#the grim reaper appeared once telling me to keep it a secret till it was ready

[ghost-hawk]

Fair enough

But I’ve also been damaged since I was 3 or 4 and talking was never my strong suit

[owlsbride]

This Too Shall Pass

Chapter III: The Reaper.

London was no longer London. At least not the London he had come to love. Now it was a mix of modern buildings as tall as the sky itself. The old carriages over the years had been replaced by modern cars much faster and more compact at the same time. Now there were buses and even high-speed subway trains. Modernity was a new world and infinite possibilities. There was no misinterpretation, he had adapted well throughout all these years. He had learned to use every technological advance that came his way: cell phones, computers, the glorious internet, television. He even enjoyed from time to time going to the movies. He had learned that the latter was not significantly different from how people's cinematics records worked and that in a way filled him with pride. Even if he was a deserter, he had to accept that his people were far more intelligent and advanced than humans. He was used to modern life; it could be said that he even enjoyed it. He had come to learn some of the little pleasures that this era could bring him. He could sit for hours in some trendy little cafe, (where in order to pay a cup of tea, a regular person would have to consider selling a kidney on the black market) just to watch humans live their lives as fast as possible, coming and going without even pausing for a second to look to the side or behind, without even having the slightest consideration for what they did to the other or to the world in which they lived. These people lived oblivious of the finiteness and fragility of their bodies. They walked around proud of their cars, their clothes, their lovers and their promising careers, never stopping to look at or ask the needs of the others, never acknowledging that in the end death was inevitable and that at the last breath she equalled them all. Royalty, politicians, businessmen or beggars, they would all follow the same path and some of his former colleagues would be willing and able to judge them and take them without the possibility of the slightest protest. Oh these humans, they would never know what they got till is lost forever. He had lost everything once, even his sanity, and he was sure he would not do it again. Not now that he saw things as they were. His obsession with death had long been replaced by his obsession with life. That was what had driven him away from what had made him a legend so long ago, and what drives him crazy every time a little more. It was the burning desire to know what life was afterlife itself. How to prolong it, recover lost moments, and why not, create new ones. How to find once again what was lost and how to restore it as an exquisite work of art. Ironically, to reach his goal, he needed death: he was tied to it, and just today, in these times, the business of death was dying. Hilarious. Something as simple as passing, now it was complicated. In the good old days, when he had decided to turn his back on everything he knew, he had become London's best-known mortician. With his small business in Camden Town, he had had access to the most extraordinary elites of English society, and yet also made important contacts with simple commoners. As an undertaker, he had connections, the most varied and they all turned to him. Of course, he was not moved by money, he had never cared, he simply demanded in return a good joke that would make him laugh. After all, even death was not to be taken too seriously. He ran his business diligently getting to know more people than he ever imagined, one more curious and entertaining than the other. As an informant for the queen's watchdogs, he had managed to get into the elite, and thus each subject of study reached him without significant problems. He was happy, Oh what wouldn't he give for listening to the Earl's little voice once more asking for information? That butler was an incredible specimen, and he would have loved to dissect him. Oh lord, if only the little boy wouldn't be so stubborn about his stupid vengeance. Today the Parlour was not enough. Undertaker knew that if he wanted to continue his investigations even nearly 200 years later and with many incredible technological improvements, he had to be able to access another source of income. Modern times meant diversifying. Today, everyone's favourite mortician was no longer called to make arrangements for the afterlife. No. Now there were hundreds of other undertakers who did the same as him. Therefore, a place in the hospital morgue had been secured for some time. Who better than him, after years and years of seeing corpses to perform an autopsy and making himself time to take a look at his hidden agenda secretly? So yes, Undertaker was happy. Even if he missed the old times sometimes, he still ran his Parlour in the afternoons and was a forensic doc in the mornings. Just like a superhero with a secret identity, thinking about it, too many identities. Undertaker was sitting on the counter at his place, his long booted legs swinging lazily. The newspaper rested next to him, he had just finished reading the news, and they were hopeless, people in London were dying in droves, more like hundreds a day and that sort of hurt. Of course, he had witnessed other pandemics and knew very well what the consequences were. Not only did people die from the disease itself, but the devastation left, and the collateral damages were incalculable. It was as if the Horseman of the Apocalypse from the bible really put his feet on the slaughtered Earth. Undertaker knew that by now his fellow shinigamis would be desperate from overwork and felt sorry for them. How much would the lists of people to die have increased in recent months? He also felt sorry for the doctors who work non-stop to save lives. Two sides of the same coin: medical services and shinigamis, both barely surpassed by an infamous virus invisible to everyone's eyes, even his own. He regretted his work in the hospital too, it had been interrupted in these months, and he no longer had access to people's bodies for security measures. Obviously, the virus did not affect him in the least, but he had to keep up appearances. He sighed bored as his black nails drummed on the surface of the counter, he had no pending work, and he only had to wait. Sighed and wait. No more laugh, no more research, no more hilarious strange glances from his fellow doctors, nothing. Just desolation in every corner. His day couldn't get any worse, he burnt his bone-shaped cookies and was running out of tea. He would have to go to the store soon. He hated the store, he much preferred Lau's herbs, even the funny ones, those who made people laugh and relax when used in the right amount, and if not, still, he was not one to judge. So picking up the keys, he was ready to go out when something or somebody took him by surprise. "Heh heh, but if it's none other than the red shinigami ~ Tell me, sweety, Dear William gave you some free time?" "Undertaker, always a pleasure ..." Grell began nervously. Being in front of the legend of the shinigamis made him nervous "I have a favour to ask you." "A favour? Hmm ... How long has it been since the last one?" The silver-haired man chuckled, removing his bangs from his eyes. "You know what to do ~ give it to me first. Come on, you know what I want." "Undertaker ..." Grell pleaded "Now is not the time, besides you know I don't know how to do it." "My my, your face is priceless; you are still a nervous wreck." The Undertaker smiled almost fondly at the younger reaper. "What do you want?" "I need you ..." Undertaker raised an interested eyebrow, putting the keys back where he had found them, the tea could wait. Not every day a Shinigami would show up at the doors of a deserter asking for help. "I mean... WE need you." "You mean the London Despatch?..." Disbelief in his words, Grell nodded "Now, that's the joke of the century Grell, come on, I don't have time, I'm running out of tea". Grell Sutcliff rolled his eyes. He hadn't changed in years, Undertaker was just the same and he kind of like it. If it weren't for his relationship with William, Oh, the things he could do to the revel grim reaper in front of him. "Really, Undertaker? Is that what you do now? Take tea like an old lady?" the red-head spoke loudly, pointing at Undertaker's hidden scythe. "Well ... I'm quite old after all" Undertaker smiled and Grell pouted. "Ok, Ok. Why don't you take a seat on one of my special coffins and explain yourself?" Grell blew out the breath he didn't know he was holding and accepted the invitation. It was his idea after all, and he couldn't bring a no for an answer to his beloved William.

The chilly winter covered the city with a heavy mist. The sky threatened to snow at any moment. It didn't take long to convince him. Once young Grell Sutcliff had finished telling him his crazy plan and talked about how much the Despatch needed the help, he was ready to go. Plus, the red riper dared to say that the snob William T. Spears would have more than a headache knowing that he, the renegade shinigami, would accomplish the task better and faster, and nothing made him happier than bother poor Will. He was ready to wear the shinigami outfit one more time. He had to admit that he had missed it and that there was nothing like fieldwork. He was prepared to prove that no one could ever match him. Within just a few hours, he had been able to carry out the work of four shinigamis together and was just getting started. He caressed his lifelong companion with devotion, he had never gotten rid of his lover, and today they were walking together once more. His scythe was fantastic, and he loved her. Standing on the terrace of the hospital, he checked the list one more time. There were only two names left before the end of the shift when something caught his attention. She wasn't on the list moments ago. Her name had appeared suddenly, and she should not be there: Gwenhwyfar O'Doherty. He knew her, he had seen her from time to time in the corridors of the hospital. The young Irish doctor, lovely green eyes, cute freckles, she was so full of life. Working diligently every day to save others and yet here she was about to take the somersault that would make her, at best, one of his own kind. She wasn't ready to go, the world needed her. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, dear~ You are very much need it right now~." and his soft chuckle got lost in the winter night.

[supaliaxpress]

Episode 11 Goblin Review: So you did come and go for a moment in my life

OMG!!! I TOTALLY DID NOT SEE THAT COMING AT THE END!!! DID YOU??? :O Be warned, this is going to be a longer review (episode 11) because it’s both couples combined. 

Shin discovers that Sunny is the reincarnation of this sister and immediately goes to talk with her and showers her with gifts and the words that he never had the opportunity to say. Of course, Sunny has no idea what’s going on and it was hilarious how she had to tell GR to do something about the hugging big brother, lol. What’s interesting out of this situation are 1) Eun Tak was jealous, 2) GR was slightly jealous, 3) Shin was overprotective, and 4) Sunny was totally confused. But what I admire most were how Eun Tak became understanding of the situation between the siblings, how GR is considerate of Shin’s feelings towards finally meeting his sister, how Shin wasn’t forceful towards Sunny to remember, and how Sunny was considerate to give Shin a chance to explain himself. It was very nice of Eun Tak and GR to give Shin and Sunny space to discuss between the siblings - especially since it was Eun Tak who initiated it showing how she supports Shin by holding his hand for assertion. We find out more about Kim Sun’s tragic fate and how she protected the king till the very end.

HOW DID HE KNOW!?!?! :O DAEBAK!!

We learn a little more about Wang Yeo and Kim Sun… how Wang Yeo became more jealous of Shin with each victory until his bow-string broke and missed his shots. Making missed shots and one’s bow-string breaking symbolize disappointment in goals and a bad journey, which foreshadow the path that Wang Yeo will take. However, Kim Sun was diligently watching him from afar and it’s important to note that she and Sunny say the exact same things about their man, “But why is it that he hasn’t come to see me even once? He sure knows how to make a woman lovesick!” Both Wang Yeo and GR sure love to make their girl wait for them until their lovesick, lol. We get the same flashback scenes from before until we get a confrontation between the two - how Wang Yeo sent his wife to her death by giving her an ultimatum of choosing between her family or him (just saying but that was a jerk move). Since she probably loved the king, she chose her death to protect him from Joong Won as well as she couldn't betray her brother either. After hearing her past life's tragic fate, Sunny's heart began to hurt which is the same spot where Kim Sun was shot with the arrow. But despite hearing the story and seeing the painting of her past self, it wasn't enough for her memories to return. She still thinks of GR and wants to see him... which he does see her out, but he doesn't have any confidence to ask her to stay because he feels he has no right to do so since they "broke up." Again, Sunny and Kim Sun both said the same thing to their man, “You really are wicked,” which I found quite amusing since their roles in the relationship haven’t changed at all with Sunny and the Queen both wanting to get closer to their man but GR and Wang Yeo both holding back (in this case, GR being secretive because he’s a grim reaper and Wang Yeo being jealous/paranoid because of Shin). 

It was finally revealed that Wang Yeo was the one who painted the portrait of Kim Sun and it makes sense why GR cried upon seeing the portrait, “… it’s a painting of her through his eyes and contains that man’s regrets, sins, and longing toward her.” So if objects contain the original owner’s feelings, why didn’t Sunny feel anything when wearing the ring? Perhaps she will now that she knows she’s the reincarnation of the queen? Eun Tak worried about Sunny and went to check on her; it seems that Sunny felt sick ever since hearing the Queen’s story and feels an unexplainable pain in her heart. At her place, she questions Eun Tak about their true identities, but Eun Tak doesn’t reveal anything being considerate of GR and Shin. It was adorable how Shin was waiting for her as he walked behind her the whole time and Eun Tak expressed her feelings how her world differs from a “normal human.” It’s nice to see how their relationship has developed and they can openly joke with each other while discussing a serious topic. 

Probably the most touching scene in this episode was when Samshin came to Eun Tai’s graduation. I FUCKIN CRIED MY EYES OUT. T.T First, it’s important to note how Eun Tak finally makes a friend, but it’s a totally new experience for her since she’s never really conversed/exchanged numbers with another human besides ghosts (and Tae Hee). THEN SAMSHIN CAME IN LIKE A BOSS AND STOLE THE ENTIRE SCENE!! I was crying when Eun Tak finally realized who she was when Samshin touched her cheek and said she was happy when she created her. She gave Eun Tak a bouquet of cotton which symbolizes protection, success/wealth, and healing - things that Samshin probably desires for all of her children and particularly Eun Tak who has a tragic fate tied with Shin. 

The most important scene contributing to Samshin’s character was when she told the teacher, “Child. Couldn’t you be a better teacher? Couldn’t you be a more brilliant teacher?” This shows that, despite Samshin being a goddess, she doesn’t interfere with her children’s destinies/choices even though she desires the best for everyone. She probably protects everyone to a certain extent until letting them go to live their own life and hoping that they will make good decisions - what parents should do and hope for their children. BUT THE NEXT SCENE KILLED ME!! Upon seeing the teacher’s face, Shin remembered the first time he saw her and her future - EUN TAK WAS IN HIS VISION!!! Seeing the face of the teacher made Shin realize that he had already seen Eun Tak’s face (and therefore him being apart of her future) and realized that they were truly fated to meet, “So you did come and go for a moment in my life, I see.” So what does this mean? Perhaps he cannot actually see Eun Tak’s future, but maybe he can see her future through the eyes of other people and maybe through his own (maybe that’s why he can’t see himself in her future because it’s actually him who’s there with her witnessing it, hence the scene of the two people holding the flower in front of Eun Tak and it matches what Shin is seeing presently compared to the future vision)!! DAEBAK! :O 

We get some more cute Eun Tak and Shin interaction: Shin indirectly confessing his “first love,” Eun Tak saying IDGAF (lmao this was hilarious), Shin taking pictures of Eun Tak and calling her pretty, Eun Tak being grateful for her high school experience despite the ups and downs, and Eun Tak expressing her appreciation for Shin being in her life. It was great how Shin and Eun Tak were considerate of GR and Sunny - they left the two lovebirds alone, lol. It was funny how they both wanted to see each other, but they couldn’t do it directly by using Eun Tak’s graduation as the excuse. For the first time, GR was honest with his feelings towards Sunny and about who he is, “I wanted to give flowers to someone, just once. I’m sure you won’t believe me, but I don’t really know who I am, either.” I’m not really sure what type of flowers GR gave to Sunny, but just the fact that they were “yellow flowers” symbolize happiness, respect, renewing a relationship, and the Sun - characteristics of Sunny and their relationship. With Eun Tak turning 20, Shin delivers her mother’s insurance money to her informing that her aunt gave legal consent - what’s significant of this scene is how selfless Eun Tak is as she grows up and matures. In the end, she doesn’t know what to do with the money since she’s always lived a humble life and she even showed concern for her Aunt’s family though she has every right to not care about them (I hope they never appear in her life ever again… ugh). 

It’s inevitable to ignore the tragic death fate of Shin and Eun Tak and GR informs Shin of another death card announcement. It’s important how Shin is taking a stance against fate despite knowing what’s considered the best choice, “I’m going to try and not do what’s for the best.” He tells Eun Tak the truth because he doesn’t want to keep secrets from her and it’s heartbreaking to see her burst into tears learning that one of them must die for the other to live. What’s even more important was the order of Eun Tak’s decisions: 1) she chose her death first because she’s selfless, 2) she chose Shin’s death second because she doesn't want him to suffer immortally alone, and 3) thirdly, she chose for them to die together because it will hurt for either one of them to be left alone while the other one dies. BUT the fourth decision of them living together was asserted by Shin - I FRIGGIN LOVED HOW IT WAS INITIATED BY HIM AND HOW HE SAID HER NAME!!! This shows that they both equally give to the relationship and how they support each other to overcome challenges. It also shows how Shin no longer thinks of death, but he is choosing life and that he will do everything in his power to protect her, “I might be an even greater person than you may think.” I personally think this line represents the concept of Shin choosing to protect a human with is powers despite he shouldn’t become intertwined with a human’s fate - the first time he said this was to Goryeo-era young DH because he was the first human Shin wanted to protect as a goblin. What’s even more admirable was how quickly Eun Tak came to terms with her fate, how mature she is on her outlook on life, and how strong-spirited she is despite knowing that death is around the corner - she has every right to be afraid and to be depressed, but instead she chose to fight and to continue on truly living everyday because she’s not alone. She’s growing up so well, Shin is adorable, and they’re so friggin cute together. T.T

And finally, Sunny discovers the truth about GR’s true identity. I believe GR was going to personally tell her the truth… but unfortunately it happened that way because GR hesitated and Sunny saw him disappear. The cherry blossom is iconic in this scene because it also symbolizes enlightenment - Sunny learning that GR is a grim reaper. It broke my heart when GR said, “I knew we could never be. But I dreamed of a happy ending for us. But it turned out to be a tragic one,” - essentially their past lives’ story in a nutshell. And our girl Eun Tak is just way too kind (and naive) that she didn’t realize she walked right into death’s arms - sheesh, it would’ve been nice to know ahead of time that her ghost friend’s ex-husband was a murderer. :/ But damnit… Stop being so friggin hot, Shin… despite Eun Tak not wanting to call her boyfriend over because she was probably worried for the guy’s sake - Shin comes and saves her (I seriously thought he killed him lmao)! She even blocks Shin from her ghost friends and they can finally rest in peace. However, though Shin was probably really angry at the ghosts for putting Eun Tak in danger and her being unaware of it, he was most glad that she’s safe & unharmed and I loved how she was able to break the mood to still joke with him to cheer him up. I just love how he’s tall and she fits perfectly under his chin when they hug. >.< And then we learn that the other special case GR was talking about was not Shin… but actually Park Joong Won. 

With his purple lips, skin coloration, and stiff body, I believe these are due to rigor mortis (stiffness), livor mortis (purple-dark coloration of skin b/c of blood), and tache noire (black spots and darkening of mucous/tongue) which are all occurrences of post mortem. It seems like Joong Won is indeed “alive” but doesn’t seem to be human either - therefore, he could possibly be two things: 1) a demon, or 2) a gangshi. I’m leaning towards gangshi because they are usually depicted being very stiff, decaying, dressed in official robes, and are caused by the spirit not properly leaving the body because of improper death, suicide, or wanting to cause trouble which fits Joong Won’s character (he’s evil and was traumatically killed by Shin). FUCK!!! EUN TAK BETTER NOT GRAB HIS HAND BECAUSE THEY FEED BY EATING THE LIFE SOURCE OF OTHER LIVING BEINGS!!! Dx So in conclusion, that jerk is back as an even more terrible monster but this confirms that Secretary Kim is NOT him (YES!! He’s way to precious to be that jerk). The best thing about this episode was the contrast of the romantic relationships and how they are developing at their own pace, while their friendship with each other grows as they confide and learn more about each other. The main couple is BEAUTIFUL as they are working together to live happily despite their tragic fate. The second couple is still trying to find balance as they finally reveal their honest selves to each other - now all is left is to accept each other for who they are. Since the new episode comes out today, I’m not going to predict much except for 1) we’ll learn more about DH’s true identity, 2) it’ll finally be revealed soon that GR is Wang Yeo, and 3) Shin better eventually exterminate that motherfucker for good or else I’ll have to do it (I apologize for my vulgar language). 

Also, just some appreciation and shout out to this grim reaper! I personally feel the same as I haven’t been as punctual with my reviews lately... sorry guys... life is killing me atm along with Goblin feels. 

Other Reviews: 

Episode 1-4 Review: Our Homegirl Eun-tak

Episode 5 Review: 10 years into the future, You’re still beautiful and bright as ever, but I’m not the one beside you

Episode 3-6 Review: I can’t help but stare at your smile (Grim Reaper x Sunny Relationship Review)

Episode 6 Review: If you had really been a bad person, he only would’ve created a Goblin, and not the Goblin’s Bride

Episode 7-8 Review: It couldn’t be helped that this was the beginning of this tragic love story (Grim Reaper x Sunny Relationship Review)

Episode 7 Review: Is the thing that I’m trying to steal one more glimpse of… my own immortal life? Or, is it your face?

Episode 8 Review: I beseech the heavens and ask that, on a certain day, after 100 years, on an adequate day... I can finally tell her she was my first love

Episode 9-10 Review: I was thinking about whether or not I should hold your hand one more time (Grim Reaper x Sunny)

Episode 9 Review: I’d like it if I could use that as an excuse to continue on living on... together, with you

Episode 10 Review: Your magic doesn’t work on me.. you can never escape me

Episode 12 Review: An absolute fate that is beyond human beings’ eternities

Episode 13 Review: My Life must have been a reward because I met you

Episode 14 Review: Please, someone save me from this curse

Episode 15 & 16 Review: The Person left behind must go on living life

Deok Hwa and Grandpa Theory Review: From this moment on, this child will serve you, your Lordship

Important Anon Question regarding Pedophilia