I have officially been reading too much Jane Eyre this week! T_T Anyway, I managed to update in time. Please mind any spelling/grammar errors, I've just finished writing it, hehe.
Thanks to splitheart1120, seany96, Pokegal-Angella, ninetailsgirl94, Lynx of the Sand, Starfire1407, FairoNeko and OffMyTea for reviewing!
I don't own anything but my plot and characters.
Warning: Character death and violence!
Chapter Thirty-Eight: The First Strike
"Hey, Edmund!" Humphrey Shinji called out to his best friend while his younger brother poked a slug with a thin stick. Edmund, who had been carrying a large bundle of wood, paused mid step and made his way over to the two Shinjis.
"What are you two doing?" Edmund asked. Humphrey and his brother, Frederick, beamed up at Edmund for a few seconds.
"Mrs Hunter gave us some work to do," Frederick replied, "We need to find some caterpillars but we can't seem to see any. Do you know where there are some, Edmund?"
"Try the cabbage patch," Edmund told them, pointing to the far end of the garden, "There are loads over there."
"Thank you, Eddie," Frederick cheered. He got up as fast as he could and raced to the other end of the garden leaving Humphrey and Edmund alone. Edmund laughed at the younger Shinji's enthusiasm but Humphrey didn't seem to share the same feeling.
Edmund slowly stopped laughing and turned to Humphrey wondering what was wrong with the elder Shinji. It wasn't like Humphrey to be so serious. They had been friends for years now. Edmund could even remember when Frederick was born. Together, Humphrey and Edmund had looked after Frederick since Lord Shinji seemed to be otherwise preoccupied. Lady Shinji had died many years ago from an illness so she wasn't around to look after her children. And the new Lady Shinji did not care about here new children at all. It was up to Edmund and Humphrey to look after Frederick.
"Is something wrong, Humph?" Edmund asked, curious to why the older brother was still oddly silent.
"Do you know some one called Mort Sinclair?" Humphrey asked. Edmund shook his head. He'd never heard that name before. Humphrey looked like he was just about to explain it so Edmund listened obediently. "He came to the house the other day and claimed to be our half brother."
"Half brother?" Edmund hissed, "Is that possible?"
"He's as old as I am," Humphrey told Edmund quietly. Edmund was slightly shocked at the news but hid it well. He offered Humphrey a small smile.
"I'm sure there's an explanation for it," Edmund said, making the peace once again. Humphrey didn't seem that impressed.
"There is an explanation for it," Humphrey retorted, "Just not a polite one."
"Well, I'm sure everything will work out alright, sir," Edmund said happily, "They usually do."
"Back then I was a servant for the Shinji family," Rusty explained to the teens. He glanced round at the group around him. Paul looked very interested in the information Rusty was spouting while Drew and Ash looked completely confused. Drew looked like he didn't understand the basic concept that Rusty was indeed a human. Rusty had to admit that it wasn't the easiest thing to understand since he had four paws and tail. With a slight cough, Rusty continued his story.
"Mortimer Sinclair was a trouble maker from the start. He didn't get on at all with Humphrey," Rusty continued, "The two couldn't be trusted to stay in the same room together..."
Edmund walked out onto the back garden in a sort of lofty way. It was a nice day which was odd considering it was the British Summer. Where was the rain they were expecting? Edmund walked across the gravel patio until he came across the sight of Humphrey playing catch with his loyal but pampered dog, Rusty.
"Sir," Edmund said loudly, "Your father is looking for you."
"I don't care," Humphrey snapped. Edmund pulled a bored expression as Humphrey flung the small wooden ball to the other end of the garden. Rusty was quick to chase it. She cantered off, yipping like crazy.
"You're mean to Rustina," Edmund scolded Humphrey, "She's not a puppy anymore."
"Oh, leave me alone," Humphrey snapped, "I'm not in a good mood."
"I can tell," Edmund replied. Rusty bounded up to her master, dropping her wooden ball at Humphrey's feet. She looked up at Humphrey then across at Edmund with her tongue out. Edmund picked up her ball and threw it gently across the lawn. Rusty was off again with a yip. "She's a great dog."
"Yeah," Humphrey agreed.
"Why did you attack him?" Edmund asked suddenly. Humphrey let out a long sigh that lasted for a few seconds while he rubbed his eyes. In the time it took for Humphrey to reply, Rusty had returned with her ball once more. Edmund crouched down and scratched her behind the ears.
"He says he should get some of Freddie and my inheritance," Humphrey replied, "And I told him no. It's ours, not his."
"Maybe a little money?" Edmund suggested, "One hundred pounds, maybe."
"No," Humphrey barked, "Not one shilling."
"Who would you give money to?" Edmund asked. Humphrey thought about this for a few minutes.
"I'd give some to you," Humphrey replied with a small smile on his face, "You are my friend, right?"
"Who me?" Edmund joked, "I'm just your servant, sir, nothing else."
Humphrey was silent for a few seconds as he watched Rusty roll on a daisy patch on the lawn. The dog seemed happy beyond anything he'd ever seen. No doubt she was really rolling in something foul smelling. The maids would love her later.
"Do you ever want to get married, Edmund?"Humphrey asked suddenly. He turned to look at Edmund with a small frown on his face.
"Some day, I imagine I'll get married," Edmund replied slowly, "Maybe when I have a bit more money and a small house in the village but I don't want to leave this house. It's part of me."
"The house or the family?" Humphrey asked.
"Both, I guess," Edmund said with a shrug, "How about you?"
"I suppose I'll have to marry and have family," Humphrey stated, "Later in life though, when I'm mature and handsome."
"Humph, you could wait a hundred years and you still wouldn't be mature or handsome," Edmund teased, nudging Humphrey with his elbow.
"Cheek!" Humphrey exclaimed with a wide smile on his face. Edmund fell into laughter while Humphrey watched him. "You don't think I'm handsome?"
"No," Edmund replied quickly, "I mean, yes... I don't know. You're Humphrey looking. Isn't that good enough?"
"I suppose," Humphrey agreed, "So you like the way Humphrey looks, then?"
"You look friendly and kind, sir," Edmund said, "Rich and spoilt. You look like Humphrey, sir."
"And Freddie looks like Freddie? Meek, pale and smart?"Humphrey said.
"Yes, sir," Edmund replied. Humphrey stared at Edmund for a moment or two until the servant boy walked back into the house after a speed bow.
"So you used to be a female dog?" Drew asked. Rusty sent Drew a glare.
"No," Rusty barked, "I was made into the guise of Rusty who happened to be around at the time. Sinclair used to say I was Master Humphrey's little lap dog so that's why I was changed to look like Rusty."
"So your name is really Edmund," Ash stated with an air of thought. Rusty nodded once.
"Rusty suits you better," Leaf decided causing the dog to hang its head in despair.
"So how did you get turned into a dog, Rust?" Paul asked.
"Well, a few years passed and then there was the accident that killed Master Freddie," Rusty continued, "Master Humphrey never got over the loss since Freddie was the only family he really had. Humphrey returned to the house to find that Sinclair had already arrived. Well it didn't go down well. Humphrey and Sinclair argued and in the end I had to split them up."
"Didn't Humphrey bring back his dead brother?" Dawn asked suddenly. Rusty nodded.
"He locked himself in his room mostly while he tried to unravel the Lazarus Theory," Rusty explained, "But that was only the beginning of the troubles. Sinclair started to kiss up to Lord Shinji you see. All he needed to do was to get rid of Humphrey and everything would be alright but then…"
Edmund knocked on the door a few times. There was no sound, no movement beyond the door. Edmund knocked again, this time louder.
"Master Humphrey? Master Humphrey," Edmund said loudly, "Open the door, sir."
There was nothing. Edmund bit his lip sharply, wondering how on earth he could get into the room. He tried the door handle. It was locked. It rattled slightly every time Edmund tried to turn it. He pulled away, eying the door frame carefully.
"Humphrey, open the door," he barked, "You need to eat something. You've been in there a week almost. Please, come out."
This seemed to do it. There were sounds of footsteps to the door.
"Go away, Edmund," was the gruff order from the other side of the door, "I am not hungry."
Edmund let out a sigh and returned to his station in the kitchen.
"What has gotten into him?" Edmund asked himself quietly, "No meals. Locked doors. What is he up to, I wonder?"
"Maybe he just needs time," replied a dark sultry voice. Edmund jumped out of skin before turning to face Mort Sinclair. Sinclair was wearing all black with a heavy riding coat and leather gloves. "After all, his brother has just died."
"Of course, sir," Edmund said hurriedly, "Can I take your cloak and gloves?"
"Nay," Sinclair replied with a short wave of his hand. Edmund gulped slightly as Sinclair continued to stare at him with narrowed eyes. He smiled suddenly, closing his eyes. "You've served this family for many years, yes?"
"Yes, sir," Edmund replied, "Like my father did."
"And your loyalty lies solely with the family?"
"Of course, sir," Edmund said honestly, "I would do anything for Misters Shinji."
"Good," Sinclair said tantalisingly slow. He began to circle Edmund with large but slow steps. "You're loyalty will reward you, Edmund."
"How would you know, sir?" Edmund asked. Sinclair stopped walking and instead stared at the servant. A wicked smile flickered onto his face.
"Fetch me some tea, Edmund," was all he said. Edmund nodded, quickly excusing himself.
Sometime later Edmund was sat in the kitchen picking at his supper. It had been a long day, even longer due to the arrival of Sinclair. How Edmund distrusted that man. There was something in his face and aura that felt off. Edmund didn't have proof of the feeling though since the other staff thought he was pleasant and nice.
"You're not eating again, Edmund," the cook snapped.
"I'm not hungry," Edmund replied, "Which is a shame since I do enjoy your food."
"Always the smooth talker, Edmund," cook said with a smile, "You'd do well to find a lady who would like those words of yours rather than wasting them on me."
"I can't think of that now, Cook," Edmund said, "Not after all that has happened. Master Humphrey, he needs help and no one seems to realise that, not even Lord Shinji."
"That is a family matter," cook said slowly, "I'll play no part in it."
"I can't sit back, I can't let him waste away," Edmund told himself, "But I can't get through to him. What can I do?"
"Wait, Edmund," cook advised, offering Edmund a smile, "Now off to bed with you. Go one, clear off."
"Right," Edmund said uncertainly. He got off his wooden stool and left the kitchen but didn't head to his room. He went directly to Humphrey's. Yet again he was thumping on the door.
"Humphrey, do you need anything before I retire to bed?" Edmund asked. There was no answer. Edmund let out a sigh.
He stepped back from the door, staring at it with wonder for a few minutes. What was Humphrey doing in his room? What was so important?
His answer would come soon enough. The edges of the door seemed to glow suddenly. Alarmed, Edmund banged on the door again.
"Humphrey! Humphrey! What the devil is going on!" Edmund yelled, "Open the door! Open it now!"
To his surprise the door did swing open suddenly. Edmund stumbled backwards as he saw the face of his old friend and master. Humphrey looked wild with stubble on his chin and messed up hair. His clothes hung off him in a crumpled mess, too big for him since he hadn't eaten in weeks.
"I've done it, Edmund," Humphrey sang, "Oh joyous am I! I've done it!"
"Done what?" Edmund asked, "Humphrey what have you done?"
"Come see, come see," Humphrey said. Edmund thought about this as Humphrey disappeared into his room. Deciding it was better to see what was going on, Edmund walked into the darkened room. It stank of stale air, like Humphrey hadn't left it in weeks. He hadn't and it showed. Papers littered the floor as did various other instruments.
His eyes travelled to the window where moonlight was beaming through the glass. In the glow of the light laid a boy. Edmund was suddenly very alarmed by the appearance of the boy. He seized Humphrey by his collar.
"What in blazes have you done, Humphrey? You can't defy God!" Edmund yelled in Humphrey's face, "You can't have! Say you didn't!"
"I brought him back, Edmund, I brought my brother back from beyond the grave," Humphrey blurted, "I saw him not a month after the accident walking these very halls. He was not gone, he was stuck between realms. I had to save him, Edmund. He's my brother!"
"You've gone mad!" Edmund exclaimed, "Mad. This obsession has led you to madness, lunacy."
"Not I," Humphrey said cheerfully, "Not Humphrey Shinji. I have prevailed against the forces of nature! I have my brother back!"
"Blasphemy," Edmund scolded, "Humphrey what are you going to do? You can't be seen with him, they'd lock you up for blasphemy, crimes against God."
"I do not care, I have my brother back," Humphrey yelled.
"Well, well, I can't say I was expecting this."
Edmund and Humphrey turned round sharply to see Mort Sinclair stood in the door way.
"Mister Sinclair," Edmund said uncertainly, "What can I do for you?"
"I saw that Humphrey's door was open," Sinclair said, "Finally, I thought, I can get all the inheritance I deserve."
"What nonsense is that?" Humphrey snapped, "Leave now. Go."
Sinclair was not phased by Humphrey's orders. He dug into his cloak, pulling out a small pocket knife. He pointed it at Humphrey in a threatening way.
"You sir, are un-Godly," Sinclair stated, "You will burn in the depths of hell for this act. Edmund, go now to fetch the servants."
"Do not," Humphrey barked. Edmund rolled his eyes as he danced on the spot.
"I wasn't going to go, Humphrey," Edmund told his friend, "I could not."
"Then I shall have to kill you all," Sinclair said calmly. He lashed out, slicing Humphrey's cheek. He yelled and fell back onto his chair. Edmund stood in front of him in his defence but forgot about Freddie who was laid on the floor. The boy had begun to stir. He slowly looked up.
"Brother? What is going on? Mr Sinclair? What are you doing?" Freddie asked timidly. Sinclair walked up to the boy, pausing at a small golden contraption on the desk. Slowly Sinclair picked it up, studying it.
"Put that down," Humphrey snapped, "Do not touch it!"
Sinclair smiled. Freddie looked up at him, wondering why he was smiling in such a way. With a stomp and a twist, Freddie lay dead under Sinclair's foot.
"NO!" Humphrey yelled. Edmund, shocked into stillness, stared at Freddie. The boy lingered for a moment then he faded into nothing. Sinclair stepped back in surprise, his eyebrows raised.
"You monster," Edmund spat, "You killed him."
"But the first of the deaths this evening, Edmund," Sinclair said passively, "Next shall be you."
Edmund let out a roar and charged at Sinclair. They struggled. All the while Humphrey sat in his chair, nursing his cheek and staring where his brother had been. The strange device that Humphrey had made fell out of Sinclair's hand, shattering on impact with the floor. Sinclair and Edmund did not seem to notice and fought some more. Suddenly, Edmund found himself in a choke hold. Within seconds his throat was crushed, leaving him breathless and lifeless. Sinclair chucked his body carelessly on the floor.
Now he turned to Humphrey.
"No I kill you, sir," he announced. Humphrey looked up at Sinclair, still dazed at what had occurred only minutes before. His brother and best friend were now gone. The two people he loved more than anything were now dead. He was more than prepared to die this day now.
Sinclair stepped, crushing the device under his foot. The device slipped on the wooden floor. Sinclair stumbled and landed on the floor, his knife piercing his chest. He yelled as he rolled onto his side and pulled the knife from his body. Humphrey just sat and watched in fear as blood trickled onto the floor, towards the device. The moment the blood touched the gold, there was a glow and Sinclair disappeared completely.
"Good lord, what have I done?" Humphrey whispered.
So now you know the whole poop. I hope this chapter didn't disappoint :) Even if it was a little gruesome in places!
Please review!
RSx