“Yes! That's true you're not completely dead yet, however most of your soul at this point has crossed over to my domain. That's actually why I came in here to talk to you.” She became very excited as she was about to unveil the big topic on her mind. “Since you were so selfless in your sacrifice to try and save me, I have decided to give you a choice.”

“And what kind of choice is that exactly?” I gave her a puzzled look. As far as I’m aware, I'm already toast at this point.

“It’s true that most of your soul has crossed over to my domain. You won’t be able to go back as you are currently, but I’m willing to offer part of myself to you. I can help sustain you in the mortal world if you choose to go back.”

“How exactly does that work?” I said. Confused as to how this will be done.

“I can bind your soul to mine. I don’t know exactly what will happen because I have never done it before, but once your soul is bound to mine our fates will be intertwined. You will gain some degree of my abilities allowing you to traverse between this realm and the mortal realm, but the most important part of all is you will be connected to my life force. If I die, then you will die.”

This was an interesting proposal, but to have my soul bound to a deity’s? I’ll gain some of their powers? Could I go back to living a normal life after this? No, I don’t want to go back to a normal life in the first place. There’s plenty of other things that I would like to see and do Instead. I want to pursue the things that I’m truly passionate about. I would like to go, meet and help others who have grown tired of the same dullness that overcame me.

“Well, I guess if I want to live I don't really have much of a choice do I? So how do we do this?” Leaning in towards Aoi, I was eagerly awaiting her instructions.

“Well, I’m going to need you to lay back down here and I’ll handle the rest.” Taking both of her hands she patted her lap and gestured me over. Accepting the invitation, I laid back and rested my head on her. “You’re going to want to close your eyes too for this.” She said with a slight giggle.

Doing as I was told, I slowly closed my eyes. I then felt her thin hands gently clasp themselves upon each of my cheeks. The feeling of warmth began to envelope me and all the fatigue that I felt earlier began to fade away. As I sank deeper into her embrace, all of my senses dulled. I could no longer hear any of the animals or even feel the floor below me. It felt as if I was coasting in an ocean between both worlds.

The Return

As time went on, the bubble that had been gently embracing me began to fade. Instead of the sounds of animals that had filled my ears before, I was greeted by the pitter patter of rainfall. As I regained more of my senses I began to remember what had transpired; the impact of the river, the other side that greeted me, and of course, her. My entire body felt cold and wet, except for the back of my head. The initial soft feeling that lulled me into the void was still there.

“I see you’re finally back with us.” Opening my eyes, I was greeted by the same girl with black hair with a wide smile across her face.