dreamgirl: I've been killing myself over this the whole week and I finally finished it!!! My 15-paged chapter!!! I'm glad, mostly because I was kind of at a writer's block because I wasn't sure of what to write. But one day I was just sitting in class when suddenly BAM it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had my best friend Michael help with a few things but once he found out it was yaoi-related he sort of dropped out. It was basically only the first page, so I did the rest myself.
disclaimer: I REALLY wish I could say I owned "Kuroshitsuji"...but I don't. I don't own "Hanwell's Institution" either.
warnings: Contains semi-graphic imagery and psychotic happenings. Not much yaoi in this chapter, but there are implications (at least in the beginning if your mind thinks that way) and also a slutty blonde. And some cockney language thrown in somewhere in there. So, there. That's your warning.
Chapter 9
"Are you sure my lord?"
"Yes, I know I am ready. Well, at least I am mentally prepared".
"This might cause the young master pain", Sebastian warned.
Ciel nodded, "I know, but it is my duty as the head of the Phantomhive estate".
Ciel turned his attention back to the envelope in his hands. He was hesitant, but he knew this was something he had to do. Ciel grabbed the letter-opener on his desk and slowly slid the blade along the edge. Once he opened it, he took a deep breath before sliding the letter out. Ciel unfolded it and read it's contents:
'September 28, 1886
To my cute little boy,
I assume you have been informed about the recent Scotland Yard cases. Apparently, there have been numerous accounts of citizens being admitted into the asylum. I fully understand this happens to be your first assignment, but you are the only person I trust for this case. Find out any information possible and solve this case. I allow you to use any means necessary, as long as you save England from falling into chaos.
Expect The Unexpected,
Ms. V.'
Ciel read over the letter twice before folding it back up and placing it in the envelope. He stood and began to walk back and forth.
"What did it say?" Sebastian asked.
Ciel handed him the envelope and watched as his butler read the inscription. Sebastian handed it back to him once he was finished reading it. The ten-year-old walked towards the fireplace and tossed the envelope into the blazing fire.
"Young master…!?" Sebastian was confused by his master's actions.
"It would be unprofessional of me to keep such a letter. I have seen my father burn all the letters he received, and so I understand that it is just a precaution were someone to search through my office when I am not here", Ciel paced around his office and thought for a while.
The butler still held a questioning look on his face.
"How does the young master plan to go about this 'assignment'?" Sebastian asked.
"I will do exactly what is asked of me. Shall we?" Ciel turned around and grinned.
"Yes, my lord", Sebastian bowed.
"Where to first, my lord?" Sebastian asked his master as they arrived into London.
"I need information before I actually search for clues. Her Majesty mentioned that many people have been admitted into asylums; we should check there first and try to gather enough information as we can from the ones recently admitted", Ciel replied.
"Understood", Sebastian said they now headed to the nearby mental institution.
"The County Asylum at Hanwell", Ciel read aloud, "Isn't this a pauper asylum, Sebastian? What are we doing here?"
"Well, the Queen did say that the citizens were being admitted into asylums, I just though maybe we should search for information by asking those who work here", Sebastian said as he opened the door for his master.
Ciel stood up straight and walked in. A lady with blonde hair and a face full of overdone make-up greeted the butler and the young lord.
"Hello, good afternoon. How may I help you?"
Ciel was almost scared to see the receptionist smile with a face like a clown's. The irony is that it made him feel like he was facing a psycho serial killer. In. An. Asylum. If it weren't for Sebastian, he would start to seriously question his mental state of mind.
Sebastian put on a pseudo smile and greeted back, "Yes, we were just wondering if you could help us".
"I can help you in any way that I can. What is your question?"
"Do you happen to know of the suspicious happenings around in this area?"
The receptionist's smile faded and her profile suddenly turned cold, "I am sorry, but I cannot help you with that. I'm afraid I do not know what you are talking about. Now, I will have to ask you two to leave".
Sebastian looked at Ciel and asked, "Young master…?"
Ciel nodded, "Any means necessary".
Sebastian turned back to the blonde, "My, where are my manners! I have yet to introduce myself. My name is Samuel, and yours?"
The blonde seemed astonished when Sebastian bent forward, grasped her hand and kissed it, "M-my name i-is Wilhelmina".
"Of course, a beautiful name for a beautiful woman", the demon refrained himself from practically gagging.
Wilhelmina seemed to snap back to her senses, "I am sorry but your aesthetics will not fool me, good sir! Please, you must leave this asylum at once".
Sebastian closed in on her as she stood up and his face was inches from hers, "I would never use such immoral tactics to get what I want, madam. It is just your beauty is quite captivating".
The butler barely said anything else, he just looked the girl in the eyes and she practically turned into mush in his arms.
Ciel looked away as Wilhelmina led Sebastian to a door and disappeared into a room. Minutes, if not seconds later, there was a loud noise coming from the walls. It sounded as if someone were banging an enormous hammer against the walls or something.
Ciel sat by the opposite wall on a chair and clasped his hands over his ears and started practicing his French. Even through his hands, the young boy could hear the cries of ecstasy coming from the blonde receptionist.
Within a few minutes, it was all over. No more earthquake noises. No more slutty moans. No more need to try to ignore it.
The Phantomhive lord stood up and he saw Sebastian exit the room, "Let us go, young master. I know where we can find some more information".
Ciel silently followed his butler out the door and into the carriage once again.
"So what did she say", Ciel asked after been settled into the carriage.
"Surprisingly, she actually did not know very much. She had heard of the recent admissions but not many details. Although, she said she knew someone who could help us find the data we need", Sebastian said as if it were a normal thing to be talking about.
"Oh, and who is that?" Ciel quirked an eyebrow.
Sebastian handed his master a photo of a man, "Dr. Peter Cob; he specializes in psychiatric practices at the St. Mary's Hospital here in London".
Ciel studied the photo given to him, "Are you sure he is a specialist? He seems kind of…"
"Young? My thoughts exactly, my lord. Apparently he grew up on the country-side and studied at St. George's Hospital Medical School until the completion of his degree not too long ago", Sebastian explained.
"Seems like you know a hell of a lot from just talking to that randy woman", Ciel said with a nasty look on his face.
"What can I say? She likes to talk…" Sebastian smirked.
"You're a sick bastard. I thought you had no interest in humans", Ciel said.
"I don't, I did not even enjoy the process of gathering 'information'", the demon said with a scrunch of his nose.
"Then why didn't you use another technique?"
"As a demon, it is one of our qualities. Remember lust? It is one of the Seven Deadly Sins. It was not that I was attracted to her in any way; it is just a demonic tendency to tempt humans. And, as a human, I knew she would not fail me in any way and gathering data would certainly be an easy task if I tempted her", the butler responded nonchalantly.
"Whatever. I think we have arrived, the carriage has stopped".
After making sure the carriage had indeed arrived at the appointed destination, Sebastian helped Ciel out and both traveled into the grand hospital.
All Sebastian had to do was ask for an audience with Dr. Cob, lying about a due appointment and they were on their way to the doctor's office.
"He will be with you in just a second, Mr. Clemmons".
Sebastian smiled, "Yes, thank you".
After the nurse had left, Ciel spoke, "It's a wonder how you can get away with murder and not be caught. Naturally, no pun intended. I mean, no one has even looked twice at me!"
"It's all about experience, really. Once we finish your lessons, you should be able to be as 'sly' as a fox. Concerning the young master's apprehension, it is the disguises. I told you it was a good idea to dress as paupers. Although, you look more like a servant boy and I the master", Sebastian placed a hand on his chin.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you? Anyway, once the doctor comes in, I am going to take over the conversation. You took care of one of the vital parts, now it is my turn", Ciel said with a determined look on his face.
"Yes, my lord".
"Oh, and stop calling me that. If we are pretending to be servants or paupers or whatever the hell we're supposed to be, call me by an alias of some kind".
The butler tilted his head, "And what would the young master like me to call him?"
Ciel shrugged, "I don't know, probably Matthew. No, doesn't feel right. Nathan? Not that either, sounds weird".
"Vincent?"
Ciel's eyes widened and fixated themselves onto his butler, "Excuse me?"
"How about the name Vincent?" Sebastian asked.
Ciel was pretty damn sure Sebastian was doing this on purpose, but he decided to train himself and keep his calm façade on, "I suppose it sounds fairly nice. Then, Vincent it shall be".
"And so I will be named Samuel".
"Wasn't that the name to gave that girl? Is that your favorite name or something?"
Sebastian nodded, "Perhaps. It is possible I just like the ring to it. It is like—"
The demon butler couldn't even finish because there came a knock on the door before said door opened and a friendly face followed behind it.
"Hello, Mr. Clemmons I presume?" the doctor outstretched his hand.
Sebastian shook his hand, "Actually…no".
Ciel was mentally cursing the demon, 'What the bloody hell is he thinking?'
The doctor looked at him questioningly, "Then who exactly are you?"
"I'm sorry, I lied jus' to git in to see ya, Doc'or. Ya see, my li'le bruvver, Vincent, hasn' been speakin' for a while now and I was ge'ing worried, ya know? Our parents abandoned us when we was jus' li'le kids an' so we don' really have the money to pay a doctor. Please Mis'er, will ya please help my li'le bruvver?" Sebastian acted out using incorrect terms.
Dr. Cob turned his gaze towards Ciel, who was shaking due to his inexperience at working "undercover" and mostly because he wasn't sure if he could just blatantly lie like Sebastian had. Nor was he sure if he could use slang words as well.
The physician took a good look at Ciel suddenly reached out for his body and Ciel flinched and began to shake even more violently.
The doctor was at a loss of words.
"I'm sorry, I'll keep my hands to myself. What is the matter, little Vincent?" Dr. Cob said sympathetically.
Ciel didn't answer; he just kept his distance and pretending to act like a mad child.
The doctor turned to Sebastian, "Has anything happened during the time your parents died and now?"
Sebastian shook his head.
"If I may ask, how old are the two of you?"
Sebastian hesitated a bit answered, "I dunno Doc'or. I think I'm around nineteen. Vincent migh' be ten prob'ly".
The Doctor took out a pen and wrote down everything Sebastian had just said.
"I'm sorry, what was your name again, young man?"
"Samuel".
"Ah, yes, Samuel. Boy, I wish to speak to your brother in private, if I may", Dr. Cob said.
Sebastian nodded and left.
Ciel was unsure of whether or not being left alone with anyone other than Sebastian was a good idea. So, he tried the best he could and kept up the silent actions.
The blue-eyed boy backed-up against a wall and looked at the doctor warily.
"Do not worry, I shall not hurt you. Come, sit on this chair", the physician said patting on a nearby chair.
Slowly, Ciel made his way to the chair and never left his eyes from the doctor's face. He noticed he had curly, dark brown hair and hazel green eyes. His skin seemed smooth, which confirmed the fact that he was indeed a young novice doctor.
Once Ciel was settled in the seat, the doctor began to interrogate him, "Vincent, why are you afraid of people touching you?"
Ciel didn't answer. But then a great idea popped into his head. He fought the urge to lift his lips in an evil smirk and succeeded.
"Why won't you speak? Did something terrible happen, Vincent?"
Ciel narrowed his eyes and allowed that smirk to build. He bent over and laughed a maniacal laughter.
The doctor almost fell back from his chair as Ciel suddenly erupted.
"Vin…cent?"
After a major psychotic laugh, Ciel replied, "'Cause humans are filt'y".
The young doctor backed away a bit, "Excuse me?"
"The reason why I don' let people touch is 'cause everyone is dir'y. You mor'als tend to be disgus'ing things. You wanna know wha' happened? Well, I ain't gonna tell ya! And one day, I'll have my revenge! Muahahahaha (A/N: Sad excuse for an evil laugh)", Ciel faked.
Peter Cob sat properly in his seat once Ciel calmed down, "I see".
The doctor invited Sebastian in again and had him sit down, "Samuel, have you noticed anything eerie going on with your little brother?"
"No, sir. Why? Wha's wrong?" Sebastian forged anxiety.
"I know I should not be doing this in front of the child but I will have to recommend he stay at a mental institution".
Sebastian shot up from his seat and yelled, "One of them loony bins??? Nuh uh, no sir. Not my bruvver. He ain't crazy".
Sebastian looked at Ciel, who looked drugged by his own thoughts and began to stare at the floor.
Dr. Cob sighed, "From my examination, it seems that Vincent is suffering from a mental illness due to some unknown cause. Probably some sort of abuse as a toddler or younger child".
"I ain't gonna do it!"
"Now, Samuel, be reasonable. Your dear little brother is suffering right now. Look, you can stay there with him if you please. I will arrange something so that you can work there and have a free room and board. How does that sound?" The young doctor bribed.
Sebastian waited a few moments before responding, "Okay. But only 'till my little bruvver ge's be'er, y'hear?"
The doctor nodded and asked them to follow him outside and into a carriage. They rode for a while until they arrived at a worn-down building.
'What is this place?' Ciel mentally thought.
The doctor escorted them into the building and spoke to a woman at the desk. After a few moments, the woman gave him a set of keys and supplies.
He motioned for the two to follow him once again up the stairs and down the narrow halls.
The walls were pure white and the paint was chipping off. The doors they passed were old and woodened. A few holes here and there as well. And just as Ciel had imagined…no windows.
They came to stop at a door with what seemed like chips in the wood as if it were hit with an axe of some sort.
Peter opened the door and a bright light came through, "This…shall be your bedroom, Samuel".
As the young earl and butler noticed, the light that was shone did not come from an expected window. No, not at all. In fact, his room also had no connection to the outside world. The room was painted the purest shade of white that it was almost blinding. There really wasn't anything in the room besides a small twin sized bed with a tiny nightstand on the side.
"These are to be your work clothes and I have set aside an extra supply of tools for you to use to tend to your personal hygiene on your bed. Now, if you will please follow me".
Sebastian and Ciel walked down the cramped hallway once again and climbed down two flights of stairs into what seemed to be the basement.
They first entered a small room that was, surprisingly, NOT pale white but a dark shade of grey with a few candles around the room.
Dr. Cob handed Sebastian a set of beige rags that were probably once as white as the walls upstairs.
"These are the clothes Vincent will be required to wear as long as he is a patient in this mental institution. Now, before you two go about your day, I will have to give you strict instructions, Samuel. You may not visit your brother whenever it pleases you. Remember, there are other patients in this institution and you cannot disturb them. When you want to visit Vincent, you will have to notify one of the nurses, understood?"
"Yes, sir".
The novice physician bent down to speak to Ciel, "Vincent, I am sure you are a bright little boy and understand why you are here. You will be separated from your brother for a little while, but it is for your own good. So please, just bear with it. Samuel will visit once in a while, and there are other children your age as well as some your brother's age, so there is nothing to be afraid of".
Ciel had the strong desire to snort, but held back. The Phantomhive earl really hated it when adults treated him like a stupid little snot. But for the sake of the case, he pretended to be just that.
"Once you both are finished changing, ask one of the nurses to escort you to a cell. I have matters to take care of, so if you will please excuse me", and with that, Peter Cob left.
Sebastian changed his young master as quickly as possible and did so himself, "A little sudden, don't you think, my lord?"
Ciel adjusted his eye patch, "I suppose, but it seemed like the best way to get the job done. I was not sure of what to do, but that idea suddenly came to me. Albeit, I didn't think it would work as well as it did. This way, I can investigate within the cell and you can just…'interrogate' the other workers and whatnot".
Sebastian stood up straight, "What an excellent plan, young master".
The demon quickly exited the room and notified a nurse that they were prepared.
As the nurse came in, she opened a door that was locked on the outside and went through at least five locks and finally opened the gate behind the door. Ciel and his butler walked behind the middle-aged nurse as she guided them through another too-narrow hallway.
Even with one eye available, Ciel could clearly see the image surrounding him. It was like something taken straight out of a fictional horror story. The floors and walls were filled with dirt and what may have been dried blood. Where rooms should have been, there were cells, as if it were a prison. But that wasn't even the worse part. The worse part were the screams…
Ciel jumped a little when he heard the first scream. And again the second time. He saw hands stretching out from the cells and he could see that most of them belonged to children his age and younger.
As they walked further down the hall, the scream seemed distant and the patients were calmer, probably because they were older and most likely medicated.
The nurse stopped at the cell furthest from the others. One at the very end of the hall. Ciel looked around suspiciously and Sebastian just kept a stoic face. Ciel prepared himself for the worse as the nurse opened the cell door and motioned for Ciel, alone, to enter.
A pitch-black room greeted the ten-year-old and darkness surrounded him. The nurse held Sebastian back and so he was mentally noted where Ciel's cell was located.
"This is your cell, boy. You ain't allowed out, ya hear? Your first, mid, and last meal of the day will be served at separate times and you will remain in here", the semi-wrinkled lady turned to Sebastian, "And you ain't allowed down here without a nurse's permission, got it? Now, follow me. Today you'll start working. Say your goodbyes and get to it".
The nurse allowed Ciel out to talk to Sebastian.
"It isn't necessary for you to come down here regularly. Gather as much information as you can and report to me when something important has come up. I will summon you if anything", Ciel whispered.
"Yes, my lord", the Phantomhive butler whispered back.
Ciel walked back into the cell and watched as the bitter nurse locked the gate, "Play nice now".
The blue-eyed boy was confused but decided to shrug it off and paced about his cell. He found a candle and lit it up with some matches his stored in his pocket before entering the asylum. Once he lit the candle up, he noticed a figure in the corner of the room, crouched in a painful position.
Ciel inched closer to it when a face suddenly snapped up and made a distorted smile that seemed almost like the smile of a broken doll.
"Hi...I'm Arthur".
"Maybe I'm the one, maybe I'm the one
Who is the schizophrenic psycho
[…]
Maybe I'm the one, maybe I'm the one
Who is the paranoid psycho"
-"Psycho" by Puddle Of Mudd
dreamgirl: Win or fail? I worked extra hard on this and made the necessary research so that I had everything close to perfect. PLEASE REVIEW even if it sucked or if you just plain hated it. Constructive criticism works too!!! ^_^