punkish furball – What up, dudes? :D
Words to Ponder:
Sorry I took so long updating this story! All of the previous chapters underwent some serious editing and revision so please take the time to reread, okay?
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Chapter 5
Kagome obediently stood next to Grell behind Madam Red's chair as Sebastian prepared a fresh pot of tea and served it to the nobles with some other refreshments. They silently sipped their beverages, the tension radiating heavily throughout the room.
'And it all originates from him,' Kagome thought, peeking at Ciel from beneath her lashes, 'It probably has to do with this guard dog business, an odd nickname for a child.' Even so, it was clear Ciel Phantomhive was no ordinary child, demonic bond or not.
As she watched him, Ciel took a delicate sip of his tea before setting down his cup and opening his mouth to speak. He was wary of what he was about to say in the presence of the raven haired maid but would not censor himself for her or anyone else. Before the day was out and Kagome returned to the Midford family, he'd make it clear she was to hold her silence or face the consequences.
"Another prostitute was found gruesomely murdered in Whitechapel yesterday," he announced without any preamble, "These killings are not normal. For lack of better words, they are particularly aberrant."
Sebastian picked up where Ciel picked off, speaking in the same matter-of-fact tone.
"A special blade was used on the most recent victim, Mary Ann Nichols, and her body was torn beyond recognition."
"Here's what Scotland Yard and the press are calling the criminal: 'Jack the Ripper'," Ciel stated.
'Jack the Ripper?' Kagome thought, her eyes widening in recognition. She heard of the notorious mass murderer before.
'His identity was never discovered. His killings just stopped out of the blue,' she mused, 'How could he be related to anyone here?'
Across the table, she caught Ciel glancing at her as he took a bite of his cake. She averted her eyes, hoping he didn't see her suspicious reaction.
'Then again, he's pretty sharp.'
"Jack the Ripper, eh? How frightening," Lau commented.
"So I hurried to London to ascertain the situation personally," Ciel continued.
Lau, in stark contrast from his previous utterance, smirked and asked, "Are you sure you're brave enough to stomach the crime scene?"
Ciel narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"The sight of the dismembered body will certainly be horrific. Not to mention the stench of decomposition. Blood and entrails splattered everywhere. The very thought of such a scene is enough to drive any man mad," Lau casually listed. As he spoke, he stood and approached Ciel's seat. When he reached him, Lau paused and placed his hand on Ciel's shoulder, leaning toward him.
"You're only a young boy. Are you certain you can handle it?"
In obvious disgust, Ciel slapped Lau's hand away.
"I am the head of the Phantomhive household in service to my queen. Don't ask foolish questions."
"Of course. Forgive me, Lord Phantomhive," Lau amended, even though he seemed more amused than apologetic.
"Shall we depart, my lord?" Sebastian suggested after the exchange was concluded.
"Yes, prepare the carriage," his master ordered. He turned to his guests and the servants accompanying them.
"Am I to assume you will join me?" he asked.
"Certainly," Madam Red answered, grinning, "Even if you do have Sebastian, I can't let you go own your own."
"I too shall attend, but Ran-Mao will be staying behind," Lau answered. He cast Kagome a curious look.
"Will you as well? As I already said, a scene like this isn't for those with delicate sensibilities."
"Actually, I'd like to go as well if I may, Lord Phantomhive," she answered. Ciel raised his eyebrow. He wasn't expecting that response.
"Is that so?" he asked.
Kagome nodded. "Yes, milord. Lady Elizabeth would be upset with me if I didn't go and help in any way I can."
'Besides,' she thought, 'I'm not sticking around here, looking for tea bags behind potted plants.'
Ciel grinned and arrogantly asked, "You really think yourself useful to me?"
"If I may be so bold, you'll have to see for yourself," Kagome coyly replied but kept her appearance submissive.
"Very well. I hope you don't disappoint me."
Sebastian reappeared. "My lord, the coach is ready."
"Let's go," Ciel stated.
Everyone vacated with room with Sebastian and Ciel taking the lead. Once outside, Ran-Mao departed from the group, boarding the carriage she and Lau arrived in. Ciel, Madam Red, and Lau climbed inside the prepared carriage. Soon after, Kagome then Sebastian joined them. Grell took hold of the reigns and drove to the crime scene, following the directions Sebastian gave him.
When they reached the crime scene, Ciel exited the coach and broke through the line of inspecting police officers with unquestioned authority and Sebastian by his side. Kagome reluctantly stayed behind with Madam Red, Lau, and Grell, blending with the other onlookers. She strained her ears to hear what Ciel said to the authorities but the surrounding, incessant prattle made it hard to listen.
They promptly dispersed from the area when Ciel was satisfied with the information he obtained from the policemen. Their next destination was a dark, gloomy building with a sign above it reading "Undertaker".
"Here we will find everything we need to know," Ciel announced once everyone stood outside.
"My lord, you can't consider asking him," Lau stated, dubious.
Ciel nodded once. "Indeed I do."
"I see," Lau replied, "So where exactly are we?"
"Don't say things like that when you knew you haven't been here before!" Madam Red shouted.
"So who is this 'Undertaker'?" Lau asked, ignoring the noblewoman's reprimand.
"He's an acquaintance of my master's whom also runs this funeral parlor," Sebastian answered.
The group stepped inside the building, and Ciel called out to the mysterious Undertaker. The receiving room was adorned with coffins, sparsely spaced specimens in jars garnishing several shelves, and a prominently displayed, life-size anatomical model of the human body. Without warning, a man emerged from a nearby coffin, slowly pushing the lid away. He was clothed in all black with long, shaggy silver hair adorned with a few, randomly placed braids. He cackled as he approached Ciel.
"Welcome back, milord. I thought you'd drop by before long," he said, "Have you finally come to be fitted for one of me special coffins?"
"No, that's not why I'm here. I came fo—" Ciel began, but the Undertaker cut him off.
"No need to tell me. I'm already aware of it. One of my recent customers was incomplete, but I did it. I made her beautiful again."
"I would like the details of the autopsy for that client," Ciel told him.
"I see now. The funeral parlor is a cover business," Lau deduced, "How much is the information?"
Abruptly, the Undertaker rushed to Lau, staring directly into his eyes.
"I have no need for the queen's coins! There's only one thing I need from you!" he exclaimed, manic.
He turned his attention to Ciel and reached out for the boy's face, cradling it in his hands.
"Please, milord! Give it to me. Give me the gift of laughter! Just give me one laugh and all my information is yours for the taking!"
"Leave it to me, my lord. Behold the genius of the man Shanghai called the Sleeping Tiger of New Year's parties!" Lau proudly declared, "Every calendars' days are numbered!"
The Undertaker—and everyone else in attendance—was unimpressed by the pun.
"My turn," Angelina said, stepping forward, "Madam Red, the belle of fashionable society, will tell you a special story. It'll make you laugh so hard you'll simply crawl up and die!"
Quickly displeased with Madam Red's obscene rambles, the Undertaker turned back to Ciel, anxiously ringing his hands together. "You're running out of options, milord, and you won't be getting any discounts this time."
"Excuse me," Kagome interjected, instantly attracting the Undertaker's attention, "but all you need to do is laugh, right?"
The silver haired man nodded. "Of course, poppet. You are free to use whatever methods you like as long as I experience the ultimate bliss of laughter."
"Master?" Sebastian addressed his young lord as he focused his attention on Kagome.
Ciel smirked. "Let her try."
Kagome took a deep breath and stepped closer to the Undertaker. She placed her left hand on his neck and the right underneath his underarm. Then, without warning, she applied pressure and rapidly wriggled her fingers against his pale skin. Within seconds, the Undertaker let out boisterous peals of laughter as Kagome continued moving her hands, trying out different ticklish spots. Everyone else blanched at the outlandish sight. Whatever they were expecting Kagome to do, this wasn't it. Not by a long shot.
When Kagome finally stopped, the Undertaker gathered her in his arms and spun her around, tears in his eyes.
"Sweet poppet, you are indeed skilled!" he happily exclaimed, "Milord was clever to bring one such as you along. Very clever indeed."
"Yes. And the information?" Ciel pressed.
The Undertaker stopped but continued to hold the maid. Kagome didn't mind. His behavior was a sharp but welcomed changed.
"But of course, milord. Right this way," he said as he moved to his parlor, carrying Kagome with him. He carefully placed her atop one of his coffins before leaving the room to get some tea. The others joined her, the nobles sitting on coffins as well.
"Daring move, my dear," Angelina commented.
"Indeed," Lau added, "However did you come up with it?"
Kagome shrugged. "I just had a hunch. After all, no one can resist the tickle monster!"
The Undertaker quickly returned carrying a tray topped with tea served in clear glass beakers. After passing them out, he sat on his own coffin, holding his anatomical model in his lap.
"Recently, some of my customers have arrived incomplete," he said, stroking the doll.
"Incomplete?" Ciel repeated.
"Their wombs are missing," he answered, "The body is always viciously mangled, but that part is always expertly removed."
"The procedure was done on public roads, some during periods of high traffic. Wouldn't such an excision have been difficult for an amateur, particularly in the middle of the night?" Sebastian asked.
"You're a sharp one, butler. That's my opinion as well," the Undertaker said. He stood and walked behind Kagome, roughly grabbing her from behind. She was still as a board as he dragged his long, black nails across her neck.
"First, the Ripper slits the throat of his victim with a sharp hand weapon," he said, his breath tickling Kagome's ear. He placed his other hand over her abdomen, making a slashing motion over Kagome's tummy. She stifled giggles and trembled; that tickled too.
"Then he cuts right here, and takes the precious womanly part." He reluctantly let Kagome go and returned to his previous spot. "I'm sure there will be more slayings. The Ripper won't stop unless someone stops him."
The Undertaker turned to Ciel, his expression maddening. "Can you do it, villainous noble Lord Phantomhive?"
Ciel stood and arrogantly stated, "On the honor of my family crest, I eliminate anyone who defiles the Queen's garden, without exemption and by any means necessary."
With that declaration, Ciel stood and left the Undertaker's parlor. Everyone else quickly followed his lead. Before Kagome could slip off her seat and join them, the Undertaker placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Is there something you need?" she asked, curious.
"Dear poppet, the Earl is sure to run into complications with someone like you around," he whispered, grinning.
"What do you mean?"
"Purity like yours hasn't existed for centuries. It will draw darkness from every corner of the wretched queen's domain, all wanting to possess your light, to corrupt it."
His grip on her tightened. Slowly, Kagome covered his hand with hers and pushed it away.
"Thanks for your concern, but I can take of myself," she stated.
The Undertaker manically grinned. "Take care then, poppet. If you find your place with the Earl unsatisfactory, you're welcome to stay with me."
Kagome smiled; the Undertaker was odd but interesting. On top of that, his energy felt similar to Grell's albeit possessing more subtle, distinctly different nuances. However, as interesting as he was, she still had a job to do.
"I'll pass, but maybe I could stop by for tea whenever I'm in the city?" she suggested.
"Of course, poppet. You and your magic fingers are always welcome."
Kagome giggled and bowed before the Undertaker then walked outside. Everyone was seated inside the carriage—excluding Grell who was in the driver's seat, and Sebastian who held the door open for her.
"Kagome, what kept you?" Madam Red pointedly asked.
"Oh, the Undertaker just asked me a few questions," she answered, "Nothing too important."
"We're leaving now. Grell will drop you off with the Midford family," Ciel told her, emitting waves of authority.
Before she stepped forward, Kagome hesitated. Ciel seemed interested in her conversation with the Undertaker, and, for one reason or another, she didn't want to be subjected to his likely questioning.
'I've got an idea!' she thought, grinning victoriously. High status or not, no devious child was going to get the better of her.
"I call shotgun!" Kagome shouted and climbed onto the front of the coach, sitting next to Grell. This arrangement was more comfortable than be squished in between Lau and Sebastian again.
"Umm…" Grell sheepishly murmured, looking back at Sebastian and the girl at his side. Sebastian nodded before stepping in the coach. With his go ahead, Grell tightened his grip on the reigns and set the horses into motion.
Once they were moving, the nobles began to speak inside the carriage, pooling together their knowledge and theories on the prolific serial killer's identity. Kagome pressed her ear to the window to listen in.
'So they think Jack the Ripper is a doctor who dabbles in the dark arts,' she surmised.
Before she could hear more, Sebastian's voice floated by her ears.
"A proper maid shouldn't eavesdrop."
"Huh?" she uttered. She frantically looked around for the demonic butler but didn't see him.
"Something wrong?" Grell asked, looking at her from the corner of his eye.
Kagome sighed and relaxed, folding her hands in her lap. "Nothing."
After a few more minutes of travel, Grell stopped in front of the Midford family townhouse. Kagome promptly hopped off the coach and retrieved her belongings. When she was ready to depart, Ciel's voice called out to her.
"Kagome," he said, stepping out of the coach and standing before her.
"Yes, Lord Phantomhive?" she replied.
"This should go without saying, but what occurred today is not to be discussed with anyone especially Elizabeth," he stated loud and clear.
Kagome coyly smiled at the diminutive earl. "Forgive me, my lord, but I don't know what you are talking about. I didn't see or hear a thing."
With that, she turned and left, walking to the doorway. By the time a servant answered the door, Ciel was already inside his coach, watching her as the distance between them increased.
"What a strange girl," he muttered, unable to keep his musings hidden. There were so many questions he wanted to ask her, but it seemed he would be denied for now.
"Indeed, but she certainly is interesting," Lau commented, a sly grin on his face.
"And what was that supposed to mean?" Madam Red questioned, narrowing her eyes at the Chinaman, "You better not be getting any ideas."
"Whatever do you mean?" Lau remarked.
Madam Red bristled. "You know exactly what I mean! That girl is far too sweet to associate with the likes of you!"
"You make me sound like some sort of deviant."
"That's exactly what you are!"
"Never mind her," Ciel interrupted the argument, exasperated, "Let's head back for afternoon tea while we wait for Sebastian." With his butler's gathered intel, he wouldn't need whatever information the petite Asian had.
-O0o0O-
"I'm not so sure about this," Kagome bemoaned, nervously looking at her reflection.
"What are you saying?" Paula asked her, smiling as she appeared behind her, "You look lovely."
"This corset is too tight, this dress is too heavy, and I can't walk straight in these shoes," she complained wearing a frown.
"These are the burdens we women must bear," Paula answered with a shrug.
Kagome sighed and pulled on her elbow length black gloves. "Then why aren't you bearing them with me?"
"I've been to these parties before," she answered, "Lady Frances and Lady Elizabeth thought you would enjoy taking my place."
"Lucky me…"
"Kagome, where are you?" Elizabeth bellowed from the hallway.
The maid sighed before she stood to her feet, brushing off her skirt. As she and Paula expected, Elizabeth burst into the room dressed in a red and pink dress trimmed in white lace with a matching headband and a flower tied around her neck.
"You look gorgeous!" she exclaimed, "Auntie Ann has impeccable taste." She then pursed her lips together, appearing deep in thought.
"But your hair simply won't do! You need curls! Lots and lots of curls!"
"Curls?" Kagome repeated.
Elizabeth nodded. "Your hair is lovely straight, but this is the last party of the season and your first! You need curls. Curls in a half up do."
"Of course, Lady Eliza—Lizzie."
Relenting, Kagome sat back down and waited. Another maid came into the room and set to work. She curled Kagome's hair and pulled the top half behind her head, tying it off with a purple ribbon. She finished the style by tucking a flower, a stark white orchid, behind her ear.
"Ladies, are we ready?" Frances called from outside.
"Coming, mother," Elizabeth cried. She grabbed Kagome's hand and pulled her out of the seat. They followed her mother through the hallway and outside to the prepared carriage. Frances smiled as Kagome and Elizabeth boarded.
"Angelina certainly went all out," she commented, "The gown suits you."
"Thank you, my lady," she replied, politely bowing her head.
"You're going to be a hit! So many gentlemen will want to dance with you!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"Dance? No one said anything about dancing," Kagome said, slightly frantic.
"Well, what did you expect to do at a party, silly?" Elizabeth remarked.
"You do know how to dance, don't you?" Frances asked.
"Not exactly," she answered. She hurriedly added, "But I promise I won't do anything to embarrass you!"
"See that you don't."
Kagome mentally sighed. 'I don't know any formal dances. Hell, I didn't even go to junior prom! I guess if anyone actually asks me, I can fake my way through a waltz or two.'
When the carriage stopped, the door was opened by the valet service and the three ladies were escorted inside the lavish mansion.
"Look at all of the dresses here!" Elizabeth exclaimed, "They're so lovely. Mother, can Kagome and I go on our own, please?"
"Yes, dear," Frances answered, "Kagome, watch her closely."
Kagome nodded. "Of course, milady."
As soon as she was given the go ahead, Elizabeth began mingling with the other attendees. Holding up the hem of her dress, Kagome followed her young mistress as quickly as she could. Elizabeth introduced her to other aristocrats, doing the talking for the two of them with Kagome adding a few phrases here and there. She was actually enjoyed herself until she felt a familiar demonic presence skim across her senses.
'Wait a minute! Is that Sebastian?'
Kagome looked around and locked eyes with a petite raven haired girl standing close to Sebastian in a pink and black dress with a matching hat and a ring of flowers covering her right eye. As soon as she saw her, the girl blanched as her jaw dropped to the floor.
'Is that…Ciel?' Kagome thought. Within a seconds, she confirmed it.
'That is Ciel!' She couldn't help letting the giggles slip from her mouth. The sight of that arrogant, commanding child all dolled for the ball was completely hilarious!
"Such a lovely voice you have, little raven," a sultry, smooth voice told her.
Kagome jumped and faced the handsome, extravagantly dressed blond standing behind her.
"Pardon?" she muttered, confused.
The blond haughtily chuckled. "Forgive me for startling you, my sweet raven, but I couldn't help being summoned by your beautiful voice and noticing your striking beauty." He paused and shook his head.
"No, from afar you appeared to be a raven, a temptress adorned in dark colors with hair of shimmering onyx. But now I see you are a dove, pure and perfect with alabaster skin and eyes shining like the sky before sunset gives way to dusk but just as beautiful. Would you, my dear dove, favor me with a dance?"
'Is this guy for real? Miroku-sama has a better pickup line than that. Hell, even Koga-kun and InuYasha are a step above this guy,' Kagome thought in disbelief, 'At least they get straight to the point, and don't bother with all that ridiculous imagery.' Unintentionally, she made herself sad.
"I would, but I must watch my young mistress," Kagome answered.
Elizabeth stood on the tips of her toes and cupped her hand around Kagome's ear. She persistently urged, "Go on, Kagome! Dance with him. You don't have to worry about me. I'm going to find the girl in the pink dress!"
"Are you sure about this? I don't want upset your mother," Kagome countered. On top of that, the girl she was looking for wasn't an actual girl.
'I don't think it would look good if Ciel's identity is found out. Considering all the trouble we went through to get info on Jack the Ripper, he must believe he's at this party,' she mused, 'His cover can't be blown.'
"It'll be fine!" Elizabeth insisted, "Besides, he is the Viscount Druitt, Lord Aleister Chamber. It's his party; you can't refuse a dance with him!"
"He is?" Kagome uttered.
"Of course I am," the Viscount remarked and held out his palm, "Now please, my dove, join me?"
Kagome took a deep breath and placed her hand in his.
"Yes," she replied and quickly turned to Elizabeth.
"I'll find you as soon as the dance is over," she told her.
"Okay. Have fun!" Elizabeth announced then turned to leave, looking for the girl garbed in pink.
"I don't believe you will return so soon, my dove," Aleister remarked, "I might want to keep you for my very own."
Kagome giggled nervously as the Viscount led her to the ballroom floor just as the orchestra began a new song. When the dance began, she kept her eyes on her feet and mimicked the Viscount's steps. Luckily, she managed to keep up and avoid stepping on his feet. Noticing her inattention, he gently lifted her chin.
"So bashful, little dove, but you needn't be so shy," he said, "My beauty has this effect on many women."
Kagome fought the urge to roll her eyes.
'Oh good grief.'
One the other side of the dance floor, Ciel and Sebastian watched them.
"Perhaps we should have used her as bait," Sebastian quipped.
"We have to get her away from the Viscount before he decides to act and make her his next victim," Ciel stated. He paused and cringed. "And she recognized me! What will I do if she says something to Elizabeth?"
"Don't worry, my lady. I'll take care of it," Sebastian assured him before he held out his hand.
"Now, let us confront them, shall we?"
"What are you suggesting we do?"
"Why, dance of course. That's the only way to cut through the ballroom as quickly as possible."
Before Ciel could protest, he saw Elizabeth coming right for him. He immediately gave Sebastian his hand and the two of them danced across the floor where Aleister and Kagome did. When the song ended, the maid curtseyed before the blond noble and she fled. When she was gone, Ciel took her place as Sebastian took her hand.
"Sebastian?" she questioned, "What are you doing?"
He smiled. "A dance, my lady?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"No."
Kagome sighed as the demon whisked her away, twirling her around on the dance floor. She kept up with her new dance partner as she did with the Viscount, mirroring his steps and occasionally glancing at her feet. From the corner of her eye, she saw Ciel attempting to flirt with the Viscount. Miraculously, Aleister seemed to believe the wooden advances from the teenaged boy. Diverting her attention to him, Sebastian leaned forward and placed his lips by her ear.
"I'd keep my distance from the Viscount of Druitt."
Kagome snorted. "Considering he just dumped me for a little boy in drag, I don't think that'll be a problem."
Sebastian frowned. "You should really stop that habit of yours. Snorting is so undignified."
"I don't think you're here to lecture me about that. Tell me what you're really up to."
"If you insist. We suspect the Viscount to be Jack the Ripper."
"Do you have any proof?" Kagome asked, her interest piqued.
"He's obtained his doctor's license but does not have an active practice. He is rumored to hold occult gatherings during his usual parties in this very mansion. And he has no alibi for the nights of all the murders," Sebastian listed, "I obtained the information myself and assure you my search was quite thorough."
"So Ciel's dressed that way to catch his attention?"
"Yes. He'd appreciate it if you held your tongue regarding that. Are we clear, priestess?"
"Crystal."
Sebastian thoughtfully hummed. "Honestly, I was hoping you'd resist. I was looking forward to…swaying your opinion." His dark intentions were palpable.
"We can't always get what we want," Kagome quipped. The music stopped but the two of them continued standing together.
"Maybe I can," Sebastian countered, smirking, "In time I suppose. It would be a shame to let a human get a taste before I do."
He stepped away from Kagome and lightly kissed her hand before leaving her completely. "Now if you'll please excuse me."
As soon as the demon was gone, Kagome looked around for Ciel. If the Viscount really was a serial killer, he might be in danger.
'I still don't know much about this guard dog business, but he's still just a boy. He can't handle this on his own,' she mused, 'Besides, Jack the Ripper's identity was never discovered. Sebastian may be a powerful demon, but he could have incriminated the wrong person.' The Viscount may be a creep, but that didn't make him a murderer.
When she found Ciel, he and Aleister were on the move. Kagome snuck away from the party and trailed behind them, following the subtle flutter of Ciel's skirt. She stopped as soon as she reached a large staircase, watching the duo as she hid behind the rail. From her vantage point, Kagome watched as Ciel and disappear behind a large, white door. She cautiously approached it and leaned forward, pressing her ear to the surface.
'Can't hear anything.'
Tentatively, she rapped her knuckles against the door until the Viscount pushed it open.
"My dove?" he asked her, surprised, "It seems you flew right to me."
"Yes. I wanted to speak with you," she answered. She paused and looked around.
"Where is the young lady you were with?"
"That little robin?"
Kagome nodded. "I'm afraid my mistress is quite insistent about meeting her, so I decided to find her myself."
The Viscount smirked and gestured to the doorway. "Well, she's right beyond this door. Come see her for yourself."
Kagome pursed her lips together. His sudden change in demeanor was suspicious.
"I'm afraid I shouldn't. I'll go fetch my charge first."
Before she could walk away, Aleister grabbed her forearm and pulled her to him.
"There's no need for that, my dove. You're the only one I need."
Angered, Kagome thrashed in his grip. Unfortunately, the Viscount was stronger than he looked and her dress greatly restricted her movements.
"Let go of—!" Kagome stopped when Aleister removed a cloth from his pocket and pressed it to her face, clamping it tightly over her mouth and nose. Kagome only had one thought before she succumbed to unconsciousness.
'Chloroform…That bastard…'
When she collapsed, Aleister lifted Kagome in his arms, hooking on arm under her knees and cradling her upper body against him. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, silently lamenting.
"What a pity. I actually wanted you for my own, but it seems our love was not meant to be. At least, you'll fetch a substantial price, enough to soothe my grieving heart."
-O0o0O-
Ciel groaned as slowly he came to, hearing the sounds of muffled chatter. When he tried to move, he realized his hands were tightly bound and his eyes were covered. Curiously, he also felt a gentle weight resting on his shoulder.
'The Viscount must have used ether to knock me out then brought me here,' he reasoned. Instead of calling for Sebastian immediately, Ciel sat and waited for him to act and prove with absolute certainty that he was Jack the Ripper.
Within seconds, he heard the Viscount's voice.
"And now, what you've all been waiting for. Tonight, I have the privilege to present you two crown jewels."
When he paused, Ciel heard the flutter of moving cloth and subsequent murmuring from the crowd, fascinated by the sudden unveiling.
The Viscount continued, "You may use them as exquisite decorations or tame, docile pets. Or, if you prefer, use them in a ceremony and sell the resulting parts."
'There are two of us here,' Ciel thought, 'The Viscount must have captured a girl while I was out. It seems he holds these black market auctions to sell the organs of slain prostitutes in addition to live specimens he plucks from his more formal gatherings.'
With his nose, he turned and nudged the weight on his shoulder. He felt silky smooth locks of hair pressed against a slender neck, both smelling of roses.
"That tickles," a familiar voice uttered. She too was slowly regaining consciousness.
'Don't tell me,' Ciel thought, 'It had to be her.'
"The older one is from the Orient, a very rare and exotic piece with unusual eyes for her race resembling the sky at twilight," the Viscount stated, "The younger has eyes bearing contrasting colors of a deep forest and the sea reflecting a beautiful sky. We will show both to you now."
Soon after he spoke, the blindfold covering Ciel's eyes was removed. He could clearly see the Viscount of Druitt standing beside the cage with a sheer cloth over his eyes and the crowd of mask wearing nobles, gaily regarding his entrapment. He looked to his right and, as he expected, saw Kagome curiously looking at their surroundings.
"We'll start the bidding for the Asian at 2000 guinea," Aleister stated, gesturing to Kagome. Immediately, mounting bids started pouring in.
"2500!"
"3000!"
"3500!"
"5000!"
"That much for me?" Kagome mumbled, "You rich people really have nothing better to spend your money on."
"Maybe I should wait for you to be sold before calling Sebastian," Ciel told her, his tone mildly amused. At least that would put a definite end to their unannounced encounters.
"And let your fiancée's favorite maid get bought by some rich pervert?" Kagome said with a crooked grin, "I don't think that will look good to Lady Frances."
Ciel grunted. "Here I am, Sebastian. Come get me."
Suddenly, the lights were extinguished followed by a loud thud before all of the noise in the enclosed room dropped to an eerie silence. Then the candles were relit as Sebastian slowly approached the cage.
"Honestly, my lord. You're truly good for nothing but getting yourself captured," he said, teasing, "At least you seem to have a companion."
"Not now, Sebastian. Get us out of here," Ciel ordered.
With ease, the butler bent the cage's bars and retrieved each captive one at a time before untying the ropes on their wrists. Once free, Kagome rubbed her sore wrists and approached the Viscount's unconscious body. Gathering the hem of her dress and pulling back her leg, she kicked him in the side as hard as she could. When she finished, she let her skirt down and turned to Sebastian and Ciel.
"Well, I feel better. Now what?" she asked.
Ciel took a deep breath and began to speak. "Kagome, what you've just seen is to remain between us. You are not to say a word to anyone under any circumstances."
Not only did the maid have enough information to compromise his underworld status, the Jack the Ripper investigation, and his contract with Sebastian, she saw him garbed in such a ridiculous state, masquerading as a naïve maiden vying for the Viscount Druitt's attention.
Kagome schooled her face in an expression of complete confusion.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about," she said, "I didn't see or hear a thing…my lady." She giggled when Ciel stiffened.
"I could use a lift out of here though," she continued, "Please?"
"My lord, shall I?" Sebastian asked.
"Go ahead."
Under his orders, Sebastian scooped Ciel in his arms and balanced him accordingly. He then walked to Kagome and presented her his back.
"Does piggyback suit you?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'm used to it," she answered. She hiked up her dress and looped her arms around Sebastian's neck and her legs around his waist.
"Make sure you hold on tightly," Sebastian told her, his voice husky.
"Stuff it, you pervert," she replied, trying to jab him in the stomach with her heel. He grinned when her attempts failed.
"Both of you shut up." Ciel said, wearing an embarrassed blush.
The butler jumped and leaped out a window onto the rooftop adjacent to the large balcony opening into the ballroom.
"Huh?" Elizabeth uttered, looking up at the roof. There was nothing there.
"I could have sworn I saw something," she said to herself, rubbing her eyes.
"My lady!" Kagome called out as she approached her young mistress.
"Kagome! I haven't seen you all night." Elizabeth grinned. "Did you have fun with the Viscount Druitt?"
Kagome shrugged, making a noncommittal noise in the back of her throat. "Just a few dances worth. Nothing special."
"Well, it seems the party's almost over and the Viscount has retired for the evening. We should find mother," Elizabeth stated. Once they started walking, she asked, "Did you have fun?"
"I guess so. Did you, my lady?"
"Of course! But I never found that girl in the pink dress. I really wanted to talk to her."
Kagome giggled. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll meet eventually."
-O0o0O-
punkish furball – I hope you've enjoyed this latest installment. Until next time (which shouldn't be too long from now), TCB! (≧∇≦)/
(edited 10.17.2013)