(Self Notes)

[Shadow]

\Mirror/

"speaking"

'thinking'

*action*

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I woke up. Or rather fell asleep, I wasn't entirely sure if I was really dead or not, but I was definitely dreaming, the familiar black metallic door was proof enough, an elevator. I heard a familiar ding and the black elevator doors opened, I stepped inside grinning. I thought back to my death, there had been some kind of intervention, SL had took advantage of the situation and prevented me from reacting somehow. Weird.

Anyway the elevator music was beginning to give me a headache. I heard the ding again and the doors opened, I stepped through. I was in a tiny hallway bereft of windows, a small bare lightbulb was swinging down from the ceiling. I snorted. I read the plaque on the door. [Thee (Self Notes) self appointed chief of Mental Health]. I opened the door, somewhat anxious. Self Notes has always been a wildcard or rather they all are, but Self Notes is probably the one in the best position to harm me.

The room had the look of a classic hard boiled detective. The room was dim, paper littered the desk and the ceiling fan overhead cast shadows across the room. Sat in the chair was a young girl, looking to be in her mid teens. She smiled creepily as I entered. Her features were blurred.

(Take a seat, my host)

I grimaced noticing the note of anger in her voice. I sat. She leaned over, our noses almost touching. "So... You called?" I asked keeping my face carefully expressionless. (You were careless) she said quietly. I frowned. "Yes. I was set up." (The Otherside?) I nodded remaining silent. (What?) she smiled maliciously, (I've been with you for many long years, Christopher, and I can read you like a book, no need for secrets between us right?) I sighed nervously. She teleported into my lap in an explosion of paper, leaning back she said (The Otherside like us Chris, but they won't tolerate weakness, they're willing to give you another chance, elsewhere) "They contacted you?" (Yes, the moment you died) I froze, "Contract?" (Yep, they're gonna seal some of your memories. You'll also be reincarnating) she said flatly. "Why now?" I ask angrily. She shook her head, (I don't understand either, but someone played us) "I guess we'll have to accept then... And memories? What memories?" (Your experience. You'll be like a child again. They'll be doing the same to Us) "Ugh."

Now I might seem pretty calm considering, but to be honest I've been in similar situations many times before. I caught the interest of the Otherside a year ago when I slew a Dark God, It hadn't been easy and the only reason I tried was because it set up it's Dreamspace in my neighborhood. Now, Dark Gods sound kind of badass and all, but they are just Dream predators, they don't affect the physical world that much.

Anyway, They, the Otherside had found me amusing. Alongside Shadow, Mirror and Self Notes I'm not your average human. Self Notes was still staring at me. Noticing my inner monologue coming to an end she spoke, (So mister, we got some time to kill) she leaned back suggestively. I chuckled, "Nope, I do not wanna partake in selfcest thank you very much." she scowled (I bet you'd do it with the others!) "... Let's change the subject."

Yeah. I suppose I should explain what the hell these three even are. They hadn't always been there technically they are all me just separate personalities that become real or rather, Self aware! Haha. Joke. Haha. Self Notes has perfect memory, and visits me in my dreams for the most part and the others... Well I'll get to them later. I suppose I should tell you about Earth. It changed.

There was too much water... Hah.

The whole world was flooded, killing millions and disease rampaged the survivors, to make matters worse the Bio-Demons became active again.

The Bio-Demons are kind of like giant viruses they evolve, adapting constantly. They have an ant-like hierarchy with Queens standing at the top. Under each Queen are three Princesses they travel constantly erecting (Haha) new Hives, increasing their numbers. Each Princess is guarded by multiple Maids. The Hives are mostly filled out with Knights and Pawns who hold no authority.

Anyway.

Humanity got its lazy ass back up. A hundred years pass, and cities were rebuilt, some new ones too. Underground cities and underwater cities were built, humans adapting to this flooded world. Technology caught back up, and Virtual Reality was booming, a place to escape reality. Of course VR was still in its early stages, mostly maintained by humans, AI's weren't quite advanced enough to handle it.

The Bio-Demons attacked cities carrying off humans back to their Hives and the military developed weapons to deal with them, incurring a small war. Eventually the Bio-Demons just up and disappeared, leaving everyone anxiously awaiting the next attack. Only it didn't come.

Years passed, again. And a new discovery shook the world. Aethaerics. Humans were beginning to run out of natural resources, when they discovered this infinite source of energy, it was a Godsend, Aethaerics resembled magic in many ways. Soon after supernaturals become more than some old folktales, vampires, ghouls, shape-shifters, psychics, dragons you name it. People had very varied reactions. Me? I don't care. I already knew, after all.

Not that any of that matters considering I'm going to some new world. I only hope this new world is anything like my old one. Myself, Self Notes, Mirror and Shadow spend our time goofing around the Dreamspace just having fun. Shadow's smile falters [I guess I'm gonna miss the puny little humans] Mirror lets out a dramatic sigh, \Me too, I'll miss trolling the masses/ we laugh obnoxiously. Self Notes expression goes blank, the mood suddenly serious. (The Otherside have more conditions) I waited. (They have coveted us for a long time, it seems they are pretty interested in us. You can get rid of us, gain a new wonderful life and play The Machine all in one fell swoop) she stares resolutely at me (We'll understand). "Nope.", they stared, puzzled. "What? Is it really that surprising? Its not like I dislike you guys. I'm not leaving you all behind." I smile bitterly, "I'm not even sure if The Machine is even real.".

The Otherside allow powerful people to play, in return they grant wishes, real wishes. Only, most of those powerful people are capable of destroying planets, pretty damn powerful. Of course I still don't know much about it and that's only going off rumors. "So. Any other conditions?" she grinned (You don't get a choice in what you become) I sigh somewhat relieved, "That isn't so bad.". Maybe she is hoping I'll get genderbent or maybe become a Goblin or Kobold, hah, not gonna happen missy!

We waited.

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Thanks for reading, if you can point out any inconsistencies or typos I would appreciate it.