Chapter 11: Bad intentions

It has been several weeks since his arrival at the German mansion. Astre spends a lot of time alone, thinking, meditating. There is not much to do in the place. Undertaker frequently goes to an uncertain destination and his brother spends most of his time resting in his bedroom.

He feels lost. Sometimes he wonders what happened to his company, to the things he left behind in England. Without a routine, or papers to fill, or a company to run, idleness turns against him. Each time the frustration assails him, the Shinigami's words resound mockingly in his mind. Boredom is the only real enemy. He can almost prove him right.

He intuits that, at this point, public opinion must consider him dead. He could imagine the covers of the newspapers with his photo on the front page, giving their condolences ... again.

How many deaths could someone suffer in a lifetime?

Undoubtedly, if he returned, British society would consider him a true miracle. That thought makes him smile. A miracle, just him ...

However, that was not important. What was really important was what would happen in the underworld in his absence, would Queen Victoria and the aristocrats of evil know about his current location?

The rumblings begin one night, at the beginning of the rainy season. He, at first, takes the shuddering sounds by thunders. However, there is something strange about them. They feel more like the roars of a furious beast than like pops from the sky. The interior of the forest lights up with each bellow and then, he understands that there is nothing natural in them.

Taking care not to be seen, he sneaks around the perimeter of the property. He hides behind a tree at a safe distance. The hours pass until he can account for the origin of the mysterious sounds.

A weapon, a kind of battle car is tested again and again by German soldiers. A compact beast made of metal, moves slowly through the forest. The impact force of its cannon is amazing. It destroys trees and land in its path with total ease. He has never seen anything like it.

It is clear that the weapon is confidential. They have been astute in testing their operation in such a remote place and under the sound of storms. Only he, having been inside the property, has noticed the sound.

Back in his room, he has difficulty making sense of what he has seen. He tries to relate the weapon to Undertaker but the pieces do not quite fit. Why would the Shinigami allow tests in the mansion? What is he going to do with such a weapon?

Soon, his questions are answered.

Diedrich arrives a copious day of rain. The corpulent man crosses the hall cursing under bad weather and rushes to meet the Shinigami in his office. He watches the scene from the first floor without being seen.

So, Diedrich knows something ..

Stealthily, he hides behind the door´s office trying to listen. He knows that his attitude is not proper to a gentleman, less than an earl. But he is already beyond the triviality of formalities.

Inside, Diedrich and Undertaker talk about the first's trip. The Shinigami makes fun of his wet clothes. As expected, soon, the other is obfuscated and asks to go to the matter for which he has been summoned.

Astre approaches unconsciously trying to capture the nature of the talk. However, the seconds pass and the Shinigami does not respond, until ...

"Oh, of course, I'll tell you right away. But first, we need another aristocrat of evil to accompany us. Astre, would you be so kind as to move into the room? The corridor is not the most comfortable place to have this type of talks .."

Astre bites his lower lip, embarrassed to have been found in such an unworthy position. Of course the Shinigami would be able to account for his presence. With pride hurt but the forehead up, he enters the place. He can not let the others notice his embarrassment.

Diedrich greets him with a shake of his head. He does not seem surprised to see him. That way, he can conclude that the aristocrats know about his whereabouts.

Once he takes a seat, Undertaker speaks and when he speaks everything begins to fit. His frequent absences, his stay in Germany, the strange weapon, the bizarre dolls. All the pieces are arranged in such a logical plan, that he feels a fool of not having been able to visualize it before.

While the Shinigami's voice fills the place, both Diedrich and he remain silent. Astre, again, has the feeling that he is facing another version of Undertaker. A more serious version, more dangerous and dark.

When listening to his slow and grave voice, he is certain that the man in front of him is completely insane.

"Are you sure of this?"

Diedrich finally asks when the silence fills the room. Astre expected something else from him, a scandal, a firm opposition, a call to the reality principle. But no..

The Shinigami nods and the baron does not say more. He remains silent, perhaps fighting some internal struggle. A few moments later, he also nods. He has given his support and consent.

Astre can´t do that.

"You are crazy." He tells the Shinigami and his words suddenly sound exaggeratedly loud in the room in silence.

Undertaker observes him, measuring him. His green eyes seem to glow, giving him a supernatural character. He smiles.

"It's possible."

His brother stays most of the time in his room. He only comes out during the dinners that the three of them share together at the main table. Astre notes that his health has visibly deteriorated. His skin has acquired a haggard tone difficult to ignore.

After what he has heard, he must find a way to get him out of there, but his condition is delicate. On the other hand, he knows that he would not leave voluntarily. His attachment to the Shinigami is undeniable. That, leaves him in a dead end.

Undertaker has returned to its usual personality. He tries to animate the dinners with jokes that only he seems to understand and with random comments. Ciel tries hard to keep up with him, but he seems too exhausted to laugh.

During dinners, it is almost possible to forget Undertaker´s true nature, his strength and his bad intentions. His hair covers his eyes, helping to transmit the playful and boyish air with which he has deceived him for so long.

Why do you do it? He asks himself internally.

Here, we all know what you really are, why pretend?

Unless..

And then he understands it. In a burst of lucidity, the conclusion assails him like a lightning bolt on a dark night.

That night he smiles and his smile has nothing to do with the jokes he hears.

To be continue...