Undertaker checked up at the hospital, still tired. And shocked at this morning's events, but he found it easier to just ignore what had happened. Cowardly, maybe, but easier. He needed his mind focused on saving Grell, not on Will. That is what mattered most at this moment.
He-she, Undertaker reminded himself, was alone in the room with a nurse. Grell, safely covered by blankets, tucked under her arms, which lay still at her sides. The nurse looked up and quickly recognized him, said hello, then excused herself. Undertaker didn't say anything, moving to one of the two vacant chairs. He sat, biting his lower lip nervously. He now regretted coming here.
The area around Grell's chest was thick, most likely from the bandages. The long, red hair had been pulled into a bun. Undertaker wished he had been the one to go see Sebastian, and now that he gave it more thought, he wondered why Will did. Maybe because Will was uncomfortable seeing Grell? It'd make sense. The hospital had a monotonous atmosphere, even after that visit from the demon. With nothing to do but sit and stare at Grell, it put one's nerves on edge. Undertaker continued to quietly sit in a chair in the corner, his gaze set on his quiet beloved. Nurses and doctors occasionally checked in on them, their faces sympathetic, but the Reaper never breathed a word.
After a long while, when Will still hadn't shown up, he left to get some water. Once he did, he paced in front of Grell's room, cup in hand. Enjoying the cold sips, he sank into his own thoughts before being interruptted.
"Undertaker!" He turned around to see a younger looking reaper with a mixture of blonde and black hair. The boy practically ran to him.
"Who are you again...?" Undertaker questioned, a bit suspicious.
"It's me, Ronald." The boy halted in his tracks a couple feet in front of him, wearing a large smile. Undertaker blinked.
"Oh right, sorry, didn't recognize you," Undertaker chuckled, "you're here to watch Grell, right?"
"Of course, senpai! I'm terribly sorry about all that had happened, when I last seen him, he seemed fine. At least, what is fine for us I suppose. Just a bit tired with all the overtime, but alright." Ronald was a collleauge that worked alongside Grell as his partner, though he could often be seen working next to Will also. Older than some reapers, but still very, very young compared to Undertaker. Ronald had a reputation of partying, as well as being popular with some of the female reapers... well, a majority of the female reapers, at least here in London.
"Terrific..." Undertaker commented, feeling a bit at a lost for words. The two descended into silence, neither saying anything for a bit. After a while, Ronald spoke up.
"So, how's Will-senpai?" Undertaker looked at him, wondering if he knew.
"Huh?"
"How's Will? I heard about him working on this case of sorts. He hasn't been to work since. But that's alright, I've been covering for him."
"Oh... hehe, he's been fine." Undertaker laughed, trying to diffuse some tension. Of course Ronald didn't know about earlier, no one did. Ronald tilted his head questioningly, most likely figuring something was wrong.
"Everything okay?"
"Yes."
"You sure? It must be hard, with Grell. He might be on his death bed. If he's gone, I might need a new partner. And with the board, trying to get in on the case, it only stresses everything more." Ronald shrugged, looking a bit depressed.
"What about the board?" Undertaker inquired, frowning.
"Uh, well, the board committee at the, you know, our dispatch, has heard of this obviously. Apparently, Will told them he'd handle it."
"He did?" Undertaker was surprised. He hadn't heard of any of this. Ronald nodded.
"Yeah, astounding, really. You'd think he'd be more focused on work. Anyways, I've also been hearing around that the higher ups, the people who manage just about everything, have taken an interest in the case. They had decided to leave the case alone for about two weeks, but with the demon attack, they changed it to a week. You knew, didn't you?" Ronald stared at him, his eyes full of different questions.
"I... I didn't." Undertaker sighed a bit, feeling upset. If William already knew, why didn't he tell him? Did he not think he could handle it? He was quite capable of handling it on his own. He could've handled this whole thing on his own. They only had a week to save Grell? The thought was unsettling, and now he was angry with Will. After more thought, Undertaker glanced at Ronald.
"Ronald, do you know exactly why the board only gave us a week? And what will happen to Grell after a week?"
"Um, well, I think everyone is just terrified of demons coming around, you know? Like, the thing just waltzed on in here. It wasn't even that great of a demon either. After a week though... I'm guessing the board would pull you guys off the case. And then, I don't know, they take it into their own hands." Leaning from one foot to the other uneasily, Ronald huffed a bit.
"... Ahh... heh..." Undertaker looked away quietly, sipping his tepid water. Numb feeling, he leaned on a wall. Ronald attempted to strike up another conversation.
"So... how's your shop?"
"Fine, I suppose. I'm not sure, haven't been there in... a day or two. I think."
"Have you been sleeping here?" Ronald looked a bit horrified, evoking a laugh from Undertaker.
"At first, yes. But Will let me stay at his place, since it's closer. And we get things done faster."
"Ohh, so that'd explain the getup." Ronald laughed awkwardly, and Undertaker raised an eyebrow. "I mean, you're wearing a suit. It...suits you."
Undertaker looked down, blinking. "I am wearing.. huh..haha... hahahah."
Ronald hesistated, and Undertaker smiled.
"I'm laughing at your joke. You can be funny." Undertaker glanced back at his cup.
"Oh! Well, alright then." Ronald smiled back. "It's just, ya know-"
"I seem like a psycho who will turn you into a corpse where you stand?" Undertaker mumbled, chuckling, and Ronald ducked his head in shame. "Don't worry, I'm not nearly as crazy as people say I am. I'm only a little bit crazy."
Now it was Ronald's turn to laugh, and he opened his mouth as if he was going to say something before looking down the hall.
"Hey, 'bout time Will showed up... who's that with him? Can't be..." Ronald stammered, baffled, and Undertaker whipped around. Will strode down the hallway quickly, the demon behind him. His breath caught at the sight of Will again, remembering earlier. He tried to shove the memory out of his mindonce more.
"Hello, Sebastian." Undertaker smiled a bit, and Sebastian smirked.
"I wasn't expecting you here, Undertaker. Though this would explain your absence at the coffin shop."
"Well, you know how it is, the dead are wonderful, but I wouldn't miss an exciting case for the world." Undertaker grinned, and Ronald stared at them like they had just lost there minds. Will cleared his throat.
"I trust we all know each other, so let's get on with this. Undertaker, Sebastian's Master has agreed to help us, on one condition." Will looked irritated, now wanting this particular demon's help. But they were running out of choices.
"And that condition would be...?" Undertaker tilted his head.
"That you help my Master in any future endeavors in which we might be in need of your assistance." Sebastian answered.
"Alright, I agree. Where is the brat anyways?"
"Places. He didn't care to come." Sebastian shrugged slightly.
"Ah, still a demon too now, if I am correct?" Undertaker wondered allowed, and the demon nodded. Will glanced at Sebastian.
"That kid is a demon?!" Will looked furious. And dismayed.
"Yes, he has been a demon for a while." Sebastian stared calmly, and Ronald interrupted them all.
"Wait, why are you guys working with demons?" Ronald looked at Undertaker, who looked at Will.
"It was his idea." Undertaker said steadily, and Ronald looked dumbfounded.
"Will's idea?"
"Yes, it was mine. Now, this is all besides the point." Will looked back at Sebastian. "If your Master is a demon, why do you still obey him?"
"Because the contract wasn't completely broken? Because it's fun having a companion for eternity? Perhaps because having a purpose, even if it is being a butler, is better than no purpose at all? Take your pick. Now, are we going to get on with this?" Sebastian looked at them all. And they all nodded.
"Undertaker, inform Sebastian about the situation. I haven't told him all of it. I'm checking in on Grell." Will left briskly, Ronald hot on his heels, probably brimming with questions. Undertaker felt a flicker of irritation, and, surprisingly, guilt. Unsure of why he was feeling uncomfortable, he looked at Sebastian.
"Well, hehe, you're not going to believe what has happened."
"So, boss, what's going on?" Ronald sat in one chair, while Will refused to sit in the other. Neither of them really looked at Grell.
"Nothing. Well, not exactly nothing... god damn it." Will paced, pinching the bridge of his nose. The repetitive steps he took held him here, reminding him where he was. In a sterilized, busy hospital. Ronald tapped his foot, picking up on Will's nervousness.
"You seem... stressed. Like Undertaker. Except he's already a bit 'out there'. And you never lose it. Literally , the only two emotions you express are cold or cruel. I mean, if you don't mind me saying." Ronald hesistated, and Will shakes his head, finally moving to the other chair.
"I know. Ronald, I... hate this. This entire situation is stressful. And god damn, I'm helping Undertaker get Grell back."
"Um... alright... well, I don't think there is anything wrong with helping Grell. And I thought you looked up to Undertaker. Though, I'll admit, you two seemed tense in the hall." Ronald shrugged, trying to sound comforting. And convincing. Will looked up at him.
"You don't understand."
"What do I not understand? That you are trying to help your colleagues? Seems pretty clear to me."
"No, I just-" Will paused, and Ronald watched him, confused but curious. It would be nice to say something, tell someone about everything he was feeling. But that was selfish. Besides, he was the manager of his dispatch. He needed to set an example. Not break down in some way. William now regretted having no friends to talk to, no family to keep in touch with. Still, he needed to remain calm. Cool-headed. He shook his head. "It's nothing."
"Are you sure? You can rely on me!" Ronald looked eager to help. Will wondered how the kid could be so enthusiastic. He then made a mental note to get another reaper down here to assist him. If anything happened to him, it'd be Will's fault. The kid was so eager to lay his life on the line for a friend, and it was both beautiful and heartbreaking.
"I am sure. I just need you here, making sure Grell is safe. I'll see you later, I'm going to talk to Sebastian and Undertaker. We might have to go to my place, come up with a plan." Will headed for the door.
"Alright, you got it. Just keep me notified, alright? And let me know if you need anything!"
"I Promise."
"So, you need my help to... find Grell's soul?" Sebastian walked around Will's kitchen, taking a long look around. Inquisitive, he had one eyebrow raised as he turned around to look at the two Reapers. Will didn't say anything, still managing to stomach whatever loathing he felt. Undertaker nodded his head.
"We've given it a bit of thought, and decided Grell's soul is not with her. Tied to his body, yes, but not with him." Undertaker moved to other room to sit on the couch, his steps cheerful. Striking up a smile, he reached for a book on the coffee table. "We think it's in-"
"Purgatory," sighed Sebastian, sitting across from him. Undertaker looked perplexed.
"You figured that out on your own?"
"Of course. I'd be useful if I couldn't perform simple thinking tasks." Sebastian looked at now Will. "But why do you two want me here?"
"To get us there. Purgatory." Will leans against a doorframe, crossing his arms.
"So, I came all the way here, and you told me all that, just so I could tell you how to get to purgatory?" Sebastian narrowed his eyes, and Undertaker glanced at Will. Will continued.
"I've thought it over, and I've realized that getting there is much harder. I'm not exactly enthusiastic about this-"
"You, enthusiastic?"
"-but I've decided that, yes, we need your help. Because I suspect that there is more to it than normal, yes?" Will stared at Sebastian, and the demon slowly smiled.
"There is, actually. Purgatory, the place humans are supposed to go, right before they go to heaven, in order to get to heaven. That's the basic idea. To get there, you need a divine being. Not a reaper. You guys are too... 'low' down your hierarchy chain." Sebastian shrugged nonchalantly, while Undertaker leaned forwards.
"And I'm guessing William has called you here is because he guesses, as do I, that you, Michaelis, can get there for us? Even with you not being a divine being?" Undertaker tilted his head, and Sebastian smiled slyly once more.
"Very good guesses. Yes, if a demon has enough power, we can create these sort of 'rips'. They are like portals. However, the demon must hold it open for the duration of your stay. For example, if I were close it, you'd be stuck there, until I opened another portal." Sebastian licked his lips, contemplating. "I wouldn't go myself, but I suppose I could help you..."
"You want another price, don't you?" William frowned.
"Yes."
"What is it?" Undertaker tapped his foot impatiently.
"Well, you see, so many times I've been chased by your kind. I can handle them, but it gets annoying, being bothered over an over again. Leave me and Ciel alone, and you get your wish." With that, everyone looked at Will, who nodded reluctantly.
"Fine, you got it. By the way... how do you open a portal?" Will asked, un-crossing his arms to put his hands into his pockets.
"Well, saying that I do jt with magic sounds juvenile , that's how it is. We must use one of the four elements. Fire, water, air, and earth. Then, you two go through. I suppose we'd be using water. I have had no experience with earth or air, and I can verify that fire is more than unpleasant." Sebastian stood while Undertaker laughed a bit, and Will nodded.
"Fine. Where do we go for the water?" Will questioned, hoping they didn't have to go too far. He got his wish.
"A bath will do just fine." Sebastian stated, and Undertaker looked up at Will. Both of them were quiet, still. Will forgot to breathe for a moment... then remembered he didn't need to breathe. Laughing inwardly, he hesistated saying anything. At least, he didn't trust himself to say anything anything about the bathroom... and then he had begun wondering when he let himself be so distracted by meaningless memories.
"Something wrong?" Sebastian drawled, the look in his eyes knowing. Will shook his head, telling himself that the demon didn't know anything.
"Nothing. Let's just get started." Will headed for one of the bathrooms, Sebastian following. Swallowing hesitantly, Undertaker followed. They walked upstairs, to the guest room that wasn't currently being occupied by Undertaker. A twin bed and table near the window, a dark dresser in one corner. White carpet, red walls, and a door leading to the bathroom. All three walked inside, looking around. The walls were red as well, and smooth white tiles were aligned on the floor nicely. A toilet, sink, frosted window, and of course, the bath. Sebastian approached the tub.
"The paint job is nice. I'm presuming you did it yourself?" Undertaker asked Will, who nodded briefly.
"House decorating is a hobby of mine. Now, will this tub do?" Will didn't look at the other reaper when he spoke. Undertaker felt a bit ashamed, which was ridiculous after all. He wasn't the one avoiding the other's gaze. Meanwhile, Sebastian didn't pay attention to them too much.
"Yes, it will do. I'll fill it up, send you both through at different times. You'll be wet at first, but once on the otherside, it'll go away. Prepare yourselves, I can't really tell you what to expect." Sebastian began filling the tub with lukewarm water, concentrating. Will straightened, working up his courage for what might come next. Undertaker stood quietly, alone with his thoughts. After a long silence, Sebastian finished and turned around.
"Alright, one of you get in. You must be fully submerged." Sebastian stood aside waiting while William move forwards, choosing to go first. He climbed in the tub, ignoring the uncomfortable feeling of being soaked, and sank in.
"What now?" He looked at the demon.
"Now, I must hold your head in-"
"What?!"
"- relax. This will be a disaster if you panic." Sebastian calmly kneeled next ot the tub. "I will send you there, in both soul and body. But I must hold your head, and the area over your heart."
"This is crazy." Will hissed through clenched teeth, uncertain about all this. He was definitely regretting this idea.
"It's either this, or the fire. Now shut up and listen, this next information is important. When you are under, you will be under for a bit. Maybe for a few minutes. While reapers don't need to breathe, uou will find the sudden desire to breathe. For a while, you will fight this feeling off. Then, when the time is right, inhale." Sebastian waited, and Will glared.
"When 'the time is right'? How the hell can I tell when 'the time is right'?"
"Will-"
"I can't do this, this is ridiculous-"
"Calm down, Will. Like I said, you need to remain clear headed. Now shut up and get ready." Sebastian frowned impatiently. "It's like going to the beach."
"You did not just compare Purgatory with the beach. And for your information, I can't swim." Will inhaled deeply, trying to enjoy air for a bit. He was nervous, and the water was getting a little colder. He needed to get this ordeal over with quickly, before he lost his nerve. Shuddering, he sank into the water, shutting his eyes. He realized he hadn't took his glasses off. Would they make it with him? A few seconds past before he felt Sebastian's hand touch his forehead. Another hand set itself firmly on his chest.
Will waited. His eyes were shut tight, and he did his best to remain still. If Sebastian was using his powers to send him through, he couldn't feel it. The bottom of the tub was pressing against his back. He squirmed a bit, tdying to get comfortable. A minute passed.
One minute, one second.
One minutes, two seconds.
What was he supposed to feel? Will was now losing his nerve. He still didn't feel anything.
One minute, twenty seconds.
What did Purgatory look like?
Twenty-six seconds.
How did he know where to find Grell? Would it be easy? Difficult? And how would he and Undertaker get back?
Thirty.
All Reapers could breathe. They needed it in order to have sense of smell. Will clenched his fists, trying to remain calm. He needed to sneeze.
Forty-eight.
Would Sebastian tell Undertaker how to get back? Because he didn't tell him how to get back, William figured he had a way. Will tried to relax.
Fifty-seven.
Fifty-eight.
Fifty-nine.
Two minutes.
This two minutes felt agonizingly long. Will was about to sigh, then remembered he couldn't underwater. Not right now anyways. He bit his lips, becoming more aware of the hand on his head. There was no sound undewater.
Fifteen seconds.
Sixteen seconds.
Seventeen seconds.
After a while, the water was annoying. Will wanted to open his eyes. He noticed his chest feeling tight, even though the hand on it was gentle.
Four minutes now.
Four minutes, one second.
Two seconds.
The urge to open his eyes grew, as did the urge to breathe. Will wanted to get up from this position. He wanted to move. His head was aching.
Ten seconds.
He felt tired, like he had just ran for while. His chest hurt more.
Eleven seconds.
His headache grew. Though his eyes were closed, he could see some dots.
Twelve seconds.
Now he wanted to breathe. He suddenly remembered kissing Undertaker. The smell coming off from him... it stirred something in Will. His cheeks grew warm.
Thirteen.
Each second was passing by tediously. He noticed his chest aching painfully. He needed air. He bit down on his lip, clenching his fists tighter. The water was suffocating.
Fourteen.
This was a terrible idea. William couldn't take it. He tried to sit up, but felt himself unable to. Panicking, he struggled and squirmed, fear overtaking him. The colors in his vision danced with the blackness. He reached up to pull Sebastian's hands off of him, but his arms felt too weak to perform such a simple task.
Fifteen.
He tried to lift his legs, to no avail. Frustrated, he wanted to yell, but couldn't. He felt the water all around him, calm, soothing. Trying to sway him into unconciousness. He silently swore at Sebastian as his vision blurred, and colors swam around lazily. Will fought the need to breathe.
Sixteen, Will.
You need to breathe.
I need to breathe.
His limbs useless, his mind tired, he tried to open his eyes. His body was now starting to completely disobey him. His thoughts fleeting, he gasped for another breath, letting the water fill his lungs painfully.
Here ya'll go! Hope you enjoyed that chapter! A long chapter it was.
I'm not exactly sure if I ever mentioned that this story takes place after season 2. If I never did, I might need to fix that. I also decided to give William a fear of water... heheh. Ronald and Sebastian might also be seen more in future chapters.
Any mistakes, errors, let me know!
Until next time, cheerio!