The librarian let out an exasperated gasp as she fell to the ground, hitting it hard. The phantom, now seperated, let out a shrill scream, and Ray, used the last of her phantasia to strike it, sending it away from the living realm.

Beatrice sighed, and let go of her scythe, leaving Antonio to trip over himself. She folded her weapon and clipped it to her belt while walking to the librarian laying on the cold ground.

What was once a greying color was now a silvery-white head of hair. Her breathing was heavy and quick, as if she had almost been shocked to death.

“I got you, ma’am,” Beatrice helped her up. “Take it slow, now.”

Ray put her scythe away and met with the two, giving a dreadful shadowed look at Antonio as the rest of the reapers caught up. She leaned close to Miss Haul and cupped her face in her hands, studying her face carefully.

“Can you open your eyes for me?” She asked slowly.

The librarian sloggishly looked up. Her eyes were clouded with darkness, black spots between the two.

Ray sighed. “It’s not too bad, I would say about a third percent gone.” She let go of Miss Haul, allowing the woman to lean on a helpful Beatrice. Ray turned to the other reapers watching behind her. “Are all the ghosts taken care of?”

They all nodded, putting their scythes away except for a squirrelly Antonio. They all stared at him with big eyes, whispering amongst each other.

“Then we’re done here,” Ray said with a hint of annoyance. She led the group out of the library.

The reapers were met outside by officers and worried patrons. Clerics ran to Miss Haul and Beatrice, taking the poor woman away. Beatrice let her go, and met up with her partner. They were immediately swarmed by people asking too many questions for their interest.

“She’ll be fine, don’t worry folks,” Beatrice said, waving the people off. “Some time at the guild in recovery will do her fine. Please let us through, thank you.”

* * *

The reapers convened back at the guild, quiet but finicky. Antonio slacked behind. He knew what he would be in for as they got there. Thankfully for him, Ray left him alone, leaving Beatrice to chastise  him.

“Antonio,” Beatrice began, trying to sound soft, “what did we say about teamwork?” She put a hand on his shoulder.

“S-sorry Miss Bea, I just saw the chance and I…” Antonio trailed off.

“We told you to leave the phantom to Ray and I, yes? And you didn’t have a ghost orb active. Do you know what would have happened if I didn’t stop you?”

Antonio swallowed. “Ms. Haul would have gotten hurt.”

“Right. So let’s not do that again next time, okay?” Beatrice said, pulling away from him.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Beatrice moved on to catch up with Ray in the lounge, private quarters for the reaper officers. Ray flopped herself on the couch, exhausted and out of breath.

“You were too nice to him,” she said, voice muffled under a cushion.

“You’re always too mean to him,” Beatrice teased. She jumped on the couch with Ray in it, sitting on top of her partner’s legs. “You doing okay?”

“Mmf.”

Beatrice let out a small laugh. Ray repositioned herself properly, and leaned against the other reaper. “I need a nap,” she said quietly.

Before she could say anything else, the two were interrupted by the loud noise of the doors opening. Ray flinched, and pulled herself away from Beatrice.

“Good you’re back,” a handsome voice said, addressing the two.

“Dirk,” Beatrice said, a bit of passive-aggression in her voice. She cocked her head to look at him from the couch. “Good to see you.”

He ignored her. “I’m glad you’re back,” he leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on Ray’s head. “I’m sure you’re exhausted, Ramona. You should get some sleep, you have a funeral to attend in the morning.” He rubbed Ray’s shoulders then pulled back, giving Beatrice a nasty look. “You should get going too, Beatrice. Clementine is waiting for you.”

Beatrice sighed and jumped up from her spot. She adjusted her coat and cravat and looked at Ray with a warm glow. “Good night,” she said sweetly. “See ya,” she playfully brushed Dirk away with a look of resentment.