Ciel ~
I leave the crime scene and Sir Randall behind in an internal huff, but keep my stride confident and the blank mask firmly upon my face. Sebastian, Aunt Red, and Lau trail after me followed closely by Grell, Madam Red's irritating butler.
"Well, there seems to be only one place else we can go to get the necessary information." I declare as I lead the group down cobbled streets and around corners.
"You don't mean?!" I hear Lau gasp.
"I do indeed."
Ten minutes later our party stands before the funeral parlor entitled 'Undertaker'. "So... why are we here?" Lau asks, his lips unturned in an innocent smile as Madam Red rounds on him. I ignore their bickering and push into the shop, Sebastian's presence firm against my back as I take in the gloomy atmosphere. "Undertaker, are you here? I have need of you!" I call out just before a cackle reverberates through the atmosphere and the lid of a coffin against the wall slowly inches open.
My companions startle and stare in shock as the owner of the shop steps forward, eyes gleaming behind his hair. "Welcome, little lord! I was hoping I'd be seeing you here. Have you come to try out a coffin?" The silver-haired man asks, voice slightly raspy yet airy with amusement.
"My master comes on business." Sebastian supplies, stepping up by my side. Like an ever-faithful hound. I silently mock.
"That's right. I'm here for information on the Jack the Ripper Case. I need to know what you know please." I say more command than a plea in my voice.
"Ah, so you are the Queen's Guard Dog then?" A new voice rings out from the shadows. I whip around in shock to come face to face with the greenest eyes I've ever seen. Sebastian sucks in a barely audible breath and stiffens, which in turn immediately makes me wary. The man before me appears young, with long black hair tied back at the nape and dressed in hues of green and black. The stranger tilts his head in a curious manner as we continue our staring contest, the emerald depths of his gaze seeming to suck me in despite my will.
"Who are you?" I demand harshly, fists clenched by my sides in a mixture of embarrassment and anger.
The man simply turns his head, a silent dismissal and I seethe, vision tinting red. "Answer me!"
He has the audacity to laugh! "You are a force to be reckoned with, Ciel Phantomhive, especially with the company you keep." He murmurs in a melodic, slightly liting accent.
"Indeed! The little lord has such an amusing drive!" Undertaker chimes in.
"But you would do well to keep a more cautious air." The stranger says with a pointed look as he steps around me to lean against the counter. He surveys everyone in the room, lingering especially long upon both Sebastian and Grell and they, in turn, do not look away from him. Almost as if he were some predator stalking them, and though I am loathed to admit it, even to myself, that is the feeling I get from this newcomer.
I clear my throat pointedly and turn back toward the Undertaker and the reason why I'm here. Time is of the essence. Undertaker giggles at my expression and I twitch. "You know my price, my lord. A single pure laugh is what I require, nothing more."
I sigh in exasperation. When was the last time I truly laughed or smiled? How can I give someone else what I can't even recall?
First Lau tries to appease the Undertaker when he notices I remain silent. His abysmal joke falls flat and earns the Chinese man a snort from the stranger. Madam Red gives it a go next and Sebastian thankfully has recovered enough to block my ears from what must be truly lecherous gossip if the raised eyebrows around the room are anything to go by. In retaliation Undertaker slaps tape with a large red X over my Aunt and Lau's mouths before turning to me, not even acknowledging Grell who is still keeping vigil over the emerald-eyed man.
"How about it, little lord? One laugh and all with be revealed to you." Undertaker leers, his teeth flashing in the gloom of the parlor.
I swallow hard as the weight of my lost joy presses against me, mind blanking. I'm broken from my thoughts as Sebastian steps forward and starts to speak before the nameless man unexpectedly cuts him off.
"Come now, my friend. Surely you can give the boy a discount?" The man says with amusement dancing in his eyes.
"I gave him a discount last time though." Undertaker whines, almost pouting.
"Please, as a favor to me? I promise I'll do something entertaining soon." He cajoles.
"...Very well, my Lord." Undertaker gives in with a deep sigh.
I fight to keep my jaw from dropping. Undertaker never gives out information without getting his laugh first! Never!
"Excellent!" The stranger claps, beaming widely as he pushes away from the counter and glides across the room toward the door. I start in surprise when I am suddenly pinned by his unnervingly intense gaze, and for an instant, my mind screams dangerdangerdanger before those stunning eyes slide away. "Well, that's my cue to leave. I'll pop by soon, Undertaker."
"Of course, my Lord."
"Oh. By the way, Ciel, I'll be expecting a favor in return for my help today." The man cheerfully tosses over his shoulder before he vanishes out the door. I just stand there in stunned silence for who knows how long before the Undertaker catches my attention and at last divulges the information I seek.
But in the back of my mind, I cannot help but wonder about the mysterious person that I never got the name of.
Sebastian ~
As we prepare to leave the shop Undertaker halts us. "That person you met is starting to become a good friend of mine. Be on the lookout for him sometime soon in the future. He likes to pop up when you least expect it."
"What is his name? What was he doing here in the first place, Undertaker?" my young master inquires, still seeming to be slightly off-balance if the emotional tone of his words is anything to go by.
I too am curious to hear the answer. That...man...was not what he appeared. He was something ancient and yet I had never previously encountered him. I could practically taste the aura of destruction on him, though he appears to have a tight leash on his power. Curious. Could he be one of the First?
"Actually," The silver-haired man hums, tapping his chin with a long black nail. "I don't reckon he's ever once told me his name."
"What? Why ever not?" Madam Red asks, puzzled.
The Undertaker shrugs and says with a titter, "Who knows why he does anything! Since meeting him that is the only consistent thing about him. He likes to keep you guessing!" A shiver runs down my spine as I recall the way the unknown man materialized from nowhere. I was sure there had been no one else in the shop! I would have sensed them otherwise. "As for why he was here," Undertaker continues, "He wanted to meet you, Guard Dog."
My master's expression briefly twists into confusion and is that...fear? "Why would he want to meet me?"
A shrug is my master's only answer before he and the rest of our group is ushered out of the shop. "Don't worry, little lord, you'll surely be getting your questions answered soon!" Undertaker croons a moment before the door clicks shut.
"Sebastian, I want you to investigate this unknown variable as soon as possible." Ciel murmurs in a barely audible voice as I open the carriage door for him.
I bow my head with a soft, "Yes, my lord." A thrill goes through me at the thought of the challenge ahead. However, at the same time, I shudder. I instinctively know to be wary of this stranger, and that more than anything, is what most unnerves me.
Harry ~
I laugh, long and loud as I watch the Queen's Guard Dog run around the ballroom to keep away from the overly enthusiastic blonde-haired girl trying to compliment his dress. And the best part about it all is that I was the one to point her in Ciel's direction! Karma! I dispell the notice-me-not spell and briefly join in on the dancing, glamour firmly in place as I simply enjoy my fun.
Master, what are you still doing in London? I thought you were coming straight back after your visit with Undertaker. Death's voice inquiries within my mind. He sounds slightly exasperated and I chuckle quietly aloud.
I'm watching the Phantomhive boy running from his fiance and it is hilarious!
Hmm... I'm surprised you've not run into that family so far. Vincent and Rachel Phantomhive passed away two years ago under mysterious circumstances. And before you point out that I know everything about death, something has blocked my Sight from becoming aware of how their demise transpired.
Did you just make a pun?
Focus Master!
I slip away from the party and out onto an open-air balcony. The breeze caresses my face and the moon's light bathes me in silvery blue hues. Did you know the kid has a Demon contracted to him as well as a Reaper posing as a human for his Aunt? I question, allowing my weight to rest on my forearms as I lean against the railing. I met them in Undertaker's shop when Ciel came to gather information on this 'Jack the Ripper' case. That's part of the reason why I've not returned to Headquarters.
Ah. How intriguing... Very well, Master. I trust you to keep an eye on things should they go awry. It is not our job to interfere, but that does not mean we don't. And besides... Death laughs, his voice like the rasp of dry autumn leaves. When have you ever minded your own business?
I'm not sure whether to feel flattered or offended. I reply with a mental shrug. Very well. I plan to keep watch over the boy for a time. He amuses me. So I will not be back to Headquarters for a while.
As you wish, Master. I hope you recover the faith you've lost in yourself.
I let out a slightly shaky exhale at Death's parting words. My lips curls in the barest hint of a wry smirk. Of course, Death would know why I'm really not returning to my duties. Even though I've thrown myself wholeheartedly into this new world and my new purpose I cannot ignore the feeling of my humanity slipping through my fingertips. The old me, the old Harry James Potter, is dying little by little each day.
I've already forgotten what my friend's faces looked like. And I'm starting to forget what they were like. Did Ron enjoy books or was that Hermionie's passion? Didn't I first meet them at a train station...? I sigh despondently and summon my Invisibility Cloak to me, throwing it over my shoulders and drawing the hood over my face. I'll catch up with Ciel and his Demon some other time.
I don't feel much like partying anymore.
A couple of days pass with me doing nothing beyond occasionally stalking Ciel and easily evading the Demon when he tried to do the same to me. The little game of tag we have going has kept me from dwelling too much on my own psyche and helps to liven up my routine. I know this one is of a rather higher tier than the Demons I've run into in the past. And it excites me to finally encounter another worthy opponent, even if it just involves playing hide-and-seek!
It is the evening of the third day when I notice the Demon and his master standing at the corner of a dingy alleyway. The human is dressed in commoners clothing, though just a little too fine to be completely realistic in my opinion. The Demon, dressed in elegant butler attire is busy obsessing over a cat, much to his master's annoyance.
I bite my lip from the rooftop I'm perched on just above them to keep from snickering and giving myself away. A fine sheen of frigid rainwater patters upon us as the minutes tick by. What are they doing out here in such dreary weather? I ponder, thanking whatever Higher Power may be for water-repelling-charms. I can see Ciel try to suppress his shivers even as he berates the butler.
Suddenly a high-pitched, terrified scream shatters the quiet. Ciel without a moment's hesitation races toward the source of the shriek with the Demon right on his heels. Oh, the irony! I think as I prowl along the rooftop after them. Now who does he remind me of, I wonder?
I watch as the Earl throws open the door and then freezes in what appears to be shock. And that is when I catch the overwhelming stench of coppery blood emanating from the small apartment. The information of the one who died floods my brain for a split second as I crouch along the edge of the roof.
Mary Jane Kelley.
Born in 1863.
Died on November 9th, 1888.
Cause of Death: Violent stabbing and slashing which led to severe blood loss and shock.
Weaponry used in death: Reaper Scythe.
Rage floods my veins as the last piece of information drifts away. A Reaper has killed someone not yet due to die!
As the Master of Death, I am privileged to automatically know possible outcomes of a person's life and what could lead to death. One such factor is knowing when someone has died before their time.
In the meantime, Ciel has witnessed the mutilated corpse that I can just barely glimpse from my elevated position catty-corner to where the doorway is. His Demon arrives and places a gloved hand over the boy's eyes and hops back a pace with a whispered, "Don't look!" Unfortunately, it is too late and the little lord promptly empties his guts onto the pavement. Too young. I can't help but hypocritically think as I watch him gasp and tremble.
I was young like that too once upon a time... I was innocent, right? Or have I always been this way? I'm broken from my musing by the Demon's smooth baritone addressing someone standing in the shadows of the doorframe. "My, my. You played quite the convincing act there. You almost even had me fooled, Grell Sutcliff, or should I call you Jack the Ripper?"
My eyes narrow to slits as the Reaper I'd seen in Undertaker's shop steps forward, drenched in blood. Now I have the name to match the face of who I'm going to be unleashing my wrath upon.
"N-No! It's not like that! I-I heard the screaming b-but..." Grell tries to deflect but it is apparent no one is buying it. A large shark-like grin with equally sharp fangs splits the Reapers face as he undoes the ribbon tieing his long hair back. "You really think so, eh? Well, I do have superb acting skills!" Grell croons in a confident, cheerful voice. His hair bleeds into fiery scarlet as he discards the ordinary glasses for a pair of stylish red ones with tiny skulls decorating the frames, dull green flashing into toxic veridian behind the lenses. "But then again, you are so much more as well, right Sebastian?"
I miss the rest of the exchange between Grell and the newly named Sebastian as I sense the presence of another Reaper, this one I'm much more familiar with arriving nearby. William. A little late aren't we?
I tune back into the confrontation in time to catch the last bit of Madam Red's monologue and witness Grell materializing his Scythe, a crimson chainsaw. I sigh wearily as I spot the modifications to the weapon. I have a feeling most of those aren't legal... I can't help wincing in sympathy as the deranged Immortal starts making scandalous insinuations toward Sebastion. And even for a Demon, the butler appears greatly disturbed. This would be absolutely hilarious to me if I weren't so pissed!
My Demon magic purrs within my bones as Ciel orders Sebastian to capture Jack the Ripper, both of them. I can see the contract mark in Ciel's eye and on Sebastian's hand glow a bloody fuschia hue a moment before Sebastian launches himself at Grell as the Reaper in turn charges. The battle is fast and vicious, each Immortal almost too quick for the eye or mind to fully process. But eventually, Grell seems to gain the upper hand and drives the Demon back, his chainsaw leaving deep gouges and indentions in the stones making up the street and buildings.
And while this is happening Ciel's aunt has taken it upon herself to dispatch her nephew, her insanity caused by rage, bitterness, and grief driving her beyond rationality. I watch as she grabs the boy by the throat and lifts him an inch off the ground, squeezing hard. "Master!" Sebastian cries out in alarm from where he is barely keeping Grell's Scythe blade from cutting him from shoulder to hip, pinned against the wall of a building.
Should I get involved? I already have once...twice if you count setting the girl on Ciel at the Viscount Druitt's ball. I twist my fingers into the material of my Cloak and allow my breath to mist in the air. Before a decision can be made on my part Angelina Duress drops the boy and backs away, tears welling up in her eyes. Her face is distraught as she whispers over and over, "My sweet sister. I can't kill him, not their only child! I can't!"
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Sebastian shoot past Grell, the chainsaw shredding his shoulder apart as payment for the reckless act. He seemingly teleports behind Madam Red, his Demon features bleeding through and eyes a hellish red. They are narrowed in murderous, possessive rage. "No Sebastian!" Ciel screams frantically as the butler's hand descends to deliver a fatal blow. "Don't kill her!" He obeys and stops himself in the nick of time. The Demon clutches the wound on his shoulder, the white of his glove stained a dark garnet as the blood soaks through the material.
"My, how noble of you Bassy, sacrificing your arm for the little brat." Grell chuckles as he pulls his Death Scythe free from where it had torn through the brick wall as if it were butter. He then turns on the sobbing Angelina with a dark glower. "And you Madam Red, you were supposed to kill the brat! Do it now and I'll forget this little hiccup."
The noblewoman shakes her head. "I can't! I can't kill him!" She sobs.
Grell sighs in exasperation. "Don't tell me you've gone soft after all those women. Just kill the kid already!"
"No I won't -" She is cut off by the flash of a bloodstained chainsaw swinging for her chest. OH HELL NO! I rage and call upon my Demonic affiliation.
The blade whirls menacingly, just starting to slice into the woman's blouse, just barely nicking the skin beneath.
It's too fast for the Demon to counteract. Too quick for the human mortal to comprehend.
However, I am much, much faster...
In the space of a single heartbeat, I fluidly transform into my Wendigo embodiment and leap down from my perch silently. I intercept the chainsaw between my large claws as I tower over the stupefied Reaper. My skeletal jaws twist into a smile that should not be physically possible for my anatomy as I hiss deep in the back of my throat. But I've never been one for social norms...
"W-What the Hell?! Who are you?!" Grell yelps as he futilely tries to tug the chainsaw from my grasp.
"Athanasios is my name," I growl in a deep, seductive voice that reminds me of the lowest notes of a piano. Despite my nightmare-inducing appearance, my voice reflects nothing of it. It is a lure for my prey after all. "You've made a terrible mistake, Reaper. I will not be lenient in my Judgement upon you." And before anyone can react I lunge toward the Reaper and sink my long fangs deep into his side.
Grell screams in agony as my deceiving strong frame wrestles him to the ground further aggravating the gaping wound. All the while his blood bathes my tongue. The Reaper thrashes against me, his yellow-green eyes wide with panic. With a snarl, I lift him in my jaws and hurl him downward. He slams into the cobblestones hard enough to leave him stunned. A hoarse growl warns him not to move, not that I'm sure he can, as I turn to glance up to the rooftops meaningfully. A second later William T. Spears leaps from his position to land on top of Grell's head, smushing it further into the shattered pavement. The Division Leader eyes me warily before turning his attention to the Reaper at his feet. In his usual inflectionless voice, he begins to read Grell the charges filed against him from a thick binder held loosely in his hand.
Knowing that William has things under control I turn my attention onto the young Earl and his Demon. Both are staring at me with expressions of surprise and disbelief, Ciel more so than the butler. I lick the blood from my teeth and bony snout with my unnaturally long tongue. At that point, Madam Red promptly faints on the spot. She would have cracked her head open if not for Sebastian's quick reaction. I casually toss my antlers as I straighten to my full height from my crouched position, coming to a full 9' 6 not counting the antlers. Ciel appears to be having trouble keeping his jaw from dropping and naturally I cannot help chortling at the sight.
"Paint a portrait. It'll last you longer." I grumble as they continue to goggle.
I am satisfied to see both faintly blush. "Who are you?" Ciel asks, his tone firm though I can see through the false bravado.
I outright laugh at this, the exact same question he asked me only days earlier! "Athanasios. And before you ask, no, I will not tell you what I'm doing here or why I bothered to interfere." I state with a stern glare, causing Sebastian to tense and subtly move in front of his charge. The Demon studies me with a deeply intrigued expression marring his features. I can smell the respect and caution radiating from him and I bestow him with a crooked smirk.
Ciel opens his mouth to most likely demand further answers, scowling in frustration, but his butler stops him with a gentle hand upon his shoulder. He dips his head in a shallow bow and sends a quick warning look at the boy. "You have my thanks, Athanasios of the Wendigoag." He murmurs softly.
I hum and bare my fangs in a mockery of a smile. "I shall remember your debt. You shall not forget." I reply as I reach out and touch the Demon's injured shoulder, my Demon magic eagerly leaping to my claws to do my bidding. Sebastian flinches and sucks in a startled breath as my powers knit his flesh and bone back together. For added measure, I even mend his torn tailcoat. I can see the dawning fear the Crow is trying so hard to suppress within his eyes as he feels the weight of my aura.
"T-Thank you," Sebastian whispers and takes a hasty step away, clearing his throat. And once more the unflappable mask of the Phantomhive butler is back in place. I cackle internally at this and step aside to allow William to perform his apology and give Sebastian his card. And the irony of bowing his head to a Demon makes me snort at the fact that the Master Reaper in such a form is not three feet away.
With one last bow and a discreet glance my way William takes ahold of the collar of Grell's long red coat and drags him away, muttering about overtime and paperwork. I grimace. The war on paperwork is a neverending annoyance for the Shinigami Divisions, especially the Leaders.
I give my body a good shake to dispell the water droplets forming on my obsidian pelt, my skull and neck vertebrae cracking in protest. I exhale in a deep sigh, fog escaping my skeletal jaws, as I turn and start to make my way out of the alley. "See you around, Ciel Phantomhive, Crow!" I call over my shoulder and with a wave of my talons, vanish from sight.
Such a long and eventful evening.
I briefly return to Headquarters to give my account to Death and William of what transpired. I leave the fate of Grell Sutcliff up to them but tell Death he'll be secretly observed from the Master Reaper if he even survives what they have in store for him.
William is still side-eyeing me by the time I take my leave, still in my Wendigo form. My shaggy black pelt, sharp claws, and burning emerald-eyes look so out of place in the pristine and order-efficient Hall of Records. I sigh and turn to face the Division Leader. "You'll have to get used to my appearance in this form eventually, William. It is a useful tool for my work in the field." I scold, though keep my tone neutral. No need to freak the poor guy out more than he already is.
"Of course, my Lord. I apologize for any offense I've caused, and for not realizing Sutcliff's crime sooner." He bows formally at the waist.
I shift back into my normal body and shove my hands in my pockets. "I accept your apology. Just please try and keep an open mind about my powers in the future." I reply and receive a nod of acknowledgment. "I'll keep in touch, Death."
The hooded and cloaked entity nods, frustration and appreciation leaking across the bond we share as Master and Servant. "I'll be awaiting the next telepathic message, Master."
With a final disgusted glare at the unconscious Grell 'Jack the Ripper' Sutcliff, I apparate away to the Phantomhive manor.
I'll await Ciel's return there. After tonight I would feel remiss if I did not keep a closer eye on the child. He reminds me so much of myself in certain areas that it almost aches. If I'm to do so I must develop a more personable and involved relationship with Ciel. He'll get some extra security.
And I will get some entertainment and practice reconnecting with my humanity.
Hopefully, this will be one of my better ideas... though I'm not holding my breath!
A few days later Sebastian Michaelis opens the door to find the raven-haired, nameless man from the Undertaker's parlor standing in the front steps smiling too widely to be innocent.
"Hello, Demon! Let Lord Phantomhive know that he has a new servant for hire!
Hope I portrayed this well! It took me a while to figure out more of Harry's personality and why he would want to get close to Ciel.
I will be revealing more of the Wendigo lore (both real and my own made-up stuff) in later chapters. Athanasios is Harry's Wendigo name. He does this to further mess with everybody's minds who are not aware of who he truly is. Athanasios means "Immortal/Eternal" in Greek.
Please let me know what y'all think! Every Review strikes a blow against the enemy of all authors, Writers Block! ; )
