Chapter 1: Chapter 1 - From Death to DC: The First Step
Dean awakens inside of a cloud like dimension
"What the fuck...am I in heaven right now?" Dean said, rubbing his eyes and looking at the cloudy scenery.
Everything around Dean was filled with clouds, the sky, the ground, everything was nothing but an entire gigantic cloud.
Dean stood up and started to wander about the vast expanse cloud until he stumbled upon a green arrow pointing him towards a pathway.
"I wonder what it leads to..." Dean said, as he walked towards it.
Sometime later as he walked on the pathway, he eventually saw a giant white building that kind of looked similar to a shopping complex with a very long line of people in the front.
"What the hell..what is a shopping center doing here in heaven?!" Dean exclaimed, trying to find the words to comprehend the situation.
"Welcome to the Mall of Samsara! Please proceed to the line!" A voice boomed out everywhere, catching his attention.
Dean simply fell in line and after several hours, he eventually got first in the line and headed to the front of a desk where an animal-like being greeted him.
"Welcome human, thank you for being considerate and patient for the long wait, now let's get right to it..." The animal thing said, standing up from his chair, extending his hand, then sitting down on his chair.
"So anyways, let us begin with this session, please feel free to ask any questions I'm happy to answer all of then." He continued.
"Dean blinked, still trying to process everything. He took a deep breath before finally speaking.
"Okay... uh, where am I exactly? Is this really heaven?"
The animal-like being chuckled, its ears twitching slightly. "Not quite. This is the Mall of Samsara, a place between life and death, where souls pass through before their next journey. Some call it purgatory, some call it limbo—but here, it's just the waiting area for reincarnation."
Dean's eyes widened. "Reincarnation?! Can I go to a fictional world?"
The creature tilted its head, tapping its fingers on the desk. "Ah, you must be one of those souls. Always asking about anime worlds, fantasy realms, or video game universes."
Dean nodded eagerly. "Yeah! Can I, though?"
The being sighed dramatically. "Technically, yes. But—there's always a but—you need enough Rebirth Credits (RBC) to qualify for a custom reincarnation."
"What's Rebirth Credits? How do I get those? Dean asked.
The creature leaned back in its chair, its tail swishing behind it. "Rebirth Credits, or RBC, are the currency of reincarnation. They're earned based on the achievements, skills, and experiences you accumulated in your past life. The more impressive your deeds, the more RBC you have to spend."
Dean crossed his arms. "So basically, my life before determines how much control I get over my next one?"
"Exactly," the being nodded. "A simple, average life might only get you a standard reincarnation—a random new life with no special perks. But a life filled with skill, power, and influence? That earns you enough RBC to customize your next existence however you see fit."
Here's the revised version with the mention of other shops:
---
The creature tapped its fingers on the desk. "Great. Now, have all your questions been answered?"
Dean nodded. "Yeah, I think so."
"Good. Now let's move on to how this mall works." The being reached under the desk and pulled out a glowing map, sliding it across to Dean. "This is a map of the mall. Each shop serves a specific purpose. You'll need to visit them to customize your next life. Here's how it works:"
Dean looked at the map, reading the shop names as the creature explained:
1. Multiverse & World Selection – Choose the universe and world you'll be reborn in.
If you choose to be a pre-existing character, some options will be locked based on that character.
2. Year of Birth – Pick your birth year, or let fate decide.
3. Determine Your Wealth Class & Social Status – Choose to be rich, middle-class, or poor. Your choice affects your starting background.
4. Customize Your Appearance & Physical Traits – Choose your height, body type, eye color, hair color, and other physical attributes. Pay RBC for full control or let fate decide with a wheel spin.
5. Family & Background – Select your family type or randomize it. If playing a pre-existing character, this is already determined.
6. Gender & Sex – Pay RBC to choose, or flip a coin for randomness.
7. Choose Special Perks or Blessings – If you can afford them, you can purchase abilities, talents, or advantages for your next life.
The creature leaned back in its chair, stretching. "These are just some of the main shops, but there are others as well. Some are more niche, offering extra modifications or unexpected choices—if you have the RBC to spend, of course."
Dean took a deep breath, looking at the glowing map. "Alright... so I just go and start shopping for my next life?"
The being grinned. "Exactly. Welcome to the Mall of Samsara. You may proceed."
Dean nodded, gripping the map. "Alright let's do this."
Dean took one last glance at the map before making his way toward the Multiverse & World Selection Shop. The entrance was massive, resembling an old-fashioned bookstore, but instead of books, glowing portals hovered in glass cases, each one displaying glimpses of different universes.
A humanoid figure stood behind the counter, flipping through what looked like a massive catalog. The shopkeeper had a mysterious, almost ethereal appearance—long silver hair, piercing golden eyes, and an outfit that shimmered like a galaxy.
As Dean approached, the shopkeeper glanced up and smirked. "Ah, a new soul looking to pick their next world. Welcome to the Multiverse & World Selection Shop. Let me guess, you're here for one of the fantasy or comic book universes, aren't you?"
Dean scratched the back of his head. "Yeah… how'd you know?"
The shopkeeper chuckled. "Almost every reincarnated soul either picks a fantasy realm or a world filled with superheroes and villains. Now, let's see…" He snapped his fingers, and several floating screens appeared, each showcasing different multiverses.
"Your options include—Marvel, DC, One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, Dragon Ball, Pokémon, various isekai realms, video game worlds, and much more. If it's fictional, it exists here."
Dean's eyes sparkled as he saw the sheer variety of choices, but he quickly focused on what he wanted. "I think I'll go with the DC Multiverse."
The shopkeeper smirked. "A bold choice. DC is a chaotic and unpredictable world. Heroes, villains, cosmic beings—there's no shortage of danger or opportunity. Now, do you want to be in the main DC continuity, or do you have a specific universe in mind?"
Dean paused, realizing DC wasn't just one singular world—it was a collection of countless timelines and alternate realities.
"Show me the options," Dean said.
The shopkeeper waved his hand, and a massive screen appeared, displaying different DC timelines and universes.
Prime Earth (Main DC Continuity) – The world of Batman, Superman, and the Justice League, constantly dealing with cosmic threats and world-ending crises.
The DC Animated Universe (DCAU) – A slightly more structured version of DC, based on the animated series.
Injustice Universe – A world where Superman became a tyrant. Dangerous, but full of potential.
The Arkhamverse – The gritty world of the Batman Arkham games. A hellhole if you're not careful.
The CW DC Universe (Arrowverse) – A world filled with metahumans, speedsters, and time travel. Less brutal than the comics but still chaotic.
The Dark Knight Trilogy Universe – A more grounded take on Batman's world.
Flashpoint Timeline – A warped version of reality where everything is upside down.
Elseworlds & Multiverse Variants – Countless other versions of DC, including worlds where heroes are villains, vice versa, or even a world where Batman is a literal vampire.
Dean crossed his arms, deep in thought. The Prime Earth sounded cool, but it was way too unpredictable—there were constant reboots, crises, and universal resets. The Injustice Universe was just asking for trouble. And the Arkhamverse? No way in hell was he stepping foot there.
But the CW DC Universe… that was interesting. It had heroes, villains, and crazy science fiction elements, but it wasn't as overwhelming as the comics or movies. Plus, he knew the timeline pretty well.
"I'll go with the CW DC Universe," Dean finally said.
The shopkeeper grinned. "An excellent choice. It has its fair share of chaos, but at least you won't have to deal with someone rewriting reality every other week… most of the time."
After Dean made his choice, the shopkeeper waved his hand, and a holographic screen appeared in front of him.
"Before we finalize your selection, let's check your Rebirth Credits (RBC) balance," the shopkeeper said.
Dean looked at the screen as it displayed:
[CURRENT RBC BALANCE: 5,000 RBC]
"Not bad," the shopkeeper nodded. "You must've had a decently productive life. Now, let's deduct the cost for entering the CW DC Universe."
The number on the screen flashed as it updated:
[CW DC Universe Entry Fee: -500 RBC]
[Remaining Balance: 4,500 RBC]
Dean raised an eyebrow. "Only 500? I thought it'd cost more."
The shopkeeper smirked. "It would've if you picked a mainline DC universe or one of the darker timelines. But the CW Universe is structured enough that it's not a complete death sentence for newcomers—at least, not right away."
Dean let out a sigh of relief. "Alright, what's next?"
The shopkeeper gestured toward the exit. "Now that you've picked your universe, you'll need to decide where and when you'll be born. Head to the Year of Birth Shop to finalize that."
Dean stepped through the glowing doors of the Year of Rebirth Shop, immediately noticing how different it was from the previous store. Unlike the grand and mystical aesthetic of the Multiverse & World Selection Shop, this place was much smaller—almost like an old-fashioned office space. The walls were lined with ancient-looking calendars, hourglasses, and digital screens displaying different years flickering in and out of existence.
At the center of the room sat the shopkeeper—an elderly man with a long silver beard, dressed in a formal suit. He looked up from his desk, adjusting his golden-rimmed glasses as he eyed Dean with mild curiosity.
"Ah, a new arrival," the old man said, his voice deep and steady. "You've already chosen your destination, I see. Now, it's time to determine when you'll arrive."
Dean nodded, stepping forward. "Yeah, I need to pick my birth year. I'm heading to the CW DC Universe."
The shopkeeper stroked his beard, then gestured to a glowing terminal beside him. "Very well. The CW DC Universe spans multiple decades. Your choice of birth year will determine how old you'll be when key events happen. Choose wisely."
Dean glanced at the screen, where several time periods flashed before his eyes. He quickly considered his options.
1980s – Too early. He'd be too old when the modern heroes start showing up.
2000s – Too late. He'd be too young to be relevant when the story kicks off.
He needed to place himself somewhere in between, where he could be at the right age to interact with the main cast when they emerged.
1991.
That seemed perfect. He'd be around 20-22 years old when the Arrowverse truly started with Oliver Queen's return in 2012. Young enough to be involved in the main events, but old enough to be experienced in whatever skills he picked up before then.
"I'll go with 1991," Dean said firmly.
The shopkeeper nodded. "A solid choice. You will be an adult when most of the major events unfold. Now, do you wish to select your exact birth month and day, or leave it to fate?"
Dean thought for a moment, then shrugged. "I'll leave it blank for now. I might adjust it later depending on my background and family situation."
Now, let's process the cost."
A holographic screen popped up.
[Year of Birth Selection: 1991]
[Cost: -200 RBC]
[Remaining Balance: 4,300 RBC]
Dean nodded as the screen updated. "Alright, what's next?"
The shopkeeper handed him a small ticket with the number 1991 glowing on it. "Next stop: Wealth & Social Status Shop. Time to decide whether you start life with riches, comfort, or struggle."
Dean took a deep breath and headed for the next shop.
Dean walked into the next store, immediately feeling a shift in atmosphere. Unlike the previous shops, which had a mystical or office-like feel, this place resembled a luxurious bank lobby. Marble floors gleamed under golden chandeliers, and velvet ropes guided customers toward different counters. Large digital displays floated in the air, showing statistics about various financial tiers and their associated RBC costs.
Behind the main counter sat another shopkeeper—this one exuding an air of professionalism. He was a sharply dressed middle-aged man with neatly combed dark hair and a piercing gaze. His suit was immaculate, and the moment Dean approached, the man offered a polite but assessing nod.
"Welcome to the Wealth & Social Status Shop," the shopkeeper said smoothly. "Here, you will determine the financial and social standing of your next life. Your decision will shape your opportunities, connections, and the level of struggle—or privilege—you experience."
Dean took a moment to look around. Various holographic charts displayed different wealth categories:
1. Poverty (-0 RBC) – Barely scraping by, struggling to afford necessities.
2. Lower Middle Class (-100 RBC) – Enough to survive, but not enough for luxuries.
3. Middle Class (-500 RBC) – Comfortable living with financial stability.
4. Upper Middle Class (-1,500 RBC) – Access to better education, connections, and luxuries.
5. Wealthy (-3,500 RBC) – Comparable to a self-made millionaire.
6. Elite (-7,000 RBC) – Old money, inherited wealth, and access to the highest social circles.
7. Billionaire Dynasty (-20,000 RBC) – The level of the Luthors or Waynes—essentially unlimited wealth.
Dean crossed his arms, thinking carefully. "I want something like Oliver Queen's wealth level. Not quite a billionaire like Bruce Wayne, but still rich enough to afford advanced technology, resources, and a lavish lifestyle."
The shopkeeper tapped on his tablet, nodding in approval. "That would place you under the Wealthy tier. This gives you access to multimillionaire status, high-end resources, and strong business or inheritance foundations. However, you won't be in the absolute upper echelons of power like a Luthor or a Wayne. You'll have to work to expand your influence if you want to reach that level."
Dean nodded. "That sounds perfect."
The holographic screen updated:
[Wealth Tier: Wealthy]
[-3,500 RBC deducted]
[Remaining Balance: 800 RBC]
Dean blinked. "Damn… that took a chunk out of my balance."
The shopkeeper smirked. "Quality comes at a price. But don't worry—there are still ways to earn more RBC later. Investments, achievements, and decisions in your next life can increase your resources."
Dean exhaled, realizing he now had only 800 RBC left for additional perks. "Alright… what's next?"
The shopkeeper handed him a golden ticket with the words Wealth Tier: Confirmed glowing on it. "Now, proceed to the Gender & Sex Shop."
Dean stepped into the **Gender & Sex Shop**, which had a surprisingly minimalist design compared to the previous shops. The walls were a soft, neutral gray, and the room was illuminated by a gentle, ambient light. A single counter stood in the center, manned by a shopkeeper who looked like a genderless, androgynous figure with a calm, serene expression. Their voice was soothing, almost melodic, as they greeted Dean.
"Welcome to the Gender & Sex Shop," the shopkeeper said. "Here, you can choose your gender and biological sex for your next life. You may select male, female, or non-binary, or you can leave it to chance. The choice is yours."
Dean scratched the back of his head, thinking it over. "Honestly, I don't really care much about my gender in the next life. It's not a big deal to me. I'd rather save my RBC for something else. Can I just leave it to chance?"
The shopkeeper smiled warmly. "Of course. We can flip a coin for you—heads for male, tails for female. If you're comfortable with randomness, this option costs no RBC."
Dean nodded. "Yeah, let's do that. Flip the coin."
The shopkeeper reached under the counter and pulled out a large, shimmering coin. It glowed faintly, with one side marked with a symbol of a sun (heads) and the other with a crescent moon (tails). With a flick of their wrist, the shopkeeper sent the coin spinning into the air. It spun gracefully before landing back in their palm. They covered it with their other hand, then revealed the result.
"It's tails," the shopkeeper announced. "You will be female in your next life."
Dean shrugged, unfazed. "Alright, female it is. No big deal. What's next?"
The shopkeeper handed Dean a small, glowing token with the symbol of the crescent moon on it. "Your gender has been decided. You may now proceed to the **Customize Your Appearance & Physical Traits Shop** to further refine your next life's form."
Dean took the token and nodded. "Thanks. Let's keep this moving."
As he left the Gender & Sex Shop, Dean couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about what his new life would look like. Being female didn't bother him—he was more interested in what kind of abilities, skills, and opportunities he could secure with his remaining RBC. With only 800 RBC left, he knew he had to make every point count.
Got it! We'll keep Dean's birth year at **1991**, making Thea Queen 21 when the Arrowverse canon starts in 2012. We'll also adjust the list of pre-existing characters to only include those who fit the **wealthy** criteria, as per Dean's earlier selection. Here's the revised scene:
---
Dean stepped into the **Character Customization Shop**, which was unlike any of the previous shops he'd visited. The space was vast and futuristic, with holographic displays of countless characters floating in the air. Some were familiar faces from various universes, while others were completely original creations. The shopkeeper, a tall, elegant figure with a shimmering, translucent appearance, greeted him with a warm smile.
"Welcome to the Character Customization Shop," the shopkeeper said, their voice echoing softly. "Here, you can decide whether you'd like to create a completely new character or take on the role of a pre-existing one. Each option has its benefits and costs. Let me explain."
Dean nodded, glancing around at the holographic displays. "Alright, lay it out for me."
The shopkeeper gestured to two large screens that appeared in front of Dean. One displayed a blank slate with the words **New Character**, while the other showed a rotating gallery of pre-existing characters from various universes, including the CW DC Universe.
"Option one: **New Character**," the shopkeeper began. "This allows you to design your next life from scratch. You can choose your name, personality, backstory, and even your unique skills or quirks. However, this option is expensive—it would cost you **700 RBC**, leaving you with very little for other perks."
Dean frowned. "That's almost all of my remaining RBC. What's the other option?"
"Option two: **Pre-Existing Character**," the shopkeeper continued. "This allows you to step into the life of a character who already exists in your chosen universe. The cost is significantly lower—only **200 RBC**—but your choices will be limited to characters who fit your already selected attributes, such as your birth year, gender, and wealth tier. You'll grow up as them, shaping their life from the ground up."
Dean raised an eyebrow. "So, if I choose a pre-existing character, I'll basically be reborn as them? Like, I'll be them from day one, but I'll still be *me* on the inside?"
The shopkeeper nodded. "Exactly. You'll retain your core consciousness and memories of your past life, but you'll grow up as the character you choose. Their life will be yours to shape, and their future will be in your hands."
Dean crossed his arms, thinking it over. "Alright, that sounds interesting. And it's way cheaper. Let's go with the pre-existing character option."
The shopkeeper smiled and waved their hand. The screen displaying new characters faded away, leaving only the gallery of pre-existing characters. A filter was applied, narrowing the options to female characters born in **1991** within the CW DC Universe who fit Dean's **wealthy** criteria.
A list of names and faces appeared:
1. **Thea Queen** – Oliver Queen's younger sister, a skilled fighter, and a key member of Team Arrow. Wealthy, resourceful, and deeply connected to the Arrowverse's main events.
2. **Nyssa al Ghul** – Heir to the League of Assassins, a master combatant, and a morally complex figure. Though her wealth comes from her family's vast resources, her life is far from ordinary.
3. **Veronica Sinclair (Ragman's Daughter)** – A wealthy socialite with ties to the darker side of Star City's elite. While not a major character in the Arrowverse, her wealth and connections could provide unique opportunities.
4. **Isabel Rochev** – A ruthless businesswoman and CEO of Stellmoor International. Wealthy, ambitious, and deeply involved in the corporate side of the Arrowverse.
Dean scanned the list, his eyes lingering on **Thea Queen**. "Thea Queen… she's Oliver's sister, right? The one who becomes Speedy?"
The shopkeeper nodded. "Correct. Thea Queen is a strong character with a rich backstory. She's deeply connected to the main events of the Arrowverse, giving you plenty of opportunities to influence the story. Plus, her wealth and social status align perfectly with your earlier choices."
Dean thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Alright, I'll go with Thea Queen. She's got connections, and a pretty interesting life. Plus, being Oliver's sister means I'll be right in the thick of things."
The shopkeeper smiled. "An excellent choice. Let's finalize your selection."
A holographic screen appeared, displaying the details:
[Pre-Existing Character: Thea Queen]
[Birth Year: 1991]
[Cost: -200 RBC]
[Remaining Balance: 600 RBC]
Dean nodded as the screen updated. "Alright, so I'm Thea Queen now. What's next?"
The shopkeeper handed Dean a glowing token with the name **Thea Queen** inscribed on it. "Your character has been selected. You may now proceed to the **Family & Background Shop** to review and finalize your next life's origins. Since you've chosen a pre-existing character, most of these details are already determined, but you can make minor adjustments if you wish."
Dean took the token and grinned. "Alright, let's see what kind of family I'm getting into."
Dean stepped into the **Family & Background Shop**, which had a cozy, almost nostalgic feel to it. The walls were lined with framed portraits of families—some happy, some stern, some chaotic—and the air smelled faintly of old books and fresh parchment. The shopkeeper, a kindly older woman with silver hair and a warm smile, greeted him as he approached the counter.
"Welcome, dear," she said, her voice gentle and soothing. "This is where you can review and adjust your family and background for your next life. Since you've chosen a pre-existing character, most of these details are already set, but you're welcome to make minor changes if you'd like."
Dean glanced around the shop, taking in the portraits and the faint hum of activity in the air. He thought about Thea Queen's family—her complicated relationship with her parents, her bond with Oliver, and her place in the Queen family. It wasn't perfect, but it was a solid foundation for the life he was about to step into.
"Let's see what I'm working with," Dean said, leaning on the counter.
The shopkeeper nodded and pulled out a large, leather-bound book. She flipped through the pages until she found the section labeled **Thea Queen**. She turned the book around so Dean could see it, and a holographic projection of Thea's family tree and background appeared above the pages.
**Family & Background: Thea Queen**
- **Father:** Robert Queen – A wealthy businessman and former CEO of Queen Consolidated. Deceased (died in the Queen's Gambit shipwreck).
- **Mother:** Moira Queen – A strong-willed and resourceful woman, deeply involved in Star City's elite circles. Later revealed to have ties to the criminal underworld.
- **Half-Brother:** Oliver Queen – The Green Arrow, a vigilante and hero of Star City.
- **Biological Father:** Malcolm Merlyn – The Dark Archer, a complex and morally ambiguous figure.
- **Half-Brother:** Tommy Merlyn – The charismatic and complex best friend of Oliver Queen, whose life takes a tragic turn as he becomes entangled in the dark legacy of the Merlyn family.
- **Wealth Status:** Wealthy, with access to the Queen family fortune and resources.
- **Social Status:** High, as part of one of Star City's most prominent families.
Dean scanned the information, nodding slowly. "Yeah, that's about what I expected. The Queen family is messy, but they've got money, connections, and a lot of drama. Honestly, I don't think I need to change anything. This setup works for me."
The shopkeeper smiled warmly. "A wise choice, dear. Sometimes, the best stories come from the lives we're given, not the ones we try to force. Are you sure you don't want to make any adjustments? Even small ones?"
Dean shook his head. "Nah, I'm good. Thea's family is complicated, but it's part of what makes her story interesting. I'll roll with it."
The shopkeeper closed the book with a soft thud and handed Dean a small, glowing token shaped like a family crest. "Very well. Your family and background have been confirmed. You may now proceed to the **Customize Your Appearance & Physical Traits Shop** to finalize your next life's form."
Dean took the token and nodded. "Thanks. Let's keep this moving."
As he left the Family & Background Shop, Dean felt a sense of anticipation building. He was one step closer to starting his new life as Thea Queen. With 600 RBC left, he knew he still had some important decisions to make, especially when it came to his appearance and any special perks or abilities he might want. But for now, he was ready to embrace the Queen family drama and see where this journey would take him.
Dean stepped into the **Customize Your Appearance & Physical Traits Shop**, which was a stark contrast to the cozy, nostalgic feel of the Family & Background Shop. This place was sleek and modern, with walls made of reflective glass and holographic displays showcasing various body types, facial features, and hairstyles. The air smelled faintly of ozone, and the faint hum of machinery filled the space. Behind the counter stood a tall, androgynous figure with glowing blue eyes and a calm, professional demeanor.
"Welcome," the shopkeeper said, their voice smooth and even. "This is where you can fine-tune your physical appearance for your next life. Since you've chosen a pre-existing character, most of your appearance is already determined, but you're welcome to make minor adjustments. Would you like to see your current form?"
Dean nodded. "Yeah, let's see what I'm working with."
The shopkeeper waved their hand, and a life-sized hologram of Thea Queen appeared in front of Dean. She was as he remembered her from the Arrowverse—petite, with a lean, athletic build, sharp features, and long, dark hair. She looked strong and capable, but Dean couldn't help but notice how small she was.
"Alright, so this is Thea Queen," Dean said, circling the hologram. "She's… shorter than I expected. How tall is she?"
The shopkeeper glanced at a floating screen. "Thea Queen's height is 5'5". A fairly average height for a woman, but I understand if you'd prefer something different."
Dean raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, 5'5" is fine, but I've always been taller in my past life. I'd like to bump that up a bit. How much would it cost to increase her height?"
The shopkeeper tapped on their tablet, and a list of adjustments appeared:
- **Height Increase (per inch):** 10 RBC
- **Hair Color Change:** 50 RBC
- **Eye Color Change:** 50 RBC
- **Body Type Adjustment (e.g., more muscular, curvier, etc.):** 100 RBC
- **Facial Feature Refinement (e.g., sharper jawline, softer features):** 150 RBC
Dean whistled. "Damn, height is cheap. Alright, let's make her taller. How about… 6'2"? That's a solid height."
The shopkeeper nodded and entered the adjustment. "Increasing height from 5'5" to 6'2" will cost **90 RBC**. Is that acceptable?"
Dean grinned. "Hell yeah. Let's do it."
The hologram of Thea shimmered, and her form stretched upward, her proportions adjusting seamlessly to accommodate the new height. She now stood at 6'2", towering over her previous self. Her lean, athletic build remained, but the added height gave her a more commanding presence.
Dean stepped back, admiring the changes. "Now *that's* more like it. She looks like she could kick some serious ass."
The shopkeeper smiled faintly. "Indeed. Would you like to make any other adjustments? Perhaps a change in hair color, eye color, or body type?"
Dean shook his head. "Nah, I'm good. Thea's got a great look already—I just wanted to be a little taller. Let's save the rest of my RBC for something else."
The shopkeeper nodded and updated Dean's balance:
[Height Adjustment: +9 inches]
[Cost: -90 RBC]
[Remaining Balance: 510 RBC]
They handed Dean a small, glowing token shaped like a mirror. "Your appearance has been finalized. You may now proceed to the **Special Perks & Blessings Shop** to select any additional abilities or advantages for your next life."
Dean took the token and grinned. "Alright, let's see what kind of perks I can snag with 510 RBC."
As he left the Customize Your Appearance & Physical Traits Shop, Dean felt a surge of excitement. He was almost ready to start his new life as Thea Queen—taller, stronger, and ready to dive headfirst into the chaos of the Arrowverse. With 510 RBC left, he knew he had one last chance to give himself an edge in the world of heroes, villains, and everything in between.
Dean stepped into the **Special Perks & Blessings Shop**, and the atmosphere immediately shifted. The room was vast and otherworldly, with floating orbs of light drifting lazily through the air. Each orb seemed to pulse with a different energy, and as Dean approached the counter, he could feel the faint hum of power emanating from them. Behind the counter stood a shopkeeper who looked like a cross between a wizard and a scientist—long, flowing robes adorned with glowing runes, and a pair of high-tech goggles perched on their forehead.
"Welcome, traveler," the shopkeeper said, their voice echoing with a strange, resonant quality. "This is where you can select the abilities and blessings that will shape your next life. From the mundane to the extraordinary, the choices here are vast. Let me show you what's available."
The shopkeeper waved their hand, and a massive holographic list appeared in the air. It was divided into categories, with prices ranging from a mere 10 RBC to astronomical sums that Dean couldn't even fathom. He scanned the list, his eyes widening as he saw the options:
---
### **Physical Enhancements**
- **Super Strength (Superman-level):** 50,000 RBC
- **Enhanced Speed (Flash-level):** 45,000 RBC
- **Regeneration (Deadpool-level):** 500 RBC
- **Enhanced Durability (Bulletproof skin):** 1,000 RBC
- **Heightened Senses (Eagle vision, wolf hearing):** 300 RBC
---
### **Mental Enhancements**
- **Photographic Memory:** 100 RBC
- **Genius-Level Intellect:** 2,000 RBC
- **Telepathy:** 5,000 RBC
- **Telekinesis:** 7,000 RBC
---
### **Miscellaneous Perks**
- **Charisma Boost (Natural leader):** 200 RBC
- **Wealth Multiplier (Double your starting wealth):** 1,500 RBC
- **Luck Boost (Things tend to go your way):** 400 RBC
- **Keep Memories of Past Life:** FREE
---
Dean's eyes darted across the list, his mind racing. The more powerful abilities were far out of his price range, but a few options caught his eye. He focused on **Regeneration (Deadpool-level)** and **Photographic Memory**, both of which were within his budget. He also noticed that keeping his memories of his past life was free, which was a no-brainer.
"Alright," Dean said, pointing to the list. "I want the **Regeneration** perk, the **Photographic Memory**, and I'll take the free option to keep my memories. How much will that cost me?"
The shopkeeper tapped on a floating tablet, and the numbers flashed in the air:
[Regeneration: -500 RBC]
[Photographic Memory: -100 RBC]
[Keep Memories: FREE]
[Total Cost: -600 RBC]
[Remaining Balance: 0 RBC]
Dean winced slightly. "Damn, that empties my RBC. But it's worth it. Let's do it."
The shopkeeper nodded and waved their hand. The orbs of light in the room began to swirl, and two of them—one glowing a deep red and the other a bright blue—floated toward Dean. They hovered in front of him for a moment before merging into his chest. He felt a warm, tingling sensation spread through his body, followed by a sharp, electric jolt in his mind.
"Your abilities have been granted," the shopkeeper said. "The **Regeneration** perk allows you to heal from nearly any injury, with the added benefit of controlling how your body heals. You can choose to fully heal, leave scars, or even stop regeneration at a certain point—such as leaving a stump instead of regrowing a limb. You're also immune to poison, though you can choose to let toxins like alcohol affect you if you wish."
Dean flexed his fingers, feeling a strange new awareness of his body. "That's awesome. And the **Photographic Memory**?"
The shopkeeper smiled. "With that, you'll never forget a face, a name, or a detail. Your mind will retain information with perfect clarity, allowing you to recall anything you've seen or heard. Combined with your retained memories of your past life, this will give you a significant advantage in your new world."
Dean grinned. "Perfect. And I get to keep all my memories, right?"
"Correct," the shopkeeper said. "You'll remember everything from your past life, including your knowledge, skills, and experiences. This will allow you to navigate your new life with the wisdom of your previous one."
Dean nodded, feeling a surge of excitement. "Alright, I think I'm ready. What's next?"
The shopkeeper handed Dean a final token—a small, glowing crystal that pulsed with a soft, golden light. "Your journey is nearly complete. Take this token to the **Finalization Chamber**, where your new life will begin. Good luck, traveler. May your next life be everything you hope for."
Dean took the token and gave the shopkeeper a nod of thanks. "Thanks. I'll make the most of it."
As he left the Special Perks & Blessings Shop, Dean felt a mix of anticipation and determination. He was about to step into the life of Thea Queen—taller, stronger, and armed with regeneration, a photographic memory, and the knowledge of his past life. The Arrowverse was a dangerous place, but Dean was ready to face it head-on.
Dean stepped into the **Finalization Chamber**, the air thick with anticipation. The glowing portal in the center of the room pulsed with energy, and the hooded figure beside it gestured for him to approach. Dean took a deep breath, gripping the glowing token tightly in his hand. He was ready.
But before he stepped through, the hooded figure spoke again, their voice echoing in the vast chamber. "One final thing, Dean. Your retained memories of your past life include not only your knowledge and experiences but also the skills and abilities you've acquired. This includes things like hand-to-hand combat, muscle memory, and any other physical or mental skills you've honed over the years. They will carry over into your new life, seamlessly integrated into your new body."
Dean's eyes widened. "Wait, so if I knew how to fight in my past life, I'll still know how to fight in this one?"
The figure nodded. "Exactly. Your muscle memory will remain intact, allowing you to perform those skills as if you've been training in this body your entire life. This applies to any skill—martial arts, weapons training, even things like dancing or playing an instrument. Your past life's expertise is now part of you."
A grin spread across Dean's face. "That's incredible. So not only do I have regeneration and a photographic memory, but I've also got all my combat skills? This just keeps getting better."
The hooded figure gestured toward the portal. "Indeed. Your new life awaits, Dean. Step through, and embrace your destiny."
Dean didn't hesitate. He stepped into the portal, feeling the world around him dissolve into a swirl of light and color. For a moment, he was weightless, suspended in a void of pure energy. Then, with a sudden rush, he was pulled into a new reality.
As the swirling vortex of energy consumed him, Dean felt a strange pulling sensation, as if his very essence was being reshaped. His vision blurred, his body tingled, and then—darkness.
The next thing he knew, he was waking up, but something was... off. Everything felt different. The air was thick, his limbs were weak, and his body felt impossibly small. Distant voices murmured around him, muffled as if he were underwater. A bright light filled his vision, and suddenly, a sharp cry escaped his lips—high-pitched, involuntary.
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**Author's Note:**
Hey everyone!
First off, I hope you enjoyed this first chapter! It's a bit of a wild ride, but I wanted to set the stage for Thea's (aka Dean's) new life in the Arrowverse. I've always been fascinated by the idea of reincarnation and second chances, especially in a world as chaotic and exciting as the DC universe. Writing this was a lot of fun, and I hope it was just as fun to read!
A few things I wanted to mention:
1. Feedback is always welcome! If you have any thoughts, advice, or comments, feel free to share them. Did you like the pacing? The humor? The way I handled the transition from Dean to Thea? Let me know! I'm always looking to improve, and your input means a lot.
2. I know this chapter is long, but I didn't want to cut it in the middle. It felt right to let the entire setup play out in one go, so you could get a full sense of Dean's journey and how he ended up as Thea. Don't worry—future chapters will be more manageable in length. This one was just a bit of an exception.
3. What's next? Now that Thea's been born into the Queen family, the real fun begins. How will she navigate her new life? Will she try to change the timeline, or will she let things play out as they did in the show? And how will her retained skills and memories come into play? Stay tuned to find out!
Thanks for reading, and I hope you're as excited as I am to see where this story goes. Let me know what you think, and I'll see you in the next chapter!