" Time is our biggest asset, yet we waste it on regrets."

-Unknown.

"All done," Abby said, putting down the gun and proceeded to give me a mirror.

"So do you like it?" She continued, as she looked at me eager for my reaction.

"It's a nice looking tree," I said as I tried to get a better angle. Trying to see a tattoo that's at the base of the nape can be quite challenging.

"It's not just any tree. It's the tree of life," Abby said with a huge smile.

"Tree of life? You mean like the Celtic symbol?" I asked vaguely remember a conversation I once had with Phillip.

"Oh you know about Celtic symbols?" Abby asked, excitement filling her voice.

"Not much, but I have a friend who is into it big time," I say politely hoping she doesn't get disappointed.

"Thats awesome. I gave you this tatoo because the tree represents the connection all souls have. Everything and everyone is connected in some sort of way. And since Fate is someone who can see those connections, it was fitting to give her assistant that tattoo," Abby said grinning.

"Ignore Abby. Her love for human created mythology grows far too deep. Any tattoo would have been fine," Fate said rolling her eyes at her elder sister.

"Hey, it's very entertaining to read them and not all of them are bad. There are a few that are pretty close to the truth," Abby said, getting defensive.

"Alright, I need to go. Bri, come, I still have a lot I need to tell and show you," Fate said getting up.

"I'll see you later," I said, giving Abby a small smile as I made my way out of the shop.

As much as I wanted to learn about the new world I also needed some time to myself, just to let things register.

"I still have to invoke the symbol. I'll do it once we get home," Fate said as we made our way towards a lesser crowded part of the market.

Home.

The word seemed foreign to me. I guess I never really thought about that word when I was alive. A small pain settled in my chest as I recalled some of my old memories. Home, it was a place I had left behind.

We reached Fate's house and sorted out the items we got. After that Fate made some tea and we sat by the front porch.

"You seem a bit down today," Fate said, initiating the conversation.

"Really? I don't know what you mean," I lied. Ever since I came to know that I was going to hell I haven't really been able to think of anything else.

"I know your lying. Come on, tell me what's on your mind?" Fate asked taking a sip of her tea. Her eyes didn't stray from mine.

"It's just... I haven't hurt anyone when I was alive right?" I asked looking at her, hoping I would get a positive reply. I don't know what I would do otherwise.

"Well, more then telling you how about I show you what you did wrong. But I'm not quite sure if you will be able to take it in," Fate said as she placed her tea down.

Show me? What was that supposed to mean? So I really did hurt someone to the extent of me going to hell? Did I really want to see what I did?

"I... Yes, yes I want to see it. I can't believe I would hurt someone that badly," I said firmly. I needed to know or else I will forever continue to ponder.

"Alright, I'll show you. But remember it won't be pleasant so prepare yourself for it," Fate said as she got up.

She proceeded to come towards me and placed her hand on my tattoo. I felt warmth slowly creep into my skin. It felt so comfortable that I seemed to feel sleepy.

"Rest well. You'll need it." I heard Fate say before everything turned dark.

*The next day*

I moaned and flung a pillow over my head as the sun's rays peeked slightly through the cotton curtains. The gentle breeze seemed to be carrying the smell of wet soil.

I didn't want to get up. I was way to comfortable being all snuggled up. I didn't want to go to school.

School?

I sat upright almost immediately as that word registered in my mind. Looking at my surroundings I sighed. I was still here. Feeling disappointed that I wasn't in my actual bed crying about going to school, I got up. No use crying about it now. This was my choice anyway.

The smell of something sweet filled the air. Was Fate making breakfast?

I made my way towards the kitchen. It took me a moment to register what I saw.

Fate was standing by the stove wearing pink pyjamas under a floral apron, her hair tied up loosely in a bun. She hummed as she swayed slightly while flipping some pancakes.

It seemed so surreal to watch someone who is a goddess doing something so, so normal.

"Slept well?" Fate asked without looking back.

"How do you do that?" I asked looking at her.

"I can sense people and after sealing your mark I will always be able to know where you are," Fate said as she transfered the pancake to a plate.

"Syrup?" She asked pointing to a glass jar filled with golden liquid.

"Sure?" I said a little confused. I didn't think I would be eating pancakes after I died especially ones made by a god.

Fate proceeded to pour the syrup over the pancakes. I picked up my knife and fork and dived into them hungryly.

"Good?" Fate asked as she turned back to the stove.

"I don't know. I can bearly taste anything," I said confused. I looked at my plate. The pancakes looked amazing but I couldn't really taste them. Why?

"We can't taste food in here. They are just a way to get energy nothing more," Fate said, answering my question.

"Oh..." I uttered disappointed. Pancakes were one of my favorite breakfast items to have and not being to experience it again made me feel a little sad.

"Its ok if we travelled to the human world you can experience them again," Fate said, smiling softly.

"We are going back to the human world?" I asked surprised.

"Yes, you wanted to see what you did to have been sentenced to hell remember?" Fate asked as she removed her apron.

"Oh right," I said as I recalled our conversation.

"Come we should get going. We don't want to miss it," Fate said as she headed towards the door.

"Miss what?" I asked as I followed her.

"You'll find out soon enough," Fate said leading me to the small garden just at the front of the house.

Will she ever give me answers directly?

"Ready?" She continued as she took my hand in hers.

"I think so," I said nervously.

A few seconds later

"We are here," Fate said letting go of my hand.

I opened my eyes and immediately regretted it.

"I'll be here if you need me," Fate said stepping back a little.

I walked forward in a daze.

This can't be. Is this really what I think it is?

As I moved forward I could recognize the faces I saw. But my eyes transfixed on one person, my mother.

There she stood dressed in black sobbing uncontrollably into my father's shoulder. It took me a moment to realise he too was there. He looked so fragile, almost like a small gust of wind could make him disappear without a trace.

I walked up to them, reaching out I tried to place my hand on their sholders but it went right through.

No!

"No, no way! She can't be dead she just can't be! Tell me its all a lie, please!" I heard my mom scream, her voice full of agony.

"I'm so sorry honey," I heard father reply back. His voice bearly audible.

Just as I was about to call out to them I saw a group of people carrying something.

It was at this moment that reality really hit me.

The black wooden coffin was slowly and carefully laided inside the hole in the ground.

Many wept, some louder than others and some just stayed still, probably too still.

I really was dead and this was my funeral.

A/n:

Hey guys, i'm so sorry for being gone for a while. Its been a few months(probably more but I'm in denial) that I wrote a chapter and for that I'm truly sorry. I do hope this chapter makes up for it although I'm sorry it had to be such a grim one. But I promise this book isn't all sad. The best parts are about to start. So stay tunned for that. ❤