thedispatch | The next afterlife

The next afterlife

[ In hindsight, it was obvious. Reapers worked tirelessly, for centuries, trying to reach that one final goal - to be forgiven. For most, the feat of learning the value of life was impossible. The depression that lingered with them after they took their own lives was only compounded by their roles as death gods. So many joyous lives cut short, the lucky mortal's record almost mocking the unfortunate reapers as they watched the panels flip past their eyes. Most would forget they even had a chance to be forgiven, drowning in the enteral job set before them.

But, on rare occurrences, a reaper would find themselves before a jury, summoned away from their desks overflowing with paperwork on scheduled deaths. That is where William stands now. And perhaps even more surprising, is the other who stands beside him - Grell Sutcliffe. William had hardly believed himself capable of forgiveness, but the redhead...she'd looked at the mortal realm and laughed, hardly caring (and often finding it amusing) if she was the listed cause of death for some of those unfortunate people. How she is here, as well, is beyond him.

The committee has decided the both of you have come to an understanding on how valuable life truly is.

The woman at the centre of the row of judges addresses them both. William's brow creases, but he refrains from asking the obvious question of why, lest he ruin their chances at eternal peace.

Now that that matter is dealt with, we will move on to assessing your sins as a mortal.

William's expression quickly shifts to honest surprise, his eyes widening and blinking in confusion. The term 'forgiven' had been a misnomer since the beginning. How had he been so naive to think all their wrong doings while they'd been alive would be waved off as if they'd meant nothing? Swallowing heavily, he gives a brief side glance to Grell. For the first time, in this afterlife, he is scared. ]

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[ William attempts to spin them around in place, something that's not easily achievable with wings! Thus, he falters, nearly dropping Grell in the process. At least he catches her around the waist with one arm, her feet dangling freely below. And in true William fashion, he's less focused on her predicament than the area she'd been indicating moments before. ]

There's a rather large building there. Perhaps someone will take a bit of pity on us and give us some information.

[ Grell shrieks, tail straight out and bristled to about twice it’s size! Thankfully, FOR HIM, she somehow resists the urge to hook her claws into him and climb her way back up!

Still, she reaches up to grab at his shoulders - those nails just barely avoiding the worst - and pulls herself up enough to wrap her arms around his waist and hold on for fear life.

With the mightiest huff, she attempts to shake off that panic! ]

Sure! Whatever you please! Just get us down from here!

[ Of course all her flailing and near clawing at him has him frowning down at her. He huffs but hoists her up further so she can at least reach for his shoulders more easily. ]

Honestly, aren't felines meant to land on their feet, whatever the case?

[ Others may have meant that as a joke, but William would be the one to purposefully drop her and just assume she'd land gracefully. But, now having a place to head towards, she won't be placed back on solid ground until they're before the grand building. ]

[ Arms snug over his shoulders, she rests her chin atop one, but not without a grumpy tick of the tongue! ]

I only appear to be partly so— and with that in mind, I don’t hope to chance it!

[ She hums. ]

Although, I certainly hope we maintained the resilience we had as reapers… After so long, I don’t know that I’m mentally equipped to properly avoid danger.

Edited 2022-01-03 03:20 (UTC)

Considering you actively seek it out, I'm convinced you are incapable. If we aren't as we were as reapers, I won't be able to jump in and save you each time you act so carelessly. I would advise you to keep that in mind.

[ Finally landing, the hustle and bustle around the building seems to indicate a hub of some sort. And as they enter, it's more obvious what these rings Charlie had vaguely mentioned are. Literal levels of Hell, accessed by an actual elevator. It'd be a strange take on the flourish and drama mortals believe the afterlife consists of, if William wasn't already exhaustingly used to purgatory being a desk job.

Though, one thing does seem a bit odd. They seem to be the only demons here, the entirety of the crowd consisting of tiny horned imps. ]

[ William has been adept at playing the role of her savior in the past, but hearing it now, she realizes that putting herself in danger might put him at risk, as well! It’s an odd feeling— she’s not good at this responsibility thing, so it’s pretty intimidating, actually. She doesn’t want to fail him. All this time, he’s been the one rock she’s had to cling to.

As such, she reaches to take his hand, while they navigate through the crowd. ]

Well, you’ve taken us right to it. What luck!

[ And though there were a variety of creatures outside, it would be incredibly difficult to miss that the building’s occupants were below waist level, and all red! It has her crooning in wonder and confusion! ]

What are they? [ Leaning forward, she tilts her head whilst getting a better look at some passing by. ] Almost cute, wouldn’t you say?

[ The few that overhear her shoot looks of distaste, though one in particular decides to flip her off - making sure it’s above head, so it might be more at eye level, with a hearty, “Fuck off!”

With a hard blink, she stands upright to look at William with shock - and amusement, thankfully. ]

Sod off, yourself.

[ Why William felt the need to retort when he usually couldn't care less what other's opinions were has him frowning at himself. Was it because it was directed towards Grell? Is he suddenly feeling overly protective?? He shakes it off, surveying the rest of the room instead. ]

I can only imagine they were born of this realm.

[ A large colorful screen hangs in the center of the station. It lists the various sins mortals were always warned against, along side, what William can only assume is, times of arrival. ]

What could be different for each? I wouldn't call what we've seen on this level to consist of anything prideful.

[ With another blink, Grell’s lips part with the most delighted surprise! Was William defending her honor?

Lucky for him, he distracts her before she can comment on it - but, nonetheless, she has stepped over to slink up against him with a purr of satisfaction. ]

Well, that, I cannot say. We appear to have gone off script from Dante’s reiteration.

[ With her head tilted back to read the sign in full, she idly draws a finger beneath her chin. ]

Purgatory, would have been considered the first ring, to start - and Pride, well, I don’t believe that was one of them at all! I can’t imagine the rest of it would hold any weight, considering.

[ Digging a hand into her fringe to push it back momentarily, she sighs! ]

Well, I suppose we could just opt for the soonest departure, whiiich— just so happens to be ✨lu-uuust✨.

[ Tugging at his arm, there’s a gleeful bounce to her step! ]

Doesn’t that sound fun?

[ He follows, albeit with a huff. Of them all, this one could be the most predictable as to what it holds. And considering they just had quite a nice shag at the hotel, he wouldn't be able to argue that he's not interested in lewd sexual activities.

With all of the tiny creatures around them being too short to see the marks on the ex-reapers' backs, they're quick to assume the two must be newly damned and too stupid to know they can't leave the Pride Ring. Many of the imps around them start to snicker as they step onto the elevator. Others curse them saying they're gonna be late if the stupid demons don't get off. But when the doors close anyway, the realization that the two were reapers comes over all of them and there's wave of laughter through the crowd. "Man, you two really got fucked over!" "Bet they worked their asses off too!" "Oh yeah, I saw these two on last night's episode of Purgatory: Surprise Damnation!"

William glances to Grell, wondering how long it will take her to start punting the rude little imps. ]

[ Grell is so accustomed to negative attention, she hardly pays it any attention, at first - but once the little devils start their heckling, her fur begins to bristle, her ears gradually burn red! She’s unable to contain herself, then; snatching one up by it horns, she lifts the fiend to eye-level, snarling with her maw of ragged teeth. In fact, have they grown even more? ]

It would appear that our documentary neglected to inform you that I might be the most bloodthirsty bitch of our age!

[ Without further warning, she tosses the imp up just enough that she could readjust her hold, and swing him like a baseball bat, right into another smartassed bystander. The crowd topples back a few feet, and their reactions are mixed; some relocate toward the back of the floor, and others are ready to jump at her!

Now that she’s riled up, Grell is more ready than ever to take them on! It doesn’t matter that she doesn’t have her scythe - she’ll just as well take them in hand-to-hand combat! Extending her newly-acquired claws, her features twist in a grin that would put the Cheshire Cat to shame!

But wait— the raised fur at her forearms warps into enlarged blades! Even more concerning, they begin to move! It’s a slow roll, at first, building speed until they’re whirring to life, much like the belt on her once-beloved chainsaw.

It catches her a bit off-guard, and briefly raises her arms to witness it with question - MANY questions, in fact - but, never mind the impossible, she’s ready to roll with it!! ]

Edited 2022-01-08 10:49 (UTC)

[ Obviously used to Grell's tantrums, William barely pays it any mind. The largest reaction will be the raise of an eyebrow at the odd ability her fur takes on.

Hm. Interesting interpretation.

[ And highly appropriate for her, he muses aloud, sidestepping a swipe of her arm that comes just a hair too close to his face for his liking. It isn't until the elevator has arrived, and the doors open that he makes further commentary. ]

We are here. Let's go.

[ Fearlessly, he yanks at Grell's tail to gain her attention and urge her on. ]

[ By the time the elevator arrives at their destination, the crowd rushes out around them, eager to escape the mess they had been caged into. And it’s quite the mess, indeed. One of the seating installations has been splintered to bits, there’s imp blood everywhere, and one of them is howling about losing half a horn - and yet, there are no fatalities. This is, in part, part due to the little creatures being dodgy and ferocious, but clearly, she was more interested in leaving an impression than killing them. Mostly because she might like them!

Still, once she feels the yank of her tail, she’s ready to pounce the culprit… though, upon seeing William, pauses mid-swipe. ]

Already? Well! Impressive.

[ Punting an imp that’s latched himself onto her leg with its teeth, she huffs with a flip of the hair. ]

I hope you all remember the mercy I’ve shown you today. [ Scooping up William’s arm, she’s ready to exit! ]

I am simply thankful I no longer have to clean up your messes.

[ Cause that elevator definitely needs tending to now!

Allowing her to cling to his arm, they exit the terminal. The garishly pink overtone of the Pride Ring has been replaced with cool blue tones. Rather pleasing to the eye, really, until you note all the flashing neon signs advertising XXX theaters and stores. ]

Ah. I suppose this one was a bit predictable.

—oh.

[ Blue simply wasn’t what she had expected. It doesn’t evoke the sensation of lust at all!

However, when her eyes take in the sight of those wholly foreign neon lights, seemingly sizzling in the cold night air, it makes much more sense to her. She hums, as thought it might be acceptable after all. ]

My, some of these establishments are busy. [ She eyes the line outside of “Ozzie’s”, extending around the corner of the block. ] While that somehow makes it more— tantalizing, I couldn’t possibly suffer through my impatience. [ A sigh! ] Well, since I picked the ring, why don’t you select our next destination, my love? Keep in mind, we still need to find you some food!

[ Yeah, there's no way he's waiting on a line that long. Plus he's doubtful they'd be able to swipe some free food at such a high class looking place. So William chooses a random direction to head in, strolling quietly beside Grell and frowning disapprovingly at the lewd window displays nearly every store has.

Eventually he pauses outside a rather elegant looking place. The shop's name, Le Voyeur, is spelt out on the store front in delicate calligraphy. And while the title of the restaurant has William raising a brow in suspicion, the promise that "Playful couples dine free!" on their placard seems promising. ]

Free? There must be some stipulation.

[ He examines the board for fine print, but no further information is given. ]

Le Voyeur~

[ Reading the sign aloud seems to be the only response to his query, because she believes it to be a pretty good hint. With a smirk, she tugs at his arm whilst heading for the entrance! ]

Can’t be too picky, given the circumstances, don’t you think?

[ A contemplative hum. ]

I mean, I’ve never been much for sharing, but perhaps a compromise can be made in some way.

[ Upon entering, the hostess greets them with a seductive purr-like tone. She's not an imp, but a succubus, dressed in a black garment that somehow presents itself as professional and racy, at the same time. William gives it a look over with a contemplative hum. He may have to keep that style in mind the next time Grell wants to go shop for clothes.

Oh, I do hope you two are here to perform. We've had so many requests for ex-reapers lately. The latest kink, it seems. She gives William, in particular, a wink before checking him out in return. ]

Perform?

[ He's sure he knows now what the name of the business meant, but he would rather have clarification first. ]

[ Grell is also drinking in the sight of this enchantress, and when it occurs to her that William might be doing the same, her gaze flickers toward him to confirm it. Jealousy has her tail thrashing, as the woman continues to lay it on thick. Somehow, it just isn’t as cute when someone else is doing it to her man!

Slinking up against William’s back, she drapes her arms over and about his shoulders, claws playing along the scoop of his top, whilst nuzzling her head aside his neck. That should give her the hint. ]

Yes, please— tell us all the sordid little details.

[ Unlike the women of the London Dispatch who know better than to flirt with William T. Spears, this lady shows no intention to back off. In fact, the possessiveness the redhead shows over this man has her all the more intrigued with the couple, if not also quite a bit turned on. She steps down from the stool she'd been perched upon, grabs her tablet, and crosses towards them.

Follow me to the back rooms and I'll share all the dirty secrets of this place~

Her eyes lock on Grell's, and with a lick of her lips, she runs a finger down the front of William's vest. Her painted nails hook into one of the straps as she tugs him to follow her. Which he does, with a surprising lack of complaints! ]

[ Grell becomes momentarily distracted by the tablet, allowing the succubus to get close! She’s touching William, now - pulling him away! Now, she could lock her hold on him, really sink in her claws… but she won’t, not to her dearest.

Still, it’s tempting, seeing as he’s not resisted the touch. What’s happened with his aversion to personal contact?

Crossing her arms with a frown, she pursues closely behind - until she is able to snatch the woman’s hand, and quite roughly pull her closer. This time, she’ll be the one to hold her gaze. ]

Tread carefully, darling.

[ Grell doesn’t quite push her in the direction that they were headed, but she might as well have! ]

[ It's when Grell shoves at her, that the woman grabs hold of her wrist, pulling herself right up against Grell's chest. Breast to breast, she teases her fingers along the delicate fabric of her dress. She leans in, as if to take Grell in a kiss, only to stop a breath away.

Jealousy looks exceptionally sexy on you.

With the succubus no longer focused on him, William shakes his head, as if coming out of a daze. Turning, he catches the sight of the two and interrupts with a loud clearing of his throat. It gets the lady's attention again and she grins.

Oh~ seems it looks great on both of you. I'll add that to your tags.

And as if nothing had happened between them, at all, she steps back, taking up her tablet to poke away at it.

Thoroughly lost at this terminology (and devise), William's creased brow shifts to one of confusion. ]

Tags?

—oh.

[ Grell is taken so off-guard that she seems to forget why she was angry! She’s always been the offending party, her outrageousness typically met with disgust— so, this? She’s not entirely sure what to do with it! A flush lightly kisses her skin upon feeling those wandering hands, she doesn’t even think to stop the kiss that is presumably happening!

And, just as suddenly, the succubus leaves her.

Wait, WAS William jealous? Because that’s the important thing to take away from this. Cupping her cheeks, she grins!

As for the tags, well, she actually was looking to William for his input, so now, she’s just left visibly shrugging. ]

I’m not going to wear a collar, if that’s what you’re insinuating.

[ The succubus pauses in her typing to give Grell a judging look. Wow, these reapers are either really old or really lame for not being up-to-date with the latest trends. A roll of her eyes.

No, it isn't. But that would get you some interesting patrons if you were willing.

A shrug and she holds the tablet higher, at eye level, to take photos of the two. The small flash the device makes has William blinking again, obviously not expecting it. ]

You didn't answer my question. And what is that damned thing?

[ I need to make profiles for you two. Tags are...keywords that let those interested know what you're willing to do. We also add ones for physical attributes. That red hair aught to get you a few takers. And this, She waggles the tablet around in the air in front of her. is a tablet. You should probably get with the times.

William has to replay her description in his head a few times, slowly understanding. Hopefully. ]

[ The flash leaves Grell blinking hard, briefly pressing the back of her palms over her eyes with a grumble. ]

Of course we’d need a photograph when I’m not wearing makeup… [ HEAVY SIGH. ]

Well, darling, how fortunate we must be, having you to show us. [ With planting her hands on her waist, it’s a surprise that she isn’t more annoyed by the other woman’s attitude. ] Not more than half a day in, no less!

[ In fact, she might even be amused by the other, to a degree. She’s inched closer to take a better peek at the screen, anyway. ]

[ What Grell will see is cropped versions of the photos she just snapped, then various questions with white boxes below each one, presumably for answers. If Grell's skilled at reading upside-down, she'll be able to read the tags the woman has already added.

#exreaper #fresh #freshmeat #couple #jealousy #reapereyes #redhead #redhair #blackhair #beast #furry #feline #catears #cattail #avian #feathers

She taps another section, one below 'Alias', then looks back up at the two.

Do you want to go anonymous or with a stage name - you know what, nevermind. You're new and I don't have time for you both to make one up. She types in 'Red' and 'Black' for each then moves on.

So, male. She indicates William with a casual point of her finger, then shifts it to Grell, giving her a look up and down, focusing on specific spots. And...both? A grin as she waits for the redhead's confirmation. ]

Edited 2022-01-29 03:33 (UTC)

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