Cosplayer Claiming to be Death

I stared at him in silence for a good minute or two. I looked down, rubbing my temples as I tried to understand what this person was trying to do. At last, I recollected my bearings and spoke.

"Are you… A lost cosplayer or something? I don't think there are any anime conventions near this area nor at this hour–" Before I could continue what I was supposed to say, I was interrupted by a cold hand that seized my neck. 

I felt my body being lifted and then I was pinned on a tree. I struggled and tried to make a sound but all the air inside my lungs was knocked out due to the force of the action. I squinted and still tried to escape from his firm grip. 

Oh, did I forget to mention that his other hand, which wasn't choking me, was now holding a long scythe that magically appeared out of nowhere.

"I said," He spoke irritatedly. "I am Death. I am here to guide you to the next life. But before that…"

I saw his mouth move but couldn't understand what he was saying anymore. My vision was slowly becoming more and more blurry as his grip did not loosen. .

Ah, his hand was pressing my carotid artery. He was no amateur. He knew where to press without crushing my vocal cords as one would normally do.. If I say so myself, he was cutting off the air supply to my brain quite effectively. Even in this situation, I couldn't help but be impressed.

'A cosplayer claiming to be Death himself strangling me to death.' I thought. 'What an odd way to die. This was a slow and painful death, but I think having flames lick my skin was an even more painful one than this.'

As I was slowly closing my eyes, the pressure on my neck disappeared and I found myself falling to the ground. I coughed and desperately inhaled air to enter my lungs.

"A cosplayer, huh?" He facepalmed, shaking his head in disappointment. "I'm rather surprised with my appearance, but I do not think it is my fault that you imagined me this way. Any normal person would imagine Death as something scary… not like this."

"What do you mean…?" I coughed out my words.

"My appearance is molded by what the Reaped imagined what the Reaper looks like." He explained in a matter-of-fact tone. "Perhaps you watch those, what do you call them, Japanese animations where they depict Death as a handsome man?"

I blinked.

I would be lying if I said I don't watch anime. The recent anime I watched was about a young man who accidentally became the Grim Reaper. He then meets other Grim Reapers who look extraordinarily handsome and beautiful. Just like this weird man before me.

'Death' shook his head, sighing. "But well, this is the 21st century. The people of these days are smarter than those medieval dullards back then. I guess you people also got creative with your interpretation of Death and didn't stick with the 'skull-face, black robe, and scythe' combination."

Before I could say anything, he stretched out his hand and smiled. It took me a moment to realize he was trying to help me stand up. Hesitantly, I took his hand with my uninjured one as he helped me up..

"You don't need to give me a dirty look. I'm only trying to help you stand."

"Trusting someone who tried to choke me to death is difficult." If I were a child, I would've stomped my feet.

"I don't need your trust to finish my work. I only need you to keep your mouth shut and listen to me carefully as I bring you to your end." Death shrugged his shoulders while looking at me with a smirk.

"So what're you going to do, 'Death'?" I rolled my eyes as I said the name he introduced himself as. Two can play this game.. "Are you going to cut me to pieces using your magic scythe? Or are you accepting the honor of burning me alive?"

"I would like both of the options." He grinned.. "Sadly, I'm not that type of Death. My master—who would be your 'god' in human terms—has seen your suffering and has granted you the wish of every human being: a painless death. Now, didn't I tell you to shut up? I'm doing my work here…"

"I don't understand. Can you explain—"

"Why would I need to explain myself to you if you're just going to die soon?" He interrupted before I could even finish speaking..

"No," I said, steadfast. "I deserve an explanation."

He looked at me, impressed.

"Oh my, a mere human demanding an explanation from me?" He said arrogantly. "Aren't you a daredevil?"

"I need to know what's going on," I said firmly. "You can't just come here, choking me, and then introducing yourself as Death–"

"I did the introduction first before the choking part." Once again, I was rudely interrupted.

"Don't nitpick the details," I snarled, "Who are you, and how did you find me?"

"As I've said, I am Death."

"Like… the personification of Death?"

He nodded.

"How can I take your word that you are Death and not some weird cosplayer with a middle school complex?!" I shouted, maybe a bit too aggressive for my liking.

"I'm not a cosplayer." Death sighed. "Or a person with a middle school complex. I am Death, the Grim Reaper, or whatever entity you humans prefer to imagine me as."

"How?" I have so many questions, but that's the only thing that came out of my mouth.

"It's rather difficult to convince the newer generation that I am Death. Maybe I'll show you the other side to make you believe. Come on, take my hand." He offered his hand once again. "Are you ready?"

"What do you mean, 'the other side'?" I asked in confusion. I stared at his hand for a moment before I reluctantly took it..

"You ask too many questions." He clicked his tongue. "Just come ."

Death stepped closer, raising his other hand before my face and touching my forehead. I looked at him, puzzled, but before I could say anything, he spoke.

"Now, tell me, Evangeline Vermillion. What happened, and what's the reason why you decided to end your life?"