Ill Omen

Side Chapter - Look Death In The Face

(A/N: This is an alternative timeline in which Reaper is an unofficial Operator at Rhodes Island, yet still a Grimm Reaper. It's just snippets of her life.)

————————————————————————

It was an achingly long time in which no one in the kitchen spoke. There was just the clanging of dishes and utensils. No one spoke a word.

Perhaps they were a bit reluctant to do so in its presence. The shadow that stood faithfully and silently beside the Ursus girl at all times was admitted very intimidating. The kitchen staff were actually starting to worry that others would avoid the food due to their constant presence.

"Um....Makaria?" Gummy suddenly whispered towards the reaper.

"Yes child?"

"Erm....nevermind."

Gummy took a moment to glance around the room once more. The other staff were cleaning up the kitchen as usual. Bringing things to the sinks to be cleaned and packaging the leftovers.

But they were staying at least two feet away from Gummy at all times. She knew the reason too.

That reason being the five foot eleven creature of pure shadows right next to her.

She had explained it to them multiple times that Makaria meant no harm. That she was just really intimidating looking but that was the extent of it.

Sure, she could probably kill everyone in this room without even moving, but she won't.

That should mean something.

"Um...Courier?" She called out carefully.

The Kuranta boy stopped what he was doing and gave her a friendly smile.

"Yes, Gummy? Is something wrong?" He asked.

She didn't miss the way his eyes flickered towards the shadow behind her, as if silently asking a question.

"No no everything is really great! I think I'm going to head out early. Istina wanted me to come with her to some bookclub meeting so I better get going now. Can you spread the word?" She asked.

He nodded.

"Of course. Leave it to me. Enjoy the bookclub." He said.

Gummy nodded.

"Come on, Makaria. Let's go." She said to the other that was beside her.

-

"I don't recall you mentioning an activity scheduled with your companion, child. Is there perhaps another reason for your hasty departure?"

Gummy sighed heavily as she led the other down the hallway. Again, they were getting strange looks. Really she should've been used to this by now, but it was hard to get used to being so ostracized.

"Sorry about all that. Everyone is just very weary around you, I guess. But I'm sure they'll get used to it!" She tried to reassure the other.

While she couldn't actually see the face of the other girl, she could imagine the same old dead stare.

"I do not care if they never accept me among them. I am not one of them. They have the right to fear me. However, I worry that you will be shunned in turn if I continue to remain in your presence. Perhaps it's best if I-"

Gummy widened her eyes and quickly shook her head.

"No no no no, I don't care what others think of me. You're not a problem at all! If they avoid me because of you, then let them! Just....please....don't leave me." The last part was nothing more than a whisper.