Chapter 2: The Noble Savior Arises

I frequently find myself looking back on how things were before our fallout. The days back when I first laid eyes upon Marcia at the corner store she worked at or even the days where Emi was still young and we would take her to the park on Sunday evenings. I miss the way Marcia spoke to me so openly, recently it's felt as though she's been biting her tongue when it comes to me. Emi just turned 8, I hate how estranged things between us have felt due to my work and then my distance with my wife. I wanted to be a father she's proud of. But her father is dead now. I'm dead now.

"I've ruined it all haven't I." I breathe, the words slipping off my tongue almost inaudible against the ringing in my ears. The sensation of floating bears over my entire body.

"Awaken, noble one." A woman's voice echoes somewhat muffled.

'I'm dead and hearing things?' I think to myself, attempting to block out the voice. 'Wait, you aren't supposed to be able to think if I'm dead.' I argue internally.

"Open your eyes, noble one." The woman says.

"Alright it must be hell or something-" I grumble aloud, forcing my eyes open. The room around me is bright, marble pillars and flooring surround what seems to be a small basin of rich turquoise water which I am sitting in. As I lift myself from the makeshift spring, the source of the mysterious voice becomes apparent. Infront of me stands a tall woman with light golden hair at back length and a serious expression. Her long mauve gown is tight fit to her curvaceous figure and travels down to her ankles.

"It isn't hell, I can assure you." She reaches down towards me with a lithe hand outstretched.

"What is your name Hero?"

"Darwin, Darwin Bright." I groggily respond. Is this woman an angel? I'm hesitant to take her hand and glance down at myself.

"Holy fuck, where are my clothes!?" I practically yell, shying away from the woman as I cower deeper into the water.

"Materialistic Items from different realms cannot be transported to another, Master Darwin." The woman replies nonchalantly while staring at me. I collect myself from the shock and cautiously climb out of the spring by myself.

"Realms? If this isn't hell what is it?" I say as I collect my balance. The marble tiles feel cold under the soles of my feet.

"Caeleus. The capital of Intercaeleus which is the realm between heaven, the mortal realm and the void."

"Does everyone come here after they die?" I ask, water dripping off my skin into a puddle on the floor.

The woman pauses momentarily, her brows cave as a look of confusion washes over her face. "No, noble one, only people who are heroes are brought here. Your life ended prematurely and so your soul was sent here for a second chance."

"You must be mistaken, I'm no hero." I sigh, brushing the back of my head with my hand as I look down at her.

"I don't make the decisions, Order does." She replies, eyes wandering over my figure as she scrambles to pick out what appears to be robes from the side of the basin. Her cheeks light up in embarrassment upon realization. I stifle a laugh.

"My sincerest apologies, noble one." She says in a tiny voice, holding the clothing out to me.

"Don't worry, I'm the one standing here naked." I take the clothing and slip it on. It's just a thin white shirt and some soft leather pants, boots and chest armor. I look down at myself, puzzled. The clothes look something out of a fantasy game.

"Odd clothing choice, shirt is a bit tight but I'll survive." I grit my teeth as I stretch myself out.

"A-Apologies, Master." The woman stares at me with wide eyes momentarily before ushering me out of the marble room through a set of giant red doors.

"Why do you keep calling me master?" I say as we exit the room. Cynthia's eyes widen and thinks for a moment.

"The springs are where all our heroes wake up, I'm Cynthia, an attendant to new heroes and a keeper of the springs." She explains without making eye contact.

"In a sense, I was assigned to be your attendant, therefore you are my master." She mutters somewhat awkwardly.

We pace down a luxurious hall which turns out to be part of the castle we are in. The heavy scent of must and florals resonate in the hall space. Several maids in uniform scuttle around the halls like mice, making sure every artifact displayed along the wall is in perfect condition. I try to say hello but if I look their way they are quick to turn away.

"What's the big deal about me? Am I scary?" I joke to Cynthia.

"Well, noble one, you are quite a big deal in this life." She laughs gently "It's not fear, the maids are just not expected to speak to people of such high status like you."

"High status?"

"Yes, noble one. Souls are chosen from the mortal world and sent here under the prospect of being heroes."

"Sounds unreal."

"You'll be told more as your training goes on, in the meantime your majesty the king would like to greet you personally." Cynthia's footsteps stop as we reach another tall set of doors. Two fully armored guards are off to both sides. The two guards push the door open for us effortlessly and we pace inside.

I glance over at Cynthia, she walks with such elegance. Head high and shoulders back. It reminds me greatly of how Marcia carries herself. A pang of sadness wavers over me at the thought. I couldn't fathom not being able to be with her again. A small part of me wishes I really had died so I didn't have to be apart from her or my daughter. I do hope there is a way to leave this world.

As I look up, a graciously large throne room is held before us. I stop in my tracks instinctively to admire the meticulously crafted stained glass pictures that adorn the windows. They remind me greatly of the games I used to spend much of my time playing as a younger man. I break out of my astonishment and continue to follow Cynthia along the velvety red carpet leading us towards the end of the throne room. From there, a deep booming voice echoes across the room.

"Greetings, to our savior!"