The Past

After she had passed, life had become dull, without light.

Almost like he couldn't see in color, the only times he felt somewhat okay is when he took care of two animals, his friends and his family he had tried their best, but they left him to his mourning.

There was a shift in this seeming vision of the past as it began to twist. His mind forgot he had just witnessed it all again, and it began a new. Each time growing worst, first, it was small things, her dying sooner, or one of the two animals she cared for dying because he did something wrong. It worsened her condition.

Then it got worse, friends and family passing as well, and it only continued to get worst.

It was during these moments of emotional hell that did more than just his hell continue, as the visions of watching the entirety of the Uchiha clan die, and then seeing his own parents killed for an endless amount of time did something finally clicked, a scream left him, enough emotions released at once to last him a life time as the world shattered around him.

As the scene calmed and he began to regain his ability to think within this dream world did he focus, recalling the memories of before he arrived in the naruto world.

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After a long time in his depressive state, did he slowly return to live his life again, life breathing back into his very being as he tried, she had always wanted him to continue to be happy even after her death.

He would never move on from her, as she would always have a place in his heart, and even now he could hear her scolding him for holding her so deeply.

He had lived his life though, enjoying it with his friends and family, moments he would forever remember as he slowly grew older, watching their families grow. Eventually, the animals passed away, and each of old aged as he grew older.

After so long, so many good memories, did he finally pass away. Not of old age, despite him having definitely been old when he finally passed away. No, he chose to pass away when he felt the best when he was still himself. When he could still enjoy the memories of his loved ones.

It took a long time to convince people to allow him to do it, but honestly when your in your late 70's, it's hard for the young people to argue with you. It wasn't until he traveled out of America did it become much easier to find someone willing to do it.

After he passed away, he woke up in the prime state of his body and health, sitting at a table with snacks and drinks that smelled divine, feeling a comfort he hadn't felt since he held his wife in his arms at night before they rested.

''You lived... a lovely life."

He looked up when he heard someone, across from him was a beautiful woman, her skin a warm tanned color and dark hair, her eyes held so much love in them, a love he could barely grasp himself.

"I..." He felt nothing that would warn him against this woman, he had already died once, and now of all moment he felt like he needed to hide nothing.

''I did, didn't I? There was some really rough times... But I enjoyed every good moment that came out of it."

The woman smiled, he was having troubles.

This woman felt like a mother to him, far more then a mother then he ever had to start with... He felt to this woman like he had live a life full of love for her.

''That comes with my title... I am 'Life' Goddess of all that is living... Goddes of all that is love, to me, you are another one of my many sons... I have so many, but I love you all so much, all of you having stories of your own.''

He nodded, feeling better about that. Was it weird he was talking to a Goddess? Maybe, but technically he was dead.

''If you're the Goddess of all things living... Can I... Can I ask?''

She smiled deeper, the snacks and drinks vanishing as she reached across the table to take his hand, her skin soft as she rubbed her hand over his knuckles and wrist. Such a small movement brought so much comfort.

''How she is doing? Of course you can... She has moved to her next life, and she is enjoying it to the fullest, everyday hoping that when you finally cross, so will you.''

''She kicked up a fuss, didn't she?"

The woman chuckled softly, nodding slowly. ''Yes she did, she argued she would wait here for all eternity if she had to... But that is not how it works I'm afraid."

He nodded, leaning back into the comfortable chair.

''Has she found love?"

She broke into a few giggles. ''Yes she has, her love of animals only so much stronger as she was reborn as a druid in a fantasy world... She fell in love with a fisherman.''

He smiled, his eyes closing as he relaxed. Not sure of how much time passed before he spoke.

''I thought it might be harder to accept the fact she's moved on but... It actually feels better she has."

Life smiled softly, still holding his hand. ''You are the few of my children who has been able to... Whereas I wish with all my ability you could stay together forever, you must move to your next life, in a different world. It is entirely random, but I promise you will enjoy it... It is only because of the many good deeds you did, and your ability to tough it through and enjoy your life not once, but twice in the same life am I able to let you cross with your memories.''

''Will I find love again?"

''Of course, you will... It will get easier as your transfer, your memories, and love of her will cycle into a new life. It will fade with time, and it might be hard at first... But I leave you with this information.''

When she spoke, it wasn't her voice, it was the voice of his wife. Like a recorded message, hearing her without the weakness, and in the strength of her prime brought him to silent tears.

''Live your best life James, just remember. Don't be so serious, and if you end up in the same world as Jason Momoa one day, lick his abs for me.''

He started to laugh, his tears quickly turning into happy tears as he broke into laughter, that was definitely the woman he loved.

After a few minutes did he relax once more, smiling. ''I'm ready.''

''You will gain memories of the world you live in, including the memories of the person you end up inhabiting... I wish you luck James, enjoy your life to the fullest..."

Just as the place around him began to darken, the last words he heard were.

''I hope you enjoy being able to be a ninja, to put your talents from another age to use."