So.... That's my story... my life's pitiful story.

Now all I do is float. A single light in a sea of shadows. Nothing changes...

I can't tell how much time has passed, I just know that it's been a long time since I died.

It feels like years, sometimes only days. Whether I'm dreaming this or not. The world seems almost fluid as if my mind was melting and my soul bleeding out. I can't tell if I can move or not when there is nothing to measure distance with. But I will myself forward anyway even if it is only to occupy myself.

Until a light shines in the distance.

Green. Blue. Red and Purple.

Color... a treat for my eyes after seeing nothing for so long.

Colored lines come into view as I drift closer, all originating from a single point and fading out into the distance. I moved close enough to make out a humanoid figure bound my what appeared to be colorful lines that wrapped around him. By now I was almost directly in front of what appeared to be a man tied in empty space by chains which I had mistaken for streaks of light. His hair was silvery-white and dimly glowed in the darkness of the void. His skin was a pale white that could have him passed off as a corpse.

<>

What?!

A voice?

That was in my head!

The figure in chains opened his eyes at stared at me with incomprehensible eyes. His pupils were colored blue and green, always shifting like a kaleidoscope. He turned his head up looked straight at me.

Hello? Did you just speak in my head?

That was Telepathy right? I've read about it in books before...

<>

A god? me?

The silver-haired man began to grin.

<<

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A soul.

Marvelous... to think that a soul found it's way to the void. Young one, how did you manage to end up within here?

You must have been quite terrible at following paths when you were alive! I've never heard of a soul losing it's way to the afterlife before

>>

Lost? I wasn't lost. I was pulled in here by some fault in that tunnel. Who are you anyway? Why did you think I was a God?

<< Of course, I forgot to introduce myself, it has been quite a long time since I have met or talked to someone other than those cruel brats.

My name is Yggdrasil, The World Tree, The Chained God.

As for why I thought you were a God... you are the first mortal visitor. Not the first Immortal. >>

My mind froze up for a second as I realized what the God told me. I racked through my mind for any mention of Yggdrasil. However I couldn't remember that name ever coming up. I guess I'm not as surprised about all this since I'm already dead. If I was still alive, I'd be questioning someone who called themself a "world tree".

<

Though I may not have what it takes to escape through these chains, the power I have can send you back to your world. >>

You can revive me? Really? That would be so great!

But what about my family? My mother and father... and sis. can they come too?

<< Their souls have likely already passed into Heaven or Hell. You would go back to a world without your family. Living as an orphan on the streets until you are taken in by child services. >>

...

I thought about my old life and how I was useless and my boring daily routine. Going back now meant I'd never see my family again until I died and even then, only if I could find them again. The thought of going back to that unappealing world sent despair flooding through my body.

What else can I do though? Remain here?

<< I'm afraid remaining here is not an option. If I hadn't found you just now, your soul may have faded away in another week or two. You are very lucky to run into me. If there were any others like yourself, they have already perished. This is all a result of my branches weakening. >>

Wait! What!? are you saying I could have died? I mean for good this time. You said roots... so that tunnel I was traveling through was a branch...

<< Yes and yes

You were very close to a second death. My roots have been weakening slowly every century that passes. Ever since the Gods betrayed me, I have been rotting away in here since. They don't seem to realize this. If it continues, many more souls will suffer the fate you were about to be sentenced with. That is why I will offer you a second choice.

I can use the power I have gathered over my imprisonment to send you to another world filled with magic. You will live a life as an immortal being unbound by the rules of your world. In time, you may even ascend to a God. But only under one condition. >>

Sure! I will! Life as an Immortal! why didn't you just lead with that! If I'm a God, I can see my family whenever I want right? I'll do what you ask!

The grin he had previously began to stretch into a mischievous smile. This made me feel as if someone had just walked over my grave.

<< Alright, too late to back out now. My task will become evidently clear as you enter you new world. Go forth and bring my vengeance upon my enemies. You will be free from your bound form when you finish your task. I will grant you immortality so there's no concern for a time-limit. >>

Wait! I What do I do?! Don't give me a crazy task!

<< Safe travels, my Godslayer >>

Wai-

A bright light shone blinding me temporarily and a crack as loud as thunder roared deafeningly.

Next Chapter: Bound in Iron, My unfortunate reincarnation