The Price of Happiness
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The Trip to the Rocky Mountain Park took a while, but Ashley was a bit too excited so the time passed quickly. We arrived and checked in with the state troopers and left them a copy of our itinerary. They wished us luck and to be safe. We loaded all of our stuff into our packs and started our 3 mile hike to our camp site.
I came here myself and scoped it out two weeks ago, all to make the trip flow easier. We had to stopped a few times to snack and catch our breath. No matter how fit you are, going into high altitude with 50-75lbs of gear was harsh for the inexperienced.
Once we arrived I got things sorted out and we set up camp. The fires we set were long burning low maintenance tower fires to keep predators away at each corner with a central fire for warmth. We had set up two tents, one larger than the other. Ashley was insistent that we sleep in the same tent. Zach knowing her sister as I know her knew, she would not back off that demand. Having given in, not that I was against it, I mean who would say no to a very attractive girl sleeping in close quarters to you.
After eating some jerky and tea, I made with boiled water and pine needles, we settled in for the night. Ashley was by no means a shy girl, but she was just content to snuggle up into my chest. No sooner she was asleep, her cute little snore entertained me for a while then I became lost in the grandness of her. The only thing I could explain it was gratifying, her love is the only thing I need to feel complete.
I took one last look at her then leaned back and succumbed to sleep. I wish I had known that that was the last time I would be able to see her.
It seemed as if moments after I fell asleep I was woken up to the feeling of nothing, there was nothing around me, there was no me to feel. I felt as if my mind left my body. I started to panic and call for Ashley and Zach, if I was here what happened to them. My mind kept racing of all the scenarios and I couldn’t find any way to leave.
It was as if I was in a ball of nothing, no gravity, no inertia, no mass. No matter how much I search I felt it was all in vain, at this I wept. Not for me, but for Ashley, Zach, and their parents. I let them all down when I had promised to protect them.
I had almost lost my sanity to my depression when suddenly light was surrounding me, from was the darkness was light became. Suddenly a pair of arms reached down and pulled me in a hug,” Child, be at ease. You have not failed in your duty. You had promised that within you power you would protect them. You were robbed of your time with them and their time with you by forces even us would be unable to stop. You did your best. You may rest now.” After the female voice had finished saying that my tears stopped and a weight had lifted off of my chest and I drifted off into a slumber again.
After an unknown time I woke once more with more clarity. I found I was sleeping using the women’s lap as a pillow. I didn’t feel embarrassment or excitement, but a motherly comfort around her. Her self almost seem to exude an aura of comfort that even as I speak, I do not worry about my lack of feelings.
“You have slept well, but know there are choices to make. As I told you before you were affected by powers greater than any of us could interfere in and as a result you have died. Though because of the extreme method in which you have passed our higher ups have agreed some bonuses must be given. Now I realize when you were alive you where Christian believer, your assumptions are correct in thinking this is indeed heaven. But, like many things passed through word of mouth the real thing is slightly different than what you know. You indeed are given a new body, but not here. We operate on an achievement and karma point system. The better you live your life, the more you accomplish, the way you affect those around you, this is all turned into numerical values. And no, we don’t mean showing up for church every Sunday, it’s more what insights or advance in you understanding that we award points for. It’s stupid to think a religion is based on attendance. Getting off track, sorry, generally how it works is someone works all their life to build up enough points to reincarnate, about 40% generally fall into this category. Sadly 60% don’t live life to the fullest and participate in activities we see as negative values and don’t cumulate enough points for a new life. Now as for you and your friends, you were given reincarnation automatically because of our inability to stop what ended your life. Now what this means for you is all your points, which is a surprisingly large for some your age, can be used to help you in your next life. I will pull up a list of what’s available, if you have any questions feel free to ask.” At that time a screen that seemed almost transparent but I could touch and move it appeared in front of me. It almost seemed like a tablet but with touch screen on the entire surface
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Reincarnation Point Exchange
Reincarnate 500 RP
Super Powers 400 RP Strong Body 300 RP Strong Mind 200 RP Mana Veins 100 RP
World Selection 50 RP Country Selection 25 RP Town Selection 15 RP Family Selection 10 RP
Race 1-1000 RP Magic Ability 10-100 Combat Ability 10-100 Affinities 1RP per 2%
Name 5 RP Gender Change 10 RP Past Knowledge 1-100 Custom ??? RP (ask your rep)
Current RP: 280
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After looking over the list for a while I looked up and asked the question that has been bothering me for a while now.” Can I ask if I will ever meet Ashley and Zach again?”
The woman shakes her head,” I do not know your or their fate. I do know that you will end up in the same planet but as far as the rest, I do not know.”
A shocking realization washed over me,” Even if I do meet them I won’t know them anymore than strangers!” the hope I had slightly crushed, the woman again washed over me with her gaze and my worry fades again.
“We will let you retain your memories of this life in the next one, so this is not something you should worry about.”
Still worried about my promised to protect them in the best of my ability, I came up with a way to provide her with some safety.” Would it be possible to give up me past memories to make sure Zach and her are born in the same family. I know you said that I should realize I did the best I could do, but I still want her live a good life. I will make do with what I get.”
The woman take back slightly with the request was baffled at how selfless this man is.” For something like this I must speak with the higher ups. While I see to that please look over the RPE to equip yourself with as much as you can.” She shimmered out and was no long there.
I looked back at the screen in front of me and started looking at my options. I knew I wanted to keep my name and stay male so that’s 5 RP. I would like a more rustic life, maybe as a farmer so town and family selection that’s 25 RP. I think have powers would be cool but I think having the strong mind will help me more. Let’s so all together I have 230 RP used at the moment. 50 RP left, hum I think I’ll get 25 in magic talent and sink the rest in between nature and earth affinities.
As I finished with the decision I was about to input my choices when the air shimmer and the woman appeared. “Your wish to exchange was granted, but we decided to give you the points back for memories, and we will make them be born under the same family for free.” At this point I felt the remaining weight that I was carrying lift off my shoulders.” The higher ups were incredible touched at your selflessness and have awarded you 400 additional points.” At that point I was very excited as I could do much more with 780 points. After look over once more I finalized what I wanted.
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Reincarnation Point Exchange
Current Selection has used all points available please go over once more for safety
Strong Body (Partial) - 150 RP Strong Mind – 200 RP Mana Veins – 100 RP
Town Selection – 15 RP Family Selection – 10 RP Magic Talent – 100
Combat Talent – 50 Affinities – 100 Nature 100% Earth 100%
Past Knowledge – 50 RP Name – 5 RP
Total RP used: 780
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Turns out the world where I was going to was very magic reliant. Science was not a prevalent and often shunned. The woman suggested the Mana Veins, she said it allows me to free form magic. I also got my bones, muscles, and organs enhanced with strong body at half the price. I got all the information on construction, farming, and medicine, seeing as how I was going to be living a farmer’s life. After I finalized everything the woman took me in her arms once more and wished me luck with my new life. The same black void took me once more but I did not panic and let it take me away.