Thirtieth Reel: A Comeback [Video]

[redcinemareel]

[It's been a while since Grell and the other kidnapped children were rescued. She kept mostly to her home, which is steadily being filled with new people. That's another story. Right now, Grell is well groomed and looks healthier than when she was rescued. Her usual lengthy hair is in a better state, as well as her physical appearance. She's gained back most of her muscle definition and her weight, but it's only been a week. Recovery is still going on. That doesn't mean she can't make herself feel good by looking nice. Standing in front of the Everglade Sherrif's Station, Grell stands in front of a podium equipped with a few microphones, not paying heed to the clicks of cameras or clamoring of questions thrown her way. They have every right to want answers, but not today. The speech she's about to make has been written and practices over and over, and today's the day to see how well it goes.] Ladies and gentleman, thank you for coming. As there is an open investigation going on, I cannot go into further detail about the kidnappings nor the details of my absence in relation to them. That isn't why I'm standing before you, anyway. I'm standing here to announce my indefinite leave of absence as City Guardian of Everglade. [She allows the clicks of cameras and murmurs to subside before continuing.] I'm not fully recovered from the aforementioned ordeal, and returning to work before that wouldn't be a smart move. I can't put my full focus on this position if I'm to focus on my own health as well, and we're all aware of just how strenuous this job can be. [A small smirk forms on her lips, because WOW is that an understatement.] In my place, Seth Rim and Hikaru Takeda will act as co-guardians. Deputy Guardian Marco is officially terminated as of this moment. The paperwork for all of the above has been handed in and approved. I will still be available, although I'll be sticking to filing paperwork that needs attention most of the time. Any deputies Seth and Hikaru would like to appoint will be personally paid for by me in the case they are unable to work on a volunteer basis. I'd like to thank everyone for their support and well wishes up until now. It's been an honor and pleasure to serve the public, and I will continue to do so as a regular citizen of this world. [And with that, Grell turns to leave, ignoring the new barrage of inquiries. She's saving her patience for when Remilia contacts her. Surely Grell's gonna get an earful.]

Comments

voice

[immortalrose]

[Augustine actually winces a little once this announcement rolls on in like a marching lion. He almost feels sympathy for Marco, keyword there being "almost". He's grateful the man is spared a jail cell but still, news of his termination is quite shocking. Nevertheless, Augustine is merely glad this ordeal has ended.

Although, it seems that Everglade will need a new "Guardian". The acting co-Guardians are must be temporary at best which means everything is building up for the inevitable election. So this begs the question: what will happen until then? Augustine doesn't want to worry himself about that for now. He's content to leave the politics to the seasoned professionals.]

That's that, I suppose.

[He pauses for a moment as he tempts the idea of turning off his phone. Augustine lingers there in silence for a short moment before teasingly saying the following.]

Spare your dear husband from the dog house, madam. He meant well.

voice

[redcinemareel]

[Once in the privacy of her own compounds, Grell replies to the voice message.] Oh, he's most certainly not anywhere near there. I can't really blame him for what he's done. Surely I would've done something similar. But the public needs a scapegoat, and he doesn't really mind being fired. [Marco is probably rejoicing as she speaks.]

[Voice]

[uccellodifuoco]

[It's not really in his nature to be a servant and he has no intentions of doing so. But there's that and there's "trying to be helpful and care about those who are being kind enough to let you stay with them". And Marco can say all he wants that his wife doesn't mind, but Ikki prefers to make things his own way, like he did back in Nautilus when Ace took him to Sanji's place but he still wanted to do something for the actual owner of the place.

So once Grell is done with the speech and back at the safety of her home... Ikki chimes in through the network, he would have gone to her door but he's still learning the place's layout and feels that would be too intruding.]

I'm preparing some tea, would you want a cup? Maybe something to eat?

[Voice]

[redcinemareel]

[The last time she met Ikki, it was on the seas. They had a decent exchange of words, just the one time, which is pretty good in her record books. Most conversations with Grell evolve into spite. It's odd that he doesn't remember her from then, but that's fine. Starting fresh is just what she needs. His offer for tea is very welcomed as she gives a soft smile in response.] You have the best timing, dear. Tea sounds lovely. [Her stride doesn't stop, and seems to be picking up in pace a bit.] Is there biscuits, or did someone get to them already? [She bets it could be either Marco or Mey-Rin.]

[Video]

[kalmaleader]

[Another high-ranking official quitting their position after a bad experience? Well, Qubine can't hold it too strongly against Grell. At least Grell has done her fair share of the work as City Guardian, and perhaps she has truly reached the end of her rope.]

Welcome back.

[He's curious about the details of her kidnapping, but she's already said she won't divulge any more info on that.]

...I never thought one such as yourself could be kidnapped.

[Video]

[redcinemareel]

Thank you. It's good to be back. [She didn't expect to ever be welcomed by a dragon.] That's...a bit of a story. But truth be told, no one is immune to being spirited away. We're all examples of that.

private video

[captain_by_the_book]

[ A little later, giving her time to make it home and for Cassian to digest the news... and change gears from the angry speech that had been building up in him for weeks and is now pointless aimed at her. ]

For what it's worth, I'm sorry it has ended like this. I enjoyed our cooperation. Everglade and Attleton were a good team.

[ While it lasted. ]

Re: private video

[fierybluebird]

[HIJACKS GRELL'S COMM.] It's not forever, idiot. She's just taking a break until she's recovered and to avoid conflict of interest, for the sake of you namby pamby [High-pitched falsetto:] "Why can't we all just along?!" types.

[Audio]

[scarlet_devil]

[ Remilia is very much glad this whole mess seems to be over, not only that, the stupid bird got the boot. ]

And somehow Everglade didn't get burned to the ground. I swear I can still smell soot!

[Audio]

[redcinemareel]

At least no one took advantage of the situation. [It really could have been worse. Looting, riots, murders...unless it did and they just don't know about them yet.]

Action

[fierybluebird]

[Gently massages!!! HE LOVES YOU!!! FEEL BETTER!!!]

Action

[redcinemareel]

[Marco is the best! Fresh roses everywhere, a flower crown, massages...really, he went all out for her! So here she is, relaxing into those capable hands.]

[Video/Private]

[singinghuntress]

Vell, zhat could haf been a lot vorse.

[Of course, Rip was talking about the entire situation really, but. To be fair, she's also not surprised by Grell's announcements and amused by Marco's termination. Somehow, she knew that was one of the Phoenix's favorite part.]

I'm razher sure Marco's happy at being fired.

[Video/Private]

[redcinemareel]

[Did she ever get to say how much she missed having a friend like Rip? Because she did. Grell grins brightly with a nod.] Oh, he's ecstatic~! He can be my trophy husband from now on. [She's teasing somewhat.] But once he finds out what I have in store for us, he'll be over the moon with his current status. [It's the second reason why she was gone in the first place.] How does it feel to be here with your sweetheart?

[Video]

[k2so]

Did you kill your husband!?

[Sorry Grell, being 'terminated' in Kay's world means something harsher than just losing your job.]

[Video]

[fierybluebird]

K2.... I was fired. She could set me on fire and I wouldn't die.

Text

[unbridledtiger]

[Seth isn't big on words and while he's standing near by during the speech, he decides to text his ex. boss instead of actually speaking to her.]

Glad you're feeling better. If you need anything hit me up.

Text

[redcinemareel]

[She doesn't check her device until after her speech. Seth, why didn't you wait until later to text her? Not near cameras!] Thank you, Seth. I'll be sure to do so. I'm sure you, Hikaru, and the rest of the team will be fine.|

[Video]

[fairysoul]

Welcome back, Grell.

[She would say that if she needs anything, she only needs to ask. But Grell is not the type to hesitate to ask.]

Thanks for the update. I hope you'll be fully recovered soon.

[Video]

[redcinemareel]

Thank you. It's good to be back. Same here. I'm really not used to being idle. [Even though she won't be for long.]

video;

[stairsbro]

Dang. Shitty news but at least you look hot.

video;

[redcinemareel]

[She's so used to quips like this that she actually laughs a bit.] As always, you have a way with words, Dave. Thank you.

voice;

[unhappy]

Welcome back!

[ Just like that. No hard feelings, Grell. She actually doesn't actively hate Grell, Marco, and Namur anyway. Though she stands by what she said about Remilia and Maribelle. ]

voice;

[redcinemareel]

[Now that's a voice she doesn't actually expect. At first Grell raises an eyebrow before simply shrugging and responding.] Thank you. There must have been far more chaos than I caught up on for being welcomed back.

[video]//locked

[thatched]

Hey there, madam guardian, I have a proposition for you.

[video]//locked

[redcinemareel]

[INTEREST PIQUED] Ah~? What sort of proposition?

[private voice]

[eatsfish]

I'm so incredibly relieved that you've returned. I think you made a wise decision. If you need anything at all, please let me know. I'm aware that I have plenty to make up for considering how untimely my own absence was.

[private voice]

[redcinemareel]

At least your whereabouts could easily be checked. But it's good for both of us to be back. Thank you. As much as I'd like to just get on with my work, it's...not going to be as easy as I had initially thought. [She's gotta deal with some issues.] But in the meantime, you may want to tighten security, and keep that button I gave you close at hand.