Thunder struck, its roar echoing through the storm.A flash of lightning lit up the dark hospital room, just long enough to reveal a boy clinging to the edge of his bed, his face twisted in agony.
He gripped his chest, his breathing ragged. It felt like his heart was about to explode.The rain and thunder outside drowned out his screams.
"I-It hurts!! It hurts!! Everything... feels like it's going to explode!!"
Tears streamed down his cheeks as he stared at the ceiling, trembling. Then, without warning, the emergency power went out.The lights died.His life-support stopped beeping.
His vision blurred, colors fading, sounds fading, until everything turned white.
And then… bright light.
Jisuki slowly opened his eyes.He was standing in an endless open space. A crystal-blue sky stretched above him, clouds drifting lazily along the horizon.
Despite the brightness, there was no sun, only a calm, eternal light.
Below his feet wasn't ground, but a vast mirror of still water, smooth as glass. It rippled gently as he took a step.
"Where... am I? Is this the afterlife?"
As the thought crossed his mind, a soft breeze brushed against hi, carrying a voice that echoed through the endless sky.
"No, my child. This is not the afterlife… but the deepest realm of life."
Jisuki's eyes widened.
"Y-You can read my thoughts?"
"Why, of course," the voice replied warmly. "I am the Goddess of Life and Incarnation. You were summoned here to meet your new fate. I have seen your worth—and you deserve another chance."
The voice grew gentler, filled with sorrow and grace.
"You were pure of heart, even when life was cruel to you. You lost your parents at ten. Your grandfather, who took care of you, passed away three years later. Then came the illness that no one could cure... and finally, your end. But I could not let your soul fade away. Not when your dreams remained unfulfilled."
A radiant figure appeared before him, a woman of divine beauty, her long silver hair flowing like moonlight. She reached out her hand toward him.
"What's wrong, my child? Why do your eyes fill with tears?"
"I-It's just… I never thought I'd be given the chance to chase my dreams again…"
Jisuki's voice cracked as he spoke, tears spilling down his face. The goddess smiled softly and wiped them away. Then, her light dimmed slightly as she took a human-sized form and embraced him gently.
"You have suffered long enough," she whispered. "You will never feel such pain again."
Holding him on her lap, the goddess smiled as Jisuki shyly asked,
"What about my family? Are they… alright?"
"They rest peacefully in the afterlife," she said with a reassuring smile.
Jisuki exhaled softly, his heart finally at ease.
"Then… let's go. To this new world."
"As you wish, my child."
Light gathered around them, swirling like a gentle storm.
"This time…" Jisuki thought, "I'll accomplish my goals, no matter what."
"I'm sure you will," the goddess replied, smiling.
Jisuki blinked, slightly embarrassed.
"C-Can you stop reading my thoughts? It feels kinda weird…"
The goddess chuckled playfully.
"Oh? Then I'll stop, enjoy your journey, Jisuki Nebula."
The space around him warped, light bursting outward as his figure vanished.
"I hope you find peace and love in your new world, my dear child…"