I am KiAera, the Blue-Winged Rabbit… or at least, I wasn't the latter until now.

  A human survivor of an apocalypse, I never expected things to take such a drastic turn after my death. And yet, here I am. How does a gal go from that to… this?

  My memories are fuzzy, but thanks to an ancient book known as GamaGen, I have something to go on…

  —??. .????. .????. .??—

  [???]

  Abeion, grant her a new lease on life. Your means to meat an end have gone too far. Pure eradication is a waste. So I prey for her a new beginning—

  "Correction. Meet," Abeion interrupted with a lazy drawl.

  "And it's pray, not prey," the headless entity continued, voice laced with mild irritation.

  "Why waste time squabbling over trivial semantics?" Abeion sighed, reclining against his grandiose throne. "She is merely a human. Humans die all the time." He waved a dismissive hand. "If you must insist on speaking, at least address me properly rather than narrating at me."

  DeNultra's expression twisted in disgust. "You are insufferable," they muttered. "She deserves a second chance, yet you refuse to admit it. Her demise is a direct result of your actions."

  "Despite being a mere human, she did not deserve such a cruel fate." The words dripped with venom. "I implore—" DeNultra spat the word like it pained them to say it, "—the esteemed Abeion to grant her a fresh start."

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  The shimmering halos floating behind Abeion flickered momentarily. He scoffed, waving a hand. "Fine. Fine! You've persuaded me. But don't blame me if it doesn't work out. Whatever path she takes, she'll meet her end eventually. I refuse to take responsibility if she dies again."

  "Not dead. Erased." DeNultra's form warped in an eerie, shifting mass as they surveyed the infinite expanse around them. "Just bring her back. And reprimand that vassal of yours for hitting the wrong universe. I know he's still lurking around somewhere."

  Abeion's flames crackled in annoyance. "I can't control him. He does as he pleases. But I will ensure Lorgagore doesn’t make another mistake like this." His voice lowered, dangerous. "And you owe me a favor for this revival. I care little for your personal motives."

  "To piss off Lorgagore and his cohorts, of course," DeNultra chuckled before vanishing without another word.

  Abeion let out a long, put-upon sigh, then snapped his fingers. His gaze fell upon the lifeless human before him. She was motionless, unblemished, but DeNultra's words carried weight. Rolling his nonexistent eyes, he flicked his wrist, a flame sparking to life.

  —??. .????. .????. .??—

  A breathless gasp tore from my lips as I woke, my lungs greedily pulling in air. My eyes flew open, blinking rapidly as I tried to make sense of my surroundings. My body felt… strange. Like I'd been asleep for centuries but had no dreams to show for it.

  A shiver ran through me. My hands grasped at the thin purple gown draped over me. Odd. Where's my gear? Who changed me?

  The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of parchment, and a distant hum—soft but ever-present—mingled with the sound of pages turning.

  I sat on what could only be described as the most comfortable chair I’d ever experienced. It was like a plush, velvet cloud sparkling with stars, set in a space filled with floating books, scrolls, and celestial bodies drifting far beyond my reach.

  There was no one else here.

  "Hello?" I called out hesitantly.

  "Well, hello there."

  I jumped at the unexpected voice. Whipping around, my breath caught as I took in the thing sitting before me. A luminous, towering humanoid perched upon an enormous throne—silent, still, radiating power.

  It studied me, but I couldn't read its expression. Hard to do when its head was made of flames, shifting and shimmering like the aurora borealis.

  "Lo! Woah! And behold!" I blurted, scrambling to my feet. "You're a gorgeous fellow."

  My hand shot to my waist. Nothing. I reached behind me. Still nothing.

  A cold sweat broke out. My stomach twisted.

  Where's my sword? My rifle? My pistol? I know I had them before I… before I…**

  The memory slipped just out of reach.

  "Wait… what am I doing here? Where is here?"

  Abeion's flames twitched.

  "Where?" he repeated. "I'll answer that soon enough. As for your other question…"

  His voice was calm, absolute.

  "You are here because you died."

  Chaos Chimera. Thanks for reading!