What is death?
That is a question I find myself asking, as I take in my strange, new environment.
There are those who seek it, and others who wish to manipulate the fear of it for their own gain. Some, rightfully, see it as oblivion; while others view it as simply the first step in ones existence. It is the fate that awaits all life, and yet, some people welcome it.
Not me.
While it can come for you at any moment, most ignore its inevitable grasp on them. They live in intentional ignorance of their end, but are ultimately happier for it. It is only when faced with their own mortality that they look back and wonder:
'Why did I waste so much time?'
…
Unnatural silence. That is the first thing I notice as my awareness grows. The kind of silence that has never been disturbed by the peskiness of life.
I know I went to sleep in my own bed, in my own house, with my tinnitus drowned out by the white noise of my bedside fan. I dreamt, as I always do, of the verdant field and the overcast, grey sky that gifts me total serenity.
My happy place, as I like to call it.
Now, as I open my eyes, I find myself standing underneath that same sad sky, with it neighbouring grass poking up between my toes; and I can feel, with absolute certainty, that I am dead.
What is one supposed to feel and think when faced with a situation such as this? Do they fell rage? Do they... cry? Are they meant to fall to their knees and clutch their face, overcome with despair? For me, all I can think is, 'I hope my dog is okay.'
The silence is broken by a simple, 'Hello', from my left. Surprised, I turn toward the voice, and see small bolt of ever-shifting, white lightning. "Uh-," I choke out, "Hello?" It doesn't respond. "I heard you speak... I think, are you not going to reply?"
It starts to slowly move towards me, causing me to back away in fright. "Please," I begin to beg as I step back, "I don't know what you are, and I understand, somehow, that I am dead... but you're scaring me." The bolt stops its advance, and begins to emit a golden light.
Its shape begins to warp, forming a series of unrecognisable words. As I stare in confusion at the unknown language in front of me, the lightning begins to speak, its voice soft and clear. "Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you, something else drew part of my attention for a moment." She? It? Apologises.
"Anyway, allow me to introduce myself." It coughs, somehow, clearing its... throat? Does lightning have a throat? I think humorously. "The identifier that I am permitted to reveal to you is, 'That Which One Sees at the Point of Death'. But I understand that the people of your planet would find that to be quite the mouthful, so you can just call me, 'Twos'."
I get the impression that its giving me a smile.
"Ah," I begin. What does one say to a bolt of lightning? "W-Where am I? What are you? A-And... why am I naked?" I'm starting to ramble, I know. But, what the fuck? This is so far past the point of anything that I've ever experienced.
"Okay, first of all, you need calm yourself a little, young miss, or you'll start to dissipate, haha." Please don't laugh, that isn't helping. "I am a... law, I guess you could say, sent out to guide those who have gotten lost on the path to death. And I do apologise for your nakedness, but all must be laid bare in this sacred place." It almost sounds embarrassed.
"As I'm sure you understand by now, you're dead. As for where you are? That's going to be a bit complicated I'm afraid. You see, when most die, they go straight to wherever they are meant to go; be it an afterlife, saṃsāra, or nothingness... But you," It whispers, "You dream of grey and green."
"...Grey and green?" I question. "You mean this place? I don't understand its importance, but I am familiar with what I'm seeing. I dream of it every night."
"Exactly!" It suddenly shouts, excitedly, before taking a second to calm down. "You have no idea how rare it is for something to be able to enter here. This place, its... its one of the most powerful things in all of totality; a font of pure potential, the birthing chamber for the creation of... well, everything." It finishes with awe in its voice.
"I... I don't understand. If I... died, why am I here?" Fear starts to well up inside me. This isn't something I want anything to do with. I don't like being subject to something so far beyond my ability to control.
"Because," It spoke, it voice low and full of wonder, "You've been invited. Out of everyone and everything, you've managed to be chosen. Not because you are special, or because a higher power is looking out for you; but because your name was pulled out of... essentially, a great, big, cosmic-sized hat."
Something's fucky.
Stuff like this doesn't happen in the real world. The universe is ordered and understandable; It exists, it will fade, and humanity will be a part of it for a microsecond. There is no greater power or god, there is no fate or predestination, and there is certainly no life after death.
This whole... thing, is the stuff of fiction; something you'd read in the half-coherent writings of a mid-thirties virgin. There is no such thing as 'Isekai', there is no chosen one, and there is no greater purpose that one is meant to achieve; you live, you are unhappy, you die. That's i- "Ah, that's where you're wrong."
"...Are you reading my thoughts? Fuck! What the hell is going on?! Why am I here?!" I shout, furious. This can't be real. I'm still at home, sleeping, dreading the coming morning shift I have to work tomorrow, with my dog curled up next to me.
"Don't get snappy with me, little one. Just because you're closed-minded, it doesn't mean that the truth will change to fit you." It chided me. "I'll be frank, you don't need to be accepting of your new situation, it won't change what is to come. Just know that this is how things are, and that this is a gift."
"As the 'chosen one', as you put it, you have, at the point of your death, been brought here to be given a unique opportunity; freedom. All creation is under the purview of the Heavenly Dao, which you'll no doubt recognise from those trash-like webnovels that you are so fond of." It mocked.
I go to interrupt, but it flashes and rumbles warningly at me.
"But the Seedbed, here, can be used to move beyond, to explore universes untouched by the Heavenly Dao. This, is what you have been 'chosen' to do."
"...Okay. Yeah, okay. I'm calming down somewhat; sorry for snapping at you." I apologise. I shouldn't get this worked up, what happened, happened. "So, what? Am I meant to go to from universe to universe and conquer them in the name of the Heavenly Dao? Because if so, I refuse. I'm not some kind of general; killing my way across the land in order to increase the 'power' of my 'master'. You'd be better off sending me on to wherever I would have gone if you hadn't scooped me up."
"Don't be ridiculous." It chided. "The Dao isn't some kind of cosmic evil that wants to consume all life. In fact, it just wants to see what lies outside of its limits; to explore and understand the unknown."
Thank god, or the Dao, I guess. I'm not a conqueror, or a leader, that isn't me. I'd much rather be sat at home reading, or continuing my studies.
"Come." Twos ordered, interrupting my thoughts. "Follow me. Your adventure cannot begin until we have travelled to the Heart of the Seedbed." It changed back into its state of shifting lightning and started moving away from me. I moved to follow, feeling the soft grass flatten beneath my feet.
The journey to this Heart started with a single step, beginning a walk that lasted an indeterminate time, perhaps hours, or maybe days. As we travelled, I saw things that I doubt any human has before. From the half-formed body of a towering, shining, humanoid; to a flying, whale-like creature made of crystal and time.
At what I came to be informed was the halfway point in our journey to the Heart, we came across a gravestone, inscribed with a language that hurt my eyes to read. When I asked Twos who the grave was for, it helpfully replied, 'God'. It's a good thing I'm not religious, or that definitely would've caused a crisis of faith.
When we finally reached the Heart, It was nothing like what I had been imagining. Instead of something complicated that I probably couldn't even begin to comprehend; or something mythical, like a lake of life-creating water, I instead found a chalkboard. The board was full of notes and diagrams, displaying such things as a salmon with human legs, and a snowman made of fire.
To say I was surprised would be an understatement. Seeing my expression, Twos laughed and said. "I know. It's not what you'd think to find at the Heart of creation." Twos lightning form moved to the board and struck it with a bolt, erasing its displays.
Twos tapped the board, causing it to float up and expand, making it slightly larger than me. Twos turned to me and said, "Okay, when you're ready, step into the board and be sent you off to your new reality." It explained, quite cheerfully.
"...That's it? No explanation on where I'm going, or what I'm expected to do? Am I still going to be me, or is this some kind of transmigration situation?" I ask. I'd prefer to know where I'm going; even if I end up in a death world, I'd at least like to mentally prepare.
"Oh, sure, sure. I was just going to send you off to a random reality, but you can choose from a select few if you want." Twos replied. I'm just gonna gloss over that. "As a gift from me, to thank you for the conversation on the journey here, you can decide if you'd rather just be placed there, instead of the planned transmigration." It graciously offered.
"Great, thank you." I thanked him sincerely. At least I have some choice when it comes to my future. "So what are my options? Oh, and I'd like to stay as myself, please."
"Depending on where you choose to go, you might miss out on some inborn talents; are you sure?" It queried. The potential benefits are intriguing, but I've been in this body for my entire existence, and I'm comfortable with who I am. Who knows, I might end up as a man.
Isn't that a dreadful thought.
"If that's your preference, then so be it." Twos replied, respecting my decision. "So, as you've chosen to limit your potential options, you won't get to know the name of your choices, and will only gain an impression of the reality. Sorry." Twos apologised. "Step forward and stick your head through the board. Don't worry, there's no danger involved."
Doing as Twos said, I step forward nervously, but stop. "Are you sure there's no danger? I'm not gonna stick my head in there and gain the attention of some unfathomably powerful entity, who'll kidnap me and force me to doing its bidding for its entertainment? Right?" I begged.
"...You read too many stories. Trust me, the process is perfectly safe. If anything could get through the board, we'd have much greater problems than that."
Finally, trusting in Twos, I stick my head into the Heart.
The first thing I notice is a complete absence of physical sensation, and the great increase of my senses. Looking around, is see five distant lights, that each exude a different feeling.
Focusing on one, I don't initially get an impression from it. Trying again, I finally start to feel something; the... colour orange? And... eyes? The fuck?
Pulling my head back, I turn to Twos and question, "Am I doing this right?"
"Why? Because you felt a colour? Don't worry, you've just been restricted by the senses of your species. What you are sensing is correct, if limited." It comforted me. Happy that I didn't do it wrong, I stick my head back in and focus on a different light.
This time, I get the impression of bats, and a... quiff, of all things. Okay, I have a good idea what that's meant to represent. Before moving on, I pull out again and question Twos, "I'm pretty sure I know what one of those realities is, and its fictional... probably. Is superman real?" I ask excitedly.
It laughed, "Everything is real if believe hard enough, ya fool."
Laughing along, I stick my head back in and focus. From the third light, I get the feeling of six glowing stones and... glorious purpose? The fourth light, the crawling of bugs and a fedora. And finally, from the fifth light, titties and dragons.
I'm pretty sure I know what all of they are, apart from the first and fifth lights, so I'm gonna ignore those. The options available to me seem to be DC, the MCU, or marvel in general, and Worm.
Fuck any of those, honestly.
Pulling back a third time, I turn to Twos for his help, "I think I know what three of them are, and they're basically death worlds. The other two I have no impression of, so I've decided to ignore them. What do you think I should do?"
For some reason, Twos started flashing and thundering. "Girl, this is your singular chance to gain absolute freedom, and you want your first choice to be decided by some... other? This is your future, it is for you to create!" Twos rumbled angrily.
Twos' anger is unexpected, but he's not wrong. This is the most important decision I will ever make, and it must be given great thought.
"...I'm gonna roll a dice."
"...Sure."
---AN---
Hello, author(lol) here. I've been reading a lot of Shiro's stories recently, and got the idea to try my hand at it. I've never tried to write a story before, and this came to me while I was making a cup of tea, so I expect this to be shit.
Also, this might be the only chapter, depending the reception. So feel free to barrage me with criticism.
Clutching the single die given to me by Twos in a shaky hand, I nervously chuck it out into the air. As I watch it fly, I can feel my perception of time slow, dragging out one second into next; knowing that this roll is the decider of the rest of my life. It slowly rotates, showing me all six of its sides.
I close my eyes, not wanting see it land, anxious of the result.
Twos voice breaks me out of my spiral of worry, "Oh! A four!" It exclaims excitedly. A four?
Marvel.
The best I could've hoped for. As least in marvel I have the chance to escape any apocalyptic scenarios, maybe. As opposed to something like Worm, where I'll almost certainly be instantly killed by any powerful Thinker, such as Contessa; or, god forbid, I get mind controlled by the Simurgh.
I open my eyes, seeing the result for myself. Four black dots on a white surface.
'What do I know of the Marvel Universe?' I ask myself. I've seen most of the films and TV shows of the MCU, and I've read some of the more popular comics, so I have some idea of the general structure of its reality. If I can remember whatever I've read while on a 3 am wiki crawl, I should be able to avoid most of the super dangerous entities.
Unlikely, but oh well.
I look to Twos, who's ever-flowing lightning form has started do flash quickly, "What's got you so excited? Are you a fan?"
"No, no. I'm not interested in superheroes." It says, a smile in its voice. "I'm happy for you, is all. As a being born in a universe under the Heavenly Dao, you have an innate talent for Taoism, even if barely anyone chooses to seriously train in it nowadays." Its form starts to swirl into… the symbol for yin and yang? Taiji, I think.
"Although the universe you're heading to is separated from the Dao, some of its worlds have created their own philosophies that align with the Dao's powers and concepts. Meaning, if you happen to, say, I don't know... find yourself on earth during the 13th century, and… happen to find your way into a Taoist sect, you'll quickly gain power."
No.
No, no, no, no, no!
"I don't know anything about Taoism! Or the 13th century!" I shout, fearfully. "Please, don't do this to me. Can't I arrive in an era that I actually know? If I start in that period, nude, with no weapons or abilities, I'll die! Within hours!" I plead.
"Hey, no need to worry, it was just an example. Wink." Did you really ju- "I'm kidding." It laughs, before moving on. "I'm not, actually. Its been decided that this is when you'll end up, but you won't be completely helpless. You're not some kind of sacrificial body, sent out to die; you have a mission, one which is entirely voluntary."
"What mission?" I urge, calming down slightly. "I have no training or survival skills, so whatever it is, it's got to be something that I can reasonably accomplish."
Twos unswirls from its taiji form, and shifts itself to become a... compass? "Exploration, my dear girl! We want you to explore!" The compass's needle starts spinning fast. "You only need journey through time and space, at your own pace, when you feel that you can defend yourself from the dangers that come with being an intrepid adventurer!"
"...That's all? No fighting universe destroying monsters, or spreading the Dao to all corners of existence? Just… explore?" It seems to good to be true. A ticket to a life of potentially infinite power and knowledge, and all for the low, low price of… basically nothing?
"Would you rather fight gods? Or maybe... kill the One-Above-All and sacrifice it to the Heavenly Dao?" I shake my head. "Exactly. You're only a mortal, from a race of beings that are constantly at war with each other and their own selves; you are incapable of truly understanding that for the majority of life, peace is the all they know." It pauses, turning to the Heart. "I've dragged this on long enough, it's time for you to move on."
I follow Twos' gaze, and stare at the Heart. Such a simple looking thing, a black board set in a wooden frame; and yet, it holds the power of infinite creation.
And I'm about to walk right into it.
Twos' is right. I've fought and begged, but I'm not inherently against what's coming. I'm just scared. Before me is a life of freedom, of learning, of the chance to become more than I am; and I've tried to avoid it.
Why?
Because I don't deserve it. I'm not smart, or a particularly good person; and I haven't worked to make my world, or even myself, better. I was born to a poor family, and squandered any chance life threw at me to improve myself; I've snubbed my narcissistic family, and drew away from any friends I ever had.
The only thing I've ever done that is of any importance, is adopt a rescue dog.
Ah.
"What about my dog? Is he going to okay? I don't want him to be left with my body, locked in my flat; can you do anything to help him?" I'm almost begging when I ask Twos this favour.
"Your dog? Not to worry; on the off chance that you ever gain the opportunity to return here, your entire star system has been removed from time, and placed in a safe, comfy box." That's... I can't imagine that degree of power. Removing an entire star system with seemingly no consequences?
Fucking crazy.
With the knowledge that my dog is safe and sound, I take a step towards the Heart, then a second, before I'm walking to it with purpose. Placing a hand on either side, I prepare to step in. Just as my foot passes through, Twos speaks up, "Chotto matte, quick warning before you go in."
"When you're pushed out on the other side, there will be traces of the Seedbeds' power around you, lasting for about thirty seconds. In that time, you'll have to chance to create simple items and powers; but don't be thinking that you can turn yourself into a reality warper or anything like that. You can only make mundane objects, and only a low-tier, personal power. Okay?"
"...Okay." It's better than nothing. At least I don't have to be nude for much longer. "Am I ever going to see you again, Twos?"
"That, young miss, is entirely up to you."
I smile.
Then I step through.
…
I have the sensation that I'm falling. All around me, in the distance, are dots of light of unimaginable colours; spinning around me as I tumble through this unknown space. One of the lights, red in colour, starts to increase in size, coming towards me; or… am I falling into it? It grows larger in my vision, then greater still, before it encompasses my entire sight.
It consumes me.
Dust and ash starts to gather around me in swirls as I fall through the endless red light, before clinging to my skin. It starts to eat away at my flesh; nibbling on, and taking, my left pinky. I try to shake it off, to brush it away, but it flows like water over my body.
It eats my ring finger.
I start to scream in terror. This isn't right! Twos guaranteed me that this was safe, that nothing would happen to me! I start thrashing, trying to remove my carnivore, to no avail. I fear that I'm going to die, again, permanently this time; taken by oblivion.
As I scream, and I thrash, I see a light appear from the way I came, golden in colour. As it nears me I hear,
"BE!" It starts, with a booming voice.
"GONE!" It finishes. The light strikes me, sending me flying. I hear cries of anguish from the ash on my skin, as it begins to fall from me.
The voice shouts again, "No worries, young miss! Happy travels!"
Twos!
I stare at the light, hoping to make Twos out; but I feel a tug on my feet that begins to pull me down. The speed of my fall starts to quicken, before I'm thrown through a suddenly appearing hole.
On the other side, I feel myself land on mud and grass, sensation returning to me. As I look from where I came, with the hole starting to close, I hear one final word;
"Bye!"
Bye indeed, Twos.
I hope we meet again.
…
I take a second to gather my bearings, before I'm hit by the pain of my two missing fingers. "Ah!" I scream in shock. I attempt to push away the pain; I don't have any time to waste.
I need to create.
First things first, bandages. Focusing my senses, I feel the fading power of the Seedbed around me, similar in feeling to what I know, but with an added metal taste to it. As I think about what I need, the bandages starts to form from nothing onto my left hand. I tighten them around my wounds, and tie them up with the best knot I can make. With that taken care of, for now, I need clothes to protect me from the elements.
Before I can create any clothing, I need to determine my environment. Flicking my eyes around, I take in my surroundings. I'm standing in a clearing in a woodland area, the area above me clear of tree cover. The trees themselves, thin and tall, with leafage in the shape of a cone, are slightly familiar to me; reminding me of trees from the east.
My environment established, I draw on the power and create a camouflaged outfit. Underwear first, then socks, boots, a simple, warm shirt; and a set of woodland-camo style jacket and trousers. With that done, I can finally get to creating myself a power.
With the limitations I'm under, and little time to think about what I could potentially create, I settle for the simple, but effective power, of accelerated learning; with any of my abilities or skills displayed to me in a character sheet.
Finalising my creation, as I feel the power of the Seedbed dissipate, I see golden, unknown runes, that I can somehow understand, appear in my vision.
...Parameters Set. Creation Accepted.
...Welcome, to your new reality.
[Character]
Name – Sarah Worthington
Species – Human
Life – 27/83
[Skills]
Abilities: English (Mastered), Cooking (Basic), Accounting (Skilled).
Innate Powers: Dao Child, Accelerated Learning (Tier 1)
Learned Powers: N/A
[Hint: Tap for more info.]
Looking over the display, I see the small amount of skills that I gathered in my short life, and the power that I created. Though... life? Tapping on it, it shows - [Life: A counter of the amount of years you have experienced, and the limit of your natural lifespan.]
Scary.
At least I know how much time I have left, I guess. I'll have to look into extending that limit, somehow, in the future. For now, I'm much more interested in my so-called 'Innate Powers'. With excitement in my mind, I tap Dao Child,
[Dao Child: You were touched by the Heavenly Dao, which blessed you with the quest of adventure; and you have journeyed atop the grass of the Seedbed. There is no other who has achieved both of these Great Accomplishments.
You have been granted great talent in the ways of Taoism, and will find that the Dao of Creation comes to you with greater ease then all but the gods.]
This is... too much. Twos did mention that I would have innate talent for Taoism... but, I want to learn through my own efforts; not this fucking... cheat-like power. What's the point of study if the universe is just going to gift me things? I'm not a character in some wish-fulfillment fanfiction; I'm my own person, with my own ability to learn.
I hope this doesn't interfere with my path too much.
With the potential consequences of that power running through my mind, I move on to the power I created,
[Accelerated Learning (Tier 1): Learn mundane skills at an accelerated rate (+100%), and supernatural skills at a slightly increased rate (+30%)]
Perfect; this is exactly what I was hoping for. Although this power helps will me learn things quicker, it doesn't have such a great influence that there will be no effort required on my part. It's much better then... Dao Child.
Accelerated Learning is going to be an immense help in surviving until I reach some form of civilisation.
Turning my head to the sky, I see that the sun is starting to set, not leaving me much time to find shelter. As much as I don't like Dao Child, it has changed any plans I had before I arrived in Marvel. With the ability to learn Taoist skills with ease, I can hopefully use it to gain some ability in divination.
Although I don't know too many methods of divination, I remember a game I used to play as a child, whenever I hoped to escape the suffocation of my family home. Walking over to a tree, I reach up and grab a loose-looking branch. With a tug, It breaks off and falls to the ground, where I pick it up.
I move back over to where I landed and stand the stick straight up, before letting go. The stick topples and bounces off the dirt, before pointing away from me, to my right. I wait, but no notification appears. Bummer.
I grab the stick and step back until I'm about three metres from my initial test, and turn to my left. I repeat the 'divination' and move back as the stick falls. It lands in the same direction as the first attempt, only this time pointing behind me.
Still no notification.
Making a third attempt, this time I move right, facing the same direction, before turning left and trying again.
It falls, pointing in the same direction as the other two; only this time, I get my long awaited notification.
[Power Learned – Divination: The ability to divine an answer to a posed question, through various methods; be it seeking wisdom from the natural world, a revelation from a divine being, or through simple magic.
Methods Known – Stickfall: With a mighty length of wood in hand, and the ever present power of gravity, you can learn the direction to that which you seek. Whether it be person, object, or idea, the Divine Stick will always lead you straight.]
Flavour text aside, this might be the most important power I will ever learn, one that will most probably save my life countless times.
With this, I can create a plan of action.
Looking at the result of... Divination, I set off in the direction its pointing.
It's time to find shelter.
---AN---
So, I've written a second chapter. I honestly didn't think I would, but writing the first chapter was unexpectedly fun. As with the first chapter, be sure to leave me any criticism that you have; or any grammatical mistakes you find.
xoxo
(Title's still fucked. help.)Last edited: Today at 3:45 AM Like ReplyReport Reactions:Wtfimmune, Meep!, Fuckoff and 111 othersSlaughterJan 20, 2026Add bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 3: Confirmations View contentSlaughterSeeking EternityJan 20, 2026Add bookmark#16The woodland that I find myself in is dense with trees, that block the fading light provided by the setting sun; with the cries of birds, and the sounds of thriving nature echoing all around me.
As I trudge through the forest, towards my potential shelter, I try to recall what I've read of surviving when stranded. The first thing that comes to mind is the 'rule of threes' that I saw in a book as a child; three minutes without oxygen, three hours without shelter, and three days without water.
Of course, there's also three weeks without food, but that's not a priority for now; I had dinner before my... death. I don't think I'm going to get used to the idea that I've actually died anytime soon.
...Speaking of, am I in a new body? If, after I died, I started to exist as a soul, what does it mean, now that I'm flesh and blood again? Was a new body crafted for me as I arrived in this reality? Did I start in perfect health, or was my fatigued body remade, cell by cell? I can't tell.
These feel like questions that I won't be getting answers to anytime soon.
...Anyway; survival, yes. As soon as I find shelter, I need to start thinking about protection from the elements, and about collecting drinkable water. Using the information that Twos gave me, such as its hint that I'll be joining a Taoist sect, and by the looks of the trees around me, I speculate that I'm in, or around, China.
From my reading of the country's online fiction, mainly Xianxia, I know that gourds grow in its wilderness, and can somehow be turned into containers for things such as water. I know little of the fruit, but I think that they are hollow, maybe, and that they grow on vines? If I can find one, and with a bit of trial and error, I should be able to craft a bottle.
As I round a crooked tree, I see what looks to be an opening in a stone wall. I stop, and retreat back behind the tree. In all likelihood, I'm deep in some mountainous area, untouched by humans, surrounded by wildlife that will attempt to kill and eat me.
I need to be smart, be cautious, and play it safe.
I turn and move further back, before finding cover behind a particularly large tree. I crouch and look along the grass beneath me, searching for a weighty rock. Still crouched, I find a good one and clutch it in my right hand, before pressing myself against the tree and peeking out.
Winding my arm back, I lob the rock at the opening, and wait. One second passed, then ten, then a full minute. Nothing. Should I risk it? Better not, lets not be stupid.
Lifting a second rock, I repeat my action, this time throwing the rock with greater strength. I hear it land in the opening with a clear crack. With the level of sound it made as it struck, it should get the attention of anything living in the cave. I draw back from my peeking, until I'm barely visible from the opening, and begin to wait.
After what I feel to be ten minutes, with no movement from the cave, I slowly make my way over. I approach from the side and take cover against the wall, before peering in. From what I can see, the cave isn't too deep, barely five meters in depth, and absent of any traces of animal life. It's not perfect, but it's better than what I could've hoped for.
While I'd like nothing more than to enter it and get some sleep, I realised something important on my way here.
I forgot to create a weapon.
Idiotic, I know, but it's been a busy day, and I've had a lot on my mind. I could spend my remaining daylight looking for something to defend myself with in case I'm attacked, but I doubt I'll find a weapon just... lying around, and I don't have any experience with crafting. With limited options, and not a lot of time, I might have to just risk it and go to sleep undefended.
I know it's a great chance I'm taking, but with my new ability in divination, I should be able to secure some level of safety. I step away from the cave and brush the ground to create as smooth of a surface as I can, before standing my... Divining Rod, straight.
Closing my eyes, I think, 'Point me to the nearest area that can I safely pass the night.' Dropping the stick and backing away, I watch it fall and roll, before it points to the cave.
Bingo.
Now with some assurance, I walk into the cave until I reach its back wall. I turn and place my back against it, before sliding down. As I look out of the cave into this foreign, if familiar, world that I've been sent to, I feel a certain tension leave me. I let out a breath, before pulling up my hood and drawing it tight, hiding my shoulder-length blonde hair. With a final glance outside, I lay down and turn to the back wall. Curling into myself, I begin to try and sleep.
As the god of dreams pulls me into its realm, I fade with one final thought in my mind,
'I hope I don't get eaten.'
…
I wake up with a jolt, adrenaline coursing through me. I roll over sharply, banging my left arm against the ground, causing sharp pain to radiate from my elbow.
'Fuck!' I wince, in pain, and sit up. As I rub and soothe my hurting arm, I feel something... wrong.
'Where am I?!' I think in fright, eyes wide, unsure of where I am, before I freeze, with a sinking feeling in my stomach.
Ah... right.
I died.
Bloody hell.
I crawl to the entrance of the cave, lean against an inner wall, and tilt my head to the sky. It's real. It's all... really real. I'm trapped in a world of gods and heroes, where universe ending events seem to happen on a near-daily basis.
I feel a scream of pure rage build in my chest, before I forcefully push it down. Lashing out won't do me any good, nor will it help me. This is my new truth; my new reality. Instead of whining about it, I need to start think about how to survive today.
I stand up and stretch, my back cracking from a night of rough sleeping. I bring hands to my face, and give myself two quick slaps. I close my eyes, and take a deep breath, holding it, before letting out slowly. Opening my eyes, I feel my self calm down.
Opening my mouth, I fire myself up with some encouraging words, thinking of Twos; "Buck up, young miss!" With a newfound sense of determination settling in my chest, I begin to walk to the woods, before I stop.
Step one in my guide to surviving the day: don't go off into the woods without a plan. That's how you get your head torn off by a bear.
With that in mind, I begin to plan what I need to accomplish today. First, a weapon. While my first priority should be to find a source of fresh water, and something to boil it in, water wont do me any good if I get mauled by some animal before I need it. Only when I have acquired a weapon, can I then set about finding water.
Returning to the cave, I grab my trusty stick, before I exit and begin my divination. 'Point me along a safe route to a weapon I can use to defend myself.' Although a sharp rock or a pointy stick will be able to ward off smaller wildlife, I'm hoping that that a knife, or some kind of long weapon, has been left by a hunter, or hopefully, a soldier.
The stick finishes its magic and points to my left. I follow its fall and walk a couple of meters into the forest, before opening my senses and focusing. All I hear is the rustle of leaves as they're caught in the wind, and the touch of moisture on my exposed face. As much as I fear whatever is prowling around out here, I need to get this done.
With no other choice, I go back and grab my stick for support, and start my search for a weapon.
…
'I really should've exercised more.' I think to myself, with regret in my heart. I've been walking for about twenty minutes, and after a day of no food or water, my energy is running low. '...This might be a tad dangerous.'
Although I should be able to last three days without water, I forgot to take into account my energy consumption. Going by the slight weakness I feel setting in, and the dryness of my mouth, I might have half a day before dehydration starts to hit me. I stop my walk and lean against a tree, slightly out of breath.
I need to speed up.
'Am I even going in the right direction?' I wonder. Performing another divination, the stick points right, at a forty-five degree angle. It seems I've gone off course slightly. I note the distance I've walked, then compare it to the new divination, and come to believe that I'm not too far off, thankfully.
Pushing off the tree, I start walking in the new direction. After another ten minutes, I come to a tree with clear, but old, slashes marking its trunk. Leaning in, I try to determine if the slashes are caused by an animal, or by a weapon. As I observe the marks, a glint from the sun striking metal shines in the corner of my vision.
Slowly turning my head towards it, I can just about make out what looks to be a bladed weapon, trapped under a large stone. Cautiously, I make my way over to it, my head on swivel for any potential danger. Seeing nothing, I crouch down in a half-kneel, and examine the weapon; a sword of some kind.
It's style doesn't match any I recognise. I can tell that its a one-handed weapon, at least. Its thin, double-edged blade is about 60 centimetres in length; with a smooth, wooden handle, separated from the blade by a small, curved guard.
'...I have no idea what this is.' I admit to myself, worryingly. It's a sword, obviously, but not one I've ever seen in a museum. I place my left hand against the stone and push, before grabbing the hilt with my other, and pulling it free.
I just pulled a sword from a stone. Does this make me the queen of England?
Banishing aside that thought, I focus on the now freed sword. It's not adorned in any iconography, or tasselled in any way, but it's caked in grime and dirt.
As I look upon my new weapon, I start to wonder; can I divine its origin? With my single method of Stickfall, I doubt it, but with the talent Dao Child has bestowed, how hard can it be to learn to divine an object?
Moving behind a tree for cover, I sit against it in a cross-legged position and place the sword on my knees, then lower a hand onto its blade. I focus on the feeling of my fingers on it cold metal, and try reach out beyond myself; to connect with the weapon.
I sit there, fully focused on the divination, unknowingly falling into a meditative state, when I feel something brush against my clear mind.
[Divination Method Learned – Spirit Reading: All thing in creation carry their history with them at all times; whether they choose to openly display it on themselves, or bury it deep within, never to share even with those closest to them.
With Spirit Reading, you can soothe the spirit, and lead it to reveal itself to you. When this method is taken to its extreme, it can be used to guide the restless dead into acceptance.]
[Spirit Read –
Name – Jian
Type – Sword (Double-edged; Straight)
History – Forged by a secondary apprentice of a skilled blacksmith, this sword was made as part of a batch, intended for use by the military forces of the Song Dynasty. Once in the hands of a conscripted soldier, it was used during the Mongol conquest of Song, where its wielder fell in battle.
Found by scavengers looking to make easy coin, it was sold to a merchant in Hengshan, who himself sold it to an aspiring martial artist. The young warrior, in a desperate rush to improve his skills, entered the forests of Mount Heng, where his lack of preparation led to his death at the jaws of wolves.]
...Those poor people.
This sword, this... Jian, is a tool of war. Whether it was used to kill, or to protect, it has the blood of humanity on its blade. War is a fundamental part of my people, as much as most hate it; and yet, it will follow us until we go extinct. I wanted a weapon to protect myself, but I instead discovered a part of me that I didn't know existed.
Conflict isn't something I seek, it's not something I yearn for; its an action that will forced upon me by those who desire to hurt me, or others. The weak and defenceless will run from it, or try to drive it away, clinging to their life, crying in anguish.
It's not right.
Its the cheap excuse of the cruel and the petty, who believe that they have power, who believe they have the right. The information revealed to me by Spirit Reading has shown me something that I think I needed to know.
The universe is chaotic, it is unfair, and it is unfeeling. It will grant you life, just to take it away. You'll be born into the unknown as a blank slate, with no guidance and no purpose. You are left to wander blind through its infinite, searching for meaning or understanding, until that sliver of evil in your soul starts to take hold.
It will kill you in your sleep and take you from that which you love.
I can't accept that.
Twos... It has all that power, yet it uses it to guide the lost; and protect me in my time of crisis. To me, that's what true power is, not conquest, or murder, or power for powers sake.
That ever-changing... friend, has unintentionally put me on a path that I agree with.
This world is protected, and yet it is at the centre of so much conflict. Everyday, there are great powers and ordinary people that fall in battle trying to save.
That I can accept, even if I hate it. They understand the risks of their actions, and still chose to commit. It's inspiring, and it's sad. Their lives are no less important then those they protect, and yet they use them to help strangers.
Jian has made realise something important, something that I have been actively avoiding.
I'm terrified of death.
I have experienced it, and its taken all that I am. The only reason I still exist, that I'm still alive, is because of chance. Picked out of a... cosmic hat. I have no desire to ever be touched by it again.
I think... no, I know, now, what I seek…
To be... eternal.
---AN---
I think I like this writing malarkey. The end kind of got away from me there, but I went with it. I'm not sure how happy I am with it, however.
Oh, well. Also, *boom*, title drop... kinda.
Tell me what you think, and point out any bad grammar.
xoxo
(Title, please. why do?)Last edited: Today at 3:53 AM Like ReplyReport Reactions:ChocoGod, bobba-bobba, KarlosEriksson and 106 othersSlaughterJan 20, 2026Add bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 4: 5 Minute Crafts View contentSlaughterSeeking EternityJan 21, 2026Add bookmark#22My walk on from where I found Jian is spent in contemplative silence. The revelations I experienced after the reading have left me a little shaken.
I have been blind to who I truly am, and to my deepest desire.
I'm currently following the direction shown to me by a divination for a suitable gourd, but I'm so wrapped up in my thoughts that I keep almost walking into trees. This can't continue; the forest is full of unknown predators that require my full attention.
There will be time for soul searching once I'm safe and sound.
I take a second to perform another divination, which points behind me. With a shake of my head, I sigh, turn around and work my way back, my eyes searching. After a little bit of walking, I see what I think is a cluster of gourds in the near distance. I quicken my pace, still alert, and stop under them.
Staring up, I search for one that looks best suited for my purpose; bulbous at the bottom, leading to a thin spout, and most importantly, dry. Finally, spotting one that looks good, I lift Jian and carefully manoeuvre it to the stem of my chosen gourd. I make sure the blade isn't too close to the fruit, then grasp the bottom of the gourd with my other hand, and slice.
The weight of the gourd settles in my hold as I lower Jian. I turn it the gourd in my hand, examining it for any damage or holes, but I don't find any obvious damage. Happy, I perform a quick divination for the nearest water source, and head off.
…
I'm sitting atop a boulder on the bank of a river, inspecting the gourd. Turning it this way and that way, I try to work out how I'm meant to make it into a bottle. From a first look, I know the neck has to be cut to make a mouth, but how am I meant to remove its contents without damaging the body?
The gourd I picked is the best of those I found, so I don't want to start cutting into it without a plan. I bring it to my ear and give it a shake, and hear what sounds like loose stones, so I know it's hollow.
...I think I'm gonna need a second gourd.
…
After retracing my steps and grabbing two more gourds, I sit back at the river, and get to practising. First, to not risk damaging Jian, I grab a sharpish rock from the bank, and start to cut along the width of one of the new gourds. It takes a bit of time and effort, but I manage to slice it open, exposing its seeds and dry flesh.
Based on what I'm seeing, I might be able to dig out the flesh with a blunt stick, if I go in through the mouth. I put the open gourd down and get to work on the second one, now with some idea as to what I'm doing. Using the same rock, I create the mouth opening, and use a blunt stick to start grinding at its insides.
When that's done, it shake out all the loose flesh and place the gourd in the water to clear out any refuse. I drain it out and repeat the process, then pour out some water into a divot on a rock. I study the puddle and see that the water is cloudy, showing me that the gourd isn't clean enough.
After two tests, I have a pretty good idea on how to make a clean bottle. Taking my original gourd, I go through the same steps as the last, but this time, after clearing it with the stick, I place a handful of loose pebbles inside and give it a good shake for a couple of minutes, before emptying it all out.
With a few dunks in the river, I pour some water out in a puddle, and see that it's clear.
Satisfied, I get started on a stopper for the gourd. Finding a thick enough branch and measuring it against the mouth of the gourd, I cut off a suitable length and start shaving it down. Once I've done that, I test it, to find that it fits perfectly.
Gourd secured!
My celebration is cut short by a notification,
[Ability Learned – Crafting (Basic): You have achieved a basic level of ability in the art of crafting. You wont be making any complex creations just yet, but you have enough competence to be able to make your own grave marker.
Crafting eases the initial hurdle in learning to make simple, new items, and stops you from losing proficiency due to disuse.]
So that's how the character sheet applies abilities? Good to know, I wouldn't have wanted it to start granting me easy knowledge.
With the gourd finally made, I now need something that I can use to boil water. My first thought is to dig a hole in the ground and line it with clay that I might be able to find in the river; then boil the water with hot rocks.
To even begin making the 'bowl', I need to make a fire. I understand the principal of firemaking; all you need is sufficient friction and oxygen. With dry, flammable tinder and some big sticks, I should be able to do it. Before I start on that though, I need to enter the river and gather some clay.
How fun.
…
Clay forms deeper then you'd think.
To collect it, I had to cut into the body of my test gourd and managed to craft it into a big spoon, which I used to slowly pull back the earth, eventually finding clay. When I felt I had enough, I wet it and spread it evenly in the deepish hole I'd dug.
The next thing I needed to do was create a fire.
I used divination to find suitable firewood, which took quite a while, but I succeeded in making a small campfire after many attempts. With the fire burning away, I placed the stones in it. While I waited for them to heat, I started to fill the hole, before I remembered that I needed to filter the water.
I had no clue where to even begin making an acceptable filter, so I was forced to use my shirt. Once the water was filtered and the stones were heated enough, I used the spoon to pick them up and place them to the water.
As the water started to boil, I washed my shirt in the river, then draped it over a rock near the fire.
When the water finishes boiling, I place my gourd in it, fill it up, and take a sip. Although it has a slightly earthy taste to it, my first drink of water in two days is almost heavenly. It energises my body in ways I didn't realise it needed, and helps me to stave off my hunger.
Now, I have drinkable water.
As I'm relishing in my quenched thirst, I get another notification,
[Ability Learned – Survival (Basic): Using nothing but your wits, and some half-remembered clips from that Bear Grylls show you sometimes caught late at night, you have successfully managed to survive your first days of being stranded.
Survival grants you the instincts necessary to survive in the mundane environments of Earth.]
Again, pretty good. I assume that means that in any non-supernatural areas, I'll feel if I'm doing the correct thing in order to ensure that nature doesn't kill me.
As I read the skill, a sense of danger pings in my awareness. Alarmed, I quickly crouch and move behind the boulder. With a quick look over its top, I don't notice anything visible before I re-cover. I close my eyes and concentrate on my hearing, but nothing breaks through the ever present sounds of nature.
The danger I feel hasn't lessened, nor is it coming from a specific direction, leaving me with a sense of confusion. With no other choice, I brace my left hand against the boulder and prepare to sprint, before I stop.
...My hand.
As I look at it, my new instincts tell me that my hand is the source of the danger.
Realisation hits me like a ton of brick; my missing fingers.
With all I've had going on, I haven't had time to even consider my wounds. If I continue to leave them untreated, they'll get infected; and I'll die before I ever step foot beyond the forest.
The bandages I created are stained with dried, brown blood. I know I need to remove them and see the extent of the damage, but fear is holding me back. I've lost part of myself that I might never get back.
With a deep sigh, I sit on the boulder and start removing the bandages. I untie the knot I made and slowly peel them away.
The first look I have at my new stumps causes a sense of loss to overcome me. My pinky and ring finger have been eaten away to my knuckles by whatever attacked me.
I pass the fingers of my right hand over the new absence, when a dark, humorous thought comes to mind, 'I guess I can't get married now...'
A sharp, short laugh escapes my throat, before I take a breath and centre myself.
I need to stop thinking about what I've lost, and treat my injury. As I have no medical supplies on hand, nor access to a doctor, the only option I can think is to cauterise the wounds, but that comes with its own problems.
I can boil some water and heat the tip of Jian, but I can't do anything about any potential infection that might set in.
Even if it risky, it needs to be done.
Hopping off the boulder, I get to preparing what I'll need. First, I boil some water and wait for it to cool before setting it aside in my makeshift shovel. Then, I clean Jian in the river and wash my hands in different boiled water.
With that done, I clean my wounds in the shovel water and sterilise Jian in the fire, then leave its tip there to heat. While I wait, I take my now dried shirt and rip a strip from the bottom.
When I see that Jian's tip has a hint of red, I roll up my shirt and clench it between my teeth. Taking Jian out of the fire, I quickly make my way over to the boulder, where I place it down and secure it.
Nervously, I move my wound close to the heated area and push down into it with force.
"-Fuck!" I choke out, the pain greater then anything I've felt before. As I try to ignore it, the five seconds I hold there seem seem to stretch; but I manage.
Taking my shaking hand off Jian, I bring it to my face and inspect it, finding that the wounds seem closed enough for my liking.
As my adrenaline fades, I fall beside the boulder and lean against it, before remembering that I have to bind my hand. Moving over to the fire, I grab the strip of my shirt and wrap it around.
I sit down on the ground and spend the next five minutes trying to focus on anything but by sore hand. In my mind, I go over what I've accomplished so far; I've acquired shelter, found a way to gather drinkable water, and possibly stopped myself from dying of an infection.
Not too bad for an introvert, if I do say so myself.
It seems reasonable to me that I can now start searching for civilisation. I douse the fire, put my now torn shirt back on under my jacket, and start walking back to my cave.
Five minutes into my walk, I start to wonder; how come I haven't come across any wildlife?
...Shit, I better not have jinxed myself.
…
Nerves taut, I arrive at the cave safely, just as the sun is starting to set. Before I step inside, I perform a Stickfall to make sure the cave is safe to sleep in. When the stick falls in its direction after I request a close location free from danger, I enter, sit against the back wall, and start thinking.
Even though I've made sure that I that I won't die of thirst, I'm going to eventually need food. I can find edible plants and berries using divination, but I'm not sure how long my body can survive on just that; it will need meat, meaning I'll have to hunt.
As I am now, I don't think I can bring myself to kill an animal. If it was a person, then yeah, I could probably kill them, but only because, in my eyes, humans kill for pleasure. If I'm attacked by someone, and have to kill them to defend myself, I won't lose any sleep over it.
Animals kill for survival. Unlike humans, who have other sources of acquiring sustenance, an animal will kill you because it needs to in order to see tomorrow.
...But I also want to survive. Can I convince myself that killing is necessary for my continued existence? Maybe. Though I hope I won't find out until I'm desperate enough.
With those thoughts running through my mind, I start to feel sleepy. This time, I face the entrance, Jian lying next to me, and close my eyes
Tomorrow, I'm going to find people.
…
Waking up with a clearer mind, I go over my plan once again, and find some obvious flaws.
One, I'm a lone white woman with blonde hair, in what I assume is ancient china, who has no knowledge of its current society. With no idea of how I'll be perceived in this age, I'm somewhat worried that the first person I see could attack and capture me, with the intention of selling or enslaving me.
There's not much I can do about it, though.
Two, this is a world of magic and hell dimensions; for all I know, I could step out of the forest and run straight into a supernatural being, who will also kill me.
I'd rather that didn't happen, honestly.
Although, with my limited ability in divination, I should be able to find a safe route out of the forest.
And finally, I have no clue how far I'll have to travel. Thankfully, I have a half-formed plan to solve that, once again using the fantastic power of divination. If I stand at one point and divine the nearest group of safe people, then move far off and repeat the question, I should be able to roughly triangulate the distance.
I've no real world experience with this type of math, but I'll make it work.
I walk away from the cave and start the divination, then move about thirty meters away in a straight line, and repeat. Going by the angles, the distance between them, and using some shitty math, I estimate that I'll have travel just over... two and a bit miles? Not too far. And looking at the position of the sun, it seems I'll be moving south-west.
Another divination shows me that a safe path there follows the same route for a bit, so I won't have to go out of my way.
Walking back and picking up Jian, I move into the forest at a cautious pace.
...I'm getting kind of sick of trees.
---AN---
Next chapter, Sarah will finally meet some people, promise.
Point out any grammatical mistake.
[Gourd Count: 21]
xoxo
(Thank you to staff member 'JadeKaiser' for fixing the title. Blessings be upon ye.)Last edited: Today at 3:54 AM Like ReplyReport Reactions:Meep!, thepsyborg, KarlosEriksson and 94 othersSlaughterJan 21, 2026Add bookmarkView discussionThreadmarks Chapter 5: Fever Dream View contentSlaughterSeeking EternityJan 23, 2026Add bookmark#25I'm currently moving through the forest on a path that shows evidence of human traffic. I've been on my feet for some time, with no sign of any human or, weirdly, any animals. Ever since I arrived on this world, I have heard the constant sound of bird calls, but I've yet to see one.
The lack of animal sightings is starting freak me out, as Jian's history showed me that wolves, at least, roam the forest. In an era of little pollution and with a relatively small human population, the forest should be teeming with all sorts of wildlife. To have not seen a single one, with no immediate evidence of some kind of disaster? It's got to be interference from outside forces.
But to be able to root out all life from a forest, while leaving no obvious traces, requires either meticulous planning…
Or great power.
Either one of those options is something that could crush me with no effort. Of course, I could be overthinking it; there could be a reasonable explanation the forest is like this.
...I've digressed; it's an important matter that needs further thought and investigation, but I have a greater worry to think about at the moment.
I think I'm developing a fever.
It wasn't even ten minutes into my walk before I started feeling weak and broke out in a sweat. Now, my breathing has started to become rapid, and my vision blurry.
I really don't want to be done in by a fucking fever, of all things, after all I've gone through in the last three days, so I'm trying my hardest to remain conscious long enough to reach humanity, even if it means I risk falling into the hands of some villain.
Going by the position of the sun, I've been on the road for over an hour, and at the speed I'm moving, I should've passed the half-way mark to my destination; but I need to take a break.
If I stop now, I might never reach safety, but I'm... too tired; both mentally and physically.
Although I have tried to keep a positive mindset since coming to this reality, I know what awaits me in out there in the wider world, and it's not something I am in anyway ready for.
Before I died, I was just a normal accountant who lived in a single bedroom flat overlooking the sea, content with my simple and quiet life. My days were mostly the same; walk the dog, work, home, dinner, maybe read on my phone for a bit, then sleep.
My life was stagnant, but I was happy.
Now, I'm expected to explore a multiverse crawling with dreadful powers, at the request of a nigh-omnipotent force; the Heavenly Dao.
'Oh, but Sarah', I hear you say, 'you volunteered.'
Bullshit.
I died, unexpectedly, in some manner unknown to me, and, quite conveniently, awoke in a place I've dreamed of my entire life.
Does that make any sense?
I'm almost certain I was killed by some greater power, and then 'chosen' to be sent to a new universe. I had no other choice but to come here.
Twos, as much as I choose to believe bore me no ill will, still held my existence in the palm of its hand. What was I meant to do, say no?
'How?' I ask you.
When you have a gun to your head, I dare you to look your attacker in the eye and tell them, 'Hey. Just fucking shoot me.'
Now, I'm lost in a forest that makes no sense, afflicted with a fever, and down two fingers.
If I make it past this day, I'm going to put in as much effort as I can into becoming... powerful. Power over others isn't me, but power for myself is something I can get behind.
I... apparently, have the lofty goal of becoming an eternal existence. While that wish resonates deep within my soul, I know its not something that can be achieved in a short amount of time.
I have, embarrassingly enough, read a lot of Xianxia, so I have a certain amount of understanding of Taoism. I think, from the stories that follow a fairly standard plot, that the end goal of Taoism is to undergo immortal ascension and reach the Dao, becoming an unfettered being.
Depending on the type of story, that can take anywhere from a single year, to billions.
The structure of a Xianxia reality is clear in it's divisions of power, with people struggling to defeat an enemy that's the tiniest bit more powerful then themselves, usually at the cost of their well-being. And unless aided by a 'treasure' that can bend the rules of heaven and earth, they cannot interact with or use abilities beyond their rank.
Cultivators of those types of realities pursue greater and greater heights, one realm at a time, until ultimately, they can do things that would make YHWH hang its head in defeat.
But this is the Marvel universe. Sure, there is awesome power, and there are entities that embody fundamental aspects of existence, but it comes with a sense of freedom that is absent in a cultivation world.
Here, weaker beings can defeat those of much greater power, and mortal humans can interfere in the actions of gods. There is a lot of room to maneuver; and no being is completely insurmountable.
With enough knowledge, and with the right power, anything is possible.
And that's something I can use to my advantage.
According to my character sheet, I'm a Dao Child. As much as I disfavor the power, and have no real wish to be beholden to the Heavenly Dao, if it's my one chance to become eternal, I'm going to start abusing it as much as I can.
With newfound resolve, I push past my fatigue and march on, determined to reach safety.
As I pick up the pace, a vague, humanoid figure appears in my blurry vision, and in my surprise, I make the mistake of stopping. A wave of dizziness overcomes me, and I fall to my knees. I hear the figure cry in alarm and rush towards me as I start to lose consciousness.
Just before I pass out, I weakly grasp my stick and divine an answer.
'Point me... to a... safe... person.'
I see the stick slowly fall, and point in front of me.
With hope in my heart, I black out.
…
Dreams are a strange thing.
They come to life in our sleep, and transport us to fantastical worlds; they can manifest the souls of our departed, and conjure us an entire life, only to trick us into believing that we have known no other.
You can go about your days, unaware of all that you've dreamt; until one day, you step outside and go to cross the road, when you abruptly stop.
Avoiding the car that would've ended your life.
You'll run back home and dive under your covers, heart pounding, and think 'I almost just died.' You will convince yourself that déjà vu saved you, not knowing that your dreams have shown you the future.
Because that's what it means; déjà vu...
Already seen.
…
I know I'm dreaming, I've been to the Seedbed too many times to be unable to recognize a dream, but I've never encountered one like this before.
I'm floating above a bed that's placed in a corner, my body horizontal, facing the ground, looking down at myself as I sleep in an unknown location. My jacket is missing, revealing my warm grey shirt, and I can see that my body is soaked in sweat, with my face red and clammy.
Sitting beside me is an unknown asian woman, dressed in a simple, blue robe, fastened by a white cloth belt, who leans over me, dabbing my forehead with a wet cloth. As I look closer at her face, I can see signs of exhaustion, telling me that she's been trying to keep me alive for quite a while.
Looking away from myself, I examine where I am. The room is small, with wooden walls and a single door to my side, with light shining through the gap between it and the stone floor. Opposite my bed stands a dresser, while a desk rests against the wall with the door. Upon the desk I find my jacket and Jian, leading me to suspect that I'm somewhere safe.
Taking advantage of my unbodied state, I slowly approach the door and press my hand against it, where it passes through.
Cool.
Ghosting through, I find myself in a small, four sided courtyard enclosed by chinese style buildings, with red, wooden pillars supporting overhanging roofs topped by clay tiles.
I ascend above the courtyard to ascertain my where I am, and see a long stretch of buildings, centered by what looks to be a tall, temple-like building. Curious, I start to move towards it, when without warning, a column of swirling orange fire erupts from the temple. It shoots into the sky, before plummeting back to the ground and spreading out in wave.
As the wave sweeps towards me I quickly start to retreat, but it washes over me and drags me along. When the fire reaches the walls surrounding the area, it begins to retreat and gather in the temple, where it releases me onto its wooden floor.
The fire collects into a single point and shines with the light of the sun. As I stare up at it, I begin to hear the sound of cracking coming from the orb, before it splits down the middle, revealing two white, chinese characters that I don't recognize.
'祝融.'
While the two sides of the orb dissipate, the characters starts to emit golden fire that slowly forms into a giant, faceless humanoid with long, floating hair, adorned in an armor made from small, rectangular plates.
Once the being is complete, it lowers its head to look at me. It raises its right arm and reaches towards me, before gripping my midsection in its large hand. It brings me to its face, where I feel, somehow, that I am being judged. Seemingly happy with what it finds, it gives me a nod of its head, before winding back its arm, and launching me from the temple.
I pass beyond the walled area at tremendous speed, my surroundings a blur. From what I manage to see, I suspect I'm heading towards the mountain I first landed on.
As my flight reaches its peak, I start to fall towards the forest. I approach the ground in an uncontrolled descent, and pass through the foliage and the trees, before I come to a sudden stop above a small body of water, just before I would've hit its surface.
I float, frozen, above the water, before I feel myself be pulled towards its bank. I pass over the ground and stop before a pair of giant, human legs, crossed in a half-lotus position. Whatever is controlling me tilts me up, until I come face-to-face with a pale-skinned man surrounded by animals such as stags and wolves, that lie peacefully around him.
Even as he sits against a large, moss covered tree, he towers over my full height. He has long, curly grey hair, from which rise a pair of antlers. His two dark eyes sit above a wild beard that covers his bare chest, and he is dressed in green, patterned cloth trousers, and a pair of rope sandals.
In his right hand he clutches some kind of metal ring, while a ram-horned serpent curls in his left.
As I'm brought before the man, each and every animal raises their heads and stares at me. The man himself shows no reaction to my presence, and remains expressionless, staring into my eyes. Eventually, he raises the serpent to me, where is slithers up my right arm to coil around my neck, before moving on and down my left.
The serpent come to my missing fingers and flicks its tongue out. It snaps its mouth open and bites down, one fang for each absent finger.
I feel nothing as this happens, nor do I try to move to stop it.
The serpent releases my hand and extends itself out towards the mans raised arm, where it returns to its place in his hand. The man lowers his arm back to his side and nods at me.
I'm slowly moved moved back over the water, before I'm abruptly released and splash down into it.
…
I awake with a gasp, my eyes wide. The woman beside jumps in surprise, before realization dawns on her face. She shoots up and says something I don't understand, then rushes out of the room. Weakly, I sit up and rest against the headboard.
What on earth was that dream?
I pull my left arm out from underneath the cover and peer at my hand. There is no mark from where the serpent bit me, but I'm not going to dismiss it. I deeply understand what kind of world I'm in, so I know better than to label what I saw as a simple dream.
My contemplation is disturbed by a notification that confirms my doubts,
[Divination Method Learned – Dream Divination: Whilst either asleep, or deep in meditation, you can peer into the past, present, and future. Caution is advised when using this method, as there are entities that will be able to perceive you, and might choose to take action against you.
Try not to get lost.]
Another divination method... is the Heavenly Dao trying to tell me something?
At least I know now that my dream had substance. But, if I take into account the warning the notification is giving me, then those beings I saw in my dream must be real, and of a certain level of power.
The figure made of fire appeared from the temple not far from me, so I might be able to get some answers from it in the future; but, that horned man... he is deep in that strange forest, and I have no desire to return there any time soon.
Plus, to have all those animals around him, is he related to why I saw none in the forest? What did he want with me, and why did he have that snake bite me?
These days, it seems like all I have are questions, and no ability to get any answers.
Suddenly, the door creaks open, and in steps the woman who was treating me, followed by an older man with graying hair tied in a topknot, dressed in a blue, wide-sleeved robe that crosses at the front. The woman is carrying a tray that holds a steaming teapot, and places in down on the chair, before moving aside.
The man half-kneels next to the bed and places one hand on the edge. He looks at me with concern on his face, and opens his mouth to speak.
What comes out are words that I can't understand.
...Of course, why wouldn't there be a fucking language barrier?!
Deep breath, Sarah, deep breaths.
...I want to go home.
--AN--
Hey, sorry this chapter was later than the others, I had a busy day. There might not be a chapter tomorrow, as I have a lot of research to do about Taoism and chinese culture during this period.
Pray for me.