Protector

Chapter V

My breath caught in my throat; my body was engulfed in a wave of coldness. "W-What?"

"I came here to offer a way to return to life, Jasmine," Aria repeated.

"Could you guys always do this? Bring people back?"

Aria nodded.

I set my jaw. "Then why haven't you done it to the ones who died before me? Have you not realized how many of us have been slaughtered like dogs?"

"I understand your frustration, but there is something you have yet to know about this process."

I narrowed my eyes and shut my mouth.

"There have been countless times where we have wanted to save and restore their lives, but the Changing comes with a high price," Sadness wore down Aria's wolfish features, giving her more years than she already had. "Such a high price has taken Feral and human souls alike from this universe."

"What does the Changing require?"

"It requires a human soul to fuse with its Feral. Soul compatibility plays a crucial role here."

"Soul compatibility?"

"Soul compatibility refers to the toll fusing has on a human soul. Human souls reside in vessels and the size of each soul can vary like your race. Individuals with smaller souls risk perishing during the Changing and vice versa."

"What happens if you perish during the Changing?" I asked.

A tight smile pursed the furred entity's lips. "The same cosmic forces binding your soul together will unravel and eviscerate you from existence," It softened into one of reassurance. "It is a rare occurrence, but it is something to keep in mind, little one."

"You haven't talked about what happens if a soul succeeds in fusing," I reminded.

"Observant as ever, my young charge," Aria rumbled with a laugh. A distant and wistful gleam engulfed her gaze. "If an individual accepts the risk of the Changing and survives, then they can no longer be considered human. They are considered Beasts, a merging of souls in a single vessel with a capacity to shape-shift and a variety of other abilities."

I pondered on Aria's words, thinking of what was to come if I chose to live again. It wouldn't be easy, but nothing in this world was. "I've made my decision."

Aria tilted her head, her nose twitching. "And what is that decision?"

"I choose to get my second life; I choose to become a Beast."

She smiled. "You have chosen well, Jasmine."

"Is there anything else I should know before we start?"

The ancient Feral frowned and seemed deep in thought. "There is one thing," She ruffled her wings open, my eyes locking onto the soft and glossy texture of each dark feather. "Much like how humans of different backgrounds and continents intermingle, Ferals can be simple mammals or a mythical creature or both. My essence consists of a wolf and phoenix, thus granting you immunity to fire."

I scoffed, a bitter smile marking my lips. "That's kind of ironic, don't you think? To be immune to the thing that took my life?"

Sympathy dimmed the Feral's colored gaze. "It is the price one must pay to return to the land of the living, unfortunately."

"Why are you doing this?" I couldn't stop my insecurity from seeping into my words. Her dark coat and wings stood out in the vast white space, the vibrant cerulean blue of her eyes gazing into my naked soul. What did she see when she looked at me?

Aria rumbled, lowering her gaze to mine. "What do you mean? Is this not what you desire?"

I swallowed hard. "I want this, I do. But . . ."

"You feel as though you are undeserving of a second chance, that you cannot be redeemed." The ancient Feral finished.

"What makes you think I get the chance to live again when others are more deserving of it? They don't have the darkness of their sins haunting them like I do."

Aria huffed, her blue orbs glowing. It was as if I was staring into a bottomless ocean. "Do you always think so low of yourself, Jasmine? You are worth more than you believe, little one."

I hung my head in defeat, the memory of Alex's tear-stained face flashing through my mind. "I just don't understand why you've chosen this path. Why selflessly endanger your existence to help a human soul return to the Physical Realm?"

"Humans, as a species, are destructive. They only care about themselves and do things to benefit their kind," Aria's tone softened, "You have done things that defy human nature, Jasmine. You are not selfish, but selfless. You care more about your brother than you care for your own life, and not many people are willing to put their love for kin to the test as you have."

The Feral nudged my shoulder and caused me to look up at her. "You deserve this, Jasmine. Whatever people may say or think of you, always remember that I am proud of your sacrifice."

"I won't make you regret this. I promise you that."

~~~

A/N: That marks the end of Chapter 5. Hope this cleared up some questions about the whole "resurrection" process.

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