A/N: So glad people are enjoying my story! I was actually thinking of letting this story crash and burn :/ but you people saved me. It means a lot and I appreciate it :) Thank you all \(^_^)/
SebbyXCiel4eternity: Awe, glad to hear you like it :) Yes, you can have a cookie! *hands cookie*
Wnfk1104: Thank you very much! No, I am not offended lol. I too feel like I need to fix it up just a tad. Ah, gotcha. Thank you again! :D
Iggyt14: *applauds* Thanks! XD
KaylaWolf7621: Thanks! Will do! :)
I love fairytail and zeref: Ah, welcome back! XD Aw, thanks :3 and okay will do!
Once again, I do not own Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler! 8D
Aerith: You can say that without a tear? I am shocked.
Me: Shut up! I barely got it down!
Aerith: *cough* wuss…
Me: Pfft, whatever. Ignore the party pooper and enjoy! :D
"What do you think we will find?" I asked.
"Probably more clues but if we're lucky, hopefully some bodies." Sebastian put his finger on his chin.
"Who do you think is doing this?" The questions kept coming.
"I really don't know. There appears to be no suspects so far."
"Hmmm…"
"What?"
"Oh, I'm just thinking." I lightly knocked my little noggin.
He chuckled, "I see."
Silence. The awkwardness only gets worse and worse every time we are in the carriage. Why is it always like this?! Then again, I did not fully trust him much anymore.
"Something's on your mind." I gazed into crimson eyes and shook my head.
"My Lady, you know you can tell me anything, right?"
"I know. But, nothing's on my mind." I gave him a comforting smile.
"Are you sure?" He had a reassuring face as if I could completely trust him. Almost got to me. Almost.
"Yes, I'm sure Sebastian. I'm fine." Another comforting smile.
"Forgive me. Like I said, Claire wants me to protect you. I am just doing my job." He smiled.
"Haha, you're doing a good job. I promise." I laughed.
"It's just…you see, I am simply one hell of a butler."
I giggled, "Yes, you are."
He smiled again and we were quiet again. Before it was too awkward, the carriage stopped.
I got the small gun out of my pocket, "In case. Ready?"
"Whenever you are, My Lady." Sebastian nodded. I nodded back and quietly stepped out of the carriage. Sebastian came after me and quietly closed the door. Outside, it was all muggy and like a swamp. Large shrubs surrounded the murky river, little insects chirping in the night. The water made little sloshing noises as the current flowed down through the muddy river.
"Look for clues." I whispered to Sebastian. He moved his head silently to me and we scanned the area. I looked into the shrubs only to have my face with horror.
"Sebastian!" I quietly yelled. He quickly came to witness the horror. A male's body laid in the tall grass. His neck was drenched in blood, his arms in scrapes and his legs looked like they have been ripped off. His face was widening with horror and tragedy as his eyes were literally pulled out of the sockets. In his ruffled hair, laid a pure white rose. The petals were already wilting and dying of time.
"Oh my God. Who did this?" I gasped.
"I don't know." Sebastian said. Suddenly, rustling was heard from one of the shrubs in front of us. Both of us tensed up as we watched it shake and mutter words.
"Do we dare?" I whispered.
"For the Queen." Sebastian said.
I wanted to roll my eyes but kept a straight face and nodded. I aimed my gun at the trembling bush and Sebastian followed. As I got closer and closer, my heart thumped furiously in my chest. I was even wondering if Sebastian could hear it. My feet were planted to the ground as I stood in front of the grassy bush. With one hand out and extending forward, it trembled as it touched one of the hairs.
'One, two…'
"Three!" I exclaimed and attacked the bush.
"AHHH! Don't scare me like that!"
I sighed out of annoyance. The thumping in my heart started to beat back to normal. Out of all of the people I know…
"What are you doing here, Grell?"
"Looking for a body, duh! Jeez, is the red getting to you?"
My eyebrow twitched, "First off, I have had red all over me since the day I was born. So, no. Second, a body is over there!" I pointed to the horrific man.
"Oooooh. That's where it was! You're the best, Little Red!" He pinched my cheeks tightly and trotted to the body. I face palmed my forehead.
"Lord, save me now." I sighed.
Sebastian smiled softly at me, "Well, at least you weren't killed. Maybe Grell can give us information on the body."
"That is true." I put my finger to my chin. "Let's go ask."
"Very good."
We both traveled back to the body where the redhead grim reaper was pulling out movie reels out of the man.
"What is he doing?" I asked.
"The Cinematic Record. You know the saying, 'Your life flashes before your eyes as you die.' Well, he is just replaying the records of your life. He decides whether you die or not otherwise know as life-death experience. If you're already dead, he then checks you off and sends you to the afterlife."
"Wow. Grim reapers are busy, huh?"
"Indeed."
"Let's see." Grell raised himself up and wrote down something on his journal. "His name is Justin Tripoli. He was born on August 12, 1900. Died on November 10, 1925 due to stabbing and loss of blood. Judgment complete."
"Does it say who killed him?" I asked.
"Can't say, Little Red. It would change the fate for everyone."
I hung my head. "It's always the hard way."
"Aw, you want a hug?" He opened his arms and ran. Except he was not running to me.
"Bassie! Feel the love!" He jumped in the air, Sebastian simply took one-step to his right, and Grell missed.
"Bassie! Why are you denying the love? After all, I am simply one hell of a grim reaper~!" Grell did his signature move and stuck out his tongue.
Sebastian looked annoyed, which made me giggle a bit. "Perhaps if you weren't so utterly annoying…"
"Annoying? ANNOYING?! Oh, Bassie, that hurt. But not too much to change my mind." He winked and blew a kiss. I began laughing at Sebastian's face, which was full of disgust.
"Anyway, gotta see Will! Bye, Little Red! Toodles~!" With that, his red figure suddenly disappeared into the night. Sebastian quietly scoffed and I was still chuckling from his facial expression.
"I'm starting to like him." I wiped a tear from my eye and giggled a bit more before finally calming down.
"Was it that funny?" Sebastian suddenly smiled.
"A lot." A few chuckles escaped from my lips.
His smiled pulsed wider and then smaller as he spoke. "What shall we do about the body?"
"We tell the police to come pick up the body. However, we are solving the case."
"Very good. Shall we head back to the manor? It is almost midnight and we have a busy day tomorrow if we are going to solve this."
"True. Yes, let's head back but first we tell the police to pick up the body."
"As you wish."
With that, we both walked back to the carriage and climbed inside.
(In the morning)
"Mmm…" I fluttered my eyes open. I was in my room, already in a nightgown and in bed. I looked out the window to see dawn rising in the twilight sky. I sat up straight, stretching and making little noises.
"Ah, you're awake." Sebastian suddenly crept inside the master bedroom.
"Wha-What happened last night?" I rubbed my eyes tiredly.
"You fell asleep inside the carriage. I told the police already about the body as you requested. After that, we came back to the manor and Anna helped you settle for the night. That is all."
"Huh. I was that tired." My eyes were fully wide-awake now but I kept making quiet yawns.
"Dear, it seems we shouldn't have stayed out that long. It is affecting your sleep and health, My Lady." Sebastian put one finger to his chin and thought deeply.
"What are you talking about? I feel fine. Just tired." I smiled softly. I suddenly became serious. "Before I forget, make a suspect list of the possibilities. Someone who works with clock towers, loves night, and arrows."
He smirked before bowing faithfully at the front of the bed. "Fear not. I shall do your every wish."
"Thank you." I smiled.
He raised himself and smiled with his ruby eyes shut. "Unfortunately, you have some work to do for yourself and the company. Later in the evening, I shall have that list ready."
"Sounds good." I nodded and lifted myself out of bed.
"I shall get one of the ladies to help you for the morning." With that, he dismissed himself.
'Okay, now I know something's up with him. I wonder what's wrong with him.'
I walked around the room, thinking to myself. I paced back and forth, my finger tapping my chin.
'Was it something I said? What did I say that was hurtful? …Nothing. I haven't said anything, I don't think.'
A faint knock tapped on the door.
"Come in."
Lillian came in and smiled widely at me. "Haven't seen you in a while, Master."
"Nice to see you too, Lillian." I smiled. She then traveled to the closet and took out a green button-up dress with black shoes. Lillian began helping me change into today's clothes.
"Thank you once again, Lillian."
"Anytime, Master. I must get back to my duties."
"Oh, of course. See you later."
She slightly held up her hand and waved bye. The cheerful orange-haired chef exited my room, leaving the door slightly open. I could hear a faint voice.
"I wonder what she will say…" It belonged to Sebastian. Maybe I can figure out what's going on with him. I tiptoed to the door and lightly pressed my ear against the door.
"I hope she won't be upset. I truly hope-" I got too excited and fell through the door, crashing into the hallway.
"Ouch." I rubbed my head and my eyes moved to see a pair of shiny black shoes. I gulped slightly and moved to my head up to see the familiar butler glaring down at me. His face looked calm but his ruby eyes told a different story. I could feel my face was full of shock with a mix of shame and a pinch of horror.
"Are you okay, My Lady?" His expression did not change but his voice showed a bit of concern.
I scurried myself and wiped my knees clean. "I'm fine." I could barely mumble out those two words. He gave his head a light nod and spoke.
"I believe breakfast is ready, My Lady. If you would follow me…" Without another word, we both walked to the dining room in silence.
(No one's POV)
"He said that you had to talk to me?" Claire's arms folded, her face a serious matter. The lean boy just smirked at her.
"I'll take it as a yes." She sighed. She sat herself down on her favorite rocking chair while the boy sat on the dining chair.
"Well? What is it that you wanted to discuss?" Claire's tone was full of impatience.
"You realize Aerith is going to be trouble."
Claire's eyes widen and her eyebrows were raised high. "What do you mean?"
He chuckled coldly, "You know what I mean."
Claire scoffed and rolled her eyes, "I know what you mean. It's just…" She sighed, "What do you want?"
Silence.
"What? What? ! What is it that you want?! If nothing, might as well just leave the Mazens alone!"
"…"
"Exactly. Leave." She pointed to the door.
The lean figure raised himself from his chair and began to make his way to the exit. Claire tensed when he turned around.
"Revenge. That is what I desire."
Claire's eyes widened. For the first time in her life, she was afraid to speak for her niece.
"I…I really can't help you there. Revenge gets you nowhere." She looked at his forehead, afraid to look in his eyes. He simply smirked and his expression turned into an innocent yet evil smile.
"That's what they said. However, it does, Claire Halleus. You just have not experienced it yet. Tell me, do you want revenge someone or something? Don't you dare lie. I can see it right through your heart."
"Then tell me what I would want." Claire's eyes narrowed, trying to make him fear of her.
He smirked slyly, "You want revenge on the people who killed your dear brother-in-law and dear sister. Aerith's mother and father."
Claire opened her mouth to refuse but closed it fast. "And what if I want that?"
"Then, I shall help you accomplish your goal."
"What? What could a mere child help me with?" Claire shooed him away by her hand.
"Heh, I will make a simple deal with you."
"Let's hear it." Claire shrugged her shoulders.
"I will help you achieve your desire for revenge if you help me."
Claire's sky blue eyes descended to the floor, thinking her hardest.
"What is it you want help with?"
"That, I shall tell of soon. For now, I suppose we have a deal."
Claire slowly nodded and he left the small cottage. She sighed as she watched the young boy slowly disappeared into the twilight evening.
'I have a feeling that…I am going to regret this.'
(Aerith's POV)
After lunch, I got an idea to help with the case. However, I needed my butler's help.
"Anna, have you seen Sebastian?" I asked the maid, who was dusting the knick-knacks.
"I believe I saw him in the library, Milady."
"Thanks!"
She smiled and continued working while I went upstairs to the library. The door was left open as I stepped inside the grand room. Sebastian was organizing the thick, hardcover books.
"Sebastian?" I asked. He turned to me, emotionless, and back to the books.
"Is there something I can help you with, My Lady?"
"Kind of. Well, yes. See, I had an idea on how to solve the case."
"Oh?" I could hear the curiosity in his voice despite him not looking at me.
"Yes. Is there some place that can examine the corpses? Like inspect them and analyze them?"
I could hear a faint chuckle.
"What?" I folded my arms.
"Nothing, My Lady." He finally turned to me, his expression with sincerity.
"Okay. So do you?" I asked.
"Yes. In fact, there is one in London. Shall we go there?"
"Yes. Let's go and hopefully track so more clues."
"Very good."
(A few minutes later...)
"So, um, Sebastian? Where are we?" I asked. We stood in front of a large building, a big sign in letters saying 'Undertaker'.
"What you requested, My Lady. Let us go inside and you shall see."
"Okay…" I hesitated for a moment before going inside. It was gloomy and smelled of death. It smelled familiar…
Sebastian and I walked around the parlor. My eyes gazed at the dusty books, candles covered in spider webs and skulls everywhere.
"This is creeping me out." I told Sebastian. I had goose bumps all over me and I shivered.
"It's only for a bit, My Lady." Sebastian promised.
I looked over a coffin. "Hellooooo? Anybody here?"
Silence. It only lasted moments.
"Hehehe~ I have been expecting you." The coffin lid slowly appeared to life as a gray hand with long black nails grabbed a hold of the edge. My eyes widen at the sight and I slowly backed away from the coffin. I accidently bumped into Sebastian and my eyes looked up at him. He gave a small comforting smile and we both watched the head of a man come out of the coffin.
He had long gray hair tied with some small braids. His bangs were so long that I could not see his eyes, only a scar running down across his face. He wore a long, draping black robe and hat.
"Aw, did I scare you? How about I scare you to death in one of my coffins today?" He gave a creepy smile.
I turned to Sebastian, "This a nut place!"
He seemed amused. "Despite it being a nut place, it holds lots of information. This is the Undertaker, My Lady."
"Right, you are, butler." I turned back to the gray man and he looked at me closely. He held my chin, his long nails slightly scraping my skin. Still holding my chin, he looked at my features closely. He held me close up to his face. His bangs brushed against my face and my eyes spotted haunting yellow-green eyes. With one final look and another creepy smile, he let go of me. I held my chin as he spoke.
"I remember you. Aerith Mazen, am I right? Oh, my apologies. Aerith Phantomhive, correct, My Lady?"
"Y-Yes, but how did you know that?"
He gave a cold chuckle before walking behind the coffin and took out a jar.
"I know…here." He handed me a bone-shaped biscuit.
"Oh, thank you but I'm fine." I said, trying my hardest to be polite. "But how do you know who I am?"
"It's easy, My Lady. You were here." He smiled.
"Huh? I don't even remember this place." I tilted my head in confusion.
"You see, after your parents died, your aunt and yourself came to my parlor and asked for coffins. I was happy to help, you see. I made them pretty even though they were dead." He chuckled coldly.
"You were little at the time. Even after you were about to leave, I told you to come and visit me sometime for biscuits and tea. And here we are, 13 years later. I say, for a visit, you are very tardy."
"I…don't remember that. Then again, what do we remember when we are little?" My pointer finger and thumb held my chin, in a thinking pose.
"Hehehe…but I know why you're actually here. You want to know about the bodies, correct?"
"The bodies of the 11:11 case?" I asked.
"Exactly, but you must pay a fee."
"A fee?" I raised my eyebrows.
"Yes. The fee of course, is not that manmade money. What I desire is…LAUGHTER!" He began giggling uncontrollably.
I began freaking out. "Um, are you okay?"
"Just one joke! One! And I'll tell you everything!" Giggling again.
"A joke? Okay, um, let's see…Oh! I have one! Okay." I cleared my throat. "What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Ready? Ready? Okay. Frostbite!"
Silence.
"Get it? 'Cause a snowman…and vampire. Frostbite! Look, it's not funny if I have to explain it." I folded my arms.
"Oh, child. That's the best?" He shook his head.
"Well, excuse me; I am not a professional comedian." I sighed.
"Allow me, My Lady." Sebastian finally spoke. "But, I must ask a favor out of you. Please go outside. And whatever you do, do not hear what I am saying."
I looked at him funny before nodding. "Okay." I walked outside into the crisp sunlight, blinding my eyes from being in the dark too long. Outside, London was busy as ever. I turned my back against the world, folded my arms and waited for a signal to come back inside the death parlor.
"Hear what, Sebastian? I don't even hear anything." I mumbled after a while and green eyes swirled in a circle.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" I jumped back as the building shook with uncontrollable laughter, even making the huge sign fall off. I jumped back, my right leg up with fear, almost like a scared cat. A few moments later, Sebastian opened the door with that usual closed-eye smile of his.
"You can come back in now, My Lady."
I walked around the fallen sign and came back to the dark. The Undertaker was gasping for air but a few chuckles escaped his lips.
"That…was hilarious!" He said.
"What did you do?" I raised my eyebrows at my butler. He opened his mouth to speak but I quickly interrupted him. "Forget I asked. I have a feeling I'm going to regret asking."
Sebastian chuckled lightly as the Undertaker finally calmed down.
"As promised, I will provide information for your case." He walked away for a moment and came back with a white rose. He handed the beautiful rose to me and I studied it.
"What?" I asked.
"Every victim who died to the criminal had a white rose with them. You haven't noticed?"
I shook my head while still studying the snow-white flower.
"That's all the information I have." The Undertaker smiled.
"You've got to be kidding me!" My eyes broke from the flower to the Undertaker.
"But, it is important. Use it wisely." He chuckled.
I looked at him funny but slowly nodding. "Thank you for your time, Undertaker. Here." I handed him back the rose.
"Ah, keep it. I prefer black ones." He chuckled again.
"Thank you. I hope to see you soon." I said boldly and walked to the door.
"Next time, tea and biscuits for sure! Oh, and My Lady…"
"Yes?" I turned back to the Undertaker who was smiling, showing his pearl-white teeth.
"Be careful out there."
"What do you mean?"
"This world is full of demons out there. Best be careful. If I were you, I'd stop looking for revenge."
"Who said anything about revenge?" I folded my arms.
"Hehehe~" With that, he crawled back inside the coffin he came out of and closed the lid. I rolled my eyes and headed back outside. Out in the sunlight, I shielded my eyes from the sun. Sebastian came out as well and opened the carriage door for me. Eventually, the horses pulled the carriage into motion. Sebastian and I were quiet as usual, but I was admiring the white rose.
"May I see it, My Lady?" Sebastian asked. I nodded and handed him the flower, being careful that none of the thorns scraped him. He started pulling off the sharp razor-like thorns.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Fixing it up. So, you can…" He pulled the last thorn and came close to me. He moved bits and pieces of my auburn hair and placed it on my ear. He covered the stem with long layers of my hair and smiled.
"So, you can wear it."
I smiled back slightly, "Thank you."
Silence, again.
(No one's POV)
It was around five o'clock when Claire heard a knock on her door. She opened the small door to see the raven butler at her doorstep.
"Well, this is a surprise." Claire smiled softly.
Sebastian smiled back, "May I speak to you?"
"Um, sure. Come on in." She opened the door wider to let the well-dressed man inside the cottage. He sat down on a red couch while Claire sat down on her favorite rocking chair.
"How are you? How's Aerith?" Claire asked. Those were her two favorite questions whenever she saw Sebastian.
"I'm fine and she's fine as well." Sebastian chuckled at Claire's protectiveness.
Claire relaxed a bit into her chair. "So, what did you need to talk to me about?"
"We cannot trust someone."
Claire's eyes widen. "What? I made sure that no one would betray."
"There are liars in this world." Sebastian's eyes looked down to the floor. Claire looked at him with worry.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes."
"You don't seem like it. Then again, there are liars in this world." Claire smirked.
"Heh, that is true. But yes, I am fine."
"Alright, I believe you. But just this once." Claire smirked again.
"Which one? Me being alright or the traitor?" Sebastian's head tilted to his right.
Claire was quiet for a few moments, her eyes studying the floor before she finally had the courage to look into his ruby eyes.
"…Both."
(Aerith's POV)
It was barely eleven o'clock at night when a faint knock came from the door.
"My Lady?"
My eyes darted to the door and in came Sebastian. I gave him one glance in his eyes before turning back around to the bookcase. It was somewhat awkward between us. I spoke in the most professional way I could.
"What is it?" I said while grabbing a random book and pretending to be interested in it.
"I believe I have found our culprit."
My face was full of shock and turned to him. "Really? Who?"
He handed me a paper and my eyes scanned it.
"Stan Hensley?" I read.
"Correct, My Lady. He guards the clock tower, sleeps during the day, and points to help traffic."
"…That makes no sense." I tilted my head in confusion.
"In other words, My Lady, do you recall that police officer we talked to yesterday?"
It took me a moment to get it. "It was him? Are you sure?"
"I am positive, My Lady."
"Very well, we're going to have to catch him."
"Apparently so."
"Well, no time to waste. Let's hurry to River Thames!" I threw the book I was holding onto the desk and ran downstairs.
Silence, as usual. Even more awkward than usual in the carriage ride. I could feel Sebastian's eyes bouncing around the carriage, avoiding my eyes. I simply just looked out the window, not bothering to act all suspicious. All randomly, I started to chuckle quietly. Red ruby gazed at me and his serious face was lifted.
"We get in the most weirdest moments and silence with awkwardness, don't we?" I smiled and chuckle a bit more.
He snickered quietly, "Yes, we do, don't we?"
"Look, I've been meaning to say that I'm sorry. I did not mean to intrude on you this morning. I was…wondering if you were okay. You seem distracted and mysterious." I hung my head with slight shame.
"I'm fine. Just some things running through my head." He smiled with comfort.
"You sure? I mean, you can do the same as me."
"Huh?" Sebastian tilted his head.
"You can tell me anything if you'd like. I will listen. I've had to listen to Claire about Isaac so…why not you?"
His eyes were in shock but he smiled, "I appreciate it, My Lady."
"Just let me know, alright?" I winked.
He slightly chuckled, "As you wish, My Lady."
"So, we're friends again?" I asked.
"Who said we stopped?" He smirked
The carriage came to a complete stop, the horses' neighs cut off the quietness of the night. Just as I was about to speak, Sebastian put one finger to his lips and shushed me.
"What?" I whispered.
"Forgive me, My Lady, I thought I heard footsteps."
"Really? You can hear footsteps even with the horses going crazy?" My face was astonished.
"Yes, I can."
Before I could reply back to refuse that he could hear that, he slowly opened the carriage door.
"Wait here for a moment, My Lady." Again, before I could say anything, he closed the door on me. Quickly as he left, he opened the door as I got up from the carriage seat.
"It's safe." He smiled with his eyes closed.
"Calm down. I have a gun in case you did not realize. You know the one you gave me for defensive." I rolled my eyes.
He chuckled softly, "I apologize, My Lady. Claire's job is important to me. To protect you."
"I'll be fine." I stepped out of the carriage carefully. As soon as Sebastian closed the door, we could hear muttering near us.
"AAAAAAHHH!" A bloodthirsty scream rang in my ears. I gasped and immediately ran to the source. There was the scene.
The police officer from two days holding a sliver knife, dripping red blood. The victim laid on the floor, eyes out of their sockets and face with horror. As the Undertaker said, a white rose laid on her chest. The police officer looked at the both of us and his eyes widen.
"I didn't do it! I heard the scream and came fast as I could to see what it was. I pulled the knife out of her chest but she was already dead! I swear!"
I tried to find doubt in his eyes but could not find any. I looked at Sebastian for help but he simply looked at the officer the same way as I did.
"Is this the truth?" I asked, showing a hint of mercy. I could Sebastian's eyes glaring at me but I ignored it.
"Yes, yes! I promise!"
I stared at him for a while before finally making up my mind.
"Let us take him to the station. There, the police can figure out if he is innocent or not."
"As you wish." Sebastian bowed. I walked to the carriage, hearing the commotion of the police officer.
"I'm innocent, I'm telling you!"
"We will let the police decide on that, sir."
I climbed into the carriage slowly only to be pushed inside. "What the-?! Sebastian!" Before I could react, the door closed with a slam. WHIP! The horses neighed loudly and the carriage took off fast.
"No!" I exclaimed and crawled over to the door. I opened it ever so slowly to have it whipped back against the carriage. All I could see outside were blurred visions of houses and businesses, surrounded by the night with no moon. My eyes hurt my head and made me nauseous, seeing it go by so fast. How fast is this carriage going?! I held onto the door edge and placed my feet slowly on the steel step below the actual carriage. My hair thrashed into the wind, making it somewhat difficult to see.
"Long time, no see, Mazen." I turned to the horses to see a dark figure sitting on the coach's seat. I took up my gun and cocked.
"Stop this carriage or I will shoot!" I exclaimed, not showing any hesitation.
"You have. However, are you scared? What happens if you do shoot me? Maybe I could crash the carriage on my last breath."
"Don't you even dare." I gritted my teeth.
"Try me." He snapped the reins and the horses made a sharp right turn. I almost dropped my gun from clinging onto the carriage.
"My Lady!"
I turned my head away from horses. Sebastian came running through the night, the officer following as well.
"Sebastian!" I exclaimed.
"Jump! I will catch you, My Lady!"
"Are you insane?!" I yelled.
"Please, trust me!" He came closer and closer to the carriage. I turned my head the other way to see something large ahead. A long brick wall. I gasped, "We're going to crash!"
"Didn't I warn you? Just like I killed those people. Down by the river and here you are. My last victim." The dark figure said, his tone cold.
"Leave me alone!" I turned back to Sebastian, whose arms were extended. I placed the gun in my pocket and had enough bravery to jump.
Am I insane? Maybe. However, this is my only chance.
I let go of the edge, maintaining my balance on the speeding carriage. I took a quick, deep breath and jumped off the steel step.
Not a care in the world. It was so peaceful for a second. Only for a second.
My arms hugged Sebastian's neck as he caught me with ease. He was carrying me bridal style and I held on tight.
"I've got you, My Lady." Sebastian said comfortably, slowing down his speed.
"Hey, Mazen!" We both turned to the carriage and saw a figure on the roof. "The roses have wilted, the violets are dead, the demons run in circles, round and round in your head!"
CRASH!
Luckily, the two horses narrowly missed the wall but the carriage became a complete wreckage. Glass from the windows was cracked and the wheels were rolling away from the axels.
"Where is he?!" I exclaimed, almost yelling in frustration.
"Let's check." He placed me down on the ground and I pulled out my small pistol. All at random, I could hear panting. We both turned to see the officer coming down the alleyway, trying to catch his breath.
"I told you, it wasn't me!" He panted.
"Sssh! Will you be quiet?!" I exclaimed. I carefully went around the carriage, looking for signs of any movement. My entire body was shaking but I had no room for hesitation. I checked inside the carriage and Sebastian checked the front of the carriage and roof. The officer finally had air in him before double-checking the places that Sebastian and I checked.
"Do you see him?" I asked, standing in the back of the carriage.
"Unfortunately, My Lady." He came around from the front and had a frown visible in the moonless night.
"Crap!" I kicked the carriage and few glass shards clinked onto the ground. "He escapes again! Why does he do this to me?!" I slammed my hands onto the carriage back. Fists were tightly held and I could hear my knuckles popping. "Ouch…"
"Are you okay, My Lady?" Sebastian came to my side and removed my hands from the carriage.
"Yeah. Just…tired." I sighed deeply and closed my eyes for a moment.
"Let us go back to the manor." He suggested.
"How? The carriage is destroyed, Sebastian." My tone was fully annoyed and I pointed to the broken ride.
"You could ride in my squad car. It's only a few minutes away." The officer came around the front and walked to us. Sebastian looked at me for approval before nodding.
"Right. Let me run back to my vehicle and come back." With one final nod, the officer took off again in search of his car. Sebastian and I walked out of the alleyway, waiting for the officer to come back. Sure enough, headlights gleamed in the silent night and steeped closer and closer. He honked lightly, a signal to get in. Sebastian opened the door for me (being a gentleman, always) and I climbed inside. He came in as well to the backseat and the car began to drive smoothly.
"May I ask you something, Phantomhive?" The officer asked, his eyes glaring at my reflection in the mirror.
"Yes?"
"Did you see who that…madman was?"
"No. It was too dark." I sighed, my hands making hard fists.
"I see. Well, we will find out who it was, that is for sure. I swear, killing people for no reason. That's injustice!"
I remained silent. I did not want to talk anymore. All of this shit…it is already too much for me. For now, I just wanted to go to sleep and take some things off my mind.
"You can rest, My Lady. We will be a bit." Sebastian smiled gently at me. How does he read me so well?! Is it clear on my face or is he just a mind reader?! Not responding again, I placed my head against the window. My eyes scanned the starry night as they slowly drooped off…
"My Lady, we have arrived."
I did not want to wake up. Not yet. However, the sooner I get inside, the sooner I can go back to sleep. My vision blurred for a moment before my eyes scanned the car quickly. I kept yawning and could barely keep my eyes alive. I suddenly felt hands on me and my body jumped.
"Calm down, My Lady." The raven butler scooped me up bridal style and my arms automatically went around his neck.
"I-I can walk." I yawned loudly.
"I know you can, My Lady." He said and went to the side window where the officer was.
"Thank you." He smiled with his eyes closed.
"Anytime. If you have any leads, do not hesitate to give me a call. I'm Officer Hensley, by the way."
"Thank you again."
I could feel my eyes shaped like horizontal silts as I watched the two lights fade away from me. With one final look, Sebastian began to walk inside the large estate.
"N-no. I-I can make it." I stuttered and placed my head on his shoulder.
He said nothing and walked up to the master's bedroom. He placed me down on the floor and I almost collapsed on the floor.
"I-I…" Yawn. "Told…you." My green eyes shut themselves closed as I rubbed them.
"I guess we shouldn't stay out anymore. It's affecting your sleep." Sebastian said, his tone full of concern.
"N-no! W-we have to do it for the Queen or she will be disappointed! I-I don't want to ruin the Phantomhive's reputation." I felt like I was hardcore drunk.
"You won't, I promise. But if it's messing up your health, maybe we should quit the case."
"No!" Now I sounded sober. "I don't give up easily. Now, shut up, go get Anna and let me sleep." Another yawn.
I watched Sebastian chuckle lightly at my rudeness to him. "As you wish, My Lady."
"Thank you." I began mumbling words that even I could not understand as I climbed onto the bed. In no time flat, in walked in the busy maid.
"Hi, Milady." She smiled.
"Hi."
"Here." She handed me a fresh nightgown, clean and smelled of soap.
"Thank you." I placed it over my head and stretched it down. I then kicked off the covers and slinked into the cool sheets. Anna tucked me inside and I heard her whisper.
"Anything else?"
"Not at the moment. Goodnight, Anna."
"Night, Milady." In darkness, I could hear the door creek open and close. A faint orange light was in front of me and my eyes squinted to see. It was Sebastian.
"I trust everything is settled?"
"Yes, don't worry." I let out a big yawn.
"My apologies for keeping you. Sweet dreams, My Lady." The door opened once more and closed. My eyes had no trouble going back to slumber and to Dreamland.
A/N: Damn, long chapter. But…OH MY GOD! WHO IS THE DAMN CULPIRT?!
Aerith: You should know…
Me: Shut up, Little Red! ;)
Aerith: Mmm-hmmm…you are just jelly that I have red hair and you have brown hair.
Me: Pfft, move along, I have stories to write! *snap snap*
Remember to read and review! Comment, question, concern, slap me silly with rude and unquestionable comments? PM or leave in a review! 8D Later! :3
