A/N: Ok, gonna get back to Complicated now, it's only got a few more chapters to go. Then I'll majorly work on the Eric/Alan stuff before I get majorly on this. So... this chapter, Eric is still being a ass, Alan and Grell aren't helping and even Will is getting in on the act. Yay! Poor Ronnie though. Things get better for him, relatively. It's a dark story, so relatively is all your getting. Thanks for all the lovely reviews, please keep them coming.


Ronald had dreaded entering work the next morning. He'd handed in his transfer request straight after work, after spending a while in the bathroom. William would have it by now. Everyone would know, if not the entire of Dispatch then at least those four up at the top. Would they be pleased? Was they what they wanted? Did they want to get rid of him? He wandered through the halls in silence, his head low, getting the strange, irrational feeling that everyone was staring at him.

It was silly. He knew they weren't but he kept imagining their eyes on him. Almost the second he stepped into the main office to collect his assignments, their gazes fell on him. The four of them. They knew he'd asked for transfer. Alan was sitting on Eric's desk, with Eric himself lying back with his head in Alan's lap. Grell was painting his nails and William seemed to be lecturing them. But they all fell silent as he stepped in.

"We need to talk in my office, Knox," William said.

Ronald nodded and followed his through to his office, lowering his gaze as he passed the other three. William shut the door behind them and stood in front of his desk, waiting for the inevitable. After a few long moments, William dumped the paper on his desk.

"What is this, Knox?"

He leant over slightly and frowned, glancing up at his boss. "A transfer request."

"I know that," he hissed. "Now explain yourself."

"I don't-" He paused and lowered his head, taking a deep breath. "Regulations say I'm under no obligation to tell you anything that isn't on the form."

William narrowed his gaze and adjusted his glasses but seemed to remain calm. "You have a lot of potential, Knox, and your files say this is all you've wanted since you were young. If there is something going on in my department that has caused this it is important I know. The form says you want a transfer due to issues with co-workers. If there is something going on it's my job to know."

"It's nothing important," Ronald murmured.

"It's caused you to request a transfer."

He frowned and glanced away. "Mr Slingby and Mr Sutcliff and everything here… it's just too much, Mr Spears, I just can't handle it all. I'm not strong enough to handle all this. I need this transfer, Mr Spears, I'm not cut out to work here."

For a moment, Ronald was afraid William would refuse his request. Maybe he'd fabricate some reason to keep him here. Everyone needed someone to take out there frustrations on, didn't they? He was here for that, wasn't he?

"Alright, I'll approve your request and send it to head office with today's reports," William said. "You should have your transfer details tomorrow."

"Thank you, sir."

"Get to work."

Ronald nodded and turned away, hurrying out to get to work. This was going to be his last day of bullying from his seniors here. As he was passing, Eric casually swept his leg out from under him and Ronald went tumbling to the ground again. He groaned and sat up slowly, gazing up at them. Eric was sat up on his desk now, with Alan sitting behind him, leaning on his shoulders. Grell was still looking completely uninterested.

"My office, after work," William said firmly, glancing between the trio. "We need to talk. You should get to work, Knox. Don't think this means I won't give you overtime."

"Yes sir."

He scrambled to his feet as William handed out the assignments to the others. He wanted to get out into the field before they could hurt him more. They were so scary sometimes. At least most his assignments were alone today and out the way, so he wouldn't have to be near them. He needed to go before they caught him.

The day was tough, William had given him difficult assignments close together, like he wanted to make sure Ronald's last day was painful and tormenting as possible. He ended up trudging into the office to hand in his reports to find Eric, Alan and Grell sitting on the desk once more, waiting for William to talk with them no doubt. He knocked on the door quietly and William called him in. He set down his reports quietly and smiled weakly.

"Thank you, Knox," William said, getting up. He picked up the reports, and Ronald suddenly realised he was the last one. "I'm sorry things didn't work out for you here, Knox." The trio outside looked up at them blankly and Ronald nodded. "It should be arranged for you by tomorrow morning. I suggest you pack up your personal items tonight."

"Thank you, sir," Ronald said quietly.

William nodded and set the files on Alan's desk and put the transfer request on the top. "I trust you'll personally see to it that Mr Knox's transfer request arrives at the personnel office, Mr Humphries."

"Yes sir," Alan said.

"Thank you," Ronald said again. "Thank you for the chance to work here, it's been an amazing opportunity."

He smiled weakly and stepped back away from him and was about to turn away when Eric's foot hit the back of his legs again. This time Ronald was ready. He arched back and sprung off his hands to land on his feet. This was the last time he'd ever have to see them, he didn't care about what they thought anymore. Smiling brightly, he turned and strode away, pulling the door shut but paused as William spoke up again.

"You pushed him too far, you two."

"I thought he was stronger than that," Eric growled. "You know? I thought he was going to be a good one."

"We tried, William," Alan said quietly. "He seemed stronger than the others. We thought he could handle it. I was sure he'd be ok and pull through. I've never been wrong before."

"Maybe we went about it wrong," William muttered.

Ronald frowned. Were they trying to achieve something by tormenting him the way they had? What on earth was going on? William didn't seem to be telling them off for causing his transfer.

"We can't go about it wrong," Grell said, in a sing song voice. "Demons don't play fair."

Demons? Ronald blinked in confusion but shook his head. It didn't matter, did it? Whatever they wanted from him, it didn't matter anymore. He wasn't going to have to put up with them again. He was free from their influence.

"It seems we might have assessed the situation wrong," William said. "We have a rat problem. I'll trust you to deal with it, Slingby. I trust you won't mess this up. Alan, see to the files. Sutcliff, you're with me. Let's not screw up again, this could well be our last shot at this."

"Right."

Ronald turned away, deciding he didn't need to hear anymore. This wasn't right. He didn't need to think about this. He was never going to see them again. He was going to come in tomorrow and his new information would be there and he'd get to work. He smiled to himself and wandered down the halls, heading home.

As he went to close his door, there was a jolt and the door stopped. He went to turn but a hand clamped firmly over mouth. The door shut as he was pushed inside and the lock snapped into place. He had the horrible feeling he already knew who it was and why he was here. He was thrown to his bed and rolled over to find he was right. Eric was glaring down at him. He scrambled to sit up but Eric quickly pinned him down. They knew he'd been listening.

"You didn't think I'd let you go without saying good bye, did you, Knox?" he chuckled. Ronald glanced away but Eric dragged him back around. "That was a nice trick earlier. You know, I think you'll like it here."

"I'm not staying here," Ronald growled. "You heard Mr Spears, I'm being transferred."

"You really think so?" Eric purred.

"What are you-" His eyes widened and Eric smiled. Alan had taken his request. It wasn't going to make it, was it? "You can't do this! You can't keep me here! I'll just go about your head to the seniors."

"You can try," he murmured. "I doubt it'll work though."

"I heard you lot talking, I'll tell the seniors. I'll tell them what you did to me last night!"

"You really don't want to do that. I wouldn't," he said quietly. Ronald swallowed heavily and there was movement from the other room. "That you, love?"

"I have an idea," Alan called. "Bring him along."

Eric nodded and pulled Alan up, dragging him along behind them out into London. Where were they dragging him now? He pulled back and twisted as best he could but Eric kept a tight hold on his arms and dragged him along until they reached a rundown church with chained doors.

"What are you doing? Let me go!" he cried, digging in his heels. "Where are we going?"

Eric gave a frustrated sigh and yanked him forwards, throwing him over his shoulder as he had done the night before. And once again driving his shoulder into his stomach more than was necessary. Ronald groaned and laid just let him carry him, lying limply over his back.

Alan sighed and sped up from walking behind to take the lead. They ended up in the church and Ronald was dumped in a dusty stone box. It took a moment before he realised what it was. A coffin. The stone lid was moved back into place and he was plunged into darkness. All sounds outside were muffled and he could hardly even make out the difference in voices.


Ronald wandered along at William's side through the old church yard. The same abandoned church was waiting for them and they still had to use a porthole to pass through chained and locked doors. Eric, Alan and Grell were still waiting for them. Ronald smiled up at them and Grell waved back.

"Where've you been?" Eric growled.

"Please, love," Alan said. Ronald frowned. There was that cold, scathing edge to his seemingly sweet words again. Alan was the master of it. "We all know he's been in Miss Clements bosom again." Ronald blushed slightly and glanced away. "I'm surprised he can't smell you all over her."

Now Ronald wasn't sure if that cold edge was directed towards him or Eric. He was right though, that meant she had seen Eric naked to see that tattoo. Ronald smiled weakly. Eric glanced away and grumbled something. This was Ronald's life now. He'd never imagined it could ever happen, but he'd been sucked into it and they were his life. He could never leave them.

Not that he really wanted to. Ronald loved his seniors dearly but they were dark, cruel people, as he'd seen when he was younger. They'd pulled him into this tangled web, their dark, brutal world he'd never escape. When he'd been younger, he'd told himself it was just the job of a reaper. It was what they did.

There was a picnic blanket set out on the church floor, with food and drink already out. Reapers felt at home in churches. They had no qualms about having meetings and lunches in the beautiful architecture. They were gods of a kind, after all. They helped humans get closer to the heaven they believed in. They had no interest in whether there was a life after death, they just did their jobs. The idea that demons couldn't enter churches, while untrue, was also quite appealing.

Eric and Alan sat on the pillows around the blanket and William and Ronald joined them. Grell lingered a few moments before sitting too. As William set down a file and papers, Alan poured out the white wine for them. Ronald was constantly aware of how new to this he was. He just sat quietly between William and Eric, taking the glass that was handed to him and the food piled on his plate. He'd seen what they could put him through. He liked being their friend, but he didn't want to annoy them either.

"This is going to be difficult," William said quietly. "It may take some time. Several days, maybe weeks of investigation. The soul is scheduled to die in two months."

"Then, we should hurry," Alan said, folding his arms. "What's so difficult?"

"A syndicate," he replied.

"I didn't know that was possible," Ronald murmured.

Eric glanced over and Ronald took a drink of his wine, quickly turning away from Eric's gaze. "It's rare. I've only heard of it."

"Slingby's right," William said. "It's very rare, but sometimes it happens. A demon serving multiple masters for multiple souls. I've seen some pass down through family lines to make sure they get the same taste."

Ronald nodded slightly and Alan smiled. "You're still young, Ronald, it's alright not to know things."

He nodded and lowered his head. Just because it didn't matter didn't make him feel any better. They sat in the dim light of the candles, going through the file and drinking quietly. It took hours before William was satisfied and they all parted ways. Ronald smiled slightly. William was still at his side.

"So, my hotel room?" he said quietly.

"You want it now?" William said, adjusting his glasses. Ronald nodded. They had an agreement. William had to arrange these things and pay for him. "The Royal Swan, at ten, the arrangements will be made. I trust that is sufficient?" Ronald nodded. "And Miss Clements?"

"I'm sure she'll enjoy the night." William frowned and nodded, adjusting his glasses once more. "Thank you, Mr Spears."

"Don't push your luck, Knox," William snapped. "This is nothing more than an arrangement to suit us both. Don't mistake it for kindness or something you need to thank me for."


"Guys," Ronald cried softly, banging against the stone lid. "Mr Slingby? Mr Humphries? Sirs? Please?" There were muffled voices outside. "Please, let me out."

The lid moved suddenly and Ronald blinked at the light flooding in. He set up, looking for Eric and Alan but they were nowhere to be seen. Just a stranger in the middle of the floor. The strange man blinked up at him then smirked and shot forwards towards him. His mind snapped into gear instantly as he realised what was happening. It was a demon. Ronald jumped back out of the stone coffin, twisting in mid-air to avoid the slashing claws.

Had his seniors really left him here with a demon? For no reason? Just because he was leaving? No. As he danced back he noticed Eric and Alan along with William and Grell, watching from the stone ledges above. They were almost like gargoyles up there, crouched and watching him silently. Were they really just going to let him fight a demon all on his own?

He barely managed to dodge the constant punches and kicks that went his way. And still his seniors were sitting there watching him. Fine. If they weren't going to do a thing to help him, he'd have to do it himself. He whipped around and drove his heel into the demon's stomach, twisting again to land a brutal kick on the side of his head, sending the demon flying. It was weak but aggressive. That was alright. At least they hadn't left him with a strong demon.

It shot at him again and again there was a brief scuffle and Ronald kicked him away, sending him flying into a wall. Finally there was a snap and William's scythe tore through the demon and Grell cut the record, nearly cutting off Ronald's hair in the process.

"Not bad," Eric muttered, glancing over at William, who nodded slightly. "Alan's never wrong."

"What's going on?" Ronald snapped, gaze darting between them. "Why won't you leave me alone? Why are you torturing me like this?" He back away from them desperately but Eric caught his arms and pulled him back. "Let me go!"

William caught his chin and tilted his head up to gaze into his cold eyes. "Stop struggling, Knox."

"Let me go!" he demanded, twisting and kicking desperately. Eric held him firmly, as did William and moments later, Grell's scythe was against his throat and he froze. "You can't do this."

"I still say we should sell him," Eric growled. "He'd fetch a pretty price, don't you think?"

"We could use him as live bait," Grell giggled

"You can't do this!" Ronald cried. "I'll go above you to the higher ups, they'll put a stop to this. You'll all pay."

"You shouldn't be so hasty, Knox," Alan said, circling them slowly. Ronald tried to watch him and at the same time tried to keep an eye on the three bigger, more aggressive reapers around him. "Talking to the higher ups would be a bad idea. Whatever getting them involved does, believe me it will hurt your future just as much."

"You can't threaten me."

"It's not a threat," William said. "It's the truth. We can give you a bright, promising future."

"Or we can make you wish a demon would put you out of your misery," Grell said, wiggling his hips a little. "A sweet little thing like you would never last if we decided we really want to make you suffer."

"Just let me transfer," Ronald said, glancing between them. "We can all forget about it. We can all get what we want, right?"

"We want you here," Alan said. "We don't want you to transfer."

"What do you want from me them?"

Grell moved his scythe away and Eric and William both released him. He stared up at William for a long moment before backing off but bumping into Eric. "Stick around, Knox, we'll let you go when we're ready."

He spun around to see Eric grinning down at him. He hated all this. What did they want from him? He was surrounded. These were some of the best reapers in the world, who was to say what they could do to him one on one let alone working together?

"You say a word to the higher ups and we will tie you up and turn you into a whore, got it?" Grell snarled. Ronald nodded quickly. He absolutely believed him. He believed every word they said. "Good, because we still haven't decided what to do with you."

"Do with me?"

"I think we should take you home," Eric said, taking his arm and pulling him along.

Ronald growled and tugged away. "Let me go! I don't need to be manhandled all the time. I can get home on my own."

He strode towards the door and opened a porthole to get through them with Eric and Alan flanking him. They stayed with him until he reached his door, where Eric pinned him by his shoulders once more

"Grell meant it, kid, we're not done with you yet."

Ronald quickly turned the handle and pushed the door open, escaping into his apartment and locking the door behind him. He was trembling as made himself a cup of tea, trying to calm himself. This was ridiculous. How could they do this? What was going to happen to him now? Were they going to carry on like this and keep tormenting him? Ronald sighed and leant against the counter. It didn't make any sense. It wouldn't be so bad, if only he had answers. If he knew why they were doing this and what they wanted, maybe he could bare it. For now he just had more questions and threats.