KUROSHITSUJI III

CHAPTER 1: The Deadly Deal

The winter night seemed more cruel than usual. Clouds took turns to black out the moon. The cold wind picked up pace, freezing the immediate environment. A melancholy sound persisted in the air as the wind grazed mercilessly through the leaves in the dead night. But nothing seemed to deter the spirits of the people. As the wind gushed through the streets at a menacing rate, people tugged their winter coats closer and gleefully chatted away. It appeared like the human kind had come together, in unison, to fight the odds put forth by nature. The streets radiated a warm golden glow, despite the ominous shadows cast down by the skirting clouds. Bells chimed away joyfully at a distance. All redundant jobs cast aside, the people of England, indulged more enthusiastically than ever in the preparations for welcoming the lord.

Meanwhile, in a dark alley somewhere, a lonely girl aged 11, struggled to stand up. The side of her abdomen was slit open and her satin laced silk white dress was stained thick red. She gasped helplessly, forcing her lungs to grasp every molecule of Oxygen possible. Her eyelids fluttered incessantly as she fought to stay awake. Her mind rampaged through her past, frantically searching for a cherished memory to make her slow death only less painful. She clutched the side of her abdomen with cold fingers. The cold air of December, pierced through her wound mercilessly, gradually numbing the flesh and the nerves. She did not know how long it would be before she breathed her last. Slowly, she reached for the trinket that hung loosely around her neck. With blood drenched hands, she held it open in her palm, to see the portraits that lay hidden inside… one last time. She clutched the locket tightly and in a low shallow voice, she murmured, 'Rebecca, I guess I will be joining you soon after all. Sorry… I lived such a worthless life. Please forgive me.' She let go of the locket and shut her eyes facing the sky. A streak of tear trickled down her cheek. "Is this all there is to my life?" she mused over her condition.

As the numbness coursed through her mind, binding her senses to a deep sleep, she heard a loud piercing sound in the air. It seemed to grow louder and louder till she could distinctly identify it to be originating from a chain saw. Startled, yet with minimum effort, she moved her eyelids to a slit to see the source of the cacophony. There stood a man, smiling, few feet away from her, with thick, long crimson hair flowing alongside the wind, wearing a pair of half-moon framed spectacles and a red jacket that matched the color of his hair. There was a golden green shimmer in his eyes and he was holding a fierce looking chain saw. Bright yellow sparks were flying from its edges. His teeth resembled the blades of the saw he was holding. He looked up to the sky and spoke, 'Ah! What a beautiful night! This place reeking with the smell of blood is such a titillating sight! My heart seems to be pounding so loudly that I feel I could die from ecstasy. Ah… I haven't felt like this in such a long time. Ummm...' He rambled on and on with least consideration for the victim fighting for death in front of him. She stared at him, her eyes following every self-absorbed gesture he was making, thinking profusely, "Who is this guy? What is he doing here? Why is he carrying a chain saw at this time of the night? Is he a retard or has he escaped from jail? And what is with his androgynous attire? Something's wrong with his teeth, they look nothing close to a human's. What is he up to? Is he here to save me?"

'NO', he replied. She was startled. He walked forward and knelt in front of her. 'No, I am not here to save you… princess. I am here to take away your soul. I, Grell Sutcliffe, the most beautiful looking Soul Reaper among all the Soul Reapers in this world have come to collect your soul. Be thankful to god…', he looked at her with appealing eyes.

Irked but maintaining her calm, Emma retorted, 'Too bad Grell-san… I cannot say if you are the most beautiful of your kind. I have not seen the rest of your kin with my own eyes. But I can see that you are one proud, confused, lousy reaper.' She smiled and continued, 'Instead of doing your job, you are enjoying the scenery and my discomfort.'

'What rudeness!' He suddenly yanked her dress, pulling her face close to his. 'I am not here to make you feel comfortable missy. If I want to, I can end your misery right now but you see the higher ups will pin me down and make my life more miserable if I reap your soul before the scheduled time…' He shoved her back to the wall. 'Why the hell am I telling you all this?' he slapped his palm on the forehead, standing. 'By the way you seem to be one noisy little brat for a dying person', retaliated the reaper.

'Time? What time are you talking about?' asked Emma.

'It is none of your business so die already' replied Grell furrowing his eyebrows.

'Ah! I see. It is the time interval before you start losing your head and spout nonsense, is it?' she teased smilingly.

Enraged, he pulled out a queer looking watch, that bore two digits, scarlet red, blaring out from a black background, out of his pocket and threw it in front of her. 'You… you are testing my patience… I haven't felt this irritated in a lifetime. And moreover why are you not afraid of me? I am a freaking Shinigami. Shouldn't you be more resisting and you know… show me how scared you are? Why are you…?'

'Grell san, what a weird watch you have? What do the digits mean?' she cut him off.

'Listen to what others say to you…' the Reaper yelled at her.

'I heard you Grell san. I have nothing in my life that I am looking forward to. I have no one waiting for me or a place where I can return to. This life has been pretty much meaningless anyway. I just feel that you are a bit strange but not in the least scary.' She smiled looking him in the eye. 'So… so how much time do I have left?' asked Emma.

'13 minutes', he replied.

'I see. So I won't die until 13 minutes have passed?' she asked him.

'Ah. Yes. You won't die before the scheduled time and I cannot cut you till the scheduled time is over. What a boring situation and to sum it up, I am stuck with a high headed shorty' he snorted. 'Damn it. I want to go back home and see Will… Ah! Will… When will I get to hug you? You are always such a diligent guy. It makes me want to spoil you… Ummm… Will…' The Shinigami started making disgusting noises.

Emma watched in awe at his stupidity while maintaining her calm posture. "A little entertainment before dying is ok I guess" she thought. She said curiously, 'Grell san, That Will guy. Is he your boyfriend?'

'Boyfriend? No way…' he replied. Emma was surprised. 'Will is my superior. I just like to tease him. In this world, nobody has been able to take this beautiful maiden's heart… Except that guy. Ummmm… just thinking about that guy brings goose bumps all over my body. Touch and see how hot my body has become just from his thoughts! One more time…. Just one more time I want to see him… I want to cuddle him… I want to have his babies…'

Emma watched amusedly at the way Grell was jabbering. But it was getting too much for her to handle. She sighed and said, 'Grell san. It's impossible for a guy to bear babies. Moreover who is this guy who has successfully made you fall head over heels in love with him?'

'Who? That man is the most beautiful creation in this world. I fell in love the moment I saw him. Such super good looks. Such a sleek and slender body that can do wonders. Skills and talents that are second to none. He is my light in the times of my darkness. He is the only medicine for my heart and he is…. ONE HELL OF A BUTLER! SEBASTIAN MICHAELIS.

'Huh! You fell in love with a Butler? That is so disappointing Grell san. Here I was thinking what a magnificent man, this Sebastian was!' mocked Emma.

'What are you saying, you high headed spoiled little brat! Did you not hear me clearly? I said Sebastian is one hell of a butler! He is a Demon' replied a frowning Grell san.

'A Demon and a Shinigami! What a contrasting pair! By the way what is a demon doing on earth? And why is he a butler? You are not making any sense Grell san' replied Emma.

'Ah mo! Shut up! How many questions do you ask anyway? Listen carefully…

Sebastian is a Demon and the butler of Earl Ciel Phantomhive. If a human is able to form a contract with the demon, the demon can stay on earth' replied Grell.

'Contract? What contract?' asked a curious Emma.

'The human who forms a contract with the Demon becomes the master of the Demon. He can wish for anything he or she wants and the Demon will carry out the orders absolutely. But in return, the human has to pay a very heavy price' replied Grell.

'What price?'

'The Soul' he replied.

'The Soul?' asked Emma puzzled.

'Yes, the human soul, in return for making the demon work for you. That is the contract. Ciel was able to summon Sebastian and form a contract with him so that he could take revenge on the people who murdered his family and burnt his mansion.'

'So… So was he able to seek revenge?' asked Emma quietly.

'I think he could but I am not really sure. A lot of things happened in between. After that they both just disappeared.'

'Where do you think they went, Grell san?' asked Emma.

'I don't know. Sebastian is not on earth so I think he must have returned to Lacrimosa'.

'Lac… Lacri…mos?' asked Emma slightly tightening her fingers around the wound.

'It is the Demon's nest. All the Demons stay there' replied Grell.

'This Ciel guy… uhh… must be a very strong person right? To be able to… to be able to summon a demon' said Emma. Her breathing became more strained as she tried to utter the words.

'What are you saying? That shorty. He was no older than you and was as high headed as you are. I don't know what about that kid attracted Sebastian so much that he would not even look at this beautiful maiden's face…' Grell started mumbling to himself.

A sharp pain shot through Emma's spine. She clutched her abdomen tightly and closed her eyes.

'Oi, shorty. It's almost time.' He stared at her. 'Oi, Oi, Oi… don't fall asleep now. I can't enjoy cutting you if I don't see the pain and fear in your eyes. Oi, are you listening to me…'

Grell san's voice seemed very distant. What Emma was able to view now was darkness all around her. It was quiet and peaceful. "This must be the end. I have never felt so much at ease". The corners of her lips curled into a tiny smile.

"Are you okay with this kind of a pathetic ending?" a voice boomed from behind her.

Bright, too bright a light shone upon her. She shielded her eyes with her forearms. The rays emanated a warm heat, the heat when embraced by a loved one. She felt comfortable. She felt at peace. Two hands closed up on her. She felt her head resting upon soft bosom. She was startled. Such a familiar hug! She looked up. "Rebecca!"

Rebecca smiled. "It is me, you dummy."

"Oh! Rebecca… I am so glad you are alive or wait..." she paused for a moment. "Am I dead? Is this heaven? Did I finally make it?"

A tiny frown appeared on Rebecca's face. "What are you saying Emma? You are not dead yet. Can't you hear Grell san shouting?"

Emma listened closely. She could hear an angry voice yelling in the background. She turned behind her but she could not see Grell san. She looked at Rebecca puzzled.

"This place is the tunnel with a one way in and a one way out. The bright light is coming from the exit. Normally people who cross this tunnel either go to heaven or hell depending on their deeds but since you still have strong attachments lingering on earth, your time has stalled for a few seconds in this tunnel. That is also the reason why I was able to reach out to you."

"I don't understand anything Rebecca. What are you trying to say?"

"This place is in your head Emma and you are not dead yet. I have come to ask you one question and I want an honest answer from you. Tell me are you really fine dying like this?"

"Rebecca it really doesn't matter. I will be joining you again. And my life on earth has not been worth living anyways…"

"You are not answering my question, Emma. Are you fine dying like this? Are you content with what has happened in your life? Tell me honestly, you still don't think you have some unfinished business on earth?" asked Rebecca in a soft gentle voice.

"I… I…" stammered Emma. "I… don't care about it anymore. I just want to be with you? Is that bad?"

Rebecca looked at Emma closely. She sighed and took Emma's trembling hand in hers. "You know you have always been stronger than me in your heart. When I tried to hide my feelings with a smile on my face, you always wore the expression that spoke your heart. Remember the time, Mom was angry with us for no reason, you scowled at her and even received a beating later. But you still wore the same expression, undeterred."

"Yeah, I remember. I thought you were strong cause you were able to hide your feelings so well and endure the pain. I have always looked up to you."

"You are wrong Emma. I have been the one who has looked up to you. I always sought you for my inspiration. But with time you changed. You began to cry a lot. You let your despair get you. You started complaining. We both shared the same harsh fate but it became difficult for me comfort you every time you complained. I thought you will understand and stop at one point of time but you never did and I could never find my inspiration…"

Emma was stunned. "All this is new for me Rebecca. I never thought… I had been such a burden. Why… why didn't you tell me anything before?"

"I was your only hope, Emma. If I had told you before, you would have been devastated. So when I died I thought you would be finally free of my shadow but you cooped up in your hole more. I thought you would live your life more meaningfully but all my efforts to keep you alive are in vain…"

`"Rebecca, I…" tears welled in Emma's eyes. "I am sorry. I am so sorry." She sank to the ground.

"Its not too late Emma. Live your life fully. Its too early for you to be on my side. You have to do what I couldn't do on earth…" said Rebecca softly.

"Rebecca? I don't understa…" her eyes widened in shock as she realized what was being asked of her. She looked up, "You want me to take revenge on those who did that to you?"

Rebecca closed her eyes, gently smiling she locked her arms around Emma's shoulders. "Yes" she whispered in her ear.

What was happening? Emma's mind was in a turmoil. The scene from 1 year ago replayed in her mind. Blood… ten people… an unforgivable sin… Her expression changed as she realized how miserable she had felt after the loss of the one trusted person. "Revenge… Revenge.." the word echoed through the darkness. Unshapely emotions welled up in her heart.

"Yes. That's right. My inspirational Emma is finally back. Turn back now. Use everything in your reach to teach them a lesson they will never forget. Seek revenge for my sake. That is the only way to reach me. I will be waiting for the day you come back to me after you have finished your unfinished business…" Rebecca smiled and the light became intense. Her figure slowly dissolved against the light till the entire tunnel was again covered with darkness.

Emma lay still. She clenched her fist. The noise became louder and louder. 'Shorty… get up you dumb headed shorty. I will not forgive you if you lay still like this.' She felt a strong jerk in her body and she was staring widely at Grell san's annoyed face.

'Damn you. You almost ruined my mood. I can cut you with pleasure now.' Grell san lifted his raging chain saw up in the air and smiled viciously. 'Finally the time has come to see your pathetic Dramatic record…'

'Ne Grell san, how much eager are you to meet Sebastian again? You love him so much yet you don't do anything to get to him. What a pathetic life you have!' smiled Emma tilting her head to one side.

Grell looked at her shocked. "Who is this in front of me? One moment ago she was so lifeless. Did I see a gleam in her eyes or is it my imagination?" Ridiculous thoughts raced through Grell's mind.

Sensing victory at capturing his attention, Emma continued, 'Shinigami may not have the power to enter the realm of the Demon world. But a human does. Right, Grell san?'

Cautiously Grell san asked, 'What are you trying to pull at? You have started blabbering. Enough of this nonsense. I will cut you now and be done with it.' He raised his saw once again.

'I can bring Sebastian back' Emma said flatly.

'Huh?' Grell san's hands stopped moving. 'What?' he asked puzzled.

'Unlike you Grell san, I am a human. If I do what Ciel did then I will be able to bring Sebastian back from Lacrimosa.'

Grell san stood stupefied. The words hit him at a slow pace. Before he could analyze the meaning of the words, Emma spoke again. 'Here is what you have to do. You have to let me go and I will make a contract with Sebastian.'

'A contract? Its not that easy missy. If you have no mission to carry out and call him on earth, he will devour your soul. Its better if I cut you know and release you from your suffering... don't you thin… What are you smiling at? Don't tell me… Don't tell me you still have something to do on earth!' asked Grell completely shaken.

Emma continued to smile.

'Wait, a minute. Are you trying to tell me that if I let you live, I will be able to see my Sebas-chan again?' clarified Grell.

'Ah Grell-san don't make me repeat the same thing again and again. All you have to do is trust me and let me go. I will definitely bring Sebastian back' she replied.

Grell stood there staring at the person in front of him. He didn't recognize her anymore. That meek defeated smile of hers had been replaced by a vicious grin. It appeared like her personality had taken a 180 degree turn. Her words replayed inside his head. He was thrown out of his wits. "This female is mad" he thought. "But what she is saying is true. Only a human can summon a demon. But can I trust her?" he debated. "Moreover will she be able to do it?"

He looked at her again. She was looking at him the whole time trying to read his mind. Her earnest eyes gleamed but it appeared to Grell that her eyes were telling him that she had already convinced him. He glanced at the watch. It was already past the time to reap. He was pissed off. "What if the management finds out about this? Oh my, Will will kill me for sure this time! But Sebas-chan. I will never be able to see him again. If this female is not able to bring her back, I can always finish her off later. I think I will play along for some time. Hmmm… I have never felt like this since I made the deal with Madame Red." He had decided. He would give her 6 months.

Grell gave her one last look and said, 'I will let you free but on one condition. If you fail to bring Sebas-chan within the next 6 months starting from today, I will rip your soul from your body and throw you in the deepest pit of hell.'

Emma smiled and said, 'I don't expect anything less from a Shinigami. So it's a deal then, Grell san.' She stretched her hand forward.

Grell san stooped and with all his might, punched her wound with his hand and whispered in her ear, 'Shinigamis seal the deal this way, princess!'

Emma's head slumped on Grell's shoulders.

Grell san stood up, blood trickling down his fingers. He adjusted his glasses and smiled at the interesting turn of events.