"MAY! DON'T DO IT!"
Though you heard their pleading screams, it wasn't enough to stop you from feeling the immense amount of grief. Enough to stop you from escaping from it. This was the only way, did you have regrets?...With the bundle tucked away in you arm, silently you say your farewells and ask for their forgiveness. This was not the life, a life of pain and grief. Enough was enough.
You would find a new life. A better one. For you and...Miwa. Holding up the time specter and in a blinding flash, before the turtles and Renet's eyes you vanish. Leaving nothing but smoke behind. Unsure where the two of you would end up. It didn't matter. All that mattered was one thing...A blinding light soon engulfed you and Miwa. Tucking her under, embrace what was waiting on the other side.
"Doctor Dallas! Doctor Dallas!"
Hearing her name, Angelina or aka Madam Red looks up from her clipboard at the panic struck nurse."Yes? What is it?"the woman asked. Waiting for the nurse to catch her breath, she tells the Doctor she was needed and for what reason.
With haste she hurries to the emergency wing. She demands a chart. She was given two. Names, unknown. Age, one read a year old. The other between 14-16, in parenthesis unsure. Her red eyes quickly look over the usual information. It wasn't really relevant right now. What was more important, the condition and the severity of it. Finding it, she goes over it and demands to see them. Quickly taken to them, she goes to the one year old first.
Using her stethoscope and gently as she could places the cold circle small metal onto the baby's chest. It shivered and whimpered from its touch. She apologized to the poor little thing. It was so small, with its truffle of black hair and almond shape amber eyes. Poor little thing had a few scratches and marks. But, it seemed like nothing fatal. Besides the fact it needed to be fed and something clothing. Her heart went out to the poor thing. Placing a soft, delicate touch on the little one. Caressing it, to sooth it. She smiles softly, a tender look in her eyes.
"Bring it some food and clothing. This baby is in obvious need of it."she orders one of the nurses. Handing the clipboard to them."Where is the other one?"
"This way."
She was led to the second one, pulling back the curtain. She wasn't expecting to find this kind of person. Looking back at the chart in her hand, her eyes landing on the family part. Reading it, it read: Sister. Baffled, the two of them sisters? She could clearly see there was no resemblance nor relation between the two. Causing her to wonder. Even so, she's a doctor. Her own personal questions would have to wait. Checking over the teen girl before her, there was little severity of injuries she could find. Nothing too major. Just needed to wrap her in some gauze and bandages. All would be fine. She leaves the rest in the nurses care, though tells them to inform her the second this patient is conscience.
And wait she did.
It was late morning when a dark colored horse-drawn carriage pulls up to nice, quaint rural cottage. The cottage was a decent size, a traditional red brick, sturdy brown roof, a garden with a five bar gate surrounding the place. It was a simple two story, there was a small little shack like barn on the land and a small stable that could fit two animals. Broken down carriage, that had been there for some time. The coachman quickly comes down and opens the carriage door. Their hand out to help the passengers out and down.
Three emerged from the carriage, a woman clad in red. Madam Red, her red eyes look over the property before her. It wasn't really befitting for someone like herself, finding not lavishing. But, it was the right fit for these two. Even if she was against it, preferring they'd stay with her, instead of out here away from the city. Where she could keep a better eye on them.
"Are you sure? You want to live here? Dear?"she asked, hoping they would change their mind."I mean...it is rather far out here. And if you come to live with me, then you and your sister will be safe. You'll have a home. A warm place, think of all the fun parties we could go too."She smiles gloriously."What do you say?"She gets in their face still smiling. Pleading with her eyes.
But it was clear to Madam Red, they where set on living here. Grateful for all the woman had done. They cling the baby in their arms closer to their chest and smile back to the woman."Thank you, very much Mrs. Dallas."Their eyes move behind her to the cottage."Living here will be the prefect home for me and my sister. It suits us just fine. There is no need to worry."Their unusual golden-yellow eyes assure her.
Seeing the strength and determination shine prominently in their iris. These two, where so young. And Madam Red's passionate and caring heart ached, but also understood. Still she felt responsible. This was all she could do for them.
"Alright."She accepts. Smiling to herself."Those eyes of yours, remind me...Never mind."Placing a hand upon their shoulder, it trembled for a second then relaxed. Turning to the cottage."If this shall be your new home, then welcome."
-Years Later-
In the quiet and humble town, simple folks lived a pleasant and simple life. Smiles and kindness shined all around. The roads and streets walked a homey feel and freedom. Stores and small shops open, selling what was needed and the right trade. Children played about, doing their own thing. Laughing and smiling. Content, not a care in the world. Along the roads, lined houses spaced apart with a good distance.
Entering this pleasant town, in a all black carriage symbolizing their high status. A handsome man, with flawless skin, stunning black glossy hair and devilish red eyes. Dressed in a fine butler suit. At the reigns. Eyes quickly looked his way, though more so at the black carriage. Wondering who they where and what they where doing here. Children stopped playing for a second at the new comers. A few of them notice the crest on the side of the carriage. The fine man could hear their mumbles of surprise and awe. He couldn't help but smile to himself with amusement.
"Sebastian?"Came a rather board and annoyed voice from inside the carriage."Have we arrived?"
The man replies back."My young lord. We have not arrived to the Inn. It should only be just a few more minutes."He hears a irritated grunt. His master wasn't prone for being completely patient.
In just a few minutes, the carriage comes to a stop. They had arrived at the Inn. It was rather small compared to the many other inns. Then again this town wasn't known for their finery. But still was pleasantly fashionable. Getting down from the carriage the man opens the door for the young master. Bowing submissively and respectfully.
"We have arrived, My Lord."
"Here you are, Mr. Melvin."A mason jar filled with light green liquid, was placed on the counter."I'm sure this ointment will help ease your aches. It mixed with ginger, ground up burdock root, lavender for the smell, and boswellia. Just remember to apply it in the morning and again in the evening after you bathe. Massage it in well. Oh, you might feel a little sting, but that just the peppermint. I forgot to mention that was also added."
The older man behind the counter, smiles with gratitude and relief."Thank you."He thanks them."I honestly have been having me limbs aching for awhiles now."He said in a rather deep Scottish accent.
Running his finger through his thin, graying orange thin hair."You are quite welcome. I do apologize for it taking so long. It's just that well..."their golden yellow eyes turn to the little girl no older than four of five playing on the stairs of the Inn. Going up and down in high spirits."My sister was sick. But it's clear she is feeling better now."Turning back to the older man.
Who chuckles heartily."Ah. Tiss nothing lass. I know you got yur hands full. With that one."He thumbs over to the dark hair little girl. Who clearly wasn't paying any attention."But, it's good to see the little one back. Missed her around."
"I know she missed you and everyone. Oh! I nearly forgot."They dig into their hand held basket, pulling out a small wrapped up cloth and hand it to the man."These here should help Mrs. Melvin with her migraines. I know it's not much but it should help."
The man takes it."Thank you. Yur' too kind. I'll make sure she takes it."
"You're welcome. Glad I could help. Well, we better be off. I have at least four more stops to make."they tell him."Harmony."They call to the little who stops and looks in the direction her name was called, with her almond shape amber eyes. Wondering what she was being called for."Come on. We have to go."They hold out a hand.
The little girl hops down the last two steps and hurries over. Taking her hand, holding it protectively, and leaves.
"Stay close, Harmony."You tell her.
Just a minute after you left and started down the road, you felt a inhuman presence. Your heart stopped and your blood froze. Could they...your heart started to race frantically, your hold on the little girl became tighter. Ready to defend and dash. Your eyes slowly slide back from were you came, finding no one. But a young boy with an eye patch and tall man behind walk into the inn.
It wasn't them. Relieved. You turn back around."Let's go drop the rest off."Smiling to the child, who happily and gladly agrees.
After nearly an hour and half, you finished with your rounds and head back home to the red brick cottage. It was a bit away from the actually town, not too seclusive. Just enough to give you and your sister privacy. She was just a couple of feet ahead of you, in her own little world happily chasing a butterfly, trying to catch it. Her innocence was so refreshing. Her smile, you wouldn't trade it for anything.
No regrets. None at all. Stopping for a second, yeah...none.
Reaching the cottage, Harmony helps you open the gate where she runs in. Running all around. Giggling with glee, this place was home. After three years, you had managed to turn it into one. It flourished with love and life. All sorts of flowers and herbs sprouted all around. Bringing life to this once dreary place. The shambled shack and stable was fixed. Those of the town kindly helped. There was only one horse, and about three chickens. Nothing else really. Simple and homey. Even if it was a two story. Harmony's ball always outside, in a different spot. Her favorite toy. Her hoop she liked to play with and jump rope she trying to learn.
She ran to it, while you closed the gate. Dusting off your light brown skirt. With her trying to jump rope, you go and collect some eggs. Telling her, so she would know. After collecting the eggs, you and her go inside to put them away.
"Cookies! Cookies!"she chimes. Jumping up and down, waving her arms.
You couldn't help but chuckle."Not now."You lightly tap her nose, she pouts. Trying to give you a scowl. But it just made her cuter."We have our chores to do. Remember? Why don't we go and get started. I know, while I gather the right herbs and flowers. Why don't you pick flowers for Mrs. Dallas? I know how much she loves when you do."
Hearing the woman's name, Harmony's eyes light and she forgets all about the cookie."Okay!"
Smiling to her."Wonderful."Holding out your hand."Let's go."
The garden to the house went all around, not everything was in order. But, you knew where everything was and so did Harmony. She enjoyed going through it. Especially when it came to picking flowers for Madam Red. She would present it to the kind woman, every time she came. Eager to always see her, once Harmony knew she was coming, her smile and happiness grew. It was around the she would come to visit or check up on them. To make sure everything was going well.
To see if you might need anything or would just come with gifts. Toys and new clothes for Harmony the most. You pretty much fine, not needing much. As long as Harmony was taken care of that was fine. Madam Red would present you with money to help out, it was always more than enough. She just wanted to make sure. Her eyes always felt compelled to do so.
She was a kind and loving woman. You too couldn't wait to see her again. Enjoying her company. She would though still insist the two of you come back with her and live. And you always said no, it just best you and Harmony lived out here. For your own reasons.
Putting a couple of herbs in the basket, for what you needed. A couple of people in town had placed orders and asked if you could just help them. Which you didn't mind. Also you collected the herbs and flowers for making teas and flavor. Knowing which ones you would use. A couple of times you glanced over at Harmony, who was still busy away at picking the flowers.
No doubt she was questioning herself, deciding to either pick that flower or that one. She wanted it to be perfect. For Madam Red. Not realizing what she picked was already perfect. Her little arms nearly fulled. But, that didn't stop her. You turn back around and continue.
Back in town, after settling in the young boy and the handsome man take a 'stroll' through. Their carefully watching and observing. Nothing seem out of the ordinary, from what they could tell. Still, even a calm lake can movement under it. From what he read from the information he gathered, the little bit of it, lead him here to this town. That and another reason.
"Master?"The butler ask."Have you decided on what you are going to do first?"
"Does it really matter? The order I do it?"the boy said back. Looking at the smiling faces of the town's people."As long as its done. This whole town.."There was a sprinkle of detest and disgust in his words.
The man couldn't help but smile to himself. Though the young boy was acting stubborn and bratty, not wanting to follow what he was instructed to do. But, did so anyway. One though was more personal than business.
"Oh! I'm out of Elderberry."You notice being out of the herb. That wasn't good."I really needed some more too. It might take a couple of weeks to grow some more...Or.."You look to the the path leading to the woods. It was nearly getting time to make dinner. Going into the woods would put you behind and not mention it was getting late. Though that wasn't the real , Mrs. Cambore really needed this medicine.
"I finished!"Harmony exclaims coming over to you, with her arms filled up with all different kinds of flowers.
Presenting them to you, as you where the one who would put in a nice bouquet for the girl. To present to Madam Red."...Sister? What's wrong?"she noticed the troubled look you had.
"Oh, sorry."you apologize to her. Smiling, getting down to her eye level."What lovely flowers you gathered. And they smell just a beautiful too. Mrs. Dalles will surely love them. Oh! And you picked her favorite color too."Noticing the red lovely tulips. Harmony smiles big.
"Yes. Her favorite color."Harmony quips proud of herself."Are you going to make them into a nice bundle for her? Oh! Can we use gold ribbon this time? Please to tie together?"
Getting down to her eye level, with your smile on."Yes. I will. Harmony? Can you be my big girl?"She blinks a couple of times. Wondering what you meant.
Shutting the gate to the cottage. Locking it, to make sure it was secure. Leave. It wasn't going to take you too long, you knew what you needed. There was a bit of sunlight left. If your timing was right, you would be back. Harmony knew what to do. She was safe, that was all that mattered.
Back in the cottage, Harmony sat in the living close by the fireplace. Entertaining herself through her coloring and toys. Keeping herself busy, she wasn't to open the door for anyone. No one at all. Not unless, May came back. If someone came she didn't know, she had a hiding place to go too. That May would find her. She knew what to do. A smart child she was, but even the brightest children can be fooled. Hearing the lock on the gate outside. She perks up and waste no time to open the door. Her little hand reaches for the knob, turns it and happily welcomes May back. Only to discover that it wasn't May.
Gathering the herb took a bit longer than you thought, cleaning your hands off before returning. Making it back to the road, that led back you hurry home. To sense another's presence. With Harmony's. Your eyes notice the gate was unlatched, dropping the herbs, you bolt in a panic to the cottage.
Yelling for Harmony, swinging the door open that you nearly tore it off its hinges. You ready to attack whoever was there to protect Harmony, at any coast. Throwing deadly punch, for it to be caught with ease. Surprised you for a second. But, only for a second. Believing Harmony to be endanger, you go back to attacking and remembering your training, go to knee whoever stopped you. Only for it to be blocked. Again.
They where fast. Very fast. To keep up with you or their reflexes where just good. It didn't matter, getting ready to strike again when you hear Harmony's laughing.
It snapped you out of protective mode. And come to your senses. Your eyes quickly find Harmony who was happily talking with a young boy. No older than either 12 or maybe 13. You weren't sure. He was dressed quite well, high status no doubt. Black hair and a black eye patch over one of his blue eyes. Which was quite unusual really. He wore board and sophisticated expression. His eyes where sharp and observant, there was cockiness in them. But he kept it at bay.
Harmony was mimicking his covered eye. Finding rather funny, asking if he was a pirate. Which seem to irritate the young boy. It was sight of Harmony alright and fine that eased you.
Wait? Who in the world was this person in your home? Better yet...who was the one who blocked you? Your eyes quickly look back to the one who matched you, finding a man. A butler. He was young and to many no doubt quite handsome. Devilishly handsome, by others standards. Enchanting and swooning red eyes. He carried himself well.
He had a smile on, looking at you. Being polite. It seem like he read your mind."Forgive me."He apologizes. Letting you go and bows respectfully."I do hope I didn't hurt you. Miss."Coming up with a smirk that could easily swoon anyone.
But you seem more annoyed and hostile, calling Harmony over to you. She pouts but comes to your side, you push her behind you and glare at the two."Who are you?"You demand. More so than ask."What are you doing in MY home?"
Harmony answer for you."He's a pirate!"Pointing to the boy. Earning a grunt from him. Harmony waves to him.
You hush her and wait for their answer while getting yourself ready to attack should the answer not be to your liking. The man saw this and gives the introductions. Formally."Miss. Please allow me to introduce Ciel Phantomhive. Earl of The Phantomhive Manor."
You look to the boy, rather shocked. Though you had another reason why you where shocked. Which Ciel seem to notice."You know about me? Don't you?"
He reads your eyes. No point of lying."Yes. I do."You answer honestly."From someone."
Clearly you where treading carefully, just in case. Being cautious. Ciel could tell. He found it rather amusing."That person wouldn't happen to be Angelina Dallas? Also known as Madam Red."The surprised look in your eyes, told him his answer.
"Auntie Red?"Harmony perks behind you, surprised and delighted. Hearing Angelina's name. That she rushes over to Ciel before you could stop her, taking his hand in hers and tugs for his answer."Auntie Red! Is Auntie Red here?"
The little girl squeals with a smile. Not aware of actual truth. Clearly you knew there was something. The look in Ciel's eye, you didn't want Harmony to hear nor wanted Ciel to say anything. Instead turn it around.
"Harmony. Please go and wash up, dinner is ready."You tell her. She didn't want to go, pouting, huffing and puffing. She clings tightly to Ciel.
"I want pirate to come!"she whines.
"I'm not a pirate."Ciel nips at her., upset at her contentiously calling him such."This eye patch doesn't make me one."
"Mr. Phantomhive, will join you in a bit."You tell her. Pushing her lightly towards the stairs."So please, go wash up."
Doing as she was told, the little girl walks up the stairs dragging her feet, you remained at the bottom watching her go until she was out of sight. Then turn back to Ciel.
"Whatever must be said about Mrs. Dallas. Tell me. Not in front of Harmony."You let out a heavy sigh, to brace yourself for what Ciel had to say. Though you didn't want to hear it, he could tell you already knew it something.
"Here."He hands you a letter. While you read it, he spoke. Pretty much summarizing it."For the past three years my Aunt Angelina Dallas has been taking care of you and your...sister. She fostered the two of you in secret. I'm rather surprise she kept it hidden so well. Then again, her sudden long trips to the country now start to make sense. Since she isn't anymore, you and your sister are no longer under her care nor fostered by her."
Though you braced yourself for the news, it still hit you like a hammer. Finding out Angelina was no longer alive. The woman so kind to you and Harmony. Grief struck you, but you remained calm, sensing Harmony coming down. She was singing her ABC's.
She jumps off the last step, runs straight to Ciel."Pirate! Pirate!"Tugging on him, laughing.
You put on a smile, so to not arose suspicion with the little one insist it was time for dinner. Even including Ciel."Please Mr. Phantomhive, why won't you join us? You and your butler."Ciel was about to refuse, Harmony just pulls him with her. Begging him to sit with her.
After washing yourself up, you set out dinner for everyone. The table you had fit enough for four. Setting the food out, country creamy carrot soup, roasted vegetable, honey glazed biscuit, with strawberry spread, lemon and rosemary chicken. Harmony's eyes fixated on the food, elated by all before.
You kept the mood merry for her sake. Harmony remained in high spirits, urging Ciel to eat what she had on her plate. While inquiring if he was actually a pirate and if so, what kind of treasure he had. And if he had any ships. It was quite entertaining that even his Butler found it so. Doing his best to hide his humor. Ciel though had to sit there and tolerate Harmony's constant harassing assumption of him. Dinner went smoothly, the butler went ahead and cleaned up everything, even tending to Harmony. So you and Ciel could talk in private.
"I will be up in a bit."You tell Harmony waving to her from below."Listen."
Harmony frowns pouting she wanted Ciel instead. But listens. Taking hold of the butler's hand goes to get ready for bed. You kept your smile on until she was out of sight.
"This way."You escort Ciel to the living space in another room, offering him the chair while you stood. Ciel took his seat, the only sound was the crackling of the fire from the fire place."Well? Shall we continue? I want to get this done before Harmony comes back down. She really only allows me to read to her."
"Quite a bold and anxious one you are."He slightly teases for his own pleasure. Showing a bit a please."Alright. Because of Madame Red's unfortunate death, you and your sister are hence forth no longer under her care."
"Yes. I know that. That means we will not be receiving any more help from her. That's alright we've made well here."
He quickly looks around."Yes...so you have."
"It might be small and rather rustic. But, it home. Is there anything else you need to say?"
"I could go on about the rest, but, it seems to me you quite perspective so I won't."
"Thank you. Again it is alright for you to take Mrs. Dallas's estate and affairs. You won't hear a word nor peep out of me requesting any sort of charity from you. It would be as if it never happened. Though I do ask one favor, if you would be so kind as to deliver the bouquet of flowers that my sister has gathered for Mrs. Dallas and give them to her."
"No. Honestly listening to you speak this way makes me rather appalled. Though you are perspective, it causes you to assume what isn't right. Considering how you just glossed over the letter, matching what I summarized for you in my own words what you wanted to hear. That you ignored purposely the real intent for the letter. I saw how you looked rather shocked and surprised if not reluctant and unworthy upon what is written."
Your eyes drop in truth."I don't want it."You tell him."My sister and I...we...she doesn't need that. We need to...We're fine here."
He was rather surprise you declined."You don't want it?...My aunt has left in her will her entitlement to you and your sister. As well your's and your sister's care with me. As a Phantomhive we honor our word to another. If not it would ruin our reputation. And I can't have that."
"Can't you just...We don't need it. Give out to others a charity gift. My sister and I need to just live a quiet life."
"Quiet life you say?"He gives a haughty scoff. With an amusing smirk."I find that rather hard to believe. Living in such a rural town as this? People all about and around are quite healthy if not blossoming with radiance and life. From you apparently. Those remedies in which you make sure work well. That inn keeper and a few others are quite informative. Not to mention your medical records from a few years back. That my Aunt kept of course out of the eyes of another, but with a bit of digging you find things."He takes from his pocket folded documents."The kind of injuries you and sister obtained should have left some sort of permanent mark or physical deformities. But, there aren't any. Then there is your garden, it's full of different herbs and flowers that are seasonal at best. Very well flourished."
"Is it a crime? To have such a flourishing garden?"You said, defending yourself against his subtle suspicion.
"No one said there was. Back to the matter at hand, upon my Aunt's generous gift to you."He stands fixing the cuffs of his sleeve."There is no ultimatum to this arrangement."
"I have already informed you, that I my sister and I will not accept such a-"
"Sister! Sister!"Harmony comes running in with Sebastian coming in behind, her eyes filled with excitement and wide smile plastered on her little face. She throws herself on you. Clenching your skirt tightly."I want to go and see the large palace."Squealing. Her eyes growing bigger and bigger."Please?!"