"Someday."
"And someday Rhyn. He's on my list, Gabriel."
He was quiet, the words and holograms before him blurring as he thought. The only immortals on Death's list were those who were about to become dead-dead. He'd always hoped Rhyn would have another chance, that Hell was a place to stash the dangerous immortal until the world was ready for him.
"He didn't deserve what he got," he voiced, troubled. "In all my time, I've never felt guilt at what I do."
"You're my best assassin, and you're the only one who can trespass in Hell and return. You had to do what you did. If nothing else, you know he's safe, and so are the little humans."
"Are you serious about making him dead-dead soon?"
"Let me show you something," she said, and stepped up beside him. "Keep in mind, you're not supposed to be anywhere near the Oracle. Only --"
"Deities and whatever," he finished with a roll of his eyes.
She gave him a stern glare that made him smile. Her human form was tiny enough that the Oracle's book reached her shoulder level.
Death's hand hovered over the pages, and she turned them quickly without touching them. She stopped and touched a page with her fingertip. An image sprung from the paper before them.
The earth in flames, with earthquakes swallowing whole towns and buildings burning.
Gabriel shifted, well aware Rhyn was capable of this.
Death gave him a pointed look, waiting for him to jump to his friend's defense as he always did. It was hard with the scenes she showed him flickering in front of him.
"The Future isn't set," he managed at last.
"It's not," she agreed. "But if I don't make him dead-dead, there's a good chance this is the fate of the human world."
"I can't believe there's nothing that can be done!" he replied with more emotion than he intended.
"You're going soft, Gabe."
"It's wrong."
"Odd, coming from my best assassin."
He said nothing, watching the scene. Death closed the book and looked up at him.
"Do you believe in him so much, or do you feel so much guilt?" she challenged.
"I believe in him."
She considered him for a long moment before turning away. He suppressed a sigh, sensing she was beyond mercy for anyone on her list. Normally, so was he. Death held out her hand, and an hourglass with black sand appeared in her palm.