The Beginning of the Start

I was sorely disappointed if I’d thought that Jun’s office would've been something straight out of their childhood or a recreation of the happiest years of their life since it definitely was not.

Once I stepped through the doorway into their office, I was greeted by the most boring -nicely decorated, sure- work space you would see in any run of the mill K-Drama or romantic comedy when the new hire secretary went up to the ‘big boss’s office. It was nice, but it definitely didn’t scream Jun; or maybe it did, I had to remember that I hadn’t known them for very long and I was mostly going off of presumptions.

Regardless of their transparency with anything I asked, I still didn’t know them.

Additionally, Jun’s office seemed small; especially when compared to Cyan’s entire forest and ecosystem she called hers. Maybe she was the outlier when it came to personal spaces, but considering the wide array of different creatures on Oeuvre and how much I was able to customize my own room, I highly doubted it.

“If you don’t mind me asking…”

“I’m sure I won’t.”

They gestured for me to take a seat as they did after offering me a snack or beverage from the mini dispenser tucked conveniently beside a bookcase. I refused the offer but did sit down, arranging my hands politely in my lap so I didn’t fidget.

“Did you model your office after stuff you’ve seen on Earth?”

They seemed pleased, their lips turned upward just a tiny bit as their eyes shifted away from me for a split second. I’d only been able to see it a couple of times but I’d noticed that they tended to look away when they were actually amused with something versus just smiling to be polite.

“Correct, this office purposely took heavy inspiration from Earth’s more mainstream designs, according to the samples of media I studied.”

“This office.”

“Mm.”

They nodded once, absently spinning the band of silver wrapped around their thumb as they leaned back into their chair; clearly at ease in this space even though I was just informed that this was only one of their offices.

“I have sectioned my designated space into different compartments to better connect with the Herald I am entertaining; for example,” A hand was directed loosely at me, then the space around us. “You’re Human, thus…”

I nodded, acquiescing to their reasoning as their words dwindled off.

I thought it was a little excessive but I couldn’t argue the merit of their thought process; and who was I to say what they should or shouldn’t do with their own office space?

“Yeah, okay, that makes sense.”

I almost asked if they personally had a favorite one of the many but stopped myself, that seemed a little too familiar and I was here for something else; we weren’t just hanging out. It seemed like Jun was thinking the same thing as me since they leaned forward in their chair and their expression turned neutrally serious again.

“So, you are asking about Replacement and what it entails– what did your Instructor say when you first brought the topic to light?”

“Cyan said that I’d most likely -at the very least- have to complete my Cupid training and then something about a Herald rotation; because my ‘Visit’ was complete or something like that?”

Jun nodded, leaning down to open a drawer and withdrawing a file decently stuffed with a small pile of papers, not enough that they were in danger of falling out but definitely more than just a couple sheets. They paused with their hand atop the file deliberately for a moment before sliding it across the desk for me.

“This is all the information regarding Replacement you will need in document form for your own personal reference, but I will explain it to you now as well. Firstly, Cyan was correct, you need to completely fulfill your Cupid training, and -because your Visit is complete- you will need to additionally complete a few Herald Rotations. It is unlikely to be a full Rotation -those are uncommon- but at least two if not three.”

I accepted the file and, before I could open my mouth to ask, Jun continued.

“A Herald Rotation is where a Herald trains -or assists, pending the Rotation chosen- under a different Designation than the one assigned in order to gain enough strength for their soul to attempt the journey back to your original place of living as a physical being; it’s not a simple task neither in application nor on your soul. As of now, you are absolutely dead -the completion of a Visit confirms this even more so- and although Oeuvre has a unique perspective on handling time and transportation, solid physical manifestation on an equally solid planet is much, much trickier.”

They were very sincere, fingers steepled at the tips then interlocking and folding together so the knuckles could rest gently against their chin; they could look off to the distance consideringly with their head now supported.

“Even then the odds are low, you have a higher chance of Passing On than Replacement although I do not say that to discourage you; I simply wish for you to comprehend what sort of endeavor you are wishing to embark on.”

“And Passing On is…”

“Going past Oeuvre, leaving behind whatever fulfillment you might have as a Herald and letting your soul drift; no one is sure what truly happens after, though I suppose it would depend on what you believe. Those who die at the appropriate time from the appropriate cause pass right through, no one has come back but it is said that those who choose to Pass On are guaranteed peace.”

That was… a lot.

So, I had the choice of trying for Replacement with a lot of work and a small chance of success, or I could choose to ‘Pass On’ which was an unknown factor. Alternatively, I could just stay on Oeuvre for an indefinite amount of time and be a Herald; that didn’t sound too bad but… I think I wanted to go home if there was a chance no matter how small. I at least wanted to try; especially when I didn’t think there would even be a chance.

What was the worst case scenario? It didn’t work so I defaulted to option B: work as a Herald until…

Until.

–

“I want to try for Replacement.”

I announced my decision over the table Jun, Cyan, and I had somehow all gravitated towards every time we were in the cafeteria area; both Jun and Cyan looked up from their respective plates and paperwork at my outburst.

“I want to try at least, if I can’t make it then… I’d like to stay here as a Cupid. That’s okay, right?”

They both nodded, Cyan far more enthusiastically than Jun although that was very much the typical for them in most -if not all, I’m leaving room for a miracle- things.

I felt relieved they were supportive of my decision even though my doubts that they wouldn’t be were low; I’d been worried they’d be disappointed that I’d wanted to leave so soon. I guess I shouldn’t have worried, after all, they were technically in the same situation as me; just with more years between us although I didn’t exactly want to know how many.

“Of course– if you choose, you’re allowed to dual Rotation Train if you’d like to expedite the Replacement process.”

I nodded quickly, sitting back down now that I had gotten my decision off my chest.

“Yes, please, I think I’ll try to do this as quickly as possible.”

“Very well, so then there’s the topic of which Designation you’ll-”

“-so what kind of Herald are you gonna do your Rotations as!”

Cyan’s words smacked right into Juns, walling them off perfectly in favor of taking center stage as the Auspice huffed and shot the Fairy an exasperated look, childishly flicking a small fruit at her person and bouncing it off her arm much to Cyan’s indignation.

This was also typical for the two of them when they were together, they seemed to resort back to children when in the presence of one another, and -to my personal pride- my being there as well didn’t curb their natural behavior at all. If anything, since I’d lightly reprimanded them before, it seemed as if they let go a little farther since they knew I would reign them in if they got too out of hand.

This was all speculation, of course, but the evidence seemed to spell it out quite plainly even if we hadn’t had a specific conversation about it. I felt especially included when one would look directly at me to catch my attention before hiding something or flicking another at the opposite person; earning a displeased two minute rant or hysterical screeching depending on who was doing and receiving what.

“To answer your questions, I think I’d like to choose Sentinel and Auspice.”

Like usual, they both immediately stopped their antics when I addressed something back on a more serious topic, dropping their metaphorical -and on one terrifying occasion, literal- pitchforks and morphing back into the professionals they were to listen and give educated advice on whatever I was asking after.

Cyan grinned -eyes sparkling- at my answer and Jun seemed happily satisfied as well; nods and a quick applause from Cyan further signifying their approval.

“Sounds perfect for you, Birdie!”

“Excellent choices; allow me to be the first to offer mentorship as your Instructor-”

“And aren’t we all surprised at that?”

“-although it is ultimately your choice, of course”

“Ah-sorry Cyan, I didn’t catch that.”

“That wasn’t meant for you, Birdie, don’t worry about it.”

“I’d totally choose for you to be my Instructor, given the circumstances, it only seems right. And… you know, I think you’re a pretty good teacher, too.”

Cyan laughed the loudest between the three of us when I shot Jun a wink, my chuckle adding to the noise as the Auspice rolled their eyes and grumbled something I could decipher under their breath.

The sound of buzzing shook us out of our mirth, Jun politely excusing themselves as they passed their wrist over their ear and stood from the table.

“Yes.”

They bade us a quick farewell with a silent nod before disappearing into the crowd, presumably off to do whatever they were called for.

“Well, since Junies busy, why don’t I introduce you to a Sentinel while we’re here? Oh, I see one now–Calli!!”

I was given no time to answer before a truly massive creature with the body of a horse and the upper portion of a human clopped their way over to us; at least a head or two taller than me and absolutely that much wider.

Long shiny hair swished and flowed in waves and the bright smile I was greeted with blinded me a little.

“Hiya Cyan, what can I do for ya?”

The Centaur looked at me and held out a hand that completely swallowed mine when I answered in kind so we could introduce ourselves with a handshake.

“And hello to you, too; I’m Calliope, the better half.”

“Of…?”

There was a great, booming laugh from behind Calliope, another Centaur almost identical to the first -and approximately the same size- with the same hair color appearing beside them; although their hair was tied up into a loose looking bun.

“Us, she’s trying to say that -out of the two of us- she’s the one who isn’t more of a mess; which is absolutely debatable, by the way.”

Another hand engulfed my free one, both of my arms now being swung up and down like I was in the middle of some human tug of war as the two Centaurs shook my hands enthusiastically.

“I’m Atlas, Calliope’s womb mate.”

Cyan wrinkled her nose and zipped over to give the male Centaur a sharp tweak of his ear, which he tried to shy away from by side stepping and almost succeeded in crushing a small group of Sprites trying to pass under the massive Centaur; he apologized for the abrupt movement and kindly stepped aside for them to pass.

“I told you to stop introducing yourself like that!”

I rolled my shoulders consolingly once I regained control over my arms, looking between the two behemoth creatures with awe and a fascinated -and slightly intimidated- smile on my face.

“Wow, so you’re both Sentinels?”

“Nah, I’m a Reaper, she’s-”

“-I’m the Sentinel; I’m guessing you’re a Cupid if you’re hanging out with Cyan on your break.”

The Fairy perched on Calliope’s back and poked her side at the comment made.

“I resent the implication that I have no friends, you are one of them so you shouldn’t talk badly about my company since you’re frequently blessed by it– anyway, Birdie here is trying for Replacement and he’s chosen Sentinel as one of his Rotations. I was hoping you could fill him in a little!”

“Sure thing!”

“Well, if I’m not needed I’m gonna head out, good luck with your Replacement, though; and it was nice to meetcha, Birdie.”

Atlas smiled kindly at me and trotted off before I could call out to say that Birdie was actually not my name but I didn’t get the chance.

“So, what would you like to know?”

Both of their attentions were now on me, red and brown blinking eyes waiting patiently as I gathered my thoughts together as quickly as possible; Calliope and Atlas were a whirlwind I was still trying to find my footing against.

“Um, I guess a synopsis of what a Sentinel is would be appreciated; just for a starting point?”

The female Centaur nodded deeply and easily began to answer my question in a loud, cheery voice.

“Sure thing! Firstly, to match with the Oeuvre lingo: Sentinels are the harbingers of safety or protection. We give that gut feeling you get when someone you’re really close to is upset or in danger– well, that’s not all we do but that’s the easiest way to explain it; make sense?”

I nodded slowly, carefully mulling over the new information provided and categorizing it alongside the other things I had learned about each different subsection of Herald. It might be my attachment issues speaking, but I had already begun to take a liking to Calliope’s whipsnap personality and was hoping that she’d be available to be my Instructor.

I figured I might as well just…

“Do… you think it’d be possible for you to be my Instructor when I do my Sentinel Rotation? I don’t know if that’s something I can ask for since it’s only been a few minutes since we met but– I mean, if you’re okay with it.”

I looked between the two of them, not sure if I was allowed to request something like that; they could always just say no and, at least so far, it always seemed to work out better when I just spoke up.

Cyan grinned happily and looked to Calliope eagerly, waiting for affirmation that was quickly given.

“Sure thing, Bird boy, I don’t see any problem with that. I haven’t Instructed for a while so I was on the fence about whether I should accept another or not, thanks for making the decision for me! All we’ll need is a session or two to make sure we’re simpatico, I’m sure we’ll get along great but there’s always a possibility, ya know? Sound good to you?”

I agreed wholeheartedly and nodded, offering to share some of the snacks I had gathered for lunch and feeling progressively encouraged by how the start of my Replacement process was going; it seemed like everything was falling perfectly into place even though I was just starting.

“That sounds great, I can’t wait– oh, by the way, my name isn’t actually Birdie or Bird Boy; honest mistake, I’m sure.”