A/N:: I started this right after I finished the last chapter whilst my head was still buzzing with ideas so hopefully it'll get out faster. Anyway, hoping to go to either the Angelspit or Emilie Autumn concerts in December, but we'll see. Other than that you know how life is. Enough rambling, hope you enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own The Cain Saga, Count Cain Godchild, or a single character in each or any other idea that is not my own. These are all the original creations and properties of Kaori Yuki. New ideas present however are mine such as plots, characters, etc.
Chapter Seven: Roses Are Red Part IV
"Next? What the devil could that mean?" Cain asked, placing the paper on the table.
"I have no idea, but I get an uneasy feeling about it," Riff replied, "I know the weather is quite disagreeable, however I really do believe we should get out of here. I do not want anything to happen to you."
"And you are okay with all the rest of these people being slaughtered and the culprit remaining untouched?" Cain scoffed, moving away from him. "You leave if you are so scared, but I'm not leaving."
"Milord," Riff sighed to himself, then he raised his voice looking at Cain, "I promised you I would follow you to hell and back milord, I will not leave you here especially if there is a chance that you might incur an injury."
"Very well Riff, but if you falter again I will leave you behind," Cain replied, not looking at the older man.
Riff walked over and wrapped his arms around Cain's shoulders, "I am sorry Cain, I just abhor the idea that you might be in danger here."
Cain pulled away scoffing, "Wha-what? I am your master Riff! What do you think you're doing addressing me by name in public, honestly, what if someone had heard you?" However, contrary to his words, Cain walked to Riff, grasping at his suit jacket as he rested his head on the silver haired man's chest. Riff wrapped his arms around Cain in an embrace, drawing him close.
"Right then, shall we investigate the secrets of the mystery mansion?" Cain asked, staring straight into Riff's eyes. Cain pulled away from Riff and they left the room.
"Riff, I want you to look into a few things for me while I search," Cain finally said after they had walked for a while.
"Milord, please can this wait until another time, I mean this really isn't the best time to separate," Riff begged.
Cain shook his head, "the mystery hinges on this information; without it we will not have the upper hand when the time comes."
Riff bowed, although his face was still wrought with worry. "Very well milord I will do as you ask."
"Good, I want you to search offices for records on a certain individual, anything at all you can dig up. I want to know the full story, not this twisted one we have been fed."
"I understand milord, I will not be long," Riff bowed again walking off. He looked back at his master who was already headed away and he felt his heart sink. Something was not right and he felt that his master would pay the price for it.
Cain took one look back as Riff walked away, pleased that the man, as much as he objected was still going. "Perhaps that will keep you away from danger." Cain smiled to himself. Honestly, Riff was much better equipped to take care of himself. However, Lilith was dangerously attracted to him and might use Riff as a bargaining chip to get her way. Or, as unstable as she was it was far more likely she would forgo bargaining and just get rid of Riff altogether.
"My possessions are not to be trifled with," Cain said to himself. He continued looking, heading for the guest wing. Someone harshly pulled on his jacket and pulled him into a room.
"Earl, it is not a smart idea to be roaming around this estate all alone, the murderer is on the loose didn't you know!" Cain looked to see that it had been Lilith who had pulled him into the room. She looked horribly frightened, as though she would burst into tears at any moment. "I've been hiding in here since I went into the library and saw that barbaric scene. I was so scared, I mean if my mother is capable of that then imagine what she'll do to me!"
"Your mother is behind this?" Cain asked.
"Isn't it obvious? She is obsessed with demonic sacrifice and all these killings have been demonic in nature. My theory is that she only even threw this party so she would have people to sacrifice. I know you don't like or trust me Cain, but the demon is not in control at the moment. Whenever I get too emotionally agitated he takes over, but I've tried to be calm since I see he pushes you away. I don't care if you don't trust me Cain; you must believe me that I want to protect you! I really do love you."
"You've only just met me, how can you feel so strongly?" Cain asked.
"Please, I know it sounds foolish, but I just do. Please, I want to help you my mother is insane and she'll destroy you for sure especially since I like you," Lilith started to cry.
Cain pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and used it to wipe the tears from her cheeks. "It will be alright, I'm sure. Riff will get the information he needs and your mother will be locked up for a long time. Come, let's go find him. Who knows for how much longer this room will be safe."
"O-Okay," Lilith replied, grasping Cain's hand to help her up. She grabbed onto Cain's arm and held close to them as they walked.
"Where is the study?" Cain asked as they walked down an unfamiliar corridor.
"Follow me," Lilith grabbed his hand and took the lead, "why would you want to go to that unsightly place anyway? There's no protection there."
"That is not true milady, Riff and I were in a small library earlier and displayed on a table, for decoration no doubt, was a map of the house. I like to get acquainted with my surroundings so I do not have to trouble my hosts too terribly. Did you know old estates like these are usually built into old castles or by extreme eccentrics? That was when I noticed a strange tunnel attached to the study, I had Riff investigate it while I learned more of our current predicament," Cain explained.
"Here is the study," Lilith said abruptly, stopping at a large mahogany door with especially intricate silver handles. Cain opened the door, nervous about what he would find behind the door.
"Milord, you are well," Riff addressed him as he walked in, relief washing over his face.
"Yes, yes of course I am Riff," Cain waved him off.
"But what are you doing with her milord?" Riff asked with a panicked look on his face.
"It is her mother behind everything, not her," Cain explained. At that moment he felt a sharp, almost excruciating pain shoot up his back, causing him to double over in pain which made the knife slide up his back. He cried out in pain. The knife was removed and he fell to the floor.
"So sorry Cain, I never thought you would be so daft!" Lilith cackled, holding the knife in her hand. "I suppose that girl does have her uses however. I fed her false lies and blocked out the memories of the killings so she would believe her mother had done it. She believes we must share everything and that she has control, however she only has control when I allow it!" Lilith spat on Cain's face, "oh dear though, that poison on the blade is coursing through your veins even as we speak, it must be horrendous. Soon you will not even be conscious, but I will not allow you to die, at least not until the seed for the child of chaos has been implanted."
Cain's vision was blurring, the twisted figure of Lilith was barely visible. He could see a blur which he assumed was Riff attempting to get over to him, but had to stop.
"You are wrong, I always knew it was you, I just fatally assumed that you would not touch me," Cain coughed and his vision completely faded out.
"Milord!" Riff shouted, attempting walk over to the young Earl who was barely conscious and rapidly breathing.
"Don't take another step or I will slit his throat and find another sacrifice!" Lilith screamed, brandishing the knife wildly. Riff was forced to stop.
"Good boy, now just sit there and I may even allow you to watch the spectacle if you behave," Lilith giggled.
"You are wrong, I always knew it was you, I just fatally assumed that you would not touch me," Cain coughed. He fell limp.
Lilith doubled over in maniacal laughter. "You stupid simpleton, my affections for you run only as deep as the reproductive instrument between your legs. You mistakenly thought I was the other one. I would cut off your legs and hang you from the ceiling by your neck if this annoying harpy wouldn't scream so loudly if I did. But you reached the limit of your strength didn't you?" Lilith got right into Cain's face and sliced it with the knife, causing blood to trickle down from the wound.
"Please, Lady Dagon please this is rather excessive," Riff begged.
"Oh no need to be so formal with me servant, please call me Lilith, after all your life is down to a trickle. I will kill you as well; it sickens me how he is always hanging off of you. It makes me so mad that your scent lingers on him while he throws me away like trash! And if you make a move against me I'll kill him," Lilith darted around the room, laughing, "or should I wait until he awakens and let him see that in the end you are just as rotten on the inside as I am! You want to kill me so bad, but you don't want your master to see that his puppy is actually a wolf!" Lilith continued to giggle.
"I'm feeling a bit generous today; I will take your master with me and begin performing the ritual, if you can kill me, then you'll win. However, if the ritual's completed I win and I will slit your master's throat as you watch!" Lilith began to laugh again. "Oh, it will be so sweet when you crumble to the floor in defeat, holding the dying body of your master! You'll be so pathetic you won't even have the strength to oppose me! And I'll go swoop and slice you up just like that!"
Lilith dragged Cain's body down the passage Cain had been explaining earlier. Riff tried to follow, but the minute he took a step Lilith slashed Cain's arm in retaliation. "That was a warning, next time it will be his throat. You really must learn to play fair Riffael!" The passage closed behind the two of them.
"C'mon, open up, open up damn it!" Riff shouted in frustration, attempting everything to reopen the passage.
"Damn it!" Riff cried, slamming his fists against the entryway when all of his efforts failed. The door had opened earlier by merely pulling a torch on the wall next to it, but Riff assumed that there was a way to disconnect the device from the other side. Riff slid to his knees. "Damn it, no milord, no, no, I've failed you."
"You truly are a pitiful excuse for a servant, I was right to think so little of you even when your master thought so highly," a cold voice announced from behind Riff. He turned around and looked up to see the harsh face of the Mistress of the house, the Baroness Dagon. She had cleaned up and regained her usual collected composure, making the events of earlier almost forgettable if not for the present situation.
"I would explain everything to you, however, I'm sure your concerns lie more with the wellbeing of your master than what is going on."
"I truly would be pleased to have to you explain everything, however if I do not hurry then he'll die," Riff replied in defeat.
"I know she locked that door on you, which is why you are so upset. However there is another entrance. Did you know this is called the Ivy Manor? Many secrets are hidden among the ivy, which is why despite my best efforts it refuses to allow itself to be cut. Among the tangled web is another entrance. It is a plain door, clearly out of place in this grandiose manor. Open it and you will find your master," Lorraine explained.
"Thank you ma'am, but can you not show me the way?" Riff asked.
Lorraine smiled sadly, "she is still my daughter regardless of what she does. I am sure you can understand with that precious person of yours."
"I am sorry milady for what must happen," Riff bowed.
"Don't be, she did it to herself. I cannot exact judgment on her when I couldn't help her however. The door is near some yellow floral bushes, and may the lord forgive both me and her for what has transpired."
Riff got up and began to rush out the room.
"Wait, before you go, I do believe there is one last thing you must know. Lilith does not act alone. There is a man who has been guiding her. I did not know about him until I followed her tonight. Honestly, that girl always was a whore. Be careful of him, even I can tell he is not one to be trifled with," Lorraine advised.
"Thank you milady," Riff smiled as he ran out to the garden.
Lorraine sniffed, "servants really must learn their place." She fingered a locket wrapped around her neck. "I am truly sorry Lilith; it should not have come to this."
Riff approached the lone bushes with yellow flowers in the garden. It was clear that the Baroness had specifically marked this spot as there was no trace of yellow anywhere else in her garden, the one facet of the house that she had claimed she had worked on. Behind it, as the lady had described was a nondescript door. Riff pushed it open and ran down the narrow stone corridor to a large stone room, that based on the casks in the room had clearly previously served as a wine cellar. The entire room was lighted with black ceremonial candles so that the room was only dimly lit.
"Welcome Riffael to my crowning moment! I am so pleased to see you made it as the festivities started. I suppose that foolish woman told you about that entrance, I didn't think she would even leave her bed chambers. I suppose miscalculations are costly," Lilith announced as Riff walked into the room. Clearly the girl had put some effort into arranging her appearance for the occasion as her hair was carefully piled atop her head in intricate curls. Her makeup was done extremely boldly, with red stained lips and thick kohl surrounding her eyes so that she looked little less than a whore. Now she merely wore a corset and bloomers, clearly wasting no time in skipping to her main goals.
"It is not too late Lady Dagon, if you return Master Cain then I am sure he will be willing to get you help rather than have you imprisoned, you do not have to die for this to end," Riff bargained.
Lilith walked over to Cain who was chained to a pillar in the room and licked him on the face. Riff winced in disgust and anger, but held his ground. "Servant of the Hargreaves, I am sure you know just how impossible that is. Now bear those fangs at me! I want to see you fight for your possession!"
Riff sprinted towards the girl, who appeared unarmed at the moment. Once he got to her she pulled the knife from her cleavage and slashed Riff across the face, causing him to wince in pain.
"Oh, come now, please show me that feral beast you truly are, he has told me all about you. I want to see it," Lilith licked the blade.
Riff dove at her again; however she sidestepped him and stabbed him in the side.
"You'll have to do better than-what?"
"Sometimes a sacrifice is in order to achieve victory," Riff smirked, holding onto Lilith's arm. He had grabbed a hold of it when she had stabbed him. She began to twist the knife in his side and he let go of her yelping in pain.
"Fun, fun! But I told you if you want to reclaim what is yours you must seize it from my corpse!" Lilith giggled. She ran up to him and slashed his arm. "Same trick won't work twice Riffael."
Riff barreled towards her and knocked her to the ground, along with himself.
"What are you doing you stupid servant? Would you really die to save his life?" Lilith growled. Riff had pinned her arms to the ground, but not before she had stabbed the knife into his chest.
"I will do anything for him, he is more precious to me than anything else in this world," Riff angrily replied.
Lilith chuckled. "I thought as much, I could tell and that is what infuriated me. Clearly your affection runs deeper than mine. Alexis was a liar, I could never possess Cain for myself," a single tear ran down Lilith's cheek. "He does not remember, but when we were younger I had once met him on the street. That sad, sweet boy, although he was so miserable he still comforted a worthless girl like me, not even nobility at the time. I wanted to gain his affections, so I hired that urchin to intercept you. Because I would watch him from the shadows." Lilith sobbed a bit. "The antidote is in my dress by him, inject him and please take care of him as I cannot."
Lilith ripped her hand free from Riff and pulled the knife from his chest. Riff let go of her, holding his hands to his face to guard himself. "I see. You would only kill if you were forced to. But I wonder, don't you hate me for injuring him?"
"Cain, will you remember me?" Lilith drew the blade across her throat. Blood sprayed from the wound, spraying Riff.
"Lady Lilith," Riff cried, moving back towards her.
"You must take care of him, for he is very fragile. And that man will take it away," Lilith coughed, blood coming out of her throat. "I thought the demon would save me for sure, but it hurts, and my vision, I can barely see." Lilith laughed slightly before her head fell and her eyes became empty.
Riff heard a clapping from behind him. "Bravo Riffael, you have won. Clearly that girl was not the child of misery destined to procreate with that damned son of mine."
Riff turned around to see Cain's father, Alexis, standing before him, eyes as cold and menacing as ever. "I thought it was you behind this. Jezebel creates discord, but he was never quite as inhuman as you."
"Is that any way to talk to your master Riffael?" Alexis sneered.
"I no longer serve you sir, I serve Master Cain now," Riff replied.
"That sickening dedication, you will see how frail your words are. That boy will fall completely apart; I eagerly wait the day when I can see him completely shattered. Until then Riff, nurture that relationship with it, make it so incredibly vital that when it breaks I can see that utter misery created," Alexis walked away.
"Wait, Master Alexis, leave Cain alone. He is a kind, intelligent boy and he has done nothing to deserve your scorn like this," Riff shouted after him.
Alexis stopped and laughed, "His birth is his sin, Cain, that child with the name of the first murderer. This occurred only to remind him of where his place was, under my control. Until we meet again, Riffael Raffit."
"I will not let you hurt Master Cain any further," Riff muttered under his breath, wincing as he clutched the wound in his chest. He was beginning to get lightheaded, but he ignored it. "I cannot rest now, not until Master Cain is safe." Riff pulled himself up, stumbling slightly. He walked over to where Lilith's dress laid and pulled out the antidote as instructed, injecting it into Cain's veins. The boy stopped panting as heavy, although from the extent of his wounds it was clear that he was still in need of urgent medical attention.
"Milord, you manage to look so peaceful even when there is no time to look like that," Riff sighed, fumbling to unchain Cain from the pillar. The body of the count fell limp from the pillar and Riff caught him, stumbling backwards slightly. "I will protect you Cain, even if I must sacrifice my life to do it." Riff held the young noble bridal style, only slightly encumbered by the extremely light youth because of his injuries.
He made his way back into the manor and found the Baroness Lorraine waiting for him in the entryway. "Please, get assistance for Master Cain," Riff pleaded as he fell to the ground unconscious, dropping Cain in the process.
Lorraine looked over him with almost a look of pity, "you worthless servant, what good are you if you die?"
Cain slowly opened his eyes, noticing he was in his bed.
"Big brother!" Mary cried, getting from her chair in the corner of the room and hugging him. Cain winced, feeling pain, but ignored it to return her embrace. "I thought you might have died when that woman brought both you and Riff home, they said you almost did but Riff saved you!"
"Where is Riff?" Cain asked looking around.
"He was hurt even worse than you were, but the doctor managed to help him too. I'm glad that you are both alright, I know how upset you'd be if anything happened to him," Mary replied.
"That stubborn man wouldn't die even if you put a stake through his heart," Cain chuckled slightly to himself; although in truth relieve spread over him. When Mary had first said Riff was even more injured than he was, he had been hold his breath, but now that he knew he was alright he could breathe easy.
"He was looking after you brother, even when they brought you here he was partially conscious and he kept asking to make sure you were alright," Mary replied. Her face then darkened, "however brother, it is incredible that you would allow yourself to fall into such a dangerous situation. I will never forgive you for this."
"I am truly sorry I worried you milady," he kissed her hand; "I will seek your forgiveness even if it takes eternity."
Mary frowned, "you stupid brother. I have to go, my lessons are about to start, but I wanted to see if you were alright." She turned around at the door frame, "I'll be back when they're done though, so don't go too far. There's also something for you on the table beside your bed, that lady left it here, she said it was important for you to look at."
Cain perked up and picked a stack of papers off of the table. There was a folded note resting on top of them.
Earl Hargreaves,
I am sure you hold a bitter hatred for my family for my family because of that foolish girl. I offer my sincerest apologies for the events that transpired, even I knowing what I did, did not realize the extent of the madness of my daughter. However, I wanted you to understand what happened. When you went to the study I believe these were the documents you were searching for, if they can aid you at all it will ease my heart slightly. If you hatred ever passes, it would be an honor to meet again.
Truly Yours,
Baroness Lorraine Dagon
"Interesting," Cain set the note back on the table and began to look through the documents. The top was headed with the name of 'Meadow View Sanitarium.' From the handwriting, this was clearly the doctor's notes on the patient, Lilith Dagon.
Upon first meeting, the patient appeared very pleasant and meek as is usually customary of suicide patients. Upon asking about the attempt, it is obvious that the girl is very detached from reality. Her mother told us she attempted to take her own life as a result of discovering the man she wanted to court was engaged, however she has concocted an elaborate story of demonic possession. Although she does possess the wounds she described, there is absolutely no reason to believe she was ever with child upon examination. In fact, she is so thin it is a miracle she has not perished. The mother has stated she stopped eating a few months ago unless absolutely forced. Further observation is definitely necessary.
I spoke with the 'demon' today after many sessions of speaking with 'Lilith'. It is clear that the girl suffers from a severe personality disorder. She is a danger. Constant observation may be necessary.
A third personality has emerged, what I believe to be the true one, as she was for once lucid and speaking to her, she seemed to be unaware of the others, or if she was only aware that they existed, not of what they did. She did tell me however, that they were linked, and that the demon used the other one to its own ends. It is obvious that the true personality of the girl is extremely provocative and possesses an unbelievable hatred for her mother. She told me that she has stolen all of her mother's lovers, causing her mother great anger. She mentioned something about a gentleman named Samuel, the same individual from the meek personality, except I believe this to be the true story of the matter. Apparently Samuel was a local boy that had taken a liking to her; according to her she allowed him to court her for a while and sexually indulged him multiple times. She grew tired of him, especially when he desired to marry her, so she refused to continue the relationship. He hung himself. I believe this to be where the guilt her meek personality feels originated. I had to end the session.
The true Lilith has been surprisingly lucid for a while, and I believe the other personalities were created merely to deal with her guilt over the situation with Samuel. She was born with heterochromia, something that she seems to take extreme displeasure in. This is where the demonic idea originated from, as she says her eyes are unnatural. The name Cain continues to appear in our session, he is apparently a noble who has caught the eye of Lilith.
Lilith had a visitor today and she seems immensely pleased in our session. I asked about her visitor and she said it was the father of Cain, her desired suitor. He promised her Cain's hand as soon as she leaves the sanitarium. This is immensely troubling to me as this girl is in no condition to ever leave the confines of this institution. I worry for the safety of this young man should she ever get out.
The demon returned today. It was elated. She has discovered the news in regards to the young man Cain. She says the man's father told her that she would birth his child, a child of chaos to bring about the end of the world. She is clearly mad, but I am intrigued. Who is Cain that he would be associated with such a horrendous event? Perhaps sedation is advisable to prevent violent behavior.
Today Lilith was back. I asked who Cain was. She claimed he was an individual from her childhood who had comforted her when her mother was too strict and she contemplated suicide. She adopted him as her savior, and becoming obsessed with him followed him home. Since, she has taken to following him occasionally. This is an extremely dangerous and unhealthy obsession. Whenever she refers to him, she refers to him as a sweet boy who needed her protection. It is little wonder these events have transpired.
A new topic has been addressed today. With anger, she recalled the servant of the noble Cain, who based on research, I have discerned is the eccentric Earl Hargreaves. She says that servant desperately hung around him and she wanted to destroy him for threatening her future. She says that Cain's father told her that that servant is a feral creature. She also said he told her that was the Earl's most precious person, and that she would get rid of him so that the Earl would come to her for comfort. I wonder if the Earl is even aware of her existence.
This will be my final report. Her mother came today and demanded her release. I cannot in good conscious release her, but she is the Baroness. I wonder if I should call the authorities in regards to Earl Hargreaves. May the lord forgive me for what happens as a result of these actions.
There was another note handwritten at the bottom in different handwriting, the same as that from the note.
-I was the catalyst for these horrible events. The doctor gave me these notes to read over as a condition of her release. But how could I leave her in there? She was my only daughter. I had no idea she would invite you and you, who she most desired, would end up tangled in this. I was so surprised at your arrival; however I could not ask you to leave with Lilith's eye upon me. Please understand, please do not blame her.
Cain felt himself shiver slightly. Now he remembered her. He had just killed his father, or so he had thought, and he had felt as though his life was falling apart, if not for Riff's support. She said she came from a fallen noble house, and her mother hated her because of it. She believed it better if she just died. He had comforted her and had told her he was sure there was someone who needed her and that she could escape the darkness surrounding her. She had made him her savior as the doctor said, even though all along her mother had only had her best interests at heart.
Cain set the documents back onto the bedside table and gingerly stood up. He realized that he was no longer wearing the clothes of that day, and realized that someone other than Riff had seen the scars on his back. The wound had been on the back, which would have meant a doctor would have had to see the wound in order to treat it, but he hoped the people who had seen it ran no farther than that.
Slowly, he took off the bed clothes and put on a suit, wincing from the effort. Once he was fully dressed he walked down to Riff's bedroom and opened the door, locking it behind him. Riff was resting soundly, the duvet slowly rose and fell to the rhythm of his breathing. Cain pulled the blanket back and slid next to Riff in bed so that he was right against the older man. He laid his head into his chest, being careful to avoid the bandages and closed his eyes.
He felt a hand stroking his head and looked up to see that Riff was awake.
"It is good to see you are well milord," Riff smiled.
Cain frowned, "what do you think you are doing almost getting yourself killed? You must take responsibility and remain by my side!"
"I am truly sorry milord; if it had not been to save your own life I would not have put myself into such a circumstance."
"You are my property, you must never forget that. Do not behave so recklessly in the future," Cain chided.
"I would rather die myself than allow another to touch even one hair on your head be disturbed," Riff replied. Cain kissed Riff softly on the lips.
"Once those wounds are healed, you will have to make up for what you have done," Cain announced.
"Brother, are you in there?" There was a sharp rap at the door. "I told you to rest! You are so careless."
"It appears our meeting has been cut short, get dressed Riff, you cannot afford to laze about in bed any longer. There is much that needs done around the house I am sure while you were lazily relaxing in bed. If you continue to be so careless I may have to replace you."
"Please excuse my oversight milord, I will get right onto my duties," Riff replied, getting out of bed. He pulled on his clothes without showing even the slightest sign of pain, causing Cain annoyance. Cain walked over to Riff and wrapped his arms around his servant, passionately kissing him.
Cain pulled away smiling, "we will continue to plunge deeper into hell until the end."
[End of Roses Are Red]
A/N:: That was extremely long, I was debating cutting this arc into five parts, but in the end I decided against it. I hope it was okay. I hate to abuse Cain and Riff like that. :( The next arc I'll make sure to be extra nice to them. ;) I'll try to get it written as soon as possible, but I have to devise an idea for it first. Until next time!