Welcome back,
I don't have much to say, but there's much to happen this arc to Rina specifically. Don't worry too much about her and Sebastian's relationship complications since this is all for my masterplans for them.
Enjoy the chapter. ~
0o0o0o0o
I rush up towards the top of the ship, wanting to see the servants from above. I can't stop the feeling of excitement from entangling in my heart. When was the last time I even had a vacation? I grin and leave my brother, Sebastian, and Snake in the dust. "Rina!" I hear Ciel shout, but I do not stop my pacing. I push my way through all the bustling people. Too many people for my liking if I am to be honest. However, I do not let this deter me from breaking through the crowd and taking a deep breath of crisp morning air.
I feel my lips stretch even further I dash over to the railing. My hair whips wildly around my face when I grasp it. I can hear everyone saying farewell to all of us from down below. I search for the servants and quickly find them. "Hey, you guys!" I scream as loudly as I can. The sound of other people is tremendous after all. The servants do not hear me, and I decide to try again, "Bard! Mey-Rin! Finny!" I scream their names.
Bard turns to look in my general vicinity and I start to jump. I wave my hands high in the air and I push some strength in my legs to jump a bit higher than the average woman in heels. It does not take him long to find me and he gawks at me slightly. Not long after, he gets the other servant's attention and points at me. They all turn their heads in my direction as well, searching me through all the other people here. I have not smiled this much in a while so I did not think it could get any larger. But my cheeks are starting to ache faintly.
"Would you stop jumping so much?" Ciel nags beside me abruptly. I freeze in shock and my smile drops automatically. I feel Sebastian comes to my other side. I find him staring down at the people below us until he also finds the servants.
I wave sadly at the servants and they wave back enthusiastically. I forgot I cannot show positivity around these two. I cry internally, already missing my brief excitement which got dashed away for the moment. I turn to Ciel with a glare and point at him, "DON'T ruin this vacation for me." I bite back.
He raises an eyebrow at me, "And how would I do that?"
I poke his nose, trying to get my point across. "By being your normal emo self. That's how."
A tick mark pulses against his temple quite rapidly, "I don't know what that means but I still feel the need to find offense to it."
I stick my tongue out at him. But not long after, I jump when the ship blows its horns and I smack my hands over my ears. It's so damn loud! It does not last long, and the ship slowly peels away from the docks. I feel all my nerves tickle my stomach. The cheers from the people down below become louder and many cries surface around us. Oh my god, it's not like we're all departing forever. I shake my head, still finding the chants and sobs enjoyable in the sense it's very human-like. It's nice to know people still hope you well in this world.
The more we get further away from the docks, I can't help but want to explore the ship. There's too much I want to do! I lean over the railing and I can smell the salt from the sea hit my nostrils immediately. I take it in greedily and stare at the pretty blue water. It's nothing like the nice Florida water I would see at the beaches in pictures back home. However, I find the deep blue beautiful too. It holds a mysterious color, and I can find deep meaning in the waves. I did not notice I kept leaning closer until I feel someone grab the back of my dress.
I glance behind me and find Sebastian holding me back. I blink in confusion, but his face is as emotionless as ever. Since my love confession, he has always been giving me the blank look. I can't deny it hurts somewhat. I mean, I take his blank look like a sign he has his guard up. I sigh through my nose, knowing this is what I will ever receive from him from now on. "Thanks." I mutter pathetically. He immediately takes his hand away and stares back at the docks which become further and further.
"This is my first time on a boat." I comment in a daze. I can feel the sun beat down on us even though it is early Spring. The cooler weather does bring a slight chill but also a constant heat.
"It is the same for me." Ciel admits before taking a few steps away from the railing. I follow along and so does everyone else. Ciel leads us to the first-class passenger deck. We do not walk for long before Elizabeth pushes through some people with a tearful gaze landed on my brother. I sigh, knowing she's going to be loud. Ciel simply glances away with a straight face. "I-I thought I'd surprise you." Ciel waves.
Elizabeth makes a pounce for him and wraps Ciel tightly in her arms. "Even though you said you couldn't come! I'm so happy!" she squeals with a giant smile.
"Elizabeth!" a stern feminine voice scolds nearby. I feel my body tense and straighten out. I stare behind Elizabeth and find her mother right behind her. "Please do not display such indecent behavior in public!"
I notice her brother and father standing there too. I gulp nervously, forgetting about the Midford family attending this vacation. Mainly, her mother I am horrified of. Not only do I have to keep up my etiquette around her, but I would not put past her to make me train while on this damned ship. The image of my boarding ticket begins to tear up slowly in my imagination. I can hear a small whimper resound in my mind at the thought of my pleasure turning to my torture. Not to mention, Elizabeth's stupid brother is here. God, he gets on my nerves.
"That's right, Lizzy. Moreover," Edward says and abruptly points at my brother. "I still haven't acknowledged you as my brother in law, okay?! So, get off her already!" he shouts at him.
I hear Ciel sigh and he looks at Elizabeth's father, the Marquis, next. The Marquis is glaring at my brother and he sweat drops at such an intense look. The Marquis slowly inches forward with his stern gaze until he is a couple of inches away from Ciel. "M-Marquis Midford, I have not seen you in a while..." Ciel trails off awkwardly.
The Marquis dives in for a hug and rubs his cheek up against Ciel's with a large grin. I stare at the two of them incredulously. "Long time no see, my future son! You're as cute as ever!" he squeals partially. "Dear!" Francis, Elizabeth's mother, scolds once more.
I forgot Elizabeth is the spitting image of her father. I turn toward Sebastian, "Is my soul leaving my body?" I ask him, feeling dead inside already. He looks at me with a sweat drop, "No..." he replies, appearing uncertain.
I feel my shoulders sag. I want to disappear from this world already, I think in disdain. "Shall we go fetch brunch?" Francis offers after peeling her husband off Ciel.
"Sounds lovely." I agree with her and come to her side. She smiles at me with a nod. "Rina, you are blossoming quite steadily." she compliments. I blush a little at her flattery. I ignore her husband's and son's glare as we lead the group toward where the food is located.
I may have a good relationship with Francis, but her husband and son are a different matter. The Marquis never liked how Vincent adopted me, a mere servant into such a noble family. I mean, I am as low as low can get. I was once a beggar after all, but they do not know that much about me. If anything, the Marquis merely tolerated my existence since I'm just a woman. He also respects Vincent's dying wishes as well. But on the other hand, their son and I, simply hate one another. I cannot wait to pummel his ass one day I think with a fiery gaze on the wood I walk on.
All I can think about is messing with his stupid face that I don't even notice sitting down at the table already. I blink at the plate in surprise and look around, feeling a bit lost. Was I that lost in my own thoughts? Wow. My brother sits to my left and Edward sits to my right. I glare at him automatically and he feels it. He glares back with just as much hate. I can feel the tension literally rise between us.
"So, you'll be staying with us for the whole three weeks?" Francis asks abruptly which breaks our glaring battle.
"Yeah." Ciel answers. I notice Sebastian and Snake standing behind us. I hold back a snort at Sebastian's and Snake's slicked-back hairstyle. That must have happened when I wasn't paying attention, what a bummer.
Elizabeth turns toward Ciel as excitement dances in her big green eyes. "We've never been together for so long before! Escort me to the dinner party, okay, Ciel?" she cheers.
Ciel glances at her with a small sweat drop, "Okay, okay." he agrees rather unenthusiastically.
"Awe, isn't that cute?" I tease Ciel. He blushes and glares at me not long after. "Shut up." he threatens in a low tone. I snicker and grab a small sandwich from the tray. Before I can bring it to my mouth, my hand pauses when Francis clears her throat.
I blink at her when she looks at me pointedly. "My son will escort you to the party as to not be lonely."
The mini sandwich falls from my hands and I notice Edward freeze beside me. "Huh?" I mouth. "B-But mother—" Edward fumbles for an excuse.
"I would like to politely refuse to such a nice suggestion." I grind out.
Edward agrees, his face pale with the same amount of horror I feel. "I agree with her, mother. I do not wish to escort her." Edward chimes in.
Her eyes flicker between the both of us, "But she needs an escort, a lady of such noble status cannot attend such a function by herself."
I feel my face pale next, realizing how much of a pain being a noble status is. "I can escort myself." I state seriously.
She frowns at that; her disapproving eyes make my insides squirm. "I cannot allow such a thing. My son will escort you, that is final."
An internal cry of dread resounds in my mind. I 'tsk' realizing there was no way out of this situation. I nod with a sad sigh and grab my sandwich once again. I nibble on it timidly, not happy at all. Why can't I just have a nice vacation?! I quickly become irritated and glare at Edward. This is all his fault. I kick his foot underneath the table and he thrashes slightly in his seat. He growls at me practically and I calmly eat my food.
"What was that for?" he asks in a low rushed whisper.
I glare at him next, "For being born, you imbecile."
He gawks at me before he starts to huff and puff. I roll my eyes and grab another sandwich from the tray. "W-What did you just say?" he snarls.
"Sorry? What?" I lean toward him as if I didn't hear his complaint. "I couldn't hear you over the sound of your heavy breathing."
"Y-You—" he fumes, and I smirk a little at his angry red face.
"I...what?" I mock.
"You two, knock it off," Francis warns and both of us sit straight. "Yes, ma'am!" we exclaim in sync.
0o0o0o0o
I ended up exploring the ship on the second day. I went to the low-class part all the way to the front of the ship. There is a lot to explore, you'd be surprised! There are so many people on this ship. I can't help but feel a little nervous. The fact there is nothing around us besides sea water is a bit unsettling. Anyway, I decided to sneak back out to go outside at night. It is a little late into the night, so the air is very chilly. I wrap my shawl around my shoulders tighter, but the cold penetrates through all my clothing either way.
I shiver slightly and I gaze up at the starry night. You can see every single star I swear. Well, perhaps not everyone because of the small light being provided on the ship. If this ship were powered by pure electricity, then it would be harder to see what I am currently staring at most likely. I sit down on a bench nearby and my breath fans out in front of me. It looks like I'm smoking, ah that's a silly thought I think with a sweatdrop. I dismiss it and continue to stare above me. I wish I had a telescope on me.
"My lady, what are you staring at?" a familiar voice asks. My eyes flicker to his black-clad form and I smile faintly. My heart still aches every time my eyes find his. "The stars." I respond obviously.
"The young master wishes to speak with you about the dinner party tomorrow night."
I nod, "Alright. I shall see him soon."
He turns around, ready to head back inside. "Wait," I call out to him. He stops midway and glances back at me with narrowed eyes. I remain defenseless, not wanting to provoke him further. "Sit with me for a moment?" I suggest, more like plead I suppose.
He continues to stare at me before sighing through his nose. I watch the air cloud briefly around his face as he walks calmly over to me. I scoot over on the bench to make room for him. He sits down but he presses himself rather closely to the armrest. I smile sadly at how defensive he is.
"You know I don't bite, right?" I ask him. He does not spare me a glance. He calmly stares straightforward, not really looking at anything.
"I believe I made myself clear in ceasing any unnecessary contact with each other. Did I not?" he asks, ignoring my jest.
I purse my lips, not wanting to talk about that of all things. "Why though?" I ask afterward. "I apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable. It was not my intention."
Ah, this hurts me a lot more than he knows. I really do feel bad if I made him feel like so around me. He closes his eyes and remains stiff as ever. "I think it would be best to simply ignore each other for the time being, my lady. For your sake the most of all." he reminds me.
I frown then and play with my skirt anxiously, "Right, of course. Thank you for your generosity."
"Do not be mistaken." he states right after with a small glare directed at me. "That is not the case, I do no such thing as generosity. This is so our relationship shall go back to normal."
I blink at that, a bit confused about what he means by that. "What?" I ask.
He sighs again through his nose, "In simpler words, it would be best if our relationship is back to platonic and at an acquaintance level."
I feel something tear even further and deeper in my heart. I resist the urge to grab my chest in pain. The coldness around me creeps closer and attacks me in the most unpleasant ways. It feels like something keeps curling up inside me and dying all over again. Does he want to remain as strangers? That is what he is implying, I figure. He stands up and bows in my direction, "Please do not stay out here much longer, or else the young master will fret for your health, my lady."
I watch him return inside and I take a deep breath. I take another one and another until I feel I am gasping for air. I wrap my arms around me, fighting my tears off. But they leak without my permission. I'm sick and tired of crying all the damn time. But I can't help it when it comes to him and he treats me as so. It simply breaks my heart too much. And after such a statement like that, it really drew a line between us. One he did himself, telling me it would be best to not interact at all unless necessary. What a cruel man, no—a demon. That's right, he's a demon and I'm a human. That will never ever change.
I wish I could turn my feelings off like blowing out a flame from a candlewick. Because for some reason, something tells me to doubt his words.
0o0o0o0o
Clinging onto Edward's arm might be the most unpleasant social experience I have ever endured. I do not wish upon it ever again. But the fake smile on my face is rather easy to muster. Not being able to sleep a wink last night really put a damper on my mood as well. It is not like my mood was good since last night to begin with. The minute we blend into the crowd we pretend to lose each other. The keyword being 'pretend' there, I rather kill myself than dance with that sister obsessed buffoon. I almost gag at how much he loves his sister. I don't even know if love is the right word for that.
I look around at the dinner party, it looks pretty boring. I did not expect less than so due to this being a high-class social gathering. It's all about the talk and less about the fun. I wish I could have gone to the lower class gathering and danced my feet off. Oh my god, that sounds like a lot more fun indeed. I pout slightly and saunter over to the buffet table. I might as well stuff my face with food. There's nothing better to do. But after that, I need to find my brother and Sebastian. Apparently, there's something to do with the mission here. Ciel appeared very serious about it last night, he even suggested I bring my sword with us to the party.
I can feel it tap against my leg and it's a bit annoying. I don't know what the hell we're are getting into to. I can hear Elizabeth's squeaky voice in the distance, and I search for the couple to be throughout the crowd. I easily find Ciel's depleted face and an overly happy Elizabeth standing together. Well, more like she's slowly dragging him around the place. I snicker at them and grab a small plate of horderves. I walk over to the couple and munch on my new snacks. They are not as good as what Sebastian makes.
"Nobles really don't do anything but gather every day and talk about irrelevant things like what family did this or that..." I can hear Ciel complain as Elizabeth randomly dashes away from him. I smirk at this and stop next to him, "The lower-class festivities are much more entertaining. I can guarantee you that."
Ciel looks at me, appearing a bit interested, "Like what?"
I eat another one of my horderves before replying, "Lots of dancing, not the normal waltz either. They drink a lot and cheer. Basically, my type of crowd."
"It sounds rambunctious and exhausting." he comments dryly.
"So is talking for five hours straight."
He pauses for a second, thinking on that statement. "That is true." he agrees afterward.
Sebastian approaches us with a plate in hand. He offers it to my brother, and he takes it from him. "Young master, do not forget." Sebastian reminds. "It's tonight."
"Yeah." Ciel replies with a side glance at some people.
"It seems the signal for the opening of the Aurora Society's meeting is a waiter, walking around the hall carrying empty glasses. The attendees take one and go to the meeting place." Sebastian informs us.
I feel my eyes widen slightly, "How interesting." I murmur.
"Don't let the signal out of your sight." Ciel orders him. "As you wish." Sebastian agrees quickly.
I hum quietly and tap my fingers against my arm. What kind of secret meeting is this, truly? I cannot shake this weird feeling off. However, the sound of whispers distracts me. I listen closer, realizing it's a bunch of women gossiping. 'Look, did you see that skin...?' one whispers. 'It looks just like a snake, doesn't it?' other whispers back. I feel a spark of anger in my heart and walk briskly to Snake's side. I glare intensely at the women, and they pale tremendously.
I notice Snake's clenched fists and I grab one of them gently. He stares at me in shock and I smile softly at him. "Don't listen to them, Snake. You're fine the way you are."
His frown deepens and he looks back down at the ground with shame, "I look different from everyone else, and since I'm with you, people will laugh at you. Says Dan."
"So what?" Ciel says abruptly at my side. I blink at him in surprise, not expecting him to come forward. "Huh?" Snake voices in confusion and looks at my brother.
"You're another person so of course, you look different. What do you need to be ashamed of?" Ciel asks and eats a bite of the meal Sebastian got for him. "Besides we're free to be with whoever we want. No one has the right to say anything about it." Ciel resumes.
I smile, "For once, I wholeheartedly agree with my brother on something."
Sebastian comes up behind Snake and places a hand on Snake's shoulder. Snake startles slightly and glances at Sebastian with wide eyes. "That's right. Right now, you're the footman of a distinguished noble family. So, straighten up and have some confidence."
I hold back another smile at Sebastian's kind words. I cannot stop the warm feeling in my heart from thriving. However, the feeling is lost temporarily when I hear someone ask, 'How about a glass?' behind Sebastian. He notices it too and glances behind him at the waiter. The man offered a glass takes an empty one and heads up the stairs.
"We'll follow him." Ciel instructs and shoves the plate into Snake's hands. I do the same and follow quickly behind. "You clean up!" I tell Snake before climbing the staircase in a hurry. I hate these god damn dresses! More like corsets, but either way it constricts the amount of air I take in.
We come to a corner, but Sebastian stops us. He pulls out three wigs suddenly. I stare at them incredulously, "It would be best to disguise our true identities." he recommends. I nod and grab a long red wig from his hands. I feel like Madam Red now, but I tuck all my hair into it without complaint. Once we all had our wigs on, we peek around the corner.
"I'll have some." says a man wanting to enter a pair of doors that are guarded by two people. A man pours a drink into the empty glass.
"That's quite an extravagant price for water. Which probably means that if one can't afford it, they are not qualified to get in." Ciel observes quietly as the man gives the other person money to enter. "Okay, let's go."
I watch as Sebastian grabs Ciel's shoulder abruptly, "Please wait." Sebastian recommends. Ciel turns around in confusion. "According to my information, the Aurora Society has a fixed greeting. Those who do not know it will be made to leave."
"Hah?" I whine. "Why didn't you say so before? What's the greeting?" I ask.
Sebastian leans closer to us and whispers what it is. I nearly choke on my spit at the thought of doing so ridiculous once he explains it. "I can't believe it...Do I really have to do that?!" Ciel whisper shouts in absolute horror.
Sebastian's face morphs into one of utmost seriousness, "If you can't, we'll be seen as outsiders and will have to leave immediately. So please do not hesitate under any circumstances."
I drag a hand down my face, "Great. Ciel, don't fuck this up." I tell him specifically.
A tick mark pulses near his temple suddenly, "Hah?! Why are you targeting me in that sentence?!"
I smirk at him, "Because you have a tendency to freeze midway when it comes to embarrassing things like so."
"N-No I don't!" he sputters. Sebastian grabs both of our shoulders with a tight grasp, "You two, please stop your useless bickering. Shall we go now?"
We stop as he says and trudge forward from behind the corner. We all raise our glasses for them to fill. Ciel pays the price for all three of us which was so much money by the way. What kind of donations are these? The two people guarding the door open it, "By all means." one says and gestures us to head inside.
We walk inside and a large gathering can be seen throughout the room. A man comes toward us with a drink in hand, he appears to be older in appearance. "Are you first-timers?" he asks us.
Me and Ciel sweatdrop at the question. "Th-The complete flame in our chests..." Ciel stutters a little. "...shall not be extinguished by anyone." the Ciel finishes. I briefly wonder how stupid we will look once we do this godforsaken pose. "We are..." Ciel utters and goes into the position Sebastian spoke to us about. I raise my leg and hold my arms out like a preying bird. "The Phoenix!" all three of us shout in sync.
I feel like something inside me shrivels up and dies once again on this trip. We hold the positions and the man simply stares at us intensely. Oh my god, don't tell me we got the pose wrong?! However, it is not long after does the man copies us and screeches the same thing.
"Welcome to the Aurora Society." the man says and drops the pose. We all follow along with a relieved sigh. That was by far the most ridiculous thing I think I've ever done in my whole life. The man digs into his pockets and hands out three pins toward us. "These are your membership badges."
Sebastian grabs them for us, "Thank you." he tells the man. I watch as he leaves not long after and Sebastian hands me a pin. I grab it and put it above my breast. Sebastian puts Ciel's on his jacket lapel. I find it funny how red my brother's face is. It must have been a mortifying experience for him after all. "I'm never doing that again." I hear Ciel mutter.
I hear someone laugh behind me and I jump slightly in my spot. Wait, that laugh sounds very familiar. I whip around and find Undertaker laughing to himself. I stare in shock, wondering why on earth he is on this ship. "To think you'd ever do something like that!" Undertaker wheezes practically and points at all of us with tears in his eyes, "That was the best!"
"U-Undertaker?!" Ciel cries also in surprise.
"Saying 'The Phoenix!' with such a serious expression." he continues to laugh as drool comes out of his mouth.
"You bastard!" Ciel snarls with irritation. "Now, now, young master." Sebastian says trying to calm him down a little. I cross my arms, my bad feeling increasing with Undertaker's presence. Sebastian seems a bit suspicious as well, "Moreover, what are you doing here?" he asks.
"My job," Undertaker states as if it's obvious. "The hospital is a regular customer of mine."
"But why do they need a mortician right now?" I ask, not completely trusting his words. He peers at me through his bangs and his smirk widens. "I'm simply a guest, deary. ~" he replies.
"We're investigating the illegal human experimentation going on here though," Ciel informs the Undertaker. "Do you know anything about the revival of the dead?"
Undertaker taps his nail against his lips in thought, "Just a sec, if you want information then I want my compensation. Let's see..." he hums. "How about that pose one more time?"
I watch as another blush flushes on Ciel's cheeks, ready to argue against such an idea. "The Phoenix!" a loud voice shouts suddenly, distracting all of us.
I search for where the voice was and find the Viscount Druitt nearby doing that pose in an exaggerated way. I nearly gag at the thought of interacting with him. Why are all the irritating people on this damn ship?! "Sorry, I arranged to pose in my own style." Viscount Druitt says.
"Is that the Viscount of Druitt?!" Ciel screeches in amplified dread and shock. "What is he doing here?!"
Sebastian sweat drops, "Come to think of it, he had a doctor's license, didn't he?"
"You're telling me that blonde idiot has enough talent for such a license?!" I screech at Sebastian. I notice how the Viscount comes closer to us with a smug appearance. "He's coming closer," I remark with a paling face for sure.
Ciel hides behind Sebastian's back and I can't help but find that a little adorable. "Oh my, are you beginners?" Viscount asks Sebastian and clinks their drinks together.
"Yes." Sebastian confirms. "We saw the article in the newspaper."
"Oh." Viscount sighs dramatically. "Madam Samuel's light lippedness is quite troublesome. To think she'd leak our secrets so easily..." he drifts off before looking behind Sebastian's back. "Oh?" he hums and sidesteps around Sebastian. "Have I met you before somewhere?" he asks Ciel with a smirk.
Ciel blushes and jumps back slightly, "NO! I'm sure this is our first meeting!"
The Viscount grabs my brother's chin and draws him in close. I feel all color leaves my face and stare at them in disgust. How many perverts and pedophiles are attracted to my brother?! I nearly throw up at the thought.
"Indeed, I surely wouldn't forget such a beautiful boy such as yourself. Ah, what a pitiful bandage you have." Viscount murmurs in awe.
I am doing everything I can to not savagely rip with his man apart. I want him dead and my fingers twitch with anticipation. Ciel shivers multiple times, his face pale as well. "M-My father said that if I came here, they could heal it." Ciel stutters an excuse.
"That's right, I'm sure Ryan will heal it for you. I'm already looking forward to staring at both your eyes." Viscount says in a dreamy way. Suddenly, he pulls away from my brother holding his forehead, "No, wait. It's decadent enough the way it is now, quite nice even..."
Ciel turns away from him and looks around in confusion. "Where did Undertaker go?" he asks us.
"I wonder what he meant?" Sebastian questions as well. I grab both by their arms, "Who cares where he went. Let's escape this pedo while we can." I recommend. I pull them with me, and they follow willingly. It's not long before a heavyweight is applied to our backs. The Viscount thought it would be fun to cling onto our backs, holding Ciel and Sebastian's shoulders, "Hey, you three!" he calls. "It's starting."
"Huh?" I mouth in confusion. The people in the room go silent and four men carry a casket out onto the floor. I watch in fascination, wondering if they really think this is possible. There's absolutely no way this can be. I mean, even in my time with the technology we have. It's still impossible to achieve. The men carrying the casket set it on a table not long after and everyone whispers amongst each other in the crowd.
A man walks out in a white doctor's coat with a smile. "He's the founder, Ryan Stoker." Viscount Druitt informs us in a whisper. "That's him?" Ciel questions and watches intently. Ryan comes closer to the casket and stands behind it.
"The complete flame in our chests, shall not be extinguished by anyone. We are...the Phoenix!" Ryan shouts and does the dramatic pose. I stare at him in exasperation. That's never going to get old with how stupid it looks. He calms down quickly and resumes a normal stance. "Ladies and gentlemen!" he exclaims with a small bow toward the crowd. "Thank you for coming to today's research presentation of the Aurora Society's 'Complete Salvation of Mankind Through Medicine'. What is complete salvation you say? That is complete health! A healthy body! Healthy teeth! A healthy spirit housed within a healthy body! And finally, a healthy mood! Healthiness is truly splendid!" he tries to inspire with many gestures.
I cross my arms with a sigh through my nose. He's good at marketing, I'll give him that. Because that's all a person wants in life. "However, there's the worst kind of health issue that we can't overcome no matter how hard we try. What is that you say?" Ryan asks the audience. He puts a hand on top of the casket, appearing down a little. "It's death!"
The people around us murmur and whisper their shock at such a realization. I narrow my eyes at the casket and wonder if this will be a magic trick. Something with strings that lifts a dead body into the air or something of the sorts. "And the great power that will save us from this disaster is...the Aurora Society's medicine!" Ryan continues proudly. He gestures to the casket and the men who carried it in begin to take the top of it off. "We will now show you, ladies and gentlemen. The fruits of our 'complete salvation of mankind through medicine research'. Margaret Connor, seventeen. The young lady lost her life at an early age due to an unfortunate accident. It is truly pitiful. An accident that should have not happened."
I plug my nose as the smell of decay enters the room once the top is completely off. Oh my god, it smells so fucking bad. I hate the scent of dead people more than anything. I rather smell dog shit for days. Some people in black cry near her coffin and I realize her family is here for this. Dear lord, this is quite cruel, isn't it?
"Her death not only put her but also her family's hearts in bad health. I want to save them completely!" Ryan exclaims.
I huff and narrow my eyes at the said doctor before me, "He's quite arrogant, isn't he?" I mumble. To think one can do so much is and do everything is sad to see. How idiotic.
"Is the body real?" Ciel asks in a whisper.
"The smell of rot and decay is so strong; it has to be." I whisper back and Sebastian nods in agreement. "It makes my nose twitch." Sebastian comments.
I watch as they put a bunch of wires on the dead body and I tap my arm in thought. Seriously, they really are trying their best, aren't they? My bad feeling increases but I push it down. There's absolutely no way this is going to work. It's got to be a farce. "Well then, ladies and gentlemen! I will show you now! The power of medicine!" he shouts and turns a machine on. "The complete salvation!"
A bunch of light and electric shocks encase the dead body through the wires. I watch in fascination, wondering if he got this idea from Frankenstein. I can feel the heat from the electric shocks from here. The smell of rot increases and I can taste the burnt flesh on my tongue. I swallow any puke that comes up from my throat. I wish my senses weren't so heightened!
"Come! Rise from death!" Ryan persuades in hopes of it working. "Like the Phoenix!" he shouts before turning the machine off. Everyone waits in anticipation and suddenly a hand rises from the coffin. I feel my eyes widen to the point of pain as I stare at it. What the fuck?! This must be a trick, right? It must be an actress lying in there, that's the only sound explanation. I calm myself down, realizing it's a trick. But why does the body still smell of rot?...
The girl's body sits up slowly and everyone gasps in surprise. "Take a look! With our new medicine, we can even overcome death!" Ryan cries and gestures at the body wildly. The parents of the dead girl rush toward her and hug her with sobs. "Maggy! Oh, Maggy!" the mother shouts with a hoarse voice. "Thank you, doctor!" the father shouts next.
I stare in confusion; it must be an act. It must be, right? "This is complete salvation!" Ryan cheers and everyone claps around us in awe.
I peer up at Sebastian, wondering about his thoughts on the matter. "Sebastian, it's an act, right?" I ask. He holds his chin in thought and narrows his eyes at the corpse. I notice his eyes turn their demonic shade as he examines the scenario.
"What on Earth is going on?! Did he really revive a corpse!?" Ciel cries in alarm.
"It has to be impossible!" I exclaim, not wanting to believe the thing in front of me.
"As long as you are alive, mother will—" the mother starts but is suddenly bit by the dead daughter. I watch in a stupor as the mother screams shrilly and blood sprays all over her. The corpse grabs the mother's head and digs her teeth into her mother's neck as if eating her alive. "M-Maggy! What are you—Ow!" she screams.
Everyone in the crowd screams loudly in response and rushes out of the room. Many people push past us, and I can't take my eyes off the mother and daughter. The corpse daughter tosses her mother aside after killing the mother and starts to climb out of the coffin. Ciel takes off his wig and so does Sebastian, "Sebastian!" Ciel calls out. "Yes, my lord." Sebastian replies and takes out a set of his knives. He tosses them at the corpse, and it strikes the body.
I can't help but feel scared at the thought of what I am witnessing. It's a zombie! My legs are frozen, I cannot move for once in my life. The corpse falls due to the force of the strike and I watch it twitch on the floor. The corpse starts to move again and gets up in the most unhuman way ever. I can hear the bones crack inside her and fear strikes my heart for once.
"Wha-What on Earth is she?!" Ciel shouts in horror. The corpse slowly gets up and Sebastian glares at it, "I'm sure I stabbed her heart." Sebastian states. "It is a being I do not understand."
I move an inch forward, "The brain..." I mutter.
No one is paying enough attention to me to understand what I said. "'The Aurora Society's reviving of the dead may not be occult.' I'd never have thought Lau's story to be true." Ciel comments.
I keep my eyes on the zombie before me. That's basically what it is, right?! "Shit...it failed." I hear Ryan say and I glare at him. The fuck is wrong with this guy? "What are you standing around for? Take her down already!" Ryan commands the two men behind him.
The two men take out pistols and shoot at the corpse-like crazy. The corpse turns in their direction with a terrible throaty sound. They keep shooting at the corpse, but it keeps advancing. Why aren't they shooting for the head?! In the end, the men run out of bullets and the corpse descends upon them. It tears through their skin and leaves a gruesome sight. Their screams die down eventually and Ryan stares in fear.
"Damn these useless guys..." Ryan states and decides to dash off through an exit.
Ciel takes a step forward, "Wait!" he shouts at Ryan. But Sebastian stops Ciel from moving any further and pulls him back, "Young master!"
This catches the corpse's attention, and it looks at us. "How the hell are we supposed to take care of that?!" Ciel cries in question.
Sebastian produces more knives while staring at the corpse, "How about I dismember it so it cannot move anymore?" Sebastian suggests.
I gather my dress skirts up and reach toward my thigh. I grab my hidden sword and take it out from underneath me. I walk over to the corpse with a horrifying look. I will not deny the fact I am scared shitless for the first time in a long time. Zombies are no joke to me. I used to get scared whenever The Walking Dead came on the television.
"Rina!" Ciel calls for me, "What are you doing?!"
The corpse moves toward me in a crawl, its nasty bloody wide mouth moving up and down. "My lady! Step back from it!" Sebastian shouts and I can hear his footsteps approach behind me. I raise my sword and pierce it right through its head. It stops moving and I take my sword back out. I stab it a couple more time through the head in case it was not enough.
"It's officially dead." I state afterward and release my sword from it. Before Sebastian and Ciel can question my actions, someone bursts through the door and the roar of an engine comes with them. They fly toward me on a lawnmower and I cry out in shock. Sebastian grabs me by the back of my dress just in time and I land against his chest. The person on the lawnmower lands with a series of metallic screeches and he swivels around with it, "Oh, you killed it already." the person comments while staring at the prone corpse.
I stare at the person in horrific wonder, like what the fuck is this?! What is going on!? "You're..." I hear Sebastian mumble and I realize I am still laying against his chest. I blush furiously and force myself off him. I clear my throat and mutter a small 'thanks'. The man on the lawnmower I confirm takes out a small notebook from his jacket pocket. He glances at the corpse I just finished off.
"Ahhh! See, this chick is totally dead after all!" the man exclaims in surprise. "I so told them that I'd collected her properly."
I blink in confusion, wondering what this man is talking about. It is not until I examine him further do I realize his bright green eyes. "Oh my God, you're a grim reaper, aren't you?!" I shout and point at him.
"That's right!" the man states with a grin and proceeds toward the mother of the corpse girl. He turns on his lawnmower and it sucks up these record-like things. I remember this from Madam Red's death. "There we go." he hums. "Shezanna Connor. Born on the twenty-third of July 1841. Died of shock due to blood loss on the nineteenth of April 1889. Remarks...none. Investigation completed." the man concludes and stamps his notebook. The records around the dead mother's body disappear once he is done as well.
After he pockets his notebook, he turns back to examine us until he appears to realize something. "That getup, don't tell me, you're the rumored 'Sebas-chan'?" the grim reaper asks while gesturing at Sebastian. I almost laugh at the name and the look of irritation on his face.
"I have quite an aversion to that name, however, I am indeed the Phantomhive family butler, Sebastian Michaelis."
"You are?" the grim reaper questions. "The Shinigami Dispatch Association, Collection Division: Ronald Knox. Thanks for taking care of my senior." Ronald introduces himself with a wry smirk.
"I'm sure you've heard plenty about us," I say with a sigh. "No need for our introduction."
Ronald hums and stares at me in thought, "Say, how did you know to kill them is by destroying their head?" he asks.
I freeze, not realizing how suspicious that action was. I can feel Ciel and Sebastian's eyes on me. I gulp nervously when I realize I don't I have an explanation. "In fact, I was wondering the same thing." I hear Ciel say.
I grip my sword tighter, "Er, lucky guess?" I offer with a shrug and awkward laugh. I can feel Sebastian's eyes turn into a hard glare. He knows I'm lying, god damnit. "How did you know about the corpses then?" I ask Ronald right after.
He scratches the back of his head, "We don't know any details either. Just we had reports of corpses whose souls had surely been collected moving around and stuff. So, since the administration put in a claim saying it was our miss...I came here to investigate, however, this here thing really was a genuine, soulless corpse. Cos' I definitely got Margaret Connor's soul two weeks ago." Ronald explains.
Ciel cups his chin in thought, "So, the dead didn't get revived. It was just the corpse moving."
"Is it possible for a soulless body to move around?" Sebastian questions next.
"My bosses said it's totally impossible, but the fact remains that they're actually up and about like this, so the Shinigami Dispatch Association is looking into it too." Ronald offers.
Sebastian hums lightly in thought, "So, the only thing you know for sure is 'if you want to kill it, smash its head'...it's not really 'killing' though, just 'stopping their movements'."
Ciel begins to walk away in a brisk, heading toward the doors to exit. I follow along naturally and so does Sebastian. "Looks like our only option is forcing Ryan to spit it out. Let's go!" Ciel informs us.
The revving of an engine starts up again and I twirl around to find Ronald fly at us with the lawnmower. I release a panicky noise and grab my brother. I pull him into my side and Sebastian grabs the lawnmower by its sides as Ronald tries to force it closer to Sebastian's face.
"Why the hell does he even have a lawnmower?!" I shriek. Those aren't invented yet neither are fucking chainsaws. What is Heaven like to even have these?!
"If the administration gets wind of there being a demon on board..." Ronald trails off with a giddy look. "You betcha they'll be going 'aren't you just hiding the fact that you let that beast snatch all the souls away?' Dontcha think that those kinda false accusations will get me into a lot of trouble? And I'll totally pass on any overtime, so won't you just vanish?"
