Jason pondered about his English final next period during 7th. Just one more final, and he could finally relax. He didn’t know why, but tests seemed to give him the most god-awful headaches. It wasn’t that he was stupid, it was simply the fact that others were testing him. He became self-conscious, while at any other given time, he was relatively uncaring about whatever others thought of him.

Most of all, his parents seemed to loom over him threateningly. They could be called perfectionists from the outside, but he knew the truth. His father was a closet alcoholic gambler, while whatever was left over after the bills his mother used for her amphetamines supply. Most kids got love and care, but his parents raised him like an animal.

They were basically under the impression he was going to be their money bag when they got older. Which, he really didn’t have a choice. He wanted a normal life, but couldn’t stand by as his parents starved to death. Heck, even now he was practically feeding the family working at a local hardware store and doing small jobs on the side.

He was determined to help his family over the years, if not for himself to eat, but to save any semblance of a family life he could have. Alas, it was a lost cause it seemed though. His father stayed out late, and his mom was locked in her room high as a kite.

At least he could settle his conscience, and say he at least tried. It’s not like they would live long the rate they were going anyway. Even though it pained him to think that way, it was true. His father couldn’t go a month without adding a dent in their truck.

Due to his busy life, he hardly had friends or relationships throughout his high school career. He had good acquaintances, and even a few brief relationships with some cute girls. Of course they didn’t go far though. He could never take them near his family, and the few he did ostracized him calling him a dead end.

This all led him to buy into computer games. Anything he saved, went towards a computer fund each month, and when he finally got one he was thrilled. No more was he required to meet anyone in person. No longer was it required to have a background. Life on the internet was thrilling and freeing. Jason was whoever he wanted to be, and all it required was Wi-Fi and a monthly fee to play. Life was finally livable, and he had a few friends even.

Jason was soon a full blown nerd, although a redneck one at that. He hunted on occasion, and lived in a rural community near a bustling town. He was even a Boy Scout before his father showed up one time. Needless to say he quit before he could be cast aside again.

*RRRRRRIIIIINNNNNGGGGG*

The Bell rang stirring me from my thoughts and I headed towards the door, gathering my supplies after I ‘accidentally’ tipped my desk over. “Jeez pall, something on your mind? I wish you would stop hurtling your crap into my path, someone might slip on your worthless notes.”*Snickering

I could hear another kid named Bill Michaelson near the back of the room getting the same treatment as me, from our ever useful peers. Glancing back he was oddly pale, I guessed the others must of given him a stomach ulcer from the stress. Those were the worst! I sent a look his way telling him to move on, since it was a losing cause.

Leaving the room I traveled to a location near the back of the school. My stern teacher, Ms. Sydell was busy taking phones away, so I complied before heading to the back row to find a comfy spot to finish my day. Everyone immediately started on their tests and I was no exception. Just as I was explaining why hamlet was written though, Bill walked up to the doorway to our classroom.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. This kids late to class, big whoop right? Wrong! Bill took wasn’t just late, he was armed. For a moment I was the only one stunned, staring into the puffy eyes of this kid… then my neighbor went to cheat and noticed my attention elsewhere.

Then of all things he screams like a stuck hog and our class broke into hysteria as Bill took aim whipping up some sort of short rifle. Before I knew it he was shooting! I was on my feet before my brain could register what I was doing.

-One shot, a girl with glasses fell to down with a massive red stain spreading through her blouse.

-Two shots, a tall boy near me took a bullet to the shoulder whipping to my right crashing into another kid.

-Three shots, I was half way there. The teacher went to stand up, immediately flung over her own chair from the momentum of a bullet to the chest.

-Four shots, a chubby kid took a bullet in his side spraying red mist in the air.

-Five shots, I reached him smacking his gun upward sending the shot into the ceiling..

Suddenly I was in the middle of a grapple for the rifle as sobs of pain rang out around the class. I wasn’t even thinking, I just acted. We fought for over fifteen seconds before he got the upper hand pulling the gun from my grasp. Not having any of it, pulled the barrel towards me and twisted around to stop his rampage. He continued firing a few shots at random through my hold. Another kid whipped around bloodied, and I was suddenly enraged.

I would not let any more of these kids die! Sure I hated most of them, but they were all humans, and everyone deserves another chance right? Realization dawned on me what needed to be done. I twisted harder pulling the gun around my body, my right arm broke from the force, but I made it work.

With one last look around the room, I was sure of my decision. With Bill on my back, the gun in front, I wrenched hard again. The gun pointed up between my solar plexus, I closed my eyes… and pulled the trigger.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Bill flew off me as the gun flew across the room from the force. The angle of the gun was steep, cutting through bills jaw blowing off the back of his head. I stared blankly for a moment before collapsing onto the white tile flooring. A crowd of kids swarmed me, hovering over me, pulling on my arms in fits of crying. Looking up at a particular pretty girl I knew of that bullied eyes, I decided to leave a message. That way others might not end up like bill. Something deep and meaningful…

“W-we are a-all… *coughs blood*… the same… *Gasp*… we all change… we all love… we all care.” Black rings started pulling at my vision, but I refused to die early. “T-take c-care…” Suddenly I couldn’t continue, my throat clogged up and blood drowned out the rest of my words. Feeling tired, I finally released my last breath. A gurgling noise emitted from my mouth and the life faded from my eyes.

Unknown to me, the police had shown up and medics filled the room moments later. While it was too late for me, the others weren’t actually in too grave of danger. And in only months all the children would recover, except him that is. The report would read how I saved that class, and possibly more. My parents were heavily compensated, but sadly they were filled with more joy for the money, than anything about me. Upon hearing the news they didn’t even act mad or angry. They simply smiled and accepted a large check. They were set for life…

In the community it was a different story altogether though. Kids claimed to know me, others wept over ‘relationships’, but as a whole the school was changed. All the kids were somehow bonded now. All of them recovered together remembering my last bloody words. If he was able to see, Jason would realize his death, was the seed at which grew a safe-haven for those bullied to hide under.

When a bully came up, they were immediately shut down and ganged up on. Jason would have been happy, had he been there that is.

Jason came to in a bright room, and for a moment simply revised his memory wondering how he could possibly be alive. Flummoxed at his situation, it took almost a full minute before realizing there was no door to his room. Sitting in withdrawn thoughts for over thirty minutes, Jason didn’t realize a figure appear and sit down beside him.

Finally she became impatient and poked his shoulder startling him from his gruesome memories. After a solid minute of staring he finally started the conversation. “Am I really dead?”

“Yes” a soft lilting voice responded from the gorgeous blonde woman sitting beside him.

“Why am I here?” Her piercing green eyes somewhat held his attention from roaming across her porcelain skin.

“I decided to reincarnate you. Though it is your choice, because the only world open to more souls is a dangerous one. It relies mostly on magic of many sort, but don’t let this fool you. It takes long and hard work to attain power, and you would spawn somewhere completely random. Though you can choose what vassal you would like to occupy, if that means much to you.”

“Why me? The way you say it, it doesn’t sound like normal procedure after death.”

She took a moment to compile her thoughts before responding. “Well, you took your own life in an act of valor. We gods look highly upon actions like what you did. As a possible reward for your actions, we thought to give you another chance at life. If not to entertain us, then for you to live a full life. We assumed since this situation resembled some of your myths and stories, it might be an enjoyable reward. So… what do you think?”

“… I guess it’s sort of nice. What happens if I refuse?”

“Well, basic procedure wipes your memories from your soul and sends you to a recycling abyss where you most likely stay for thousands of years wandering until you are reborn anew.”

“Ya… I’ll stick with the first choice. So what’s your name?”

“It would be impossible to tell you my true name, but some have called me Gaia.”

“Hmm, interesting. So why’d you get sent to deal with me in particular?”

“Simple, I was the one paying attention when you died. Kind of a first come first serve thing. Anyhow, what kind of race would you like to be?”

“Do humans exist?”

“Yes, though there are variants and crossbreeds.”

“Great, Can I use that as my base and modify it then?”

“Sure!”

Observing her overexcited behavior, it took me a moment before realizing she was literally the goddess of creation. New life was probably fun for her to create. “So… can I extend my lifespan and youth?”

Rolling her eyes Gaia just responded exasperated like she expected more. “Of course…”

Feeling put on the spot, not wanting to disappoint her I tried brainstorming cool traits to give myself. For the most part I didn’t look too bad, so I wanted to stay original if possible. “Also… umm could you ramp up my senses like sight and smell?” She agreed again, still unexcited. “Err, ya also add harder teeth, nails and hair please?”

Finally she looked a little happier at my actual physical changes so I continued a little longer. “Then add in some muscle, get rid of most of the unnecessary fat, and make me six feet exactly. That should be good right?”

“Hmmm, sure I guess… Alright, have fun!” With that she turned around and walked though the wall of the room leaving me. A moment later I felt my consciousness pulled out from under me and I fainted.