A Deal with Death

•02•

I look at him, the confusion visible in my eyes. What does he mean "you can see me?" Of course I can see him. He's a human being made out of flesh and bone. He's not one of the superhero's from the movies I watch. He doesn't turn invisible. Maybe he's an escapee from the Psych Ward.

"Yes, I can see you." I reply, trying to keep my voice gentle.

"Interesting. Do you know who I am?" he asks, voice booming with a hint of annoyance in his tone.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion, "No...should I?"

The man looks as me as he laughs.

His laugh was strong and loud, but a little creepy. Like shards of glass were being shot from his mouth, piercing the skin of anyone near him. It wasn't a genuine laugh. It was from amusement, or maybe just for affect.

"Oh, darling. You have no idea what you just did," he turns serious in seconds, "You've just told Death that he can't claim a soul. And do you know what that means?" he was in front of me in seconds, "That means consequences."

****

Who was this man? What's wrong with him? Does he really think I'll believe him?

"Oh really? Consequences. Such as?" I respond, tiring of his games.

"Don't believe me, do you?" he asks, somewhat amused.

"Do I believe that Death is in front of me and I'm talking to him? Do I believe that I just stopped Death from claiming a soul that just happens to belong to my father? No, no I don't." I respond honestly.

Out of nowhere, a scythe appears in his hand. It had a long, twisted wooden handle, that fit perfectly in the man's hand. It's curved, sharp blade was so shiny you could see your reflection in it.

I take a step away from him, realizing now that he was telling the truth.

I was certain of few things at that moment.

1. I was face-to-face with Death, looking him in the eye.

2. I had just stopped Death from claiming a soul. My father's soul.

3. I was prepared to do anything to make sure my father stays alive.

****

"Now, if you'll excuse me..." Death goes to the door once more.

"If someone volunteered... would you kill them instead, and take them to Hell with you?" I blurted out.

Death wore a shocked expression on his face, but answered anyway. "Theoretically, yes. But humans value their own lives too much, so no one would ever-"

I don't know what came over me. Maybe I wanted to save my father. Maybe I wanted to be the hero for once. All I know is even I didn't expect the words that came out of my mouth next.

"Take me instead."

Death looked at me, with yet another unfamiliar expression. Shock? Admiration? Pity? Perhaps amusement?

Death let out a laugh. "No. You don't want that."

"I do. If it means saving my father, I'll do it." I insisted.

"You do know that you would never be able to return? You'll be forced to stay with me in Hell forever." he smirked a little at the last sentence.

"Okay. Just let my father live." I half demanded.

"As you wish. Now hold onto my arm. I won't put you through the pain of dying, because I'm just that merciful. I'll just take you straight to Hell with me. I wouldn't want to kill a pretty thing such as yourself, would I?" he extended his arm.

"Can I say goodbye?" I choked out.

"I'm afraid not. They'll find your body in the hall, and mourn your death. But your father will live for many more years. I can promise you that. I'm sorry that I can't allow you to say goodbye. But I have an alternative you might slightly enjoy." Death tells me.

"Such as?" I asked, thinking there was nothing that could make me feel better about not saying goodbye.

"I can give you something. A gift. It'll allow you to see anyone in the land of the living that you wish, whenever you wish. You cannot speak or communicate with them, but you will know their safe and happy." Death offered.

I took a deep breath. I suppose it was better than nothing, "Deal."

I cautiously took his arm at last, as I took one final look at the world of the living.

My home is now Hell, was the last thought that came to my mind as the world around me begin to fade into darkness.

****

A/N

Sorry for posting so late! I have the flu and feel like I got hit by a truck, so it's kinda difficult to think straight right now.

I decided to make the chapters a bit longer than I had originally planned because the short length was driving me crazy.

Sorry again!