goesbythebook | 001 [action/accidental video]

[Yet another journal plays, one of countless left to their own nefarious devices. The video shows--well, mostly sky. No one said the books could aim themselves, even if they do turn on without help. On the right, however, a man can be seen standing on what looks like a ledge. In fact, anyone below that particular community building might see him as well. William has woken up in a very high place, and perched himself in the best spot to observe the activity below.]

Honestly. This situation grows continually worse. [The voice is bland, if clearly irritated. Fitting as it comes from a man whose posture would rival most wooden boards.] Whatever turn has brought me to this place is most unwelcome.

[Then a breeze blows not quite at the right angle to turn the page, but perfectly directed to send a shiver up William's back. Oh, and of course the black wings now attached there spread out, instinctively resisting the cold.]

And with these unnecessary appendages in place of my proper clothes. Honestly, if either of those ill-performing reapers were capable of such a thing, I could easily place the blame on them. I can only hope that the responsible party somehow has more sense, now that whatever poor joke they've attempted has come to its fruition.

[He raises a hand, fingers extended, up to the side of his face. There's a faint click as he adjusts his glasses, quickly replaced by an irritated sigh.]

Certainly they can return my scythe at the very least.

[He can't even jump down with proper balance while he lacks it.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Congratulations are in order then. Your hearing works properly.

[Why is this man wasting his time again?]

Pirates? To think this day could someone grow more dismal.

Usually does.

You're in for a lot of that I'm afraid.

Then your need to confirm it is a waste of time.

[Specifically, William's time.

Sigh.]

Dare I ask what you mean by your remark?

It reminded me of someone I know.

There are strangely worse than pirates here.

...Ah. [William may have to take that remark back.] That person's name. Would you tell me it?

Without doubt. [Considering that pirates rank very low on William's list of "bad things," it's highly likely.] I would still ask you to expand on your comment.

Grell Sutcliffe. Though I'm sure that doesn't mean anything to you.

Shifts. Has anyone showed you the list or anything like that?

[Now that gets a reaction. William's eyes narrow as they turn toward the sound of the voice, and Smoker just might see his jaw tense.]

To the contrary. You have made the acquaintance of that thing?

[And knows that it is a reaper. Oh, Grell has some explaining to do.]

The list? No, they haven't. [And why on earth would this man have it?]

Thing? [A very low dangerous warning growl.] Watch it.

Tch. There's a guide in the book that explains about this world and the Malnosso.

Watch it? [William is utterly unphased by the growl.] Honestly, to be threatened over something such as that. I will inform you now that such gestures will be utterly ineffective.

I am all but loathe to ask it, but how did Grell Sutcliffe manage to inspire such loyalty?

Ah. [Not the List then. Grell's punishment might be less severe.] I've heard mention of that document, yes.

Because she is who she is. [Over what.] And don't try me shinigami, I'm not what I seem.

Well, there's a list of the past Shifts and other major events in there.

Honestly. I will point out that you are the one attempting to intimidate me. Whatever business you have with that reaper is hardly my concern, provided that Grell Sutcliffe abides by our regulations. Unfortunately, such is hardly ever the case.

[William scoffs at the rather rude address.] Since this discussion will apparently continue, and it is clear you are familiar with our kind, I shall properly introduce myself. I am William T. Spears of the Grim Reaper Dispatch Association's Management Division. Perhaps if we should meet in person, I will at that time be able to offer you my card.

I see. And the history of this place warrants my immediate concern for what reason?

Vice Admiral Smoker. Save the card, I'll remember you just fine Spears.

Shifts can completely change your mind, body, or the surrounding circumstances to fit the Malnosso's whims. At one point they had the moon crush entire island, during another everyone was forced to believe they were family units; spouses, children, siblings, and so forth.

[Spears? That earns a scoff.] As you wish.

[As for what comes next? Well, those things by and large fall into the "impossible" category of William's mindset. But the irritation makes his wings twitch, and each tiny jerk sends a painful reminder that such definitions have changed.]

And these violators...the Malnosso, as you call them. Do they offer any reason for such actions?

Not a satisfactory one. Might as well consider them sadists.

Considering both the nature and the depth of their depravity, I was not expecting a reason that could adequately answer for their sins.

Yet if they truly delight in it, there is no chance for reasoning with them either.

Correct, and there really isn't. You're welcome to try, but you might just find it more frustrating than not.

001 [action/accidental video]

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