Chapter 24
Stepping out of the carriage and into the bustling crowds of the train station, I balked, "I-I never realized before just how loud the train station can be."
"Then you best stay close, or else you may get lost." Ciel commented flatly, not really worrying if I were to truly become lost.
Pursing my lips, I held back a growl as I, reluctantly, grabbed onto the flap of one of Sebastian's sleeves and kept it tightly pressed between my finger and thumb.
"It would be easier if you held onto my arm or hand and kept close." Sebastian advised while picking up the luggage next to him.
"I'll be fine." I grumbled, though, I kept a tight and deadly grip on his sleeve.
Still, even with such a strong grip on his sleeve, I struggled to follow Sebastian's long strides until, finally, he stopped. Sighing, I was about to complain when someone's shoulder suddenly bumped into me.
"Sorry, miss." the stranger apologized curtly as he was obviously in a rush.
"You're forgiven." I muttered likewise, turning back as I realized I'd lost track of Sebastian.
My stomach churned as I strained my ears to try and listen for him or Ciel, but the bustle of people was too loud and made it impossible to hear anything but noise. I blanched as my heart sunk. So many heartbeats. So many voices. So many bodies. So much noise!
Everything felt like it was caving in on me as the crowd shifted and thousands of bodies bumped into me and pushed me around. My heart began to race as I went into a state of panic, I couldn't tell which way was up or down. Left and right no longer existed as my feet were stepped on every second and suitcases or carpetbags knocked against my hips and knees. My breathing became uneven as my lungs and heart felt like they were being squeezed inside my chest. It's too crowded! Too crowded! I can't move. I can't move. I can't move!
Suddenly, grabbing my hand, a hand pulled me out of the crowd, forcing me through the sea of people. My ears buzzed as I couldn't identify the person pulling me so quickly, roughly, and determinedly through the crowd.
"Stop! Let me go!" I desperately fought against them, almost in hysteria as my worst fears tainted my thoughts of who the cold and icy hand could belong to.
Stopping abruptly they turned to me, "Please, calm yourself Elora. I will not hurt you."
"S-Sebastian?" I stuttered after a moment, my ears ringing as I identified his voice. "Let go of my hand, I'm fine now." I began pulling my hand away from him, not wanting his assistance even though I was still shaken from the experience.
"It would be a burden if you got lost again and I'd have to go and search for you." He explained flatly while tightening his grip on my hand and pulling me along toward the train. "I had to leave the Young Master alone to go and search for you."
Paying no attention to us, Ciel swung open the door to the train but paused as the pitter-patter of a child's feet came running up to us. "Mister, would you like to buy an orange? It's only a penny." The young girl asked in a meek, Hungarian accented voice, offering an orange up to Sebastian.
"Buy it." Ciel ordered curtly, and thus, Sebastian gave the girl a penny for the orange.
Almost mindlessly, I as well spared a penny from my pockets to the young girl.
Lighting up brilliantly, the little Hungarian smiled, "Thank you so much! May God's blessing be with you on your journey, Mister and Miss!" After bidding us a quick farewell, she ran off in search for another charitable customer.
Listening to her run off my brow furrowed slightly as we boarded the train.
"I apologize, because of our sudden departure the third class seats were booked. Therefore, we will be accompanying you in first class." Sebastian apologized courteously as he set Ciel's luggage on the shelf above the seats.
Sighing, Ciel sat down in the plush seats. "I don't really care."
Keeping my distance from both of them, I sat on the farthest side of the seats, listening to the chug of the train's engine and the hum of millions of conversations as I rolled the orange around on my knee, not attempting to eat it at all.
"May I," Sebastian broke the silence while grabbing Ciel's orange, "ask just one question?" He began, slowly peeling the orange with a small knife.
"What?" Ciel's gaze remained fixated on the window as he rested his chin on his hand.
"Why go to the workhouse that they were brought up in?"
Ciel was caught slightly by surprise but, quickly regaining his composure, he replied professionally. "Well, you can't run a work house when the patron has gone, you need a new patron. Since Earl Barton is nearby he won't refuse the donation, there's no harm in introducing myself to him."
"Are you showing sympathy?" Sebastian cocked an eyebrow while peeling the skin off of the orange in his hand skillfully.
"Cleaning up such messes is the Phantomhive's job. There's no need to sacrifice the public over the selfish actions of the underground." Ciel waved his hand as if swatting away the question.
"Then why kill the children?" Sebastian's narrow eyes found me as I sat in silence while rolling the orange around in my lap.
Following Sebastian's gaze Ciel also stared at me, "What exactly did you do before Sebastian set the manor on fire?"
Not paying any attention, I continued to role the orange around in my lap, my mind obviously somewhere else.
"Elora!" Ciel snapped impatiently.
"What?" I frowned back, just as agitated.
"Weren't you listening to our conversation?"
"I found no need to."
Ciel paused as he glared, "Why did you kill the children before Sebastian burned the Manor down?"
Sighing heavily I explained in a dead voice, "I knew you weren't going to save them, so I put them out of their misery. A shot a bullet through each of their little heads; I found no reason for them to have to suffer, even if they were nothing but emotionless puppets." I paused slightly, kneading the orange harder into my knee. "Even if they would be returned to their parents, all they would be receiving was a husk of what their child had once been."
"So you saw it fit that they would be happier in death? How arrogant you are." Sebastian snorted slightly while offering Ciel the freshly peeled orange.
"Arrogance, huh?" I abruptly stopped the motion of rolling the orange and squeezed it tightly, "I guess a little bit of that resided in me when I made that decision, though, I believe it was more pity than anything else. Cruel pity. I know the pain of being burned alive, no matter if someone has lost the ability to emote, the pain will not be dulled just because one can't feel fear." Squeezing the orange tighter, I slowly began to penetrate the skin as the juices within slowly oozed out, thus, causing Sebastian to reach over and take the orange from me before I could possibly ravage it.
Ciel smirked as I admitted to possibly feeling the slightest bit of arrogance when I decided the children's fates. "Do non-arrogant people truly exist?"
"I have yet to meet one." Sebastian shrugged while looking out the window.
"Weak humans, more over children, how much strength do you think they would've needed to return from a condition like that?" Ciel asked rhetorically, "Back then, I accidentally summoned a demon, so I received the power to come back." He smirked to himself, "However, the only demon there was you; and that demon was mine."
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"Renbon Workhouse?" The old man repeated while setting a jug of milk onto the back of his wagon.
"Can you please let us ride until we get there?" I asked innocently.
"Well, since it's on my way, I don't really mind, but what business do you have there?"
Sebastian was about to bribe the man, but I behaved quickly and gave a sweet, yet somewhat sad smile, "It's for the sake of old memories." Tilting my head, I revealed my blindfold.
Furrowing his brow in understanding the elder nodded his head, "Hop in back, I'll take you as far as I can."
Hopping in back, Ciel and I sat on the edge of the wagon as Sebastian followed behind.
Along the way, we were passed by small groups of young children, laughing, giggling and chasing each other around, they sang 'Over the Hills and Far Away'.
Giving a sneeze Ciel barked at me, "Sit further away from me! Even after getting rid of that wild beast my allergies still stir up like this."
Brushing my dress off, I let some of the orange fur fly up into the air as the wind carried it away.
Suddenly stopping his horse, the old man let us hop off before pointing up at a large hill while explaining, "It should be over that big hill. It's pretty steep and windy, so be careful, Miss." He cautioned me.
"I will, thank you." I smiled.
Thus, we went our separate ways as I followed both Sebastian and Ciel up the steep hill. As we reached the top, a huge gust of wind suddenly blew, one so strong that it almost blew Ciel's top hat off.
Pausing for a moment Ciel gasped as he looked at the desolate and abandoned building. I also furrowed my brow as I breathed in must and overgrown vegetation.
"In any case, it seems Baron Kelvin was lying. Seeing the way this place has aged, it has been uninhabited for a considerable amount of time. Judging by the way that doctor was talking, the children from here were probably…" Sebastian paused as he knelt down and began examining something.
Shaking as if he were about to cry, I quietly spoke, "Ciel?"
Without warning, Ciel suddenly began laughing loudly and almost hysterically, "There was nothing here! The thing they were protecting didn't even exist! They didn't even know about this, yet, they even became so desperate enough that they died!" Almost childishly, Ciel kept laughing, "Their desperate hope was ridiculously crushed like a worm! Superficial, cruel, revolting, isn't it more demonic than a demon?"
Biting my lower lip, I restrained myself from snapping and expressing my great disgust to the arrogant little Earl's reaction. Thus, as he continued in his childish laughter, I turned and began walking down the hill. I was in no mood to listen to him and his insulting laughter on the lost lives of the children and the vain deaths of Joker and Freckle.
Tripping on an over grown patch of grass that caught my foot, I went tumbling down the large hill almost uncontrollably. At least halfway down the hill I finally stopped myself and laid flat on my back, exhausted.
Everything seemed to stop and slow as the soft and long grass brushed against my skin. The strong wind blowing once in awhile as the birds sang and squirrels chattered in the distance. So serene. So peaceful. So happy… Why? Why was everything so happy? Why now when I felt so miserable?
I could feel the horrible pain build up in my throat as I forced it to sit there. My heart clenched as I brought my hand to me chest and, with my other hand, vainly searched for my missing ring. It was gone. My ring. My precious ring, all I had left to remember John and my family, gone.
"I know so much more about you than you know…"
"Stop it." I gritted my teeth as the words replayed in my head thousands of times. "Stop it. Stop it…" Gripping the grass I rolled over onto my side and began ripping and uprooting the patch, as if tearing apart the fragile vegetation would make the words and thoughts go away. Yet, it did nothing. It only made the pain worse. Now, when I should be mourning the deaths of the children and the others, I was pitying myself. I knew it was wrong, it was horribly wrong, but I couldn't stop the feeling. What a selfish person I was, all this time I'd hypocritically talked about mercy and pity for the innocent children. While, during that preaching, I continued to drown myself in self-pity. Still, even at that moment when I desperately tried to make things right and think about the dead, the same questions still repeated in my mind.
When did he take it?
Where was I when he took it?
Why had I worn it?
Why had I been so stupid?!
I'd always worn it before, but why didn't I think that it would have been different that night? So many questions raced through my mind as I was overwhelmed with a terrible guilt. For now, and only now, I would let this burden take over. Let it all settle in, rip me apart, destroy my every last ray of hope. Then, once I had finished moping, I would pick my self up and carry on with my life and lock up those emotions and grievances.
Yet, my mind would not clear so easily, and it felt like hours before I finally locked away the dreadful feelings. Once I'd gained control over myself, I began to replay everything in my mind and think. Think about everything that had happened. Doc. Joker. The Baron, everyone. What exactly connected them all to Daniel? What was the purpose to all of this besides hurting me?
Hearing the crunch of grass under Ciel's and Sebastian's feet I sat up. "You look as if you've been run over by a horse." Ciel looked down at me, his voice monotone.
"If falling down a hill is the same as being run over by a horse, then I believe the wounds I've received aren't in any way earth shattering." I forced a joking smile while standing and picking a few sticks out of my hair.
But the young earl did not laugh, he only remained silent and stone faced. "Something is bothering you. What is it?"
"Ciel, I'm perfectly fine. There's nothing to talk about." I waved off the question, keeping a false smile plastered onto my face.
"Your ring is gone." Sebastian suddenly pointed out, destroying my efforts.
"Ring?" Ciel gave a confused look.
"It's nothing."
"It was an engagement ring she received from her late fiance." Sebastian continued to explain nonchalantly, even after my desperate effort.
"Stop it!" I vainly tried again.
"I'm assuming that that Daniel man took it during the children's performance. Most likely he did it when she tried to save the girl from the flying knife."
"He went through all that trouble just to steal a ring?" Ciel furrowed his brow in confusion and irritation to such a pointless effort.
"Of course he didn't just want to steal the damn ring!" I screamed. "Of course not." I repeated, my voice shaking as I strained to keep in under control. "Daniel isn't the kind of person who will just improvise when the moment comes. He will plan everything beforehand; he takes pride in it. Every step taken, every breath made, and every word said. Ciel, I would be dead if you hadn't ordered Sebastian to stop that knife."
I gave a flat and dead laugh, "Do you really think Sebastian would have stopped that knife if you hadn't ordered him to?"
There was silence as the answer to the question was obvious.
"No, of course not, he would have let that knife pierce my side and kill me without batting an eyelash. Thus, Daniel would run off with his little trophy ring and continue on with his disgusting life." I paused a moment as I wrung my hands in anxiety. "But things didn't go as he planned, and you ruined his fun. Chances are he's already written your name in his little black book; right next to mine. He can hold one hell of a grudge, Ciel, and I'm living proof of that." Giving another cruel laugh I shook my head. "We've wasted enough time here already. It's time to return to the Manor."
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When we had returned to the Manor, it was practically destroyed as the kitchen was missing entirely.
"Wh-what happened…" I thought aloud as Sebastian scolded the servants for their carelessness while assigning them their tasks to help with the clean up. Not wandering too far from where I was placed, I couldn't help but be dumbfounded by the mass of destruction that surrounded me. The servants did this? Those three? Really?
Stopping abruptly, I quickly reeled away as I had to cover my mouth to keep my self from vomiting.
"Elora? Are you okay?" Finny paused as he worriedly looked up from his work.
This smell. I know this smell. I know it all too well. It was undetectable to any normal person, but for me it was overwhelming and unmistakable; rotting flesh, blood, burnt hair.
"I-I'm fine... I'm just feeling a little light headed, that's all." I shook my hands as I tried to reassure him. "Just ignore me."
"Yeah, you're lookin' pretty pale there, Elora. Y' should go lay down for a bit." Bard agreed as he suddenly took notice of me.
"Tanaka, could you kindly escort Elora back to her room? With how things are right now, I'm afraid she'd either get lost or hurt." Sebastian's asked patiently as a faint heartbeat approached me.
"Please, come this way." An elderly voice spoke softly as my suitcase was taken from me.
Following his foot steps I followed the old man into the manor and, almost immediately, tripped over some debris. Catching me by the arm, I was surprised by the strength of Tanaka's grip as he helped me over the debris.
"Please be more careful, Elora. Here, let me help you the rest of the way there are many more obstacles ahead of us." The old man smiled lightly while beginning to guide me.
As I let him assist me in avoiding all of the fallen statues and other hazards, I asked. "How come I am only meeting you now, Tanaka? I've been here for quite some time yet this is the first time I've ever taken notice of you."
"As I'm sure you've noticed, I am very old. So, I tire quite easily and am typically resting somewhere in the manor." He gave a light giggle, "Even everyday tasks seem to wear me out now."
"What were you before all of this then? Why do you stay here if you've grown so weary?"
"Why, I was the previous butler of Phantomhive manor before Mr. Michealis, back when the Master and Lady were still around. Still, even after my retirement I can't bear to part with the manor. I believe the Master and Lady would be very disappointed if I left the Young Master like this."
"Do you mean Ciel's parents?" I clarified.
"Yes, but I do believe that is a conversation for another-" Opening the door to my room he suddenly paused. "Oh, my… it seems even your room wasn't spared from the wreckage."
Feeling the cold breeze of the wind breath lightly in my face I shivered, "Is it all gone?"
"No, no, it would appear only the balcony is gone."
I gave a sigh of relief, "But where will I sleep until the wall is fixed?"
"There are many rooms here in the manor, so you shouldn't worry yourself too much. Now, let's find another room for you to get changed." Taking my hand once more we made another long and slow journey through the destruction.
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Clambering over the debris I made my way down the hall and to the main stairs as I gave a grumble for my luck. Tanaka seemed to have exhausted himself helping me and ended up resting in the very room he'd helped me get to. Now, I was alone as I had to remember everything that we had already tackled.
Though, I was lucky enough that my trousers weren't too dirty, or else this journey would have been twice as difficult.
It wasn't until I heard the muffled sound of voices that I found a destination to head towards. Though, I soon regretted it as I opened the door and was overwhelmed by the loud voices that greeted me.
"Nina, showing your legs like that is very unladylike!" Elizabeth shrieked in surprise.
"A lady?" The woman I presumed to be Nina scoffed, "That kind of thinking is from the stone ages! These clothes were designed with emphasis on moving easily, and paying respect to the active woman, Ms. Bloomer Endorsed." She grinned at her reasoning. "Women who discard restrictive costumes are much more free. It's the same with Greek and Japanese clothing as they focus on easy movement and relaxed silhouettes. I assure you, they will be the rage from now on!"
"If you are exposing your legs, then what on Earth are you wearing underneath?" I spoke openly while leaning against the doorframe.
"E-Elora!" Ciel flustered at my intimate question.
"Oh, hush, Ciel. I should be allowed to know how this woman can so courageously strut around with such indecency."
"That is actually a very good que-" Nina suddenly stopped as she turned around and saw me. "A woman of vision! I thought I was the only one!" She gasped as she ran up to me and quickly dragged me into the room. "And not bad with proportions as well, but you truly have no curves to your body." She gave a slight, melancholic sigh while running her hands down my sides and hips.
Quickly pulling away I flustered, "M-Miss, I would ask you to refrain from touching me so!"
Taking me by the shoulders she roughly set me down in a chair. "Yes, yes, but you must sit here and stay. I wish to speak more with you later." She smiled in a giddy voice as she returned to Ciel and began taking his measurements. Then, finally finding her inspiration, she began spouting countless ideas for clothing as I heard the sound of papers flying everywhere and the furious scratching of a pencil.
"Wait a second." Sebastian interrupted the raging woman. "Wouldn't red be a little too gaudy on the Young Master? The young master doesn't really suite red or yellow, so I think calmer colors would be more appropriate. He's small enough as it is, so these colors might make him look childish."
"And what exactly would be bad about that?! I have no interest in anything but girls, and boys under the age of fifteen!" Nina snapped at the butler, her displeasure obvious.
"I have no interest in what you do in your spare time." Sebastian replied bluntly and calmly, "The Young Master is the head of the Phantomhive House. Rather than considering fashion trends, you should be focusing more on tradition and grace. In any case, I can't agree with a red tie."
Slamming her hand down on the little table next to her, Nina huffed. "This is why I don't like Mr. Stiff over there. Haven't you ever heard the saying, 'you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs'?" Shooing the three of them out she frowned impatiently, "I can't stand having to listen to the whining of an amateur! Can you please go waste time somewhere else until the fitting?" Herding them over to the door she continued to rush them, "Well, get out! Get out!" Then, once they were past the threshold, she shut the door swiftly.
"Please excuse me as well, then. I don't want to be of any further distractions." I spoke politely as I quickly got up; what an intimidating woman she was. She almost stood on the same ground as the Marchioness, and I didn't want to evoke any wrath that could possibly escalate to such an extreme.
"No, no. You must stay! It's rare to come across people who aren't weighed down by the silly traditions and stiff principles that society holds today." She began while taking out some cloth and beginning her work.
Giving an awkward cough I stayed in place, "Yes, I was asking about what you were wearing underneath your clothing. If you're exposing your legs I'd imagine that it would be fairly awkward and difficult to wear pantaloons at the same time."
I couldn't help but flush as I remembered the horrible experiences and disasters I'd just barely escaped while I was forced to wear the corset suit.
Grinning, she nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes, I thought that too. So, that's why I made myself some custom-made bloomers!" Giving a giggle, she sent a knowing look in my direction. "Of course, not all of us have such mastered skills and must manage… bare handed."
Flushing in embarrassment, I stuttered stupidly. "H-How did you know I wasn't-"
"I didn't feel anything underneath your trousers earlier, so it became quite obvious." She continued to grin at my reaction. "Ah, finally finished! I've created a master piece, I must go and fetch the Earl for the fitting. With that slim body of his this will surely look fantastic!" She sprung from her chair in excitement.
"W-wait!" I stopped her before she could open the door.
"What is it?" She spun around impatiently.
"Do you think you could make me a few pairs of those bloomers? Along with some other clothing? Sadly, my wardrobe wasn't spared from the wreckage either." I shrugged while making the request.
"Of course, of course, I'll put time aside to take your measurements later!" She beamed at the offer. "Now, excuse me!" Thus, with that she flew out the door to go and retrieve Ciel.
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"He was bedridden?!" Elizabeth gasped at Soma's tale as the fire crackled next to them.
"Yep, that's why I thought I should give him something nutritious and made curry." Soma nodded while leaning back in the couch.
"After a day like today, I'm sure he could really use something like that. Really, I never knew a simple fitting could become so chaotic." I sighed, as I pathetically tried to braid my hair.
Giggling, Elizabeth watched me as I struggled to make the simple pattern with my hands, "Elora, you're doing it wrong. Here, let me do it." Getting up from her seat, she took my hair into her hands as she began to braid it with ease.
"But to be so sick that you can't even leave the bed, why didn't you tell me Ciel?" Elizabeth aimed her direction to the sleeping Ciel.
"The Young Master was burdened with a very important job that didn't allow for a break or postponement." Sebastian stepped in while offering everyone their tea.
"Sebastian?" The young girl looked up at him, then gave a sad sigh. "No matter what I do Ciel won't tell me anything. What should I do?"
Turning to look over at Ciel, Sebastian sighed while gesturing his head over to the young earl. "It's a difficult question for me to answer as a butler, however, there is one thing." He gave a typical half smile and continued, "It's been a long time since I've seen the Young Master this relaxed. It's probably because he was able to spend a nice, free day with everyone."
Also giving a smile Elizabeth nodded, "It would be nice if that were the case. Good night, Ciel."
Thus, taking the blood red ribbon from my hands, she tied up the braid.
(Line break that still refuses to work)
Sorry this chapter has taken so long everyone! I've been working very hard to update and replace previous chapters for new readers. I'd advise going back and reading them for the sake of the experience but, no major changes have been made to the plot line. I've gotten as far as chapter 8 and am still working hard to replace the rest that still need fixing.
Again, sorry for the huge delay. I'm not dead yet and I haven't forgotten about you guys, I promise! Hope you guys like enjoy the chapter.
Read and Comment~ :D