Hell Bound Chapter 1: By The Sea, a sweeney todd fanfic

Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett's crimes are discovered, but they are saved from the gallows due to Johanna's testimony. As alternative punishment, the two brazen criminals are sent to Devil's Island where they will learn that fates worse than death do exist.

Hello dear readers! Here is the fist chapter of my new story (NOT TO WORRY, I'M STILL VERY DEDICATED TO FINISHING INSUFFERABLE). This whole story was inspired by a strong urge to procrastinate in my Audiology studies. I haven't read anything else like it out there, and wanted to have a shot at writing the first fic of it's kind. I have based the looks and attitudes of the characters in my story off of Burton's version (Johnny Depp/Helena Bonham Carter) of Sondheim's original characters. I OWN NONE OF THEM.

So needless to say, this fanfic utilizes the main characters of SWEENEY TODD, THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET and is extremely, extremely, LOOSELY based on Domenico Paoella's WOMEN OF DEVIL'S ISLAND.

Please READ and REVIEW:I really want to know if the readers feel this is worth continuing, because as much as I complete my works of writing for personal satisfaction only, I would never dream of subjecting readers to something they just don't want to read. So respectful constructive criticism is welcomed, and praise is WARMLY welcomed

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She was being ripped violently from his arms. Her hair had been set loose, flying wildly in all directions, and her brown eyes were wide and moist with startled tears. His fingers clung desperately to the lacy fabric of her dress, attempting to dig in further for a more secure grip. Every attempt Sweeney Todd exerted in order to keep Mrs. Lovett in his grasp failed. He was being separated from his business partner by forceful, callous ridden hands. A sense of extreme failure, thick and dark, clouded his vision and weighed down his straining muscles, as she was finally ripped from his hands. He was being dragged backward against his will, by the brute strength of unforgiving hands. Rage sent shivers coursing down Todd's spine, as he made a final attempt to sprint in Mrs. Lovett's direction. At that moment, a shot of excruciating pain created white flashes before his eyes, and Todd dropped to his knees with a deep growl. The officer's club had claimed its target perfectly, and warm blood drizzled down Todd's neck.

"K-k-eep yer hands off 'a me you beast," Mrs. Lovett cried in a high pitched wail, sobs causing her syllables to quaver. Her insult was aimed directly at Todd, and she strained against the grip of a second officer, to no avail. Large hands held her slender forearms captive in an iron grip behind her back. " You would put me ta death after all I've done fer ya', damn ya' ta bloody hell then!"

" Treacherous bitch, my Lucy's gone…gone forever, sentenced to death by your poisonous lies. Nothing would grant me more satisfaction, than to see every inch of skin melt off of your selfish, cowardly hide," Todd flung his accusation at her through clenched teeth. It required two officers to restrain him as he was forced to his feet.

One simple task, Todd. A single task, elementary in nature, and you failed quite miserably. How could you possibly have failed Lucy twice?

Sweeney Todd's shoulders slumped as his thoughts of defeat served to diminish his struggling. Beaten both mentally and physically, Todd abandoned his futile attempts at escape and allowed the two officers to direct his path

Todd's vacant gaze swept over his surroundings, his vision had begun to blur, courtesy of the blow dealt to his head. Through a mix of shadows and bright splotches of white light, Todd observed seven officers. All clad in black wool uniforms, they had flocked to various corners of the bake house. A younger officer with pale blonde hair clutched at his stomach and gagged at the sight and smell of the ghastly pile of bloodied flesh and ivory bones that sat atop the grinder. The older officers' brows furrowed and faces twisted in disgust, engaged in discussion with one another. Although visibly disturbed by their surroundings, the more experienced officers were obviously accustomed to the morbid atmosphere that accompanied crime scenes. They stood solemnly over the lifeless bodies of Turpin, the Beadle, and poor Lucy. Broken portions of the officer's conversations echoed in Todd's ears as he neared the stairs that led up to the pie shop.

"Neighbor sent for the law…roused from their slumber by a woman's screams…"

"Found em' two down 'ere, the barber and that baker woman, wrestlin' bout like two rabid dogs…"

"From the looks 'a it, he fancied tossin' 'er into that fire over there. 'E intended ta burn 'er up in that very oven. 'E was dragging 'er towards certain death when we busted in…"

A smirk caused Todd's lips to curve slightly, at the idea that his final plot of revenge had nearly been a success. He had been mere inches away from the iron contraption; the heat from the sweltering inferno had kissed his cold skin. The desire to ensure that Mrs. Lovett pay the ultimate debt for her unforgivable offense had coursed through Todd's veins with a potent force. Yet his fantasy of charred skin and agonized screams had been stolen from him the instant the officers had barged in. However, it was the fact that Mrs. Lovett had recognized the precise moment in which he intended to lay her to rest in the scorching blaze, that had perplexed and enraged him the most. Upon taking a single glance into his eyes, just as they had neared the mouth of the oven, the blasted wench had initiated a pitiful struggle. Mrs. Lovett had emitted a desperate combination of pleas and curses. Her heels dug sharply into the ground as her bony knuckles made multiple contacts with Todd's face. Mrs. Lovett's futile escape attempts had further fueled Todd's fury, and with minimal effort, their fateful journey to the oven had commenced. She had been secure in his grasp, fate nearly sealed, and yet the deceitful bitch had managed to escape…



The sharp howl of agonized shrieks caused Todd's thoughts to diminish into tiny dwindling embers. The echoing of pathetic pleading assaulted his ears, and a sense of lost dignity hung heavily in the air. Harsh edges of jutting splinters grazed the skin of his bare feet. Aggressive lurching motions and the moan of creaking floorboards carried Todd away from a now distant memory. The smell of mold, damp wood, and vomit crept into his nostrils, confirming his present state. Despite the repulsive nature of his surroundings, another notion introduced itself to Todd. A wicked smirk graced his lips, this being the sole manner in which Sweeney Todd displayed any amusement, and he allowed his idea to lull him away from reality once more.

She may have bargained with death once, but no one may avoid the inevitable forever…whether it be in this life or the next, that lying wench's blood shall be on my hands. It is indeed more than appropriate, that we descend to hell together at this very moment…

A warm flood of satisfaction and comfort engulfed Todd from head to toe, as he clutched his pale hands together. Strong, slender fingers intertwined themselves in anticipation. The paleness of his knuckles increased as his grip tightened, mimicking the act of strangulation, as Todd awaited their final destination.

--

"Our society looks down upon vile criminals, such as yourselves, with an eye of disgust and a heart full of loathing. The blood of the most honorable Judge Turpin and countless others rests on your hands. It would give me no greater satisfaction to see the pair of you writhing in agony at the end of a rope, which is the traditional sentence for lowlife miscreants. However, there are two factors working inexplicably in your favor. The first issue is the unfortunate fact that there is minimal evidence available to inform us of the precise number of lives taken at your hands. The second deciding factor is the gracious testimony and request that all charges be dropped. The previous was given by the late Judge's respectable ward, Johanna Hope. That being said, the courts have decided to honor Mrs. Hope's request. With all factors being taken into consideration, your necks have been sparred, and death by hanging is no longer an available option. However, the two of you must be made into an example, for the public to witness the manner in which the magnanimous Queen Victoria's law system operates. An alternative and befitting mode of punishment has been chosen; permanent banishment to Devil's Island".

The image of the judge's powdered face, twisted in disgust, was painted on the back of Mrs. Lovett's eyelids. The redundant thumping of his gavel was like a sinister jeer, and it resounded with a tortuous force inside of Mrs. Lovett's head. The weight of the sentence issued to her one week prior, now sat cruelly in the pit of her stomach. Her bare feet scraped on splintered wooden planks, as she attempted to step forward. The simple act of walking had been transformed into a punishment. The hardened hands of the prison guards had introduced the cold, biting, steel of large shackles to the sensitive flesh of Mrs. Lovett's ankles. The cruel rings of metal sat loosely at the ends of her legs.

A profusely overweight prison guard, sweat streaming down a ruddy face due to the vigorous task of clamping down shackles on hundreds of ankles in one day, snarled in frustration.

"Them bloody things are too big fer 'er blasted ankles. Keep slippin' every which way, they do," Tiny droplets of spit flew everywhere as a result of his frustrated statement.

Another guard, slim and stern faced, knelt down at the hem of Mrs. Lovett's dress to inspect the shackles.

The slimmer guard spoke in a raspy tone, amusement coating every word.

" Not ta worry, attempted escape ain't no option fer any a' these unfortunate souls. Wot wit' taday bein' the Day a' Transport and all, there ought ta be guards coverin' every surroundin' inch of the docks. An' even if a prisoner made any idiotic attempts ta run, I'm certain a good, God fearin' citizen would stop 'im. Seein' as the courts 'ave offered a pretty penny ta anyone willin' ta lend their assistance. An' besides that fact," The guard chuckled and ran a lascivious hand up the length of Mrs. Lovett's calve, "These shackles ain't built ta fit a lady."

Shuttering, Mrs. Lovett squeezed her eyes shut, shame seeping into every limb of her body.

The fat lump of a guard scoffed, and spit at Mrs. Lovett's feet, the action causing his confidant to jump back in surprise. The rotund fellow cast Mrs. Lovett a patronizing glance, and uttered, "This ain't no lady, me friend, this be a criminal."

"Don't ya dare speak of that which you know nothin' about, ya ignorant swine!" Mrs. Lovett spat, her retort falling on turned backs.

She watched the guards disappear into the vast sea of people who had begun to form around the docks. The hum of citizens, eager for a display of public humiliation as a welcome escape from their own dull colorless existence, swirled about in the air. Darkened clouds had coated the London Sky, and a threatening rumble of thunder resounded. The weather perfectly matched the atmosphere; blackened, desolate, and utterly hopeless. Mrs. Lovett stood amongst a line of thirty women, all of which were joined together at the ankles by thick shackles. Mrs. Lovett's eyes scanned her fellow chain-mates. The majority of the women along the line had three common characteristics; they had been stripped of their shoes, shackles adorned every pair of wrists, and each was sobbing miserably. The sole exception to the contagious stream of tears was Mrs. Lovett. She was completely convinced that all possible tears had escaped from her damaged body when her heart had been mercilessly torn into two, hardened, pieces. A large portion had been broken off from the whole when Mr. Todd had hatefully attempted to drag her towards the mouth of her own oven. The second portion had been separated at the trial, when Todd had refused to confirm the fact that Mrs. Lovett never actually committed a single murder. She had merely been an accomplice, and had been abandoned by the sole witness to that truth. Therefore, now as she walked in sync with the line of chained feet, the tears that would make her identical to the thirty women were absent.

The female prisoners began to walk the final length of the dock, alongside chained lines of over one hundred men. Male prisoners began to ascend the lengthy wooden ramp that led to the ship. They held stoic expressions on their faces, and their hardened jaw lines were frozen in place.

Before the first of the female line could set step onto the ramp, they were stopped by a sandy blonde haired man, with wide muscular shoulders, and a crooked nose. The fellow wore a cheerful smile and a red wool coat. Stepping forward, he addressed the captive audience in a deep, booming voice.

" 'Ello me loves, I be yer' Captain. Captain Gilbert Sullivan ta' be exact. Welcome aboard the HELL BOUND. I simply wanted ta begin this voyage by sayin that all 'a ya lasses should consider yerselves lucky. Under the new legislative stipulations, implemented by Parliament and her highness, Queen Victoria, female criminals are now allowed passage onto Devil's Island. This is quite the golden opportunity for ya ladies, for ya 'ave been offered a new life. A life in which ya are free to abandon yer felonious tendencies, and add purpose ta yer existence. Fortunate ya are, for I am sure that the hard working guards 'a the island shall 'ave plenty 'a new uses fer ya."

Pleased with his own vulgar innuendo, a deep chuckle escaped his throat as Captain Sullivan yanked on the front of the chain, causing the line to stagger forward.

Mrs. Lovett, suddenly forced to begin taking small steps forward, decided to take a last look at her home since birth. The entire city of London's appeared to mourn her departure, as light droplets from the gray sky fell on her head. Black rooftops seemed to slope in hundreds of frowns on the dark horizon. She briefly wondered what would become of the pie shop as her gaze fell on the crowd behind her. Gazes, full of abhorrent disapproval burned their way through the lines of prisoners. Mrs. Lovett's heart filled to the brim with anger as she spotted a smirking Mrs. Mooney. Mrs. Mooney held her head haughtily in the air, and nodded in approval as each prisoner stepped onto the ramp. Mrs. Lovett's gaze then fell upon a sight which made her heart weaken and descend downward in her chest. Toby stood, head down with pitiful tears staining his cheeks. The inconsolable child was clutched tightly at Johanna's side, who seemed to be caught in a stoic trance-like state. Not far from Johanna was Anthony. Mr. Hope was attempting to fight his way through the crowd in order to gain access to the next line of male prisoners. The last sight that Mrs. Lovett's gaze swept over caused her heart to deaden and clench painfully in her chest. It was Mr. Todd, chained amongst other unfamiliar faces. Todd's livid expression and solid composure didn't flinch, as Anthony whispered a final message into his ear. The male line continued their journey as Anthony watched in desperation. It was at that point that London had disappeared from Mrs. Lovett's vision forever, and the sky ceased to exist as she was led below the decks of the Hell Bound.

--

The heavy drag of shackles on wooden planks roused Mrs. Lovett from her thoughts. She had replayed the events of her last hours in London, in the numbed chambers of her mind, numerous times. Mrs. Lovett had no concept of time, whether she had been imprisoned in the cramped cell for three days, six months, or twelve years was a mystery to her. Her current companions were the damp air, the dark atmosphere, and nine silent women. No one attempted to dare speech or sobs, for either one warranted a lashing. Day after day, the ten cellmates had witnessed multiple lifeless bodies being pulled above by the crew members. As countless corpses, made the journey overboard, into the shark infested waters, Mrs. Lovett couldn't help but laugh inwardly at the irony of the situation. For the fact was, the only form of freedom currently available, was death.

However, the basic human instinct to maintain life had won, and Mrs. Lovett learned to huddle closely to the blonde haired, rail thin woman to her right. She also learned to stretch out the length of her arms and legs in the space available, and the other women in the cell had followed her example. Assuming that the unforgiving cold and the stagnant nature of the prisoner's cramped position were the root causes of death, the woman had religiously followed these regiments of stretching and huddling. At rare moments, hints of smiles and nodding of heads could be seen amongst the group. These being displays of pride at the fact that they had been successful in one aspect; they were still breathing.

Even in her present state, and to her extreme self- disgust, Mrs. Lovett wondered if Mr. Todd was as successful at maintaining life as she had been thus far. She was curious as to what effect seeing his lifeless body being dragged above would have on her. Would she experience the purest of satisfaction, at the notion that the bastard finally got what he deserved? Or would she long to be tossed overboard with him, feeling as if all her stretching and huddling was in vain?

I have not the faintest idea, Mrs. Lovett mused to herself.

Without warning, the harsh jolt of the ship, and a heavy creaking moan caused her heart to ascend into her throat. The ship had ceased to move. Mrs. Lovett's pulse began to accelerate in anticipation. Long, tortuous moments later, slow steps descended the steps to the holding cells and a man's gravelly voice rang out.

"Alright, ya miserable bastards, out wit the lot 'a ya. We've reached yer final destination. Welcome to Devil's Island."

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The repulsive sound and putrid smell of retching filled the air. Men and women fell to their knees in agony, their muscles in the early stages of atrophy. To Mrs. Lovett's delight, she and the nine women from her cell had staggered, not completely fallen, onto the scorching sands of the beach. The sweltering heat from the vivid yellow rays of the sun, beat harshly onto her back. Her auburn curls had fallen loose from the constriction of it's pins, and it caught small sand particles. Mrs. Lovett noticed that their surroundings included an endless jungle of swaying palm trees, white sand, rows of feeble looking huts, and a million of miles of blue ocean. Prisoners' were slowly being freed from the confinements of their shackles. As her wrists and ankles were finally separated from their metal companions, Mrs. Lovett winced as she ran fingers over the raw flesh. Bringing her emancipated hands above her head, she reveled in the freedom of a simple stretch. Her delight was short lived. As the last string of prisoners stepped onto the beach, a baritone voice seemed to stop time with the cruelty echoed within it.

" On your knees, to the ground, like the disgusting, filth ridden snakes you are."

The command was given by a tall man; easily standing over six feet in height. Despite the heat, he was clad in a billowy, black long sleeved shirt and black leather britches. His head was completely bald, and prominent blue veins decorated his temples. Topaz eyes pierced the crowd of prisoners with a gaze meant to locate and challenge the rebellious individuals. His face was also characterized by a crooked nose, highly pronounced cheekbones, and thin lips. All of which created a sinister air about him . Lean muscled arms and long legs strode forward, and a large hand griped a formidable leather whip which cracked at the man's heels. A large army of men, gripping muskets, surrounded their leader and established their aim at the herd of prisoners.

" Make haste you blasted, God forsaken smut. Let's have the flea ridden mutts on the left side and the useless heifers on the left side. When you are under Master Skelter's command, swift compliance is essential to your survival."

His second command was accompanied by the crack of the whip. Men and women alike, began to quake violently, as row upon row fell to their knees. Both genders had quickly separated themselves by a five inch row, men kneeling to the left and women to the right.

Mrs. Lovett felt fear induced bile begin to coat her throat. In an attempt to focus her mind elsewhere, she filled both of her fists with sand. The warm grains began to sift through her fingertips and fall back to the ground. She soon became lost in her own miserable thoughts as she watched the sand retreat from between her fingers and return to become unified with the beach. Soon all of it would be lost, out of her grasp, very similar to her life back to London. Lost, like her business, that which she had sewn her heart and soul into. Gone, like the protective walls of the pie shop. Absent, like the comfort of her own bed. Stolen away, like her freedom.

Suddenly, the hushed tones of a malicious laugh broke her thought process. It was a wicked, jeering laugh, put forth with the intention to cause emotional distress. Mrs. Lovett knew that evil laugh with an overwhelming familiarity. Whipping her head to her right, her eyes fell on a very alive Mr. Todd.

Todd was situated on his knees along with the others; his pale face held a twisted look of sadistic amusement, and his smirk was directed at her.

" Isn't this what you desired most, my dear?" Todd uttered in whispered tones, between quiet cackles, "I'd wager that your little heart is filled with imminent happiness."

Unconcealed sarcasm and deep spite was wrapped around his every word.

Mrs. Lovett, both deeply disturbed and confused, whispered a reply, "Whatever do ya' mean?"

Her whispered words were met by a light nudge from the thin blonde woman to her left, a silent, but desperate urge for silence. Mrs. Lovett ignored the woman.

Todd leaned in slowly, and brushed back the hair covering Mrs. Lovett's ear. He wanted every word of his reply to ring fresh and clear in her ears.

His crazed laughter continued as he spoke, knowing he was about to maim her deeply, "To live by the sea, you stupid woman! You spoke of nothing else, when we resided in London, and now you have arrived, all expenses paid! How does it feel, my dear, to know that your dream has come true?"

His laughter did not cease, and the cruel sound of it initiated a visible fit of trembling in Mrs. Lovett's form. Her hands clenched and unclenched, white hot fury clouded her vision, and her pale cheeks transformed into a deep crimson.

All is lost, all is gone…because of this man…

Because of this man

The punishing thought begged her for release and her eyes flashed dangerously..

She uttered an animal shriek, the sound making its way upward from deep within her throat. Memories of the trial, of the last night in the bake house, of her eagerness to comply to him, and of the futile efforts she had exerted in order to gain a mere scrap of his attention and love were the fuel to her enraged screams. Mrs. Lovett lunged at a bewildered Todd with superhuman speed and strength. Skirts flew haphazardly in all directions, and her hair was a frenzy. The barber and the baker fell to the ground in a struggle, Mrs. Lovett bringing herself down atop Todd. Her knuckles scraped forcefully on his cheekbones, and her nails aimed directly for his eyes.

The shrill sound of multiple blowing whistles pierced the air.

"BECAUSE OF YOU, YOU BLOODY, SELFISH PIG, ALL I'VE EVER WORKED FOR HAS GONE TO COMPLETE SHIT!" Mrs. Lovett spat frantically, fists landing repeatedly on Todd's face. He made multiple attempts to still her flying wrists. Despite Todd's attempts and the shouts surrounding her, she continued, "GIVE ME BACK WOT YA STOLE FROM ME, YA DESPICABLE THIEF. GIVE IT BACK, YOU HATEFUL BEAST".

Multiple pairs of hands were unsuccessful in their attempts to pull the screaming woman off of Todd.

Skelter's gaze of disapproval fell on his men, who were quite unsuccessful in restraining her. Skelter's eyes then landed on this woman, all auburn hair, wild brown eyes, and high pitched screams. Her insubordinate nature caused the rage to boil dangerously in the Head Guards' veins. This type of behavior couldn't be allowed to become contagious among the encampment. He would indeed need to make an example of this unruly creature. Taking long strides over to a confused guard, Skelter tore a musket from the man's grasp.

Aiming the gun in Mrs. Lovett's direction, he fired two shots that split the air.

BANG, BANG!

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PLEASE READ: I realize that in beginning this story, I am taking a bit of a risk due to the nature of it, but before I get flamed too harshly keep a few things in mind:

1. The story takes place away from the usual pie shop setting, I know this may bother some people, but I encourage you to keep an open mind.

2. Before anyone goes flame-happy due to any historical inaccuracies that may have occurred, keep in mind that I am also loosely basing this on another MOVIE, THE WOMEN OF DEVIL'S ISLAND (minus any cheesy factors).

That being said, please enjoy! This story will be another multiple chapter one (if I continue it), I have many character ideas, and am pretty excited about this..but like I said before please let me know if this is something you shall enjoy reading! Thank you for your time if you have gotten this far.

MUCH LOVE- Chrys