Chapter 1
Alexandria flipped the sign at the front window to indicate that the store was now “closed” before sinking into a rocking chair.
She had spent all night carving that damn pig because she knew she wouldn’t have enough time to do it during the day. Apparently, her parents didn’t think she had enough to do. Alexandria hated them, she hated the boring store she worked at, she hated the way everything she did revolved around her father, and she hated her boring life. She stood up in frustration. She knew she was destined for something better than spending her whole life wallowing in the filthy London streets, but she could see no escape. She extinguished all the lights and walked up the stairs to her bedroom. Feeling depressed, she opened the door.
“YOU GOT ACCEPTED!!!!”
Alexandria nearly fell down the stairs in shock. A young man was lounging on her bed, twisting a beet-red lock of hair around his finger.
“AHH! What the- how did you get in here?!”
He leapt up gracefully from the bed. “You got accepted! Isn’t that great?” he repeated, holding out an envelope. She snatched it from his hand.
“Who are you?!”
“You don’t recognize me?”
“Should I?”
“Why, I am the great Reaper Grell Sutcliff! A-Rank soul-collector and passionate lover!” He let out a seductive purr that made Alexandria feel nauseous.
“Ok, Mr. Sutcliff, what the hell are you doing in my bedroom?”
“I already said, you got accepted! Oh, just read the letter; It’ll explain everything.
Still suspicious, Alexandria opened the letter.
Alexandria Mae Stapleton,
By the request of A-Class Shinigami Grell Sutcliff, we have collectively decided to allow you to prove your worth as a soul collector by participating at an official pre-test to assess your skills in academics, ability to make ethical decisions, and physical capabilities. If you pass, you may be accepted into the prestigious Academy of Shinigami where you will train to become a Grim Reaper. You will report to Staffroom 5 at midnight tonight.
Sincerely,
The Official Shinigami Board of Education
“What kind of rubbish is this?” She retorted.
“It’s not rubbish! It means you can be a Grim Reaper like me!”
“No, surely I can’t really become a…a…”
“A Demi-God? Of course you can! Now, c’mon, the meetings only in an hour!” he extended a gloved hand.
Alexandria hesitated. She examined the “Demi-God”. He had a slender frame, porcelain skin, floor-length, blood-red hair, and a pair of feline, emerald eyes. His features did seem a bit too… perfect to be human. She knew that he was probably just some pedophile looking for some fun, but she also knew that if she didn’t accept it would haunt her for the rest of her life. Besides, anything was better than spending the rest of her years cooped up in a meat store.
Decided, Alexandria took the man’s hand.
- - ҉ - -
Alexandria stared in awe at the office building. Grell mentioned an official center for all Grim Reapers, but to think it was so immeasurably big…
“C’mon, Zandry, we’re gonna be late!” Grell called.
“Wait, what did you just call me?”
Grell half led, half dragged her into the building and into a small room with a bunch of buttons on a panel. He pushed one and the doors slid shut. The room sort of vibrated for a few moments, and the doors re-opened to an entirely new hallway.
“What kind of Sorcery is this?!” She gasped.
“Well, it’s called electricity, but we’ll get to that later.” His face spread into a shark-like grin that made chills run down her spine. He guided her down a few more hallways before stopping in front of a wooden door.
“Good luck!” He whispered before shoving her inside. She was flung into a white room with a long row of finely-dressed, clean-shaven men sitting at a table, staring directly at her.
She had never been more terrified in her life.
- - ҉ - -
“Alexandria Mae Stapleton.” The man in the middle began before Alexandria could even fully comprehend what was going on. “By the request of A-Class Shinigami Grell Sutcliff, we have collectively decided to allow you to prove your worth as a soul collector by participating at an official pre-test to assess your skills in academics, ability to make ethical decisions, and physical capabilities.” She barely noticed that he was merely reciting the letter she received earlier. “If you pass, you may be accepted into the prestigious Academy of Shinigami where you will train to become a Grim Reaper. You will first complete two written exams and then participate in a physical course. Do you have any further questions?”
“Uh…”
“Please step through the door on your right.”
“Bu… wait…” she said weakly as two arms guided her through another door. She found herself in a small, blank room with a single table. Atop were two packets of paper and a pen.
“Once you are finished with the written portion, you may continue to the practical exam through this door.” He exited through a door opposite the one she came through. She caught a glimpse of a swimming pool before it slammed shut.
This was going to be a long night.
YOU ARE READING
The Story of Zandry the Reaper
FanficAlexandria Stapleton was nothing less than evil. Heartless and cunning, she was obviously meant for something far greater than spending her whole life manning her father's meat shop, but opportunity is hard to find in the filthy London streets. But...
