[PRE-NOTES] Someone in discord had asked me how Anon got his second chance in my first story, it got me thinking and I figured I owed people an actual answer besides "I gave it to him" or "Magic" [/PRE-NOTES] How did this happen… I had everything planned. It was going to be so fucking simple! It had started so well, one bullet straight between that bitches eyes! But… everything just went to shit after that. It was loud, much louder than I had been expecting. I couldn't hear anything after the first shot, whatever plan I had was forgotten instantly when the screaming started. I… I just started randomly firing.. People who didn't even deserve it.. Then Naser… That fucking tool jumped in front of my last shot! Always the perfect little bitch, class president stops his psycho sister saving everyone! Is that what you wanted? That bullet wasn't meant for you! It was for that yellow prick! I saw him in the crowd, smiling smugly as he hucked a drink at me! It was for him, not you! I… I didn't mean to .. I just.. Panicked when the gun stopped firing.. Ran like a coward to the roof. Like a scared child hiding from their parents in the tree house. Oh god… They were going to lose both their kids today… How did I fuck it up so badly? It was too late.. I was already over the edge. Anon.. That fool, that fucking idiot! I’m not even allowed to kill myself like I planned! That bullet was for me, not you! You’re supposed to be at your apartment, sleeping away like the immature child you are! I’m sorry. I'm sure you'll live. The police are here, probably already in the building.. They'll get to you.. They will.. They- …I must have hit the ground.. My thought process instantly gone as a strange feeling pulses through me. I.. was scared that it would hurt.. Thankfully it didn't. But.. I couldn't see anymore.. Couldn't… feel. I strained to open my eyes, panic setting in quickly. No this isn't right! It's supposed to be over! I don't want this! Please, I don’t like the dark! Anon! Naser!... Mom.. I.. I did this.. I’m sorry.. I don't know how long I was there. I just tried to curl into myself, wallowing in my self pity. I missed my arms, my legs.. I missed my wings… This is what I wanted wasn't it? To die, and hopefully take a few assholes with me? Fuck was my resolve this weak before? I was so confident.. I.. I miss Anon .. I miss Reed and Trish! I miss Naser and Mom! I miss Da- My eyes were open… I slowly blinked, seeing green in front of me. I was.. In a park? I think I was… sitting on a bench? My eyes drifted around drinking in the color that has been missing for who knows how long. I could see some kids running around in some sort of game, two apparently arguing over some rule violation.. “Nice isn't it?” I nearly jumped out of my scales at the voice next to me, wings flaring in panic as I rounded on the stranger sitting next to me. A.. man? sat slouched on the seat next to me. I couldn't see any features hidden behind his black hood, but he looked almost… human in shape. “Wha…” “The innocence I mean.” He stretched a gloved hand out towards the children. “You were like that once.” as he said that the two arguing kids shifted into two pteros, one with a red ribbon on her crown… when I blinked they were back to normal. “Whats… what happened?” The man simply crossed a leg over the other and leaned back against the bench. I.. still couldn't tell who it was… “You're not dumb Lucy.. you know what happened.” His head finally turned towards me, revealing an empty hood. “You know what you did.” There.. There was nothing there.. I could see the back of the hood. I could see down into the body! There wasn't anyone in the clothes… I should be screaming, but I wasn't. I wasn't scared in the slightest. I knew who this was.. Some instinctual part of me telling me not to be afraid. The chase was over… “Death…” “Ding ding, princess.” It was really over.. I was dead. “Are they…” I didn’t need to explain my question. “Nope.” The hood shook wobbly side to side. “They’re alive. Each with a long life ahead of them.. Well, except that one.” A glove pointed out a little trike in a stroller with his parents. “They’ll warn him about looking when he crosses the road, nothing they could have done. Same for the driver, who kills themselves a week later.” “What… what happens now?” I didn’t like talking about this. The kid looked so happy, his parents so loving… When I blinked they were once again replaced by a small ptero with a bright ribbon, riding on her dads shoulders with an eyepatch on. “Now it’s time for the main event. Come on, we’re a little late as it is.” He stood and started walking down the path. “Can’t have the star missing her show can we?” When I looked back the trike was once again in his stroller. I rubbed at my eyes with the back of my hand and stood to follow the being. I recognized where we were now.. not a park. But a grassy resting area outside the cemetery. I had been here before, right? When.. when grandpa died. I had thrown a fit at the clothes I was forced into so dad took me out into the field and played with me. I glanced back at the children in the field. “They can’t even fathom death yet.” The cool voice ahead of me chimed. “To a child there are no goodbyes forever, only see you laters.. they lost someone who cares about them, but are able to laugh and play like the world is perfect…” Our path took us between rows of gravestones and it dawned on me where we were probably going… Ahead of us I could start to make out a familiar congregation. Black suits and teary eyes… I didn’t want to see this… please.. my body wasn’t obeying my commands. Locked into the same strut as the specter in front of me. I was late to my own funeral. I think Trish had made the joke to me before when I was late to practice. It wasn’t very funny then, and it wasn’t now. The group had thinned, even now I could see some people making their way to the entrance. Two in particular caught my eye. A purple trike being led away by a pink raptor.. Finally my body froze, they were heading straight at me. Trish openly balling while Reed simply had a small frown on his face. I know they probably couldn't see me, but my body moved on its own, stretching a hand out to grab her shoulder as she passed. But I couldn't.. I swear I could almost feel her, but it was as if trying to grip a glass pane. “Trish…” they didnt stop. “Reed… Hey!” “They can't hear you.” Death had released whatever grip he had on me that was rooting me in place, but I could only go forward, as if a wall was constantly being placed behind me. I could still see them! Please just a little bit longer.. But soon enough they had faded from view. There were only a few left. I guess not a lot of sympathy for a school shooter… Only ones that mattered now was the figure of my parents.. My mother was always small, but she looked smaller than ever before. Her eyes barely opened in a hard squint that revealed how tired she must have been. I'm so sorry. No words were spoken, I guess I missed the eulogy, but still they remained there. Side by side. It was surreal to see your own funeral… To see the pain you caused. I sat behind them silently letting them pay their final respects to the children they tried so hard to raise. I didn't deserve to talk to them.. Even if I could have. I betrayed them, killed their son, blamed them for my mistakes. I'm a terrible daughter. They didn't deserve this. Eventually I saw my mother tug on dads sleeve a bit before giving his arm a squeeze and drifting back. The first few steps were backwards, never taking her eyes off the stones. But with a sudden inhale she turned on a heel, making a quick pace for the entrance. I vainly tried to reach out as she passed, to comfort her in some way… But my hand slipped off her shaking shoulders. She paused for a second. Did… did she feel that? My hopes were quickly dashed as her face scrunched up and she dabbed at her eyes quickly with a handkerchief. She didn't look back as she left. I hesitated for a second before shuffling forward, taking my mother space next to the large figure. I glanced at Death for a second, he didn't move from where he had squatted down in the grass. I wasn't sure about the rules of dying.. But I must not be breaking any. I didn't look at the stones yet. Didn't really want to.. Instead I forced my attention on the stoic statue next to me. He looked… bad. Sunken features and his ever present scowl gone from his face. He just looked… lost. Like he wasn't there anymore. His once fierce eyes were glazed and hollow as he stared ahead. This is my fault I didn't think it would be an issue. All we did was scream at each other! I always said I hated him… but I didn't. I had a plan.. I knew Mom would be sad but as long as Dad had Naser then he would be fine. His perfect child would be off doing prestigious things while his disappointment of a daughter would be dead. I took Naser away. I didn't mean to… Finally I traced his vacant stare, steeling myself for what I would see. I wasn't prepared… He was looking at my grave. ‘HERE LIES LUCY. HEAVEN RESTORES YOU IN LIGHT’. It was a simple tombstone, with only a few flowers placed in front. I.. I was down there. Right below that rock. I was suddenly thankful we had arrived late… My attention was brought back to my father. His gaze was locked on my stone, with that.. look. Why.. “He's wondering where he went wrong.” the wind whispered in Death's voice. I whipped over to see that he was still in fact squatting in the grass at the edge. But he sounded so close… “What.. what do you mean? He didn't do anything..” “He thinks he did. ‘Was I too harsh on her? Did I push too hard against her choices? Did I not try hard enough to let her know I loved her?’” He stood and wiped non-existent dirt from his pants. “He's been playing every interaction you've had together in his head for the past few weeks, wondering where he went wrong. He blames himself.” “He shouldn't… I did this, it's all my fault.” “Ya, you made the choice. But not all blame falls to you. You are a product of your environment.” “You.. can talk to everyone right?” His hood shook as he nodded. “Can you… tell him I'm sorry? And that he and mom did everything they could? That I'm sorry I was such a horrible person..” “I will when they die. They never forget you, but never fully recover from your actions. They are able to live happily for a while longer, but never as happy as they once were.” It was the best I could hope for I suppose. I turn my attention back towards my resting place. But I couldn't avoid the space next to it forever… Finally I let my eyes drift to the grave next to it, adorned in a bouquet of flowers. And nearly screamed when I saw who was there. He… he was there. Sitting on top of his grave like nothing was wrong! Looking better than ever… Naser… “Naser…” It squeaked out of my lips like a strangled whisper. “Naser.. Naser!” I was in front of him in a second throwing my arms around him to give him the biggest hug I could. But I bounced off, hands sliding against the same sheet of glass that blocked me from everyone else. “No.. Naser can you hear me?” He didn't blink, or flinch at my assault. Just… kept staring at me. No… through me. Right behind me was dad. He… he couldn't see me.. “You killed him.” the wind whispered. “You severed the bond that connected you both.” “That's.. That's not fair! Naser! Please!” I failed to grab him again. “I'M sorry! I didn't mean to! Naser!” I screamed until I couldn't anymore. This isn't fair! “Death please… tell him I'm sorry. You can do that right?” “I already have. I'm sitting with him as we speak.” Death strode across the ground stopping next to Naser. He leaned onto something I couldn't see. “The first thing he asked about was you. He loved you, even in the end.” Tears dripped down my face… “He shouldn't…” I didn't deserve his love! I never did. He should have just hated me. It would have been so simple if he hated me! “Why… why is he here? He shouldn't be here with me.” “Everyone who dies gets to see their funeral, he's simply waiting for it to finish.” “And after that?” “Well he gets to go beyond.” Go beyond? Beyond what? Like heaven? “Honestly I couldn't tell you, it could be heaven though. Could be anything. He could be reincarnated.” Could he read my mind? “Yes.” “How do you not know what happens?” “Isnt my job to know, it's my job to guide most, and give a choice to some. I am stuck here like all of you, never getting to see what I lead others to.” “Is it a good place?..” He simply shrugged his shoulders. “I like to think it is.” Movement caught my attention again. My father had taken a step back, his fists shaking by his side. Tears finally broke his face as his slack face twisted in pain. Alone he finally let his emotions show. His mouth opened, working as if he were chewing his thoughts. “...I’ll be back soon…” His rough voice was rougher than ever before. “I'm sorry.. Daddy will be back.. I promise.. I’ll..bring gifts or.. Something.. I don't know… that sounds dumb, I’m sorry.” He took another step back. Then another. Naser waved goodbye with a teary eyed smile on his face. And then.. He was gone.. I was watching him the whole time but when I blinked.. He just wasn't there anymore. “He's gone. Off to some unknown.” I took a quick glance down, flexing my claws. “Why.. Why am I still here?” “Your funeral isn't over yet.” He pointed a glove behind me where I heard a quiet grunt. He was here… I dont know why but I didn't want him here. I wanted him to remember me differently. When we played guitar in my room… or that night we spent together… Not this dead murderer. Anon was slowly hobbling forward, crutches under each arm. His leg was bound in a cast.. Raptor Jesus. I did that. I didn't… You weren't supposed to be there you idiot! A bit of anger shot through me, but the vacant look in his eyes, those eyes that would never look at me again, smothered the embers. He looked terrible. All because of me… He didn't say a word. He didn't have to though. I could see the sadness on his face. I stood next to him. Just enjoying his company, his presence. I thought I might have killed him… I knew he would get help soon but.. There was so much blood. A part of me was afraid that he would be too far gone. I was happy to see he was on his feet already. But I wasn't happy at the sight of him. I'm not that delusional, I knew this would be hard on him. He was the only one that had made me hesitate, for the soul fact that it would make his life difficult. But he would move on. I was a simple highschool sweetheart that he would forget about when he meets some cute girl in a few years. One who doesnt have so many issues and baggage to carry. “Unfortunately, Anon would never move on.” The cool whisper returned. “He wouldn't even try. Within the year his neighbor reports a smell coming from his room. Reed, Rosa, and Stella the only attendants at his funeral.” “Shut up!” That can't be right! Anon’s stronger than this! He was always stronger than me. “That's not true! It… it can't be..” Anon suddenly fell to his knees, his hands grasping at the stone in front of him. My arms slipped around him, futility attempting to help steady him. This isn't fair, not him… anyone but him. “Why…” A soft voice creaked from him, as if he hadn't spoken in a long time. “I'm sorry! I didn't mean to drag you into this.” My tears joined his own as I tried to put my all into just feeling him one more time. “This was a mistake! Fuck what everyone else thinks! I would have been fine with just you..” “I’m sorry…” What? No. Nononono. Anon none of this is your fault! You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m sorry! I’m sorry you had to meet a fuck up like me… I don't know how long I laid there, wrapped around a boy I could never touch again. Anon had smiled.. A teary eyed bleak smile, then fallen asleep, his head pressed against my stone like it was the most precious thing in the world to him. This was it, my funeral was over. The rain had cleared and the moon shown above. But.. I was still here. “That's because you're one of the few who are offered a choice.” I was startled by Death's voice right behind me. “You have committed great crimes. Lead to the demise of innocents around you. You're not allowed to follow your brother.” His voice was hard, a chill traveling down my spine. “What.. what choice is there for me?” I was suddenly scared of the answer. He didn't even know where the good souls went.. But it made sense that it was better than whatever hell I was going to. Raptor Jesus what have I done… “It's a simple one. Not many take it but I offer it the same.” He suddenly was right in front of me, in a blink sitting atop my grave, legs resting on Anon’s back. “A chance of redemption.” “Redemption? What do you mean?” I tried not to glare angrily at his empty shoe that was tapping on Anon’s head. “Well, not really redemption per say, but a chance to help one I know you care about.” He tapped the bald head beneath his shoe. “See, believe it or not but I do not enjoy death. Not in the slightest. Especially to those who don't deserve it. So I like to extend an offer to those who have committed atrocities, you are one such individual. Quite the lucky girl honestly.” “What is the offer..” Honestly if it helped Anon I didn't care what it was. “See that's why you get the offer, such a selfless thought. Most who have done the things you've done are filled with selfishness.” A glove reached out and settled on my head, freezing me in place. “I offer a Second Chance.” “Really…” A second chance? I.. I could fix everything! It would be like a terrible dream! “Not for you, come on I was just praising your selflessness.” Wha.. then for who? “A boy who doesn't have much longer anyways.” his foot tapped the head again. Anon… he could give Anon another chance. How? Why? “Please… out of everyone he deserves it!” I stood knocking the glove from my head as I bowed to the being in front of me. “He doesn't deserve anything that's happened to him!” “Well I wouldn't say that.” The hood chuckled. “There are better men out there, ones that haven't spent a considerable amount of free time harassing random people on the internet. But in the end the choice is yours to make, and it's one I knew you would.” “Thank you! Thank you, so much!” I was silenced with a wave of his hand. “There's a catch.” Of course there is… “You are still to be punished for your actions.” “What is it…” “There is no guarantee that this will change much. I'll send Anon here back to before IT happened but only just. After that it's all up to him, no more assistance. We cannot dictate what a person does once they are sent back.” This was still too good to be true. “Indeed it is, there is one more catch.” He leaned forward on the stone, extending a glove towards me until he gently bumped a finger against my head. “You won't exist.” “But.. you said he would get to go back, back before it happened!” “Indeed I did, and he'll even have the chance to save the Fang from there. But it won't be you. You'll be erased here, removed from reality as punishment.” He wiped a glove across the tombstone he sat on, his hand erasing my name from it where it passed. “You won't even know if you made a difference. Forgotten by everyone and everything.” He snapped his fingers and my name returned to the stone. “Of course that is if you accept the offer, if you don’t you will wander the earth until your name is forgotten, then you will fade away. Hey, school shooting isn't that bad! They'll remember you for a long time I bet.” “Do it…” I.. I was scared. But Anon didn't have a lot of time.. And if this was true, then Naser could be saved as well. They are worth so much more than my life… “That's why I picked you, Lucy.” He stood. “Many people have denied this request.. Stand proud knowing you're with the few that didn't.” A glove reached out to me, which I hesitantly shook. I tried to stay strong.. I really did. But knowing I was about to be erased had struck a fear in me. “I will remember you Lucy, I always do for the ones who made the right choice.” “Thank you…” I almost couldn't get it out as I choked back a sob. I was starting to shake.. Please don't hurt… “It wont, You don't have long. It will be as if nothing ever happened” I collapse desperately around Anon, my wings engulfing him as best I could through the untouchable glass. “Please.. Anon.. You're going to be alright.” I pressed my snout as close to his ear as I could, willing him to hear this one thing. “You're strong.. I know you'll-” My voice cracked, causing me to cough painfully into a sob. “You'll stop me… a-and then you'll save e-veryone. hic andandand everything will work out!” I squeezed with everything I had… and..I swear I could feel him against me… “We’ll get married! Ya.. ya.. We will! It'll be perfect! My parents hic w-will love you an-and Naser will be the best man! We’ll even have a perfect little daughter named-” Then there was nothing… The End…