The Shinigami Nursery 2 (Sequel)

Chapter 5 - Harrowing

The children galloped happily along the curved path, which led to a small park in the Reaper Realm. Public children's play parks hadn't been introduced into he human world yet, and besides, Adrian figured it was good for the little ones to play with others of their kind. It was far different than playing with human children.

Grell immediately ran for the jungle gym; he was quite the little acrobat and seemed to want to keep a trained physical form. Adrian assumed he'd be a ballerina when he was older. "Maybe I should start him on dance lessons..." he mused to himself. The jungle gym was also where the most kids were, so it gave the little attention seeker all the fame he could get when he or on a show for the other kids. Adrian was so happy his little boy had friends.

William ran to the swings immediately and grabbed the first one he saw. It was too tall for him. "Uncle Undie!" He called, aiming out his arms and making grabby hands. It was one of the few totally innocent and childish gestures he made. "Need up!"

"Of course, your highness," Adrian chuckled and set William into the baby swing, with his feet dangling through the leg holes. He handed the eldest of his reaper children a set of colouring pens and some parchment. "Colour me a picture while you're up there, okay?"

You might think that while giving the two boys all this attention, Adrian wouldn't have noticed Ronald slowly shuffle off to the Eden of the park, and sit by himself against a tree. He just watched all the other children. Adrian wondered what was wrong: he was fine when they left the house!

The grey haired reaper walked over to his infant son, who didn't even look up at him. "Hey buddy," Adrian smiled, settling himself down beside Ronald. "It looks to me like someone needs a cuddle,"

Of course the toddler couldn't resist crawling into Adrian's lap and laying his head against his chest. But he still didn't speak.

"Can you tell me what's bothering you?"

"Can't pway with all them," he sniffled.

The little reaper shook his head. Adrian sighed, stumped for ideas. "Why can't you play with them?"

"They're big boys. I'm tiny," this was true. Aside from being the youngest Ronald was also the smallest, least charismatic as he liked William's powerful glare and Grell's flamboyant style. Adrian got an idea, and pulled the child's ear close to his mouth. His teeth grazing on the skin.

"You know what's great about being the youngest?"

"What?"

He smiled and started tickling his youngest charge's sides. "You get to take all my attention!"

Everything was silent, bar the old grandfather clock sitting sorrowfully in the corner of the funeral parlour, chiming in a rhythm which didn't actually made the units of time. Greatly was still crying, trying to wipe his running mascara on his sleeve. William was sitting, poised and patient, waiting for whatever was going to happen to happen. A look of painful acceptance graced his flawless porcelain skin. Undertaker had been sitting hunch's over his desk, resting his head on the wood which can't have been comfortable. He was just staring at the wall, thinking. Until he noticed something, and perked his head up slightly. Like a cat registering some far away, threatening noise.

"Where's Ronnie?" He asked suddenly. Great only seemed to notice the absence of the younger reaper, realising he hadn't yet returned from his phone call with Eric. William had probably known for a long time, but had either not cared or not wanted to say anything out of discomfort.

"Oh, he has been gone a while," Grell reasoned. "I'll go and check on him,"

The reaper walked daintily, perfectly in his heels to the door they'd seen Ronald rush into. He knocked. "Ronnie? Are you in there?"

The door opened to reveal an empty room, the teddy bear clearly lying crumpled in the bin. The window was open, harsh rain battering against it as the storm outside grew torrential. Ronald had left. "Undie! Will!" Grell called, causing both men to rush through. They came to the same conclusion as he did once they surveyed the place.

"Damn, he's gone," Undertaker snarled, his effervescent act dropped. "Will, you inform Eric. Grell, you stay here with Alan while I go look for him. I have a feeling where he might be,"