Kylexsis POV
Darkness.
I had been surrounded by darkness for so long that I lost track of time. That is... if time existed where I currently was.
Falling.
I was falling. I had been falling and I was falling still, for so long that it seem like three hours ago. It was scary at first, when I didn't feel, hear nor see anything. No wind, no light, no sound, just me..... falling down the endless depth.
I'm dead.
I know I'm dead. That awful sound of my body being crushed under the weight of the heavy truck told it all. Cliché and tragic, yes, but it was more than I could ever want. I had been convinced that anywhere would be better than my life in the living world..... even hell.
The living world.
Sounding so ironic barring that I just came from there a while ago. However, if falling endlessly to my death was the fate I was to face, I would gladly do so. At least I was free. Free from my oppressors, free from the world and the hatred of its people, free from a life were no one would hurt me again. Free..... from being a burden to Clarke.
Clarke....
He must have been broken when he'd heard of my death. I just hope he wouldn't dwell on the past and blame himself for my death. I hoped he'd move on and find that bright future awaiting him on a clean golden platter. He deserves better.....and now he would be without me being in the way.
A smile curved in my lips as tears leaked from my eyes. Clarke, I hope you live hale and hearty. I'll miss you.... goodbye old friend.
Suddenly a bright white light shone from above engulfing me completely. It was warm, and bright. Too bright. I covered my face with my arm to protect my eyes before my back finally hit something solid.
I opened my eyes to vibrant green leaves on a growing tree. I winced at the harsh contact of the sunlight with my eyes as I sat up straight. A small gasp left me as I took in the picturesque view before me.
The sky was a magnificent hue of orange, purple, pink and dark blue as the golden sun began setting below the horizon. In the gentle breeze, grass as green as emeralds swayed gracefully along with different colourful flowers of different types. Afar was this beautiful lake that glistening clearly under the golden light of the sun, a small clear path leading towards it. It was totally... Out of the world?
And just at the lake stood an angelic looking woman, looking out at the lake. She was facing the lake so therefore I could not see her face. Her knee length golden hair danced along with the gentle breeze caressing her arms and around her very, very, thin waist. Her white silky dress shone under the light as it danced in the wind, her hand decorated with a golden bracelet and a golden crown on her head.
However I did not make a move to meet her, even if I felt I was supposed to. I was dead, yet here I am, sitting in the most beautiful place that I had ever laid my eyes on and with no angel in sight to commence my judgement. Or was she the angel perhaps? She could as well be passed as one with that angelic aura slipping out from her. But still, I thought there was supposed to be some large screen or something for judging.
But again, I don't really know anything about the system or how it works. Who knows.... maybe the church was wrong when they said that the narrow path led to heaven and the wide..... hell. That being said, I pressed my back against the hard tree trunk and hugged my legs trying to figure out what was really going on. Or even where I will eventually end up for eternity.
The sun has almost travelled below the horizon and a dark purple had almost covered the sky s I decided to cast away my disorientation and approach the woman at the lake...who hasn't moved a muscle by the way.
Beautiful....she was just beautiful.
A perfectly framed face, bright golden eyes, glistening olive skin and cherry pink lips. She was breathtaking, a complete goddess..... a complete angel.
"H-h-hi." I stuttered feeling my throat tighten suddenly and my cheeks go hot. I might be gay but I'm not blind.
"I've been wondering when you'd make up your mind and come over to say hi." Her voice was like a melody, soft and gentle and so feminine. It was pitched and steady, elegant like her stance. Her face turned to meet mine, eyes resting on mine and a small genuine smile curving up on her lips." Hello, Kylexsis."
"Um..... I ..... Is, is this heaven?" I asked suddenly to try to reduce the tension, biting my lips nervously. Thankfully she didn't notice.
"No. It is not." Her response was sharp and formal with a hint of calmness. Geez just how enchanting can this lady be?
"Well....then what Is this place?" I asked getting curious for real now as I let my eyes wander around the acres and acres of land.
"This is the Rift, the plane where souls are brought to be judged. The space between heaven and the Void." She answered slowly.
"The... Void?" I cocked a brow in confusion looking at her. Who knew the mystery of the heavenly places was so confusing.
"The dark plane where you had dropped out from. It is the plane where every spirit and soul must pass through to accept the reality of their death. In other words if you don't accept your death you will be stuck there for eternity... Falling." She closed her eyes. Her smile widening more." But you accepted reality quite quickly. So the Rift and the Void is the planes between your world and heaven....and hell."
"So then where is heaven?" I muttered looking down at the grass to process all of this. Although I didn't think that it mattered if I remembered it or not, I was going to be judged soon. Nothing will matter when that happens.
She blinked blankly at my question for a second before looking up at the sky. Following her gaze, mine settled on a beautiful castle on top of a huge cluster of white clouds. It was beautiful it took my breath away. Everything was just so beautiful I could cry. But it looked awfully....small?
"That castle contains a portal leading to the gates of heaven..... the afterlife." I nodded and turned to look back at her. Back at her perfect face that I found hard to look away from. I found it hard to believe such beauty and purity even existed, but yet again she wasn't a Normal homosapien despite the form. Angels were extremely magnificent, it wouldn't surprise me if she was one. Everything was down to perfection. Her eyes, her olive skin, her lips, the curve of her waist.....
The clearing of a throat snapped me out of my trance.
"Huh-" I said shaking my head and slapping my temple as my cheeks turned bright red in embarrassment. Again." I- I am so sorry. I kinda forgot it's rude to stare."
Yeah, even if you were a beautiful deity made by the God himself. Damn, what good craftsmanship.
She let out a light chuckle, sounding like music to my ears." It's alright, dear. You wouldn't be the first to do so after all. I've been at this job for thousands of centuries so I'm used to the stares. Sometimes I even forget staring is rude. Not like I care anyway, use the eyes God gave you for what it is for."
"Okay." I smiled after breathing out a sigh of relief. She was nice and direct, good for me." So...are you the angel who is going to judge me?"
"Indeed." She answered turning fully to face me, her whole body beginning to rise from the ground." I am a supreme deity created by the hands of the Messiah himself." The wind picked up around her, blowing her hair and dress to the side, arms outstretched to the side." I am Ekhanto. Goddess of enchantment and charm."
Goddess of enchantment and charm? No kidding! She's enchanting me.....and I'm gay!!!.
From behind her, a transparent fairy wings materialised admist the glowing dust pooling from her body.
"Dear child of God, creation of his holy hands, it is sad what happened to you. It seemed we let him push you that far." She began intertwining her hands together, a look of apology and pity crossing her eyes.
"Eh?!" Was all that let me. I was beyond perplexed.
"Let's start this again shall we. Kylexsis River Dakota, birthed September 20th, 2002, age 20. Spawn of Miriam Angela Dakota and Jason River Dakota. Am I correct?" She spoke, his voice was in a professional tone. Low yet high, deep yet soft.
I nodded my head confirming the
information."Y-yes, that is correct." I had to clear my throat that suddenly felt hoarse and dry.
"November 18th, 2022, at 12:39pm you made a successful attempt to part from your world by provoking your killer. Am I correct?"
"Um....yeah.....about that-" I began to reason hoping she wouldn't judge me for wanting to kill myself. Dead or not, I didn't want to be seen as a maniac.
"Congratulations." A big happy smile curved on her lips as she said this, her teeth visible and white it surely was. I tried my best to restrict myself from touching mine in disappointment." You are the one in a million at the one in a millionth chance to be given to choice. Reincarnation or Afterlife."
"Eh?" I choked on my saliva, giving her a look of confusion. I cocked a brow at her and stared at those golden orbs like she had gone crazy." Reincarnation?"
"Yes, reincarnation." She nodded enthusiastically putting her hands together as if she were praying.
"Reincarnation?" I asked again unsure of what this was.
"Yes, reincarnation." She said quickly, as it seemed like hope flashed in her eyes.
Huh, Nani?
"Reincarnation" I said cocking the other brow.
Ekhanto laughed out loud at my confusion, and I shyly looked away from her to hide my blush." I understand your confusion, deary, as cute as it is this is a serious matter. You've been given a chance, love."
I don't want it!
But still, I didn't actually believe reincarnation was something real but some fairy tale in a children's story book, or an sci-fi fantasy novel. But here I was, being offered transmigration on a golden platter.
"Wait...." I said for the last time " Reincarnation? So that shit is actually real and not some stuck up theory?"
"Yes I can assure you that it is very real indeed. And please, refrain from swearing, it is holy ground that you thread upon." Her face contorting with a displeased frown.
"Oh? OH! I- I am so sorry. Please accept my apology." I stuttered out my plead bowing a little. I didn't want her to strike me where I stood or lose my chances at a good judgement.
"Apology accepted." She gave a curt nod smiling again.
"Okay.....thanks..... um..... continue?"
"Let's start this from the top. Kylexsis, you truly have suffered for years amd I can only imagine what you went through. It's all our fault and we would love to offer our sincerest apologies."
"W-hat–why are you apologizing?" I asked in a state of confusion.
"Ah, you see Kylexsis, the point is you weren't meant to be born on earth. Your soul was never meant to be sent to earth and it was a grave mistake we all made." she explained rather nonspecific.
I shook my head." I'm sorry but could you elaborate more on this topic. I don't understand, I'm not supposed to be born on earth?" Then what am I supposed to be born as, am angel? Or worse where was I supposed to be born at?
Ekhanto let out a weary sigh tucking a strand of golden hair behind her ear." Okay, Kylexsis, imagine your immune system. When an unknown harmful bacteria get in you and if detects it it fights off the bacteria until it is completely gone, right?" she asked and I nodded." good. See, it is just like that for earth. Your soul was never meant to be on earth, so it did every thing possible to drive your soul out. Which meant yes killing yourself."
Surprisingly that didn't shock me one bit. I always knew that I didn't fit in and I had been wondering why. Who knew it would have to take me dying to get to understand why. At least I was done with earth and I wasn't going back.
"That is why I, and the high orders of the heavens, have granted you this rare opportunity for a new life. A new chance at life on earth, we'll make good adjustment this time, just for you. How magnificent is that!"
I froze as I felt my blood run cold and my breath hitch at the hearing of her words.
A new life....a new life. I couldn't do that, nor did I want that. I couldn't go back to earth to where they would discrimination me again. I've suffered enough and I couldn't relive that again. I wouldn't accept that even if it meant going to hell. I will never step foot on earth ever again.
"lexsis.... Kyle..... Kylexsis." I snapped back to the enchanting goddess before me. Her head was tilted to the side as she gazed curiously at me." Do you have any questions, Kylexsis?"
"Just one... Um....how do I stay dead? Forever?"
She frowned for a moment, levitating towards me, golden dust scattering around her as she did so." My dear boy, what do you mean?"
"It is what I mean. I.....I can't go back. I've gone so far to come here and there is no way I am going to relive a new life just to have it turn up like my last. I'm gay, the moment they realise that history will repeat itself. I'm sorry, thanks for the offer but-" I crossed my arms, grimacing at the thought of reincarnation." I think I will take my chances with the afterlife."
"Oh." The look of disappointment crossed on her facial features. She fiddled with her dress for a while, her eyes diverting towards the sparkling lake. I could see the sadness in her eyes, a look that made me curious. However, before I had the chance to ask about it, she began to say." Look Kylexsis, I think I should have said this earlier, but since I thought you would like the idea of being reincarnated I thought.....-"
I frowned, at her voice trailing off." You thought what?" I prompted getting impatient.
She sighed." Kylexsis, you provoked your killer because you wanted to die. So in other words, the killer of this case is not just Justin Levough. It is you. Committing murder or suicide is the greatest sin of all and this angered The Messiah."
" So what are you trying to tell me?" I almost snapped in impatience, fearing what I thought was coming next. Thank God for my amazing poker face,
"What I'm trying to tell you is that your choice is either reincarnation....or hell. Purgatory is not an option for murder." She explained.
"Well I've had my share of people on earth," I was quick to say, not caring how irrational I sounded. After all the people were irrational, following a directive that said" judge the book by it's cover "" And now I understand why God had to flood the earth. However I have made my decision. I'd rather be thrown in the depths of hell than be sent back to the place that killed me."
"Enough." Ekhanto snapped at me. Her hands balled to the sides in anger, her face contorted to a furious look and her aura darkening in rage. I was shocked." You have no idea what you are saying. Hell is not a place to be trifled with. You will suffer more than you ever had. You will burn for eternity as you are made to relive the worst days of your life over and over and over again. That guilt, pain, anger, sadness...it all comes back in a thousand fold. It is the exact thing you are so trying to avoid."
"Wait....what..... relive.....my..... worst.....I can't do that I..." I trailed off collapsing to the ground. Did I not really have a good choice? My heart and my breath sped up again. It was over, it was all over. I only killed myself to be condemned to suffering. It was all a waste.
Now I have realized the real reality. No matter what I do....no matter where I go...I can never truly belong.
I can never be loved.....No what was I saying? I was loved. I was loved by Clarke. He was the only one that truly accepted me for who I truly was. Poor, gay, he stuck with me for five good years. Supported me, gave me a shoulder to cry on, took me in when I had nowhere else to go, fed me when I had nothing to eat, hung out me when there was no one, defended me when no one would. He was the light in my dark, my best friend....my first love and this was how I repayed him? By dying, and probably leaving him broken and having himself to blame?
I am a bad person. I am a terrible friend. Oh , Clarke, I am so sorry. I should have listened to you, I should have accepted your offer, I should have lived on like you told me to. I'm a failure. A complete failure. I don't deserve you, your love or your kindness. I do not deserve anything.
I should suffer. I should be thrown into the depths of hell to burn for my sins. I should not be given a choice of reincarnation. Why God? Why me? Why, why, why? Why take pity on a tainted soul like mine?
"Oh Kylexsis come here." It wasn't until Ekhanto sat beside me and brought me into her loving embrace did I realize the streaks of tears on my face. My heart aches so badly that all I wanted to do was cry. And so I did, burying my face in the crook of the goddess's neck, bawling my eyes out as she rubbed my back soothingly in an oscillatory motion.
" I don't know what to do, Ekhanto. I don't want to go back to earth, nor do I want to go to hell.....and I can't stay here either can I?" I sniffed removing my face form her neck and resting my head on her lap as I lay down, something that I was glad she allowed.
She smiled sadly shaking her head, her hair bouncing at the slow movement and her hand gently stroking my hair."No, a soul can only stay here before the trumpet sounds. After that....if the soul doesn't choose in time....then you will be sent to the place that defined the way you lived your life. Afterlife or hell. I'm sorry."
I sighed, resting my eyes a bit and allowing myself to enjoy her stroking. After all I was being stroked by a goddess, in a, and I quote," one in the millionth time". So I might as well relish in this bliss. And so we just lay there, listening to the sounds of the birds and water lapping gently and the wind howling softly. It was bliss.
"I have a proposition." She spoke up after a while of blissful silence." How about...I reincarnate you.....but not just on your earth...I can send to another place, another world...."
My eyes shot open in confusion." Wait, you can actually do that-or better yet, other worlds exist?" I blurted out, feeling excitement rise in me.
She giggled, shaking her head, probably at my childish reaction." The earth is a difficult place to watch over, the heavens are a tiring and huge place to constantly rule over, and hell is an exhausting place to keep in check. Everyone needs help at some point in time.....even God. Well, and we his divine children wanted to do something to help our creator. In other to train us in helping him watch over the earth, he gave us an assignment. A pet project if you can call it. He made us create our very own world in our own image just like he did and rule over it in the best way we could, so only those who succeeded would help in his works and wonders."
She paused for a second, looking at the setting sun that had almost gone under the horizon. Her gaze wondering, as if searching for the right words to say." So we did as he said, created our own universe and ruled over them. However, the gods and goddesses you know of on your world are the ones that succeeded. Cupid, Eris, Eros, Ares , Hephaestus, The almighty Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, Hermes, Apollo, Anubis, Hestia, Loki, Thor and so on. And those who didn't succeed, where left out of the picture and never featured as a divine beings in that world."
"And let me guess, you were part of the the divine beings who failed at their task." I asked carefully, hoping she wouldn't react to my question.
She smiled and looked back down at me, shrugging." Where in any ancient mythology have you ever heard of a goddess of enchantment and charm called Ekhanto?"
"You and the others that didn't succeed.....you were left out of the picture....isn't that a bit, you know -" I mused, biting my lips.
" What discriminating?" She finished for me, cocking her head to the left along with a beautifully shaped brow." Not at the very least. Those of us that didn't succeed accepted the terms of our failure. After all, watching over the earth is a difficult task." She said picking up a small twig on the floor and holding both ends in front of my face." It is such a fragile creation that any slight mistake...and it breaks in half." She broke the twig into two." Thalassa, goddess of the sea was supposed to be the one here to judge you and not me, though, unfortunately an important meeting was called and I was entrusted to handle your judgement."
"Moreover, God is not heartless. Out of love and happiness that we actually went through lengths to go through the test just to help him, he let us keep or creations. The others are doing just fine, but uh..." She chuckled nervously itching the back of her neck.
"Your world is falling apart?" I guessed smirking smugly. Cliché.
Her shoulders slumped as the groaned in defeat." My world is in peril as of late and I need every help that I can get." She looked back at me, pleadingly." I need you, Kylexsis."
"Me? Why?" I wandered pointing towards my chest.
"You wouldn't be the first to be reincarnated in my world. But the moment I laid my eyes on you I knew that you were destined for greatness. One that only you can truly accomplish. Don't ask me how I know this, I just do. You have a future were you will end up helping my world thrive. I can see it, I can sense it. My world is in danger....and I need your help."
"Hold on," I began, sitting up so I could face her properly." You're the Creator of that place right? Why don't you fix it yourself, you know,....like stike down the sinners or something."
She shook her head with a serious look." The objective is to rule the world without any mistakes. So I am not allowed to fix it myself. I can only hope that someone does for I can only guide them towards the right path. But you're here now, and I feel this is easier to tell you. I don't want to watch it crumble, Kylexsis, I need your help. Please."
I smiled sympathetically. She said I could help. She said she needed my help. She let me cry on her shoulder and stopped me from making the worst decision ever. If Clarke was here he'd tell me to take up the offer. And plus I wasn't so heartless to leave a woman in pain.
"Fine I'll help you-" I finally said but she cut me off before I could even finish.
"Really? Oh my goodness, Kylexsis thank you so much." She grabbed my hands and placed them on her chest where I could feel the rapid beat of her heart. It made me smile." Okay, we don't have much time. The sun is about to go down so I'll make it quick. Listen carefully Kylexsis, in that world, the only thing that will ever matter is your wits and the allies you make. Do not reveal where you truly came from to anyone except you are sure of your trust towards them. And also mind who you trust too. However, my world comes with a price. You are going to have some unique abilities."
"What.... abilities... magic." I stuttered.
" Yes my world is like a...as you earthlings call it, a reincarnated into a fantasy world story. Or something like that."
I screamed internally like a girl in happiness. Magic?..... Fantasy?... Why didn't she lead with that in the first place?
"It is in a medieval age and I'm afraid it is not equipped but i am sure that you will aid in its development." She continued as she sprinkled golden dust around my neck. The dust settled slowly , making a small golden necklace and amethyst pendant."Know this Kylexsis, you are now my personal envoy sent to help my world. You use that necklace to contact me but you can only use it four times before the magic in it runs down. So be wise."
She reached forward and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead." A goddess kiss is a goddess blessing. You will know what it is and what it can do later on, it is important. I will send you a companion so that you may never be alone on your journey and provide some information to any questions you may have. Treat him with care."
We both jumped at the sound of a loud thundering trumpet blowing loudly from the walls of the castle in the clouds." The trumpet had been sound. It is time." Ekhanto said getting up on her feet and dragging me up along with her, a broad smile on her face." Thank you Kylexsis, it has been an honour to spend this little time with you. This goddess will forever be in your depth. And godspeed....bye love."
She tapped my forehead with her finger and instantly a white magic circle appeared from below us. It felt extremely warm, warmer than the sun. And then above appeared a white portal. The light below shot up to the portal above, carrying me along with it. And before I was completely gone, I said to her.
I'm glad you were the person picked to judge me. I am glad you are my goddess."
I didn't miss the happy smile on her face as I left. And so I traveled. Traveled in an unbreakable speed through the portal toward the blinding light just at the end. It covered my vision, till everything went entirely black.....
Reincarnated to a fantasy world eh?..... Let's see shall we?
Stay tuned for more