Chapter 10-The Body

"Name's Jim Macin. I've just enrolled, and the Principal told me to head over here. You're the Welcoming Comity am I right?"

Quickly, his eyes grazed across the room, seeking the only fellow he was truely interested in. In all honesty, he couldn't care less about the Comity. The only matter at hand, at least in his mind, was getting to Ciel Phantomhive or Michealis as he was currently known.

But what's in a name? A rose by another name would still smell as sweet. A rotten, vengeful boy would still be as troubled.

In the past the young men had fought one another, seeking bloody revenge against crimes they had falsely been accused, but for all intents and purposes it had been an enjoyable ride. No matter how miserably the two had failed, Jim had found pleasure in their journey. The back and forth, the plots and plans, the amusing expressions of anger that would cross Ciel's face, Jim had grown quite fond of it all.

However, this time around, vengence wasn't what he sought for. No, what he wanted to gain from their rendevous was something of a bit more pleasant nature. What it was exactly, well, his true intentions can wait a while to be revealed.

"We sure are! I'm Warren and that's Dasan, and well some of the other members are home with the flu, but over there's our newest member-"

"Ciel," he interrupted.

The two gazed at him with surprise.

"Hey...Hey that's right! How'd you know?"

"Oh," he whispered,"We've met before."

The two glared at one another across the room, dangerous electricity flowing between them. The hatred and fury of Ciel Phanthomive, radiated from the darkness of his soul and sought out a worthy apponent. Alas, it was merely met with the seemingly pleasantry of Jim Macin, a rather unrewarding find.

However, as Ciel brooded over the accompaniment of an old foe, Sebastian was entering the domain of a familar friend.

His tastes hadn't changed much over the years. If anything they had grown more macobe. Officer Abrams had been correct about the lighting situation, dimly lit with nothing but low watt bulbs and scattered candles. The temperature remained low, cold like a frosted night, and the smell of death hung in the air, a familar scent to the demon, but one he never could grow accustomed to. And in the very back of the building, through shadowed halls, behind darkened doors lay the man himself singing a grimly tune.

"Don't ever laugh as the hearse goes by, for you may be the next to die. They'll wrap you up in a big white sheet, from your head down to your feet."

The officer sighed.

"Well have you got any ideas for a joke? I've used up all the ones I know. Eddie's usually the one who gets him to talk, but without a laugh the damn kook won't let us in."

"If you'll allow, I do believe I'll be able to get a rise out of the gentleman."

"You really think so? I'm not sure it's safe to leave you alone in here."
"Trust me. I've done this before."

"But how on earth could you-"

Johnny's words were interrupted by the slamming of the door. Slightly perplexed, the man stood waiting outside the building, twiddling his thumbs. He wasn't exactly sure why he had been forced out of the room while Sebastian told whatever jest he saw fit, but the man couldn't argue with success.

Suddenly, a roaring laughter erupted from the building, seeming to shake the ground beneath them. The laughter carried in mighty echoes across the land, falling upon the ears of uncountable citizens, some recognizing the voice.

"What the bloody hell was that?" asked Jim.

"Trust me," said Ciel,"you don't want to know."

Sebastian emerged from the building, a laughing reaper by his side.

"I'll tell you old chap you haven't lost your charm! Hahaha!"

"Why you did it! I've gotta tell you Sebastian I had my doubts, but you proved me wrong!"

"Naturally," he responded,"I am simply one hell of an officer."

"So my friend here tells me you've got some questions for me. Is that right?"

"Well yes sir Mr...Um..."

"Just call me Mortician, it's what most call me now in days."

"Mind if I call you Morty?"

"Hmmm...Well I guess that'd be exceptable, Officer. Now why don't you come back inside and I'll answer all your questions to the best of my abilties."

"That's be great Morty! Just great!"

Quickly the man rushed inside, his associates close behind him. During their walk Sebastian took this time to examine his old companion. Over the years, the Undertaker had gone through minimal changes. His personality was nearly a copy from his previous years, and his clothing had evolved only slightly. Now in days he wore a dark, ebony turtle neck with coal colored jeans and matching loafers. Over it all he wore a midnight black trench coat with numberous pockets, most containing mortician tools or bloodied rags. Not unlike Grell's style the man now wore his hair tied behind his back in rather loose braid, but it stilled covered his eyes completely, never allowing anyone to catch a glimpse at his full features, always carrying an air of mystery around him.

Slowly the doors to his office creaked open, showing a world of death and decay. Bodies lay scattered across the tables hidden under pearly white sheets. Despite its purpose, the mortuary remained a clean, hospitable place, for those who could stomach its contents at least.

In the middle of the room there lay a body covered by a crimson cloth, dyed by the blood that had oozed from its victim. Slowly, ever so slowly the trio approached the cadaver, and the Mortician pulled the cloth revealing the poor, tragic young woman.

All along her body there deep gash marks as if she had been mauled by a enraged wild animal, mercy never crossing its mind. She appeared to be tortued and beaten, bruises and whipping marks covered her body. The poor creature had been through quite an ordeal before the final blow to her neck had been delivered, a crushing stomp to her throat. Blank eyes starred into the nothingness, a look of fear still upon her face.

"And you say she was just delivered to you...in this condition?"

"That right Officer, the poor young lady was delivered just a few hours ago right on my front porch. I'll tell you it certainly gave the neighbors a scare."

"I can see why. She looks like something from a horror film...What kind of monster would've done this?"

"A demon..."

Quickly, Sebastian's attention turned to the Mortician, as did his associate's.

"A demon?" he asked.

"That's right a demon. Clearly only a souless monster could inflict such torture upon the poor girl, not to mention the slash wounds are so deep and precise the knife would need to be welded by a person with unearthly strength. Besides, what kind of person could be so sadistic to inflict such painful wounds in multiple areas before finally striking a place that could kill the woman. It's surely the work of a demon. Don't you fellows agree?"

An air of tension flooded the mortuary, thickened by the nerves of its inhabitants. What exactly was the Mortician implying? True, he had his idiosyncracies, the entire town was aware of that, but Sebastian wasn't certain that this had all been a jest. Something about the injuries seemed familar, something that could point to a unearthly hand at work. He wasn't certain, but he hadn't ruled it out.

Suddenly, a boitrous laughter broke the silence.

"Well then I guess we better start looking for a red guy with horns comin' out his head, aye Sebastian? Listen, Morty thanks for letting us see the body, but I think you should leave the suspect work to the detectives. Come on we've gotta get back to HQ. Oh, but if any fairies come by with information make sure to call us! Hahaha!"

As Johnny left the room in a jovial mood, Sebastian was left to question the Mortician's words. Unlike his associate, Sebastian thought a demon as plausiable suspect. Being a hell pawn himself he knew very well that such injuries could be inflicted by his kind. In fact he had caused such crimes himself while serving under a previous Master.

Then again, demons weren't the only creatures with inhuman abilities. Reapers and even angels had the capability to inflict such wounds, however they rarely had to drive to comit such aggrevous sins as murder or abuse, although there were exceptions to the rule.

"You're considering it aren't you?" asked the Mortician.

"And if I am?" he replied.

"Let's not beat around the bush. You've clearly notice strange happenings since your arrival, senses of familiarity perhaps?"

Her classic smirk adorned the demon's face.

"And why exactly should I relay that information?"

"Because unlike you I've got connections in high places," he said pointing to the sky,"Now I can't tell you everything, but as a senior reaper I do have the authority to drop a few hints, for a price of course."

"You want another laugh? Well then, have you heard the one about the chicken and the elephant?"

"Oh no old friend, not at this moment. Later tonight, under the cover of darkness, under the blanket of stars. That's when I'll be able to help you."

"Will we meet here?"

"Course not. I'll be waiting on the roof on the Carter Castles Motel. Meet me there around three A.M., and I'll add another piece to your puzzle."

"And what makes me think that I'll trust you?"

The Mortician smiled.

"Because right now, I'm the best lead you've got."

"Sebastian!" he called,"Are you coming or not? We've got to get back to headquarters!"

"Coming Officer! I'll be right there! Well I guess this is where we'll depart Mortician."
"I don't like to think of it as a goodbye, just a see you later. Remember three A.M. on the dot."

"Will do."

With a parting glance Sebastian turned towards the exist and quickly departed the room. The Mortician was left alone with is corpses, and a few winged companions.

"I don't see why we're allowing you to give the demon hints. I don't recall that being in the protical for these situations."

"Relax Justice. Mort knows what he's doing. He's helped us hundreds of times before. Isn't that right Mortician?"

"Certainly is," he said with a toothy grin,"Now then..About my payment?"

. . . . . .

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"There it is again! What the bloody hell was that?!"

Ciel sighed as he slumped across the desk.

"You really don't want to know...

How did I do the Undertaker? I'm not sure if I did his character justice, but I think I got the point across. If there's something I could do to make it better please tell me alright? Thanks for reading! God bless and goodbye!