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.]

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[Hmph, oh well. She'll just let him figure out how the wings feel--

Yup, there's the wince. Moving off, she leans down to scoop Will's book up off the ground, holding it out to him.]

There's no List here that I've found so far, but if you'd like a report, I could give you one - verbally, over dinner and roses?

[All this helpfulness only makes William's belief that Grell has done something wrong stronger. Still, he takes the book, then opens it to examine the contents.]

You will issue your report at present, while you take me to the locations where I can procure my personal belongings.

I'll assume you have your scythe already as well.

[Ugh, tour guide. She nods and with a flourish, her scythe appears at her side - modified as before, but hey! At least she put in the paperwork for it before going back to work.]

My darling is never far from my hands, William, my love.

[As for the report, she slings the chainsaw up over her shoulder and shrugs.]

The dead come back to life here; and not like those Bizarre Dolls the crazy traitor was raving about. The organization that brings us here has somehow found a way to circumvent us. I thought that was why we were here - to investigate it.

[William is not commenting on Grell's assertion, largely because he is currently without scythe. He will glare at the other reaper however, with a look that unequivocally says "Shut up."

Thankfully, he is spared the need to remain silent by Grell's continuing report--which earns an even harsher stare, by the way.]

We have been given no such orders. Even with how chaotic our jurisdiction has become as of late, the supervisors do understand that such a woefully understaffed department should be allowed to complete their current assignments before being given new ones.

Yet as inconvenient as it is, we have apparently been dragged to a much worse situation. Honestly, there truly is no escaping it. Even if that is not our reason for being summoned, we cannot leave such a heinous crime unaddressed.

Proceed, Grell Sutcliffe. The sooner I reclaim my possessions, the sooner we can begin a proper investigation.

Well, how am I supposed to know. There's no List and you left me abandoned in the middle of the sea. [Which, by the way, is super rude, Will. Super rude. ....unf, she loves you for that. It was hot. She's just going to zone on out while he goes on about understaffing - nfufu she'd like to be under his staff - and heinous crimes - a few sins never hurt anybody - and then oh, she's being addressed.]

You know, I don't mind the view as it is, Will. Maybe we should leave you like this for a little while.

I hardly abandoned you. You were instructed to do your job. Do not blame me for your continuing failure to manage even that much without somehow causing trouble for me.

[William has the best priorities.

Also, if Grell truly wants more of that trademark coldness, she'll receive it. The thing's last comment brings a sharper edge to William's voice.]

Do not think me incapable of punishing you for insubordination even as I am.

Nfu, you know I don't mind being punished by you, Will. The chill in the air is warmer than you are right now, and that alone sets fire to my heart~ [ufufufu you can never get away.

But, Grell is never one to work more than she has to and if getting Will his scythe back (forget the clothes, he can go without those) will help her, then she'll do it. With a shrug, she turns for the edge of the building.]

But, if you insist. Catch me if you can, love.

[She slips off the building and jumps to the next, heading for the town square.]

I will ensure that you do mind it, Grell Sutcliffe. I will not tolerate any eccentricities that only exasperate our predicament.

[But at last, Grell seems to be behaving herself: God's mysterious way of working in action. William of course follows after, eager to reclaim what is his. He may just be a little...tilted without his scythe.

He can absolutely keep up, however.]

[Eccentricities, you say? How about Grell doing unnecessary flips as she jumps from one building to another just so she can get a glimpse back at what Will is doing? And nfufu, he's so cute without his scythe.]

Considering we are stuck here, darling, eccentricities are all that we have for entertainment~

[Yes, that absolutely qualifies as both unnecessary and an eccentricity. Also, William dares you to comment on how cute he is, Grell. His foot will find your face.]

Perhaps that may be your attitude, but entertainment is not our first priority. That some force powerful enough to both imprison and alter us exists demands our attention regardless of other factors. Yet if what you claim is true, that Death itself is subverted here, then we have found ourselves among even worse violators than the one who so soundly thrashed you and Ronald Knox.

How unfortunate that I am forced to rely on you as the only other reaper present. [Sigh.] Truly those responsible are irredeemable.

[She lands on the edge of another roof and spins about to face him, frowning.]

That was different. If a certain hottie hadn't interfered, we would have him back headquarters under lock and key.

[OHO DID HE JUST SAY RELY? OHOHOHOHOHO - forget being angry, she smirks and jumps for him.]

Oh, Will~ Don't you worry! I'll take good care of you!

The presence of that demon is no excuse. You failed in your mission.

[William only stops because Grell currently serves as his guide. Otherwise, he would quickly leave the reaper behind in favor of nearly anything else.]

That is doubtful. Proceed, Grell Sutcliffe.

[Leaping to hug him then. 8D ]

Oh, you can be such a cruel slavedriver, Will~!

[And stepping away to avoid him. He sincerely hope Grell falls of the buildings for her efforts.]

I said to proceed.

[Which she does. Oops.

Give her a moment. She catches the edge of the ledge and pulls herself back up so she's hanging off it, looking up at him.]

Technically, darling, we're already here.

[She pushes off and drops to the ground.]

[William only adjusts his glasses before stepping off the roof himself, dropping cleanly to the ground.

...Except for that step he stumbles forward. But no one saw that.]

At last.

[And into the store he goes.]

[Totally saw that. Grell watches, smiles and follows after, trotting in.]

Clothes and such here. Across the way, items.

[And wisely kept her mouth shut about it. >B|

William follows Grell's gestures, but then hesitates. To find his items sooner, versus having Grell Sutcliffe put her hands on them...]

Very well. I doubt the search will take me long.

[No, no touching for Grell.]

Oh, I doubt it very much, but do take your time. [Nfu, and she'll just be off to find what she can of his while he's distracted.]

001 [action/accidental video]

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