This poor soul, the woman he loved never knew.

For years he followed her, courted her, asked her for her hand.

For so many years, even when it hurt, when thing seemed hopeless and people around him told him to stop trying.

What a prime candidate.

He thought fighting will show her he is worthy, that she will live him if he showed her his sacrifice.

Jumping in front of a pack of wolves, to defend children no less.

The children ran and survived, not that they needed running.

He was enough chow for the pack, a true martyr.

But death is not always the end.

“What happened to me? Who are you?” dreams the poor soul.

“You died, poor man. But the cycle continues. You will be born anew from the ashes.” the diety consoles him.

“Im… Dead? What of the children? What of-“

“They are safe your sacrifice saved them, just bearly, but you fought valiantly, every moment of your courage was invaluable. You have done all you could and it was good.” the diety’s words are calming the man, but he is still weary.

“And your beloved, you must know. Upon hearing your deed she finally understood your feelings. The reunion you two will have in the next life will surely be that of lovers.”

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Might as well step in now. “Sorry to interrupt your conversation, might I give you a suggestion?”

“What suggestion?” he notices my presence.

“instead of dyeing, like my fellow godess here suggests, why not become my champion?” I cought his interest, a promise to extend his life.

“He does not need that sort of thing, he must continue, in the life cycle.”

“And who is it who will guide him? You? Goddess of life and death? He doesn’t want either. Revenge and justice is in his mind.”

“Why would I want that?” he asked, the poor soul.

“Listen to me, this wretched god is trying to make a contract with you, but it would be with horrible consequences.”

“True, I do not do this of charity. This is not without compensation for me, but your deal is also one with hidden information.”

Confused, he looks to us, Unable to decide.

“you may as well make a contract with me, and continue from the same point, or damn your soul to her or to the void outside, it is all the same for you.”

“do not listen to that devious pretender. The way of the world is to die and become once again part of it.”

Eager but unable to decide, I have him now. “At least I tell you the truth.”

“The truth?” he finally gives me the entirety of his attention.

“Observe, this is what truly happened after your death” I show him a vision, I do many things, but I do not lie.

“The kids would have died had you not volunteered to fill the beasts belly yourself. They did not even chase after they found an appetizing meal.” he agonizes but his pain only begins “Your beloved, she found late, and when she did she was relieved. No more will the fool bother her. She marries soon, after the news she had forgotten all about you, and probably will never remember.”

If tears could flow from his existence now, it would have been a river. He focuses to the goddess of life and death for her to deny but she is shamefully silent.

“I also won’t lie to you for what will happen to you. Now, let’s talk about striking a deal.”

As if he forgot of the goddess of life and death, he tries to come to me, ready to listen, maybe even ready to sign.

The goddess herself knows she lost, and turned attention away.

Revenge is deserving and everyone deserves revenge, for this man it is even more important than death.