Here we are again!
So, I might not write again for a while because my laptop is currently being fixed. It's actually my brother's, so I'll try to find different ways to keep posting my chapters. Thank you to everyone who has kept up with the story, I promise I'll make it less boring. After this arc, it should be a lot more dramatic (;
Since no one has really voted lately, I'm going to decide to not do the Curry Arc. I will add Soma and Agni in later chapters, because I don't want to spend a huge amount of time on the arc. I will tell you that Ash and Queen Victoria are in this story, though. –Spoilers-
Enjoy!
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We all sat in silence, waiting for the Undertaker to begin his lecture on the case. I fiddled with a strand of my hair, paying close attention to the creepy man.
"I noticed that some of my clients were missing some…important internal organs," he snickered. "It seems that there weren't enough."
I raised a brow. "Not enough?" I echoed. "What do you mean?"
Lau interrupted, "So they were missing a kidney or some such? In that case, the killer sounds much like a loan shark, or something of the sort."
The Undertaker grabbed an autopsy doll, trailing his fingers over it. "It could possibly. What's strange is the killer's pattern of cutlery." He trailed his hand down to the doll's lower abdomen. "With a sharp cutting tool, he cuts down, making his way to the abdomen, where he steals a woman's most precious organ, her…"
I gasped, covering my mouth with my hand. "You don't mean…it's her uterus, isn't it?"
He nodded, grinning at me. "Your intelligence is refreshing, Lady Alina. Yes, it is indeed her uterus, the passageway to birthing a child."
I bit my lip. How could someone be so cruel to take someone's gift of children? I sighed quietly, feeling a stinging sensation at my back. Glancing behind my shoulder, I saw that Sebastian was staring at me. Slowly, a smirk crept onto his face.
I couldn't completely understand why he always looked at me. I mean, do I look bad or something? Is there spinach stuck between my teeth? Pun intended.
I blushed, quickly turning my attention back onto the Undertaker.
"With that being said, that should be enough information to continue the investigation," Ciel spoke up. Seeing my discomfort, he quietly took my hand and pulled me out the door, everyone following suit.
"I thank you, Undertaker, for your participation. Good day." He called to the dark dressed man.
I raised my arm, waving goodbye to him as well. "Goodbye, Undertaker. And thanks again, you were a big help." I smiled softly.
He laughed whole heartedly, waving back. "Goodbye, Miss Alina. May your wings take flight, for we shall meet again."
I sweatdropped at the weird farewell, shrugging and climbing into the coach behind Ciel, with Sebastian's help of course.
When we were all situated comfortably, the coach took off to our next destination. The carriage ride was eerily quiet.
Finally, Ciel broke the silence, "Based on our earlier conversation, we can now simplify our list of suspects."
"Indeed," Sebastian agreed. "First, We have a women well-versed in medical science and anatomy. Among them, someone with no alibi on the nights' of the murders, and as the perpetrator has absconded with the uterus of each victim, someone involved with a secret society or cult of black magic is also a possibility. Women who have abortions are good things to narrow down. However, many do not keep records in the hospital as they are still considered to be difficult to obtain and limited to middle and high-class only excluding prostitutes." He stated in a conflicting tone.
"Wait, you call this simplified?!" Madam Red exclaimed irritably. "Just how many people do you think visit London during the season? Not only must one consider the doctors' of London, but also the family of physicians that aristocrats have brought over from the countryside." She rambled on. "Furthermore, medical school graduates who never became doctors. Not to mention Orientals like Lau who are skilled in the use of needles and are familiar with human anatomy. The season will be over in less than a week, and the family physicians will return to the countryside-"
"Then we only need to investigate before the season ends," Sebastian stated confidently.
I yawned. This conversation was sure as hell boring.
Lau tilted his head in confusion, sticking a finger in his ear. "Come again?"
The butler smirked. "We only need to pay a visit to each individual and verify his alibi before the season comes to a close."
I huffed. "That's nice." I said boringly. "How about we sleep?"
They sweatdropped as I leaned my head up against the cold window, shutting my eyes temporarily. It was so uncomfortable, I shifted many times against it.
Getting an idea, but not a bright one, I shifted my gaze over to the stoic butler, who looked more than comfortable against the coach seats. Stubbornly looking away and making sure I made no eye contact, I slumped against his arm, a soft blush staining my cheeks.
Sebastian looked surprisingly down at me, smiling. "It appears that my arm is more comfortable then the window."
I pouted, laying my head against his shoulder. "Shush, it's just temporary and I'm tired."
He chuckled at my stubbornness. The guests once again, sweatdropped. I bet they don't see this everyday.
Definitely not. I snickered inwardly at my thoughts, closing my eyes and snoozing for the time being.
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We arrived back at the townhouse, Grell driving away the carriage with Madam Red and Lau in it. I waved at them as they departed..
Sighing tiredly, I stomped back into the mansion with the duo on my tail.
"I could seriously use a shower right about now, I feel all grimy and dirty." I mumbled.
I yelped when I was suddenly swept off of the floor, into someone's arms. "Allow me to assist you, Milady. I could make the process much quicker."
My stunned expression quickly turned to one of embarrassment. "I think I can manage, thanks."
He feigned a look of hurt, putting a hand over his heart. "Does my presence discourage you, Miss Castro?"
I slapped my palm into my forehead. How could he think I wanted to avoid him? It's his fault for being too damn gorgeous for his own good!
"No, Sebastian. It's just that I'd like to take a bath by myself for once, without needing the help of a guy. Where I come from, it's common that teenagers like me take baths by themselves without needing any assistance whatsoever…."I paused.
He gave me a look of complete and utter sadness, looking much like a wounded animal. Almost like he was begging me. Begging me. What's so interesting about plain old me?
I sighed. "Fine, fine. I'll let you help. But only because I'm too tired to do it myself."
His expression quickly turned into a mischievous smirk. My mouth opened agape as he carried me up the stairs to my bathroom. He totally tricked me!
That damn sadistic butler.
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I stood in front of my bedpost, waiting for the rest of my corset to be untied as Sebastian shimmied his way down the strings.
It came loose, falling halfway to my waist until I felt the hands pause, him tensing behind me. I could feel a dark aura sweeping out of him.
I tensed as well, glancing behind me to look at him. His expression was dark, him glaring at what looked to be the small of my back. "What's wrong?" I asked.
He quickly schooled his expression, finishing by sliding the corset down my legs. "It is nothing."
I pursed my lips. It certainly didn't seem like nothing, hopefully he wasn't mad at me or something. That'd be extremely terrifying, considering the way he does things around the manor.
He did the usual routine of turning around and letting me slip into the bathtub unseen, putting on a blindfold and grabbing the items needed for me. He rubbed the deposited shampoo into my hair, lathering it around. I sighed in content at the feeling. It felt nice to finally get clean.
"Your hair color seems to be fading around here, Milady." He said, picking up the ends of my hair and examining them.
"Yeah," I confirmed. I haven't got my hair tips dyed in about 9 months, so they were more than likely going to fade before the year was up. "I haven't had the chance to re-dye them, so I might as well just let them fade."
He frowned. Something I rarely see him doing unless he's thinking. "It will lose its natural luster and texture, then."
"I know, but there is nothing I can do about it. Hopefully they will return back to their natural black color."
He nodded. "Perhaps you could find some utensils here. Bleaching may help. If you wish it, I could try myself."
I turned around, looking at him, shocked. "You would do that for me? But..why?" I questioned solemnly.
He gave me a smile, and for once, it looked like a real, genuine smile. My eyes widened. "It seems you were a little sad referring to the subject, so it would be my job as the Phantomhive butler to make sure that our guest is currently happy."
I snorted, turning back around as he rinsed out my hair. Of course, he is just doing it for his job. Kind of selfish if you'd ask me. "Thanks…" I muttered.
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The usual guests all sat in Ciel's townhouse study, Sebastian showing us a paper. "Only one individual fulfills all of these conditions," he started. "The Viscount of Druitt, Sir Aleister Chambers."
"If that is the case," Madam Red interrupted. "Then arranging for an invitation will be child's play."
Huh. How confident of you, Aunt An.
"It is decided then," Ciel decided. "We will do whatever it takes to get into that secret party. On the other hand, we will not be going in the name of Phantomhive. We will fail to catch them otherwise. We must go in disguise." He stood, determination in his eyes. "This is our only chance!"
I squealed inwardly. My first ball! I've been to prom and such in my day, but that was with skanky dressed girls and guys who's goal was to get in her pants at the end of the night. This should be a lot more sophisticated, in a way. With more proper dancing and such. I smiled giddily.
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"Such grandness!" Madam Red complimented, stepping out of the carriage in her usual trademark red. "I wonder if this is the last night that marks the Season?"
"Indeed," Agreed Lau. He followed after her, dressed in a formal evening suit.
Ciel was next to appear. "Remember, we are not here to amuse ourselves. We are merely here to investigate. Do not let your guard down." He was disguised as a girl, in a French-looking pink frilly dress. A matching hat sat upon his hair, which was in twin pigtails that were curled at the end. His bangs covered his left eye that his eye patch usually occupied. I've always wondered why he wore it.
Sebastian came after, dressed differently from his usual butler's outfit, wearing a beige and brown tutor's outfit, gold rimmed spectacles over his eyes.
He held out a hand to me, and I nervously latched onto it. Making my way slowly down the coach step, I stood out into the open. What they had made me put on was nothing less then embarrassing.
My dress was a light violet color, matching Ciel's in the way it was made. It was strapless, and black gloves adorned my arms up a little past my elbows. A large hat, which was probably 3 pounds more than my head, covered my hair which was in a long side ponytail, my ends curled much like the young Earl's.
All in all, I think I look ridiculous.
"I look like a crayon." I muttered helplessly.
Sebastian chuckled at my bluntness. "Nonsense. You look dashing, Milady. Do not fret."
I blushed, turning away so he couldn't see my face. This damn butler was always getting brownie points, wasn't he?
"Sooo, Ciel," I whispered to the young Earl. "That dress looks adorable on you~" I teased lightly. He glared at me and blushed, complete embarrassment evident on his face. Madam Red then wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace, hugging the life out of him. "Doesn't it? It's the perfect dress for a lady!" She squealed in delight.
He struggled in her grip, finally becoming free and standing away from her. "And just WHY must I play the role as your niece?!" He asked furiously.
"Ah ah," Sebastian scolded lightly. "A lady never raises her voice."
I could almost see steam coming out of said person's ears, clearly not happy he was dressed as a girl. Even so, he played his disguise perfectly.
"Well, you see," The woman in red spoke again. "I've always wanted a daughter. A daughter that could fit in beautiful, frilly dresses!"
"And that is your reason?" He growled.
"It would be if I were only joking, but..." she leaned closer, her fan over her face so it wasn't exposed. "If anyone were to reveal of you as a Phantomhive, it would be disastrous right?"
"In any case, if people saw the one-eyed boy and his butler, then they would know on the spot. And to be frank, I heard that the Viscount loves anything in a skirt, so this works perfectly!" she stated.
"W-what?!" He exclaimed.
Huh. Guess that part was left out. Cliché.
"Did Young Master not say that we shall do whatever it takes?" Sebastian commented slyly.
Ciel said nothing.
"Well then, let us resume our roles." Madam Red introduced. "Lau is my young lover," Lau gave his usual close-eyed smile. "Ciel will be playing as my niece, and Sebastian will be playing as his tutor. Oh, and Grell will be as he is." She waved her hand dismissively.
"Aunt An," I called, interrupting her since she skipped me. "What about my role?"
She gasped in realization. "Of course, Alina. You will be playing as Sebastian's fiancée!"
I blushed in embarrassment. His fiancée? Not only is he way out of my league, but we aren't even together! She was going to be the death of me. Why not just sign my death certificate now?
Of course, the ever egotistical butler smirked. I huffed angrily at his confidence.
"Why can't I just go as your daughter and that's it?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.
"Why, My Love, do you despise me in such a way that you will not accompany me as my fiancée?" He asked, his hurt obviously sarcastic.
I bit my lip in thought. Did this mean that I'd be able to kiss him if I had to? My eyes trailed over his lips, his bottom lip slightly fuller then the other. His perfect pale complexion…
Stop it. You're trailing off again. Focus.
I sighed in defeat. "Fine, whatever. Just for the case, though."
He grinned, and stuck his elbow out to me. "Now then, shall we go inside?"
I blushed more, if that was even possible since I was redder then a tomato. Putting my arm in his, he led me inside after Ciel and the others. The ball was in full swing, people chatting, dancing, and eating away. I had to say that there was at least 200 people.
I shivered in excitement, wanting to roam around. I quickly forgot because I would be with the one I call 'fiancee' all night. Said person's eyebrows rose in amusement at my eagerness.
"Are you enjoying yourself, my Love?" he asked, still leading me across the floor.
I blushed, stubbornly looking away from my captor. "R-remember we're not here to have fun? I'm working, I'll have you know."
He chuckled, and I felt all giddy at the sound.
I didn't know that walking across a ballroom floor could be so difficult. We almost ran into Elizabeth, which we dearly hoped not for. Let alone she kept following us around.
I could hear some of the ladies talking about the Viscount, so I tuned in. "Such a handsome man!" said one. "His hair is like spun gold!" Another commented. They sounded like someone's ass kissers.
I then caught a glimpse of the man they were talking about, and I nearly choked on the lemonade Sebastian handed me. This dude really was gorgeous. Not like Sebastian gorgeous, though. More like a 'Chris Hemsworth with amethyst eyes' gorgeous.
"That's him over there, isn't it?" I pointed out.
Ciel and Sebastian's gaze followed to where my finger pointed. "Excellent work, darling." Ugh, did he have to be so gushy? "It seems you indeed have found him."
But to our dying luck, music began to play and people moved in front of us to dance, blocking our view and path of the Viscount.
"Crap," I muttered. "Now how are we going to get to him?"
Sebastian's smirk made my face pale at what he was going to say. "Well, my Lady," He grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the floor. "We will do this the more civilized way, we will dance our way to him. Now, would you be so kindest as to do me the honor?"
With my heart beating furiously in my chest, I nodded. It was a little nerve-wracking to dance in front of strangers, but if it was for a good cause, I'd do it.
He grabbed my hand, and put it on his shoulder, grabbing the other in the palm of his. "Milady," He whispered to me. "You are not nervous, are you? Just follow my lead, you shall be fine." Damn, he noticed that I was shaking. Not good.
I didn't want to look like a wimp, so I just nodded and did as I was told. We started to waltz closer and closer to the platinum blonde man, my grip tight as ever on Sebastian. I could tell he was smirking at my eagerness to remain calm.
After what seemed like an agonizingly long dance, I stood outside the ring of people, gasping for air. I had my hands over my lower abdomen, the corset not doing justice for my breathing. I just wish that the damn thing could come off already.
The butler sweatdropped, patting my back lightly. "Surely you are not tired after what was only about five minutes of dancing. Perhaps I should cut back on the sweets I make for you."
I growled and glared at him. "You're not in a corset, so stick a cork in it." I stood back to full height.
Someone clapped behind me, and I gained my attention back.
"Exquisite," the voice said. "Your dance was suited to a young dove, taking flight for the first time."
I turned my gaze to the man, keeping my shock abstinent. So, the Viscount approached me first. How convenient.
Sebastian eyed him curiously, then put a hand over his heart. "Allow me to fetch you a glass of water, my love." Turning away, he made his way through the crowd.
I curtsied, making sure to act like an appropriate lady in this time. "You flatter me, Lord Druitt."
Apparently, he couldn't get enough so his gaze traveled over my body, not my face. I shivered in discomfort. He grabbed my hand, placing a light kiss upon it. "Such a beautiful young dove, a face worthy of a siren."
I scoffed inwardly. He must always want to put sugar on top of every comment, doesn't he?
"You must tell me your name." He demanded, pulling me close and trailing his fingers down my side. Okay, I'm seriously about to bitch slap this guy.
Still playing along, I gave him a seductive smile. "Oh, you must not worry about me, I prefer to know more about you."
He took the bait, still trailing lower down my waist. "Oh?"
I made sure my disgust was well hidden and replied, "Yes. I am most tired of dancing and food. Perhaps you could take me somewhere more private? I'd love to know everything."
He looked at me hungrily. God, PLEASE end soon. "What a grand idea. Please, follow me." He grabbed my hand, pulling me to the nearest exit. I glanced back at Sebastian and Ciel, giving them a nod.
The last thing I saw was their surprised expressions, and I chuckled inwardly. Let's just hope I can find out something for the case, I thought to myself.
"It is right in here," Druitt stated, lifting a curtain in front of me.
I entered, clenching my fist tightly. Whatever I was about to find, was going to change my perspective of this man.
In the darkness, I heard a door being shut. I breathed in, and a wave of nausea came over me. I panicked, retracing my steps and stumbling towards where I heard the door being shut. I scratched at the handle, falling to the floor with a loud thud.
My eyes drifted open and closed, and I barely lifted my head to see the Viscount, a wicked smirk on his face. He reached down, caressing my cheek.
"Do not worry, my dear dove, we will have the most of fun together."
"D-damn you…" I whispered tiredly, the last of my strength fading as I blacked out.
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(Sebastian P.O.V)
I stepped out of the Magic Box, bowing to the ball's guests as they applauded at the display. Lau had helped with the swordsmanship, impaling my body as the trick was in progress. I have to say, it turned out quite nicely.
I had thought of the distraction as my Young Master's betrothed continued to stalk him, her attraction to his temporary pink dress strong. He nodded to me in approval, my smirk still on my face.
An aura of fear and anger soon hit me, and I paused to feel it. I grinned, knowing exactly who it belonged to.
So, Milady, I thought. You have found a clue. This shall be interesting. Interesting, indeed.
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Ow…My head hurts…
I opened my eyes, but all I could see was darkness. I realized I had a blindfold over my eyes.
I tried to rub my head, but my arms were tied behind my back, my legs the same. I groaned in pain.
I could hear voices in the background, but just barely. I light then consumed me, dim because of the blindfold.
"Settle down, everyone." A voice said. I instantly recognized it as the Viscount. Bastard.
"Now, feast your eyes upon this, as this is tonight's special," he continued. "Derive your enjoyment from appreciating her as you would a fine work of art…Or keep and treasure her as the perfect pet. She would be a glittering jewel for a ritual, would you not agree? Also in demand, you may sell her off in pieces."
Oh my god. This sick fuck! He runs a human trafficking business! Once I get out of here I'm going to bust his ass.
"She is a very prized one, indeed. Her eyes reflect a sapphire, while they have the perfect blend of amethyst." His voice sent chills down my spine.
"Allow me to show you!"
The blindfold was removed from my eyes, and I blinked rapidly to clear my vision. I could see men and women, masks hiding their faces. They all looked like wealthy nobles.
They gasped, intrigued by me. "Her eyes are like diamonds!" One said. "She would be a perfect add-on to my collection," another person stated.
My eyes widened in fear. These people were sick. My analysis was that they removed a woman's uterus, then sold them off as sex slaves. I'd have to jot that down somewhere.
"The starting bid is at 1,000 pounds!" The Viscount announced.
I sighed as they began bidding, some of the highest bids going past 10,000. Don't get me wrong, in a different situation, I would have been flattered at the price.
"Ciel," I whispered shakily. "Now would be a good time for someone to save me…"
It was true. The position I sat in was extremely uncomfortable, and these people were starting to freak me out.
"17,000 pounds! Going once, twice, and-"
His words were cut off when the lights blew out. Everyone began to panic, confusion evident in our voices.
"My, my. It seems you have gotten yourself in quite the situation, Milady."
I gasped. "S-Seb-"
I yelped as something was thrown against the cage I was in, sounds of fighting in the background.
The light was turned back on, and the bodies of the bidders lay unconscious on the ground. My mouth hung open in shock.
"Your expression humors me, Miss Castro. Were you not expecting me to save you?" the butler teased, walking up to my cage and leaning down to my eye level. I could see that he was now wearing a white masquerade mask with red swirls.
"B-but…how did you-"
"My Master ordered me to your rescue, and I could not refuse. Let us hurry, for the Yard is going to arrive here soon to pick Sir Druitt up." He interrupted me mid-sentence. Grabbing the cage's bars, he pulled and easily bent them. I'm sure my eyes were popping out of my sockets as he picked me up, taking me out of the iron prison.
"You just-"
"I will surely explain later. Now, I suggest you close your eyes, so you do not get frightened." He began to run towards a balcony, leaping over the edge. I screamed inwardly, my eyes snapping shut. I held onto his neck tightly as he carried me, my stomach dropping as he jumped down.
I opened my eyes to see that we landed in front of the ball's entrance, a stern-looking Ciel standing in front with his arms crossed. "So, what happened with the Viscount?"
Sebastian picked him up in his other arm, and he carried us down the road towards the manor's exit.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" I murmured.
I didn't want to believe it at first, but I now know one thing is for sure. Sebastian isn't human, and I plan to find out what he is. The thought was terrifying, but I'm willing to take the risk, if that's what I have to do to get home.
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OMG! This chapter took me FOR-E-VER to do! Especially since I have finals at school and whatnot. My laptop was also in the shop getting fixed, but now is good as new. Thank you to all of the people who have read, reviewed, and followed the story! You all inspire me!
I will maybe start doing shout outs to the reviewers next chapter. Thank you, hope you enjoyed!
~M~
