Ch1 - I’m Dead?

A piercing cold shot through Ryan's body, jolting him awake.

It's bloody freezing!

"Wake up, kid" a still, small voice whispered, breaking the eerie silence.

Ryan, who moments ago was walking home from a monotonous day of work, muttered to the voice, "Where am I?"

"Human, you are outside of the known universe," the soft voice calmly answered.

Hmm, an insane person. Maybe I fell asleep on the pavement.

Confused, Ryan pushed himself up and began surveying his surroundings. Around him were a chair, a sofa, and a table with a lamp, all pure white and radiating a soft, ethereal glow. The ground was coarse, an uneven mosaic of dark and white stone.

Apart from the furniture, Ryan could not see anything for miles. The air was heavy, with an unearthly stillness, and even weirder, the source of the voice was nowhere to be found.

What the hell is going on, where is everything!

"Who are you? Where are you?" Ryan asked, his voice tinged with fear.

"I am merely a spirit, unable to be seen by mortals," the surroundings responded.

"Why am I here?" Ryan said, as he began to rub his hands together, trying to stay warm.

"After you passed away, I took you out of the reincarnation cycle." Explained the soft-spoken spirit with a tinge of pity.

So I am dead… well, at least I can reincarnate! Ryan thought to himself, already worrying about who would take care of his mother.

But why do I still have my suit on and feel no different than normal? Ryan pondered, quickly deciding that the spirit probably healed him and restored his suit.

"Why did you take me out of the reincarnation cycle? And how did I die?" 

The spirit answered, "We need strong-willed people to fight for those who can't, and as for how you died, see for yourself."

Ryan's consciousness stirred, and he found himself propelled back to Earth. Standing tall, Ryan wore a weary expression, his slender frame encased in a snug, worn-out suit. Dirty blonde hair framed his blue eyes as he moved mechanically, powerless to control his own body. He trudged through a relentless downpour, shoulders hunched to his neck, trying to shield himself from the shower. 

Each step was a struggle; his pace was slow as he battled the elements. The rain intensified, soaking his clothes and weighing him down. With a fierce grip on his umbrella, he battled the wind. 

Suddenly, a teenage figure darted into the road, and without hesitation, Ryan's body sprang into action, throwing the youth back off the road, out of incoming traffic. 

Beeeeep, Splat

A deafening honk, followed by a sickening thud, marked the end of 24-year-old Ryan Edward Ray's life.

Ryan, now back outside of the known universe, collapsed to his knees, his breath coming in rapid gasps. The memory of his death replayed in his mind as tears welled up in his eyes.

Ryan rose back onto his shaking feet, "S-So why did you bring me here?" He stuttered.

"As I said before, we need heroes. My lord has foreseen a prophecy that tells the end of worlds, the half-bre-, Ahem." The spirit cleared his throat.

"Terrible monsters will attack soon, so we need selfless people like you to help protect these worlds. You will be sent to one of the worlds that, we believe, will not require much protection since you are a human."

What's so bad about being human!

"If you help us and succeed with this task, I will reward you with one wish upon your next death. If you, stupidly do not accept my task, then you will re-enter the reincarnation cycle where, upon your next life, you will lose the memories of your previous life but have an easier next life."

Immediately, Ryan responded, "I choose to refu-"

"Great!" the spirit interjected, cutting Ryan off. "One of my followers, Jake, will arrive to assist you from now on, as I am required elsewhere. Oh, and one last thing: please stay within the light of the lamp for your own safety."

Instantly, the area became pitch black. The atmosphere, which was only just full of life, became gloomy and dark. The sole object emitting light was now the holy, white lamp sitting on the birch table. Ryan, heeding the words of the spirit, rapidly rushed over to the warmth of the lamp, terrified by the ominous darkness.

For what felt like hours, Ryan stared into the void surrounding him.

A shiver crept up Ryan's spine. Something's… out there, staring back at me.

Ryan's eyes scoured the darkness for ages, until they fell upon something moving within. The reflection of two bloodshot eyes.

They were slowly moving closer and closer to his position.

Ryan, who was resting on the cold, uncomfortable stone floor, shot up in fear.

Click. Clack

The sound of footsteps stepping closer could be heard. The figure drew nearer with every passing second.

Click. Clack. Click. Clack.

The closer it was, the quicker its pace became. Until it reached just outside the zone of light and paused.

"Lub-Dub, Lub-Dub." Ryan's heart was about to burst out of his chest. His mind tried to conjure a thought, but all it could do was feel fear.

Click. Clack

It entered the light, revealing itself. A young man with pure blonde hair wearing an off-white suit was accompanied by a pair of small, white, feathered wings attached to his back.

"Hey, I'm Jake. I apologise for being so late; I'm new!" The man cheerfully said.

Ryan, shaking with terror, managed to squeak out, "What the hell is wrong with you?" before passing out.