A/N: Hey, it's me again. Been a while huh?
First of all; Happy New Year! (She says in February)
Secondly; Thank you to all your reviews and opinions. Some liked the old chapter, others didn't. I took my time, went through scenarios, failed miserably and unfortunately lost my writing muse along the way as well as getting caught up in personal troubles. I'm not going to lie, my confidence in the story has taken a huge knock and I feel very unsure with myself that I can deliver the final thing. I'm really sorry.
This chapter might seem quick and filler-sighs . I'm really really sorry if it's not that good, but I've pretty much cried over my lack of good plot skills. I've also copied a few paragraphs that I liked from the old version *is totally creative honestly*
Do you ever get that feeling that something isn't right?
A strange...nagging feeling within the back of your mind?
I should have been used to it by now...so needless to say, I wasn't a stranger to that feeling when it began rearing it's ugly head...
Mum had once again disappeared into nothing, and the days moved on as normal- well, as normal as it could have been anyway. But I couldn't focus, not with the revolutions that had arose on that day.
People watching us...
Angels...
Hidden motives...
It sounded so ludicrous, like something out of one of those fantasy books, but something within me was fearful. My eyes scanned over the inside of the carriage towards my two companions, watching as they conversed with one another while I stayed silent. The more I thought about it, the more I saw into Ciel's theory. Maybe it iwasi all planned for Mum to arrive on that day, and even at the curry festival...but, if it did turn out to be all true then...she'd only be a pawn in someone else's game. Mum would never plan something like this, it's just not in her nature. None the less, it seemed to have an effect on the young master and his butler. While they didn't out rightly show it, I could tell that it bothered them still, and that in turn bothered me. Once things had calmed down, I took the time to ask Sebastian if there was any chance we were being watched or followed, but Sebastian admitted he sensed nothing out of the ordinary up until Mum arrived. That still didn't ease the situation.
I held back a sigh, fixing my gaze back out the window to the landscape. Humph. Keep vigilant he said. Right. It was easier said than done. How can you prepare against something that you don't know anything about?
Despite trying to keep my head clear and continuing on with my work, I was uneasy. The more I thought about it, the more the feeling grew within my mind. My sleep was becoming restless and filled with distorted dreams. I feel exhausted both physically and mentally...
What was wrong with me...
Still, I never let it show. I wanted to be the old happy me again, but I...I'm finding it difficult to keep it up.
Something isn't right here...
But I just don't know what exactly.
"Something on your mind, Amy?"
I shrugged in response to the question, keeping my eyes on the scenery rolling past us, "I'm just a little tried...that's all."
"Then it would have been best that you stayed at the manor today, instead of-"
"I'm fine" I snapped, cutting Sebastian off mid sentence. Though I didn't look at his face, I could almost feel his eyes suddenly glaring at the back of my head.
"I'm fine, really..." I breathed out calmly, before finally looking at them both with a small smile, "all I need is some supplies then I'll head straight back once I'm done, honestly."
Ciel said nothing, nodding in response before turning back to his butler, continuing on their previous conversation. While these two had been called to another case, I just needed some materials for my work. It took some convincing to allow me to tag along on the ride into town, but eventually they relented. Part of me missed joining in on their daring adventures, but when I heard they were visiting The Undertaker...well, I was better off not going. I was a bit hesitant on going on my own though, I admit, but I couldn't have someone holding my hand every five minutes.
Then again, I don't think I even had it in me to go on such things anymore. I'm not useless just yet, I can still do things but well...you understand what I mean, it's not like it used to. My body was giving up with each day, and it was definitely showing despite my best efforts to cover it up. I'd almost drifted off to sleep a few times during the course of the carriage ride into London, but a few sharp jabs to the side from Sebastian (and not to mention the beautifully timed bumps in the road that had me smack my head into the window) kept me from doing so. It must be a pitiful sight to see.
Eventually the carriage smoothed out as we neared the city centre. Lush spring woodlands gave way to dull buildings and bustling streets. It didn't take us long to stop at our destination, but when the carriage rolled to a halt, neither of them moved. Instead they both looked at me with stern expressions which caught me off guard.
"Remember, once you have collected what you needed, head straight back to the manor without question."
I frowned slightly before nodding to them both, "of course, don't worry."
"Good. As I've said before, be on your guard."
Right. I wasn't stupid, I knew what to do. Besides, I'd been out on my own before now, plenty of times. I might have felt uneasy but...I didn't feel like I should lock myself indoors.
And with that, I followed the young master out the carriage, the warm hair and bright sunlight greeting me. I took a deep breath and relaxed, despite being a little drained, a brisk walk through the city might be quite nice. I bid goodbye to them both, watching as their figures blended and disappeared into the crowds around us.
Now, it was just me.
'Okay...leather is the first thing I need then the rest should follow suit. This should be easy...haha...I wish.'
For now, I brushed all the negativity to one side. Getting stressed and anxious wasn't going to do me any good. Besides, if I was careful I'd be okay, right? Right.
The spring air was lovely and refreshing, I was thankful it had come quite quickly. Winter was definitely not my season. Walking through the streets, I took in the sights like I usually did. Deep down, I was still in awe. It's been a long ride hasn't it? Barely a year yet...and what things have I been through and seen that I never thought I would?
Yeah sure, witnessing several murders was more then what I expected, and having but all lessons are learnt. And aside from all the bad things I've experienced up until now, there have been many good things.
I can read, I can write.
I've made friends that I could pretty much call family by now.
I have a dog. Kinda.
I've been to places, I've tasted new things and have gained more knowledge than I realised.
Heh...
...I'm happy. Really, I'm so happy.
I entered the usual shop I visited whenever I needed new supplies. I'd practically became a regular customer by now. After bidding hello to the shop keeper, I set about browsing the various leather materials and what not. It probably sounds boring as hell, right? Well, it's all exciting to me.
...
Honestly.
It took me a while to get everything I needed, I mean I had to be precise with all the materials that I required. They had to be the right shape, size, even colour otherwise my work would just take longer to do each day. Once I'd gathered what I needed, I payed for them all and headed off on my way. Well, I guess that was easy. All I had to do was find a carriage to take me home.
"Well, aren't ye' a familiar face!"
I was caught off guard by the familiar voice that wormed it's way through the noisy crowd. The strong accent...there was only a few people I knew who sounded like that. Turning around, I beamed a smile of surprise and happiness when my suspicions were confirmed.
"Robin!"
My previous tent mate from the circus smiled as she approached me. I almost didn't recognise her dressed so casually without a bird on her arm. Instead she carried a woven basket. I guess I could take a few moments of my time to talk to her, neither Ciel nor Sebastian had to know about it...
"It's been a while huh? Didn't expect you to be hangin' around 'ere."
Likewise.
"Just doing a little bit of shopping." I laughed softly, showing her the bag full of supplies I was carrying. Well, when you thought about it, it wasn't that long ago since the events at the circus. A couple of months maybe. But damn does time fly by or what? We exchanged the usual greetings and everything seemed fine until Robin brought up 'that' event.
"So, uh...are ye' feeling now? You we're quite sick before...
I'm surprised she even remembered it.
"It was...uhm...just a bad chest infection you know."
I felt bad for lying. But it was probably for the best that she didn't know the full scale of this thing. She stared at me for a moment saying nothing initially, allowing me to quickly change the subject.
"So, what are you doing out here?"
"Just...doin' some shoppin' as well" She shrugged, but something about her answer seemed very vague. Still, it wasn't my concern anymore with what happened with the circus members now. Actually, thinking about that...
"And how's the circus?"
I had to admit, I almost struggled to ask that question. I could almost tell what her reaction would be, and surely enough, her smile faltered. I felt a pang of guilt hit me.
"It's...it's not been good, Nurse..."
Wow. I was actually taken back by my old stage name.
"After you left...Joker and the other first tier members left, even Doc disappeared..." At that, she paused slightly, raising an eyebrow at me, "I'm guessin' he's somewhere in the nick though right?"
Truth be told, I didn't know what happened to Doctor. Or Joker either.
"Yeah, he's had justice served to him." I lied once again, hoping she'd by it. God, forgive me I just cannot bring myself to tell her the truth about anything. Robin looked at me curiously for a minute before nodding.
"But...what do you mean Joker and the other first tier members are gone?"
She seemed hesitant to tell me, shuffling on her feet while casting her gaze down to the floor. I felt the guilt eating anyway at me every passing minute. While I didn't know what happened to Joker, I did know what befell the other members. In an instant, my mind reeled with images from that night. I managed to hold back a shudder, but only barely.
"Joker..." She started, eyes still fixated on the ground, "I'm not sure what happened to him, nobody knows. He left in the night and hasn't been since. The others too, left without a word to anyone..."
Suddenly, something clicked within my head that I hadn't noticed behind. Almost all of the first tier members died at our manor that night, save for Joker, Snake and...Doll.
"What about Doll?" I blurted out urgently, catching Robin's attention. Instantly, I noticed had her features relaxed.
"She's ok. Her and Snake are the only first tier members left."
Oh my god...seriously? She managed to avoid ending like her friends? How? Mentally, I sighed in relief.
"I'm sorry about the others disappearing, but I can't help you on that one. I have no idea where they could be."
That was partially true.
"It's alright...we've been managing fine without 'em but...it's just not the same..." I could see the sadness in her eyes, it hurt. They were the main people that they looked up to, the ones that tutored them all and kept the business going, yet they were also the ones who attacked out manor, tried to hurt me and my friends...I just couldn't feel that sad for them. In the end, they deserved what they got.
"What will the circus do now?" I asked casually. Robin merely shrugged her shoulders, folding her arms over her chest before frowning slightly.
"We're not sure. A lot of the other members want to move to another city but Doll and Snake don't want to move just in case Joker and the others come back again..."
I held back a sigh.
'They'd be waiting forever.' I thought before looking at the brunette in front of me, eyebrow raised up in curiosity.
"What do you want to do about this?"
For a minute she paused, lip pursed into a thin line.
"I think it'll be better if we carry on traveling. I mean, business is dryin' up now here. Everyone's been to see us so they don't bother anymore..."
Of course. I actually agreed with her decision, it's best that they move away from here and carry on with their business unless they want to get hung up on the past. And with all the child kidnappings practically gone, there was no worry about the past repeating itself...at least, I hoped so.
Out conversation was brief, but all fun put aside I really did have to go now.
"Sorry Robin, I have to leave now. I wish you guys good luck with whatever you do."
She nodded in response, "yea', you too Nurse."
Oh man...will I regret this?
Sigh...what have I got to lose?
"Amy."
"What?"
I took a deep breath, exhaling loudly, "My names Amy. Please...call me that."
There was a moments pause, Robin seemed to think for a second. I hope she doesn't bring up the fact I'd used fake name when I first entered the circus...
"Amy...alright. Goodbye."
Phew. Turning, she gave me a brief wave and a smile before walking away , disappearing gradually from view. I shook my head slightly.
'There's no need to hang around now...I better go.'
I barely managed a few yards when something from my side caught my eye. It was a cloths shop, that all this season's dresses in the window. Curiously, I strode over to the window. They were pretty...very pretty. Looking through the window further, I eyed one dress in particular with piqued interest. It was a lovely design, a delicate peach colour with not too many ruffles on it and amazing embroidery work. It also had a matching hat too. Super. It was nice and all but sadly, I don't think it would have suited me and my 'colour pallet' as Sebastian put it. However, It would look nice on Mey Rin, or even Lady Elizabeth or...
Mum.
Yes...maybe I could get that for her...she deserved something nice to wear...I still had some money left on me, and some I kept safe back at the manor...maybe...
"Ah! What a pretty thing isn't it?"
I almost jumped out of my skin when a soft voice cooed from beside me. Seriously? Another visitor? Turning sharply, I almost choked in surprise when I landed eyes on the one person I never thought I'd see anytime soon.
And indeed I wish I hadn't seen at all.
"Miss A-Angela!?"
Sure enough, there stood the lavender haired maid from Houndsworth, wearing her signature false smile.
Ugh. Great. Her. I guess I was popular today.
She let out a small giggle, clasping her hand to the front of her coat. Her attire looked pretty much the same since the last time...
"It's nice to see you again Amy! It's been a while hasn't it?"
Thank god Finny wasn't here right now, I'd never hear the end of it. I forced a smile and nodded, but my feelings for Angela hadn't changed at all since Houndsworth. I still felt...off about her.
Politely, I let out a laugh to hide my irritation, "Yes it has...what are you doing here exactly?"
Angela kept up her smile, gesturing her hand towards the crowds that seemed to be passing by us without much of a care, "I've come to visit London! Houndsworth is much more livelier now days and well...since I don't have a master to serve, I figured I could find work here."
I furrowed my eyebrows slightly. She just suddenly travelled to London to find work? I'm sure she could have gone to any other big city...so why here and now? It's been months since that Barrymore guy got what he deserved...if that was true, what has she been doing up until now?
It's always nice to run into some old faces from time to time, like Robin...but...suddenly running into Angela of all people...it was slightly weird.
"So what have you been to until now then if you've had no master to serve?"
The question came out faster then I could think which in turn incited a slight reaction from the maid. Her smile faltered into a brief frown before bouncing back once more.
"I've been helping the people of Houndsworth of course, despite the attraction of the Queens resort the villagers still needed my help."
"Uh huh..."
It seemed too...convenient. But then again, was I just over reacting? I know I didn't like Angela but was I just being fuelled by my emotions? Perhaps she was here for a genuine reason...but if her attitude from back then was anything to go by, I was still suspicious about her true nature.
Glancing around the busy streets, I realised that it was time to go. I had no real business with Angela, so there was seriously no point in hanging around here. I had gotten everything I needed, and promised to return home as soon as I was finished. What was a doing here talking to her anyway? I had time for Robin, but not for her.
"Listen, it's great to see you Angela but-"
"Oh you're not leaving so soon are you?"
The tone of her voice grew pitiful, but I knew better than to be swayed by it. I wasn't Finny dammit, it didn't work on me.
"I was hoping to perhaps get a tour of the city."
"I don't think so."
I raised an eyebrow. A tour? Really? I wasn't a guide. My remark may have sounded rude but I really didn't care about it. I really was busy today and didn't have time for this.
"I'm sorry Angela but I'm terribly busy today, perhaps ano-"
"I'm sure it wouldn't take much out of your day to help an old acquaintance?"
"I really can't-"
"I'm sure that-"
"Miss Angela, I'm busy please!"
Now I was starting to get irritated, but at the same time I was starting to get unnerved. On edge even. She didn't seem to want to take 'no' for an answer...why was she fighting so hard to get me to stay here? Something seemed...wrong. Angela frowned fully this time at my remark , something in her demeanour changed slightly but I just couldn't tell what...
"That's a shame" She muttered, drawing out the sentence. She then seemed to pause as if thinking. I took this as my opportunity to end this conversation once and for all and leave. No one is so persistent to get someone to stay unless there was a reason...right?
"Look Angela, I'm really busy. It's been nice seeing you and all and I was you a good day but I really must go now-"
"Ah I see, if that's the case then how about I drop by the manor then with you?"
I flinched. What!?
"It would be nice to see Earl Phantomhive again! Not to mention Finny, and my lovely Pluto-"
"No way."
I'd had enough. I blurted out my reply as fast as I could, catching her off guard it seemed. There was no way I was letting her into the manor without permission, even if I knew her.
"I mean..." I shook off my frustration momentarily, flashing her a smile of my own, "I'm afraid the young master is currently unavailable right now, and will be for some time."
"Is that so?"
Her voice seemed to drop, as did her expression. A knot formed in my stomach. Her eyes glared at me with such intensity...something's wrong...something's wrong here...
I need to go. Now.
"W-Well I wish you well looking for work Angela but I must go now. It's good to see you."
And with that, I did the one thing I probably shouldn't have done.
I turned my back on her.
It only took me a few steps to suddenly freeze up completely, eyes widening in horror.
"You could have made this a whole lot easier for us both..." A soft hiss came from over my shoulder, making me tense up even more. The sharp object pushed further into my lower back, the grip on my arm tightening.
"Try not to make a scene, will you?"
'Oh god...oh god...!'
My heart hammered within my chest. Angela seemed to notice this and laughed softly, a sickly sweet laugh that only fuelled my anger towards her. In a short lived burst of energy, I tried fighting my way out of her grasp, desperate to get away but Angela never faltered. The only thing I received for my effort for an unbearable stinging on my skin.
'I knew it...I knew it! I knew she was up to no good!'
"Stop trying to fight me, it's useless, girl."
"You sure about that?" I snarled lowly, keeping my eyes fixed on the seemingly oblivious crowd moving past us. Though a few people gave us a passing glance, there was no reaction at all. Again she laughed before pushing me forward to move, grip on my arm never loosening as we 'walked' together in tandem. I tried as hard as I could to not move my feet, to be as stubborn and reluctant as I could, but it was all for naught. I was practically being shoved forcefully without my control. My exhaustion only added to the situation.
"Of course I am. After all, all I have to do is let people know you're a thief and you'll be arrested within seconds."
I coughed slightly, but regretted it when a stinging pain suddenly shot through my lower back.
"Thief!? I've payed for everything I ha-"
"Your pocket" Was the cool answer I got, "seems you have a nice expensive necklace in there, wouldn't it be just awful if you got caught with it in your possession?"
What? A necklace? I don't- wait...she...she wouldn't have...she had to be just talking crap.
Curiously, I tried to move my hand towards my pocket to check and confirm her threat but was halted instantly when Angela yanked my arm back, twisting it into a painful angle.
"You're so disobedient. The more you comply with what I say the easier it'll be for you, okay?"
Dammit Angela. Damn you to hell and back and anywhere in between!
I knew it...I knew there was something wrong with her. But what on earth did she want with me? Why is she taking me?
"Where are we going?" I snapped at her, having no choice but to follow her lead. Honestly, the only thing stopping me from crying and lashing out was the fact something sharp and potentially dangerous was being thrust into my back. I'd like to live a little longer thank you.
"You'll see soon enough so just keep quiet."
That was all the answer I got. As we walked through the streets unwillingly together, it dawned on me the seriousness of this situation. I was being forced against my will to go somewhere I don't know...and the others won't know about it.
Oh god...
They wouldn't be about to find me.
My panic grew more with each passing moment, I could feel my legs shaking with each step. Why me...? Why was this always happening to me? What could Angela possibly gain from kidnapping me? More so, what was she even planning?
As we rounded a corner, I spotted a carriage ready and waiting by the curb side. Angela guided me over to the carriage before opening the door.
"Get in"
But I refused.
Angela didn't like that. With a swift (and dare I say subtle) kick to the back of the knees, my legs gave way, making me collapse slightly. I then felt something cool and sharp press again the side of my neck.
"I said get in."
Reluctantly, I complied and slowly made my way inside the carriage, hands shaking as it gripped the side of the door. There was not much I could do right? I wasn't a fighter, I didn't know how to fight...not like the others. If I followed along with what she said then...maybe I could walk away from this unscathed. As much as I tried to keep calm on the outside, I was breaking on the inside. I was scared to death.
Within seconds, the door slammed shut.
There was no escaping now.
'Help me...please, someone help me...!'
A/N: Firstly, I want to say thank you to you all for sticking with the story for so long and waiting patiently for me to pull my sorry butt out of this writers block I'm in. You're all awesome.
Secondly, a big big big BIG thank you to user Ingena on DeviantArt for the completely awesome Carpe Diem fanart that she drew! It's amazing! I never thought the story would be well liked let alone to get an actual piece of fanart. I feel horrible that it's going to be ending soon. I've drawn my own pieces of art for Carpe Diem finally, albeit not much, so feel free to take a look!
*shamelessly whores self out*