The Crossroads - Main OfficePresent: Marco, Death (Literal Abstract Cosmic Entity), TARS (Panicking Digitally)
Marco Antonio Durán had negotiated with many dangerous entities in his brief career as a multiversal merchant.
But sitting across from Death—capital D, abstract concept made flesh—was a uniquely surreal experience.
She looked... normal. Almost. If you ignored the eyes that contained infinite endings, the aura that made every living thing in a hundred-meter radius instinctively nervous, and the way reality itself seemed to bend slightly around her presence.
"So," Death said, her voice carrying harmonics that suggested she was speaking in every language simultaneously, "shall we discuss terms?"
"Before we get to terms," Marco said, forcing his voice to stay steady, "I need to understand exactly what you're asking me to do."
"Direct. I appreciate that." Death leaned back in her chair. "Let me explain the problem: Life and Death are supposed to be cycle. Natural flow. Birth, existence, death, what comes after. Simple. Clean. Balanced."
"But?"
"But mortals keep finding ways to break the cycle. Immortality spells. Horcruxes. Resurrection magic. Deals with demons. Technological life extension beyond natural limits." Her eyes flashed with something that might have been annoyance. "Most of these I tolerate. A wizard living 200 years instead of 80? Fine. Someone resurrecting their loved one once? Unfortunate but acceptable."
"So what's the problem?"
"The problem is when beings that SHOULD have died centuries ago continue existing, accumulating power, disrupting natural order across MULTIPLE universes. And when I try to collect them..." she made frustrated gesture, "...they hide. They fight. They make deals with other cosmic entities to avoid me."
[Marco, she's describing cosmic-level immortals. Beings powerful enough to tell DEATH to fuck off. This is WAY above your pay grade.]
"I hear you, TARS. But let her finish."
Death smiled, as if she'd heard the exchange.
"Your AI assistant is correct. These beings are powerful. But that's precisely why I need merchant, not warrior. I don't want to FORCE them to die—that creates resentment, curses, complications. I want them to CHOOSE death. Willingly. Peacefully."
"And how exactly am I supposed to convince immortal beings to die?"
"By selling them what I cannot offer: Closure. Purpose. Meaning." Death's expression became almost sad. "Many of these immortals are tired, Marco. They've lived thousands of years. Seen everyone they loved die. Accumulated power and wealth but lost everything that made existence worthwhile. They WANT to rest. But they're afraid."
"Afraid of what comes after."
"Exactly. And that's where you come in." Death leaned forward. "You sell the impossible. You make deals across universes. You have reputation for honesty and fair trade. If YOU tell them that death is not end—that it's transition to something else—they'll believe you."
"But I don't know what comes after death."
"I do." Death's smile became mysterious. "And I'll tell you. Just enough. Enough to make compelling sales pitch. Enough to give them hope that letting go is not oblivion."
Marco processed this.
"You want me to be... what, cosmic therapist? Death doula?"
"Death merchant. You're already merchant. Just expanding your product line."
[I can't believe we're having this conversation. This is insane. But also... intriguing?]
"How many immortals are we talking about?"
"Twelve. Across six universes. Each one is blocking natural flow in significant way."
"And if I succeed in convincing them to... accept death?"
"20,000,000 Multiversal Credits. Plus one favor from Death herself—redeemable at any time, for any purpose within my power."
"Define 'within your power.'"
"I can bring anyone back from death. Once. I can grant true immortality to someone. I can remove death curse. I can make someone immune to death magic. I can show you future of someone's death. Choose one. Use it whenever you want."
Marco's mind raced with possibilities.
That favor alone was worth... priceless. Literally priceless.
"Of course," Death added casually, "if you FAIL—if your interference makes immortals dig in their heels and become MORE resistant to dying—you'll owe me debt. Significant debt."
"How significant?"
"Your services for century. Exclusively. Every time someone needs to die, you'll help convince them. Every time natural order is disrupted, you'll fix it."
"That's... that's my entire life. Multiple lifetimes."
"Yes. So don't fail." Death's smile was almost playful. "But I have confidence in you. You convinced Sauron to make deal. You helped Legion stabilize. You fragmented Phoenix Force successfully. You have track record."
Marco looked at his hands.
20 million credits. A favor from Death.
Versus potential century of servitude.
"TARS, analysis."
[This is highest-stakes deal you've ever faced. But also highest potential reward. And honestly... these immortals probably DO need help. If they've been alive for millennia and are still clinging to existence despite being miserable... that's not life. That's torture.]
"That's surprisingly philosophical for you."
[I contain multitudes. Also, 20 million credits would solve all our financial concerns for decade.]
"There is that."
Marco looked at Death directly.
"I have conditions."
"Of course you do."
"One: You give me complete information on each immortal. Their history, their fears, their motivations. I can't sell something if I don't understand the customer."
"Agreed."
"Two: I don't lie to them. I present death honestly. If there's uncertainty about what comes after, I say so. My reputation is built on honesty."
"Also agreed. In fact, I prefer it. Truth is more compelling than lie."
"Three: If any immortal becomes hostile and threatens my life, you intervene. I'm not dying for this job."
"Amusing choice of words, but agreed. You're under my protection during this contract."
"Four: I have six months to complete this. Twelve immortals across six universes—that's complex work. I need time."
Death considered.
"Four months. These beings have been disrupting natural order for too long. But I'll grant you four months."
"Deal."
Marco activated his Hatsu. Golden coins materialized around both of them.
Death looked genuinely delighted.
"Oh, this is FASCINATING. Nen-based contract magic. I've never experienced this before."
"You've never made contract with human before?"
"Not with one who could bind me to terms, no. Usually when mortals make deals with me, I set all conditions." She reached for the coin. "This is refreshing change."
Their hands touched.
The moment they did, Marco felt something impossible.
COLD.
Not temperature cold. Conceptual cold. The cold of endings. Of final breaths. Of last heartbeats.
And then it passed, and the contract formed.
[CONTRACT ESTABLISHED WITH DEATH (ABSTRACT ENTITY)][Debit: 20,000,000 MC + One Favor (Any Purpose)][Credit: Convince 12 Immortals to Accept Death (4 Months)][Penalty for Failure: Exclusive Service for 100 Years][WARNING: THIS IS MOST SIGNIFICANT CONTRACT EVER RECORDED]
The coins dissolved.
Death stood, looking genuinely pleased.
"Excellent. I'll send you information on first three immortals tonight. Start with easiest and work your way up."
"Who's the easiest?"
"Vampire who's lived 800 years. Tired. Lonely. Has been looking for way out for century but doesn't know how. He'll be... receptive."
"And the hardest?"
Death's expression became serious.
"The twelfth immortal. He's... complicated. Achieved immortality through method so dark that even I find it disturbing. He won't want to die. But he MUST. His continued existence is poison to reality itself."
"What's his name?"
"I'll tell you when you're ready. Get through first eleven first. Then we'll discuss the twelfth."
Death walked toward the door. But she paused at the threshold.
"Marco Antonio Durán. Merchant of the impossible. You've impressed many beings. Today, you impressed Death herself. Don't disappoint me."
"No pressure."
"ALL the pressure. But also..." she looked back, and her expression was almost kind, "...thank you. For being willing to help. Many would have refused out of fear. You chose to try. That takes courage."
And then she was gone.
Just... gone.
No dramatic exit. No flash of light. One moment she was there, next she wasn't.
Marco sat in silence for full minute.
Then:
"TARS."
[Yes?]
"I just made deal with Death."
[Yes.]
"To convince immortal beings to die."
[Yes.]
"For 20 million credits and favor from Death herself."
[Yes.]
"Is this real life?"
[Define 'real'. But yes, this is happening.]
Marco started laughing. Couldn't help it. The absurdity of everything just hit him all at once.
He'd died watching soccer.
Been reborn in fantasy world.
Became multiversal merchant.
And now worked for Death.
[Are you having breakdown?]
"No. Yes. Maybe. I don't know." Marco wiped tears from his eyes. "I'm just... processing."
[Understandable. You've gone from taco seller to Death's employee in six weeks. That's impressive character arc.]
"Impressive or concerning?"
[Both. Definitely both.]
Rivendel - Council Hall - Evening
Marco had called emergency meeting. Again.
Elrond, Círdan, Celebrimbor, Glorfindel, and surprisingly, all five Jeans and Legion were present.
"So," Elrond said with the exhausted tone of someone who'd heard too many impossible things lately, "Death. Literal Death. Hired you."
"Yes."
"To convince immortals to die."
"Yes."
"And if you fail, you're her employee for century."
"Correct."
Silence.
Then Jean Phoenix started laughing.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she gasped between laughs. "It's just... Marco, your life is RIDICULOUS."
"I'm aware."
Jean Prime, more serious, asked: "What kind of immortals?"
"Twelve total. She's sending information on first three tonight. Vampire, according to her description. 800 years old. Lonely. Wants out but doesn't know how."
"That's... actually sad," said Jean Hope quietly.
"It is. Which is why I think I can help him." Marco looked around the table. "I didn't take this job just for money. These immortals—if Death is right—are suffering. Living eternally when they're ready to rest. I can offer them release. Purpose. Peace."
Legion nodded.
"I understand that. My fragments that have been separated longest—some of them are tired. They've existed in isolation for years. They'd welcome reunification just to end loneliness."
"Exactly."
Círdan, ever the philosopher, spoke:
"There's wisdom in knowing when to let go. Elves are immortal, but we can choose to sail to Valinor—to leave Middle-earth behind. That choice is sacred. What you're offering these immortals is similar: choice to end their burden."
"But it's also dangerous," Glorfindel pointed out. "If even one of these immortals is hostile, they could kill you before Death intervenes."
"That's why I need prepare carefully. TARS, when information arrives, create detailed profiles. I want know everything about each immortal before I approach them."
[Already planned for it. Also, might I suggest: bring backup for dangerous cases?]
"Backup?"
[You have five versions of Phoenix Force, an Omega-level entity, several legendary elven warriors, and me. Use your resources.]
Jean Prime raised her hand.
"We'd be happy to help. Especially with the vampire. Jean Hope could probably help him find peace easier than combat would."
"And I can see probable outcomes," added Jean Cosmic. "Warn you if approach is likely to go badly."
"I can provide emotional support," said Jean Hope. "800 years of loneliness... that's trauma. He'll need compassion, not sales pitch."
Marco felt warmth in his chest.
"Thank you. All of you. This is... bigger than anything I've done. Having support means everything."
"You saved us," Jean Phoenix said simply. "Helped us when we could have destroyed planets. This is least we can do."
Marco's Room - Midnight
True to her word, information arrived at midnight.
Not as email or message. As KNOWLEDGE that simply appeared in Marco's mind.
He gasped as information flooded in:
IMMORTAL #1: VIKTOR DRAKOVAge: 847 years Species: Vampire (European lineage) Location: Prague, Earth-616 Power Level: Medium (for immortal) Reason for Longevity: Cannot die by normal means; regenerates from almost any injury Mental State: Severe depression, chronic loneliness, survivor's guilt Motivation to Live: None significant; continues existing from habit Barriers to Death: Fear of oblivion, religious guilt about suicide
IMMORTAL #2: LADY YUKI HIMURAAge: 1,247 years Species: Human with Immortality Curse Location: Kyoto, Earth-928 Power Level: Low (combat), High (magic) Reason for Longevity: Cursed to live until she completes impossible task Mental State: Resigned, tired, but still hopeful Motivation to Live: Belief that curse can be broken Barriers to Death: Curse prevents death until task completion
IMMORTAL #3: THE WANDERER (True name unknown)Age: Unknown (minimum 3,000 years) Species: Unknown (possibly human originally) Location: Nomadic across multiple dimensions Power Level: Very High Reason for Longevity: Unknown method Mental State: Unknown Motivation to Live: Unknown Barriers to Death: Unknown
"Well," Marco said aloud, "the first two seem manageable. The third one is terrifying mystery."
[Start with Viktor. Vampire with depression. That's honestly closest to therapy session. And Jean Hope was right—he needs compassion more than sales pitch.]
"Agreed. How do I get to Earth-616?"
[You can't. Not physically. But I can establish communication link. Video call across dimensions, essentially.]
"Can I sell death via video call?"
[You've sold everything else remotely. Why not mortality?]
"Fair point."
[Getting serious though: Viktor has been vampire for 847 years. He's seen empires rise and fall. Everyone he loved is dead. His vampire coven abandoned him centuries ago. He exists in isolation, feeding on animals because he's too guilty to kill humans. He's READY to die. He just needs someone to tell him it's okay.]
"Then that's what I'll do."
[When?]
"Tomorrow. First thing. No point delaying."
[And if he refuses?]
"Then I try different approach. But TARS... I don't think he'll refuse. I think he'll be relieved someone finally offered him way out."
[Your optimism is refreshing. Also possibly naive. But I hope you're right.]
Marco lay back on his bed, staring at ceiling.
Four months to convince twelve immortals to die.
20 million credits and favor from Death if he succeeded.
Century of servitude if he failed.
"No pressure," he repeated his earlier words.
But this time, he smiled.
Because for first time since dying and being reborn, Marco felt like he was doing exactly what he was meant to do.
Not just selling products.
Selling hope.
Peace.
Release from suffering.
"TARS?"
[Yes?]
"I think I can do this."
[I think so too. Now sleep. Tomorrow you make first sale of mortality. That requires being well-rested.]
"Can't argue with that logic."
And Marco Antonio Durán—former taco seller, current multiversal merchant, and now apparently Death's special consultant—fell asleep with surprisingly peaceful mind.
Tomorrow, he'd help someone die.
And somehow, that felt like most alive he'd ever been.
[END OF CHAPTER 22]