I stared up at the sky. Although it was only little past midnight, I couldn't see the stars. Probably due to the city smog and lights. Still, I had a strange appreciation for the white moon in the dark sky that I never had before. Perhaps it was due to the massive blood loss, or the pain.
I had been shot quite a few times after all. But I had few regrets. Such was the life of mid ranked gang member. i was lucky to have lived this long. More importantly, I had died helping win the gang war between my and a nearby rival gang, which meant that we now controlled the harbor. That meant a lot more money flowing into my neighborhood, so fewer children would have to scrounge and scavenge for food like I did in my younger day.
I closed my eyes, and a few minutes later, I peacefully breathed my last breath as I passed on. i had thought I knew darkness, but when I died, true darkness consumed me. Absence of light, sound, smell,touch. My consciousness began to fade into nothingness.
After what could have been a few moments or a few millennia, I began to hear voices around me. They were arguing fairly loud, and they were talking about things I could not comprehend.
Voice 1: He's a murderer! Not only has he killed many, but he has taught dozens of others to do the same! He deserves to be in hell as a common thug should!
Voice 2: Borean you know why he did it! There was no malice in his heart, he just tried his best to survive! He may not deserve heaven, but certainly not hell!
Voice 3: Then I take it you intend to have him reincarnate hmm? Do you really think he deserves to walk amongst men again Kyleah? I too do not believe he was evil, but.... Borean's right, He was a thug, he never really contributed anything to the world other than bloodshed...
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Voice 4: Oh come on! First of all, he was a fierce warrior, where did you see a common thug? To rush that many enemies alone and still win albeit at the cost of his life?! There is no doubt this man deserves a second chance! I'll definitely be sending my blessed one to battle him, he will be a truly worthy foe!
Several other voices joined the argument as I listened. I soon realized they were discussing my fate. I had never been that religious, but I figured that these beings must be angels,or gods. Whatever the situation,I knew that I probably shouldn't talk. Drawing attention to myself when i could possibly go to hell wasn't smart.
After quite a few days of arguing, it seemed a consensus was finally met. The goddess, Kyleah as I understand her name to be, addressed me.
Kyleah: The gods of your world cast your soul away, I know not why. We picked up your soul, and were about to send it to hell, until I intervened. However several arguments have occurred, and we have come to the following conclusion. You will be given a second chance, BUT you will begin as the lowest of the low as penitence for your crimes. If you can prove by the end of this life that you aren't complete scum, then you can choose what happens to your spirit. You don't necessarily need to be a saint, but just prove that you're worth something like I know you are. I will bless you, as you need a god's blessing to reincarnate with your mind intact. Good luck Dorian...