When I faded from Roy's apartment, I expected to open my eyes and be back in the afterlife. I didn't expect to float like a true ghost above Washington D.C. I floated there for a minute or two and then the pull returned and carried me over the ocean.

After nothing but blue, a speck of green appeared on the horizon. It was an island. I flew through the trees and into an old temple-like building. My soul– spirit– whatever you want to call it– came to a stop in a big, strange room. There were people dressed in dark red robes with hoods that covered their faces standing in a large circle. They were chanting in some unknown language.

I was above the center of the circle when I looked down. There was a coffin freshly taken out of the ground; I could see the dirt still stuck to the polished wood.

The chanting grew louder and louder and pull on me became stronger. I tried to fight it, but it was no use. I was sucked into the coffin.

()*()*()*()*()

No one remembers taking their very first breath they take when they're born. Being reborn? That's a different story.

That first gasp of air was like fresh water. There was tingling sensation all over my body. I could feel my limbs starting to wake up, like when you've lain on your arm too long and it fell asleep so you have to move it to wake it up.

I pushed up on the coffin's lid but it wouldn't budge. I banged my fists against the wood, knowing one of the people in the robes would have to let me out.

The coffin lid suddenly swings open and I sit my way up into an upright position.

"What the hell just happened?" I huffed.

The cloak who had opened the lid spoke up.

"Fate has chosen you," he said in a low, whispery voice.

"Fate?" Ummm… "Who's 'fate'?"

"Fate is who we, as The Brotherhood, serve."

Okay, I had officially met Raziel's human counterpart. I've had five years of dealing with philosophy, I want straight answers now.

"Look," I said, trying to sound authorative, "just tell me why I am no longer dead."

The Head Cloak sighed. "Every so often, Fate chooses a warrior to be reborn to bring balance back between good and evil. Fate has chosen you, for you shall play a major part in the battle ahead."

Great. So I'm Anakin Skywalker. I shake my head. "I'm no warrior."

"You will be. Through your rebirth, Fate has rejuvenated your body to your proper age and given you advanced agility, improved acrobatics, aggression and drive."

I grimaced. "So… what? I'm your personal little soldier now?"

Head Cloak shook his head. "No. The Brotherhood is forbidden to meddle in the affairs of love and yours is still in this world. We do not understand why Fate has chosen you, but you are free to go without our interference."

"Good." I lift myself up and swing my legs out of the coffin, all in one swift move, landing gracefully on my feet. Head Cloak wasn't kidding about the improvements. If I had tried that before I had died I'd be walking around with a bruised face. The only issue now was the white dress I was buried in was too small and restricting.

"We have prepared this for you." Another Cloak stepped up and handed me a black duffle bag.

I took it and opened it up. Inside was a passport, a birth certificate, social security card, ID and driver's license all with my name, Erin Sullivan, on them, but with new information. Only my birth year stayed the same.

Under these necessities were a black tank top, dark jeans, converse, and a black and red button down jacket.

"There is a boat waiting to take you to shore," Head Cloak informed me. "It's time for you to go."

I looked up from the duffle bag to Head Cloak and knew he was right.

()*()*()*()*()

Happy Harbor.

When I left the temple and reached the shore, I didn't know where to go. But then I remembered what I had told Roy to do and I knew that I needed to do it too.

In the first town I had hit on my way to Happy Harbor, I had caught a glimpse of myself in a shop window. I really understood what Head Cloak meant by rejuvenating my body "to its proper age." I was no longer seventeen. I was now looking at a woman of twenty-two who I barely recognized. It was a strange feeling, but I couldn't dwell on it. I had a schedule to keep.

When I hit Happy Harbor I couldn't bring myself to go to the Cave just yet. Memories were drawing me to the beach– our beach– instead.

I was walking aimlessly around until I noticed someone sitting near the water.

It was Roy.

Seeing him when I was alive was worse than seeing him when I was dead. I was so close, but I knew I could no longer have him. I couldn't get away with stealing a kiss again.

I took a few steps closer to Roy and then had to stop a laugh from escaping. Roy had cut his hair since my "visit".

I smirk. "You got a haircut."

Roy must have been on edge because as soon as I spoke he jumped up, bow drawn.

After a second, Roy's eyes widened in recognition.

"Erin?" He ran up to me and then stopped abruptly. "Sorry, I thought you were someone else."

My smirk grows into a smile. "No you didn't. It's really me, Roy."

He blinked over and over again. "How-I-but- that's not possible-I–"

"Shhh."

I stepped forward, placing my hand on his shoulder. I had to pause at the realization that I was no longer at a short 5-foot-2 stature. Who knew the differences two inches could make?

"Roy, it's really me," I reassured him, the smile leaving my lips. "I was resurrected by a society called The Brotherhood.

"They- they resurrected you?" he stammered.

"Yeah," I nodded. "They serve someone who goes by the name 'Fate' who said I had a part to play in an upcoming battle."

Roy scrunched his eyebrows. "But you've never been a fighter."

The smile returned into a small, cooked grin. "Things have changed."

Roy looked away. "Yes, they have."

"Come on," I held my hand out to him and he took it. "Let's go surprise the rest of the team."