Is there even a line between right or wrong? Is this line a fabricated assumption by us humans to cover our flaws to stroke our egos or to define power through moral justification?
"That's enough Sebastian" My ribs felt the burn as the antiseptic was applied to my wounds sitting in the bloodied bathtub Sebastian worked diligently and carefully to address my wounds while bathing me.
"Patience, my lady" Plunging the needles and stitches into my wound my fingers gripped the bath's corners tightly as a grunt escaped my lips. "Besides this is entirely your own fault if you had informed us sooner this mishap would not have occurred." Tightening the stitches my eyes stared at the bloody bath water. The blood of others now lays heavily on my soul. How many more bodies shall pile up on my journey? "Sebastian are you angry?" Sebastian paused a mocking amused smile appeared on his face.
"Such simple human emotions do not apply to beings as complex as my kind." Placing the stitches into place he left the bath's side to grab a towel before patiently waiting for me to stand up. My reluctance amused him. "Nothing I haven't seen before in my lifespan" Sebastian taunted.
"Asshole" Standing up and stepping into the towel he wrapped it around me surprising me by picking me up again.
"What..." Sebastian smirked cutting my words off "A knight shall carry his Queen even if she is a burdening damsel in distress"
"Butlers and knights something out of a child's tall tale. Put me down in my room I can dress myself I'm not completely helpless like your other master." Sebastian seemed to smile slightly before his features turned unreadable. "As you wish my lady" Closing the door behind him. My fingers touched the perfectly stitched flesh before placing my sweatpants and sweater on. Peering in the mirror the image seemed to change as I stared into my murky emerald orbs. "Who I am?"
"A dim-witted blond with pretty eyes." A voice arose behind me. Shocked I turned to see Sabriel laying on my bed bored staring at the ceiling.
"Who.." My voice was cut off as he spoke.
"You've caused a lot of trouble council members want your head but the Queen sympathizes with your efforts you did what she asked and fixed her problem. Come sit with me I wont bite unless you're into that?" Tossing a tennis ball boredly he threw it to me a letter crumpled over it. "Next mission." He grinned.
"How did you get past my butler?" I growled annoyed. Where is Sebastian? Shouldn't he have sensed another presence or intruder in the home?
"I have a certain female partner keeping your butler preoccupied. Lets just say he's too busy to notice."
"What do you mean...?" Sebastian seduced by a human woman?! What?!
Sebastian P.O.V
"Such soft luscious pink paws." Cuddling against this feline felt blissful. "Innocent round eyes that know no filth." The tiny black kitten meowed stroking its face against my cheek. A blush registered on my cheeks. I smell something foul. "Meow." "So innocent." Removing my gloves so I am feel its soft paws tapping its paws its claws extended outward and inward. "Meow" It's purr caressed my burning cheeks. I'll investigate in a bit.
Katherine P.O.V
Go figures a feline disarmed and distracted a deadly demon butler. Doesn't sound right but nothing makes sense anymore.
"You're room is too boring, no color ,nothing I expected butterflies unicorns rainbows and ponies. Also dolls" Sabriel boredly bounced another ball off the wall continuing to lay bored on my bed.
"This isn't my room and what makes you think I collect such childish things. Besides you gave me the letter what other reason do you have for being here still anyway?" Yawning I ignored him laying down on the opposite side of the bed. "Sebastian will rip you apart if he catches you."
"Bored. Maybe I don't exist and I'm just a figment of your imagination" Sabriel joked
"If I'm imagining an annoying thing such as yourself then I've truly gone mad" A yawn escaped my lips, my eyelids felt heavy as I relaxed into the warm covers.
"Sleep well sweetheart. We'll do this some other time." My forehead felt a cold pair of lips land on them a hand moved my hair out of my face.
"Hey!" My hand moved to punch him I lurched landing on the floor with a large thud. Knocking over a lamp. The sound echoed in the quiet home. "Argh!"
"Are you alright my lady?" Sebastian appeared near my side fixing the lamp he grabbed my arms helping me back onto my feet.
"Yes I slipped I'm going back to bed." Sebastian nodded holding my arm until I was stable enough to crawl back into bed. Tucking me in tightly he switched off the lamp in the room. Removing his coat before laying on the opposite side of the bed. He stared at the ceiling.
"Why do you never sleep Sebastian?" A yawn interrupted the silence as my eyelids slowly lowered from sleepiness.
"Sleep is a luxury my kind rarely indulge in. Constantly on the move in search of worthy souls to devour. My palette could be considered messy and distasteful back then" Sebastian sighed.
"When is the last time you've slept Sebastian?" My eyes turned to the ceiling. Constantly staring at it every night must be devoidful or boring at least.
"In my younger years 323 BEC after a contract with an Egyptian royal a foolish greedy man with a bitter soul after tasting such filth I decided to take a quick rest. Time is measured differently for our kind once asleep our patterns of hibernation can last months to even decades. My slumber lasted until 1347 once entering Europe my hunger ran rampant, quite messy indeed. Many historians call this time frame the Black Death. So many human souls." Sebastian grinned sinisterly reminiscing his past.
"Did you have any female contracts?" The words slipped from my mouth without it registrating fully in my mind of what I was asking and why I sought this answer.
"Of course, many female contracts mostly seeking revenge for unrequited love, pettiness, and jealousy. Honestly, how meaningless.. For something called love, which has neither meaning nor form. Laughable, isn't it?" Sebastian crossed his fingers removing his gloves. "Often fragile and easily swayed and charmed by my looks. Developing feelings for a demon" He scuffled.
"Of course, falling for demonic butler who cuddles cats and wears black nail polish is very charming indeed" Rolling my eyes boredly before sighing jokingly. "Dreamy" His face seemed to twitch slightly into an annoyed look before his stoic features returned. "Sleep" Commanding more than informing me he placed his icy cold fingers on my eyelids pushing down softly
"I.. don't.." My eyes felt heavy against my eyelids. I guess I've had a long day I may be exhausted...
"My young lady it's time to wake up."
"What?! What time is it!?" Stumbling out of bed my hands reached out to put on my shoes and clothing. I'm going to be late for my parent's funeral. Why do I want to be on time anyway? Whatever. Sebastian sighed pulling a golden pocket watch clamped onto his suit. "6:51am, my lady."
"That's too early it's at 9am!" Stumbling over my hand reached for the closet, gripping it my footing slipped yanking it open. "Crap! What the.. Sebastian!"
"My lady!" Sebastian held his mouth, a blush creeping on his face. The closet door opened piling out many cats appeared each toppling over my body and running out the bedroom door. Ciel's yelling could be heard instantly. "Sebastian you cat obsessed moron!"
"Cats in a closet? Really Sebastian?" Annoyed as a black kitten sat on my head purring while nestling up. Why does he like cats so much? Sebastian bowed placing a hand on his chest a sunken look on his features. "I apologize my lady I shall clean up this mess and discard of these felines"
"You can keep them just make sure you keep them out of Ciel's way. Keep maybe a few in the house rest in the garden? I really don't care just don't stuff them in a closet." Standing up and placing the kitten in his hands I walked out picking up the perfectly folded blackened clothing, a simple blackened dress with encircled ruffles, high-heeled boot wedges and a blackened veil hat with a tightened red rose to cover my face. Walking down the hallway and peering over the stairs Ciel seemed to be growling shooing a cat from touching his breakfast. "Ciel!" Calling over from the top of the stairs he glanced up annoyed. "Cat got your tongue?" His face twisted to utter disgust as he slammed the table. "Go prepare yourself" He snapped back before attempting to calm down after sipping his tea and grabbing the daily newspaper.
"Fine" Strolling off to the closest bathroom my fingers traced through my hair. Should I braid it or wrap it up into a bun? Moving my hair upward the mark appeared it seemed to stare back at me in the mirror. Faustian contract is what they call it. Contracts predator to its prey. Kind of like a sticker on a piece of meat. Stop. My hand reached combing my hair down before braiding it over my contracted mark covering its presence. My legs slipped on the rough textured dress before slipping on the shoes and placing the laced veiled hat over my head quickly. Ready I don't need make up today. Stepping out of the bathroom my footsteps approached the kitchen table skimming through the meals placed for breakfast none catching my attention. "I'm ready." Ciel appeared waiting by the door in seconds tapping his foot annoyed.
"No breakfast my lady are you feeling alright?" Sebastian took my side opening the front door for us, a curious look graced his features momentarily.
"I'm not hungry or parched besides were running late for the funeral." Sebastian and Ciel simply nodded. Sitting in the front seat as Sebastian started the engine my mind began to wander slowly watching as the home disappeared. Every detail, every crack and even photos recreated in a flash it seems as if it never burned but how could he know? The green fields of the graveyard appeared tomb stones patched with few flowers a willow tree limp with old age swayed in the distance. A few crowd screeched on the branches of the old willow their beady cold eyes seemed to follow us as we walked by oddly on a tombstone a white dove sat peering at us as we walked up the green hills. Nearing the top the funeral had begun foldable chairs positioned diagonally many people sat closest family, distant relatives, and even family friends sat crying as the ceremony began. Madame Red dressed in an inappropriate clothing for a funeral a red suit, short red skirt and high-heeled pumps sat crossing her legs. Tears forming in her eyes which had red glitter on them ironically she wiped them away calling us over to sit with her. Following my lead Ciel sat positioned next to me. A reminiscing look on his features Sebastian seemed indifferent partly bored as he stood solemnly until I nodded at him touching the empty seat beside me, before reluctantly taking a seat. Sympathetic and concerned faces sent condolences through glances and nods. The priest a balding man with pale hazel eyes and a prominent white beard began the sermon. "Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to lay to rest the souls of the departed. A moment of silence before we begin." The attendants seemed to bow their heads in silence staring at the twin mahogany coffins my fingers arched before balling into fists. This isn't necessary.
"Today we remember the lives of Arabella and George Elizabeth Midford. Along with all those we have loved and who have gone before. Their faces are before us at this very moment and we remember them and treasure them. There are all the things we should have said and never did, all that we said and should never have said. We may have even missed saying goodbye. Yet, they're with us at the sparkle of dawn and dull setting sun. In the unexpected moment they're there. The memories so precious, so warming, touching the heart, shedding a tear. Time seems to dull their face just as it dulls the memories, but the joy and warmth is never dulled. Heavenly Father, in your Son Jesus Christ you have given us a true faith and a sure hope. Help us to live as those who believe in your eternal friendship, the forgiveness of all our failings and the resurrection to eternal life; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Loving God, you alone are the source of life. May your life-giving Spirit flow through us, and fill us with compassion, one for another. In our sorrow give us the calm of your peace. Kindle our hope, and let our grief give way to joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Lord, dry our tears and warm our memories. Amen" Turning his page he spoke once more. "Our Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. For ever and ever. Amen. May they rest in peace in the father's kingdom." The coffins slowly lowered into the hollowed dirt a rain drop hit my hand softly as it slowly drizzled men worked quickly even Edward who didn't glare this time only nodded as he grabbed a shovel to bury the coffins. A sob erupted from Elizabeth she slowly walked over giving Ciel a hug. Ciel seemed to grow annoyed but his features softened slightly as he proceeded to pat her back. Madame Red sobbed loudly standing up to leave with the crowd each condolence or apology felt facaded false. Pity and sorrow felt wasted and empty as I nodded. The rain fell heavier instantly Sebastian held out an umbrella holding it over my head as I stared at the now muddied grave. "Sebastian it's alright I'll be there in a few take Ciel." Sebastian nodded a thin smirk graced his lips as he walked away with Ciel. "I'll find him." My eyes sparked with determination and concealed anger. No remorse or sadness no tears my heart-felt numb devoid of any emotions except anger.
"Want some candy or a biscuit little girl? Hehe" A cackling voice laughed startled me, appearing besides the tombstones. A rather lean man stood with noticeably long gray hair in a single braid covering his eyes, a noticeable scar slashed against his face reaching to his neck and left pinky finger. His darkened black robe covered his body a lengthy black top hat and gray scarf perfectly clipped to his chest and tied at his hips. His fingernails long and black. "Life isn't that sweet. That's why everyone wants sweet things." He spoke again offering me candy and dog biscuits in a metallic urn. His long black fingers gripped the urn firmly in one hand. "Tell me you look rather familiar I've seen you somewhere before." Taping his long nail on his chin he grinned before speaking once more."Rejog my memory what's your name?"
"I don't take candy or treats from strangers. Interacting with strangers it seems to turn out unfavorably in my end." Ignoring him my eyes traced the tombstones letters and dates etched into the marble stone. "It's Katherine Elizabeth Midford" I replied boredly touching the letters which felt wet and rough against my fingertips.
"A shame sweets are to die for." His voice cackled. "My name is Undertaker I'm the funeral director. I can tell you anything you like but for a price of course"Grinning creepily at me. My hand reached for my wallet tucked in my jacket pocket. He shook his head. "I don't want any of the Queen's money!"
"You want something else huh?" He nodded grinning even more creepily his teeth flashing into a mischievous grin.
"Things only a lady can give you?" My voice asked amused a sly knowing look graced my features. What is he a perv? what information can I get out of him? Worse comes to worse I'm going to round kick his face in after I acquire this information.
"Of course, all I ask is for a joke." Undertaker giggled rubbing his fingers together. "Give me a good one I haven't heard before" He chewed his fingernail eagerly grinning his hands underneath his chin.
"A joke?! Are you..." Undertaker cut me off grinning wider than the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. "Long time no see Young Earl and Sebastian." Turning my head Sebastian and Ciel appeared. Sebastian placed his jacket over my shoulders frowning slightly. "You'll catch a cold my lady"
"Undertaker it's been a while" Ciel spoke nonchalantly. Folding his umbrella the slow drizzle of rain gradually had softened before completely stopping.
"How have you been Young Earl? 200 years and you haven't grown a bit still and Sebastian how have you've been old chap? Got any jokes for me? Hehe"
"Quite alright recently returned to this century a shame this generation has nothing to offer in class or morals bunch of uncivilized brutes and scantily clad women running amok" Ciel scoffed. Sebastian smirked a devious look on his face. "Of course for now I shall hold onto these treasures in case information is needed by my current master, a descendent of my young lord's lineage"
"Ooh no fair! I can't wait and an ancestor you say? hmm." Gripping my face between his fingers Undertaker cracked another grin. "Ahh looks like the Midford boy a tad bit. Amazing how stubborn the young earl here is I presume these two do not get along? Hehe two territorial dogs don't get along"
"Let go of my.." My face was pinched a little harder by the Undertaker as he hushed me waiting for Ciel to reply."Your assumptions are correct my ancestor lacks proper skills and focus for this job, being a fragile weak minded woman would recount for this." Ciel smirked.
"Then how did you do your job?" My mouth motioned trying to speak against Undertaker's fingers. "Let me go or I'll have to resort to violence" Undertaker broke down laughing releasing my mouth to hold his aching sides. "She demon" He chuckled wiping away an invisible tear. My attention was gripped by the crows sitting on the withering willow tree their beady eyes seemed to follow my every movements. "My lady it's time we depart" Sebastian eyes narrowed at the crows seeming to spark with concealed anger. "Vultures" Sebastian hissed quietly to himself. Turning my attention to the tombstone the Undertaker had disappeared as quickly as he came. Ciel grew impatient rolling his eyes at the crows in the willow. "Must you waste my time?!" He growled.
"Fine let's leave besides its been an uneventful day anyway" Walking past the tombstones of the old graveyard my fingers picked up the rolled up letter tracing its contents quickly as Sebastian held the passenger door open. "You got to be kidding me."