Snake didn't understand at first why or what Harmony wanted to do, when she asked to have a empty glass bottle. That he managed to get with her, sneaking into the kitchen to his surprise the girl seem rather good at, as if naturally born with being stealthy, made sense how she was able to obtain treats so easily or slip out. Anyway, they got it, went back to her room for a bit where she wanted some paper, ink and pen. Began to write on piece of paper, then draw on another. Studying her carefully, while eating the plate Ciel gave him, she used the color quite a lot in her drawing. Moving away from her...artwork, briskly reading what she had as legibly written stopped him from taking another bite set an aching in his chest. The word or better name was mostly written across her paper. Over and over again, it was sweet as it was hard. Bittersweet really. And the way Harmony looked, a smile filled happily. While her eyes...her eyes smiled too but there was something different about them, that made him want to...
"Done." Harmony announces, setting the black crayon down on the desk. Holds up her paper and picture fondly. With a wisp of hope in her eyes. Instantly vanished the second she turned around to Snake. "Okay, let's go."
Nodding, he follows her out. All way to the deck of the ship, no one was on it, mostly everyone was inside, it was rather chilly. Reaching close to the railing, Harmony peers over to the dark waters. A small shiver went down her spine, but she shook it off.
"Alright," she holds out a hand to Snake. Right away he reaches inside his coat and pulls out the glass bottle with two rolled pieces, secured by the crock on top. Gives it to her.
Taking and carefully holding it out over the water. Harmony shuts her eyes whispering a small prayer and hope, drops into the waters below. Waits for the small splash before opening her eyes. That remained down to the water.
"I hope she gets it." Harmony said hope tinging in her voice and slight sullen eyes that wished to...just..
Moments like this, Snake wished that he could do something or better moments like this wouldn't happen. Just like the other servants, wished among themselves quietly and confinement they could just...make it all better for the girl. That one of them could be brave enough to tell her and even braver to hold her when the truth shattered her innocent and pure world. Endure the mark of being the one who did it. Harmony would never look at them the same way again, should one of them do it. She'd always have this pained look directed to that person always and forever. Their relationship would just...be shattered and...and..
No.
That couldn't happen, walking to Harmony's side Snake squats to her height. Looking down at the dark water. Neither of them could see the bottle that was no doubt half away from the ship. Well, on its way to...somewhere. Raising and hand Snake puts it around Harmony's shoulders lightly, calming the child and holds her close. At the same time holds up the plate of food offering her some. In times like this, good food would put a smile on anyone's face and right now, it seem like the best thing to do.
Staying for a few more seconds, it would have been longer if not for settling chill running over her skin, Harmony moves away from the side. "We can go inside." She tells Snake, taking his hand giving it a small squeeze.
Returning back inside, Harmony's chin lingered to her chest while her eyes remained in a haze, that Snake wasn't sure how to get her out of. Even when he offered her some of his food, she seem and remained unaffected. The same once they returned back to the private party, he took her to where all the sweets where, she still hadn't looked up. What was he to do? What could he do?
What could he..."Harmony!"
Her head instantly lifted at the familiar cheerful voice and eyes search. Snake looked too, knowing it as well. Spotting the owner hurrying over, waving their arms wildly, a smile from ear to ear. Seem to grow wider the closer the reached to Harmony. It took a moment for Snake to recognize them, with their light brown hair swept back neatly, instead of nearly everywhere. But, those round bright baby-blue eyes, like the morning sky was unmistakable. Eyes that where always refreshing to see and instantly shed what troubled Harmony.
Her smile came back as if it never left. And when they reached taking her hand, her cheeks swelled just as she did. The glitter came back in her eyes again. Even when she spoke their name it danced off her smiling lips.
"Miguel!"
The young boy felt his heart skip he nearly tumbled over his words. Scratching the back of his head. "Hola," he said. "I thought I saw you. Oh," he turns to snake. "Hola to you too, Serpinete."
Snake gives a nod. After realizing the boy said his name in another language. Giving it a thought for a moment...Serpinete...had an interesting ring to it. A mighty one.
"I didn't know you where here, Miguel." Harmony beamed. His hand moved from scratching the back of his head to scratching his nose a bit. A small laugh came from him.
"Yeah, we are! I didn't know you on here either. Does your cousin have cargo too?"
She wasn't sure what he meant. "I don't think so, we came because Ciel said it was a family trip!"
"Oh, well that's nice. We're here because father has a cargo for someone. Normally he'd have someone else do it. But," Miguel began rocking back and forth from heel to toe. "he said he wanted to do it this time."
"What kind of cargo?"
Miguel shrugs. "I think...dolls. It's not candy though." He fumes. To laugh. "Yeah, I heard him say they're ..dolls."
Harmony's eyes twinkle at the mention of the word. "Dolls! I love dolls! Oh, what kind?"
Scratching his head, Miguel frowned. "I don't know, sorry." Harmony's face fell. "But! I know where they are!" He exclaims, to her joy.
"Really?"
He nods smiling. "Yeah. I went with daddy to see. So I can take you to them." Taking her hand, he pulls her with him. Calling Snake to follow, who does it automatically.
The moment the three of them where out of sight, Miguel's father not to far talking with others cast his eyes over to the empty spot. "Miguel...?"
How joyous, Miguel was going to take her to see dolls! Harmony couldn't think of anything better. Oh what kind of dolls would they be? Really pretty ones? Would they have pretty dresses or pretty hair? Would one look like her? Oh, she hoped so. If it did then what would she name it? So many questions, so many thoughts. All of them swarmed in her mind, as Miguel lead her deeper and deeper into the linear. No one took notice of two children racing through the halls, since there was an adult following near. Reaching another staircase, it was a bit dark but Miguel told Harmony it was okay. Gripping her hand more and the railing, they walk down together. Snake closely by, the further they went, the colder it seem to become. Coldness that sent a chill down Harmony's spine. She sneezed a few times.
Miguel stops. "Are you okay?" He asked. Worried.
"Ye-Yes." Harmony answered with chattering teeth. "I'm..I'm fine." She sneezes again, this time it was harder than the last.
Thinking quickly, Miguel takes off his coat and drapes it around her shoulders. "There." He smiles, button it up. "That should keep you warm."
Harmony didn't know what to say, stunned by his gesture. Snake too. Who had gotten ready to give his coat, but the boy beat him to it. Slips it back on. "Did you still want to go?" Miguel asked the silent girl.
This time she heard him and responds softly. "Oh...umm...huh.."
Great! Retaking her hand they continue down the stairs. Where the smell of water and dampness filled the air and noses. It wasn't suffocating just...a bit overpowering. Still, they made their way all the way to the bottom. Where the storage was, it was huge in the eyes of children. Dark a bit too, with the minimal lighting. They where able to make out the crates and other things there.
"I don't see any dolls." Harmony said, looking hard with squinting eyes. "Are you sure they're down here?"
Miguel looking too, there was a lot more crates down here than before. "Umm...well...they where..."he points left then right. "I know they're here. I saw them! They must be hiding or something."
"Well," Harmony ponders. "what do they look like?"
He gives it a thought, this time quicker than last time. "They're in really pretty hanging boxes, with this pretty stamp on them. All lined up in a row."
All lined up in a row, huh...still looking around Harmony hadn't seen anything. But, she did feel something that felt...odd. She slowly began to take light steps back. "M-Maybe we should go."
Miguel and Snake look to her. "But, the dolls." Miguel claimed. Pointing back to the crates. "You said you wanted to see them."
That was true she did, that is until...that pitting feeling in her stomach told her otherwise. She wasn't sure how to explain it, but it was like something warm rang upon her, telling her to leave. As if her sister where here. Inching back a bit more, she wasn't sure. Swallowing hard, she wanted to see the dolls. She really did but...clenching her dress...this...
This wasn't how you expect this...meeting...presentation, whatever it was to turn out...like this...no. Into some sort of actual horror story, right before your eyes and many others. In mere seconds, one moment the leader and organizer of this gathering Rian Stoker. A man claimed to be of medicine having discovered...'Absolute Salvation'.
A phrase that was both demonstrated and explained. Through a tampering experiment, of a corpse, of a young woman. Stoker through the use of some strange device, managed to reanimate back to..life. It was astounding to many, though you had bias feeling towards. Watching a lifeless body...husk shocked with thousands of volts and awake, rise...suddenly. Despite its decaying composition...this was what that man Stoker meant...it wasn't right. It wasn't...the sight clutched your heart with fear and rage. But, mostly fear. Turned into horror after what happened. Once the corpse rose, she was instantly greeted in a loving and warm embrace by her mother. Who tearfully weep upon the revival of her daughter. A touching sight to many, but deplorable to a few. All seem to go well, at first...then..corpse turns on its mother and viciously plunges it teeth right into the woman's neck.
Killing her instantly and frightening others who instantly flee the moment the corpse attacks her father in the same manner. Then proceeds to haunt others, doing the same for those unfortunate to get away. Blood stained the walls and soaked the floors. People rushing and pushing to get out, swept you away in the wave. Separating you from Ciel and Sebastian, get thrown to the floor and nearly tramped on. Gun shots mixed in with panic screams returned you back. Covering yourself, while pushing back get up and fight against the current. Manage to get out, just as the last person leaves shutting the door behind them. Your wig now tattered and covering half your face, just snatch it off. Allowing yourself to see better.
Hurry back over to Ciel and Sebastian, just as Rian flees the scene cowardly. As his men meet their end by the corpse, not much could be done for them. The same could nearly be said about Ciel and Sebastian who attempted to defeat the...corpse by stabbing her through the heart with knives. Found it ineffective, keeping Ciel behind him. Who was trying to figure just what the hell the corpse actually was. Baffled for a moment as it rose from each attack given and delivered without a single thought of pain. It picked itself up like some sort of possessed contortion. Bending all sorts of ways, that watching it someone with a weak stomach would easily vomit the way it twisted and contorted.
It was just...sickening...
Like some senseless predator noticed there was still presence in the room. Rose from its latest victim, turned its head in the direction of Ciel and Sebastian. Though more so to Ciel. Growling hungrily makes its way over. Thinking quickly, Sebastian takes out more knives. Ready to throw, despite their ineffectiveness.
"How the hell are we supposed to take of that?" Ciel berates him seeing the knives. Knowing the outcome, as the corpse moved closer and closer.
Now was not the time to be up for debate. "How about I dismember it so it that it cannot move anymore?" Sebastian said. Ready to act on the thought. When he felt for a brief moment pressure on his shoulder. By the time he looked to see a figure catapulted over his side almost like a blur, aimed itself right at the corpse delivered a sharp and powerful strike right in the corpse's core.
Sending it back smashing into the wall, left both Ciel and Sebastian speechless, when they saw who it was landing lightly before them, protectively. Their guard up and if noticed carefully...dark vine like veins etched on their kicked out leg. That began to fade as they brought it back down to their side.
"Ciel," you call to him, your eyes still remained on the corpse who got up unaffected by your strike. "are you alright?"
His mind and mouth seem to be on the same page, because not a single word came out or answer. It didn't matter, you tell he was. Good, you sigh. Still with your eyes sharp corpse. That pushed off and came at the three of you.
So, you drop down, swept your leg back gearing up for another strike. they actually managed to...damn it! Ciel and Sebastian weren't sure what it was you going to do or about to do the way you position yourself. The way your crossed infront of you and the dark veins that began to appear on them. Etching their way to your shoulders, up your neck.
"What the hell..."Ciel's eyes widen for a moment. Does a double take cause he was sure...he saw some sort of thin black-reddish outline itself around arms and he was sure his ears heard you mumble something...he couldn't really make out.
Whatever it was, seem to have some sort of effect on you, cause the sharp murderous look in your stained in your eyes was one he hadn't seen before...shot a cold down his spine. You felt his reaction and confusion you truly apologized for to yourself. Gearing yourself ready swipe your hand, raise it and push off drive it forward like an arrow to its target. Get ready to pierce its soft flesh when a low roaring motoring sound came in followed with a lively voice.
One that...made you stop instantly and couldn't believe.
"These guys can't be killed unless you smash in their heads, ya know." The roaring motor sound comes in, smashing in. Nearly took off your head if you hadn't been pulled back just in time by Sebastian. "Like this!" The blades hit the head of the corpse smashing it in, with a...lawnmower?
Guided by...one of them! Those yellowish-green phosphorescent eyes behind those thick-framed, pentagonal-shaped glasses was a dead give away. That and...that short blond hair dyed black with the bottom half. And...the watch on his right wrist, not to mention smile. Your eyes widen for a moment quickly narrow when the Grim Reaper finished. Both emlimiting and collecting. Did he give and notice the three of you.
Noticing Sebastian first. "That getup...Don't tell me you're the rumored Bassey?"
Bassey? What kind of name was...your eyes look to Sebastian who remained calm though it was clear he wasn't fond of it. Still, he addressed the man. Introducing himself. "I have quite an aversion to that name, however..I am indeed the Phantomhive family butler, Sebastian Michaels."
"The Grim Reaper dispatch association collection division: Ronald Knox." He introduces himself, while you lowly growled. One Sebastian heard and saw wrinkled on your brow. That and...dusted cheeks. That seem to grow with each second. "Oh," Ronald blinks a few times, taking off his glasses to clean them putting them on noticed you. "Well," his eyes flashed with a smile. One that just...made you...feel..all over..."I'm surprised, you look..."he adjust his glasses taking out his book, flipping through it, lands on a page. "Different. May O'Neil."
He grins shutting the booklet. Eyes fall on you. While yours falls to the side. "I was wondering what happened to you, it seems your holding up well." Ronald said casual with some familiarity. Ciel and Sebastian noticed.
You still hadn't said anything. "Oh, come on," he pouts a bit. Leaning on his mower. You still refused to give him eye contact. "you're not even going to look at me?"
No.
Nope!
Turning a chin to him to hide your cheeks. That burned from what he said next. "I like the dress. It looks nice on you, yeah. Hugs you well. Wish you would have had that for me."
His words ran a tingle down your spine. That made you step behind Sebastian to cover yourself and to hide tomato face. That Ronald knew and laughs. "Are you turning red again? You aren't you?"
"No!" you shriek burying your face in your hands. Finally giving a response.
He kept laughing with a gleam in his eyes. Trying to spot you. "Come now," he coos playfully. "don't lie. It's alright, I always found it cute. You grew your hair out longer it seems. I thought the bob was cute, but that's fine. You look like a lady, I nearly didn't recognize you. I wonder though, if your lips taste like one?"
At that moment Sebastian steps in. Returning the situation back to the matter at hand. "You just said," he coughs clearing his throat. "you can't kill them unless you smash in their heads, but do you Grim Reaper know something about the revival of the dead?"
Bummed a bit Ronald answers him. "Nope, we don't know any details either. Just we had reports of corpses whose souls had surely been collected moving around and stuff. As if time was given back to them, so since administration put in a claim saying it was our miss, I came here to investigate, however this here thing," referring to the corpse. "was a genuine soulless corpse. Cos I definitely got Margery Connor's soul two weeks ago."
"So the dead didn't get revived." Ciel deuces. "It was just the corpse moving."
"Is it possible for the soulless body to move around?" Sebastian asked Ronald.
You spoke instead. "Soulless bodies can only be alive with a soul, either it be forced in the body or given one at the beginning of life."
Their eyes look at you, still behind Sebastian. "Um, okay," Ronald scratches his head. Not sure. But answers Sebastian's question. "My bosses said it's totally impossible, but the fact remains that they're actually up and about like this so Grim Reaper Dispatch Association is looking into it too."
"So the only thing you knw for sure is 'If you want to kill it smash its head'." Sebastian pieced together. In a rather insulting way to Ronald. One that almost made you laugh. But, you held it down.
Ronald refutes that it wasn't actually killing more just stopping movement. Either way Ciel had some answer and information. Just not enough, the only other way was to get answers from Stoker. Ordering Sebastian to follow, he goes to look for the man. Following his orders, Sebastian accompanies him nearly forgetting about you. Grabs your hand taking you with him...them. When Ronald attacks with his lawnmower. Throws you out the way to Ciel, Sebastian manages to hold it off the surprised attack.
"Sebastian!"
You yell hurrying to help him, get snatched and pulled back by the wrist from Ciel. "He has it. Come on."
"But.."you protest. Turning back to Sebastian and Ronald. You could stay here and help out, help Sebastian deal with Ronald. I'd be easy...you could provide assistance. Switch places with him and he could go with Ciel. Keep him safe while you...
"Dearest," Sebastian's voice breaks through your smuggling thoughts. You give your attention. Find a smirk on his him to you. "the children come first, remember?"
He was right, you gasped. Still...nodding go with Ciel. To find Stoker, before you exit the room complete stop for a moment glance back at Sebastian with a pained gaze, cup your hands to your mouth and whisper something. Then blow softly to Sebastian, praying it would work. Leave.
Noticing the gesture you did, puzzled Ronald. "Well, that was interesting." He said, pushing against Sebastian. "Seems like May is worried for you, a shame she couldn't stay. Then again," he reeves up his lawn mower. "I'd hate to see the look on her face when I end you. Oh well, I'll comfort her later. Well, after I collect her."
Remaining calm Sebastian's eyes sneer at the Reaper from his words. "Collect her you say? Now," he swipes a dangerous kick nearly getting Ronald who moved back just in time. "why would you need to do that? Hmm?"
Clicking his tongue smiling to himself, Ronald gives himself distance from the demon. "Now, why would I go and tell you something like that? Hmm?" Sebastian's eyes narrow sharply. "Oh, do I hint some possessiveness demon?"
A small snarl wrinkles itself on Sebastian. Flashed in his eyes. Reaching inside his coat takes out knives and with deadly whip of the wrist throws them. Ronald using his lawnmower gets each one. With easy.
A cocky smirk parts his lips. "I wonder," he speaks freely. "she still giggles from that light touch on her nose, it always made the most sweetest giggle slip from her lips. Made it harder for me to collect her. But hey," he shrugs a bit. "maybe when she dies she can become a Reaper and I try that all the time. Whoa!" He jumps back just before Sebastian knife-handed him. Chuckles. "Nearly got me. Oh," he noticed the glaring in Sebastian's eyes. "am I hitting something you don't like me saying?"
"Oh on the contrary," Sebastian calms himself. "I am just upholding May's dignity, from the soiling words you speak about her."
Ronald raises a brow. "May? Should you be saying her name so formal?" Tilts his head a bit to the side, with a glint in his eyes. "Well, whatever, enough about May. She can be rather..distracting. Now then let's finish you, shall we?"
There was no sign of Stoker that you and Ciel could find, or could sense in your case. Following him closely, alert, descending down the winding multi-stairwell. He had his gun out for his protection, when he didn't need with you here. Slowly you both take each step going deeper and deeper. Each step taken by you, Sebastian came to your mind. You hoped he was okay...he'd fine. You had to reassure yourself after...it's not like something what Ronald had could inflict actual damage. That and he still had to uphold the promise you made him keep.
He...he was going to be fine...yeah...he..
"Stop worrying." Ciel snaps softly at you. Though it was more of concern for you than actually snapping. "Sebastian will be fine. Becoming ruffled by that is going to get us killed and I don't need to be dead sooner than need be. So, keep your head focused we have a job to do."
"Yes," you agree solemnly. "you're right. Forgive me."
He said nothing. Taking the lead before you, your hand pulls him back by the shoulder. He was about to say something but you hush him with a finger and take point. "I shall take lead, you take up the back. If anything happens, be sure to alert me right away, actually..."you discard that and just take his hand like a child. Shocking him. "I will just hold your hand instead."
"What?!" He fumes, snatching his hand back. "I don't need that, thank you."
Ignoring his outburst touch his cheek gently. Stare into his eye with the same feeling. "I know, but, I..."he noticed something in your eyes that pained and begged him.
He wasn't quite sure what it was, that set you like this. There was some undertone of fear flickering in your eyes, you wish to speak. One his lips get ready to ask, but hadn't the chance. You break the hold with him and turn back around, continue down the stairs. No point in arguing about it, clearly he wasn't going to win. Letting you take lead follows you.
Unaware someone else coming from behind.
