thedispatch | (no subject)

(no subject)

[ It's happening once again - her life, flashing before her eyes.

The shock that gripped her chest, as the demon grasped her face, muttering against her lips that it would erase the pain of her pathetic existence. Meeting William's gaze with excitement as they threw themselves into the throes of battle. Launching herself at him when he'd announced that they would be investigating a case together. Waking up that morning in a cold bed, before pulling herself out of it to piece herself together.

Hundreds of other beginnings like it, contrasting the liveliness she threw into her days, the unusual occurrences that came with her occupation, and the way her heart twists around that one special man. A time of fiery passion, bloodshed, lust - so brief, less than a thousand days of bliss, before reality tore the blanket from her eyes. Thirty-six-thousand like the ones that proceeded them. Love. Meeting William. Rage. Being "reborn," they said. Throwing herself into the ocean from cliffs high above.....

Her body relaxes as it all fades away. It's nearly bliss-- until the beast tears her scythe from her hands to plunge through her chest. Its laugh is wretched, gravely, as it steps on her shoulder to remove the blade and brandish against William.

It slowly walks back, giving the man the unspoken option to pursue it for battle, or approach his colleague. ]

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[ Already digging in for her second bite, and repeating the same process with only slightly more caution, she watches him as he speaks. Pauses, to pick up a napkin and press it to her lips. ]

Perhaps I shouldn't have said that. [ Her lids flutter as she stares down into her plate. ] I've been so focused on how-- [ A small shake of the head. ] -- new and alarming everything seems. Even when you told me your perspective, I hadn't taken the time to understand it.

We've all felt the same, upon arriving in this world. It isn't something that is easy to process, at first. Unfortunately, we've both been known to disregard each other's perspectives, needs or requests. I suppose this is the perfect time to mend that between us.

[ Look, he's putting in effort to build an actual friendship! ]

[ Raising her eyes to meet his once more, she nods with something of an embarrassed, lopsided little smile. ]

I'd like that.

[ Though he doesn't smile, the look on his face is calm enough to portray one in its own William type way. ]

What else would you like to know, then?

[ Still smiling, as she looks down to her plate, she continues to prod at it as she hums. ]

Tell me more about how we met, perhaps.

[ After finishing another bite, and taking a sip of tea, he clears his throat. ]

We were partnered for our final at the Academy. It was our first time judging and reaping a soul, and you were rather displeased at being paired with me.

[ At the mention of an academy, her brows furrow with some amusement. So they were put through school for reaping. Of course. ]

Really? Why was that?

I believe you said that, as a B grade student, I wasn't worth your time.

[ While at the time, the comment didn't faze him in the slightest, now there seems to be a bit of bitterness at the memory. ]

[ Yikes. She vaguely grimaces behind a sip of tea. ]

Well, clearly, you changed my mind-- yes?

Very much so.

[ He'll leave it vague for as long as he can. ]

There was a bit of climbing to be done in office ranks, but eventually we were both given positions in Collections.

[ The fork remains in her mouth, as she mulls that over a bit. There seems to be a very particular topic that he's dodgy about, but she hasn't figured out what it is yet. There's definitely a suspicion that lingers in her eye, though! ]

Is that a desirable branch, then? Collections?

It's the only one which handles the actual reaping of souls. So, assuming that is what you'd prefer to do, then yes. You always preferred it to any desk work.

[ Finishing off half his sandwich, he eases back into the chair with his tea. ]

I do suppose that sounds boring. Terribly.

[ A hum. ]

Though, if I was such a good student, I would imagine I couldn't mind it too much.

You're exceptional in the field. When you're doing as instructed.

[ Best to clarify! ]

Your grades in exams and ethics weren't nearly as impressive.

[ An understanding hum, as that somehow makes more sense to her. ]

Did we decide on the same area of work together, then?

Not precisely. You constantly nagged at me until I applied, as well.

[ An exasperated sigh accompanies his words. ]

[ There's something of a laugh on her breath. ]

But you did! I'd say that's close enough.

I suppose. I was promoted to head of Dispatch after a short time. Essentially, I assign all the souls to be reaped to Collections agents. Though with such little help, I'm forced to go into the field far more than I would hope.

Ah. You don't enjoy it as much as I do, then, hm?

[ Finally, she finishes her pasta- and heaves a heavy sigh. She's SO FULL, but after being as hungry as she was, it's a very satisfying feeling. ]

Do we work together on the field often?

Honestly, for me it is merely a job that needs to be done. And I prefer to do it as quickly and efficiently as possible so I don't have to work overtime. You, however, get exceptionally excited at the idea death.

[ William decides the remainder of his sandwich will be saved for this evening and tucks it back away in his hammerspace. ]

Mostly, I work at your side to keep you focused on the task at hand.

[ One moment, William has his sandwich container, and the next, it's gone. The redhead ends up staring at his empty hand, whilst she settles back with her tea. Maybe she needs a nap. ]

--Keep me focused. Right. [ A sniff. ] I have to admit, I don't quite understand... It's something I'm apparently good at, and I find it exciting, but what goes into it? We don't guide them to the light, or anything of the sort, do we?

[ He catches the perplexed look on her face, and makes a mental note to explain that to her, as well. ]

No. Mortals are scheduled to die up to a month before. When their time arrives, we use our death scythes to release their cinematic record. It is a literal cinematic film reel that plays their entire life for us. We use that to determine whether or not they should be spared. Which is a very rare occurrence. After that, the fate of their soul is out of our hands.

[ With a knit in her brow, she frowns. ]

I fail to see how that's exciting. Sorry.

It is when other supernatural beings interrupt our work that you get excitable. You like the fight, the challenge. Which, as you can see, can have quite dire consequences.

[ He gestures to her and the machine she's hooked to. ]

[ Gaze following his movement, she's reminded of what the nurses had said to her. ]

That's right. Those women had said that a demon got the best of me, as though it were another Tuesday.

[ Humming, she sets aside her tea for the time being. She's already full enough. ]

I suppose that all adds up, then.