Death Moves to Sunnydale 2


Author: Tohonomike
tohonomikea...
Disclaimer: All characters belong to their rightful owners... Joss/ME characters Spelling and others. I do not and cannot make money off of this, but for feedback I try to churn out a quality product.

Thanks for reading

Friday, October 31st, 1997 11PM

Alexander Harris walked down the streets of Sunnydale; one would have thought royalty had come to Sunnydale as the now very tall young man in expensive attire casually strolled. Demons and other beings that either fed on or were aware of Power dared for a few moments to look upon the 'human' that radiated an almost Perfect Balance and Perfect Chaos and Perfect Order at the same time. 'Was the Being Natural or Not, Supernatural or Not?'

And then most that could See then realized and dragged their comrades away so as not to offend one they had believed did not exist as an Identity. Those that feared they'd drawn attention, simply bowed and backed away without looking up lest they be Lost.

Sunnydale on this Night of Chaos had seen the rise, the arrival or the portaling in of a hundred Fyarls, foot soldiers in many of the Hells. They could feel the Power of Janus that had become part of the Power of this human-looking Being, and they followed in joyous silence and watchfulness as they lined up and followed. When the Being reached City Hall, he turned and faced them.

In the language of the Fyarls, he gestured toward the industrial section of town.

"The Undead mock my lists."

He turned and walked on as the Fyarls turned to deal with the troublemakers.

Saturday, November 1st, 1997

Sleep really wasn't an issue for Alexander any more, but he was able to get four hours. He dreamt in black and white and an infinite shade of grays, the lives of random beings before their ends came and they passed on to the next state of being. In many cases he was detached, but found himself able to stop time and look around; in the moments of their deaths, many seemed to notice him. Some with fatalistic humor; others with dread. It was almost all the same until he came to children who were unsure. He tried to pass on happy feelings of comfort.

In one instance he noticed a white 'squid' talking to a person, and he listened in to find out that the 'squid person' was halfway to the next stage, but was willing to help the person to go only halfway if they didn't want to continue on.

When the person decided not to 'ascend' but instead pass on, Alexander projected himself to the unsuccessful highly-evolved being.

"Do you make a habit of intervention?"

"How? What?"

"You should know the answer. You know the questions."

"You exist?"

"For now…"

"This should not be possible."

"Don't trouble yourself."

Alexander lost interest and let others on the periphery of his awareness lead him across the galaxies in which dwelt Terran life.

Saturday, November 1st, 1997 – 7:00 AM

Alexander noticed an older man and a young woman in her mid teens having coffee at one of the nicer diners in the area, and made eye contact with the man. Alexander stepped inside and walked to the table as the young woman, Cordelia Chase, left for a few minutes to freshen up. He sat down across from the man.

"You're real?"

"I am, William Randolph Chase."

"Would it be too much to ask that we do this … whatever … back at my home instead of scaring my grand-daughter?"

Alexander looked at the man and pondered the question. He managed an almost-smile.

"Alright, William. I have things I need to do. You'll continue to live until we're at your home."

"You can simply decide … when to take me?"

"Yes, I suppose that's correct. Does it really matter?"

"Of course it matters," the man stressed, and stared Death in the eye with a very human depth of passion the Xander part of Alexander would never have expected to see in a Chase. "If you're willing to give me a few hours, then I'd like to ask for time to get my affairs in order so that it is Cordelia, the girl I know she can be, that inherits my fortune."

"Why?"

"It's a long story, but the fact is my oldest son and his wife have been such frustrating tight-fisted people that have kept me from getting to know my grand-daughter without sucking up for money."

"What would you do with extra life?"

"You care?"

"The person I used to be," Death replied distantly as he waved a hand at himself and his clothes morphed instantly to something unkempt then back again, "knows Cordelia. So my curiosity exists. To see what you do to ready yourself."

"What, what name do you go by?"

"Alexander, William. Call me Alexander."

"Alright, um, Alexander. How do I convince you to give me more time?"

"I will accompany you during your remaining time; you will mentor me in 'Life.' When your affairs are in order, or I've had enough learning, it will be time, William. You accept the terms for your extension?"

"Yes. Thank you. Um…"

"When I help you, it doesn't hurt, William. Just the very first second when it starts."

"How?"

"You'll simply…stop. Better than choking and asphyxiating here."

"Xander?" Cordelia asked as she came up behind him and looked at the well-dressed man. "You know my grandfather?"

"William and I have an appointment, but have decided I'll be his…apprentice for a while so he can get things taken care of," he politely and gently responded with very little inflection. "How are you?"

William looked at him. Alexander responded in Latin.

"I'm not omniscient outside of the Moments of Transition, William. And I have memories that tell me it doesn't hurt to be polite."

"True," William responded, "Can I ask you questions later?"

"Yes."

"Xander? Please stop talking in Latin," Cordelia gently in front of her grandfather admonished, "I don't understand a lot of it, so it's kinda rude."

"Alright Cordelia. And please, call me Alexander."