Author's note: Thank you all for the lovely reviews. You guys make me so happy :'D


That night, I left it up to Ciel and Sebastian to deal with contacting Soma while I returned to the Purple House to deal with my own business. I started by making my way to the dining hall. The mess had been long since cleaned up and the chandelier had already been replaced, but I was certain that I would still be able to find what it was I needed to help build my case.

Upon entering the dining hall, I looked up at the chandelier that had been replaced and looked past it towards the bookshelves up on the balcony that lined the room on three sides. Silently, I walked up the winding staircase and began to search for what I needed.

It only took a few minutes for me to find everything before I was on my way back to my dorm. It was getting late and there was much to do tomorrow, so getting enough rest was important.

No, what I was looking for and what I found will not be revealed just yet.

After word spread about Ciel and me essentially rejecting the invitation from the prefects, I've been receiving many dirty stares and heard many murmurs and whispers about me. My reputation was certainly damaged, but I don't need to tell you that it will be restored within due time. It still doesn't change the fact that I need to put up with all this nonsense right now, however.

Most of the students were already in bed but as usual, a few were still lingering about. Notably, Cheslock was one of them. He had his arm wrapped and supported by a sling, though I was sure it was just to be safe. I'm quite certain that none of his bones were cracked, let alone broken.

Still, as minor as his injury appeared to be, he seemed to be having some trouble getting into his nightgown and getting into bed. Without a sound, I gently took his arm and supported it as I slipped it out of the sling and into his sleeve.

"Keep your hands off me, Carter!" He hissed immediately while pulling back, though I could tell he immediately regretted it due to his wincing from the pain. "I don't even want to see your face right now."

"While I'm sure you are still very upset about my disgrace regarding the Swan Gazebo, your injured arm is still my responsibility. It was my carelessness that caused you to get injured, after all." I replied smoothly while delicately guiding his arm into his sleeve. Once it was pulled through, I set his arm back in the sling.

He seemed just about ready to hit me upright the head, but paused with his hand curled in a fist by his side. "Tch…I'll admit that I have a debt to pay, but this has nothing to do with it!"

"At least let me help you get prepared for bed, and consider your debt repaid. Perhaps it is a selfish request on my part, after all." I murmured with a smile that asked for forgiveness. Although he was still irritated and glaring, Cheslock seemed to accept these terms.

Without any more words exchanged, he let me change the bandages around his forearm before I helped him lie down in bed. The few other students who were awake had been murmuring amongst themselves the entire time, but whatever nonsense they were gossiping about was none of my concern.

"Rest well, Cheslock." I spoke in a hushed tone while pulling his blanket up to his shoulders in one motion.

"Get away from me," was his harsh and muffled response.

There was a pulse in my chest, and I immediately recognized it as the one that helps me locate the key.


The next morning started off as expected. Soma arrived on his elephant and tormented Ciel while causing a scene, Sebastian acted although nothing was happening, and I stood in the sidelines to watch everything progress rather smoothly.

What made me uncomfortable was the occasional rift in space or the disappearance of inanimate objects, such as a pencil or a flower. I reminded myself that time was running low and that the changes in this world would occur more quickly and become far more drastic if I took too long. I remember the last time I barely made it in time. The people of that world became mutated. Some had extra eyes or ears while others had extra limbs or none at all. The part that always got to me the most was most was how nobody else would acknowledge these changes except for the main characters of the world and myself.

Sometimes being the one responsible for fixing all these worlds wasn't all fun and games but alas, I suppose that's just how things are.

After a day of hostility, I dropped my books off in my room before heading off to do some of my own investigating. While Ciel and Sebastian were busy with their tasks, I took the liberty of making things go faster by locating the phonographs and art room that would be used for the plan.

When I saw the small sign that read "3rd Art Room," I made sure I wasn't being tailed before pushing the door open. A little to my surprise, I entered the art room to see Violet inside. A part of me simply wanted to leave, but he already knew I was there, so I stayed put. Plus, his presence was awfully convenient.

"Good afternoon, Violet." I greeted with a smile. Silently, I closed the door behind me and began to walk along the sides of the room.

"Likewise, Carter." The prefect answered dully before returning to his painting. "I was not aware you were interested in visual arts."

That was true, but that didn't mean I couldn't pretend to be for the sake of conversation. "I admit that after yesterday's incident, I haven't been particularly eager to practice." That was a lie, of course. His response was a single nod.

Silence filled the room, but it wasn't an uncomfortable one. As I made my round, I stayed close to the parameters of the room, but made sure not to go behind Violet. I didn't want him to feel intimidated, after all, though I'm not sure if he can be in the first place.

Eventually, I finished inspecting the room and returned to the entrance. "I believe I have over-stayed my visit. I shouldn't be presenting myself before you after being such an insult, after all." I stated with an airy laugh. "I wish you a nice day, Violet."

With that, I made my way towards the door. My business here was done, anyway.

"Carter."

I didn't expect him to call out to me, but I stopped and turned around nevertheless.

He didn't seem very interested in my presence, nor did he seem to want to say anything in particular, especially when he began to speak. "You negligence for time doesn't change the fact that you saved Cheslock, and I must thank you for that."

For a moment, I let my eyes trail on the hooded male for a moment before smiling and giving him a small nod. "I believe I should be the one thanking you for your kindness. Well then, if you'll excuse me."

I didn't mean to be stunned, but I must say, feeling that pulse once more was unexpected.


Once again, I was in Professor Michaelis' office. Ciel was sitting in the seat while Sebastian had returned to his role as Ciel's butler while I faced the bureau. I had my eyes closed and focused on locating the pieces. One by one, as if picking them out of the air, they would appear between my fingers before I let them fall onto the bureau with small taps.

"That Maurice Cole certainly is a pain." The young boy muttered, clearly irritated by the mere mention of the fag's name.

"Hush, now. It would be a shame if I were to accidentally relocate your eyes." I murmured back with a faint smile. With a few more picks and flicks at the air, all the pieces had fallen onto the bureau and I opened my eyes. "My apologies, Sebastian. I will have to leave the rest to you."

As the demon gave a curt nod and seated himself at the bureau, I made my way over to Ciel and propped my arm onto the back of the armchair he sat in.

"What do you want, Alaine?" He glowered, though his voice was more tired than it was irritated.

"Oh, don't give me that kind of look." I responded with a smile before resting my chin on the armchair as well. "I wished to inform you that time is growing thin. Surely you will be seeing some differences in the world around you tomorrow. When you do, think nothing of it. The others won't be able to see what you see. This goes for you as well, Sebastian."

Ciel glanced up at me before sighing to himself and nodded. "I suppose it was kind of you to warn us." He admitted while sipping his tea. "Would you care to tell us about those, as well?"

He was now gesturing to the other items that I had placed on the bureau.

"I think you could afford to wait a little."

Ah, and there was his glowering once again.


Author's note: If all goes according to plan, this story will have two more sequences. Thank you all for reading ^^ Everything will be cleared up in the next sequence [: