Seanday's Extra Portions: Another Chance

I sent a message to Aaron, told him meet me at the normal place. I knew wouldn't have to wait for a reply; I owned him, he would kill if I told him to.

Walking through the forest, I followed the path to the West. Few people came this way, preferring to keep to the better known routes.

Drifting through the trees I looked up at the sunlight blinking through the branches of the autumn afternoon. The chill in the air caught my breath as I whispered Aaron's name.

In the distance I saw him; his back to me. Aaron, my avatar, my companion, my instrument. I'd chosen him three years ago, because I saw his potential. He was obedient, pliable, and respectful.

I approached him, he didn't hear me. I quietly admired the broad shoulders, and tapered torso of the twenty-six year old. I smiled noticing he'd had his hair cut, he always looked after himself. Walking around I spoke his name, and he turned to face me. Dark stubble covered his face, it looked good on him--I liked that.

"Sir," he whispered bowing his head respectfully.

I sat next to him. "You're looking well Aaron."

"Thank you, it's what you wanted."

I nodded. "Yes, and you've done well. But your work here is done, I'm releasing you from these mortal coils. Until I call for you again."

"I understand, it has been an honour to serve you," he told me in a quiet voice.

He got to his feet, and I held a hand against his cheek and noticed the difference in our skins. Aaron's colour was a healthy tan, while mine was a cool white.

He laid on the ground, and I watched as he gasped. His whole body started to spasm, and then his back arched. With a final groan a spectre pulled itself from Aaron's chest. I recognised the spirit of Jacob, a nineteen year old; my servant. He smiled and gave me a little salute before disappearing into a wisp of smoke.

---
 
Three years ago I discovered Aaron, slumped in an alleyway a victim of a brutal mugging. His face was bruised and battered, but I could see a subtle beauty in it all the same. His body was weak, nothing like the condition it was in now. I stood over him knowing there was little I could do for him, his eyes glazed over and closed. I took a step back as his spirit lifted out of his body.

I had to work fast. Quickly I summoned Jacob; my servant spirit, he looked at Aaron and understood immediately. I placed a hand on Jacob's chest and pushed him into Aaron's body. His body buckled, and he groaned opening his eyes. "Sir," he muttered under his breath. I told him to be Aaron, make him strong, make him popular, and always listen for messages from me.

Shouting caught my attention, I turned and stepped to one side as a paramedic attended to Aaron. They strapped him to a gurney, and he never took his eyes off me as they put him into the back of an ambulance.

---

Looking down at Aaron, I watched him breathing for a moment, he was a fine specimen. Jacob had done a fine job of turning around his life; now a wealthy entrepreneur.

I held up my hands and studied their pale tones. It had been almost thirty years since I died, and now a spirit destined to walk amongst the living. I thanked Aaron for giving me the opportunity to touch, feel, live again as I laid on his impressive body. His body spasmed again as I felt its warmth wrap itself around me as if hungry for something it felt was missing. I dissipated throughout Aaron's body filling every last nook, then I groaned for the first time using his voice and blinked at the sunshine filtering through the trees.

Pulling myself to my feet I explored Aaron's body, the first time I'd been able to physically touch him. The clothes he was wearing accentuated his body well. I took a deep breath as all of Aaron's memories, experiences and relationships flooded my mind. Everything I needed to be Aaron at my fingertips.

I smiled slowly rubbing the stubble on my chin, I was alive again.