The cackling and terrible jokes were constant and Ciel found himself wishing he would lose his hearing. He could take no more.
"Has anyone ever told you how annoying you are?" He snapped suddenly.
"You'd be surprised at the number."
"Then why continue?"
"My own amusement."
"I don't find this amusing at all, It's terrible, how about if I find you and kick your-"
"Mommy" the faint sound reached Ciel's ears.
"Mommy, we cannot find you. We miss you!""
"Rachel?" He stood up quickly.
"Mama, do you not wish to be our Mama anymore?"
"Evian, I'll always be your mother, where-" more chuckling came.
"They're not really there you know."
"I heard them what do you mean they're not there?"
"You're hearing echoes of what's most precious to you. That's what happens in a place like this, eventually everything comes back to you, It's enough to drive even the devil himself mad."
"No. They're out there, my little ones, they need me."
"No, It's impossible for young ones to find this place, they are far to lively."
"Mommy, we are afraid, help us!" Ciel listen to his children's cries with tears in his eyes. He could feel them, they weren't mere echoes, they couldn't be.
"There has to be another way, they need me." Ciel took several steps before he felt something in front of him.
"What the hell is this?"
"It's called a wall."
"It must hurt terribly to hear your little ones in echoes and know you cannot help them."
"Mama, It is going to get me Mama, Mama help!"
"Evian!" Ciel screamed.
"Mama, where are you mama, it is scary here"
"Evian, baby, can you hear me?'
"Yes Mama, where are you?"
"I don't know, what happened. What are you doing here?"
"Mama, Baby Rachel and Baby Vincent were calling for you after you went to sleep, you didn't come, we want to find you and bring you home!"
"Wherever you are Evian, can you find where we talked to your Brother and sister, the room where I met you?"
"No, it has me Mama, it want to be mean to me!"
"Are Rachel and Vincent with you?"
"No. I helped them go away from here. I cannot get away Mama!"
"Evian, I don't know how, but I'll come get you I promise."
"Then I will be brave just like you until you come for me. I love you Mama."
"I love you too Evian." Ciel sobbed. His children needed him, he couldn't let them down.
"She does not look scary Brother Vincent." Rachel said looking up at the woman in front of them. Her short red hair and red eyes were unlike anything Rachel could have imagined.
"Brother Evian said not to stop, we need to find Mommy." Vincent replied.
"What a beautiful name, Vincent. I knew a Vincent once. My sister's husband.
"I am sorry but we cannot stop our brother and mommy are waiting for us." Vincent took Rachel's hand and turned to leave.
"You two look so familiar somehow. Tell me, where is your family?"
"Our brother is in a house that way"
"Rachel!" Vincent said warningly.
"Rachel, Vincent and Rachel, I- who is your mother?"
"I so not know Mommy's name. Mommy is pretty, mommy has eyes like mine. Have you seen our mommy?"
"No, I'm sorry. Maybe we can look together." She said feeling sorry for the two children, they obviously loved their Mother. She was curious as to why they would be allowed to wander in a place like this.
"I do not know, we do not know you. If tou want to hurt us or our mommy."
"No dear, I don't want to hurt anyone anymore. A long time ago, I did something every bad and endeed up here. I've regretted it, you see, I almost hurt someone I love very much."
"That is very sad." Rachel sobbed.
"Yes, I was blinded by pain and anger, I can never forgive myself for it."
"You promise not to hurt us or our brother or mommy?" Vincent asked staring into her eyes.
"I promise." She said solemnly.
"Hurry then, we need Mommy to save our brother. What is it that we should call you?"
"My name is Angelina, most people call me Madam Red."
"Sebastian, are you sure we're going the right way?" Alois asked looking around he was grateful for the light, but would have also liked a map.
"Alois, I certainly appreciate you coming, but for your own safety, I would suggest that you hold your tongue." Sebastian said, Alois took the advice.
Their surroundings reminded the blonde boy of an old story the villagers used to tell. The story told of trees who's branches would turn to hands, grabbing their victims and never letting go. The old woman who supposedly lived in those woods often taking children and no one would ever see them again. Luca used to have nightmares about being taken from his brother because of it. It would take hours to calm the child.
"Please help me look for the path it should be-" Sebastian was cut off by a fierce roar.
"I knew something like this would happen." Alois said in a surprisingly calm tone.
"How could you know that?" Finny asked.
"Because things like this always happen. Bet It's some sort of giant monster, huge teeth, hungry, ill tempered. What's worse is It's right behind me isn't?"
"Would you like the truth Alois?" Cynna asked.
"Yes."
"Then you are correct and I suggest you move." Without turning to look at the beast Alois rushed out of the way just in time to avoid It's jaws.
"Not so calm now I see." Sebastian teased as he quickly handed the light to him.
"Make fun of me later, just get rid of it!" The group readied themselves for the attack. Sebastian pulled out his silverware holding the knives between his fingers.
"Let us make short work of this creature. Ciel and the children are waiting, I simply have no time for games."
