goesbythebook | 002

002 | video

[When the video clicks on, a man in a pair of glasses is visible. He is dressed in a tuxedo, perfectly dressed, and appears in one of the many apartments in Luceti. This room, however, seems to have been converted into an office. Two desks are visible behind him, one tidy while one is chaotic. Both hold several files and other papers.

William has been busy--and by extension, Grell.

The man adjusts his glasses, then begins to address the book in front of him.]

Attention, residents of Luceti.

I am William T. Spears. [There is a pause here, as if the speaker is used to saying more but forcing himself to hold back. After that moment, however, the voice continues.] I am investigating the odd phenomenon of life and death here: specifically, how beings who die are somehow revived. To that effect, I would be thankful if those who have died, either in their own worlds or here, would respond with whatever details they can provide about the incidents.

In particular, the following information would be most useful:

-If you experienced the phenomenon of seeing your life flash before your eyes.
-If you recall anything that happened after the moment of death but before the return to life.
-If you can describe your condition upon returning to life in regard to injury or other alteration. The addition of the wings and barcode that are standard for those in Luceti should not be included in such a report.

Thank you all for your time and cooperation.

[The man in the picture bows then, briefly, before turning off the feed.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

.....What are you doing?!

Conducting an investigation. [ Duh. B| ]

Honestly, Grell Sutcliffe. That should be clear, even to someone as delinquent as you.

Investigations are supposed to be undercover, Will! What do you call this?!

Utilizing available resources to maximize effectiveness. [ Duh. B| ]

I revealed nothing of our positions or our organization. Our cover remains in tact.

You are absolutely impossible sometimes. Do you really think people shall just willingly give up this information?

...Although I guess you have learned since we were in Academy.

Clearly you have not read the books we are issued. They release such information quite frequently.

[ Duh. B| ]

Honestly. To think that one such as you would dare to question my methods, when you are barely off suspension for your prior violations.

Ugh, don't remind me. That was the most boring thing ever. I don't mind being scolded by you, but being banned from work? The absolute worst.

Then perhaps you will keep your behavior in check in the future.

[Du--oh no, wait.]

However, I remain doubtful of that.

You can't put me on suspension here, Will.

...

Technically, we're both suspended as long as we're here.

I can confiscate your Death Scythe if necessary.

[Ugh. Don't remind him.]

[WHAT]

Oh, now that's just rude!

Honestly. [William sighs the sigh of the long-suffering manager.] Grell Sutcliffe. You cannot say an act is rude simply because it irritates you. Particularly not when you bring it upon yourself.

Nothing in the rules says I can't say it. [HAA]

And you're not to touch her. I just got her back - and I put the paperwork in for her, so you can't take her away again.

I can and will if you violate the rules. [DOUBLE HAA.] It is my duty as your supervisor to discipline you as necessary.

Which is quite often, in your case.

To be honest, if it's you doing the disciplining, I don't mind so much. Your stern hand sets my heart on fire, Will~

[HAA, TAKE THAT!!!]

And clearly you have learned nothing since our Academy days.

[Because ew, Grell. Ew.]

I've learned what a sexy man you can be.

[UFUFUFUFU]

Your speech continues to lack either decency or relevance.

It's that cold attitude of yours I love so, Will~ Your lack of affection is so exciting.

Please stop talking now.

Are you getting any answers? I mean, useful ones.

There have been several replies. Their usefulness remains to be seen.

That's the way of this village. Helpful is one thing, useful is another.

[sigh]

As long as you don't make me do the paperwork for it, I don't really care which way it is. I still prefer to do my work hands-on.

Do you have a preference for which experience we tell of? And will you keep any names of people who provided information to yourself?

[Basically, Leonhardt doesn't mind sharing, but he's trying to keep this quiet from those who are not from his world or otherwise direct witnesses.

And of course it needs not be said that he'll be reading any other responses since he has some curiosity on the subject.]

Have you died multiple times? Honestly. [William lets out a quiet sigh.] The continued violation of natural order in his place is unbearable. Regardless, it could help to hear of all encounters you have had with death.

Of course, any information will be kept confidential. Regardless of the trash I am forced to work with, I handle all such matters professionally.

[And since William appears to prefer voice, Leonhardt will switch to that.]

Once in my world, and once here. It isn't all that uncommon, it seems, for people to come here after their death.

For both instances, I do not recall the first two things you ask about. When I arrived here I found my injuries mostly healed, though not completely. It took some time to recover from that, but it was a vast improvement over how I was before arrival here. [And by some time, he means a week and dying again. But that isn't something he's getting into with a stranger.] The second time I returned in perfect health, no alterations.

[There is the click of a pen on William's end, and the soft sounds of him scribbling down information as it's offered. He pauses, however, frowning at the book.]

The second instance--you died in this world, but with no repercussions? That is contrary to the standard information provided in the New Feather Guide.

I had thought by alterations you meant more to our body immediately upon returning. There was a loss, but nothing I can't live without since it is something that is a service provided in the village already.

[ Asking so plainly, huh.. Still, anything involving death always manages to draw Natsuno's attention, so he starts writing a reply. ]

Do you have any idea so far about how the people who die here are revived? I can supply the information you want in return for your thoughts on it.

Whatever means are no doubt unnatural and a violation of God's principles.

[Congratulations. You have received thoughts.]

What I can provide will be limited. I am bound by the regulations of a certain organization.

I understood that much. [ such a helpful person, William. ] And what kind of organization are we talking about here? It's not like said organisation's rules even count for Luceti, right?

I have died once in this world. Unfortunately, I do not recall the first two things you mentioned. All I can remember is my own awareness slipping away to nothing. I woke up, still very sore in my left side, where I had suffered that fatal wound. For my death penalty, I was unable to wield light-based magic.

Thank you for your response. [William is making notations in a file as he speaks.] Before your death, was your magical ability a strong one?

Strong? I believe it was, and still is, though it may be debatable.

I've died once before, during a draft. It all happened so fast, I didn't have time to think...nor do I recall what happened before I was revived. When I awoke, my wings were sore. I mention them because that's how I died; they were ripped off. There was a death penalty, of course, but I didn't realize until later what it was, and have since had that removed.

...Removed?

[Now that gets William's interest. He looks up from the file where he's taking notes.] I was unaware that was possible. Could you give me more detail?

Of course. I found out through a friend that all I had to do was contact John. Once a time was set up, I disappeared from town for a few days. I awoke near the tunnel, a bit disoriented but otherwise fine.

No, yes, and while I'm flattered you want to know what I look like under my clothes I'm going to have to respectfully decline your advances.

[ What, you wanted a serious answer? ]

I could see the dead back at home. Still applicable?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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