p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""A Party?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel raised his eyebrow at Isabelle, who was standing before his desk./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She nodded, "more of a get together for some of our friends…" she replied leaning against his desk./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He sighed, "we should really be working on this case…" he said, reading over the letter from the Queen and his newspaper./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She nodded, "I know, but we shouldn't worry too much… there are no solid leads to go off of anyway…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He sighed, "then we should be looking for leads." he said sternly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She sighed in return, "what do we look for? We just have to wait and see what else comes up…" she said, frowning subtly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel sat back in his chair, "it's even stranger that no one else is making a big deal out of all these missing children…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle shrugged, going to his side behind his desk, "maybe that's why we were called to investigate, it might be underworld affairs almost erasing their existence from our world…" she stated, Ciel nodding,/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It could be… That explains why the Her Majesty's servants brought it to her attention…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle nodded and Ciel sighed in unison as he averted his gaze,/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Fine… we'll go to the get together…" he said, cracking a smile as Isabelle smiled brightly in return. She nodded excitedly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'll let them know then!" she said, clapping her hands together./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Later that very afternoon, Sebastian and Enobria escorted their masters to the little party. Ciel and Isabelle, dressed in proper event attire, dress and matching suit, exited their carriage with Ciel leading Isabelle to the door./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So who is going to be here?" Ciel asked curiously./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle smiled softly, her petite arm around his, "many people we know, mostly my acquaintances."she stated, looking to the manor curiously, grey clouds staining the sky above./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Sebastian knocked on the grand wooden doors before them, which were decorated with finely polished designs. A maid then humbly opened the doors for them without a word, bowing her head to them as she allowed them inside, safe from the drizzle. Ciel and Isabelle glanced at each other before entering, thanking the maid who didn't respond./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel glanced down at Isabelle, hushing his voice to a barely audible tone, "That was strange…" he said before being cut off by an oddly enthusiastic voice./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Isabelle! What a pleasant surprise!" cheered a blonde boy who came running to greet her./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel narrowed his eyes at the male who took Isabelle's hand, kissing her knuckles gently, making her blush./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He smiled, "I was so happy to hear you would be attending!" he said excitedly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle smiled back sweetly, "It was my pleasure, however, I do apologize for the short notice…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Not at all!" he reassured her, ushering both her and Ciel into the grand hall where the gathering was being held./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Finely polished furniture decorated the room. Curtains of burgundy silk reaching the tall ceilings draped delicately over the clear and clean windows, the world outside darkening as rain droned on outside./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The food had been set up buffet style, the guests who arrived prior to the couple already served. Ciel and Isabelle glanced around the room, speaking in hushed tones to each other when the blonde boy wandered off to mingle with the other company./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle narrowed her eyes gesturing to a pair of twins, talking to a girl with finely combed, silver hair cascading down her back./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel furrowed his eyebrows, "Mathias and Mariella Ardall. Twins of Baron Alexander and Baroness Joyce Ardall…" he said, thinking aloud./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The two twins glanced at them quickly, studying the couple with their ice blue eyes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mariella pushed some of her blonde hair behind her ear, scooting closer to her brother, who wrapped an arm around her protectively yet sweetly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle pursed her lips slightly, "and that girl they're talking to is Narissa Campden, the daughter of Earl Nathaniel and Helen Campden."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel nodded, Narissa's silver hair cascading to the side as she gazed at them, hearing her name. She smirked upon noticing them and, more importantly, who they were./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ciel Phantomhive, Isabelle Tonnerre. What an honor it is to meet with you again." she said, tilting her head to the side slightly while approaching them./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yes, it is a pleasure to see you as well Narissa." Ciel retorted somewhat sternly, tightening his hold around Isabelle's waist with a fake smile, which Narissa noticed. A smirk stretched across her face./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I don't suppose you two are here emtogether/em, are you?" she asked, her smirk widening. Ciel narrowed his eyes, silently avoiding her question as Isabelle averted her gaze. Narissa went to speak when a boy interrupted, swirling a glass of champagne in his hand. He smiled softly, his coffee brown locks perfectly combed back, revealing his bright, emerald green eyes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I hope I'm not interrupting anything, Earl Phantomhive, Earl Campden, Duchess Tonnerre." He said politely./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle shook her head, "not at all, do not worry…" she said with a soft, reassuring smile./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel smirked, "Tobias Newman I presume." he stated simply in question./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Tobias nodded, "Y-yes, that's me, son of Earl Lewis and Blythe Newman. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Earl Phantomhive, Duchess Tonnerre…" he said, holding his hand out, which Ciel shook lightly, eye narrowed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Tobias glanced at Isabelle who smiled softly, "It's a pleasure." she said sweetly, his cheeks dusted with a light pink blush as he tugged at his collar shyly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""O-oh no! T-the pleasure is a-all mine…" he said, stuttering as he blushed brighter./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel noticed his bashfulness and held Isabelle closer protectively. Tobias nodded subtly, understanding the silent message. Isabelle blinked in confusion, glancing between the two men. A girl with ebony black hair approached the group, coming to Tobias's rescue. She smiled softly,/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Tobias?" she called, going to his side. Isabelle blinked at the girl curiously./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh!" she exclaimed, "my apologizes… My name is Lydia. Lydia Corbett, a maid of the Larresay family." She said, bowing politely with her hand resting over her heart./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle nodded and curtsied respectively, "Isabelle Tonnerre." she stated quaintly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The blonde boy approached again, wrapping his arm around Tobias's shoulders playfully, "Well it appears you all are getting along well." he said happily, his grin wide./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel sighed, "More or less…" he breathed before sneaking a kiss, putting his lips to Isabelle's forehead, making her blush./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Narissa smirked at the sight as the blonde clapped his hands./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Well that's great! Oh, for those of you who don't know, I'm Adrian Larresay, son of Earl Adam and Eleanor Larresay." He said with a bow./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mathias led his twin to the group, who Adrian welcomed with open arms, literally. Mathias pinched Adrian's nose, scolding him for his attempt to touch Mariella./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Must you feel the need to touch my twin." he growled, annoyance in his tone as Adrian yelped childishly, trying to pull away from Mathias's grip./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I-I'm sorry! Let go will ya?!" he pleaded before Mathias complied, releasing him./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian pouted childishly, holding his nose, "awfully harsh aren't you…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Everyone except Adrian laughed at the sight, which only made Adrian's pout drag on./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The rest of the night was full of laughs and stories, the evening merrily playing on with nothing to ruin the fun. At the peak of the night, Adrian had everyone take a seat on the floor in the middle of the grand hall, Isabelle sitting close to Ciel, one of his hands resting gently over hers. Adrian smirked and clapped his hands excitedly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ok, so for tonight I would like everyone to participate in a little activity most of you have probably heard of prior to this." he chimed, bringing out a newspaper, along with a piece of blank, white paper cut in the shape of a person./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Octavia blinked in surprise, "Isn't that a Sachiko Ever After doll?" she asked curiously, tilting her head in question./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian smiled, holding it up on display for everyone to see as he answered excitedly, "uh huh!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Tobias bit his lip, "t-that's a black magic ritual! I-isn't that necromancy…?" he asked nervously, shifting away uncomfortably./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mathias smirked, "What? Are you scared of a little emwitch's/em spell?" he asked teasingly, his sister rolled her eyes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sachiko wasn't a witch." she breathed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mathias shrugged, "I'm aware."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian smirked, waving at them for silence, "the backstory to this charm is based off of the mysteries behind Heavenly Host Elementary School in Japan. The school was a source of pride for this town, as no elementary school had stood within Tenjin's borders at all prior to its construction in 1832. Primary school students had previously been commuting to neighboring towns for class, and, consequently, Heavenly Host Elementary became the most desirable school to go into in that area."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mathias and Mariella cut in, speaking eerily in unison, "however, the reputation was slashed by a series of kidnappings and the murder of 3 elementary school students. 3 girls and 1 boy were found in the school's basement with the principles son, the murderer, in the room with them, cowering in the corner. Apparently, three of the children were killed with the weapon of choice being a pair of scissors. There was only one survivor, Sachiko Shinozaki, who witnessed the entire thing. It was torn down on November 18th, 1875 following the string of serial kidnappings and murders and, on the day of its destruction, the principle jumped from its roof and committed suicide, not wanting to see his precious school torn down before him." they finished, both laughing simultaneously as if amused by people's horrified reactions./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Narissa raised her eyebrow, "the charm was in the newspaper…" she added./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian smirked and nodded, "yes, it was. I just thought it would be a fun little thing to do with everyone. We may not all know each other very well, but I feel like this will ensure that we do become friends, and have it stay that way…" he said with a soft, hopeful smile as everyone glanced at each other curiously./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle narrowed her eyes at the paper doll as Ciel sighed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's just a fictional ritual. There's no truth behind things like this…" he said, stifling a laugh. Narissa smirked, "are you afraid to do it?" she asked teasingly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel scoffed, "it's just a ridiculous children's game. Nothing more, nothing less."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Narissa giggled, "then what's the shame in doing it if nothing will happen?" she asked, her smirk widening./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Octavia clapped her hands, "alright, alright! Are we gonna do this or not?" she asked everyone excitedly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Tobias and Lydia exchanged hesitant looks with everyone until Tobias sighed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh alright…" he said somewhat nervously, Lydia smiling reassuringly for him./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian smirked, "ok, so all nine of us are doing it then!" he said/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian held out the doll in the middle of the circle as he glanced at everyone, the sky outside darkening black from the rain as it poured outside./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Alright, first, everyone grab onto the doll. Hold it tightly, dig your nail into it if you have to." he said with a smirk. Everyone nodded, grabbing their own section of the paper doll, holding it tightly as instructed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ok. Now we all must mentally chant the phrase: Sachiko we beg of you… nine times, yeah, nine times for all of us. Don't worry if you mess it up a bit, just don't stop. On three. One… two… three…!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"On command, everyone's eyes squeezed shut, everyone mentally chanting the incantation. Adrian sighed a little later, opening his eyes, "everyone do it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Everyone nodded, Mathias rolling his eyes, "if you don't get on with it, I'm afraid I'll say it again."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian nodded, "ok, now all we have to do it rip the doll apart into nine pieces. Pull on three. one…. two… three!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The doll was torn to pieces just as lightning illuminated the room with a loud crack, making Tobias and Lydia jump in fright, the rain outside pouring heavily. Each person bared their own piece, holding it tightly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian sighed with a smile, "ok, now hang onto this piece. Don't lose it… As long as we have them, we'll always be friends."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel sighed, uninterested "is that it?" he muttered./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian nodded. Ciel sighed, putting his piece in his breast pocket, whispering to Isabelle, "well that was a waste of time." he said, stifling a laugh, making Isabelle giggle softly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Lightning cracked again and just as everyone got to their feet, the room back to quake./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle yelped, a sudden jolt throwing her to the floor, Ciel's eyes widened as he pulled her back to her feet and into his chest protectively, the room shaking with more force./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Tobias looked around frantically, attempting to maintain his balance, "w-what's going on?!" he asked hysterically, trying to stay on his feet./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian shook his head, arms out and eyes wide, "I-I don't know!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Octavia shrieked, losing her balance as the room continued to quake. Windows cracked, furniture shifted and the floorboards began to split./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel pulled Isabelle away from the cracking floor, dragging her to the farthest wall with everyone else, Adrian and Mathias trying to shoulder open their only exit./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The door were locked tight./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mathias sighed irritably, trying to keep his panic from his tone as he turned to the others, "It's locked!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Lydia's eyes widened, "W-who would lock us in her-"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Lydia was cut off as the floorboards fell beneath her./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She screamed as she plummeted into darkness as everyone watched in horror before erupting in screams. Ciel's eyes widened. He forced Isabelle away, Mathias doing the same with his sister before two other screams followed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian's eyes widened and Tobias yelled, "NARISSA! OCATAVIA!" he screamed before losing his footing among the crumbling floor, falling into the black along with them./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mathias grunted, holding Mariella away before they too fell, reaching up for help as they plummeted into the abyss below./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian shut his eyes fearfully, "d-dear god…" he stuttered in shock, haphazardly crossing his chest as he prayed, the room they were in crumbling to ruins around them./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel yelped grabbing a hold of Isabelle's hand, her eyes widening as he began to fall, her hand being the only thing holding him up as Adrian fell while screaming helplessly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle grunted, holding Ciel panted as the decay of the floor crawled toward her feet beneath her./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel grunted, "I-Isa-"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The floorboards broke roughly, Isabelle falling head first into the pit, Ciel falling below her. They desperately grabbed for each other as they fell, both barely out of reach of the other as their hands flailed in their free fall, darkness completely consuming the room they were once in and the area around them before their world was completely dyed with blackness./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strongEnd of Chapter 1/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strong Ahhhh the tension will start building, you know especially if you know Corpse party~ Also, new characters! Please comment, favorite and follow, each is greatly appreciated~/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strongStay creative my friends~/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel raised his eyebrow at Isabelle, who was standing before his desk./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She nodded, "more of a get together for some of our friends…" she replied leaning against his desk./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He sighed, "we should really be working on this case…" he said, reading over the letter from the Queen and his newspaper./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She nodded, "I know, but we shouldn't worry too much… there are no solid leads to go off of anyway…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He sighed, "then we should be looking for leads." he said sternly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She sighed in return, "what do we look for? We just have to wait and see what else comes up…" she said, frowning subtly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel sat back in his chair, "it's even stranger that no one else is making a big deal out of all these missing children…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle shrugged, going to his side behind his desk, "maybe that's why we were called to investigate, it might be underworld affairs almost erasing their existence from our world…" she stated, Ciel nodding,/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It could be… That explains why the Her Majesty's servants brought it to her attention…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle nodded and Ciel sighed in unison as he averted his gaze,/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Fine… we'll go to the get together…" he said, cracking a smile as Isabelle smiled brightly in return. She nodded excitedly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'll let them know then!" she said, clapping her hands together./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Later that very afternoon, Sebastian and Enobria escorted their masters to the little party. Ciel and Isabelle, dressed in proper event attire, dress and matching suit, exited their carriage with Ciel leading Isabelle to the door./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So who is going to be here?" Ciel asked curiously./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle smiled softly, her petite arm around his, "many people we know, mostly my acquaintances."she stated, looking to the manor curiously, grey clouds staining the sky above./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Sebastian knocked on the grand wooden doors before them, which were decorated with finely polished designs. A maid then humbly opened the doors for them without a word, bowing her head to them as she allowed them inside, safe from the drizzle. Ciel and Isabelle glanced at each other before entering, thanking the maid who didn't respond./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel glanced down at Isabelle, hushing his voice to a barely audible tone, "That was strange…" he said before being cut off by an oddly enthusiastic voice./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Isabelle! What a pleasant surprise!" cheered a blonde boy who came running to greet her./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel narrowed his eyes at the male who took Isabelle's hand, kissing her knuckles gently, making her blush./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He smiled, "I was so happy to hear you would be attending!" he said excitedly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle smiled back sweetly, "It was my pleasure, however, I do apologize for the short notice…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Not at all!" he reassured her, ushering both her and Ciel into the grand hall where the gathering was being held./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Finely polished furniture decorated the room. Curtains of burgundy silk reaching the tall ceilings draped delicately over the clear and clean windows, the world outside darkening as rain droned on outside./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The food had been set up buffet style, the guests who arrived prior to the couple already served. Ciel and Isabelle glanced around the room, speaking in hushed tones to each other when the blonde boy wandered off to mingle with the other company./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle narrowed her eyes gesturing to a pair of twins, talking to a girl with finely combed, silver hair cascading down her back./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel furrowed his eyebrows, "Mathias and Mariella Ardall. Twins of Baron Alexander and Baroness Joyce Ardall…" he said, thinking aloud./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The two twins glanced at them quickly, studying the couple with their ice blue eyes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mariella pushed some of her blonde hair behind her ear, scooting closer to her brother, who wrapped an arm around her protectively yet sweetly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle pursed her lips slightly, "and that girl they're talking to is Narissa Campden, the daughter of Earl Nathaniel and Helen Campden."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel nodded, Narissa's silver hair cascading to the side as she gazed at them, hearing her name. She smirked upon noticing them and, more importantly, who they were./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ciel Phantomhive, Isabelle Tonnerre. What an honor it is to meet with you again." she said, tilting her head to the side slightly while approaching them./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yes, it is a pleasure to see you as well Narissa." Ciel retorted somewhat sternly, tightening his hold around Isabelle's waist with a fake smile, which Narissa noticed. A smirk stretched across her face./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I don't suppose you two are here emtogether/em, are you?" she asked, her smirk widening. Ciel narrowed his eyes, silently avoiding her question as Isabelle averted her gaze. Narissa went to speak when a boy interrupted, swirling a glass of champagne in his hand. He smiled softly, his coffee brown locks perfectly combed back, revealing his bright, emerald green eyes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I hope I'm not interrupting anything, Earl Phantomhive, Earl Campden, Duchess Tonnerre." He said politely./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle shook her head, "not at all, do not worry…" she said with a soft, reassuring smile./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel smirked, "Tobias Newman I presume." he stated simply in question./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Tobias nodded, "Y-yes, that's me, son of Earl Lewis and Blythe Newman. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Earl Phantomhive, Duchess Tonnerre…" he said, holding his hand out, which Ciel shook lightly, eye narrowed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Tobias glanced at Isabelle who smiled softly, "It's a pleasure." she said sweetly, his cheeks dusted with a light pink blush as he tugged at his collar shyly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""O-oh no! T-the pleasure is a-all mine…" he said, stuttering as he blushed brighter./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel noticed his bashfulness and held Isabelle closer protectively. Tobias nodded subtly, understanding the silent message. Isabelle blinked in confusion, glancing between the two men. A girl with ebony black hair approached the group, coming to Tobias's rescue. She smiled softly,/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Tobias?" she called, going to his side. Isabelle blinked at the girl curiously./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh!" she exclaimed, "my apologizes… My name is Lydia. Lydia Corbett, a maid of the Larresay family." She said, bowing politely with her hand resting over her heart./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle nodded and curtsied respectively, "Isabelle Tonnerre." she stated quaintly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The blonde boy approached again, wrapping his arm around Tobias's shoulders playfully, "Well it appears you all are getting along well." he said happily, his grin wide./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel sighed, "More or less…" he breathed before sneaking a kiss, putting his lips to Isabelle's forehead, making her blush./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Narissa smirked at the sight as the blonde clapped his hands./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Well that's great! Oh, for those of you who don't know, I'm Adrian Larresay, son of Earl Adam and Eleanor Larresay." He said with a bow./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mathias led his twin to the group, who Adrian welcomed with open arms, literally. Mathias pinched Adrian's nose, scolding him for his attempt to touch Mariella./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Must you feel the need to touch my twin." he growled, annoyance in his tone as Adrian yelped childishly, trying to pull away from Mathias's grip./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I-I'm sorry! Let go will ya?!" he pleaded before Mathias complied, releasing him./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian pouted childishly, holding his nose, "awfully harsh aren't you…"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Everyone except Adrian laughed at the sight, which only made Adrian's pout drag on./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The rest of the night was full of laughs and stories, the evening merrily playing on with nothing to ruin the fun. At the peak of the night, Adrian had everyone take a seat on the floor in the middle of the grand hall, Isabelle sitting close to Ciel, one of his hands resting gently over hers. Adrian smirked and clapped his hands excitedly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ok, so for tonight I would like everyone to participate in a little activity most of you have probably heard of prior to this." he chimed, bringing out a newspaper, along with a piece of blank, white paper cut in the shape of a person./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Octavia blinked in surprise, "Isn't that a Sachiko Ever After doll?" she asked curiously, tilting her head in question./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian smiled, holding it up on display for everyone to see as he answered excitedly, "uh huh!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Tobias bit his lip, "t-that's a black magic ritual! I-isn't that necromancy…?" he asked nervously, shifting away uncomfortably./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mathias smirked, "What? Are you scared of a little emwitch's/em spell?" he asked teasingly, his sister rolled her eyes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sachiko wasn't a witch." she breathed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mathias shrugged, "I'm aware."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian smirked, waving at them for silence, "the backstory to this charm is based off of the mysteries behind Heavenly Host Elementary School in Japan. The school was a source of pride for this town, as no elementary school had stood within Tenjin's borders at all prior to its construction in 1832. Primary school students had previously been commuting to neighboring towns for class, and, consequently, Heavenly Host Elementary became the most desirable school to go into in that area."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mathias and Mariella cut in, speaking eerily in unison, "however, the reputation was slashed by a series of kidnappings and the murder of 3 elementary school students. 3 girls and 1 boy were found in the school's basement with the principles son, the murderer, in the room with them, cowering in the corner. Apparently, three of the children were killed with the weapon of choice being a pair of scissors. There was only one survivor, Sachiko Shinozaki, who witnessed the entire thing. It was torn down on November 18th, 1875 following the string of serial kidnappings and murders and, on the day of its destruction, the principle jumped from its roof and committed suicide, not wanting to see his precious school torn down before him." they finished, both laughing simultaneously as if amused by people's horrified reactions./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Narissa raised her eyebrow, "the charm was in the newspaper…" she added./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian smirked and nodded, "yes, it was. I just thought it would be a fun little thing to do with everyone. We may not all know each other very well, but I feel like this will ensure that we do become friends, and have it stay that way…" he said with a soft, hopeful smile as everyone glanced at each other curiously./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle narrowed her eyes at the paper doll as Ciel sighed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's just a fictional ritual. There's no truth behind things like this…" he said, stifling a laugh. Narissa smirked, "are you afraid to do it?" she asked teasingly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel scoffed, "it's just a ridiculous children's game. Nothing more, nothing less."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Narissa giggled, "then what's the shame in doing it if nothing will happen?" she asked, her smirk widening./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Octavia clapped her hands, "alright, alright! Are we gonna do this or not?" she asked everyone excitedly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Tobias and Lydia exchanged hesitant looks with everyone until Tobias sighed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh alright…" he said somewhat nervously, Lydia smiling reassuringly for him./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian smirked, "ok, so all nine of us are doing it then!" he said/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian held out the doll in the middle of the circle as he glanced at everyone, the sky outside darkening black from the rain as it poured outside./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Alright, first, everyone grab onto the doll. Hold it tightly, dig your nail into it if you have to." he said with a smirk. Everyone nodded, grabbing their own section of the paper doll, holding it tightly as instructed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ok. Now we all must mentally chant the phrase: Sachiko we beg of you… nine times, yeah, nine times for all of us. Don't worry if you mess it up a bit, just don't stop. On three. One… two… three…!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"On command, everyone's eyes squeezed shut, everyone mentally chanting the incantation. Adrian sighed a little later, opening his eyes, "everyone do it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Everyone nodded, Mathias rolling his eyes, "if you don't get on with it, I'm afraid I'll say it again."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian nodded, "ok, now all we have to do it rip the doll apart into nine pieces. Pull on three. one…. two… three!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The doll was torn to pieces just as lightning illuminated the room with a loud crack, making Tobias and Lydia jump in fright, the rain outside pouring heavily. Each person bared their own piece, holding it tightly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian sighed with a smile, "ok, now hang onto this piece. Don't lose it… As long as we have them, we'll always be friends."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel sighed, uninterested "is that it?" he muttered./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian nodded. Ciel sighed, putting his piece in his breast pocket, whispering to Isabelle, "well that was a waste of time." he said, stifling a laugh, making Isabelle giggle softly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Lightning cracked again and just as everyone got to their feet, the room back to quake./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle yelped, a sudden jolt throwing her to the floor, Ciel's eyes widened as he pulled her back to her feet and into his chest protectively, the room shaking with more force./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Tobias looked around frantically, attempting to maintain his balance, "w-what's going on?!" he asked hysterically, trying to stay on his feet./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian shook his head, arms out and eyes wide, "I-I don't know!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Octavia shrieked, losing her balance as the room continued to quake. Windows cracked, furniture shifted and the floorboards began to split./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel pulled Isabelle away from the cracking floor, dragging her to the farthest wall with everyone else, Adrian and Mathias trying to shoulder open their only exit./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The door were locked tight./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mathias sighed irritably, trying to keep his panic from his tone as he turned to the others, "It's locked!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Lydia's eyes widened, "W-who would lock us in her-"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Lydia was cut off as the floorboards fell beneath her./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She screamed as she plummeted into darkness as everyone watched in horror before erupting in screams. Ciel's eyes widened. He forced Isabelle away, Mathias doing the same with his sister before two other screams followed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian's eyes widened and Tobias yelled, "NARISSA! OCATAVIA!" he screamed before losing his footing among the crumbling floor, falling into the black along with them./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Mathias grunted, holding Mariella away before they too fell, reaching up for help as they plummeted into the abyss below./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Adrian shut his eyes fearfully, "d-dear god…" he stuttered in shock, haphazardly crossing his chest as he prayed, the room they were in crumbling to ruins around them./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel yelped grabbing a hold of Isabelle's hand, her eyes widening as he began to fall, her hand being the only thing holding him up as Adrian fell while screaming helplessly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isabelle grunted, holding Ciel panted as the decay of the floor crawled toward her feet beneath her./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Ciel grunted, "I-Isa-"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The floorboards broke roughly, Isabelle falling head first into the pit, Ciel falling below her. They desperately grabbed for each other as they fell, both barely out of reach of the other as their hands flailed in their free fall, darkness completely consuming the room they were once in and the area around them before their world was completely dyed with blackness./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strongEnd of Chapter 1/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strong Ahhhh the tension will start building, you know especially if you know Corpse party~ Also, new characters! Please comment, favorite and follow, each is greatly appreciated~/strong/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"strongStay creative my friends~/strong/p