Tick Toc. Tick Toc.

Hickory Dickory Doc...

The mouse ran up the clock, the clock struck twelve and the mouse ran down...Hickory Dickory Doc..

Time was ticking away, little by little it would fade.

And you couldn't have that, not yet at least. Clenching a broken off chair leg, raise it high with a mighty swing, smashed a doll's head against the wall. Slowly release a shuttered breath. Drop the make-shift weapon into the artic water, that was the last of them...so far...you hoped at least until you got out of this place. No doubt there was still more, if you could just find the others and make sure they get to safety, these dolls could sink to Hell for all you cared.

Enough was enough.

Taking a moment to catch your breath, try to ignore the now inflicted injuries from the dolls. Scratches here and there, a bite on your forearms. It wasn't that bad, but burned and bled just a bit, teeth imprint there. Another bite, more like a nibble on your neck where one of them almost managed to sink their teeth in. That one you just ripped their head off. Resting a rubbing hand over the area, wince just a bit from its sting. How much more could you actually take of this?

Honestly?

Closing your eyes for a moment, things...life was so simple before...all this...all you wanted was just to make life safe and well for Harmony. She'd always be happy, her life was what mattered. That was it...at first now...there where more lives that became important. Lives that needed to remain a part of Harmony's life. Lives that you owed a great deal...at least one of them...it was only right. After all you where a factor in their shorten lives...and if..bite your quivering lip, crumple at the weighted memory...if he..if Ciel knew...you had your reason not wanting to go with him when he came for you and Harmony. The second your eyes laid on him...the moment you stood before him back in the cottage...he nothing but a boy. A boy who's life you...if you knew that then maybe you would have chosen another place to go. But, would it have mattered? Would it really, after all time was a tricky thing. There was always a price to pay if it was tampered with.

Your eyes fall to your shaking dark crimson covered hands, a price you knew all to well. They where here...there was no doubt about that, even through this cold water you could feel their presence, it was colder. A caving shiver ran down your spine, just knowing, your heart staled and clenched. Even after all this time...they still...no. Shake it off.

Push off the wall, the others. They needed to be found, that was your main concern right now. Nothing else. Wading through the halls, the chill of the water no long really an issue. Besides the slight quivering of your lips. The only way you got through was through warm moments...memories that slightly brought a smile light smile to you.

And a soft chuckle.

That time when Harmony was two almost going on three, wanted to help you in collect eggs in the chicken coop. Ended up covered in nothing but feathers, came out clucking. You weren't sure how, barely took your eyes off her. She came running out flapping those arms, the moment Madam Red arrived. The woman was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing. You on the other hand where to say the least...embarrassed. But, eventually ended up laughing. Another time, you chuckled again, Harmony was demanding a piggy back ride from Madam Red's butler. Who reluctantly gave it to her under the orders of Madam Red. The girl was having a blast being up so high.

Afterwards she insisted on playing ball with the butler which ended the poor man, being hit in the face over and over again. Which Harmony felt horrible for and tried to nurse him back to health. Madam Red though enjoyed the whole thing. Laughing her head off. Harmony did enjoy the company of that butler, whenever she spotted him, tackled him like a happy pup. Not caring if he was carrying something. She found him funny. He though had an odd way of trying to tell her or get her to love the color red, as well strike odd poses. Especially when it came flipping the hair over her shoulder.

No, not in here. You peer into another room, they where on this floor. You could feel it, getting closer. So far you hadn't come across any more dolls, thank goodness. Hopefully Harmony was safe.

She had to be, she was with Edward. And he promised many times he'd keep her safe. If she's with Edward, then, you smile reassuringly at the thought, envisioning him doing as such. Standing strong and bold, fighting off anything that dared come close to Harmony. There's nothing to worry about. Edward will keep her safe, I know he will. Thank you, Edward.

The ship shakes and levels, your balance is knocked over from the shift. The ship was sinking further, the water rose. Now to your mid-thighs and you where completely soaked. Wonderful. At least your hands and arms where somewhat clean. Though for how long? Was the real question. Shivering a bit more, stand up and wrap your arms around yourself. To provide heat, it only did so much. After a few minutes stop and continue. Coming to a fork in the hall.

Right or left? Calling for them wouldn't do you any good. Even so, you do so anyway. "Ciel! Lizzy! Snake! Sebastian!"

Nothing, sighing, take a moment and pinpoint Ciel. Yes, you could feel him and Sebastian. Lizzy too. But you focused on Ciel only. He was...right. Taking that choice push through. Moving floating debris, furniture, and even corpses. So leathery and swollen. So sad.

You neck, started to singe. Taking a moment rub it away. A gesture that only did so much and aggravated the injuries on your forearms. Pain shot like an arrow through your arms. For a moment paralyzed them. After a moment, hold them. You used up nearly all you collected to revert the damage from before. What you needed to help you for later. Not thinking when you killed the dolls to take away their...time.

Damn!

The dolls only provided so much, a live person though...would provide much more. Then again..that was just sick and wrong. It wasn't right, it never was. But, it was how you managed to survive, not to mention a part of you craved after you gave in with that woman. God rest her soul...her time was beautiful, you had to admit. And no doubt her...beloved husband would miss her dearly.

It's the only way you'll survive.

Their chackling voice urged you. Standing behind you, looming over. Harmony's infant cries in the back, the only time they moved from you was to tend to her. Surprisingly they managed to sooth her and raise a laughter from her. They'd come back, brining her with them. Cradling her in the arms of their dark robes, they stood so close..so close..the stench of death on them. It made sense really considering where they housed themselves and their profession. Both current and previous. From there they'd lean in, you could feel their breath brush upon your skin. That caused it to crawl, they knew it and a curved smile etched on their lips. The same words would come out, urging and urging...pushing and pushing for you to do it. Just so they could see. Reminding you that you'd already done it once, the moment you and Harmony arrived. Though it took a bit of time, it happened. Your hands, they shook, trembled over the body that laid before you. The person that laid before you...inside your cringed and cried. Screaming, while outside you remain as cold at frosted steel.

Procced in the heinous act.

Madam Red always wanted to know why you wanted to live in the country side, in that small town, away from...so many. You hadn't heart to tell her.

God, you needed to fix this...these injuries. No, you needed to find Ciel. Find the others, about to tear more of your dress realized it wouldn't be the best idea. Lord knows if Ciel saw you, he'd just...turn redder than a tomato. Lizzie would either faint or be like Ciel. Sebastian...your head shook violently. You'd rather not think about that. Sighing, you'd just have to endure.

Maybe though, looking to the water, it was cold enough to sooth the pain. Swallowing, with a low growl kneel down dip your forearms in the water. Cold shot right through you, you nearly pulled your arms out. But, didn't. Cupping some water bring it up and pour in your neck a few times. Till the burning stopped. With that taken care of, get up and continue.

Walking wasn't getting you anywhere faster, so you picked up speed and started to run, realizing how close you where getting. "Ciel! Ciel!" Your heart pounded against your chest with each step and closing distance. "Ciel! Ciel! Lizzy! Snake! Sebastian! Can you hear me?"

There was no answer. You kept up your calling, they where close..all of them. More concerned with finding them, didn't pay attention, hit your foot on something. Trip and fall to the floor. Creating a huge splash. Soaking yourself, yet again. So much for reflexes, picking yourself up, with your hair obscuring your vision like some sort of shaggy dog. Didn't dull your hearing.

"May! You're alright!" Lizzy cried. Rushed over to you, by the time you parted your hair to see, get tackled by her and end back in the water (thank goodness her sword didn't nic). Re-re-soaked. You thought Harmony's hugs where tight, Lizzy's was like a steel clamp. No, she squeezed tighter, it was more like a steel python.

You could barely breath or move for that matter. She hadn't let you go. Crying on you relived to see you, now really wasn't the time, but apparently it was. "OH!" She exclaimed. "I thought the worst. I really did! The thought of losing you was beyond anything. Are you alright?" You couldn't answer with lack of air. "Are you injured?" Her hug was causing them to flare. "May, please say something!"

As you struggled to breath, Sebastian carrying an injured Ciel, with Snake standing by their side, just watch. Ciel could have said something but he waited, smirking with his eye at your suffering, for his own amusement. Even Sebastian. You managed to shot them a glare, for a moment, over Lizzy's crying. After a few more moments of your suffering Ciel coughs breaking it up.

"Lizzy."

She stopped.

"We don't have time for this right now." He told her, while his eye feel to each of your injuries. "We must hurry to the lifeboats."

She nods. "Yes, of course." Turned back to you, tears in her eyes. "I-I'm just so happy," she starts to wipe away her tears. "that you're alright. I was so worried."

Ignoring your throbbing throat, give her a warm smile, reach out and wipe tears away. "Thank you," rest a light hand on her cheek. Her hand grasps it. Giving it a light squeeze. "I apologize, I didn't mean to make you worry." Pull her into an comforting embrace. She melted in it for a moment. "Did you keep Ciel safe?"

She nods in your chest. You chuckle. "Thank you, Lizzy. I'm glad you kept him a little bit safe."

Ciel's eye narrows at your jab. Sebastian held in his laughter. Snake goes over to help you and Lizzy up. You had him get her first then you, the second you rose, everyone saw the toll you endured. The scratches, injuries, dried blood, and markings. Further tattered clothing, Ciel (despite the rising red on his face at your...nearly racy appearance, had to shut his eye to look away) bit down on his lip.

"Ciel?" you noticed his reaction. Call to him softly. "Ciel."

He heard you, but refused to look at you, both because of how you looked and for other reasons. Didn't open his eye to look at you, until he felt a soft touch on his cheek that, for a moment, reminded him of his mother. Shot his eye open, found you standing over him, gazing down him with soft joy. And a smile, a smile that you only gave to Harmony. Was now given to him.

"I am so glad you're alright." you said in voice so gentle he thought for a moment, he touched with silk. He was about to respond, stopped himself. You addressed another. "Thank you, Sebastian. For keeping them safe, you too, Snake." Look at them both. "Of course I am happy you two are fine as well."

It was sincere, not an ounce of malice behind those, Sebastian noticed. Even the smile you gave to him and Snake was pure. But, he noticed...there was something small about that smile, the corner of it was quivering. It wasn't from the cold water, clearly you had become immune to it. It was something else. But, what?

"Enough of this!" Ciel said. "Let's hurry up to the others."

At his words your heart dropped, and softness you had slightly flicked with dullness. Again Sebastian noticed. "Yes, you are correct. We should get you all up there." You agree with him, walk to Lizzy, she latches onto your arm. Snuggling close. You give her a light pat. "Let's go."

With everyone together, head to the deck. You took the back, just in case and for...another reason. Lizzy took front, you asked her too, she had her swords, one which she offered to you. You took it. Sebastian, Ciel, and Snake remained in the center. So far no run ins with the dolls. That was good, at least they'd be able to get to the deck safety. You wouldn't be able to go with them, clenching the hilt of the sword, you couldn't...not yet. They where still here...and if they where then you had to make sure to...end it. Even if you went down with them...down with this ship.

You had wonderful moments and time with everyone, close your eyes for a moment, reflect on it all. Yes, it was all wonderful. All the wonderful people you've meet, the life you've managed to build for Harmony. She'd be taken care of, she'll have a family and...so many people that love her. Ciel will have that loves him like a brother, chuckling for a moment. Ciel an older brother. He was going to have his hands full. Harmony would have Finnan and Snake there, her best friends. And the others, too. They'd make sure she grows up well and proper. All of them.

Yes, all of them. Opening your heavy eyes, hold in the sobs rising, swallow it. "We're almost there!" Lizzy announces excitedly.

Your heart dropped and pace began to slow. It hadn't gone unnoticed. "Baroness, are you alright?" Sebastian asked.

"Yes," you answer quickly. "just injuries acting up. That's all. No need to worry."

His brows pinch. Your breathing had become different...and heart rate. It was faster. Tighter. What where you thinking? No, what where you going to do? He wondered, what weren't you saying? Why had your injuries changed places?

His eyes slide back to you, remained. You felt them but refused to meet them. Remaining focused on the task ahead. He noticed that too, you would normal meet his eyes. Just what where you...

"We made it!" Lizzy exclaims, running up the stairs to the deck, Snake follows her.

Sebastian and Ciel. You as well, all the way and once in the crowds. Stopped. "I'm sorry.." Turn heel and head back.