Perceiving the End

Chapter 1 - Death Comes

Amongst the living he roams, fulfilling his duties which give him meaning. The body of a human, but merely a structure of bone. Chains clink as he walks his only path mapped by others fates. These chains are bound the wrists and ankles visibly to all who may see him. He is cloaked in an old, black robe with a hood to slightly mask himself. The cloth shows its age through the crumbling and ripped  edges. And held within his hands, a scythe with much power. He is the only one with the ability to wield it for it's only purpose一collecting souls from those whose time has run out. He is known by many amongst the living. The walker who brings death is known to be none other than Grim Reaper. His image and his doings are written clearly through history. But despite all that has been written, the truth is still shadowed behind the reaper. It is not hidden, but merely the fact that not one being nor soul attempts acceptance of what's behind. Instead, they blanket themselves with their own beliefs of the afterlife for comfort. These blankets brainwash the minds into oblivion and effect the inner core of their souls.

The dead know what truly happens once their soul is taken. The souls still fear even after learning the truth. They do not have trust; therefore, the souls go in fear. Denial. Denying it all for their comfort. All that they once believed in their past life is shattered by his scythe.

Grim is not alone. There are many more reapers where life strives. He is merely the oldest. The wise reaper who guides the others to fulfill their required actions. A reaper is placed to be in charge of sections of the world to continue an efficient flow of soul collecting. This world they live in seems complicated, but only because others wouldn't attempt to try to understand. There will never be a single soul that tries to seek the truth. That is what Grim believes.

It is his time to collect. Given the region, he raises his scythe and slashes at the air. As if slicing through paper, a portal is opened. He steps through and goes off to collect.

Time goes by as many lives end. The ending destination is a familiar place. A building that holds the injured and sick. A hospital is what the humans know it as. It is a sanctuary where trained humans attempt to heal other humans. At this time, night, it is quiet. Grim likes this time in the day. There is silence besides the beeping of machines.

Summoning a booklet, inside holds the names and times of the soon-to-be deceased. The timer, despite it being in ink, constantly counts down till the time runs out. As he glimpses through the pages, there are four souls in total. Based on the countdown of the timers, he determines what order he must collect the souls. Making his way to the first destination, he felt a presence. It was as if something was staring intently. Although, there was no one in sight as Grim examines the area around him. He simply shoves the feeling aside then continues his journey.

The usual went on. Dying in your sleep is easier than being awake. If one is to wake upon their final seconds, they witness death. The first two to go slept till the souls were cut from their vessels. The third, unfortunately, woke up. Grim is too used to the reactions. They shiver and beg for their life to be spared, but to no avail. With one cut, it is done. That soundーthe ringing of a flat line. It is a melody always playing after a heart stops beating. It is the final song in death’s presence.

Again, that presence lingers. Grim knows now that there is something watching. Without looking around, he speaks up in a deep, growling voice, “Do not hide for I know you linger near!”

The presence makes itself known as it presents itself behind the reaper. As he turns, there is no one facing him until he looked down. Standing before him was a child in a blue hospital gown. Grim began to look around to see what she is looking at, but there was nothing that could catch the attention of a child. There was no doubt that she is looking at him. In return, he looked back at her.