goesbythebook | 001 [action/accidental video]

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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[...Oh, he knows that voice.

William spins around, of course not looking for a book but instead an unwelcome presence who has clearly arrived only to make the situation worse.]

Grell Sutcliffe. Show yourself.

Ah ah ah~ Manners now, Will. What's the magic work~?

Do not play games. We are already certain to accrue overtime as it stands.

You will reveal yourself and explain what situation you have doubtlessly caused us to fall into, now.

Now why do you think it is my fault? If I were to kidnap you, I certainly wouldn't leave you alone, hm?

Besides, I'm trapped, too, and that is the last thing I'd want seeing how I just came back from suspension.

It is beyond my capacity to even remotely understand the rationale behind any of your actions.

[Although William must silently admit, it is unlike that thing not to make an attempt to inappropriately grope him.]

You sound certain in that conclusion. Explain.

Knowing you, you're likely up high somewhere so I shall come find you.

Play nice with the other residents while I'm looking, dearest. You're going to be stuck with them for awhile.

...Thank you.

[Although William highly doubts he'll feel any gratitude--especially since Grell's hints only indicate further annoyance ahead.]

Hm~~~? I didn't quite hear that, William~

Do not dawdle, Grell Sutcliffe.

Nfu, I do love it when you're cross.

[Not even dignifying that with a response.]

[rude

Have a bright red eyesore of a death god, pop up onto the roof from the opposing side about twenty minutes later.]

I say, this may be the first time I've ever seen you out of uniform, Will.

[Deal.]

Do not think that I would be so by my own choice, much less for your entertainment.

[As rigid as ever, William turns toward Grell.]

I told you not to delay. What reason do you have for taking so long?

You could have told me where you were, you know. It's not as if I can scour the entire world in a heartbeat.

[She saunters over and pulls a black coat out.]

Besides, I thought you might be cold, William. Although if you aren't in need of it, I don't mind seeing you like this, either.

Of course you wouldn't. Breach of proper dress has never bothered you.

[William holds his hand out for that coat now.]

You were speaking to me before. How far away could you have possibly been?

[Yep, you're not getting this coat anytime soon. Instead, she motions to the book on the ledge.]

Communication device. A bit like a telephone, but you can see people through it. Handy little thing. Much better than sending birds off to summon people.

Welcome to Luceti, darling.

[All sparkles and insubordination. William is not amused, and his frown deepens.]

The coat, Grell Sutcliffe.

[Although the information about the book does warrant a glance. First, however, is dressing himself.]

Hmph, if you insist.

[Prancing over to try and put it over his shoulders - never mind that his wings might be sensitive. What's a little love without a little pain?]

[Oh as if William is going to let him. Grell will have that coat removed from his hands the moment it's in reached. William is perfectly capable of dressing himself.

...Oh, but he was not expecting the pain. Even as he slides the coat on, William winces at the pressure put on his wings.]

Honestly, things continue to grow more irritating.

[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.

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