Author's Note: Greetings and salutations! I am Kuroneko19, but feel free to call me K-chan. ^_^ This is my first submission to the Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler archives, and I'm hoping everyone enjoys the story.
The main character is Drocell Keinz, the former human who was turned into a doll and tragically used as a pawn by the antagonist of Season 1. After being defeated by Sebastian Michaelis and left for dead by his "master", Drocell was abandoned in the remains of the Mandalay estate, forgotten and ignored. Set after the events of Season 1, Drocell is revived and seeks to live normally among those salvaging their lives from London's inferno. A romance and family-centered story, If Ever I Were Human chronicles Drocell Keinz's attempts at coming to grips with what he is and possibly regaining what he'd lost while building up relationships with those around him.
Please remember: all questions, comments, constructive criticisms, and/or suggestions are welcome and appreciated. Thank you!
Disclaimer: I own nothing from Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler. I just like to write. ^_^
If Ever I Were Human
By Kuroneko
Prologue: Calm in the Inferno
The streets of London radiated an unholy light, etching into the night sky a blazing horizon of hellish crimson and burning orange. Panicked crowds made an attempt to escape the inferno, trampling individuals – men, women, children – without discretion. High into the pitch black and starless blanket enshrouding the city cut the tendril of flames and smoke, and ashes rained down on the people below.
Born of the devil, born of the vengeance of God – rationale for this pandemonium escaped those who attempted to rationalize this sudden maelstrom of events. In their state of alarm, many thought themselves delusional upon seeing fire rain down upon them from the maw of white demonic hound with wild crimson eyes. The inferno raged, consuming building after building, person after helpless person. London had become a proverbial Hell.
And yet in amidst the chaos gripping this once proud and noble city, there was one deceptively calm place; its occupant, however, was oblivious to all around him. Set on a messy workbench and propped against the wall, the tall and lean figure sat. A tall black top hat was perched atop his head, snatches of vivid auburn poking out from underneath. This lithe figure looked as though asleep, his head tilted at an angle and his hands hanging limply at his sides.
If he was indeed asleep, it was a sleep that was deep and unrelenting. Perhaps even eternal. For what other reason could a man so easily disregard the bedlam roaring just beyond the wall he leaned against?
The city of London raged on until the break of dawn, the curiously dressed man bedecked in near carnival-like attire forgotten and ignored in favor of reigning in the chaos.