Prologue

There are many times in life where you will find yourself in unexpected situations. No matter how much you plan ahead, the outcome of your actions, or lack of, will never be absolute. There are just too many outside factors to predict and time has always been a finicky thing. Even the smallest of variables can change the course of the future.

Take a gust of wind for example. Normally it has a nominal effect, but in this instance, it caused a chain of events that ended in my "demise". I just wanted some fucking nachos, but some little kid and his rat dog had to go and ruin it. God, I fucking hate Tuesdays. Now here I am, standing in a white expanse that looks suspiciously familiar, but I'm not gonna question it because there's bigger fish to fry. Like, what the fuck is going on and why do I feel like I'm being watched.

"Oh, well… That's not good." A low masculine voice stated from behind me. Whirling around, I looked wide-eyed at the figure. They were tall, with pale skin, short black hair, a fairly androgynous face and eyes so dark they were like voids. All in all, he/they made for an imposing presence.

"What?" I replied, rather dumbly.

"This is problematic." They stared pensively at me.

"Uh, what the fuck?" I was beyond bewildered.

"You are definitely not supposed to be here. You're not scheduled for another 60 years, at least."

"Ok, so… I don't- What's happening right now?" I asked more to myself than the figure.

"I can't exactly send you back or on, so to speak."

Continuing to be ignored, I let them be and glanced around again. I think I'm either in shock or this place is somehow muting my emotions because I'm pretty sure I should be freaking out more.

"Ooh, that could work. He could've used a real friend." The figure seemed to vibrate with excitement. "And it would make things interesting."

I watched as they muttered to themselves about plans and spiting their sister in vague curiosity. Is this guy Death? I'm almost positive I died. For sure in shock. They suddenly focused their attention on me. God, this guy is anxiety inducing.

"How would you like to be reborn into a life where you can help save the world?" I gazed at him incredulously. Is this dude for real? He certainly looked expectant for an answer.

"Uh, no. No thank you." No fucking way, bro. That sounds like a lot of fucking work.

"Come on, I promise it'll be fun." An obvious lie. "You'll be saving thousands of lives and there's someone special that needs you." He continued to wheedle. A sad attempt at emotional manipulation. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

"I really don't think that's a good idea. I can barely function as a responsible adult on the weekdays. I also have like, zero drive to risk my life for strangers." For family, sure. Man, I really want to go home.

"Right, I wasn't really asking and my favored does so desire a family. And you are a perfect candidate… Well, good enough anyway." I wearily scowled at him, not offended, but freaking out over his intentions for me.

"You will retain your knowledge from this life. It will come in handy where you are going. However, you will not remember until a specific event takes place." No, no, no this cannot be happening.

"Sir, please don't." I begged.

"I will explain more to you when the time comes, but until then," my dread and panic continued to mount as he smirked mischievously at me, "have fun."

And with that parting, he stepped forward with his arm extended and before I could react he sent me plummeting backwards with a single poke to the forehead.