Through The Looking Glass

by The-Jaded-Optimist

Hero Sanders is just your average self-proclaimed detective extraordinaire until Kuroshitsuji. Then one thing led to an oven and suddenly she's in their world. Literally. Between being American and suddenly discovering she's a demon mate, Hero's going to have her hands full assisting the Queen's Watchdog, figuring out how to get home and not mess up the story-line in the process.

26. Setting Sail: Much To Do, So Little Time

Lady Keiko here...

yeah I know, this is LONG overdue and I'm sorry ;;_;; RL got in the way and then I got distracted but I HAVE NOT ABANDONED OR FINISHED THE STORY YET. There's still so much to write omg *cries a lot*

Also shout out to a very special reviewer who flippin figured out a very big secret of the story. Darling you are so beautiful! How I wish I could give you a bootiful trophy for being so perceptive and picking up all those hints I keep leaving around~! You seriously figured out half the plot = 7 =

And also THANK YOU everyone who reviewed and kept wondering/asking/encouraging when the chapter would be out. I would answer all your reviews but omg they were a lot. You guys made me blush and act like a crushing schoolgirl in the middle of class and my grocery shopping XD

P.S. I wanted to post this last week before the Kuroshitsuji Book of Circus came out but hey, North America gets to finally see the episode this week so "technically" I am on time? No? *runs away*

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroshitsuji

---

26. Setting Sail: So Much To Do, So Little Time

The Campania; First Class Passenger Deck

Lizzy's pretty face was this close from bursting into tears, her tense little body garbed in a sailor themed dress, struggling to hold onto her lively emotions that would no doubt overwhelm us.

"I had hoped to surprise you all," Ciel awkwardly declared, completely bluffing our sudden appearance aboard the ship. It was a wonder anyone believed him with that kind of horrendous acting. Still, if it wasn't for this assignment oh so conveniently coinciding with the Aurora Society's secret meeting, the little workaholic really would have stayed back home.

"Surprise~!" I added with a cheeky smile, hoping they'll buy it.

Lizzy finally let loose and rushed forward, glomping Ciel into a tight hug. "You said you couldn't come with us! I'm so very happy!" she trilled with a pretty blush.

"Elizabeth!" Francis reprimanded sharply. "Stop behaving so indecently in public at once!"

Alexis Leon Midford, Marquess of Midford, said nothing as he surveyed the scene. Edward stood next to his father, his face looking calm…well, almost. There were some red tinges on his cheeks and he was studiously avoiding meeting my gaze.

"Mother's quite right Lizzy," Edward agreed coolly. "Besides…" He looked at Ciel and pointed an angry finger at him, eyes burning. "I still haven't acknowledged you! And I don't see why my precious sister or Hero has to end up with you in the first place!"

Ciel laughed nervously, having no choice but to face Edward's bold declaration. He was never really all that comfortable around Edward in the first place, as past experience can explain. "Really! There you go saying those things again Edward."

I smiled at them all, noting how this little reunion was drama filled like the ones in my Spanish telenovelas (which I could really go for right now). I noticed then that Alexis was staring at Ciel and me with an intensity that had me sweating. Here we go again. I tugged at Ciel's sleeve and he looked at Lizzy's approaching father.

"L-Lord Midford. It has been a while since we've last met," Ciel stated with a weak smile. The stare did not lessen and like a striking panther, Alexis glomped Ciel and I in greeting. Luckily this wasn't the first time he's done it so I just took it like a woman, again. Francis snapped at her husband to cut it out and I chuckled at the familiarity. Yup, this was definitely going to be a lively cruise.

Edward approached me then, blushing heavily before he greeted me properly. "I'm glad you came Miss Hero, though it was presumptuous of us to even ask."

"Oh no! Trust me this was a great idea," I assured him, purposely leaving out the fact that this ship was going to sink in exactly...

...

...

oh wait...when was it sinking exactly?

Fruck!

I can't remember! And that was not a good thing.

Just as we were all going to head inside for some tea and snacks, a very familiar voice rang out through the crowd surrounding us.

"Yoo-hoo~!" called out Madame Red as she came near, her butler Stanton ever present behind her, carrying a maroon mountain of luggage. "I'm so glad everyone made it!"

Ciel and I blinked in surprise. "Madame Red?"

"Aunty Ann!" Lizzy cried in joy.

"Isn't it a fine holiday for a lovely cruise?" she smiled, her sailor themed outfit appropriately adult and red as she tilted her large hat away from her eyes. Francis smiled warily as she crossed her arms.

"I'm glad you could make it. I wasn't sure you'd be coming," she admitted.

"Neither did I but I was working so hard at the hospital that I felt I needed another break," she explained, sighing dramatically. "Now let us depart from under this sun and have some tea shall we?"

---

Madame Red's presence was a real surprise, let me tell you. But since I've been messed up the series' plot who knew what extra surprise twists were going to pop up? Still, I have to admit that this tea I was currently sipping on was ah-mazing. It was either that my tongue had become accustomed to tea in general or this tea was especially really good. Either way, I happily sipped away.

As we sat together around a rounded table in some fancy looking dining hall, I had to keep from laughing at Sebastian and Snake's new hair do's that Aunt Francis insisted they sport whilst in her presence for the remaining weeks. It didn't surprise me that Sebastian looked good with his slicked back hair since he can pull off any look, really, but to my utter surprise and delight, Snake managed to look real dashing with his hair slicked-back, shiny forehead showing.

Of course that didn't stop me from snickered behind my tea cup.

"So...we'll get to be together for the whole three weeks?" Ciel asked after a while.

"Yes that's right," Aunt Francis answered.

"Isn't it wonderful having so much time to relax?" Madame Red commented with a dreamy smile.

"And I can't wait for all the exciting events they have planned," Lizzy trilled. "Not to mention this will be our first time being together in so long!"

"I'll say," I murmured. The thought of the Midfords and a Barnett-Durless on a boat for three weeks left me feeling a little weary. It was great hanging with them and all but it wasn't like they knew I was from the future and made allowances for my strangeness like Ciel and Sebastian did at home. I mean, being American only went so far.

"You must escort me to the dinner parties, Ciel!" Lizzy insisted excitedly, continuing on as if I hadn't spoken. Ciel hesitated and it was like our little twosome section (we sat next to each other) became silent. It was no secret that Ciel was fighting for my hand against both Sebastian and Edward. Since it was inappropriate to have a butler do the escorting (apparently that made a lady look desperate), Lizzy publicly taking Ciel was like asking for a duel since I should, by courting rights, have dibs on him.

And since everyone knew this, they waited on my response and/or reaction to that last statement like a starving cat gazing at its prey.

Which I thought taxing because I'll admit that I don't particularly fancy Lizzy hogging Ciel 24/7 but it would be a practical thing to allow since won't Edward be escorting me? And allowing preteens and teenagers to hang with their respective age group, especially with the critical upper crust eyeing us from near-by tables, seemed much more fitting...right?

So in the end my response was a little something like this...

"Dinner parties? That sounds like fun. Edward would you mind terribly escorting me to those?"

The blond teen blushed but nodded happily. "Of course not! It'll be my pleasure Miss Hero."

And the would-be crisis was averted, minus Ciel who kept sending me the "WHY?" look as he and Edward exchanged the occasional tensed filled glances. Ah courtship, it sure made one's blood boil.

"Oh this'll be perfect~!" Lizzy went on. "We'll all have so much fun together!"

"Indeed, this is quite the picture perfect occasion," Madame Red said suddenly, sending me a knowing smile as I flushed.

"Thatta go son!" encouraged Alexis. "Remember all those lessons I taught you!"

Edward almost did a spit take. "Father!" he exclaimed, face red as mine.

"Come, come Edward. Though foolish, what your Father taught you has merit," Francis added brusquely, taking a sip of her own tea.

Oh dear Lord, they couldn't be...?

"Um...," I interrupted, leaning into the table. "What we talkin' about?"

"About what young couples do on cruise lines of course," Madame Red added with a smirk. "I heard stopping by the Garden Room and the Gallery before heading to the Front Deck are ideal places to bring a lady. The say the views are very much romantic."

Okay now I nearly did a spit take. What the flip are they all thinking?! Don't they realize Ciel's right next to me looking none too happy about where the conversation was leading up to? What's going on with them? Edward wasn't sure whether to look miserable or embarrassed. And I was pretty sure avoiding Ciel's burning gaze was a wise thing to do as I sipped from my teacup with an intense concentration.

"Um, why don't we just get settled in before we take any tours?" I added after realizing my tea cup was empty. "You know making it here was pretty taxing."

"Oh, Hero does make a point," Madame Red agreed immediately.

"Yes, there's still much to unpack and dinner will soon come without us making the necessary preparations," Francis admitted. "Very well, we shall sojourn a bit later then."

I exhaled. Crisis temporarily averted.

---

First Class Resident Hall

"Just what have I gotten myself into?" Ciel mumbled in annoyance as he and Sebastian walked from his room, Hero having been whisked away by Madame Red on an "urgent" matter and thus dragging her into the woman's room. Ciel hadn't bothered to protest. It was hard resisting such a personality.

Speaking of personalities, what was with everyone at the table? Had they forgotten that he was also contending for Hero's hand? The way they kept insinuating Hero and Edward being together had Ciel grinding his teeth in annoyance. Just because they were of the same age didn't mean anything and besides, Hero wouldn't choose him.

Would she?

It'd make sense really...

Ciel shook his head. No. Hero was his. He'd done much, with Sebastian's help, to keep her at his side and despite everything that he's done, despite everything that he's said and been through, she still stayed. Even when he had given her that one chance to leave him and do what she wanted, she had still stayed. Which had to count for something, right?

Sebastian, cool as cucumber and seemingly unfazed by the Hero and Edward innuendos from earlier, interrupted Ciel's thoughts. "Is it not just as well? The meeting of which we spoke earlier will be held on the eve of the nineteenth. Why not leisurely enjoy a rare holiday?"

Ciel sighed. "Well...I guess a break is called for every so often..."

Once Ciel and Sebastian arrived on the polished deck, they quickly noticed a crowd gathered round a few feet to the left. Ciel cocked his head.

"What's happening?"

"Progress," Madam Red replied, startling Ciel as she appeared from behind with Stanton in tow. "I fixed up Hero and sent her on her way."

Ciel blinked. "Fixed? What was...never mind. Anyway, what's with the crowd?"

"Edward's with her," she said simply, as if that explained everything. "Somehow the aristocrats heard about Edward's courtship of Hero and are scandalized and equally fascinated by it."

"Courtship? The year isn't even over! And Hero hasn't even accepted him anyways," Ciel sharply reminded her.

"I know, but once Francis and I fixed her up, Edward appeared at our door, wanting to show Hero around the deck and how could I say no?"

Ciel sulked, looking at the crowd blocking his view. Sebastian merely chuckled silently and it ticked Ciel that Sebastian wasn't as bothered by this as he was. But then again, Ciel was thinking in human terms so of course Sebastian's reaction to all this would be far from what he'd expect. Out of the crowd, two figures separated themselves and briskly headed over to where Ciel and Madame Red stood. It took Ciel a second to realize it was Hero standing next to Edward.

And for once, Hero actually looked...proper.

Madame Red really did fix her up.

"Geez, what's with everyone?" Hero called out, panting slightly from the short sprint as she re-positioned her straw laced hat "One minute Edward was telling me about the ship and the next thing I know, people were upon asking us asking for introductions and firing off questions."

"Gossip travels fast," Madame Red smirked under the large brim of her own hat. "And since we're far from London, the aristocrats are a little more...forward...out here in the middle of the ocean."

Edward sighed. "As if their reservations weren't bad before,"

"CIEEELLLLLL!" cried an excited shrilly voice that instantly glomped Ciel from behind. "There you are! Isn't it such a lovely day? You simply have to walk with me around the deck," Lizzy pressed.

"Oh! Before that's done," Hero interrupted with a sweet smile. "I wanted to show Ciel something real quick."

"Ah—!"

"It'll be quick. Be right back Edward," Hero told them as she grabbed Ciel's wrist before anyone else could protest. Sebastian followed as was his cue and once the three were relatively alone, Hero let out a sigh.

"I did not see what was wrong with my old dress," she complained, adjusting her bodice. "But whatever. I can't exactly object."

"What did you want to show me?" Ciel asked, a little glad they were away from prying ears, especially from the Midfords and the Barnett-Durless.

Hero blinked. "Oh, yeah, nothing really. I just had to get away for a minute. I was becoming people-phobic." She walked over to the pointed end of the deck and leaned over the railing, she smiled widely."You know this is really refreshing. Too bad we're on a boat full of human-eating zombies."

"Hero careful, don't fall," Ciel cautioned.

"Zombie?" Sebastian echoed. "What would that be?"

Hero sighed and straightened. "Didn't I explain this earlier?"

"Something about an undead army but you didn't make much sense," Ciel told her with a yawn.

"It may sound dramatic and far-fetched but I'm totally serious here!" she declared hotly, hands on hips. "I forget when exactly this mess is going to go down but in the mean time we should make preparations and scope the place out."

"Isn't our priority finding the Aurora Society?" Sebastian commented.

"And just who do you think created the zombies in the first place?" Hero looked around, making sure no one was lingering near them. "Just saying. I'd rather not have the ship sink. I mean, I can swim but I can't swim that good."

"Eh? Ship sink? The ship is going to sink?" Ciel questioned, alarmed now.

"Yup. Just like the Titanic. A tragic and most horrific event, but hey, maybe we can change that. Edward was just telling me about the schematics of the ship since a friend of his has an uncle who works in the Blue Star Line. The uncle had been there during the planning stage. Apparently this place is built with all sorts of intricacies."

"About that...," Ciel started, feeling he should address the issue he had with Edward and Hero getting too close. It's not like he had anything to worry about but precautions should always get taken, no? He was just about to tell Hero his thoughts on the matter when the Midford/Barnett-Durless bunch decided Ciel, Hero and Sebastian had had enough alone time. Lizzy quickly took to Ciel's side as Hero was returned to Edward's. She didn't seem particularly bothered and it irked Ciel when she readily walked away from them with Edward.

Madame Red walked with the now present Aunt Francis and Lord Alexis, whispering amongst themselves as Ciel forced himself to keep Lizzy amused. Which wasn't all that hard. Of course Sebastian's smirks every now and then further soured Ciel's mood as they walked around the deck.

Occasionally, Ciel would glance over toward Hero and Edward. Hero was typically seen laughing or smiling at whatever Edward would say while Edward in turn seemed dazed by whatever nonsensical topic Hero managed to be talking about. For a moment, as he stared at them, both of them getting along so famously, it bothered Ciel just how chummy those two were. And it didn't help when Ciel overheard a couple of aristocrats gossiping about the latest topic that was apparently Hero.

It seemed to baffle half the ton how an upstart colored American girl can suddenly just waltz into their midst and already secure the affections of not only the young Phantomhive Earl but the heir of the Marquis of Midford title. Ciel frowned. As if he didn't already dislike his own lot but to hear them up close was tiresome and irritating. Nothing good came out of their mouths anyway. And Ciel liked them even less for criticizing Hero. It's not her fault she ended up in the middle of this crazy situation.

Just then a few female aristocratic ladies approached the two preteens in greeting. Lizzy squealed and complimented their dresses, going on and on about how sailor fashion had become so popular aboard the ship. Ciel resisted the urge to yawn and instead merely tuned the ladies out. When he heard his name being called, he settled his attention on them.

"I'm sorry?"

"I was just saying, Earl Phantomhive," began one of them. "How adorable the two of you look together. Almost like the perfect couple. Are you two not engaged?"

Ciel felt Lizzy's grip on his arm tighten slightly before relaxing. She smiled brightly at them.

"No, no. But goodness me what a compliment!" she trilled.

"Such a shame," murmured the woman, fanning herself, apparently embarrassed at her faux pas.

"Oh that's right," said the other. "Isn't Earl Phantomhive courting a one Miss Hero, the legendary American Detective Extraordinaire?"

"My what a bold thing to declare," mocked another lady holding up a laced fan. Ciel could feel his ire acting up but calmly exhaled, looking cool and utterly indifferent.

"Bold it is but true nevertheless," he told them. "A rare gem that even Her Majesty, The Queen has come to like."

"Yes, so we've heard," she admitted, as if still not believing the news.

"But isn't Lord Edward also contending for her hand?" her friend asked.

"Why there they are!" exclaimed the first one who spoke, gesturing to Hero and Edward who were over by the railing, pointing to something on the lower decks.

"They do seem quite close."

"I suppose it seems appropriate. They both are of a suitable age. It would be a most advantageous match for her."

"And isn't Miss Hero seventeen? She should very well marry before she gets put on the shelf or becomes a spinster."

"Or before someone else catches Lord Edward."

Ciel's head was reeling, his fist tightening. Indeed, Hero and Edward were currently laughing with another small group of ladies and gents that had approached them. What could they possibly be so chummy about? And so what if Hero was of that age? Ciel was still a contender for her hand, despite people conveniently forgetting the fact, and there was no way he was letting anyone else possess his pawn.

Lizzy, sensing the mood, or more specifically, his, excused them from the group of tittering, gossiping ladies. Madame Red, Aunt Francis and Lord Alexis were still far but close enough to chaperon. Sebastian and Snake, who had made a rather late appearance, stood nearby.

"I'm sorry," Lizzy apologized, surprising Ciel. "I shouldn't have greeted them. They upset you."

Ciel blinked and instantly became guilty. "No it wasn't your fault. Besides, one shouldn't listen to gossip anyhow. Though it annoys me how they seem to be update about everything."

"Well you and Hero are much of the talk in the London ballrooms, despite Hero not making her official debut," Lizzy told him. "And you know," she paused. "Brother is pretty serious about her too."

"What?" The pit of his stomach began churning with dread. "Isn't this a phase? How did they even come to know each other? I thought it strange when he came over the first time and declared his intentions."

Lizzy looked thoughtful. "Ah, I don't know either. Brother mentioned something and Father said he had been 'smacked by the fist of love' Literally."

Ciel frowned, worry filling his thoughts. Lizzy remained silent for a few minutes, a feat that surprised Ciel and made him look at her. She was gazing out at the sparkling blue ocean. Just when he thought she wouldn't say anything else, she spoke.

"Ciel...does it...bother you that I'm also fighting to try to win you back?"

Eh?

Lizzy gazed at him now, emerald eyes indecipherable. "You do know I love you, right?"

Ciel blushed. What to say to this now? He had always known that Lizzy loved him but he never realized just how deep that love was. Until recently. But now that his own heart had been claimed by another, he refused to see anything else. Ciel felt bad for putting Lizzy in such a predicament. She didn't deserve it. She deserved to have someone dot on her and love her to the same excessive degree she does him.

"I know," he answered somberly.

"But you love Hero," she said. "Why? I never truly understood the abrupt way you broke off our engagement, even though the engagement itself was a sham."

Ciel remained silent, contemplating an appropriate answer that wouldn't upset her too much. And when he spoke, he felt the words just form themselves, as if it were the most natural thing in the world...and without sounding like a besotted dandy.

"I don't know myself Lizzy. I just know that when I look at Hero, I feel so free, content, a little exasperated to be sure, but she makes everything feel...right. I can't imagine life without her anymore and we've only known each other for half a year."

Lizzy's mouth tightened and she looked away. "You know, I've been with you longer..."

Ciel looked at her. "...I know..."

Lizzy's eyes began to have that shiny sheen and Ciel panicked. Was she...? Lizzy stopped walking and turned to him, a bright smile gracing her pretty delicate features, tears noticeably missing.

"I think that's enough of the deck. I feel a little fatigued by the sun so I'll be heading back to my cabin now."

"Should I—?"

"No, no it's alright. You stay here and enjoy the sun," she insisted brightly, turning away. "I'll see you at dinner."

Ciel was left standing by himself, blinking as he gazed after her. So young and he already felt like a cad. Love really was troublesome. How'd he become fixated in such a mess so quickly?

"Edward look! They're dolphins! See how they play and follow us below?" called out Hero's voice from a few feet away, attention solely on Edward and the waters below. She smiled at the boy, face looking dazzling under the glow of the sun. Ciel's eyes narrowed as he followed their movements, noting how close their faces were as they stared over the railing, smiling and chuckling at the sight of the playful porpoises below them.

"Green with envy already, young master?" Sebastian chuckled as he neared Ciel. "You've managed to chase away Miss Elizabeth near tears and here you are, glowering at Miss Hero's companion as if he were a thief. It's only natural those two would spend some time together, they are, after all, of the same age."

Ciel closed his eyes and inhaled all this stress and anxiety. He exhaled a few seconds' later, mind crystal clear and set. He gazed at Sebastian with that infallible blue eye that's been known to bring men and their empires crumbling to their knees.

"Whoever said that Hero was off limits for me? Everyone seems to be forgetting just how much of an influence I have on her," he boldly declared, surprising Sebastian. "I intend to make her mine, Sebastian. And if my previous actions hadn't been obvious, I shall exploit anything and everything I can to make Hero fall for me. Even you."

With that Ciel casually walked away, cane tapping against the hardwood of the deck.

Now it was Sebastian who was left standing alone. He looked after his young master and then briefly glanced at the giggling Hero, pointing at Edward's disgruntled face for having caught a wet splash from a particularly high wave. Sebastian smirked.

"Well, I suppose I should amp up my game as well."

---

As I brushed my hair I couldn't help but whistle to the tune that's been playing in my mind for a while now. And what tune would that be? The iconic Titanic one of course! Yeah I saw the movie once, but something's just need only one viewing in order to be engrained into one's head. And boy was it catchy.

On the other side of the room, Sebastian was currently getting Ciel ready for bed.

Dinner had been rather weird. Not only had Lizzy not been there, claiming to have been a little "sick" from the voyage, but almost every aristocrat in the dining room had been staring at our table. Then to make matters worse, Madame Red must have smoked some shrooms earlier because her innuendos about me and Edward were getting way too much support from Lord Alexis, embarrassing poor Edward and having Ciel give me scathing looks.

But at least all that non-sense was over.

I finished detangling my hair and set the brush down. I smiled at myself in the mirror, feeling accomplished for taking only an hour and a half to successfully fix my hair by myself. A shame it would tangle itself up again while I slept. Deciding quickly, I grabbed a loose ribbon (freaking Victorians didn't believe in the convenience of hair ties) and swiftly braided my hair as I turned to face Sebastian and Ciel.

"Crazy day, huh?"

Ciel look at me briefly before he looked away. "Troublesome is more like."

Sebastian stood up after finishing buttoning up Ciel's shirt. "It was rather interesting, if not a little dull."

"The nineteenth cannot arrive fast enough," Ciel muttered.

I shuddered. "Trust me, you do not want zombies coming after you. Just playing the video games and watching The Walking Dead is tiring enough."

Sebastian chuckled. "Well you two should be getting on to bed now."

"Ah! Which reminds me," I said, hopping onto said bed. "I didn't get a chance to do the iconic Titanic pose Kate Winslet and Leanardo Di Caprio did in the movie. We're definitely doing that tomorrow Ciel. And we could take turns~!"

Ciel didn't look as if it were a good idea but said nothing, which was odd since he usually had a cutting remark to whatever futuristic confusing thing I happen to mention. I frowned as I lied back on a fluffy pillow, Sebastian turning off the gas lamp built into the wall. The room darkened and Sebastian's voice bid us a goodnight before the door closed with an audible click.

I laid in bed, looking at the dark ceiling, waiting for Ciel to say something. He sighed but remained silent. The dull creaks of the ship rang faintly. The crash of the waves against the side of the ship still audible. Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore and turned towards Ciel, only his back was facing me. I began to feel worried. Now I know something was bugging him.

"Um...Ciel?"

Nothing. And it remained that way for a few minutes.

"You cannot be asleep that fast. Are you ignoring me? Why? What did I do? Are you mad at me? Come on Ciel talk to me." I began poking his back and I was slightly relieved to see his shoulders tense up when I touched a sensitive spot. "Ciiieeeelllll," I taunted. "Come on, speak to meeeee."

Nothing still.

I scooted closer, my breath upon his neck. "Ciiiieeelllll?"

Damn he was stubborn. What was his deal? I got up on my elbows and leaned over the boy, hoping to annoy him enough to get a reaction, even going as far as to rest my cheek against his, a few strands of my hair falling on his face.

"If you don't say anything I'm going to stay like this and I'm pretty heavy."

"..."

Wow he was tenacious. Why was he so upset? What did I do? I wrapped my arms around him and blinked. "Wow Ciel I've never noticed how thin you are, almost like a little girl."

"Beg pardon? I am a man and I am not little," Ciel finally snapped, turning his head to look at me. "And need I remind you that I'm taller than you?"

"By like an inch, brah. Don't get so cocky, I could still grow," I defended.

Ciel scoffed. "I highly doubt that."

"Guess what though?"

"What?"

"You're speaking to me," I grinned.

Ciel tensed up, but finally his shoulders relaxed and he sighed. "Sorry," he mumbled.

"Huh, so you were mad about something. Care to tell me what?"

"No,"

"Ehh? Why not?"

"It's not important."

"Um, yeah it kind of is," I told him, still on my elbow as he shifted onto his back, looking at me with his mismatched eyes. "So why were you upset? Did something happen?"

Ciel remained silent, mainly contemplating his answer. Finally, he met my eyes, his face neutral when he spoke. "When did you and Edward first meet?"

I blinked, not expecting this in the least. What did Edward have to do with Ciel's low mood? I looked at him in confusion as I answered. "I met him when he was about to attack you."

That certainly left Ciel stumped.

"Attack me?"

"It was in the park, when you left to meet with Lizzy, you know? The few days before the Curry Contest? Well, apparently he had followed after her, having heard about the broken fake engagement," I explained, remembering what Edward had told me. "Just as you guys were walking, he lept from behind the tree to 'defend' his little sister's heart and me hiding in the bushes, looking after you, well, I kind of reacted."

"Wait, you were alone?"

I giggled. "Of course not. I had Lau with me."

Ciel did not look pleased. "Which is essentially being alone."

"ANYWAYS before Edward could touch you guys, I tackled him to the side and punched him in the face repeatedly," I admitted, proud that I had successfully prevented Ciel from coming to any harm, even if it was against Edward who wasn't really going to harm him, but details, details. I kind of feel bad about it now too.

Ciel's eyes widened in shock as he sat up abruptly. "So that's what Madame Red meant by 'Smacked by the Fist of Love'! Hero you git! You did exactly what Aunt Francis did to Lord Alexis! Now there's no way Edward or Lord Alexis will back off the courtship so easily. This whole thing is symbolic to them!"

I blinked in surprised, my mind processing his words as I scratched my head. Symbolic? Exactly like Aunt Francis? I vaguely began recalling how Aunt Francis and Lord Alexis met and soon realized what he meant. "Oh," I said aloud. "Well, damn. My bad then."

Ciel sighed miserably as he laid back down, looking exhausted. "Just fantastic. As if I needed more rivals."

I pursed my lips, not sure what to say. To be honest, I really have no idea what to think of this contest going around for my "hand" in something. I mean, the whole thing is laughable. What's the deal anyhow? I'm not made of gold nor am I an exceptional beauty. I'm dirt broke, brazen and blunt, kind of impetuous and way too mouthy for my own good. Not to mention, I'm Hispanic and American, the latter seeming to have a non too pleasant impression around the Upper Crust of England. Of course I gotta admit I wasn't totally hideous but I guess I looked pretty enough if I tried hard.

Still, it baffled me why everyone seemed so interested and invested in this.

Sebastian was obviously only in it to humor everyone since apparently I was his demon mate and by default totally and completely his (just as soon as he "Claims" me). I'm not too sure what his feelings of me are either but at least he's delicious eye-candy. And his voice with that smoldering look, oh how I mentally swoon.

Ciel claims he's in love with me and the thought still confuses me, making me unsure what to say most of the time. I mean, he's thirteen and obviously this whole thing will blow over as he becomes older...right? I mean, the thought of his dedication is nice, flattering even. Of course his life really worries me since after he accomplishes his ultimate goal, he'll become Sebastian's snack. And then where would that leave us?

Now Edward needs a good-slap in the face to wake him up from this not-so-subtle infatuation. The brah's got a lot going for him and he doesn't need to get himself tied up with me and this weird world I'm inhabiting. He needs a nice beautiful and smart girl who will really keep him on his toes, because if he turns out like his dad, Lord help him.

And then there's Charles, who by the way, is a crazy nut. I dunno what his deal is to be honest but at least he's entertaining to be around. However forward and annoyingly confident he is.

"You know Ciel, there's no reason to get upset," I told him. "Edward's just my friend. Honest. Like, I think of him kind of like a cool next door-neighbor." That didn't seem to lessen his irritation in the slightest. I wasn't sure what else to do until the thought hit me, making my face turn redder then a ripe tomato. Well, it would certainly convince him that I wasn't serious or even considered Edward in that way. "Listen Ciel. If there is one thing you can be sure of," I began, holding his attention briefly. Here it goes. "Is that I would never do this with Edward."

"Wh—" Ciel was interrupted when I leaned over and kissed him. On the lips. To say he was surprised was an understatement. He didn't struggle or anything, in fact, he seemed to be melting along with the kiss, which I felt was getting increasingly warmer. The kiss was simple but firm enough that it conveyed my message. Still, I wasn't expecting for Ciel of all people to have his tongue dart out and touch my lower lip. The action startled me and I gasped against his lips, allowing him the opportunity to actually have his tongue travel inside.

Which actually caught me off guard again. Since when had Ciel been brave enough to do that? Last time I introduced tongue to him he had acted like a shy little school-girl. It had caused a little reprieve from any more kissing in the past few weeks but I guess the urge was back.

Of course instead of Ciel pulling away, it was me this time, just as our tongues briefly met. Face beat red as I gaped at him, my plan to get him out of one of his moods apparently working only too well. Ciel smirked at my reaction.

"Your right Hero, you'd never do that with Edward," he stated, apparently feeling better already.

"Don't go smirking," I countered, embarrassed to have let him get the upper hand. "We'll see who gets who later."

"Whatever you say," he dismissed, closing his eyes, his smirk still tugging the corners of his lips. I stuffed my face in my pillow, cheeks still red. Gosh what was wrong with me? Just because Ciel took the lead now doesn't mean anything. I shyly glanced over at him and found myself smiling a little when I saw how relaxed his posture was, face serene, eyes still calmly closed.

At least he's not upset.

Which means the rest of this unbearable arc can go smoothly...

I think.

---

Two days later…

It was official.

This situation was completely out of my hands and totally beyond me.

You'd think with my knowledge of what happens in the future would have equipped me enough to know how to prevent the disasters that would no doubt ensue. But alas, this reality was slapping me in the face. For one thing, when Ciel, Sebastian and I are able to rip ourselves away from the Midfords and Barnett-Durless's, we would carefully investigate every inch of the boat. Or at least try, this sucker was a lot bigger than I had anticipated. And when we had managed to locate the cargo hold, the biggest shock of my life happened.

"What are we supposed see Hero?" Ciel had inquired, arms crossed over his chest.

I blinked, stunned. There, right before us, stood exactly zero zombie chest. Like seriously.

THERE WAS NOTHING THERE.

The only storage stuff to be seen were the passenger's. When Sebastian completed a full-blown scope at my insistence, he confirmed that there was nothing here and that nothing of such mass quantities had been here. It didn't even smell like dead skin. I blinked. My mind had just been blown.

For the rest of that day, I sat reclined against one of those chaise's on deck, looking at the sea before me, completely immersed in my stupor, totally worrying Edward and apparently causing quite the scandal in the upper crust circle. Some idiot spread the word that the reason I was so out of it was because Edward must have stolen a kiss and my "delicate" sensibilities had been disturbed. Like seriously! Where the hell are they getting this bologna from?

It didn't help that Edward was always hovered over me, making sure I was okay both mentally and physically. It was actually kind of endearing, if not a little annoying. Ciel spent the rest of the day smirking at me, as if proving once more how right he was and how crazy I was. The little McNugget.

And that was only day one.

Suddenly all my plans got shot and I literally had nothing to do, most especially when Sebastian investigated even further that the course the boat was heading in did not even go anywhere near the north where icebergs were notorious for appearing. The revelation literally knocked my mind clean off for a second time. Dinner that night was even stranger for me. Whether anyone besides Edward noticed how much of a daze I was in, they didn't comment.

So now the big question, besides the tempting "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?", was what in the world do I do with myself?

For one thing, exploring the ship was getting vastly old. Not to mention that now that I had all this free-time, why not use it to make amends? Namely with one Elizabeth Midford. Like hell will I forgot her pushing me off a cliff. Thankfully it was a small ledge really, but still. My head got conked and if Sebastian hadn't saved me, I would have died. And I don't know about some people but I kind of like not dying, my daring life as a detective extraordinaire aside. I know it was an accident but a talk was still in order, considering she had told me a whole bunch of stuff I wasn't ready to hear yet. And there was something I wanted to tell her too.

Of course getting to talk to the girl was proving to be difficult than growing a pineapple in the North Pole. Seriously. She made sure we were never alone. And when I asked her if we could talk in private, she would smile and say yes, but the minute we walked away she would feign some sort of ailment that had her dad rushing her off to her room. Like what the hell?

Eventually I gave up. I'll tell her soon enough, why force it now?

So after realizing I had more free-time, I could hardly spend it in Ciel's company. If Lizzy wasn't monopolizing his attention then the family was, namely Aunt Francis or Madame Red. I kept getting the feeling they were purposefully pairing Ciel and Lizzy to no end. And it was starting to tick me off.

Sebastian seemed to have noticed my unusually irritated demeanor, but he never said anything, merely frowning, as if he too were getting upset about something. And speaking of Sebastian, I couldn't exactly hang out with him seeing as he was to follow Ciel like a shadow and when he wasn't he disappeared to do his butler duties. And I couldn't even hang out with Snake since he was my shadow and it was considered inappropriate for an unmarried girl to be alone without an escort (footman's didn't count apparently). Which left me in the company of Edward most of time and the gossipy aristocrats had us all but married in their talks.

But whatever, Edward's company actually wasn't so bad. In fact, once he got over his initial shyness I found out that he was actually a lot more fun and cool then I had previously thought. Like he actually had a sense of humor. How about that! And his apparent love for sports had us talking plenty since if there was one school subject I excelled at, it was sports. So no, hanging with Edward was actually fun and there was lots we did together, surprisingly. And we had a lot of things in common.

"You hate beats too?" I repeated, astound.

Edward shuddered. "Like you wouldn't imagine. It's the one vegetable I can't stand."

I laughed. "Oh wow same here. My dad loves them and I just keep staring at him like he's crazy."

"Same with my mom. She keeps giving them to me, disguising them in some form or another but I always know."

I grinned. "Good. Beats are the root of all evil. I'm so glad Sebastian hasn't fed me that."

And it went on.

"My favorite color is green," he admitted.

I stopped walking. "Get out of town! Same here!"

"What? Surely you jest? Its such a unlady-like color. Pastels are all the rage I've heard."

I snorted. "Do I look lady-like to you? And green is the best! It's why I'm a total Slytherin fan in Harry Potter, well that and among other things."

"Harry Who? What?"

"Nothing~!"

And then the piece de resistance.

"YOU DANCE?"

Edward looked embarrassed. "I used to hate it until my father forced me to learn the basics. Once I did, it turns out I had a knack for it. As soon as I lost my initial timidity I was able to grasp the rhythm. That led to my curiosity and I've practiced all sorts of dancing since then."

I grabbed his shoulders, surprising him. "You are my official dance partner oh my fricking gosh. Ciel sucks at dancing and Sebastian acts like dancing for fun is a waste of time. You seriously have to be my partner!"

I was serious here. Ever since my dad steered me clear of those tough physical sports non-sports-y dads are afraid of, I had found another passion of mine besides detective work: dancing. I was the best pupil of Mrs. Carmen's Dance Class and I was even asked to teach a few classes. In fact, had I not been transported into Kuroshitsuji via oven, that following month, I would have competed in the State Regional Dance Competition, vying for first place with my college dance partner Hector, whose feet were like magic.

Edward smiled. "Oh well of course. It'd be my pleasure."

I beamed. "What dances do you know?"

I nearly drooled at the list of dances. Most of them were Victorian dances but Mrs. Carmen loved exploring old traditional dances as much as she loved doing the Samba. So I was well knowledgeable in the majority of what he said.

"Shut up," I interrupted, my mouth hanging open as I stopped him again. "YOU CAN TANGO?"

Edward looked a bit sheepish now. "Well I had a friend who lived in Argentina for a time and when he told me about how the Tango was all the rage in Buenos Aires and I got curious. Although finding a skilled dance partner is hard."

"Stop. You and me, we are so dancing the Tango."

Now Edward blushed. "Eh? You can dance it?"

"Dance it? I can drink it. Trust me, I'm as good as they come, not to brag or anything."

Edward smiled. "Well I'm not sure we can dance in front of…," he shifted his eyes to a rather nosy pair of aristo's pretending to not be eavesdropping. It amazes how these people thrive on gossip like fish do water.

I pulled him along a little further away until we came across the Garden Room. I pulled him inside and closed the door, effectively separating my shadow Snake from us. Sorry but when your dancing a new dance, you don't need an audience just yet.

"Hero!" Edward said, looking scandalized.

"If anyone asks, you're escorting me to look at the flowers, again. I don't think there's anyone in here," I told him, checking between rows. "We're good, we can do a little dance here."

Yup, his face got redder. "Here? Alone? With no chaperone?"

"It's not like we're going to be in a compromising position are we?" My gosh I didn't know his face could get to that shade of red. It was actually quite comical and I giggled. "If it helps, just do the moves you were taught and I can watch a bit before we dance together."

That seemed to relax his posture a bit. He smiled. "Alright, but really quick. My mother finds the dance scandalous point blank."

I snickered. "If London society thought the Waltz was scandalous, then the Tango will be straight up porn."

The next fifteen minutes were a blast. Edward was actually pretty good, even without music we improvised and his moves were amazing, even for a beginners. He took some of my critiques really well and of course once I joined in we got into the dance pretty good. It goes without saying that we didn't do the sensual special moves you're supposed to do in a genuine Argentinean Tango but regardless, I say we danced good enough that even strict and shrewd Mrs. Carmen would have approved.

"I'm impressed," he said later as we rested against a table that held a little rose bush. "You're quite the dancer."

I grinned, breathing hard. "It's been a long time though. Gosh I've gotten rusty," I admitted with a shy smile.

"Well at least you both had fun."

Edward and I froze, both of us straightening up fast as we looked to our left.

There stood Ciel, looking mightily pissed off. Sebastian was behind him, his expression unreadable. Despite the neutral face, a sudden chill settled itself at the back of my spine and I knew that Sebastian was also peeved.

"Oh Ciel," I said jerkily, my smile too bright. "Glad to see you here."

"I'm sure," he said coolly.

"Did you know Edward can dance the Tango?" I added, smile still bright and cheery. I don't know why I was nervous but I know if their moods turned down one wrong lane who knows what will happen. "And he's really good!"

"Um, I'm not that great," Edward mumbled, feeling the full throttle of Ciel's stare, the heaviness of the atmosphere not lost on him.

"Nonsense my dear boy~! You and your lady danced like two passionate lovers embracing under the full-moon~! Oh how it burns my body and sets my heart a-flutter~!" Like an unwanted pimple on the forehead just before Prom Night, The Viscount Druitt popped out from behind the rose bush Edward and I had been leaning against.

I shrieked at his sudden appearance, eyes wide in shock.

WHAT THE FUCK?

HAS HE BEEN IN THE ROOM THIS WHOLE TIME?

But I checked myself and there was no one in here! Where the hell could he have been hiding?

To say Sebastian, Ciel and Edward were also startled was understatement.

"Viscount Druitt?" Edward said aloud. "You were here this whole time?"

The Viscount struck some sort of pose that had the hairs on my arm standing on end. "But of course~! Here I was admiring the roses when the door burst open and slammed me up against the wall!" he admitted tragically. "When I saw it was you two young lovers expressing your passion for each other through dance…I KNEW I COULD NOT INTERRUPT!" he boldly declared with fires burning in his eyes.

"Brah, calm yo self. It was just a dance," I told him, to which the man ignored entirely.

"Oh how such burning desire and rhythm consumed my soul!" The Viscount swooned.

"If only," Sebastian muttered, eye twitching.

"It was like staring at the goddess of Love and Lust as she became one with the two lovers! Oh how have my feelings been affected! Never have I laid eyes upon such a wondrous sight. The meaning of all that is youthful and pure in the heart has been revealed before me! The longing, the yearning, the intensity to which the two longed to be joined!" The Viscount declared, wiping his blond hair over his shoulder. "It has truly left me in awe! Please! Miss Hero! Won't you teach me the very dance steps that has overwhelmed my heart?!"

When the Viscount opened his teary eyes, he found that he was alone in the Garden Room.

---

There were few things that ever bothered Sebastian Michaelis and the Viscount of Druitt was definitely one of them. Him and Grell. He wondered how God could ever make such beings exist.

"Oh come on Ciel! It was just dancing!" Hero explained as she chased after Ciel with light steps.

"Dancing my foot! That didn't look like dancing at all," The young master muttered with a ticked expression. It would amuse Sebastian to no end to discover just how truly jealous the young boy was.

"Its' an Argentinian dance for Pete's sake! Its supposed to look like that," she added.

"It should be banned!"

"How about I teach you then?"

Sebastian's almost laughed aloud at that one. As if the young master could master the Tango when he could barely do something as simple as a one-two step without mashing the toes of his dancing partner.

"Are you mad?" Ciel exclaimed, face red.

"No, but you are," Hero pointed out.

The young master's face reddened. further. "I'm not mad! Just disgusted! To think Edward would even participate in such a ridiculous spectacle—"

Sebastian and Ciel's eyes went wide as Hero interrupted Ciel the only way she knew how. And that was to kiss him. On the lips. Thank goodness they had entered a rather secluded hall and no one had seen such the brazen display.

"H-Hero!"

"Remember when I said I won't ever do that with Edward? I mean it," she said seriously. "He's an awesome friend and all but I don't have feelings for him. So you shouldn't get so riled up when we're together."

The young master's cheeks looked flushed but he appeared mollified. A warning sound rang throughout Sebastian's intuition and he frowned, examining a little more closely Hero's reassuring smile and the pleased blush on the young boy's cheeks. They were familiar. A lot more so then Sebastian had previously noted. There was a certain way the two before him carried themselves toward each other, a sort of unknowing understanding that even they did not know about themselves. Signs like these, if left to itself, could easily develop and further solidify whatever is really going on between them.

That did not please Sebastian at all.

In fact, maybe it was about time he really made his move on Hero. It wouldn't do for the two of them to have impossible expectations, especially when the young master's soul and Hero herself belonged to him alone. So in a way, this was for the best.

...

Dinner was normal, as it usually was, if you can count a few eccentric recountings from Madame Red's day and the young master's obvious distaste for some of the healthy looking food on his plate. Hero and Edward chatted amiably, earning them encouraging glances from Lord Alexis and the beaming smiles from Lady Elizabeth. The aristocrats a few tables away, hoping to catch some sort of gossip-worthy crumbs from their table, stayed ever attentive. Over all, it was normal.

Or at least it was until dinner was over and Hero refused to head to the cabin quite yet. She wanted to stroll around the deck yet again and Lady Elizabeth only seemed to agree enthusiastically. Therefore it was announced that Madame Red would chaperone the four of them, with Sebastian and Snake as their shadows once more.

But as God would have it, Hero and Edward, though Sebastian had a sinking suspicion it was mostly Hero, disappeared right from under Snake's surprised nose. The new footman looked at him in a panic and Sebastian mentally sighed.

"Stay with the young master and Lady Elizabeth. I shall find Miss Hero," he told him, noticing that said young ones and Madame Red had yet to notice the missing pair of teenagers. Though Sebastian had reason to believe Madame Red was purposefully acting like she hadn't noticed them. The woman was up to something, he could sense it. But regardless, Sebastian went in search of his missing demon mate. It didn't take long for him to sense her. She had somehow made it down to the lower levels of the ship where the third-class passengers resided. Sebastian sighed to himself, wondering how Lord Edward could have allowed himself to be dragged along.

But then again, it is Hero he was talking about.

It took him little time to navigate below stairs, earning him a few stares from the passengers around him. Lively music and dancing could be heard from further below. Before he knew it, Sebastian stood at the entrance of the third class dining hall. Raucous laughter and rowdy music definitely enlivened the rather plain and shabby appearance of the place. Stepping forward, Sebastian looked around for his, yet again, elusive mate and her escort.

---

"I CAN'T BELIEVE I JUST REMEMBERED!" I exclaimed in awe as I dragged Edward along with me down to the where I guess-timated was the third-class dining hall.

"Hero please tell me why we're coming down here? And without telling anyone?" Edward asked worriedly, looking around at the people giving us looks for our fancy shmancy attire.

"We're looking for someone," I told him simply, a determined gleam in my eyes. "If I see him here, if I ask him about…well, then, I know I'm not crazy and that we should prepare for the worst."

"Prepare for the worst?" echoed a confused Edward. "Worst of what?"

I stopped when I noticed how loud the hall to my left was. I turned and found the place at the end of the hall. I smirked and continued to drag Edward with me.

"Um, who are we looking for again?" Edward asked as we peered over the threshold.

"A guy with blond hair and queer looking glasses. He'll be dressed in professional business attire," I informed him, scanning the moving crowd seriously. I squinted hard, but found no luck. I decided then that I'd go inside for a closer look, but Edward's hand stopped me quickly.

"Hero! We can't go in there!" he whispered at me.

"Why not?" He looked at me like it should be obvious. I sighed. "Just give me five minutes."

"What? Absolutely not!"

"Two then? I really need to find this guy."

Edward sighed. "And just who really is this man? What's his name?"

I looked at him then, a grim expression on my face. "His name is Ronald Knox and he's someone you should hope to never meet in your life anytime soon."

Edward blinked then but I snuck in past him. He gaped. "Hero!"

I by passed the people around me, looking hard for the grim reaper. Sure I haven't ever really seen him before in my life, but hopefully manga and anime versions of his face would make it easy to find him…I hope. I bumped into someone and mumbled a quick apology before moving on. I looked behind me and found that Edward had been instantly mobbed by some females, giggling and asking curious questions for his sudden appearance here. The poor boy looked embarrassed. I giggled to myself before I resumed my search.

Just when I was beginning to think I was crazy, I saw him. He was all the way in the corner by the back, drinking ale with some other people. My body felt cold then as I knew what his presence meant. Someone, or maybe a whole lot of someones, were going to die. I wasn't sure when anymore but I knew I had to be vigilant for anything and everything, even if both storage spaces on the ship lacked the zombie bodies. They were still on the ship and that meant we were all still in trouble.

I carefully walked over, eyes solely focused on him. He must have sensed me because he turned his head and looked at me. His eyes widened in recognition then, which was strange since I hadn't met him before. I stopped before the reaper. His drinking companions' voices faded into silence.

"Ronald I have to talk to you," I told him seriously.

"Ummm," he said, unsure how to go about this.

"'ey, who's yer lady friend?" whispered a lady with ginger hair next to him.

"Someone," he said again, still staring at me and tilting his head to one side. "Hero, right?"

I blinked, surprised. But then again, I shouldn't be, right? He was a reaper in contact with both Grell and William. Surely I was talked about, considering I hung out with Ciel and Sebastian (or was I getting ahead of myself?). Still, I nodded in answer.

"Right then," Ronald looked at his watch. "Well, how about we step outside? I can't exactly hear myself think in here." He got up and grabbed his coat from behind his chair. He paid a quick good-bye to his companions and began to walk, me following. We were walking the down the hall, our footsteps the only thing audible. I stayed silent, partially wondering where he was taking me and how I would start the conversation off. Because after all, this was it. I would know whether the Campania was in trouble.

Ronald soon stopped before a door and opened it wide, revealing the deck of the ship. I gaped and stepped through, noting the moon high in the sky. The air tasted of brine and the cool evening wind whipped at some loose strands of hair and the skirts of my dress.

"So," Ronald began as he stood next to me, a smile forming on his cheeky face. "Nice to finally meet 'cha~! The name's Ronald Knox, as I'm sure you already know."

"Hero," I said. "But apparently you know that."

He grinned. "Of course~! There are bets going on amongst us reapers in the know. Of course since I took a peek at yer file I know I'm gonna win."

I blinked. "Say what?"

"Ah~!" Ronald said, as if realizing he had said too much. "Um, well, what was it you wanted to talk to with me about?"

Ignoring the fact that my life is apparently one fun gamble with almost EVERYONE I meet, I shook my head and crossed my arms. How to word this delicately now...

"People on this ship are going to die aren't they?" I asked bluntly, eyes locked on his face. I had to admit he kept a pretty damn good poker face, his expression never once changed.

"Pardon?"

"The ship, the people in it, there's going to be a lot of deaths here isn't there? Like A LOT."

Ronald tilted his head and scratched his cheek. "Well isn't that a bit morbid?"

I rolled my eyes. "Quit stalling. I know the truth. I'm not crazy," I told him, placing my hands on my hips. "I know what's going to happen...granted I don't remember when exactly. In fact, I would have really thought I was imagining this if I hadn't found you tonight. The fact that you're here means you have work to do. And I can't imagine you spending your day off on a cruise."

Ronald sighed. "True. I'd much rather spend my time elsewhere then here."

"Then I'm right!"

"Ah, my duties are supposed to be classified information," Ronald told me teasingly. "Therefore note, I have neither confirmed nor denied anything."

I frowned. "Then you won't tell me when this tragedy will occur?"

"That's the ticket~!"

"But lives are at stake! I mean, if I could somehow prevent this then wouldn't that lighten your work load?"

"Actually, that would leave me in a heap of paperwork. Something I'd rather not do if I could avoid it."

"But—!"

"Besides, don't you think you've interfered in enough?" Ronald interrupted.

I froze. "Huh?"

"It's no secret amongst us that you've been changin' our schedules some. Even old William was a bit cross but what can you with demon mates?" Ronald sighed. "You lot go around makin' things a mess for us before you off and die, havin' us scramble to get your souls before some demon does. What's been decided is done. No sense tryin' to change somethin'."

"Well wasn't that a bit too cold," I replied sarcastically, a bit miffed he had a point and a little angry he wouldn't help me.

"Just reality darlin'. Besides, you weren't supposed to even be here," he reminded her, poking me in the forehead. "Why do you care so much about what's going to happen?"

"Are you serious? People are going to die. There are people's lives at stake here and I have knowledge about what's going to happen them. If I can prevent that then you bet your bottom dollar I'm gonna make a mess for you guys," I told him hotly. "I may not have taken anything seriously in this world before but sweetheart, I have died once and the feeling is not funny, so don't take what I'm attempting to do lightly! Everyone deserves a second chance at life."

Ronald blinked. "Died?" Apparently that was the only thing that had really stuck. "Oh you mean that female demon yer demon butler got rid of, right? Oh-ho! Should have seen how he killed her. Very messy, but the souls we collected that day were a boon for us."

"Wait, Sebastian killed Charity?" I asked, surprised. Sebastian never fully explained to me what had happened to Charity. He told me he had merely made sure that she'd never bother me again. Ever. And well who was I to question further? I hated her guts too after all.

"Eh, sort of. She's basically as dead as a demon can be, but enough about stuff you can't change, what I wanna hear is about yer legendary courtship~!" You're kidding. I gave them him that WTF look and remained mute. Ronald pouted. "Oh fine. Has William talked to you yet?"

"Huh? No. About what?" I asked him, sensing he was keeping something crucial from me.

He grinned, putting a finger on his lips. "Can't tell. Old Will said he'd tell you personally." Ronald glanced at his watch again and whistled. "Well look at the time~! It's gettin' very late for you humans now isn't it?"

I sighed, putting my elbows against the handrails, letting the ocean wind push against my face. "I guess. Anyways, thanks for nothing."

"Any time~! Would you like me to escort you back?"

"And have you seen by Sebastian? No thanks."

Ronald shrugged and began walking away. "See ya around~! And I'd stay sharp on my toes if I were you, never know when tragedy might strike."

That punk. I turned around but found Ronald nowhere to be seen. I huffed, a little miffed at how everything turned out. But at least I know I wasn't crazy. The question now was when this would all take place and just what exactly was going to happen. It could be either the ship sinking or the zombies attacking. I sighed, a ran a hand through my braided hair before I walked over to one of those lounge chairs. I sat down and exhaled once more, fixing my skirt and letting my mind wonder.

Meeting Ronald was kind of different than what I had originally thought. I expected some fangirling and even maybe a rough pat on the back. But no, instead, I was all serious and kind of non-impressed. Which was unusual since I thought Ronald's character kind of cool. And seriously, the man's hair and glasses were squealing-worthy but...I just wasn't into fangirling about it anymore. Its a different story when I realized that he wasn't here to vacay...but to reap.

Huh, I blinked, squinting my eyes as I stared at the illuminated sea. I guess dying once and realizing that I was here in Victorian Times for good sort of changed me. I noticed that I wasn't too reckless or forward in public (Seriously there had been times where I had been tempted to say something to the prissy aristocrats but I held back, knowing it would not only reflect badly on me and Edward, but Ciel as well). Ciel and Sebastian haven't seen much of a change I bet, but I didn't take things as a joke as much anymore and I kept most comments to myself (most of them). I frowned, hope I wasn't losing my edge either.

Feeling particularly rebellious, I crossed my feet (you can't see it because of the skirt but who cares) and folded my arms behind my head. Oh yeah...still American here.

...still...there was something that was bothering me...

"Am I missing something?" I said aloud, wondering what it was that had me feeling that way.

"Probably Lord Edward," replied Sebastian as he stood beside the lounge chair.

WHOA! I rolled over and fell off my chair, landing like a heap of lead on the wooden deck.

"Oh my gosh Sebastian you startled me!" I said, whipping myself back up as I placed a hand over my chest. It took me a second for his words to hit me..."OH MY GOSH I FORGOT EDWARD!"

Sebastian smiled. "You may relax Miss Hero. I found the poor man getting mauled by the ladies but saved him and sent him on his way back to his cabin."

I sighed in relief, leaning back against the chaise. "Thank you. I dunno how I could completely forget about Edward like that and after I dragged him down there too. Poor dude."

"Yes well, luckily you two hadn't been missed,"

I perked up. "Really?"

"Missed by anyone unimportant. The young master, as you know, is quite livid," Sebastian finished.

"Oh," I said, deflating. Still, the thought of Ciel's face when he realized I disappeared, with Edward no less, had me giggling a bit as I remained back against the chaise, Sebastian still standing over me. "Well anyways, I was right."

"Right about?"

"The zombies,"

"Mmm," Sebastian said noncommittally, looking as if he knew what I was talking about. Gotta give him points for trying. Ciel would have had that glazed look in his eyes.

"I met someone today that confirmed my suspicions," I explained further.

"And who is this someone?"

Um..."You'll meet him eventually, but the important thing now is to keep on a look out for the Aurora society and the zombies. Well at least the Aurora Society anyhow. I'm still trying to figure out where and how many zombies are coming into play since apparently their not in the cargo hold," I told him. "But maybe they aren't going to appear. Maybe its the ship sinking that will do the trick. Well, in any case, we still gotta be vigilant since something fishy is certainly going on."

Sebastian nodded, still acting as if he understood me. "Noted."

"Gosh I really wish I could remember the manga a bit more. Sadly all I can recall are the big shocker moments that are totally useless at this point," I pouted in disappointment. I got up and stretched a bit. "Well Sebastian, we best be heading back before Ciel gets even more suspicious," I smiled.

Sebastian said nothing, merely looking at me with an unreadable expression. I frowned, sensing something off about him.

"Sebastian? You okay?"

"Hero," he began carefully. "Have you given any thought about whom you'll choose as your suitor?"

I froze, eyes wide, the only sound going through my mind was either my blood rushing to my ears or the sea breeze crashing against my head. My skin felt tight for a minute and I shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. "Um..."

Truth was I was trying very hard not to think about that too much. It was obvious that Madame Red wanted to know where my "favor" was leaning towards and the others were getting rather impatient as well. But what could I say? I mean, it should be plain as day that I'm just not the sort to day dream about romantic stuff.

Phil once told me that I shouldn't force these things, as it will come naturally. Amanda was convinced that the moment I was in love I definitely wouldn't know. None of their advice was really helpful. And it most definitely was not helpful right now.

"No?"

Sebastian let out a tired sigh, as if he expected as much. "I suppose it's better this way."

Hmm?

That delicious smirk of his appeared. "I thought I'd aptly remind you of something, now that the two of us are alone at last."

Uh-oh. Whatever it is he has in mind, it can't be good. "Sebastian?" He stepped closer, that calm look in his face, smirk still visible. I stepped back. "Hey dude, your looking kind of serious here, not that you aren't sometimes but you know, this time it's a little more-ish," my back touched the metal wall. "Um, Sebastian?" that last part sounded shrill when Sebastian leaned down, his fingers grabbing my chin.

"As your beloved demon, I feel I should warn you," he whispered, that smooth velvety voice, redd-ish eyes glowing. "About getting too close to anyone."

Damn if my eyes didn't get any wider. "Close?"

"Your heart that is," Sebastian clarified. "It wouldn't do for you to get attached to something that will never be."

I swallowed. A chill running down my spine. "B-But Sebastian, I'm not…whatever it is your thinking I did."

"Humans sometimes can not help what they feel," he said. "But you are not an ordinary human. You are a demon mate. My demon mate and though I have been tolerant to the situation at hand, I am compelled to warn you about forming attachments that would impede our...coming together."

OMFG.

My face burned hot as I continued to stare at his eyes that seemed determined to drill his will into my being. I swallowed hard again. The birth mark on the small of my back felt a little too hot. "Uh..."

"Am I understood Hero?"

Oh shit, Sebastian ain't playin'. I meekly nodded my head and he rewarded me with a smile.

"Good. I must be out of my mind letting you run around without claiming you, especially after the whole Charity incident." I blinked, remembering what Ronald told me. Dead as a demon could be. "Therefore do not try my tolerance if you please."

I huffed a little, feeling indignant. "But I haven't done anything! And I'm not in love with anyone too!"

Sebastian gave me that knowing look. "Hero, you don't even realize what you do or feel half the time. But for the sake of others, let us hope you are right." He backed away then, but I stayed where I was, back still pressed against the cool metal wall. Sebastian turned around and walked away, expecting me to follow him.

But I couldn't just let this go. I mean, yeah I feel kind of terrified now but Sebastian can't tell me not to love. These things come naturally right? And I'm not viewing being with Sebastian forever a good thing (though I should, shouldn't I?) if he won't feel a thing for me other than demon possession (boy that sounded wrong). I may be a demon mate but I have the right to expect love from my "soul mate" or "lover" or whatever the heck a demon mate's demon is supposed to be.

Therefore I must obviously be high on this salty sea air for speaking up. "Sebastian!" Sebastian merely paused. Gosh I can't believe I'm saying this but...

"Sebastian, do…do you love me?" I asked. Cheeks flaming red, thoroughly embarrassed. My goodness what a retarded question, but the thought still makes my heart race. I hastily continued. "I mean I know love is like impossible or something for you but I can't just silently accept this or force myself to feel something that my…" heart? Damn this sounds cheesy. "…something that my being rejects. So if I do fall in love, then tough chicken nuggets. Just because I'm dense to these kinds of things doesn't mean I don't want to love someone or for someone to love me back wholeheartedly. I won't have you cheat me out of having that." Oh my gosh I am so dead. Why did I even open my mouth?

Sebastian whirled around sharply to face me. I jumped a little, not sure what was going to happen now (you just don't mess with Sebastian, no matter how "tamed" he looked). My gaze was firmly fixed on the tip of my shoes that peeked through my skirts; my fist clenched the fabric tightly. Gloved hands took hold of my chin up once again and an exasperated Sebastian came into view.

"Dear Hero how you love to complicate things. Tell me this, will you fall for any man if he decided to love you?"

"What? No!" I replied instantly. "It's just, I can't be in a…er, an intimate relationship with someone who doesn't love me and who I don't love back."

"Whom," Sebastian corrected me automatically. "Your English needs proper work. But to get back to the matter at hand, do you love me?"

"…as an awesome cool friend, yeah?"

Sebastian arched a brow. "Then it is also safe to say I love you as my demon mate."

"But not 'in' love."

"No, not 'in' love."

"Well I'm not in love with you either," I told him.

Sebastian smirked. "I believe you said that if you fell in love then 'tough', am I right? Well dear Hero," he leaned in close to my face, bringing my sensory close to an overload. "I suggest you fall in love with me. Won't that save everyone and yourself a lot of trouble?"

I flushed. "Seba—"

"When the time comes," he continued, face totally serious now. "I will claim you as mine and there shall be nothing you or anyone can do about it. It would be most beneficial for you to fall in love with me for it is I that shall provide, protect and…," that smirk. "'please' you however you wish." OMFG. "Not only will you belong to me but I shall also belong to you, such is the pact of a demon mate and her demon."

I blinked then because he kissed me. Even though it was just a brush of the lips, it friggin electrified me, had my skin burning and yearning for him. My eyes quickly drooped closed as I involuntarily leaned in, lips demanding more. My arms stretching upwards to grasp his shoulders. Damn him for being so tall, not even the heels on my shoes did any good. Before I could think about what I was doing too much, Sebastian decided to indulge me and further deepened the kiss. Oh whoa was he talented at that. I'd almost forgotten just how adept those lips of his were, how they easily molded mine against his, making me feel hot and bothered and he hadn't even used his tongue yet.

In the distance, I faintly heard someone singing some old Irish jig and it took only a second for me to remember WHAT IN HECK I WAS DOING. I hastily backed away from Sebastian, face burning hot and my lips feeling as if they were on fire.

Sebastian chuckled as he straightened. "That, my dear, was but a sample."

Damn was I in deep trouble.

---

The Next Evening

The Campania; First Class Lounge

"Look Ciel! Look~!" trilled Lizzy excitedly as she dragged the young Earl down the set of marble stairs, decked in her finest of dresses and ribbons as the little boy blue wore nothing but his adorablest of evening suits, complete with silk ribbons as well.

"Oh, they look so cute," I said aloud, sighing at the tightness around my legs. Unlucky for me, Madame Red had brought along a dress (not made by Nina I might add) that she thought was just absolutely stunning on me. And I admit the dress was the beautifulest one I've ever tried on but come on. I could barely walk with this on. The skirt was heavy and gave me little room to stretch my legs. Thankfully Madame Red didn't think a corset was necessary (though she warned me to lay off the cakes). Of course however pretty I thought the dress was, I was in a nervous flutter when Sebastian and Ciel had finally seen it (to be honest I was always worried when they see me in dresses; apparently I never look good in one, no matter how much Edward or someone else would compliment me). But I needn't have worried.

"Amazing what a few hours alone with Madame Red will do to you," Ciel had commented, looking impressed that my unruly shoulder length hair was braided and wound into a tight bun, some flower adornments and sparkles decorating the dark strands. My hands had been placed into soft white gloves and my high heeled shoes had little ribbons on them. Over all, it was definitely a vast improvement of my messy appearance of earlier (in my defense, I had rolled out of bed after my siesta).

Sebastian had smiled that enigmatic smile of his. "Indeed. At last, Miss Hero, you finally look like a proper Victorian lady."

I had been this close to flinging something at them. Luckily, Lizzy and Edward had appeared, ready to celebrate the festivities downstairs. Lizzy had cooed and complimented my dress as per usual while Edward blushed and also told me I looked really beautiful (I still can't get used to people calling me beautiful; sincerity like that leaves me flustered and acting like a fool). Anyhow, the pairings were the same; Ciel with Lizzy and Edward with me. Sebastian followed at a steady pace behind us along with Snake.

For some reason, seeing Lizzy purposefully bring Ciel closer to her had me fuming a bit, though I had no reason to, considering I was being carefully watched (and we all know by whom). But anyways I had more important things to do then get angry at the Lizzy-Ciel union. As soon as I had my hand around Edward's arm, I began to apologize for the messy rendezvous yesterday.

"How could you forget me?" he pouted slightly.

"I know and I'm so sorry! If I'd had known you were women bait I would have gone back for you," I told him honestly. "Forgive me? Please?" I whispered, wondering if I was doing that doe-y eye trick right. Probably not since I saw Sebastian laugh quietly from the corner of my eye. Regardless, like the gentleman Edward was, he didn't hold the incident against me. Instead he told me that if I wanted to make it up to him I would give him my first dance which I automatically accepted the minute Ciel turned his head to look back at us.

To say he was displeased was an understatement.

Sebastian didn't look worried though, the duck.

So now here I stood, with Edward by my side as we gently descended the stairs, mindful of my skirts and the fact that I can't see my feet. Edward still had that annoyed look on his face every time he gazed at his baby sister and Ciel.

"I suppose so, but I still don't approve," the blond muttered, a tick forming on his temple. I giggled and elbowed him in the rib gently.

"You're such a sweet brother Edward,"

The boy blushed. "Oh, well, thank you Miss Hero." Soon we had made it to the party, classic music playing as people softly chattered with one another.

"Look~!" Lizzy said, pointing out a table on the other side of the room that held some rather delicious looking cakes. "Aren't those cakes cute? I'll go get some for us Ciel~!" she declared excitedly. "You wait here, okay?"

I stared after Lizzy, feeling a bit peeved that Madame Red had warned me off cakes, especially with the damn fine ones they were serving. Edward looked at me then. "Hero, would you like some cake?"

Oh my gosh why must they be so cruel? I smiled and shook my head. "Nah, I'm good. Oh but I am a bit thirsty. Is there some—"

"Punch? There is, shall I fetch you a cup?"

"Well if it isn't too much trouble," I told him. No trouble at all it would seem. Edward threw me a smile and promised to return shortly. I was left with just Ciel and we both sighed.

"Aristocrats really do do nothing but get together daily to talk nonsense about that family and this," Ciel muttered in exhaustion, having done exactly that for the majority of this afternoon and the previous couple of afternoons as well. "And with the same conversation partners at that. I feel like a fool having traded my work for this."

"Oh Ciel, the cruise isn't all that bad," I defended. "I'm having lots of fun though the fancy dresses I could do without."

"That's because you keep hanging around with Edward!" Ciel crossly pointed out. "We barely get to sit next to each other before we're pulled off into different directions. It's like there's some conspiracy going around!" Ciel griped irritably.

"Well, I do agree with you there. Lately people have been getting very...assumption-y whenever Edward and I walk by. I mean, can't a guy and girl the same age just hang out without getting so much buzz?"

"It's your own fault," Ciel said. "You keep laughing at whatever he says."

I flushed. "Hey, Edward has some great jokes, which is more then I can say for you two." I said, sticking out my tongue.

"Now, now Miss Hero," Sebastian admonished as he approached us, instantly sobering my good mood since that kiss from yesterday was still hot on my mind. I swear I can't be going back and forth between Ciel and Sebastian, its killing me inside and sucking the fun-ness of us hanging out together (not to mention it feels like I'm cheating on Ciel with Sebastian and vice-versa). "We are in public, it would be prudent for you to act like the proper lady you look."

I frowned, feeling a bit out of place in this crowd of glittering nobles, the sensation had only kept increasing since this afternoon, when I overheard something I shouldn't have from some vicious gossipy ladies. Nice choice of words Sebastian.

"Here you are," Sebastian said as he handed me a plate full of fancy assorted foods. I perked up instantly, the smell hypnotizing me as I dug in without a second thought. Sebastian handed Ciel his plate as well. "Anyhow, that aside, tonight is the night," he murmured to us.

I looked up, plate half-empty. "Tonight?"

"Hmm," Ciel said as he took a tiny bite of his food. "I know." I blinked, wait, what was tonight? As if reading my mind, Ciel continued. "It seems the convening of the 'Aurora Society' will be signaled by a waiter carrying empty glasses and walking the hall. Participants are to take a glass and then head for the meeting place. Don't miss that signal," Ciel told Sebastian.

Said butler nodded. "As you wish sir."

After knowing what was going down (I honestly completely forgot about the Aurora Society meeting up tonight) I turned away to grab some more food (I had finished it already) when I spotted Snake. I smiled and walked over to him.

"Heya Snake~!" I chirped. "Having a great time?"

Before Snake could reply, some obvious whispering caught our attention.

"See there? Just look at his skin," whispered a group of ladies not too far from us. "It's like that of a snake."

"My goodness I wonder when this place became a vulgar freak show," another "whispered" behind her gloved hand.

I arched a brow and did that head move thing. Vieja loca did not just insult Snake.

"Now, now, he will hear you madam!"

I grit my teeth and was about to go over there and say a few more choice Spanish words when Ciel appeared before us. He looked at Snake, who had his head bowed, his little ahoge trembling. "You're not used to crowds?" he asked him.

Snake said nothing at first but he kept his gaze down as he finally spoke. "We look different from everyone else. So if we're together, Smile, Giggles and Black will become a laughing stock as well—says Donne."

My heart broke there.

"What of it?" Ciel asked boredly. Snake looked surprised as he looked up. Ciel gave him that tiny smirk-smile. "We're strangers. Of course we're different. What is there to be ashamed of? In any case, I'm free to choose my companions. It's nobody's business but mine."

I smiled at Snake and patted his back roughly. "Cheer up! Need I remind you that we're your friends and friends always stick by each other?"

"To quaintly put it," added Sebastian as he approached Snake from behind, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You are now the footman to a distinguished aristocracy. Carry yourself with confidence and hold your head up high."

I winked at Snake. "Besides, those old hags don't know what they're talking about. Now if ya'll excuse me?" I held up my empty plate and turned away to find the food table, but mostly because I wanted to put those ladies into place. No one makes fun of my friends without paying the Hero's price! Before Sebastian could stop me (I knew he sensed my intentions), something caught his attention, stopping his movements' immediately (not that I was aware).

Not too far from where he stood, a gentleman asked a waiter for an empty glass, signaling Sebastian's internal alarm. He watched the gentleman walk up the grand staircase, Ciel already spotting him.

"We're going after him!" Ciel exclaimed, giving his half-eaten plate of food to Snake. "Take care of this. Oh! And keep Hero out of trouble."

"Eh? Miss Hero is not going?—says Donne."

"It's better if she stays here," Sebastian explained. With that, they both left the ballroom. Snake looked after them before his eyes searched for the missing "Hero" as well. He spotted me standing beside a large potted plant and relaxed. No crises there, though me not going certainly confused Snake, since everyone had given him the impression that I always came along everything. Snake glanced at the plate in his hand and eyed it, unsure what to do. Before he knew what he was doing, Snake had taken a bite from the food and his eyes widened.

"Mmm, tasty~!"

---

Third Class Dining Hall

Many levels below the ballroom, where the third-class passengers ate and drank in the dining hall, sat a certain grim reaper, having a fine evening as he drank from his mug. The music was lively today, the chatter unusually loud as people danced about.

"Ale! Ale's the way to go! Much better then any fancy champagne!" slurred a boisterous man with stubble on his chin. "Y'think so too, don't ye lad?"

Ronald Knox leaned back in his chair. "Still, if you're drinking with your lass, a real famous brand of champagne's the way to go!"

"Ooh!" replied the lady from last night as she glanced at him. "'ow nice! I envy your girlfriend. She was real pretty when she came last night. Caught yourself a fancy one, eh?"

Ronald laughed good-naturedly. "Oh no! That wasn't my girlfriend. She's already taken. I wish I had one though."

"Eh? So you don't?"

Ronald glanced at his watch. Forty minutes to go. He glanced up with a grin, holding his mug of ale up. "Even if I don't have a girl, I do have plenty of time! Cheers to our free time!"

---

Oh my gosh…I could not believe my ears.

I stood frozen in place, my indignant and angry bravado to scold (or at least put them in their place) the ladies that had not-so-quietly insulted Snake quickly fizzled out as the snide remarks kept stabbing at me rather viciously.

"I'm simply appalled at the arrangement! My little Caroline would have a much better chance and she's not American either."

"Oh tut! I'm disgusted myself that the infamous Miss Hero is even on board. First the man with the snake and now this Negro chit? My this place has most certainly become something of a freakshow."

Ouch.

"I swear, these upstart Americans. And just who is her family exactly? How much does she get a year? How did she even come by the Phantomhives? How did she even meet the Queen?"

"Now deary, lower your voice~! I did also happen to hear of a rumor circling."

"Ooh~! Do tell~!"

Despite my better judgement, I casually leaned to the side a bit. My back was facing their circle and hidden by the potted plant.

"It is said that Miss Sanders has runaway with her family's fortune, intent on eloping with an English con man until he later abandons her when they make it to London. That whole detective bit? A mere cry for attention. It is no wonder the Midfords have treated her very kindly. They have been deceived."

"My how scandalous! Do you think that is why Lord Edward even pays attention to her?"

"Well, she doesn't look very respectable if you ask me."

Okay, enough. My lips thinned into a firm line as I began to walk away. That was until I heard something that made me pause again.

"Do you think her family disowned her? I scarce hear about any Sanders, American or otherwise."

"She's most probably a bastard child. I mean disowning or not, you'd think the family would do something to prevent such a scandal, especially since she's quite notorious amongst our circle for being this Season's upstart. Apparently she's seventeen and not even had her debut! Such gall to even mingle in public and expect to choose a suitor worth quite the catch. If I were her mother, I'd be most ashamed that I dare not show my face in society."

I was out of ear shot so I couldn't hear anymore, but it was enough. I'd always been used to people bad-mouthing me, for either being an annoying nosy busybody or just plain me. Of course, if I had heard something like that come from someone in my time period, I definitely wouldn't be walking away. I'd have decked them faster then a speeding car. I wasn't exactly one to sit and take things quietly. Fortunately, having spent enough time with Sebastian and Ciel, such behavior would most definitely be frowned upon here. Ha! And they called me disrespectful?

Still, that part about my family stung.

I didn't care for the mother aspect since I never really had one nor did anyone become that solid mother figure...

...hmm, that would explain my uncouth brazen nature actually, but that was beside the point.

Anyways! What ticked me off was that they insulted Phil. Sure they didn't mean him directly but still, I took things personally when people insult my small family. Phil had tried his hardest to raise me, considering he'd never had children or even completed a successful date before and...

...and now I'm getting a strong feeling of home-sickness.

I walked outside the ballroom and into the balmy sea air. The moon looked bright against the night sky. It looked like the same one back home too. I tilted my head in wonder, kind of amazed how some things remained the same. The large French doors remained opened wide behind me, allowing the chatter of the people inside to carry a bit outside. I leaned against the railing and closed my eyes, sighing, the pit of my stomach feeling heavy.

The homesickness still got to me every now and then, just when I thought I could deal with it, it sucker punched me in the gut. I gently rubbed my temple in an attempt to make this uneasy feeling go away. Despite having accepted my fate and decision to remain with Ciel and Sebastian, the memories still took me. I would recently wake up in the middle of the night, struggling to grasp where I was (I even smacked Ciel a few times in the face, to which the boy would wake up and snap at me). I sometimes felt along the wall of an empty room in a vain attempt to find the light switch. I even glared at the books in the library once for not being a TV (imagine all those Marlin games I missed).

Sebastian would sometimes catch me sighing at some little thing that reminded me of all those modern conveniences. He would say nothing but his impassive face was enough to tell me he was not pleased that I wasn't getting over it. I rolled my eyes.

An audible tap of heels made me turn my head quickly, wondering who could have come out. To my surprise, it was Madame Red, decked in scarlet and shining like a diamond in the bright moonlight. She was alone, Stanton nowhere in sight.

"Madame Red?" I said.

She quickly spotted me and smiled. "Yoo-hoo Hero~! I had no idea you'd be out here."

I flushed, feeling guilty and ungrateful for not enjoying this rather luxurious life many would kill for. Another negative point in my favor, ugh, as if I hadn't already had many stacked up against me. "Yeah, I just needed a breath of fresh air."

"Oh, me too," she sighed, coming to stand beside me as we faced the railing of the ship. She glanced at the glittering sky. "Its such a lovely night isn't it? Makes one feel grateful to be alive."

I gazed at the sky with her. I smiled wryly, realizing how right she was. "Yeah..."

We were silent for a few minutes, the sound of faint music coming from the ball filling up the space. "You know, its night like these that makes me think about my past," Madame Red told me. "All the decisions I've made, all the choices I couldn't. The what if's, what is, what will's."

I lowered my gaze to the dark sea. "Hey Madame Red, what happened to your parents?"

"Mm? Oh, they passed away the year Ciel was born. I've inherited my father's big house ever since then. Even after I married, I still kept the place."

"Was it lonely? Once they were gone?" I hope that hadn't seemed forward, but Madame Red didn't mind.

"Yes. It was lonely. I was still unmarried. My sister was didn't live with me anymore and I hadn't been a doctor yet. It was strange. From having lived my life with everyone beside me, wanting to escape them because I could not handle so much attention... to now having this longing of what I wouldn't give for a family of my own, for them to be noisy, happy and just there."

I knew exactly how she felt. I hated being around people when I was smaller. They made me anxious and nervous, especially when they had nothing good to say. But now, I can't imagine not helping people, not empathizing with them...it was strange, having changed in so little a time. But her response triggered something in my memory. Even with my peculiar circumstances, I wasn't entirely alone. In fact I was alive, healthy, not starving (although I was a bit hungry) and very much living the fancy life, thanks to Ciel. And it dawned on me that even though Phil didn't have me anymore with him, he would pray that I was just that, happy and alive.

He was rather simple like that. My eyes stung but I quickly blinked. I was no crybaby Sanders after all.

I would do my family and friends proud.

The feeling of closure settled on me and I was awed to realize that I was at peace at last. I smiled, feeling very much happy and grateful. Now that I finally accepted my circumstances, I could go on properly, not having to pretend anymore.

Madame Red turned to look at me, then the corner of her lips tugged upwards. "That's why Hero, I must thank you." I looked at her then, surprised. If anyone should be thanking anyone, it should be me. "You saved me from Grell. He would have surely killed me. And not just for saving my life, but for allowing me to experience that feeling of closeness with Ciel again. To see him not be such a brooding little man, but a regular child. After Rachel and Vincent's death, I thought...he wouldn't be the same again.

"And he isn't, but now I know he isn't lost," she told me.

I flushed heavily, glad my tanned skin prevented me from showing my blush. "That's too much praise Madame Red. I think I sometimes muck up his life more than it originally was."

Madame Red laughed. "Non-sense. You are good for him. I can see the changes, he wasn't like how he was before. It seems like…well, he has regained some sort of...hope."

"Hope?" What?

"Something like that. Regardless," she said, turning to me with a mischievous grin before she lowered her voice into a whisper. "I shall let you know that I am still rooting for Ciel to win your hand."

Oh my gosh.

"Madame Red!" Never mind how hard my heart was pounding. I clutched at the thick skirt I was wearing. "I can't believe your serious this competition thing. I mean, you can't seriously mean to marry me off? I'm only just seventeen!"

Madame Red huffed. "Anymore and you'll already be on the shelf! And I simply refuse for a young lady of interesting character and exotic beauty to remain single when she should already be properly wed!"

Interesting character? Exotic beauty? Why am I earning these non-normal adjectives?

Madame Red smiled ruefully then. "Plus you remind me a bit of myself at your age. I was seventeen the year Ciel was born. Sixteen when my sister married."

Ah, there in lays the answers to a bit of my questions. I smiled then too, a bit of a tired one though. "I still think your being pushy about this, but I can't exactly talk you out of your dreams. Look, if by some miracle of God I somehow managed to get married to Ciel, you should at least wait till he's eighteen." If we manage to keep Sebastian from sucking out his soul and "claiming" me before then. Which reminds me, as if Sebastian would ever let me get married to Ciel, master or not. Sebastian made it quite clear his tolerance only went so far.

Madame Red looked put out. "Oh! But by then you'll be two and twenty! You'll be utterly old." I placed a gentle smile on my face as I sweat dropped. Yeah, so not gonna even bother to understand how this Victorian age thing worked in their minds. Apparently I might as well be fifty. Still, Madame Red looked thoughtful. "Well, eighteen it is. I do understand that it would be better that way. After all, Ciel would be much more filled out by then." She gave me a wink.

OH MY GOSH.

I turned around started walking towards the French doors.

"Oh Hero!" she cooed after me. "You know I'm right! Which brings Sebastian to be a bit of a problem," she murmured in thought as we entered the glittering ballroom. I looked around for any signs of Ciel or Sebastian. Or even Snake. SOMEONE TO SAVE ME FROM THIS CONVERSATION! ANYONE! "Francis once commented that Sebastian's face alone would make a nun revoke her convent and lose her chastity," she continued.

Well, there was no denying that. Thank goodness I wasn't a nun?

"And that's a problem because what happens if you're tempted? Sebastian is vying for your hand as well and it would take little effort on his part to get you to elope with him."

Whether by seduction or by force, Sebastian could easily make that happen, not that he takes marriage vows seriously.

I turned around to face a worried Madame Red. "Trust me, I will stay vigilant to prevent anything like that from happening...or at least try. Sebastian's face is pretty sinful. But! Enough about that...I kind of wanted to tell you something...," I paused, unsure how to say it. "Um, I wanted to thank you too."

Madame Red blinked. "What?"

"I haven't been feeling myself lately and I've had a terrible case of home sickness that I tried to repress but...after talking to you, I feel better now."

Madame Red smiled, patting me lightly on the head with her fan. "Oh Hero. I know it is most unusual for you to be here in England, with not a relative or soul who knows you or your circumstances but know that you do have people you can trust and who care about you here. It's almost impossible not to really," she smirked. "I've even thought of several scenarios why you had suddenly come from America myself, but I know come what may, homesickness gets to us all in some form or another. You are after all a very long way from home. Your father must be worried about you, but I'm sure he trusts that you are happy and well."

I gaped in shock. "How—?"

"Ah~! I most observant I shall have you know, despite what appearances say. Also, if you had any type of mother, you most definitely would at least take better care in your appearance; nails, hair, skin, hands, clothes, manners, eating habits in public, something! But that doesn't matter, since you have me now. Also...," Madame Red paused in thought. "I sensed you were in denial Hero. I mean you most certainly were there, but you weren't really there. But when I saw you on the ship again...you seemed different. More...awake."

Awake...

Yes...that was exactly how it was. I had been living these last few months as if I were in a dream, living it...but not really believing it. Deep down inside, I had been expecting to wake up to reality. But the truth was...this was reality and now I was finally awake.

I smiled at the woman in front of me. So damn glad she wasn't dead. There was more to Madame Red then what one read in the manga or watched in the anime.

"Thank you."

Madame Red gave him a knowing smirk. Just then Stanton appeared like magic, holding a flute of champagne.

"Forgive me ma'lady. It would appear the waiters at the buffet are rather understaffed. There was a terrible line of men waiting for beverages."

I blinked. Oh! That remind me, Edward was supposed to be getting me punch wasn't he? As if on cue, Edward came approaching, looking harried as he navigated his way through the crowd.

"Miss Hero I'm so sorry!" he apologized as he approached me, holding out the promised punch. "There was...a bit of a strange delay at the buffet table. Apparently some of the staff had gone missing," Edward said. "Which resulted in a shortage of servants to help serve the food and drinks."

I accepted the cup. "So I've heard but it's okay. Thanks for getting me anything anyways."

"It was my pleasure," he smiled sweetly.

"Well I think I'll leave you youngsters alone now. But not too alone of course," Madame Red said with a wink before she sauntered off with Stanton in tow.

Edward blushed a bit but cleared his throat, his eyes shifting towards his polished shoes. "Uh...um, H-Hero, I was wondering if you would you care to dance?"

I smiled. "I thought you'd never ask!"

Edward brightened, holding out his hand. I took it and followed him into the dance floor. Hopefully Ciel wouldn't be too upset. I did promise him a dance later on. As we walked, I was aware of the whispers. I knew they were talking about me, about me and Edward most likely. Even after the last two days of us hanging out, people would still talk and stare at us as if they couldn't quite believe the notion of possibly being betrothed, as if that would happen. Like I said, my being an American couldn't cover up a lot of eccentric actions. And since they finally got to meet me in person, the gossip about me has only gotten hotter and a lot nastier apparently.

But you know what? SO WHAT. I was Hero Sanders damn it. American Detective Extraordinaire. If they wanna talk, let them. As if I cared what some old British busy-bodies had to say (now I finally understood what Queen Vicky meant when she had first "debuted" into society and had to endure her fair share of talk).

I walked confidently, head held up high as I was further ushered into the room. Edward led me into place and when the song began we began to dance. It was a traditional Gavotte. I wasn't too familiar with it but Edward led me through the steps and pretty soon I got the hang of it. I giggled a bit as we danced, genuinely having fun. For a second, it felt like I was hanging with my friends at Bayside, dancing and laughing at the new bands that played every Friday night in the courtyard.

When the dance was over, I curtsied like how you're supposed to and Edward bowed, holding out his hand again. "Okay," I told him. "You're good. I mean I knew but I now I really know."

Edward looked proud of himself, cheeks flushing. "Thank you! Practice is what it is really."

"Ciel could sure use some of that," I snickered. It was then that I spotted Snake. "Hey! I see Snake!"

"A snake?"

"Not a snake. Snake. Come on, Ciel's most likely with him." When we caught up with Snake, I was surprised to see both Sebastian and Ciel absent. "Hey Snake, where's Ciel and Sebastian?"

"They left...something about no water. And they left us in charge of you...says Donne," Snake replied. Edward eyed him peculiarly but said nothing. I huffed in annoyance.

"So they ditched me? What gives!"

"And Ciel's supposed to be your escort? How ungentlemanly of him!" Edward snapped in irritation, a little peeved he hadn't been chosen to be my escort tonight. I was about to stalk off when I saw it. A man in a tux had stopped a waiter for an empty martini glass. All the blood drained from my face as I realized something pivotal.

Edward looked at me in concern. "Hero...? What's wrong?"

"It's tonight," I whispered, eyes wide. "It's tonight. It's tonight. IT'S TONIGHT!"

Those who heard my sudden outburst looked at me. But I didn't care. People were going to die tonight. I had to stop this.

"Hero?" I looked at Edward then and he was alarmed to see such a serious and worried look on my face. "Hero? What is it? What's wrong?"

"Edward, do you have your sword with you?"

Edward seemed surprised that I knew about that, but nodded still. "Yes of course, why?"

"Please try to protect the people in here. I have to find Ciel and Sebastian."

"Wait, what? Hero please explain," he said more seriously.

"There's no time! I have to go! I have to warn the captain that this ship will sink!"

Edward blinked. "Eh?"

"What? The ship is going to sink? Tonight?...says Donne," exclaimed Snake.

"Exactly," I answered. "Ciel and Sebastian aren't aware it'll be tonight so I have to warn them. Not to mention that the Zombies might be coming tonight. Maybe, maybe not. But it never hurts to make sure."

"...Zombies?" Edward echoed.

"Undead bodies that will eat your flesh. You have to aim for their heads," I warned him, beginning to turn away. "If you don't, they will come at you and come at you and until your dead. Please tell Aunt Francis and Lord Alexis. Oh and warn Madame Red and Stanton! I mean, I'm not sure anymore but it seriously never hurts to be prepared."

"Eh, erm, alright but Hero where are you going?" Edward asked.

"I have to get my own sword too! I'll meet up with you later," I stopped suddenly and whirled around. "Wait, where's Lizzy?" That seemed to alarm Edward as he also looked around, frantically searching for her. with his eyes. Luckily for us, Lizzy was going around the ballroom in search of Ciel, a slice of strawberry cake on the little plate in her hands (strawberry cake, damn she knew his weakness)."Well Lizzy's still here. I gotta go but be sure to tell your mom and dad about this please."

Edward looked at me, as if unsure what to do/make of me, but like the noble and honest boy he was, he nodded, trusting my word. I sincerely hope he could warn everyone before it was too late.

"I'll be back!" I told him, dragging Snake with me as we ran out the ballroom, catching even more stares from the gossiping first class passengers. Like a New York messenger I did not slow down (though this dress was seriously slowing me down, literally) as I ran (or tried to) like a crazy person down the halls, yelling at people to get out of the way. When we reached the hall where Ciel and I stayed in, I burst into the cabin, Snake entering behind me. I went past the mini "salon" room and slammed the bedroom door open. I opened the drawer I had my parasol in and quickly took it out, unsheathing the hidden katana Tanaka had gifted me, the light from the lamps glinting off its silver surface. I inhaled and exhaled heavily, going through all the training I'd received in the few classes of Kendo that I took, even recalling some tips Mimiko had given me over Skype.

I can do this. I may not be ready, Zombies may be my only weakness (hopefully they wouldn't come or of they did it would only be a few), but for Ciel and the people on this ship, I will swallow my fear and fucking kick ass. At least I hope I would. I was better at hand-to-hand then using weapons really.

I excited our room and saw Snake look out through the portholes.

"It's bright out...says Donne," he said. "Won't the captain avoid steering the ship into anything?"

I smiled ruefully. "Unfortunately something tells me he doesn't know he's sailing into iceberg territory so it'll be too late even if he wanted to steer the ship away."

---

First Class Smoking Lounge

"Sebastian…doesn't it feel as if something ominous is about to happen?" Ciel asked under his breath as he and the rest of the crowd in the secret Aurora Society gazed at the chattering annoyingly optimistic Ryan Stocker.

"You mean besides the fact that Miss Hero will mostly have our heads for leaving her out of this? Most probably," Sebastian answered, eyes never wavering from the presentation.

Ciel looked at his butler sharply. "You know it was the only way! She's convinced about these 'zombie' things," he whispered fiercely. "It would cloud her senses in the investigation."

"But her unique ability to know what's going to happen 'per se' is precisely the reason why you allow her in these investigations is it not? However ridiculous her logic and predictions are. She is your pawn after all," those red-ish brown eyes glanced down at him. "Or is she not anymore?"

Ciel flushed and looked away, refusing to say another word. If Hero was going to breath fire about this then Ciel was glad for one thing: she hadn't seen him in that ridiculous phoenix pose. He'd have died of embarrassment if she had saw. Still, despite the silly notion about Hero's Zombie things, Ciel had felt it wasn't safe for her to be here right now. Yes she was a lot stronger then him and could take care of herself but he refused to purposefully put her in danger.

Hero's death...the stillness of her chest, the cold feel of her skin, the paleness of her olive tone...all that had terrified Ciel. He remembered feeling like that only once...it had been a dark time in his life, one he wanted to forget. And if Ciel could avoid ever seeing Hero like that, losing her like that, then so be it. Besides, something told him that things were only going to get worse from here on.

"Allow me to show you everyone!" Ryan Stocker announced with a booming voice, putting one hand on a sleek coffin, wires attached to the corpse of a young girl. "The power of medicine! ABSOLUTE SALVATION!"

---

"Oh!" exclaimed Ronald Knox as he glanced at his watch again. Four minutes until midnight. "It's nearly time," he said, getting up from the table, already slipping on his jacket over his waistcoat.

"Hmm? Where are you going?" asked one of the ladies from his table, looking a little dazed from the alcohol.

"I've got a little work to do," he answered with a smile.

"Aww, leavin' so soon?" one of his red haired companions said with smile of her own, blush on her cheeks. "Then 'ow about we meet again 'ere t'morrow?"

"Okay!" Ronald answered enthusiastically, giving them a brief wave. "If we're both alive that is."

The woman giggled. " Ah-ha-ha! What're you on 'bout?" she said as he retreated out the room.

---

First Class Resident Hallway

"So…how exactly are we going to save the ship from sinking?—says Donne,"

I tapped my chin in thought. "To be honest, I've been thinking really long and hard about that, even before we boarded the ship." I told Snake as we quickly walked back down the hall. "I've come up with a lot of scenarios, but the end result is always inconclusive. So I figured we do this the American way…"

Snake gave me a confused look. "The...American way?"

I grinned. "Generally it's the 'Lets Blow Shit Up and Go Out with a Bang' kind of way but in this case, we make a lot of commotion and herd everyone to the life boats. That way when the ship crashes, they will be ready to hop aboard and get away."

"…And these…'Zombies'?—says Donne."

My face became grim, my hand tightened around the handle of my unsheathed katana. "They were the inconclusive factor in my scenarios. Since both cargo holds were empty when Sebastian checked them, I'm not sure they're here. I mean, where else can they be stored? Still, this arc has the Undertaker in it and I haven't seem him around so maybe the Zombies aren't here…hopefully."

As we rounded the corner people started appearing, glancing at us, more specifically me as I held the deadly looking sword in my gloved hand. I know it was a stark contrast to my fancy dress and high heeled shoes I still wore but meh, let them talk, they'll thank me one day.

"Undertaker?"

"The Undertaker...who by the way is still kick-ass but is not exactly Ciel's 'ally'. He's a grim reaper in disguise as a mortician. Wears all black, long ass silver hair, laughs a lot, freaky nails, you'll meet him eventually."

"Ah...I think we met him before. He bumped into us yesterday. I thought him strange since the sun was hot and he looked comfortable with all that hair and black cloak—says Donne," Snake told me in an off-hand manner. He stopped walking and looked at me in surprise when I stood still in the middle of the hall, face pale.

"Oh my gosh…that means…Undertaker is here…and if he is, then the zombies are too!" I gripped Snake's shoulders tightly. "Snake! Things just got a whole lot worse!"

---

"What exactly is going on here?" Ciel exclaimed in shock as he stared at the corpse sitting up from her coffin. The sobbing mother hugged her dead daughter tightly as the crowd began clapping and murmuring in delight and surprise. Sebastian for his part frowned, placing thumb and forefinger on his chin in thought.

"Did a corpse really just come back to life?" Sebastian uttered in disquiet.

And that's when it happened.

The corpse's mouth opened as wide as it could, teeth baring into the light before it chomped onto the mother's plump neck.

"M-Maggie—? What is the—OW!" the dying mother screamed as her dead daughter continued to chomp and bite into her skin relentlessly, tearing flesh and breaking bones as the blood leaked and squirted. Crunch. Splinter. Crack.

All hell broke loose.

The people in the room began to scream and shout as they ran away, pushing and shoving others as they sought to flee from the creature now struggling to get out of the coffin, the now dead mother slumped over. Ciel took off his wig, eyes never leaving the threat.

"Sebastian!" he called.

Having already taken off his own disguise, Sebastian was quick to draw up his knives. "Yes, my lord," he said before sending the cutlery flying. They stabbed deeply into the twitching corpse, blood gushing forth as it was sent tumbling to the floor.

"Did you kill it?" Ciel asked. He was stopped from taking a step forward, Sebastian placing his arm to front.

"Step back, please," he warned, sensing that the danger was far from over. As if on cue, the corpse's jerky movements began again, rising itself back in a mixture of twisted limbs.

Ciel's face paled, mouth agape as shock colored his eyes, unable to believe what lay in front of him. "Wha—! What the devil is that?!"

Sebastian's brows furrowed. "My knife ought to have pierced its heart. This is a being I myself do not quite comprehend," he stated.

"No," Ciel said as he stepped back. The dead corpse now fully raised and looking in their direction despite the blindfold still on. "This is what Hero was telling us about since last week. IT'S A ZOMBIE!" he cried out as the female Zombie lunged at them once more.

---

I'M DONE WITH THE CHAPTER OMFG!

Thanks everyone for reading and being patient with my ridiculous self. I promise the next chapter will not take half a year to upload ;;-;; Seriously.

Oh and before I forget~! Let me announce the poll results from my profile. The question was "Who do you think Hero should end up with?". The choices were Ciel, Sebastian, Edward and Grey...and herself XD 48% of the voters chose Ciel, 31% chose Sebastian, 8% chose Edward, 6% chose Grey and 4% chose Hero should end up with herself (Hero would probably chose that last choice, but hey, I'm the one in charge of her love-live *laughs like a scheming Brazilian*). Thanks for participating guys~! I was curious to see what you guys thought. Of course the results of the polls do not change the plans I have laid out for Hero, but if they so happen to be your choice, kudos to you~!

Be sure to review~! Please let me know what you think and/or think whats going to happen so far!

Your reviews (believe it or not) motivate and inspire me to get the chapters done. So please review~!