Written by Menonono
Of the great many philosophers who have gazed upon the endless expanse of the stars beyond the horizon, there has been a single resounding question that has permeated the thoughts of all of them. “What happens to us after we die?” While some have come to the cogent conclusion that we simply cease to exist and become one with the world around us, consumed and obliterated and eventually forgotten to time, others have come to alternative conclusions. The original belief, that for something to be the case that it must have a reason, takes place. In an alternative sense, many believe that for everything that exists to simply end upon the arbitrary point of when one’s heart stops beating is asinine. These philosophers, preachers, and scholars believe in something else. In all of the thoughts, questions, beliefs, and even hope of each of these loquacious beings, a resounding answer is reached.
The “On High” is the answer.
Now, granted, most do not refer to the actual location as the “On High.” Many refer to the destination as something akin to “heaven” or “the afterlife.” While each party has some level of correct measure on the system itself, only those blessed by some level of supernatural knowledge have the understanding of exactly what happens to a soul when it departs the moldering coil of the finite realm. Some scholars have even argued that the soul has an innate understanding of the afterlife, and that is why people are able to come to an agreed understanding despite cultural and language barriers which would otherwise make such a thing virtually impossible.
When a finite being finally reaches its terminus, its soul is released and transported. The soul is molded to mimic the form of the body when it was in its prime as to allow the wayward soul to adapt to its new condition with the lowest amount of difficulty. From there, they are observed by a being beyond even my own comprehension, and then they are sent to a land that is not within the realm of the universe that which we know of. For the purposes of brevity, this land shall be called “The After Death” or the AD for short.
Once a soul has been fully molded to fit the shape of the finite being which it occupied, the soul is granted consciousness once more. The soul awakens within a land of endlessness. This land, far beyond the size of any planet, stretches on beyond comprehension. This land is called the “Wanderlands,” coined so by those who entered it as they tend to wander about, and the place also grants a sense of wonder to those within them.
Those within the Wanderlands are driven to find access to something called a “trial” which tests the soul in something that was deemed necessary. For those who fail their trial, they are sent to… well… let’s not focus on that part. All I shall say is that there is a reason why some souls intentionally avoid taking their trials for as long as they can. Those that succeed in their trial, however, are granted access to a place beyond all pleasures. A place of peace, warmth, and joy.
The On High.
The On High is a land of perfection, crafted to each individual’s main desires. For those that believe in certain religions, the On High is typically molded after the ideal version of that religion’s afterlife. For those who did not believe in anything at all, the On High molds itself into a land of peace and joy. Many philosophers who have passed that did not believe in gods have found libraries of untold knowledge in the On High, and enjoy their peace to this very day.
To enter the On High is to sever oneself from the last connections of the finite. Once within the On High, it is impossible for a soul to return to anywhere that they once were (barring the intervention of a supremely powerful being, of course). As we speak of these beings, it must be noted that beings such as gods automatically go to the On High when and if they perish, completely side-stepping the Wanderlands entirely.
But what of those non-sapient creatures, you may ask? What of the childhood dog, or the mosquito that bit you on a particularly hot day? What happens to these beings who lack the mental capacities to even comprehend their own existence to begin with?
There is a separate domain for these beings, called The Grand Land. The Grand Land is where all non-sapient creatures go when their finite bodies wither to the unending march of time. This place is like an endless wilderness, stretching on forever. Wild animals may graze in their particular environment, which is tailor made for each and every creature. There is clean water, fields of grass and hay, tall trees, warm sunlight, and cool moonlight.
Then, there are the non-sapient creatures who were bonded to finite sapient beings. The family dog, the pet snake, the loyal cat. These creatures do not get sent to The Grand Land like the other non-sapient creatures. These non-sapient beings are instead sent to The On High in preparation for spending their eternity with their master and friends for the rest of their existence in peace. The being who observes souls when they pass on, from what it seems, is incredibly kind. They are like a loving father, ensuring their children return home after a long arduous journey.
And so it is. In the distance amongst the stars, when you think about those you have lost, remember that they are not truly gone. Remember that those who you have felt pain for have not been removed from all existence, but instead granted peace and joy. They have been granted passage to a land beyond. They have shed their veil and moved to some place further, some place On High, and they await you as well, some day.