Shonan's Notebook
Day 94
Ah-hah! I finally found this thing! My precious, what happened to you? It's been just over 3 months since I lost you…Huh, funny that I'd find you in Chi's dresser…Why was I there? You ask? Well, you see, it's Thanksgiving today, aka our Final Exam day! Lucky us! We had to already pack and get everything we could possibly need ready. As for why I was in Chi's dresser, don't tell her, but I have a secret stash of gum hidden there! You poor thing, neglected for such a long time…
I shut my precious notebook, storing it away in my bag with the rest of my belongings. Wasn't gonna lose that again…On the bright side, I got to sleep in 'till 8 today! Chi and I had been called to the Director's office to be there at 9. I probably could've stayed asleep later, but the ceiling was only so interesting… And so I went around my daily morning routine; wake up, get changed, brush teeth, run a brush through my hair, bother Chi until she was done. 10 minutes versus an hour. How the heck did Chi manage to take so long!? Ah, well. I'll leave that for later.
Chi and I nervously stepped into the Director's office. A middle-aged man was sitting in front of a desk, with his assistant standing behind him.
"We will now announce the results of your hard work. Storm Whiston. Practical Technique, A. Written, B. Ethics, C. Average, B. Crimson Chattoway. Practical Technique, AA. Written, B. Ethics, D. Average, B. You two have a special mission. There was a soul collected five years ago. However, it seems that the person is somehow still living. You are to investigate and re-collect this soul. You have one month." The Director handed me a folder.
"Drocell Keinz…" I read aloud. "Oh, great, a German! Tch, stupid Germans with their stupid unpronounceable names and other words…It's like someone decided to dance across a keyboard and call it a word…" I complained. Not to be (too) racist or anything, but it's true… Chi rolled her eyes, used to my behavior by now, and took the folder from my hands.
"German or not, he's quite the eye candy! Such a pity he'll have to die…" she exclaimed as she opened the folder. That's one of the things I actually dislike about Chi. The way she thinks. It's sickening. She must've seen the look of disgust on my face because she held out the photo to show me. "Look!" Uh-huh, real nice. Nothing too spe-was he wearing…eye makeup? I snorted. Yet another oddball, eh? Just watch him be just as flamboyant as Grell! No, that's not possible. Then again, from the look in his eyes, he could be mute and jaded to the world, for all I know… I took the folder back, to read more.
" A puppeteer for the Mandalay family, very loyal to his master…Wait…this seems a bit outdated…"
"We had no new information about him except that he has been re-animated with another soul, so we re-used his old file from five years ago."
"That would explain the black-and-white photo, then… So he's a puppeteer, a control freak. Oh, joy. Chi, we'll have to be careful not to be turned into puppets!" I joked. I didn't know just how right I would be.
"Oh, Chi~ Look how beautiful~!" I gasped, staring at one of the street vendors' stalls. We were in the central marketplace, which was having a festival week to celebrate Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season. I was captivated by a beautiful ring which had a blue stone mounted onto it. Not quite sapphire, but even more beautiful, if that was possible. Like a blue diamond! Chi came over, reluctantly laving the stall she was browsing.
"Oh, nice find! That blue certainly would suit you! Why don't you buy it?" she asked me. We were buying a few things for ourselves, as well as some friends for the holidays.
"Eh, well, you see…" I began.
"You're broke, aren't you?" I nodded. Chi sighed and dug some money from her pocket.
"Here, but use it wisely." She told me. I nodded eagerly. I ended up buying the ring, as well as a pendant with a small silver snake coiled around a beautiful emerald sphere. In case we ever meet our reptilian friend again. I hadn't seen Scales in three whole months! I also bought a wooden bracelet with red stones imbedded in it for Grell, a ruby necklace for Madame Red, since we ended up posing as her servants for most of our time up till now, and a amber-handled pocketknife for Ronald. For Chi, I got a pretty set of ebony and red earrings, since she loved the colors black and red. I even got something for Will! It was a silver pocket watch, since I knew he hated overtime and had to be perfectly punctual all the time. Chi bought a bottle of perfume for Grell, a snake-charming flute for Snake, and a book for Ronald. She wouldn't tell me the title, though…For herself, she bought a hairpiece with black feathers. Victorian era jewelry is so pretty! I just wish there was a bit more variety…
Our holiday shopping was almost done and we were collecting the last of our purchases, when I heard a sound. It was actually pretty creepy, but no one else really seemed to pay it heed. It sounded like an old, slightly out of tune version of "London Bridge".
"Chi, do you hear that?" I asked. She nodded. Very soon, a man came into view. Well, not really man, that just sounds so old. He was about our age, really. The first thing I noticed was his hair. It was ginger, and cut into flares tossed aside from his eyes, with bangs reaching down to his chin. His eyes were a pretty amethyst color, and seemed emotionless. He has blue and pink eye shadow accentuating his eyes, and a blue fleur-de-lis was painted underneath his right eye. He wore a blue tailcoat with gold piping and a red ribbon tied in a bow around his neck, and a black top hat decorated with a red ribbon and two black feathers sat perched atop his head. He had short black pants, white gloves, and wore knee-high black-and-white striped socks underneath his black boots, which had gold buttons. He was carrying the source of the horrendous sound, a music box painted with a blue fleur-de-lis, around his neck. It was the same person from the photo. Strangely enough, he didn't look as if he'd aged so much as a single day from then… However, I must admit, the photo simply didn't do him justice. They never do. I thanked the salesperson and walked away. "Should we follow him?" I asked Chi. She nodded.
Drocell ended up unknowingly leading us to an old, abandoned manor behind a ruddy shop called Angel's Wings Antiques. The shop itself was quite creepy, laden with lifelike dolls that seemed they could come alive at any moment. Have I mentioned I'm not a big fan of dolls? The inside of the manor was grand, or at least, it used to be. Now it was covered in dust, and still pretty creepy. Don't get me wrong, I love morbid things but this wasn't morbid. This was flat out creepy. Like something was terribly wrong. I caught sight of a doll standing in the middle of the reception hall. I remembered glancing at the mini version of this doll inside the shop, but this one was even more lifelike, if that was even possible. Not to mention, this one was life-size, as well. I curiously walked up to the doll. I heard Chi trying to tell me something, but I ignored her. She's too worrisome, anyways. It's not like the dolls' just gonna reach out and - you know what, I take that back. It did. My vision started to swim as the doll tightened her grip on my neck.
I woke up in a room that smelled like wood. Not the greatest scent to wake up to when you're still lightheaded from the strangest kidnapping case ever. I cautiously opened my eyes. Scattered around the room were what seemed to be spare doll parts, wood carving tools, straw, wax, some metals, and various other materials. I turned my head to the side and gasped silently. Slumped over beside me was the girl I'd seen at the Viscount's party three months ago! You know, obnoxiously pink dress and bonnet, orange bow in her hair, emerald green eyes, and blonde curls? Yeah, her. I was tempted to just push her and see what would happen, but I found It took a lot of effort to move my arms at all. Effort I just didn't have. Great. Suddenly, the door creaked open and Drocell stepped through the door, humming "London Bridge" quietly to himself. I promptly closed my eyes, pretending to still be unconscious. I heard something being deposited beside me, and then it seemed like the girl beside my got taken away. Stupid puppeteer, put her back! I just got used to her presence, now it feels empty! I once more cracked an eye open after a few minutes, deeming it safe to do so. I slowly turned my head to the other side, where something had been deposited. And there was Chi, looking like she's been through hell. She was covered in bruises, dirt, and bloody scratches, and some of her clothing was torn.
"C-Crimson!" I exclaimed out loud, completely and utterly blowing my cover. But I didn't care. The sight in front of me was too horrendous. Chi groggily cracked one eye open.
"Oh, you're finally awake." Drocell commented, turning his head slightly to face us. Note that he turned just his head. His body still stayed right where it was, not budging an inch. The girl that had been beside me lay in front of him, on what seemed to be an operating table.
"W-what're you doing to us?" I asked. I still couldn't move very well, so I assumed it was his doing.
"Turning you into the perfect beings for my perfect ensemble, dolls." He responded in a monotonous voice.
"There is no way I'm letting myself become a doll!" Chi cried, attempting to get up. Well, she was certainly awake now…I had to agree, though. I rather like being what I am, you know.
"And why pick us, then? We're nothing special!" I asked, trying to dissuade him at the same time.
"You have a piece of the Hope Diamond, a symbol of my possession." He answered. Why do all beautiful things have to have some hidden evil? I sighed, glancing at my hand where my new ring was shining beautifully.
"So what? Why do you want to make some 'ensemble', anyway?" I asked.
"Five years ago, I lost my soul. And so I thought to myself: Why not try and get it back? That way, I can be truly free." He responded. I glanced at Chi.
"I think we'll need to return to the library, huh? That is, if you haven't gotten to his cinematic record yet." I told her.
"Maybe, but I have something we may be able to do first. I may've brought along some of those books to go, five to be exact, one per week and an extra…" Chi said sheepishly. I mentally facepalmed. Leave her to steal from a library. Honestly, how did they not notice? Are they blind? Don't answer that, actually…
"But what're the chances you have his with you?" I asked.
"Dunno," she shrugged, "let me check." She pulled out five books. "No, no, no, ah-hah! Jackpot! Drocell Keinz!" she cried, holding up the book victoriously. Wow, what a coincidence…Who knew her bad habits could come in handy someday?
"Well that was surprisingly convenient…" I muttered. Drocell was now coming towards us.
"What is that?" he asked, still monotone, but I could see a slight interest in his eyes.
"Pretty much your soul. But, I'll only give it to you if you promise to set us free." Chi said. A dark shadow flickered across Drocell's face for a moment. He mumbled something. "What was that? I couldn't hear you~!" Chi taunted.
"Fine. I shall lose two dolls, but in return, I will regain my soul." He said, louder. Chi nodded, satisfied, about to hand him the book, when I butted in.
"But we still need to collect your current soul, so use it to the best extent you can! Not to mention, I thought only Shinigami could use the cinematic records?"
"That's true…" Chi replied. Drocell abruptly turned towards to door to leave.
"We have guests." He said. Even though his voice was monotone, it still seemed so cold…
"Oh, no, I think we offended him, my friend!" I chirped. I noted that I could move again, much to my relief.
"Indeed. Shall we follow him?" Chi asked.
"We shall~!" I replied, following Chi out the door. Outside the door was a long hallway that spiraled around the building. I leaned over the railing, looking down as far as I could without falling. "We're so high up…" I begrudgingly admit, I am short. At 18 years old, and with only a 5' 1" stature, I'm not a tall person. So it stands to reason I like to elevate myself with heels and such. However, it also stands to reason that I don't like massive heights. Looking down was a massive height. Not pleasant. So, I retreated back to the hallway farther from the railing. Then, I returned, doubting what I'd seen down there. Grell was standing in the reception hall, a few floors below us, along with a young boy and another man…who was on a leash? The man on the leash barked. Chi and I instinctively scowled.
"Hellhound scum" Chi hissed.
"Wretched canine!" I added. I couldn't hear what was going on, but I saw that wretched doll lash out and grab the boy. Actually, it was a different doll from the one we met.
"I destroyed the other one." Chi answered my unasked question.
"Ah" I nodded. The Boy yelled something and Grell pulled out two pairs of scissors. He'd been demoted to the scissors after Will found out about the Jack the Ripper incident. That farmer was such a killjoy… When I looked back again, the doll was laying on the ground, sawdust spilling from the wounds inflicted by Grell's new death scythes. The young boy was gaping at the scene before him. Suddenly, the door in front of them opened, and Drocell stepped through.
"I see this doll was a failure." He declared. "And so I thought to myself, they need to be stronger, much stronger." He then began singing, his words ringing throughout the manor. "Build it up with iron and steel, iron and steel, iron and steel, build it up with iron and steel, my fair lady." A stream of dolls came pouring out of the door behind him. Grell tried to cut them with his scissors, but nothing happened. The doll which he'd struck now had a ripped glove, but metal was visible, shining through the ripped cloth. Drocell somehow escaped into the hall below us. Chi and I descended a flight of stairs to be able to see what was going on. We heard Sebastian arrive downstairs, singing the same tune as Drocell.
"Iron and steel will bend and bow, bend and bow, bend and bow, iron and steel will bend and bow, my fair lady~" I could hear the dolls' metal necks snapping as he sand. Creepy. I returned my attention to where Drocell was sting of the railing at the sound of running footsteps approaching. It was the boy. He looked frustrated and lost. Suddenly, Drocell poke.
"Ciel Phantomhive, you are incredibly beautiful. Therefore, I will have to make you into a doll that befits such beauty. But what materials shall I use?" He said. Then, he began singing his accursed tune again. I should note that that song is really starting to creep my out now… "And so I thought to myself, build it up with silver and gold, silver and gold, silver and gold, build it up with silver and gold, my fair lady." Ciel's eyes widened and he started running, covering his ears. Drocell continued singing, pursuing him at a slow walk.
I won't describe everything that happened, especially since we missed a lot. But in the end, that wretched New Demon 'killed' Drocell for a second time. However, before he 'died', he said something about termites falling out of his ears. Now, if he wasn't human? How'll we give him his soul back? Chi says we just keep it, but I think a deal's a deal. Besides, we all know it's my life's mission to make monotone, quiet, and mute people speak more, and more loudly, so I feel my goal is unfinished.
Chi and I stood over Drocell's fallen body. He wasn't dead yet, no, nowhere near dead. His soul still needed collecting. Chi and I touched the tips of out death scythes together and made a cut in Drocell's chest. I literally had to keep chanting in my head 'don't feel guilty, it's technically not his soul' to myself over and over. I watched as what seemed to be a movie film burst out from the wound we'd created. From Grell's story, I would've assumed it'd be much wilder and reluctant to be taken, but this cinematic record just submitted. Mayhaps he'd wanted to die? Well, no matter. The task was done within minutes, and Chi and I somberly left the manor. Once we were outside, the mood lightened considerably as Chi and I high-fived each other.
"Haha! Mission complete! Now we've got a few weeks to goof off!" Chi exclaimed happily.
"Yeah, but what about returning Drocell's soul to him?" I asked.
"We'll do that after we're officially Shinigami, when we're technically qualified for the job." She explained.
"Ah, okay then!" I smiled.
"Huh? What's this? Chi asked, picking up a flier off the ground. "Noah's Ark Circus" she read aloud. "Hey, didn't Snake say something about working for a circus?" she asked.
"Oh, yeah! Chi, we have to go! Maybe we'll see Scales~! And even if we don't, I've never been to a real live circus before~!" I exclaimed, eyes shining.
"Oh, all right…" Chi gave in.
Haha, we're going to a circus~ I've never been to a circus before! I'm so excited, this'll be great!
~Shonan
A/N: What's this? Two updates in a day? Impossible! But true! This chapter was going to be longer, but it's already 7 pages long, so I cut it off. After this next chapter is my favorite chapter as of yet! I can't wait~!
