1 0 The BIRDS
(AN: You will notice I use Xey and Xem in this story. They are pronouns I use to refer to a person who identifies as non-binary, such as the main protagonist of this story, or are otherwise neither male or female. This is to avoid confusion when using the pronouns they/them as referring to persons other than the person speaking. Any pronoun that uses an 'x' instead of a 'th' will be used this way. For example, 'they' would become 'xey' and 'their' would become 'xeir')
High above the mortal plane, higher than the sun shining brightly upon the mortals, and higher than the celestial palaces of the immortals was a magnificent building of colossal size and grandeur. Many figures rushed in and out of the building, several carrying softly glowing stones and scrolls. Each of the scroll-carrying figures wore the same outfit, a black suit with a golden tie, that marked them as one of the many workers residing in the colossal building.
Inside the building, the workers rushed back and forth. A few of the workers that sported bird-like features made use of their wings to fly high above their peers, avoiding the crowded halls below. Several ghostly figures waited patiently for their turn at a large gate that shone with a golden light.
This was the main HQ of the Bureau of Intelligence on Reincarnation and the Dead or Souls, often referred to as BIRDS. Their job was to guide the mortal souls of the deceased through the aptly named Gates of Reincarnation. Sometimes, if a soul was particularly good or evil, or if there were certain circumstances, an agent would take up the case to grant specific advantages or disadvantages to the soul's new body.
~~~Mortal Realm-Approximately 20 Minutes Earlier~~~
A large group of humans crowded around two vehicles, a car, and a small motorbike. The motorbike was completely wrecked, and the front of the car was damaged as well. Whispers filled the air as the civilians discussed the incident as the paramedics rushed the injured people out of the scene. "That car just..." "Was he drunk?" "Poor kid. She looked like a student." "I hope she's okay."
The 'girl' in question, who went by the name Tora, frowned slightly. Xey stared at the paramedics for a second before turning and flipping off the civilians standing around the crash site. "F*** off. I use xey/xem pronouns." No one seemed to notice or respond to xem. Xey sat down beside the remains of their motorbike, staring sadly at it. "Well, Gaius, I suppose our journey is over." The motorbike had been one xey had found at a junkyard awhile back. Xey had fixed it up by themself, and had spent an entire summer working part-time jobs so that xey could afford the parts needed to rebuild it. Xey pushed themself up and off the ground after a second, glancing back at the quickly receding ambulance. "I suppose I'm dead now. What am I supposed to do now? Do I just haunt this world now, or is there like a reaper who will come take my soul for judgment or whatever?"
As if summoned by xeir words, a winged figure descended from the sky, dressed in a black suit and bearing a badge emblazoned with the acronym BIRDS. The winged figure stretched out one hand towards xem. Xey took the angel's hand and xeir vision went dark.
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~BIRDS HQ-Present Time~~~
The spirit with a unique golden hue, previously the human called Tora, followed behind a winged agent, humming slightly. The agent strode quickly, throwing out explanations without glancing behind them at the golden soul.
"It seems there was an error in your soul's paperwork. Your death wasn't due for at least another century." The spirit sped up to catch up to the agent. "Wait, are you saying, I was supposed to live to at least 100?" The agent nodded in response to xeir question as they entered their office and sat at the desk, gesturing for the soul to sit in the chair across from them. The golden spirit frowned slightly upon the discovery that their previous life had been cut short by a century.
"We here at the Bureau of Intelligence on Reincarnation and the Dead or Souls wish to sincerely apologize for this error. As compensation, we have decided to grant you some amenities and advantages in your next life. Please fill out this form so that we might pick out the best new life for you."
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[1: What are your preferred pronouns? What do you identify as? (This question is to help souls reincarnated into a body they are more comfortable in, to decrease the chance of body dysphoria and/or soul rejection.)]
{They/Them or Xey/Xem}
[2: Would you rather be in a world of science or magic? (You can also choose an option in-between the two listed here.)]
{Magic}
[3: Would you rather have power or a close friend(s)?]
{Close Friend}
[4: Would you prefer to keep or erase the memories of your past life? (This can help souls who have experienced terrible trauma and wish to erase the memories of it.)]
{Keep}
[5: Would you rather start from a new form or an existing form? (A new form will mean you start your life as a newborn. An existing form will start your life as a form that has just died. You will gain all memories of the body you inhabit, and the body will be given a second chance at life.)]
{New form}
[6: Where would you prefer to live? (In a large city, out in the countryside, the mountains, etc.)]
{A forest}
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The golden soul finished filling out the form and handed it to the agent. The agent quickly scanned the form, then stood up to guide the soul to the Gates of Reincarnation. Typing a few keys on a keyboard attached to the gates, they gestured towards the now glowing gateways. "Step through this gate to be reincarnated. Please enjoy your new life." The agent bowed deeply as the golden spirit stepped through the gates and disappeared.
