motion, the goddess plucks a singular string of her instrument. She began to hum a quiet tune, her ethereal song would shift into a peaceful melody, her fingers dancing along the seven strings of the instrument, "This is no dream, child of earth. " Her voice was loud, booming across the abyss as she spoke.

Yuudai eyed them with disdain as he slowly placed both of his palms behind his head, "Still no babes, I'm waiting."

Arrogant was the first word the goddess had thought of her, her eyes wandering into the abyss for a few moment and then quickly returning her eyes to the man. She chuckles under her breath, plucking a singular string of instrument, emitting a flat note. The sound of the note would fill the abyss, and from this note would cause Yuudai to fall to his knees, an unknown force pulling him down. "Child of earth I am no maiden, for I am a goddess. "

Rightfully disturbed, Yuudai in this forced genuflect proceed to give the Goddess the 'bird' - or as most refer to it 'the middle finger' - "ONE DOESN'T SIMPLY MAKE THE EMPEROR BOW TO ANYTHING!" Howled out the Japanese Youth as he continued on, "IF ANYONE SHOULD BE KNEELING IT OUGHTA BE YOU. SO BETTER SWITCHEROO THIS RIGHT ABOUT NOW!"

The note would become louder and as it does the unknown force would push him to the ground, "Child of earth, do not belittle a goddess. "

"Or what? I'LL BELITTLE WHOMEVER AND WHATEVER I WANT!"

"Then. You will fall through the abyss, until you've quenched your rage. " The goddess would strike another string, emitting a flat note. A note of which would scream throughout the abyss, "Fall. " Her voice hushed and stern, Yuudai would then begin to fall through the abyss, the goddess coming out of view as he could still hear the screeching note as he fell.

"AAAAIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEE!~" was the instinctive high pitch shriek of the situation, which was followed by several flails of all limbs. This then progressed to furious yelling, then to bemused grumblings before finally settling on a motion. "Fine what the hell is your sales pitch? ...Can'tbelievethemountaingodsrippedmeofflikethis..." It appeared he backed the wrong local shrines in his various bids for power.

Yuudai instantly apparated in front of the goddess. Though this time a low-rise wooden table would seperate the two. She smiles, her eyes still closed as she plays a song of peace and tranquility, "Child of earth, are you calm now? "

His lips curled in contempt, before he placed his hands behind his head yet again. Satisfied with this pose he peered towards the Goddess, "Yeah, sure. So again, the hell is the sales pitch now?"

"Sales pitch? What do you mean child of earth? Do you mean where we are? Or what I offer you? "

The youth gave a shrug, before stretching his head back, and scratching at his back. "Sure, sure both those things. Less so first; it's an inky black void I can see that. I don't need much beyond inky black void."

"Child of earth you rest within the abyss, a place of souls. Meaning you are currently deceased and I offer you a second chance. "

"Oooooh, right, right, I'm deceased." Yuudai slowly began nodding his head acting as if such a phenomena was normal, before blinking a few times realizing just what he said. "DONE! I like living."

"Hm. Do you remember how you passed on child of earth? "

Yuudai gave a shrug, "Hardly important now."

"Assuming from your statement just seconds ago you enjoy living child of earth? Would you like to live again? Experiences things you've never experienced? "

"Gee..." Yuudai smirked as he waggled his finger in front of the Goddess, "...I wonder if saying that before would imply that yes, yes I would like to return to life. Being dead isn't what those salarymen say it is cracked up to be."

The goddess was skeptical, she wasn't sure if Yuudai was fully aware of the situation he was in though she disregarded that fact. "Well then, child of earth-... " She paused for a moment, "I will begin with a proper introduction then. I am, Alaela. Goddess of the South Winds. One of the many protecters of my homeworld, Akohana. "

"Okaaaaay." Yuudai Oshiro responded slowly nodding, as his mind was partially drifting away from the exposition and partially that he was a little bastard who didn't care much.

"Usually, most would answer back with their name. "

"Yeah but I'm the Emperor." Yuudai Oshiro smirked as he pointed his thumb towards his chest, "And nobody can make Emperor Oshiro do anything he doesn't want to do." spake the man clearly oblivious to the fact he was giving them what they wanted.

"Then, Emperor Oshiro. You are a demigod, and I am the goddess. Emperors of your world are worshipped but emperors serve a gods judgement. "

Yuudai gave a quick shrug before shaking his head, "Eh I'd say more inclined to serving their denizens, after all an emperor needs the populace to be blindly fanatical to their Emperor." Grinning from ear to ear he balled up his hand and slammed it into his palm, "And that is what all of my subjects will be. Blindly devoted to my cause and willing to stake everything they have for my whims!"

"You are a tyrant, Emperor Oshiro. And do you know what happens to most tyrants? " The goddess opens her eyes, revealing a sharp blue hue, her eyes piercing the self-named Emperor.

"I'm already dead." Yuudai pointed out with a chuckle, "So I don't think I would have anything to worry about; plus they are remembered forever and ever."

"Souls of sin are taken to the deep-abyss and are forced to relive the worst memories. Would you like to experience those memories child of earth?"

"Can we just cut to the chase at living again?"

"No. " The goddess would close her eyes, her hands returning to the top of her instrument as she begins playing a soft melody.

Yuudai raised a singular eyebrow as the melody commenced before idly raising his hand behind him to scratch at his back. "C'mon, I've got better things to do than to not be alive. Iunno about you." Rolling his head around, Yuudai let out a yawn before gnawing at his teeth a few times. "It'll be better for all involved to yanno give the Emperor life again."

"Time is flows differently within the abyss. I am patient and never ending, though I am unsure of you child of earth. "

"Yeah so then, why AREN'T we bringing myself back to life now then?"

The goddess would stay silent.

"I'm not saying pretty please if that's what you're angling for. You're the one who put the offer up on the table so why not just, you know indulge me on it?"

"Well then child of earth, you shall wait. Rebirth is impossible for souls, though out of the sextillions you were chosen to be rebirthed. Though just as easily will I allow you to pass on into the sea of souls in which you'll bask in a great light. "

"Sooo..." Yuudai began, trailing off as he looked from side to side at the inky black void. "...Why aren't we doing that now?"

"Then child of earth, I shall. " Her eyes would open, revealing a flame of blue to her left eye and then a right to her right eye. She then would transition into a song of resentment and guilt, the song growers louder as seconds pass though suddenly is canceled out by a different noise. A noise not from the instrument. A portal of red hue and distorting shape would appear twenty feet above the two. A draft of air would rise upwards, almost as if the portal was sucking everything out, and it was. Slowly the winds became stronger until the goddess instrument would be lifted into the air and sucked into the portal along with the table that separated the two and then a ball of light would escape Yuudai's body. Yuudai would then collapse to the floor, his senses all being canceled out except for sight. The ball of light or rather, his soul slowly rising towards the red portal.


And so there Yuudai was, in an alien shape that could never be known as human - a shape which lacked the essential semblance of being that was intutive to man - a ball. Yuudai was for all intents and purposes, a gaseous form, an alien form which un-nerved him to no end. His thoughts were all screaming in unison for the return of hands and feet for tactile motions, for eyes and the oculary sights, for the nose and the olfactory - in short for any and all senses other than the mind. This was a far more aggravating prospect than falling for whoever knows how long after all. At least there he could flail his limbs and shriek. But as a ball of soul materials he could not.

The portal grew larger as the soul neared but before the soul could enter, the goddess would speak with a booming voice, "Close. " The portal would close and the soul would jump back in Yuudai's body as if it was startled.

"...WAS THAT JUST SOME KINDA SICK JOKE!?" Yuudai remarked as he began prodding at his corporeal form, really appreciating the fact that yes, yes he had a body. "YOU'RE A JACKASS."

"That is what it feels like to be a soul in the sea of souls. Only being able to see as you stare at a great light for countless of eons, would you rather bask in a great light for eternity or have another chance at life? "

"Didn't, didn't I already say yes a few times?"

The goddess laughs, "An answer without respect is no answer, child of earth. "

"No?" Yuudai just stared completely baffled at how an answer was not an answer. Surely the answer remained an answer, regardless of its delivery. And Yuudai had delivered an answer several times to affirm. At least it was getting through now he supposed.

Before, the goddess could speak a loud thundering sound would emit behind her, a deep voice roared with anger, clouds of black smoke surrounded the area of where the two stood, "I am tired of this bickering, this child has no understanding of respect to the gods and so should be thrown out to the sea. "

Alaela quickly stood in front of Yuuda, pushing him back lightly, "Ulro. No. He is one of the twelve chosen, we cannot disobey the great crystals. " She said with a panicked tone, "This child is of no use, Alaela and I will not have him disrespect you. " And so with a quick movement, Ulro made his way towards Yuuda pushing, the goddess out of the way as he gripped the boy's neck tightly and held him high up into the air. He growled and spoke with intense anger, "Summoned into the abyss, and at the chance of rebirth in which is known to no other, you accept it with arrogance. Child of earth I will personally bring you to the sea of souls and will watch you drown. "

"Bite me." This was no God of his, this was not the gods of the mountain - the only true gods, despite the fact they probably abandoned Yuudai's butt - and frankly he was already dead, what more could this creature do to him? Of course being held by the neck was generally a painful position so his teeth were gritted as he raised his finger yet again to the other.

Ulro scrowls as his hands begin to glow a purple hue, "You will feel only pain, child of earth-- " But before Ulro can cast his spell, a beam of light shoots towards the larger god shooting him across the room, piercing through the dark clouds that surrounded the three of them. With erratic movement the goddess rushes towards Yuuda, "Are you alright? " She asks softly, her hands shaking with intense fear. "He's immobilized but won't be for long. "

Yuudai, collapsing to the ground made a loud yelp as he began rubbing at his neck. It was clear that pain was one of the many senses he got back from his expedition after achieving ball-form. "Sooo - this does mean we can get a move on now right? I'd rather not have him crushing my windpipe."

"Child of earth we have little time, come and sit in front of me and we will get this over quick. " The goddess rests upon her knees, and as she does her strange-seven stringed instrument appears upon her lap, "Hurry now! "

And so Yuudai Oshiro, knowing damn well the importance as goofing around probably meant being choked to death two point o, did, in fact, listened to the goddess and sat down in front of her. This was shortly followed by clasping of his hands together and beginning in a short prayer. "Oh Mountain Gods, I ask of you a simple request from a devoted, don't screw with me here - I didn't screw with you. You owe me for worship."

The goddess would close her eyes, her hands tense as she attempts to play a song of peace and tranquility though due to the situation the notes become mellow and drowned out by the goddesses fear, though she manages. A shield of light would construct around them, her fingers shaking as she plays, "I-... " The goddess heavily breathes, her eyes darting to a shadow that moves across the black smoke that begins to envelop the shield. "I-... I cannot stop him. "

"...Oyamatsumi, Yama-no-kami - you two are assholes." solemnly remarked the boy, now bit more disillusioned with the Mountain Gods. "All I need is my ticket outta here - you know one marked for a passenger to life and not death-death, or whatever that's called."

"I will. Child of earth do you accept a gift- a fraction of my power that will allow you to defeat the--- " The shield begins to crack, "The-.... The darkness on my homeworld. " A ball of light cascades down onto the floor in between them.

"Get me out of this sinkhole and done and done! Darkness will fall before The Emperor."

"Now then child of earth, close your eyes and fe-.. " Ulro comes out from the black clouds that surround the shield of light, his glowing hand then bangs onto the shield. Tears begin to run down the goddesses cheeks as she says again, "Close your eyes and feel. Think and feel, think of your home and feel the earth beneath your feet. Child of earth close your eyes as this gift will be a manifestation of you who you are and who you will be. " The ball of light shifts into a crystal shape, hovering in front of Yuudai, "Close your eyes! " She says in panic as the shield of light cracks. (the response should be your character closing their eyes and basically choosing the race they want to be and their special ability and then when your character is done just make them open their eyes

And lo, Yuudai did in fact close his eyes and listened to the guiding message delievered to them. It was here he was treated to glimmers of his own thoughts; he would reign above all others like the elves always did - after all they were far more cooler than the rest of the fantasy races, for they had style - and he would have an artifact of the very heavens to support his rule. A weapon forged like none other, a great and terrifying, yet gleaming with a pristine shimmer - a mighty sword. It was a blade that would call upon man to serve at the beck and call, for what time they could be tethered to the plane which they occupied, for the Emperor. Such an artifact would make it known that all who witnessed Yuudai would inevitably be bound to serve the future emperor of all that he could see. Satisfied with these thoughts he opened up his eyes.

The shield of light had broken, pieces of it laying to the ground as black smoke had enveloped the goddess, suffocating her. "Ch-...child of-- child of earth, connected to the--... " The smoke around her neck would grow tighter as tears rapidly streamed down her face, "great crystals I hereby send you to Akohana. " From the glowing diamond light would unravel from its shape, strands of light escaping out of its diamond shape. These strands of light would then form into an arrow in which would instantly shoot into Yuudai's body. "Now--- " And before the goddess could finish her sentence she was enveloped in the black smoke. A few moments of silence would pass until, Yuudai suddenly falls through the abyss the scene coming out of view as all he can see is darkness. Then a light appears, enveloping his body as Yuudai awakes in a forest.



And so Yuudai slowly opened her eyes as she placed her palm down against the grassy terrain and pushed herself up. The elven ears twitched slightly hearing the various elements of nature, and a body coursing with a newfound strength. Clutching her hand into a fist she shoved it up towards the sky, "Ha with th-" It was at this point Yuudai noticed something. Something off, something that was a tad more noticeable than pointier ears. Her face began to flush as she began shaking her hand to the sky and screeching to the heavens "TH-THIS WASN'T PART OF THE DEEEEEEEEEEE-AAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!"

After you die, you feel a moment of peace blanketing your body and then darkness, you feel as if your body is pulled across worlds-- your surroundings instantly disappearing as all you can is darkness. As if hours have passed you finally come into a black abyss, with only a singular pillar of light illuminating the middle of this abyss. There you can see a woman on her knees, sporting a ripped kimono, her hair messy as if it was tugged at and then finally a Qugin in her lap. She looks up, her eyes of a black color and quietly says.

“Welcome. “

Samuel looked around him, seeing the emptiness surrounding him, only to be distracted by the woman. The woman looked out of place in the abyss.
“Where… Where am I?” He says. He tries to remember what the last thing was that he did, but after going out to do groceries, his mind went blank. “What happened? And who are you?”

The goddess raises her hands and sets them onto the strings of her instrument, looking down as she speaks, “In the abyss, child of earth. “ She plucks a singular string of her instrument and then another until finally, she molds a song together. A song of hope, and faith, “You have died, child of earth. You’ve been guided to this abyss and now I, Alaela. Goddess of the South Winds will give you a choice. “

“Wait, what?” He said, trying to comprehend. Was she speaking the truth? Was he really dead? No, it can’t be! But still… It sounded real. What if it was really game-over?
“So this is it, isn’t it? All right then… What do you want me to choose between?”

“To choose between re-... rebirth and passing on. “ The goddess sighs in despair, she could feel his presence against her back, she knew that his eyes were on her though quickly disregarded it. “If you choose to pass on, your soul will be guided to the sea of souls, where you will rest for all eternity under a great light. Though if you choose to gain another life, you will fight against a darkness that threatens my home. A darkness that has threatened my home, Akohana for over fifty years. A darkness that has planted seeds of corruption that grow monsters of great horror that pillage and destroy villages and cities while at the same time taking innocent lives. Child of earth-- do you accept this quest to defeat unknown darkness or will you pass on? “

Samuel noticed the slight stutter of the woman. Along with the messy hair, he figured something was off. However, fighting a dark presence like in a video game sounded pretty cool, but he had to approach this smartly.
“Say I accept, what will it benefit me? Aside from adventuring, perhaps succeeding and saving your home and at least getting a second chance at life, how will I know I’ll not end up as a slave or something like that?”

“After defeating the darkness… I do not know. For almost fifty years our greatest defenses have been torn to the ground and know this is our last chance. We have never really known victory, hopefully, you and the other souls you’ll be fighting along will make victory known. But in regards to slavery, once you are reborn and begin exploring Akohana, almost anything can happen. “

Samuel nodded. Akohana. That name sounded straight out of a fantasy RPG. It was the deciding factor for him.
“All right, I’m in, although could you tell me more about this Akohana? If you want me to protect you from this darkness, I could use all the help I can get.” He said, vaguely mentioning the other souls she was mentioning. This could mean allies, but perhaps even other people like him.

“Child of earth, I will grant you a gift, this gift is a fraction of my power and it’ll allow you to tap into the most basics of information within, Akohana. Though I would give you more, I am… not allowed to. The light will be guiding you, the light will protect you at your darkest moments, but do not put too much faith into the light. “ The goddess looks to her left, she could see, almost a mile away dark clouds surrounding the whole area. “Now before we begin, would you request anything of me, child of earth? “

Samuel didn’t have to think long.
“I have one thing. Can you please tell me, besides taking down the darkness, how can I help you out? Don’t take this the wrong way, I will still do this, but I can’t help but notice that, especially for a Goddess, you are very tense, like something is troubling you. And I don’t like it when people are troubled.” Back when he was still alive, which still feels weird to him to think about, he was their game squad’s leader and strategist. This meant he didn’t only work as the maker of plans, but also as their moral support. Even though he prefered to work alone, he knew the advantages of having a team, and this meant he did anything needed to keep the team on their top level, even if it was talking about IRL troubles.

The goddess only smiles, the damage had been done there was nothing a human could do. “I’m fine child of earth. “ She was clearly lying, “My damage was at my own mistake--... “ The goddess sighs as she looks down towards her hands, “I hope that-- when you arrive in Akohana that you won’t be trapped like me child of earth… “ She spoke with a quiet tone, hoping that no one else but Samuel could hear her. Now then. Will that be all? “

Samuel took the hint. He nodded.
“It will.”

The goddess nods, her eyes opening, revealing a flame of blue to her left eye and a flame of pink to her right eye. The goddess transitions into a different song, a song of hope and peace. “Child of earth I will now grant you a fraction of my power. A gift that will aid you in your fight against darkness. This gift will allow you to be reborn and create a weapon that reflects who you are or who you will be. All you have to do is close your eyes and… THINK.“ Her voice echoes, the two flames that rise from her eyes turns shifts into a white hue. “Child of earth, I ask you to close your eyes and feel. Think of your homeland and feel the earth beneath your feet.“ A glowing ball of light forms between the two of them, cascading to the floor.

Samuel did as she asked, and closed his eyes. He thought of his home, where he spend most of his days behind the computer playing games and watching series. Thinking back about it, perhaps his real home was the digital world. No, not just the digital world. The world of FPS. The feeling of shooting a gun, taking the knockback. The feeling of running through the mud, chasing down your enemy. The feeling of adrenaline as you take down your opponent. Even though most of these feelings were through a keyboard and mouse, he could feel them for real now. It was true, he was still human, but he was stronger, and could use a gun for real. He knew he still had to grow, but where is the fun in a game when you are already max level from the start?

That was when the light hit him. It was bright, he could see it through his closed eyelids. He stretched one hand out towards the light, blindly grasping for it yet immediately feeling something. It felt like what he imagine, yet at the same time it didn’t. He slowly opened his eyes, revealing to him a gun. However, instead of a big rifle or at least a desert eagle, it was an old flintlock, except with a purple stone in the middle of it. He knew that sometimes the worst looking guns were the most OP ones though, so he just took it for granted.

“Child of earth, now with my gift you are connected to the great energies of mana and stamina. Now, all that is left is to depart, are you ready to leave the abyss? “

Samuel nodded once more.
“I am.”

“Child of earth, you are the last of the twelve souls that have been summoned. You are the final key that will save, Akohana. “ The goddess rests her hands onto the strings of her instrument as she begins to play a song of foreboding. This song transitions into a more light and bouncy tone and as she plays tears begin running down her cheeks as black smoke begins to surround them, “Remember me child of earth, seek my temples and leave a flower for an offering. “ Her playing then suddenly stops, and then Samuel begins to fall through the abyss, the goddess coming out of view as he falls through what seems like minutes of darkness. A light envelopes his body as he falls and then suddenly awakes in a forest.

Samuel slowly stood up, checking his surroundings. He noticed that his perception was different though. He looked around to see what could be the cause, and noticed his body was different. He couldn’t see his face without a mirror, but it was definitely not his original one. His weapon was gone too, but something told him it wasn’t far away. He took his first few steps into the forest, trying to find a path or another sign of civilization.