Reedemer Sin

The best deal in Death

            Xavier woke up in strange place. He couldn't tell if he was awake or not, because everywhere he looked there was darkness. It filled... Wherever he was, to the point where he wasn't even sure if he had opened his eyes or not. He reached towards them and discovered something strange. He could see his hands without any problem, but everywhere around him everything was black. He was suspended in the endless void, in the almost perfect nothingness. He looked at himself, not sure what to expect and with a small fear taping on his chest, but soon he felt relieved, seeing both his legs, his clothes, and torso. Everything was at it's place. One strange thing was that, he was floating in... Whatever it was. He tried to move, to jump, to run, but there was nothing under hi feet, or in his reach. He was stuck, but even if he wasn't where would he go? Into this darkness here? Or maybe one over there? He tried to move around, and discovered, that he wasn't as helpless as he thought, at least initially. He could turn around his own axis, or he could roll in place. It was something. Now he wondered what happened, and where was he. Perhaps it would bring him some answers. Was it a dream? Nightmare? He pinched himself a few times, but it didn't wake him up. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea but it was a start. He tried to recall all the things that happened to him. Returning home, Victor, cooking, Spark, and... And the lightning! Yes, he remembered! He was struck by a lightning, and... Was he... Dead?

- Not at the slightest! - He heard a loud noise behind him and turned around. That was one of the few moves he could do, but stopping... Yea, he needed to practice it a little. He was spinning like a spinning top, and it seemed like all of his attempts to spot were in vain. But practice had to wait because eventually he stopped, but the person that came into view was... Quite terrifying. - Being dead is quite the different feeling! Trust me I know what I'm talking about! 

            In front of Xavier's view there was standing one of the mos terrifying creatures that one could think about. It was DEATH. The DEATH. The one and only Grim reaper, who collected souls of those that passed away. First what he saw were jagged black robes, covering most of this person body. Yet here and there were holes big enough in it, that Xavier could see bare bones that were shattered here and there, but still held together. There was also this strange grey smoke, that was leaving those holes, and escaped from under this worn out robe. Next, he saw gigantic scythe, shining from unseen source of light. It had shaft made out of white stone, polished to the point, where longer looking at it caused aching. Finally, there was head of this strangely familiar person. It was bare skull, with numerous cracks and scratches. It's snow white teeth, most of which were filed to resemble fangs of a deadly predator and were bent in a strange, smile-like way. It's eye socket empty, only filled with a purple flame, that was dancing on invisible wind. This puzzled Xavier, who at first tried to run, to look away, to cover himself with his hands and legs, awaiting quick decapitation, that never came. Just after that he looked again at DEATH and saw, that he was... Different.

            First he noticed, that his smoke had strangely familiar scent. It smelled of buns and bread, freshly taken out of the oven, ready to be eaten with any additional titbit. Next, his robe. It was still damaged, but in other way. The damage was purposeful, or it seemed like it was. Holes had shapes, that seemed to be cut in a pattern, reminding Xavier about bowls full of fruits, drops of ink, fantastic creatures and other, familiar and pleasant things. Through them, he saw bones, that formerly were shattered and broken, now were mended and theirs cracks and holes filled with golden metal. Just like in this Japanese tradition, Kintsugi. All of this gave DEATH strangely friendly and imperious look. It wasn't this scary and terrifying DEATH that people used to scare others or force them to do something. It looked more like friend. Like gentle soul, that came to share a tale, and a cup of tea. It's scythe also changed, now it wasn't so blinding. It's colouring was more dull and eye friendly. Also, shaft changed shape, to look like growing tree without branches.

            Xavier was stunned with what he saw, and was looking with his jaw historically low. It gave DEATH puzzled look, he seemed like he was unclear of what to do next! DEATH looked like he doesn't know what to do! After one or more eternities later, it was hard to tell time when there was no reference, or clock really, Death moved it's hand with five bone fingers, from which one was fully made out of gold, and scratched it's teeth.

- Um... Hello? Are you there? Your silence is making everything quite difficult? Could you please at least close your mouth? - His voice was quite lively, considering he was mostly made out of bones and gold, and some strange fire in his eye sockets. - It will make my job easier?

- Y-your job? Am I... Am I dead? - Xavier asked, and DEATH shook it's head and laughed, rattling it's bones.

- No, no, no. I told you already, being dead is quite different feeling. Look at me! I'm the healthiest and best looking specimen of death there was ever in existence! Not like you! - He pointed towards Xavier with his whole hand opened. - Look on this body. So full of tissue, blood cells and energy. For example those arms, so full of muscles, and tendons, and this chest? Look on your hearth! It's so surprisingly alive and kicking! It could replace bells in the Grand Cathedral! And don't you even start on those lungs! They could be filled with the amount of air necessary to fill whole travel balloon! Even those iron guts of your, and you ask if you are dead? Be serious for once! - DEATH touched him with his scythe here and there, while he was speaking. It's touch was quite pleasant. It was warm, and gentle, he couldn't complain about it.

- So... Where am I, what is this place? If I am not dead, is it even real?

- Good question. What is real and what is not? - DEATH extended golden finger and moved it closer towards Xavier, so he could examine it closely. - Is it real because you see it? Because you can notice it with one of your senses? - DEATH snapped his fingers and strange, metallic sound reached Xavier's ears. - Is it real, because you can hear it? Because you can feel and taste it? - Xavier's mouth opened without his command, and was rejecting his will to be closed, at least not until DEATH placed it's golden finger on Xavier's tongue and pierced with its tip his cheek. Sweet, metallic taste spread throughout Xavier's mouth. - Is it real? Well... To be honest... - DEATH leaned forward, closing to Xavier's ear - I have no idea is it dream, nightmare, or reality. - He leaned back, and placed his hands in his robe pockets. DEATH also made a movement, like he was just kicking a stone, a invisible one. - I guess you can make your pick. It won't change a thing by the way, but if you'll feel more comfortable with conviction that it's just a dream, than be my guest.

- O-okay? So... Let's assume it's real for the moment. - Xavier thought that it would be better. He still was unsure of what was happening, and decided to treat it like a real life situation... When you meet someone that is only a skeleton. In a black room where there is light from somewhere. Where you can float in one place. - What is happening? - He asked unsure of what to say. This made DEATH smile even more, and even chuckle a laugh.

- That's a good question you asked! I must admit that you've made me wait for yourself. He, he, you get it? You made DEATH wait for you! - He burst out laughing, shaking his head and waving his skeletal hand. Xavier wasn't sure if he should laugh or not, so he was there, still suspended in the air. - That's a good one don't you think? Because, because DEATH doesn't wait for anyone! Ha, ha, ha! Heh... Anyway I have a bone to pick with you Xavier. Oh, don't make such a surprised face! I am DEATH, I know everyone! Like literally everyone, both worth and not worthy of knowing.

- Okay? So shouldn't I bee seeing like... Everything in my life? Like have all of my life pass in front of my eyes? - Xavier asked, because if it was real and he talked with DEATH himself, he should be seeing something like this shouldn't he?

- Well... Technically yes, but... - DEATH pressed his hands together and pointed them towards Xavier. - You see, you're not dead. You're quite alive and kicking, so... It's not the deal here.

- Wait, hold up. I had been struck by lightning. Like gazillion gigavolts of energy! It turned me and my body into ashy bits! If one thing should be for certain, it's my death!

- Oh you flatter me! I am for certain yours! - Said DEATH and it's bony cheekbones turned a little shade of red. They were like pink right now. - But unfortunately it wasn't a lightning you see... I was checking you. You know?

- Checking me? What do you mean by that?

- This kid, Victor, you remember him?

- Oh my God Victor! What happened to him? Is he dead? Where is he? You... You're that bastard who was chasing this poor boy and mistreated him! - His mind raced forward, not noticing surprised and confused DEATH'S face. - You... You must have somewhat drugged me so i see you as a skeleton! You must have do something... Like throw a flash grenade through my window, and something else that drugged me unconscious! -He tried to move, to reach this impostor, but his movement were strangely restricted. Like previously, he couldn't move from his position, but his hands and legs, they were shackled by a strange shackles. They were made out of semi-transparent, dark blue in colour material. It held him, no matter how hard he tried to get ride of them, and their chains were going down, down into the everlasting darkness. Soon, he realized, that further struggle is pointless, and stopped. Just when he did, the shackles vanished into thin blue mist.

- Okay, may i speak now? - Xavier shook his head, allowing DEATH to continue. - Good, now listen. I do not like restricting anyone, it's not fair you know? When you just can't leave whenever you desire. But you know, i have nobody. - He waited for a moment, waiting for Xavier to laugh, but he was too stressed with this experience, to even recall laughter, so DEATH decided to continue. - You know like... I have no body? Like, just the bones? Ha, ha! Eh... Anyway I have a deal to make and you seems to be the best candidate.

- Deal? Deal with DEATH? What kind of Deal? What do you want? I don't have a lot of money, I'm cook you know? I don't have influence over anyone, and can't help you with any sort of connections. If you want my money, or life, you're just wasting your time...

- Hey! I'm not wasting Time! He's quite a good drinker you know? I need to pick a bone after every party with him! Last time he had emptied like twelve bottles of... Oh... I see from your face that you think about time like about a concept, not a being. Oh well, tour loss, he really knows how to... Spin the wheel? Eh? Eh? - Xavier sighed and was looking more irritated by the minute. DEATH shook it's head and pointed golden finger towards Xavier's chest. - Now listen here. Victor was my creation, a creature... Angel, let's call him like that, that was supposed to check if you're worthy of dealing with me. He considered you worthy, so... Listen. You have two options. Either you help me or don't. You can say no to anything I will want and return home, to your boring, normal life. Live it to it's fullness, and meet me later. Maybe tomorrow, next week, or in like seventy years! Oh, and you wont have any memory of anything that happened after you returned home. Or, you could listen to me and consider my offer worthy of your time. What will you say? Isn't it, a... golden proposition?

            Xavier considered those words carefully. Victor was helping this guy! Whether he was a DEATH or not. He felt tricked, cheated by those people. He showed this boy heart, he helped him, and that's how he's paying back? They must have been a team, working together to steal from good people homes. Yes, that made sense but... Something was scratching his mind. What if this really is the DEATH himself? What if he really had send Victor to check Xavier in a way? Was he a good person? Bad person? Maybe... Maybe he died earlier, and this... This meeting with this child was just a test to determine if he was good or bad person at the core? DEATH doesn't give him time to think further.

- Hey, big brainer! Will you listen to my proposition or no? You're holding me here, and i have job to do! Hope will have my head... Or ankle if i force her to work overtime! She is quite emotional you know?

- Fine. Tell me what you have to say, and make it quick...

- Splendid! So listen carefully. You know that sky isn't and never was a limit, not for a long run? But vast emptiness of Space? Oh brother that's a barrier! I would need to retire, so humans could reach other words they could inhabit! - He laughed and took off, literally, his head out of his spine, and started tossing it from his one hand to the other. His scythe was levitating next to his arm, threatening Xavier with it's blade. Still that didn't stop DEATH who was still talking. - So, you see, there are many different DEATHS,  each one assigned to a different world. We are part of ancient order of things you know? Some would say that it's Divine order of things heh. There are many different worlds, with many different people, cultures, beliefs and technology. But there is one thing that connects them all you know? Don't bother, you'll never guess in a, like you said, gazillion years. It's a soul. Single, the most powerful being, that cannot be destroyed, killed, harmed, or chained, no matter the method. Except for one. Only a souls is powerful enough to impose it's will upon other souls, but it doesn't happen, because they are... Mostly unconscious or maybe unaware of what happens with them. Besides, all souls are equal and there are no weaker or stronger one. Souls are travellers basically. They are travelling from galaxy to galaxy, from world to world, to live life a new, and experience new things. While they are living inside a vessel, they are capable of dividing itself and creating a new soul, that will one day roam the universe. All, for the glory of one true GOD. The ultimate being, that cannot be described with words, feelings, or anything really. There weren't and will never be enough words to describe GOD fully so I won't even bother. Anyway there is this one world. This one world, that is currently... In a state of, for the lack of better word, death. The souls that are ready to go, vanish, and those that reach this place are never to be heard of again. I want you to go there and find out what is going on.

- Wait. - Said Xavier, a little shocked from all of this revelation. He thought that this guy went nuts, and have Swiss cheese for brain. - Wait, wait, wait. Hold up, this is nuts. You are telling me, that every civilisation that ever existed and will exists. Bah, every person is just a fleshy vessel for some space ghost, that is all powerful but forever unconscious, and wakes up for a brief moment to inhabit a new vessel, and can force other souls to do as it commands? All for some sort of entertainment for some kind of almighty being? You're nuts. You're freaking nuts and I'll have no part in...

            His words were cut short, when blinding radiance washed over the room, forcing Xavier to close his eyes. He could feel that... There was a happiness growing inside of him. He had no real reason to be happy really. From what he could gather, he was kidnapped by some crazy people, who believe in some crazy things about souls and travelling through space by, basically, death. And yet, there was joy and delight growing inside his chest, ready to burst any second now. There was also warmth that was covering his entire body, piercing through his shell, reaching in the depths of his being. It was strange at first, something that should make him afraid. Like wolf that is about to reach camp inside which is bright thing, that pulsates with warmth, and threat, and dances with the wind. Soon, he opened his eyes, and saw, that in front of him stood another person. Next to this skeleton-guy, there was another. It was very old and short man with bald head and really, really long beard, reaching his feet. His face looked like a great canyon, covered with wrinkles so deep, that there could be entire rivers hidden in this warm, and friendly face. Every movement of his face muscles was looking like insane effort, and when he opened his eyes Xavier could see, that they looked like entire galaxies, still moving, still spinning and travelling throughout the vast space full of stars, planets, and black holes. Two massive black holes that were gathering light for as long as time exists were his pupils. Besides his face, and beard, this old man was dressed in long white robe, covering him from neck to feet, which were dressed in sandals. He smiled towards Xavier, and placed his hand on DEATH arm, before he spoke. His voice was... Warm, calm, if Xavier were to say anything more, he would say that it was voice of a carrying father, who was teaching his kid a lesson, after that child hurt itself.

- Xavier. Xavier Mortis, what a pleasure to meet you in person. You haven't prayed a lot lately haven't you? I miss our talks, even if they seemed to be... One way... - He said, and realization hit Xavier. He was talking with God. Not some sort of an impostor, but real God. He was wondering... - Why am I looking like this? Well, it's because you are imagining me in this form. - His tongue didn't listen, his lips were sealed. No matter how ward he tried to speak, he could even let a squeak. But this was not a problem, because this "God" was reading from his head, like from opened book. - I look anything I want to be honest. I don't even need a shape or form, but... Unfortunately people seems to lose their minds when they see me shapeless or formless... - He spread his hands and shook his head. - It's not my will to cause ill upon my children. Anyway, what DEATH said is true.

- B-but what about Heaven? What about Hell? And Purgatory? And other places, that we believe are our final destination? What about them?! Are the just lies?! - Xavier somehow managed to break through this strange blockade on his mouth and speak. More like shout in face of a God. Well, that was quite an achievement wasn't it? Not everyone can say that he was able to shout out to God, and he actually listened. 

- My child it never was a lie. It is the truth, there is Heaven, there is Hell, and there is a Purgatory. Just not in a way that everyone thinks. Who am I to forbid my children from exploring the vast universe that i created just for them? If they will ever want to visit, I'll show them gates to Heaven, and if they won't want to see Me... They'll find their way towards Hell... In Purgatory, they can return, because I am Love, and I am Good.

- B-but... What... I don't understand...

- I know child, I know. Don't worry, it's not bad that you don't get it. In time you'll understand everything. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. - Said this old man, and hugged Xavier. He felt like all of his worries and bad thoughts are going away, leaving him just as pure, calm and happy, as he could be. He closed his eyes, releasing a single tear of joy. Soon, God released him, and moved a few steps back, but what Xavier saw was something different.

            Where once stood an elderly man, now was standing young woman, around her late twenties, maybe twenty six, or twenty eight years old? She was quite high, like at least two and a half meter high, dressed in formal clothing, jacket, pencil skirt and high heels. She was holding briefcase in one hand, and mobile phone in another one, also, she had dark brown hair tied up in a bun with two chopsticks holding it together. One thing that didn't change were her eyes, that still seemed to look like entire universe. Her face was smooth without a single trace of wrinkle. Her full lips were covered by dark blue lipstick. It was a bold choice, because all attention was turned towards this part of her body.

- Now, my dear child, let us discuss if you are willing to help or not. - She said, with different voice. It was higher, yet still calm, warm, motherly in tone. There was this urge to say everything that is wrong, that hurts or worries you, and she would make everything just fine. She would comfort you and lull to deep, calm sleep. There would be nothing that she can't handle, and her strength gave so much hope, that nothing could shake your will, as long as you knew that she is supporting you... - You know the case my dear child. There is a world, which souls can not leave for some reason. I would like to send you there, so you could help and return to them their freedom. Would you help me my child?

            Xavier was taken aback, looking at this Goddess now, who was asking him for help. It wasn't that he thought that She couldn't handle it herself. She was Goddess of all things, almighty and all... Almother to everything that existed, exists and will exist. Yet she desire his help for some reason. Why?

- Why? - He asked, surprised as calm his voice was. For some reason he expected to sound as scared little child, that was asking about something, and was afraid not to hear "no" but to anger his mother. Yet God just smiled and lowered herself just a little bit in darkness that surrounded them all.

- Because you've passed the test. You've met complete stranger, and didn't ignore his help. You have risked your own life and well being, just to help those in need. You've learned about the threat and not only decided to not back your helping hand, but shared a meal whit this boy, and you've tried to ease him during the storm, that he was afraid of. - Goddess smiled and moved her head a little, to look from another angle on Xavier, who was still shocked and felt like he was drunk. Still, he had hard time believing anything that was happening. - The world that I want to send you to is filled with very diverse life, and because of this your compassion and good hearth are necessary.

- Why don't You do anything to save those souls? - Xavier asked a question that was lingering on the edge of his mind. It looked like the Goddess knew that he was going to ask this question. Well... Who wouldn't ask?

- I know what is happening there, I could stop it with a snap of my fingers, but... It would break Free will of every one. Whole universe would be forced to sing praises of me and it's not what I want! - She shouted last few words, not in anger, hate or rage, it was something else. Something... Different. It was... Frustration. Frustration about not being able to do what should be done.

- I don't... Understand. Can't You just fix it afterwards? Like break all the souls from that place and later fix entire universe with snap of your fingers? You're God... Goddess? Almighty being and you can do anything! - He said with encouragement in his voice. After all, he felt delightful with her presence, and he really wanted to help her... He didn't feel the need to help, or the need to help her specifically. 

- I can, but it's not that simple. After I release all of the imprisoned souls, every single one of them, and every one in the entire universe sill sing praise, and will know that I exist. - The world around them started to become blurry, hazy. Both Goddess and silent DEATH started to lose their shape, until Xavier saw perfect darkness... He took just a single breath, before everything around him reformed into vast emptiness of space, entire universe, and in the distance, there were stars, galaxies, black holes... They were getting closer, and closer, speeding to the speed of light, and soon, Xavier was surrounded by thousands upon thousands of worlds, moving just like a falling stars around, just to vanish behind him, from where the voice of Goddess started to reach him. - All of the souls, that exist now. They will forget how it is to be free. Even if I free them later, if I give them back what they've lost, they'll not be the same. They'll start to feel bad in companionship of other souls, that were just created, that were just born. But in time, in all hundreds of thousands of years to come, there will be another war in Heaven. But this time it'll reach every corner of known and unknown galaxy. - Xavier could feel pain and sorrow, that was starting to emanate from Goddess. Although he couldn't see her, he could feel her. It was... Painful. He felt like talking with his grandmother, who was asking him about something, that she used to do. The thing that she used to do to please him, to bring a smile to his face, but couldn't do it any more. - Your religion teaches you about war in heaven doesn't it? It's crooked and incomplete story, but it's ending is correct. I had to banish my own creation, not because I wanted, but because I had to.

            Xavier was grabbed by his shoulders and turned around one hundred and eighty degrees. He had been grabbed by both DEATH and Goddess, but... When he turned he could clearly see, that there was no more Goddess. There was a small child, eight, maybe ten years old. It was small boy, dressed in blue polo shirt, and short jeans. He was also wearing white socks and sneakers. His head was crowned by yellow hairs that had dim metallic glow, and were quite long. Inside them he was storing some leaves, few branches and even some dirt. His face was twisted into grimace that was making it clear, that he is just on the verge of sobbing. His big, unchanged eyes were visibly fighting the need to close and rain tears all around. Also voice of the Goddess... God... God-child? Changed and was now higher, weaker somehow. Xavier wanted to pat this child, cover it with his arms and say that it'll be alright, that he doesn't need to worry. But his tongue and mouth were not responding to his signals.

- So... Xavier, will you help me? Will you help me free those souls? You can still return to your life, I cannot force you to help.

- I... But I am just a mortal. Whatever causes those souls to vanish, how am I supposed to help? I can cook, talk, and take care of some simple injuries...

- Ah, I guess that's my part isn't it? - Said DEATH, and a single flash flashed in his burning eyes. From nothingness numerous sheets of paper started flying towards DEATH skeletal hand. They created quite a large pile of papers. Big enough to match the height of Xavier. DEATH whistled in admiration, before placing his second hand over the top of this pile. - You've got quite powerful imagination you know? This here, is the list of all of your ideas that you've ever had. Now, here's the deal. - DEATH squeezed papers very hard, and they started to shrink under his force, up to the point, where they were no larger than a single pill. In fact, they were turned into a single white pill, that DEATH presented to Xavier. - If you'll take this pill, you'll be send on the adventure, that you've always dreamed about, telling stories in your long RPG sessions. You'll be capable of doing anything that you can imagine, and visit places that until this day, were just a fiction to you and all of the Humans. But - He held up his golden finger, forcing Xaiver's attention towards it. - You'll need to find a way to find and free all of those souls. Also, you'll be in grave danger, because the world you'll be working on is full of mysteries, wonders, and dangers you won't find on Earth. And also it is immersed in constant religious war... - That last part was added very fast, what probably was supposed to make it sound insignificantly, but achieved exactly opposite outcome. - If you do this, If you find those souls, if you put and end to whatever is causing them to stop their voyage, you'll be rewarded with a single wish. Wish to do anything your hearth, mind or soul desire.

- And what if i fail? What if I fail to achieve this goal? And what about others? Won't they notice that I am gone? What about my dog, Spark?

- In that case... - Said DEATH. - In that case when your time will be up, you'll share the fate of all the other souls, that have vanished, whatever it is...

- Don't worry about the others. No matter how much time it'll take you. Within my power is to make a thousand years last second, and second last for a thousand years. - Said God-child, with a small smile forming under his nose. - Don't worry about your friend, he can go with you if you want him to. And if you fail... I can make everyone to forget that you ever even existed. It's harsh I know, but if you're concerned about your loved ones... I can do it for them and for you.

            Xavier was silent. He was considering his options, what he was supposed to do, closing his eyes. He could either say no or yes. He could say no, as they have assured him, and return to his life. Return to his home, work at pizzeria, RPG sessions and paying taxes... Trying to find his soulmate, achieve something in the world, that was turned by: money, greed, faith, duty, basic needs and desires, anger, love, hate, friendship, emotions, and all other things, that were making everyone go forward.

            Or, he could take the deal and reach other place, where no human could ever be. Not in this century, or even in this millennium, leaving behind all that he knew and loved. Reaching world of new possibilities and chances. Place, where he could start a new life, not knowing if it'll be better or worse... Nobody said a word. He could take all the time he wanted to. Controlling space and time had some advantages as he could see. No one was hurrying him up, or even trying to affect his choice. Silence was deafening, growing to unbearable levels, when finally, after whole eternity of waiting, he has finally made his decision...

- I'll go, with my dog. We will find anything that is causing the souls to vanish, and put an end to this. Give me this pill.

- I'm glad to hear it! - Said God-child, that was now looking again, differently. Now it was triangle, in middle of which was a giant eye, with unchanged cosmos inside of it. - Remember, not to be afraid. No matter how dark gets the night. For I am with you, and there is nothing too great of a challenge for those that are with me, and there is nothing that is to small for me, to love...

            With those words in mind, Xavier took the pill, and saw, that the world started spinning. He felt, that something that was holding him in place gave up, and he started falling. Light started filling the space around him, and soon, he could no longer see anything but bright light. But he was not afraid to go, he was not afraid to face the challenge, and soon, his mind drifted away, carried to a place, where his adventure was about to begin...