It was quite quiet in the manor. Without anyone to tend to. No Ciel. To call upon them. No Sebastian to tell them what to do or what they shouldn't be doing. Nor to correct their mistakes. No child's laughter to be heard through the place. By Harmony. Everything was just quiet. Boring and bland. Though the minimal daily task was done, it just didn't seem as fun. Going in each room to just clean, Mey-Rin finishing changing the bedding, places a doll in the center of the bed. With a solemn sigh.
Outside Finny stood in the garden looking at the flower beds. By now, he'd playing hide n seek. Chasing Harmony around."I do hope she's having good time."He cast his eyes upward to the sky."Come home soon, Lady Harmony."
It seem like the others must have heard him, because they all looked upward the same time. With the same thought transcending outward. A thought that they hoped reached the one upon their minds.
A sweet breeze blew ruffling Harmony's hair just a bit. As she picked flowers from the garden. It was a strange breeze, causing her to look around particularly.
"What a strange wind. Right Wilde?"She said looking down at the snake hung around her neck. He hissed seemingly agreeing. Though she took as something else."Oh, you're right. These blue ones are really nice."Reaching for quite a few. Gushing with a huge smile."I think Mr. Sebastian will like these inside. The blues match Ciel's eyes."Squealing. When her eyes notice something."Look! These are even better! They'll make Ciel and May very happy!"
In the kitchen Sebastian was busy at work, preparing lunch and reading dinner. Along with Agni. When the most unexpected thing happened. Coming in dirty and carrying dirt inside, with their arms filled with their own bouquet of flowers from the garden outside. Grinning from ear to ear. With bits of dirt upon their face, as if the norm. Presenting them with innocence and oblivious intent. As expected from a child.
"Lady Harmony, what on earth were you doing outside?"Sebastian stops his work and gets down to her level.. Not at all pleased."You are completely dirty and tracking it in the house."Agni stops and couldn't help but find the scene before him adoring.
Pushing the flowers into the dark butler's face. Completely ignoring his question."Look at what Wilde and I picked. Aren't they lovely?"
Pushing them a bit away, he gives her a small smile."Yes. They are very lovely. Again, Lady Harmony you are completely messy and you've ruined your dress."
She yet again forsakes his question, pointing all the different colors."I found some really nice colors. Look. Blues, like Ciel's eyes."She beams proudly."Even these yellowish ones. Almost like May's. Oh! And even some like your color eyes! I'm sorry, Mr. Agni. I couldn't find any of your color."
"That is alright. Thank you for being thoughtful."
She smiles when she remembers something."I almost forgot. Mr. Sebastian, I have to tell you something."She whispers gesturing him to move closer. Though more concerned about her overall appearance, he plays along and leans in attentively. She whispers in his ear.
Agni smiles at the sweet scene before him. While admiring Sebastian too."I shall."Sebastian assures her, as she finished whispering in his ear. Taking her flowers. Handing them off to Agni. Instructing him to tend to them and where to place them."Now then,"He turns back to Harmony."Why don't we clean you up? A young lady such as yourself should not be so dirty."He stands up holding out a hand.
She takes it and he leads her to the bathroom. When you appear around the corner, with a distracted and worrisome look. That you nearly bumped right into Sebastian and Harmony.
"May!"Harmony's voice gets your attention. It took you a second to respond and notice her current appearance.
"..Mmm...Oh. Yes?"You respond."Harmony? Where you picking flowers again?"She nods her head proudly. You couldn't help but laugh a bit."Just look at you, so dirty."
"Like a worm!"
"Yes. A dirty little worm."You add all in fun. Kneeling down to her level. Bopping her on the noise lightly. She giggles. Then looks up at Sebastian."Mr. Sebastian said I have to clean."
"Did he now? Would you like it if I bathed you instead?"
A wide bright and joyful smile spreads across her dirty face eagerly."Yes! Yes, please!"Letting go of Sebastian's hand and quickly takes yours. Pulling on you."I love when you clean me!"
"Alright. Let's go."Standing up take her from the butler and lead her instead. Smiling as she talks while quickly shooting him a dagger glare quickly. Which he himself returns just as you turn around.
"Now?"He begins to look around."What was upon your mind? Baroness?"His eyes sharply look around for anything out of place, knowing he had to get back to finishing making lunch, he had to do a rather quick investigation from the way you had came.
Walking swiftly down the hall, there was nothing his eyes could find amiss. Nothing at visible. But, he sensed something faint, radiant and unusual. Emitting from withing the hall he stood. Giving it a closer look, his inhuman eyes seem to see it. Written upon the walls in the halls. No. Not just the walls here, trailing the invisible markings? Could he call them that? He wasn't quite sure. He was sure though, it was supernatural.
It wasn't a demon, that much he knew. It wasn't a Grim Reaper either. Another thoughts came to his mind on what it might be. This presence felt spiritual at best. What he could sense and feel. And feel he did, taking off his glove barely touches the walls, when something shocks him. It stung just a little, enough to leave a small burn. And very few things could burn or cause harm to a demon like this. Looking at his small injury, as it began to heal on its. Slowly of course. This time being careful, he holds his hand just a few inches over the wall and follows the energy down the all into the next one. There was soon no need to go any further, he knew.
Putting his glove back on. His eyes glow with a hostile tint, growling silently. Watching through the small slit into the bathroom at the two 'sisters'. He paid no mind to the younger one, he knew she was who she is to be. It was the older one, his suspicious eyes callously remained on. Narrowing upon her. Silently growling threatening. She was not whom she claims to be. He was sure that energy came from her. It had her trace, he could smell it. His anger slowly rising the more he remained fixated and vexed with her. More questions proceeded to gnaw away in his mind. Questions with answers seem to find no answers too. Some he begin to fabricate himself. Quickly taking a whiff of her scent. There was a only a small trace of human in her. In you. The rest he did not know.
It would be much more easier to forcefully retrieve his desired answers. It would be rather easy. But, he was limited to so much. As Ciel had order him and the others to be respectful. It would be defying his master's orders; as well he felt May kept her guard up. Alert and aware. A frontal approach wouldn't be good. Remembering their first encounter the way she reacted with such quick reflexes and skill. One of her previous profession would have. That deadly and sharp look she had; there was also strength he had noticed when he blocked her. She seem rather surprised and stun when they clashed for a that brief second. He too was, but did not show it. Having noticed she was not fazed nor showed any sign of injury, whether it be small from it.
Then there was when he happened up her that one morning. When she reacted to his presence, sending a punch his way. Which he caught. He felt her strength a bit in it as well. Which quickly dropped, realizing it was him. Thinking again, when he came across her touching the ground as if connecting to it. He barely managed to hear what she said. Noticing something too that day. Every time something. Something she seem to desperately keep hidden. Concealed.
A frontal approach would not work. Those golden-yellow eyes of her's hide depths of mysteries. Buried and locked away. Something haunting loomed around her. A vial of shroud of iron defense. Mask of many faces, acting upon any face she chose. Devious. That delicate appearance could fool anyone; except himself. Watching Harmony pop up from under the water, covered in bubbles and suds. Giggling with heavy delight. Splashing around like a dolphin. Causing water to overflow out of the tub. He would have to clean it up later. Her splashing nearly and almost got on May. Who too joined her sister in shared laughter.
Actually with a genuine smile; washing down the little girl. Who goes under again and pops right back up, splashing around continuously. Wriggling out her sister's grasp to wash her hair. This wasn't bath time, it was play time. Focusing his attention just a little bit on their interaction, it was clear as day, the love and happiness May had towards Harmony. If that was important, he'd linger on it longer. Focusing back to May, waiting to see if she'd do anything; when he hears approaching footsteps coming and quickly leaves.
Back in the bathroom, Harmony was giving you all sorts of grief. Of course in a playful manner. You did your best to hold her slippery self down."Harmony, please...Ah!"You cover yourself from the water. Laughing."Please, remain still. I need to rinse out your hair."Managing to get a hold of her, pour water upon her. Washing her hair."There. Done."Relived. Unplug the tub and wait for the water to drain out.
Getting up you get a towel and drape it over her. Drying to her off, before wrapping it around her and taking her out. She just kept laughing the whole time, touching your heart. Hearing her sweet laughter and smile. Her eyes look up at you with preciousness. Beaming with warmth and love. Unable to resist, planet a kiss upon her brow.
"I love you, Harmony."You tell her softly. Giving her another kiss. Before drying her off completely. Wrapping her up, scope her up and exit.
Carrying her all the way to her room, when you felt eyes watching you. Turning around, finding no one there. There was no threat, so you carry on like normal. Entering Harmony's room, shut the door and sit her on bed. Reminding her to keep the towel on. Wilde slithered over. Opening her closet you go through her dresses, trying to figure out what would best be suitable for her to wear.
Harmony watched you, while becoming a bit restless. And decided to entertain herself. Standing up, still keeping herself wrapped, jumps up and down in the center of her bed. Gleefully with delight and enjoyment."I'm a rabbit! I'm a rabbit!"She squeals.
You smile to yourself from what she said, always bouncing with energy. Who would have thought, this was what she'd be like. Living a well...normal life. Her child innocence still together. Nothing horrible happening to her. A life of her own. Free from a future that would have been her's. Which thankfully it was not. This was how Karai was meant to be. Laughing and always happy. And being silly. Of course.
It didn't bother you, her constant jumping and squealing. If this kept her busy and entertained, it allowed you to focus on finding the right dress. Nearing one you saw before. It was a light green satin one. With white bows lacing it. And a big one tied in the center upon the back. High collar too. This would be just right, along with brown boots. Also white gloves for her. Taking out the outfit, humming softly in a merry tune. A tune that caught Harmony's ear, she stops her jumping to listen, fondly. Slowly begins to sway a little. Smiling watching you also sway to your humming. Both of you begin to hum together. It made it easy to dress her. Once you finished, take her hand and the two of you begin to dance in small circles together. You held her hands gently and protectively. Guiding her with each step, looking at her tenderly.
There was nothing in this world you wouldn't do for her. Nothing at all. Picking her up carefully, twirl her around delicately. Her light heartily laughing warmed the room and your heart. She was light a feather as you twirled her. Still humming, only you now. Harmony had become to busy enjoying herself to hum. Your tune dropped softly and benevolently. Rising and falling with grace. Your feet glided flawlessly across the room and in the small circles.
It was just you and Harmony. Just the two of you, everything else vanished. As it was it was before, three months ago. Dancing like this, the two of you; by the hearth on certain evenings. Even in the morning or just for fun. You'd hum or sing to her. It always got her in the mood. She'd take your hands and the two of you would dance. Sometimes, you'd allow her to stand on your feet and dance that way. Both of you smiling at one another. You'd scoop her up and spin her around that way too. She'd stretch her arms out wide. As wide as they could go and delight in it.
Delight that was interrupted by a knock upon her door."Umm...Excuse me?"It was Soma."I-I've come to get you both for..for lunch!"
So caught up the fun, you nearly forgot. Quickly looking at the clock reading it, it was a bit past lunch. Realizing this, hurry to the door with Harmony in your arms. Opening it, almost bumping into Soma, but avoid such a collusion. Quickly apologizing. Moving around him and hurry down the hall. He quickly follows behind, rather amazed at how fast you could move your heels and how quickly you ran. Reaching the stairs, hurry down. Soma still upon your trail, Harmony finding all this quite amusing. Thinking it all to be fun. Laughs. Telling Soma to catch up, while telling you to go faster.
Which you could have, but, decided against it. The dinning room was just up ahead, Ciel could hear your running steps. He did his best to keep his temperament in cheek. Three months of all that training and still nothing. His impatience wearing rather thin. Hearing Harmony's cheering and laughter echoing through the halls, silence clearly was no longer in his life. Nor was order it would seem. Looking at the clock, at the time. It was already 20 minutes past lunch. Late. Late again.
"We win!"Harmony cheers, the second you enter with her in your arms. Soma coming in just a few seconds after nearly out of breath. She couldn't help but laugh while somewhat praising him."You did good too."
Catching his breath, the prince smiles."Thank you. Next, I will win."
Setting Harmony down, you realized you had forgotten to her hair. It looked somewhat alright. It was barely noticeable. But, it was clear someone did notice."How dare you come to the table, like that?"Ciel said harshly. Ending the fun and scaring Harmony."Her hair is a near mess. Sebastian, take Harmony back and do something with her hair."
"Yes, My Lord."Sebastian obeys and escorts Harmony out, while you took your seat. With Soma by you.
You watch a slight frighting Harmony look at you, wondering if had done something wrong. You where about to get up to be halted by Ciel."Leave her!"He orders you. Shooting a strict and displeased scowl."Sebastian will tend to her. Sit. Down."
Wanting to resist him on this, something told you not you. Enraged yourself for the way he spoke to you and frightening Harmony. Opening your mouth, Soma grabs your wrist and tugs you to sit down. Looking at you sympathizing while also saving you. Using his eyes telling you to just listen. He could feel you tense up, even when you sat. He realized he had grabbed you and lets you go quickly.
The tension in the room from you and Ciel was thick, neither Agni nor Soma knew what to say or dared to say anything. Still waiting on Harmony to come back, which she did. With her hair neat, in a braided bun. Walks in rather silent, taking her seat next to Ciel. Her eyes lost their spark of joy and fun. Keeping them down at her plate. Afraid and feeling guilty. Not a single peep from her. It broke your heart, you needed to comfort her.
"Don't you dare even think about coddle her.!"Ciel raises his voice, shooting you authoritarian look. This time it was not warning, it was a command."Sit. Down."
Scared, Harmony peeps and beings to cry."Ciel. You're scaring her."Soma said, upset.
The young Earl didn't care."It is alright, Lady Harmony."Agni goes to her aide and wipes her tears. Irritating Ciel more, that he snaps her.
"Stop crying!"Slamming his hand down, visibly frighting Harmony. Who jolts out of her seat and runs off.
"I'm sorry!"She cries, fleeing out the room. Knocking into the table, causing the flowers she had picked fall over in its vase and break. Snapping Ciel back and realizing what just happened.
"Harmony!"You rush after her. Soma and Agni following after you.
Pinching his tired brow, goes through his mind what just happened. Sebastian comes over to Ciel."It seems you have frighten your cousin. She ran off."Ciel groans at him, when his noticed the broken vase. and the flowers."Ah, yes. Lady Harmony, picked those for you. Finding them in your eye color. She was hoping to give them to you during lunch. But, it seems that won't happen."He said sorrowfully, picking up the broken vase.
Running footsteps come rushing in, it was Agni. Alarmed and panicked."Lord Phantomhive! Lady Harmony! She's gone! She ran off the grounds!"
