Hello Readers! Happy 2021! Not gonna lie, last year sucked hard! (ಥ﹏ಥ) I don't want to go into my depressing life story of 2020, and all I can really hope is that this year things will get a bit better for everyone. I hope you all are doing ok and are safe! Because at this time, that's all we can really do.
Just a quick note, if anyone gets confused, I am using scenes from both the anime and the manga. For example, in the anime, Ciel investigates the crime scene, where in the manga they just went straight to the Undertaker.
I hope you enjoy chapter 5!
"Um, mother, isn't breaking an entry... illegal?" Alice felt a sweat-drop go down her face, as she watched her mother, Grell, and Mr. Lau make a mess in the storage room. For reasons she will never understand, Madam Red and Lau knew that Ciel would be staying in town for a couple of days, mainly because the Queen needed him. So, they broke into his private house, and while they were waiting for him to arrive, they were trying to find tea.
"It is not breaking and entry dear, if it's family," Madam Red corrected, while rubbishing through a cumbered, "For goodness's sake! Wherever do they keep the tea in this place?" She grumbled.
"I can't find it either..." Lau frowned, looking inside a glass vase.
"Don't be silly, of course it's not in there!" Madam Red snapped.
Suddenly the door behind them opened, reviling a shocked Ciel and his butler Sebastian, "Uh... Hello Ciel." Alice sheepishly greeted her cousin, feeling more sweat-drops on her face.
"Alice? Madam Red? Lau? What are you doing here?!" Ciel snapped, shocked that someone had broken into his private instate.
But the two nobles simple smiled, acting like there action were not that big a deal, "Ciel, you're early dear." Madam Red smiled.
"You coming here can only mean one thing," Lau smirked, along side Madam Red.
"The Queen's guard dog has a new sent to follow."
The Queen's guard dog: A name that Ciel was given two years ago, back when he was found alive. Given by Queen Victoria herself, when she awarded him as the Earl of Phantomhive. His job, as his title goes by, is to sniff out crime cases, and issues the police force. Usually he would venter outland, where the police aren't able to go, and would most of the time go undercover. While some would say he is too young, (and at the time I thought so too) he had proven himself as one of the best detectives in England.
Since they were uninvited guests, but seeing is that where was no way Madam Red and Lau would leave, Sebastian prepared some tea and sweets for them. The butler kept glancing over at young Dalles, as she quietly sipped her tea, refusing to look at him. It had been a few weeks since Lizzie's surprised ball, and the... incident between the two of them. Alice had refused to go back to the Phantomhive manor, not trusting the butler one bit. (Like she ever did in the first place)
"Today's tea is a Jackson's "earl grey", and for dessert, pear and berry cornmeal cake," Sebastian announced, poring tea for everyone.
"It's the same kind of tea, but the way you make it makes such a difference~," Madam Red smiled, before taking a jab at her butler "I should send Grell back for more training," Alice noticed Ciel shuttered, remembering that day's events, and not wanting a repeat. Madam Red then grinned at Sebastian who was right next to her, "No matter what, every time I you, you're still so handsome!" she began to stroke her gloved up and down his backside, making the butler shutter for shock, "Why don't you quit working here and serve me!" She smiled, blushing.
Alice face turned bright red, watching her mother groped the butler, "Oh my lord, mother!" She whined.
Ciel cleared his throat, "Madam Red."
She stopped and blushed in embarrassment, but she didn't regret it, "Oh sorry, I couldn't help it. He looked like he needed a physical, just a doctor's habit~," she then looked back up at the butler smiling, "How about instead of working for me, you could marry my darling daughter!" Alice chocked on a piece of cake, "You would be perfect! A man who can cook and clean, while looking so handsome~, so hard to find these days."
"M-Mother please!" Alice blushed even more, lightly coughing in a napkin. She glanced up at Sebastian, who was giving her a charming smile. She narrowed her eyes, and looked away, "As if I could be with a pervert..." She muttered under her breath.
But while the teasing was all for fun, that wasn't important at the moment, it was the reason why Ciel was in London, "Let's talk seriously now," Ciel spoke up, getting everyone's attention, "I heard about the case of prostitutes being murdered on the streets lately."
"You mean, what's been on the news nonstop lately? I know of it." Madam Red said.
"However, what are you planning?" Lau asked.
"This isn't just some ordinary case," Ciel explained, "The killer's special way - no, I should say abnormal. That's why "she" is so concerned about it." He was referring to the Queen.
"What do you mean?" Alice asked.
"The most resent victim was a woman named Mary Ann Nichols. It appears a special type of blade was used on her, she was torn up beyond recognition." Sebastian explained in detail, making Alice shutter.
"The murder's decisive style of killing has earned him a new nickname in the press, "Jack the Ripper"." Ciel said.
"Charming." Alice frowned.
"A frightening name." Lau commented.
"That's why I'm hear earlier then expected, I hurried into town looking into the situation for myself." Ciel finished.
Lau set his teacup down, and smirked at the earl, "But are you sure you'll be brave enough to stomach the crime scene?"
Ciel narrowed his eye, "What do you mean by that?"
"The sight of the dismembered body will certainly be horrific. And one could only imagine the stench, blood and gore everywhere, surly it would be more then enough to drive someone mad," the man taunted, sitting up and walking to Ciel, "Are you prepared to see such a thing? You're just a young boy after all~." He placed a hand on Ciel face, cradling him.
Alice narrowed her eyes at the Chinese nobleman, Shut your mouth, Caterpillar. Sebastian also narrowed his eyes at Lau.
Ciel didn't let Lau's words cut him down, he glared up at him, "I am the head of the Phantomhives, and service to my Queen. Don't ask foolish questions."
Lau kept smirking, "Very nice, I like the look in your eye... Then come take a stroll with me~!" He grabbed Ciel's hand, and pulled him out of his seat and to the door.
"Wait a minute!" Ciel barked, stumbling a little.
"Seriously! I rarely get to have some afternoon tea with the earl, but I can't even enjoy it in peace? I want to go too," Madam Red protested, "Lau, where is the crime scene?"
But Lau simply shrugged, "I don't know, Madam?"
"Don't ask me, I don't know the way either."
"Ah, you too, really..." Lau frowned, which ticked off the Madam.
"You talk so arrogantly, yet you don't even know where it is?!"
Alice and Ciel sighed, "Calm down, I know there is." Ciel said, throwing the nobles off-guard.
Apparently the human race was fascinated by carnage. For the alleyway where the latest victim was found, there was a gathering. Once we were there, people moved away, letting us through.
Ciel walked up to detective, reading the documents of the case. the officer looked at him, and smile, "Sorry my boy, I'm afraid a crime scene like this is no place for a child. Now why don't you just run along home."
"I'm here to to see the victim's body." Ciel explained, throwing the man off-guard.
"The body? Surely you're kidding me!-"
"Abberline!" A gruff male's voice barked from behind detective. Coming out of the shadows was the head commissioner of the Scotland Yard, Aruther Randall, "Well, it is isn't Lord Phantomhive, what are you doing here?" He glared down at the young earl.
Ciel smirked, "I came to clean up after the slow-moving hounds working this case," he then showed them a envelope he had received, with the Queen's seal on it, "You know who sent me," Randall narrowed his eyes, while Abberline's widened. Ciel took the papers and examined them, "It looks like you haven't got many clues."
Randall tsk, snatching the papers back, "We of Scotland Yard will solve this case. We don't need your interference."
Ciel just smirked, "Excellent. Let's go Sebastian."
"Yes, my lord." The police force watched as the earl, along with his group.
"Now what dear?" Madam Red asked.
"The best thing would probably be to visit him."
Lau gasped out loud, "My lord! You mean..."
"Yes, indeed." Ciel frowned.
Alice was beyond confused, "Who?"
The group stood outside a dingy old shop, that had no windows, a large coffin in the front, and a creepy sign with a skull that said, "Undertaker". Alice's eyes widened, even living on the streets since she was a child, she had never know this place even existed, the creepy welcoming gave her a shiver.
"So... where are we?" Lau asked.
"You don't know, then what was all that about?!" Madam Red snapped, finding the man's cluelessness getting more irritating.
"It's a funeral parlor run by an acquaintance of the young master's." Sebastian explained.
"The Undertaker..." Alice muttered out loud.
Sebastian opened the door, "We're looking for answers this is the place." Ciel said, as the three nobles and two butlers walked in.
The name fit the shop, for it was a funeral parlor, only it looked more like a dirty laboratory; coffins were everywhere, bottles filled with human body parts and powders on shelves, and a manikin of the human body in the corner.
Suddenly, a creepy chuckle echoed through the room, that sounded very familiar to Alice, "Welcome~, I thought you'd drop by before long," Alice's eyes widened, That voice... A creaking noise startled the group, as a coffin pressed against the wall slowly opened. A pale hand with long black fingernails pushed the door open, and green eyes glowed through the dark, "My lord, it's so lovely to see you~ Do I finally have the pleasure of fitting you in one of my coffins?" The man asked, showing himself finally.
I was thunderstruck at the sight of the man; dressed in a black robe, a long crooked top hat, and a gray scarf strapped across his chest and knotted by the hips. Yet his pale face, long grey hair covering his eyes, and a large scare across his face, was very familiar. "Hatter...?" I whispered. But, it didn't make sense... This man, was suppose to be in my Wonderland. How could a man, who I had never knew existed until now, was just like my best friend in my fantasy world? He then turned his attention on me, and grinned his usual smile at me.
"So nice to see you Alice." He said, in his mad voice.
Everyone's eyes turned to the young Dalles, but she was too fixated on the gray hair man, her eyes still wide, as a faint blush grew on her cheeks.
"Alice, you know with man?" Her mother asked.
"U-Uh - no... Sorry," she looked away, "You must be mistaken."
The Undertaker snickered, but dropped it. He turned back to Ciel, "So, I'm a right? Are you here for my one of my coffins?" He asked excitedly.
Ciel frowned, "No, that isn't why I'm here. I wanted to-"
Undertaker reached out his hand, silencing the earl, "No need to say, I'm already aware, very well aware. One of my resent customers was a bit unusual, shall we say. I help though, I made her look beautiful again." He smiled, sounding quite proud of his 'work'.
"I would like the like the details, please."
"Ah I see now, so the funeral parlor is you cover business," Lau smiled, getting the idea, "How much money do you want for information?" Being the British branch manager of the Shanghai trading company "Kong-Rong", money was not a problem.
Undertaker took a pause, staring at the nobleman, before swooping over him, scaring the man, while still grinning, "How much money?! I have no desire for any of the Queen's coin!" his eyes shined past his hair, as turned to Ciel, rushing over, placing his hand's on the boy's shoulders, "Come on, my lord, give it to me and I'll tell you anything!" he panted, slightly drooling, "The extraordinary gift of true laughter! Just one joke and all the information his your!" He giggled like a lunatic, his body wiggling around. Madam Red grabbed Alice's arm, and pulled her daughter behind her, away from the freak.
"Leave it to me, my lord," Lau stepped forward with a serious look in his eyes, "Here is my joke; which side of a tiger has the most stripes? On the outside!" smiling with confidence, he turned to Undertaker, "Get it? Haha..." Everyone remained silent, unimpressed.
"My turn," Madam Red smirked, taking a stand, "I live for gossip! So this story will make you laugh so hard you'll simply curl up and die!" Alice and Grell gaped, this was going to end poorly. As she began to dirty story, Sebastian had to cover Ciel's ears, "So, his XXX was completely flaccid and XXX, but when I XXX, the XXX tip started bobbing like XXX-"
"MOTHER PLEASE STOOOOP!" Alice screeched, covering her face that was scarlet red, never had she been so embarrassed by her mother. Thankfully her prayers were answered by Sebastian, who silence both Madam Red and Lau.
Undertaker looked two the three remainders, "Now then, who's up next?" He grinned, turning his face to Alice.
The young woman tensed up, feeling very anxious around the man. (Who she thought she knew) "Um- well... I'm better at riddles, then jokes." She shyly looked away.
"That's quite alright Alice, I'm well aware of that," Undertaker smiled, "Though, I wish you would smile more~, It always lightens up my day~."
Alice blinked in shocked, looking back at him, How... how do you know this? That's what he always tells me... She was too dumbfounded by the man in front of her, that she didn't notice the butler in black, slight glare at the two.
Undertaker then turned to Ciel, "Well then my lord, it looks like you're the only one left. I gave you a special discount last time, but I won't do it again." He smugly grinned at Ciel's glare.
"It can't be helped," Sebastian spoke up, stepping forward. He narrowed his eyes Undertaker, who simply smirked, "Everyone please wait outside. No matter what happens, do not attempt to listen in." He warned everyone, before pushing them outside the shop.
The four nobles stared at the door in silence, it was too quiet, and suspicion was growing. Suddenly, hysterical laugher was blasted out, it was so loud that the hole shop shook like a earthquake, even the sign fell off the building. And as quickly as it came, it died down, and Sebastian opened the door, with a proud smile on his face, "Please come in. It appears he will tell us everything." What he said to Undertaker was left up to the noble's imagination.
Inside, Undertaker leaning against a coffin, drooling and panting, "Ha ha... I've seen my Utopia..."
As he told us more information on the body, he offered us a seat and tea. Although, it was more like, sitting on any free coffin and drinking cold tea-bags out in beakers. Oddly enough, he gave me his only proper cup, though it be slightly chipped. As I stared at the man caressing his manikin behind the front desk, my mind kept escaping from the main reason why we were here. Maybe I have met him before? A long time ago? Was that the reason he said my name? Was it a forgotten memory on mine that created Hatter? And tried desperately to remember, but nothing!
"Actually, I've always thought, there weren't enough "guests"." Undertaker chuckled.
"Not enough?" Sebastian asked.
"Yes, not enough. Internal organs, of course," everyone jolted by that grim subject, as Undertaker went on, "My hobby is to take out organs for research..." everyone, except Alice, looked down at the beakers in their hands. beakers, that were probably used for storing organs, and they were drinking tea from them. Alice watched as they set their 'drinks' down. Why did he give me a regular cup?
"This could have stored a kindly before, right? A criminal could've given it to a loan shark." Lau covered his mouth, almost gagging.
"It also could have come from the slums of China," Undertaker joked, pissing off the nobleman. But it got a giggle out of Alice, which made his grin widen, "Because her womb, is gone," everyone blinked, "Recently, these kinds of 'guests' have been rapidly creasing. Their whole bodies dripping with blood, it's made me very busy."
"Let's say that there aren't very many people out of the streets late at night. But accurately cutting out specific organs couldn't be done by a regular person, right?" Sebastian went into specific detail.
Undertaker grinned, "The butler understands well, I too feel this way," he then stood up and walked over to Ciel, leaning behind him, "If he had to act within such short time, he should slit the throat first. And proceed to cut open the stomach," He demonstrated with his hands, tracing his finger over Ciel's neck, and with his other hand, mimic the feeling of a knife cutting the abdomen, "It's easier to succeed this way. From the looks of the culprit's work, that cruel accuracy definitely wasn't carried out by a normal citizen. It had to have been someone experienced."
I took in his words, let it prosses in my mind for a good long minute. The killer was only attaching women, prostitutes, and each one of them, had their wombs removed. It had to mean something... It could have been a sexist, who found prostitutes disgusting, though then again, a majority of England thought the same. But why remove the womb? As being the daughter of a doctor, I knew how hard it was for mother to learn everything about the human body as well as being skilled and precise. So then, if the short amount of time the killer had, they must have been an expert, as well as had vast knowledge of the human body.
I don't know why in that moment, but I took a quick glace at my mother. I immediately regretting it. I was disgusted with myself, what was I thinking?! She would never associate to something like that! She was kind, caring, and put others before herself! I loved her will all my heart! But then... that night, when returned home, with her eyes wide and her face drained of color, like she witness a murder... I shook my head, pinched my hand so hard that it left a tiny burse. I had cursed myself in my head over and over, making sure those negative thoughts were completely gone. And I thought I did it, but yet... a little bit of uncertainty was still there...
Undertaker leaned into Ciel's ear, "You shouldn't been able to figure that out too, earl. It's very likely that the murderer is an expert. Maybe if he knew you were here, it could lure him out. he will keep committing crimes, he definitely will, unless someone stops him," he pulled away, smirking, "Can you stop him? "The notorious noble" Earl of Phantomhive."
Ciel stared hard at the man who dared questioned him, "On the honor of my family crest, I eliminate anyone who defiles the queen's garden, without exception... and by any means necessary," he swore, standing up from his seat, Sebastian put on his coat, "Sorry for intruding, Undertaker." And headed for the door,
As ever one left the shop, Alice was the last to leave. But not before Undertaker said, "Oh Alice," she turned back to the man, who kept smiling at her, "If you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me. You always do~"
"I am always here for you." That's what you said, when we 'first' met. My mind felt like it was going to break, I was beyond confused. This man, who I had never met, was very familiar, just like my old friend. I said, "Thank you." and left.
Alice kept her head down, avoiding her mother's hard stare. Madam Red raised her brow high at Alice, wanting to know more about why the Undertaker seemed to know her daughter so well. Thankfully Ciel kept discussing the matter at hand, "This information narrows down our suspects."
"First of all, we look at those with the necessary skill sets, crossing out anyone with an alibis for the night the murders took accrued. And given the removal of internal organs, it seems ritualistic. So we should also consider those involved with secret societies and black magic." Sebastian said.
"As if that narrows the field? Why even I have the medicals skills necessary for this," Madam Red frowned, "Besides which the season is ending soon, any doctors who follow the nobles to this city will be returning to the country, and then wha-"
"Then we'll simply conclude our investigations before then," The butler cut her off, smirking.
"Impossible..." Lau muttered, looking at the butler as if he was mad.
"I should be able to do this much at least, otherwise what kind of butler would I be?" Lau, Madam Red and Alice looked at him like he was crazy. And while Alice had seen Sebastian do abnormal tasks, this was pushing it. But Ciel didn't seem to worry, as he smirked, "I'll make up a list of suspects now and question all of them," Sebastian smiled at master, before suddenly opening the carriage door while it was still moving. He turned back to the nobles, smiling, "Now, it you'll excuse me." and jumped out.
Lau and Madam Red pressed up against the window, "He knows that we're moving right?!"
"Sebastian will take care of it for now, we can head home and have a cup of tea while we wait." Ciel said.
"You certainly put a lot of faith in him." Alice frowned, not liking that she was complimenting the butler.
The carriage pulled up to Ciel's private house, and as the four nobles walked up to the door and opened it, they were in shock to be greeted my Sebastian, "Welcome back everyone, I have awaited your return," he bowed while smiling, "The afternoon tea is ready for you in the drawing room." Ciel was the first to enter, handing his hat to the butler.
"Hold on, how are you here?!" Madam Red pointed at the man, with a shocked face.
"I finished my errands, so I came home ahead of you." Sebastian explained.
"You already finished your suspect list?"
"It's only been twenty minutes." Alice pointed out.
Sebastian kept smiling, showing off three large paper scrolls in his arms, "Yes, I merely created a list of names based on the criteria we discussed, and then I contacted them all, and directly collected their statements."
Madam Red smirked, placing a hand on her hip, "Come now Sebastian, that's impossible even for you-"
Imminently, wanting to prove us wrong, the butler opened the scrolls and started naming down every single suspect he interviewed. All the while Ciel smirked, Lau looking impressed, mother and I were shocked in disbelief, and Grell, who was blushing at Sebastian.
"Through this investigation, I've narrowed it down to one person who meets the criteria." Sebastian finished.
Madam Red smiled in disbelief, "Are you certain you're just a butler? And not a secret military intelligence officer?"
Sebastian simply smiled, "No, I am merely one hell of a butler."
With now knowing our target, we made a plan. The man in question: the Viscount Druitt, Aleister Champers. He graduated form medical school, but had never worked in a hospital before, and had not been involved in this profession. He had also hosted a number of seasonal parties, but there were rumors that he had also hosted parties where only those close to him can attend. There was also a rumor that he was into black magic, and some speculate that these private parties were for ritual. With all that information, there was a chance that maybe he was probably sacrificing these prostitute.
The Champers last party of the season was tonight, if we were gonna catch this murderer in the act, we had but one chance. Getting dressed for a grand party, we road off to the mansion. The plan was simple: Ciel would be bait, and get close to the Druitt, if he is proven to be the culprit, Sebastian would swoop in and save Ciel, and arrest the murderer. But possibly the best part of Ciel being bait, was that he had to disguised himself as a girl!
Stepping out of the carriage, Alice was trying to withhold her laughter, at the sight of her poor cousin; wearing a pink frilly dress, black gloves, a long wig tied in two ponytails, and party hat with roses, covering his eyepatch. Entering the mansion, Madam Red went over the plan one last time, "Ciel will play my niece visiting from the country, and Sebastian will play Ciel's tutor." Alice glanced up at the butler's new look, wearing a more common suit, and glasses. It was impressive how so little made suck a different. (For the butler at least)
"And just why do I have to act like your niece?!" Ciel snapped, his face blushing red.
"Because dear, I always wanted to dress you up in girl clothes," Madam Red smiled all excitedly, "And besides, I miss dressing up little girls," She looked to her seventeen year old daughter, "Oh Alice, you look so extraordinary!"
Alice's deep navy blue ballgown had two skirt layers; the top was knee long, and had light stripes of lapris and azure. The larger navy skirt underneath touched the floor, and had beautiful patterns of dark thorny vines and light blue roses. Her matching corset had off the shoulder sleeves like Ciel's, but had a large white bow tied on the back. She of course also had accessories, white hand gloves, sapphire necklace and earrings and her hair was up in a hair-crown braid.
"While we're here, lets try to find you a man!" Madam Red clapped her hands all excitedly, making her daughter blush. She then took notice that Sebastian was eyeing her up and down, smirking. Trying to act unfazed Alice lifted her noise and turned away. Madam Red leaned in close to Ciel, reminding him why he was in disguised, "You don't want them to find out your a Phantomhive, now do you? Besides, I've heard that Lord Druitt has an eye for any pretty little thing in a skirt. And we do want to want to catch his eye, right?"
"By any means necessary. You do remember saying that, do you not sir?" Sebastian added, also enjoying Ciel's humility. Ciel hmphed, what's done is done, might as well stick with it.
Everyone split up; Ciel, and Sebastian went off in search of the Druitt, while Alice and her mother went to enjoy the party, with Lou tagging along. Madam Red imminently caught the attention of every signal man, old and young. And as promised, she kept mentioning that her daughter was signal and looking. And while some young gentlemen came up front and started small talk with the young Dalles, Alice found this all excruciatingly unbearable. She knew her mother meant well, and wanted to make sure she was going to be taken care of, but Alice didn't feel ready for marriage. As she looked through the see of nobles around the room, no one caught her attention.
"My my, what a lovely dress," Alice blinked, and turned, her eyes widened at the man before her. He wore an all white suit, his skin was pale and had beautiful long blonde hair. His purple eyes seemed to shine under his long eyelashes, "But not quite as lovely as the young madan wearing it." His smile was charming, and his voice was soft and lacy. He was like a prince out of a fairytale.
But that's not how Alice saw him, if fact, he reminded her of the Mock Turtle: a repulsive creature with the head, hind hooves and tail of a cow and the body, shell and front flippers of a sea turtle. He only fancies himself as being sad and pathetic, and is constantly looking for sympathy.
While the man repulsed her, glancing around the ballroom, Ciel and Sebastian were no where to be seen, This might be our only chance... For the good of the cause, Alice decided to take Ciel's place for now, "Thank you, Lord Druitt." She smiled, batting her eyelashes.
"Please, the pleasure is all mine, beautiful blue rose~." he took her gloved hand and kissed it. Alice fought a shudder, "Are you enjoying the party?"
"Yes very." Alice kept smiling, gently pulling her hand back, and rubbing her glove behind her skirt.
But suddenly, the Druitt leaned in close, exanimating her face. Alice held her breath, had she been found out?! He then looked behind her noticing Madam Red, and smiled back, "You are Madam Dalles' daughter, yes?"
Alice sighed in relief, Please don't ask be about my past life in poverty! She was so sick and tired of when the topic was brought up, it was years ago people, let it go!
"And if I'm right," he leaned in close again, his smile widening, "You are unmarried, yes?"
Okay, maybe I should bring it up and gross him out! It was tempting, especially when he was trying to snake his arm around her waist, Just say yes, and get this over with!
But right before she was about to comment, the orchestra started to play, as everyone gathered around the dancefloor. Chamber glanced up for a moment, before smiling back down at Alice, offering his hand, "Well then, Miss Dalles, may I have this dance?"
Alice kept her wits up, and took his hand, "It would be an honor, my lord."
"No, my blue rose," He pulled her close and wrapped his other arm around her, "The honor is all mine~."
He lead her to the center of the dancefloor. As the music played, everyone danced around. Alice held her shuddering back when the Druitt slowly started to move his hand lower, till it rested on her hip. As he spinned her around, Alice tried to get more out of him, "So, lord Druitt, do you-"
"Might I ask, Miss Dalles, what is your type?" He smiled.
"U-Um, my type?"
"What do you like? Any hobbies? Do you preferer the city or the county? For me, anything would do." He kept smiling, in his own fantasy.
Oh my God! Is he asking for my hand?! Alice gapped in her mind, but kept a smile up, "Oh - well, I... quite enjoy reading... and um, I am very skilled at swordswoman." Maybe if I tell him this, he will lose interest?
"Ah~, not only smart up powerful?" he pulled her even closer, "So this blue rose also has thorns? I'm intrigued~."
I don't know how much longer I can take! Taking a quick glance around the ballroom, she finally spotted Ciel and Sebastian, dancing on the further end of the dancefloor. They made eye-contact, and Alice did her best to try and motion them to her add, while not getting caught by Chamber.
While the music kept playing, she very gently took the lead and focused them off to the side of the dancefloor. Alice very gently pulled away from the Druitt, pretending to be out of breath, "T-Thank you for the dance my lord," She curtsied, but as she was trying to scoot away, The Druitt didn't let go of her hand.
"My blue rose, you seem to be in a rush. Don't you want to spend more time together? Maybe find something more amusing~." Chamber smiled turned into cat grin.
I'm going to lose it! "Oh- well... My lord, you see-"
"There you are me dear, I was looking everywhere for you." Came a familiar voice from behind her, Alice tested up, feeling a hand place on her shoulder. Alice looked up at her right, her eyes widened to see her savior: Sebastian. He smiled down at her, before looking at the Druitt, who was surprised, "Thank you for looking after my fiancée."
"F-Fiancée?" Chamber stumbled on his words, he let Alice go.
"Yes," Sebastian pulled Alice closer to his side, still smiling, "My dearly Alice and I have been engaged for quite some time. Haven't we, my dear~?" Using his over hand, he reached for Alice's left hand and lifted it. To Alice's and Druitt's surprise, on her gloved hand was a diamond ring, on her finger.
How did that...? Alice looked up at Sebastian, who gave her a signal motion with his eyes to the Druitt, "Oh-ah Yes! Yes we have been! I am so sorry my lord, but I was trying to tell you." She giggled, glad she didn't spill the beans, and the soul-crushing look on Chamber's face was worth the hell she had to endure.
But he played it off, and smiled, "No my dear, I should be the one to apologize," He looked to Sebastian, "I should have known a beautiful flower like yourselves would be picked. You are a very lucky man."
Sebastian kept smiling, seeming to enjoy the fake role as fiancé, "We thank you for your blessing my lord." But as Sebastian stated to walk Alice away, the Druitt suddenly added.
"Ah, to be in love~. You both are such a handsome pair, how about a kiss? I do enjoy seeing happy couples together, is that alright?" Alice felt her hole body froze, that shiver down her spine was back. She glanced up a Sebastian who was unfazed, but his smile grew wider.
He looked back down at his fiancée, "I think that's suitable," turning her so she was facing him, he leaned in close. Alice trembled glancing the other way to avoid his stare, "Come now my dear," Sebastian held her chin, forcing her to look at him, "We don't want to be rude to our lord~."
My face was scarlet red, the beating of my heart ringed in her ears. Everything started to blur around me, besides him. I felt like I was drowning, I couldn't breath. Was this really happening? My first kiss... taken, all for the allusion of not being imposter. A little part of me felt like crying; mother always told me the first kiss was special... But, as I focused just on the man in front of me, all my sudden emotions washed away. I felt calm, staring into his crimson eyes, that almost look like they were glowing. Maybe this won't be so bad...? I guess, if it had to be anyone... I'm relived it's him... But right as I closed my eyes, bracing myself.
"Oh dear, just as I feared," Sebastian cooed, taking his glove off, and touching her forehead, "You had more then one, haven't you?" he tsk. Alice blinked a few times, trying to get her bearings. What was going on now?! She wasn't drunk! Though, with everything happening all at once she was certainly overwhelmed, "Please pardon us, my lord, but I must add my love." Sebastian smiled back at the Druitt, and put most of his strength in guiding Alice to the balcony, leaving the Chamber puzzled.
"W-Wait - what's..." Alice slowly started to collect herself, "What about Ciel?" She whispered, looking over her shoulder to try and find him.
"Do not worry about him, my lady. He will be fine," Sebastian reassured her. Once they stepped outside, Alice inhaled and exhaled the cool air. Slowly her head stopped spinning, and she started to get her bearings, "Are you feeling better now?"
"Yes, very..." Alice sighed, but her relaxion was halted by the flashbacks on what had just happened moments ago. Looking up wide eyed at the butler, who kept smiling, she frowned, "What were you thinking?!" she quietly shouted, "Fiancée? Kiss?! You perverted-"
"You seemed to be in direr need of rescue, and it was the best solution to get the Druitt to lose interest in you," Sebastian explained, "And if I recalled," his grin grew, leaning in close, "You didn't pull away~."
Alice's face flushed again, hating the fact that she was called out, and after all the hard work in ignoring him. She turned to the side, after a few moments she sighed, "No comment... However, I appreciate you saving me from that... disgusting mule," she shuddered, Sebastian nodded in agreement, "So... thank you, Sebastian." Alice softly thanked, looking back up at the butler.
They stared at each other in silence for a few moments, watching as the moonlight shined of the other's form. Till finally Sebastian gave her a genuine smiled, placing his hand on his chest and bowing his head, "You are very welcome, my lady," he then took a glance inside and started to head back, but not before looking on his shoulder, "Oh, and I wasn't going to kiss you. You're first time has to be special." And with that, he quickly headed off, leaving Alice to breath.
Her cheeks were still red, but she sighed in relief, maybe he wasn't such a pervert. Still slightly creepy though. Taking a glance back down at her gloved hand, she noticed the ring was gone. He must have taken it back to its rightful owner, "Love is too complicated." Alice groaned, wanting this night to end. But alas, they were still on a mission. Heading back inside, she spotted Ciel talking to the Druitt now.
But just as they talking, Sebastian came out of nowhere (again) wearing a masquerade mask. He had brought a large white chest, "Ladies and gentlemen, if everyone would please gather around, this evenings magic show will now begin."
"Magic show...?" Alice muttered, raising her brow.
"Pardon me sir, would you kindly assist me?" He looked towards Lau, who was standing next to Madam Red, fanning her.
The nobleman smiled, "Me? certainly." He walked over to the chest.
While everyone was so intrigued by the performance, Alice took notice of Chamber, leading Ciel away. Please be safe. She prayed, before paying better attention to the show.
"A normal chest, once I'm inside bind it tightly with these chains," Sebastian explained to Lau, and held up a sword to the chest, "Then, run it through with swords." Alice's eyes widened, watching the butler step inside, "I shall come out of it perfectly unharmed. This is no mer- trick or illusion. Prepare for a performance of true magic." Bowing his head, the chest closed and sealed with chains.
Lau held up the sword, a little hesitant, "Well, here goes nothing." With a unsettling gleam in his eyes, he leaped up and all around the chest, stabbing every inch with swords. Alice as well as the audience watched in horror as Lau showed no mercy. When there was no more swords (or room) he stopped, the chains broke off, and out came Sebastian, completely unharmed. Everyone cheered and clapped, while Alice kept looking in disbelief.
"That was amazing, Sebastian!" Madam Red cheered.
"Indeed! I was rather afraid I might have killed you." Lau smiled, it was hard to believe he was even worried of remorse by his actions.
"It actually hurt, I didn't think you'd aim for my head," Sebastian muttered, only loud enough for their party to hear, "Anyone else would have died."
"So, what's the trick to it anyway?" Lau asked.
"You stabbed him that many times without knowing?!" Madam Red screamed at the nobleman's face. Her shocked face turned to Sebastian, hopping for an answer.
The butler turned back to them and smiled, "Like I said, there were no tricks or illusion, just magic."
"We probably shouldn't question about it anyway, mother." Alice said, trying to ignore the wink Sebastian gave her, "Speaking of tricks," she leaned into her mother's ear, "The creep took the bait. It's our time to leave now." Madam Red and Lau nodded in agreement, and headed for the exit. But not before Alice looked to Sebastian saying, "You better move quickly."
He merely smiled, and bowed his head, "Yes, my lady."
The tree party climbed into the carriage and road off. The Dalles' dropped Lau off first, before heading home, "What a miserable night..." Alice groaned, pulling off her heels, massaging her sore feet.
"I personally had a wonderful time!" Madam Red smiled, "And met such nice men for you! Anyone of them have my approval!" She giggled.
Alice smiled shaking her head. She glanced out the window, looking at the blue night sky, "Do you think it's him?"
Madam Red got serous, "It's hard to say..." She too looked out the window, "Hopefully, this will all be over soon..."
As I looked at mother, watching her demeanor, my mind went back two years ago. She was at a very low point in her life, we had lost many people we loved, in such a short time. She was grieving so much and was in a lot of pain... I now wondered, how was she able to pull herself out of that depression? I remembered what Hatter- um I mean, Undertaker had told us; all the victims were women and had their uterus cut out. Only someone very skilled could pull that off. My mother was also a brilliant doctor, and she was skilled enough to do abortions, and most of the time prostitutes would get them...
I felt a chill go down my spine, as I looked at the woman in front of me. This woman for seven years I have called my mother, who has loved me, raised me, given me everything and more... I refused to let those negative 'what if' thoughts infest my brain! It wasn't her! It's can't be! She wouldn't-
"Alice, is everything alright?" Alice jolted up, feeling her mother's gentle touch on her gloved hand. Her worried eyes pierced through her heart and soul.
And all she could do at that time was smile, and grasp her hand, "Yes, everything is alright mother." The older woman's gentle smile, calmed Alice's nerves. She told herself to drop it, but as she looked back out at the moon, all she could pray was, Please... don't let it be her...
Quick author's note. In the OVA Ciel in Wonderland the Druitt is the Mock Turtle, that's what the chapter's name comes from.
And as for why Undertaker knows Alice, just like her Mad Hatter... I'll leave that up to your imagination~ ;)