((CREDIT TO: JESSE.))
"We are here today for one individual who touched our hearts. Not with sweets, but with kindness."
I sat there in the peers, staring ahead at the man in a suit. A preacher, do doubt, as he had a bible in his hands. He opened it, starting to read sayings and quotes from the bible. Mary's urn was beautifully decorated and sitting carefully on a purple velvet pillow..
The husband James was sitting up front, looking obviously hurt about this whole event. His daughter was sitting next to him, her head on his lap.
I secretly wished for some comfort as well...
Why did I have to reap Mary? Why did- Thats not me...Why am I thinking such hurtful things? I ended her misery...She...needed me...Was I supposed to be proud? That I ended her life?
But she thanked me...
I watched as some people came forward to speak their mind. Some were relatives, some were old customers of the sweet shop. I noticed Undertaker was no where to be seen. My green eyes then focused back up to the next person.
"In the very sort time I knew Mary, she was a delightful person. A "mother hen" As they called them. Her beauty and grace shall never be forgotten." Said a young man in a respectable outfit.
So many people loved her, it was incredible. Her records did not lie. She was loved by so many people. I was glad she was sent to the afterlife. She deserved it. She was a happy person. I remembered how humble she was. From start to finish, she was beautiful...
I wish I was the same. I was not a beautiful person...reaper...whatever I was... I leaned back in my seat, suddenly growing uncomfortable. I didn't deserve to be here...I ended this womans life... But why did the husband want me there? He was thanking me. Thanking me for ending her life...No I couldn't think of it that way. I ended her suffering. Why was my mind so complicated?
"Lydia, your father would be so proud."
I grunted, my eyes looking around. What was going on? I kept hearing these voices...I began to wonder if I was going mad or hearing something from the spiritual realm. I swallowed nervously. I would need a cup of tea after this...My nerves were shaken. That was, until Jenna came to my side.
"Hi!" She smiled softly. I turned to look at her and smiled. "Hello dear, are you alright?" Jenna nodded, and continued to stand there. I gave her a questionable look. She was a cutie, did she need something from me? I soon understood when she held her arms out. "Hug?" She asked in a adorable voice.
My eyes softened. Even though it was a funeral, I couldn't resist that. I turned in my seat and leaned down, gently giving her a hug. Jenna smiled then, putting her arms around my neck and hugging me tight. Perhaps she thought no ill will of me. She was like her mother then.
"Come visit us?" She asked. I thought my heart would break at that question. Of course I would. I cared for them.
But would it be safe? Their records must had been monitored. Even right now, dispatch could show up...But I couldn't ruin their moment of peace. I smiled wide. "Of course honey. I promise..." I said with strength. Jenna smiled then, but to my surprise she hadn't let go yet. I sighed, pulling her up into my lap.
She let out a quiet giggle. I silently shushed her, a playful grin on my lips. I could see her wanting to play. But not at this moment in time of grief. However, Jenna was now looking at my eyes. I glanced down at her. No doubt she was confused on why my eyes were so different. And had that glow to them.
She reached up, grabbing my hair, making me lean my head down. It didn't hurt. And she was just being a curious little girl. "Why are you're eyes so funny looking?" She asked, not able to help herself. I laughed softly. "You're pretty funny looking yourself silly. I'm special, just like you." I teased, poking her nose. She blinked in reply, not sure how to respond.
Human Children were cute little creatures. They were entirely different from the reaper children. Reaper children were stiff, boring, and never meant to experience childhood. They were put to work as soon as they started walking. It was horrid, now that I thought of it. Limited interaction with the mother and father. Especially when born...reaper children were never meant to be seen or heard...Our race was brutal.
I didn't realize I had been frowning this entire time. Jenna grabbed my cheeks, making me look at her in surprise. "Are you okay?" She asked, worried. I looked confused at first, before smiling sheepishly. "I'm alright dear."
Jenna then poked my nose. "You should sing. Mommy said you could." She said suddenly, I was about to answer that I didn't like to sing in public when a chill went down my spine. "...Did she now?" So Jenna was a medium. Just like her mother was.
"And I will Be watching..." Mary said softly.
"Yes, Mommy likes your singing." She smiled cutely. I tilted my head, it was such a relief she bore no grudge against me. "I can't sing here sweetie. It's not-" Jenna then hopped off my lap, taking my hand and pulling me. "Come on!" She whined, trying to pull me. But try as she might, I didn't move. Reapers were naturally stronger.
Everyone was now looking at us and I blushed in embarrassment. Jenna was pouting hard. "Come oooon!" She whined. "Lydia wants to sing!" She claimed, making me blush uncomfortably.
The father snickered then, the first to speak. "I don't mind. Please sing. I'm sure your voice is lovely." He said with a smile. Lydia was surprised. Some funerals did not allow such things. But there was a piano right there...just screaming at her to play it.
Lydia stood up, making Jenne let go. She blinked, before smiling. "Yay!" She cheered. Lydia laughed softly. She was too precious.
The preacher stood aside, allowing me space. This was a blessing. I would have to think of something very respectful. Something to do with heaven perhaps?
My hands lightly touched the keys of the piano, before playing the first few notes. I wasn't afraid of being in front of so many people. I was very...beautiful when it came to music. That, I was sure of. As my head lowered to keep my eyes on the keys, The melody that played was soothing to the ears.
"Somewhere,,In a winter night. The angels.... Begin their flight..." It was ironic that I was singing of angels, when most angels were horrible. But there were several types. Guardian angels, gate angels, warrior angels...But some strayed, and turned into fallen.
"Dark skies, With miles to go. No footsteps. To be lost in snow."
My singing went on for quite a while, several people sat in stunned silence, tears running down their face. Jenna was crying as well. I had made the right choice in song. I hoped it would sooth their broken hearts. I couldn't stand to see their suffering.
For I had been called the angel of death. And I would release those from suffering. I was swift...Silent, soothing, quick. They never complained, they never fought. They always had a look of bliss on their face.
...
Undertaker was busy brushing off dust from his shelves, when he heard the door open. He knew it was Lydia, who else would come in without knocking? The sound of rain was clearly heard. Lydia stood in the doorway, her hand still on the doorknob. She was breathing heavily...
Undertaker turned to face her, a frown on his lips. There was something clearly wrong with Lydia. She was breathing like she had been running the entire time she had been out. Finally Lydia spoke. "I need water. I-I...I-I..." Suddenly Lydia stiffened, her eyes look petrified. Her hand gripped the doorknob, her knuckles turning white.
When it seemed like an eternity, she threw up her arms, covering her head and letting out the loudest scream she could muster. It was piercing. The building slightly vibrated with the power of her voice. Blood gushed from her nose and mouth.
This had been different from Lydia's last spell. Undertaker looked quite baffled over what was happening. His hair was slightly parted, a bright glow coming from his hidden eyes. He had the look of confusion on his face, like he had truly never seen such an event before. The frown remained on his face. But he did not move from his spot. He continued to watch.
Soon, Lydia went dead quiet, her eyes rolled up into her sockets, before she fell to her knees. She swayed, before hitting the floor with a thump. It seemed she was done. But this time, she grunted and turned her head. She saw she was on the floor. How did she get on the floor? And why was she covered in sticky blood?
She slowly pushed herself up, finding herself to be a little shaky. This was new...She sat up, seeing Undertaker was just staring at her. She sweatdropped, looking incredibly embarrassed. "I...Had a seizure again?"
Undertaker then approached her, taking her hand and pulling her to stand up. L "Perhaps you should rest dear one, it seems you've had a long night." He said plainly. Lydia nodded in agreement, her legs feeling like jello. "I agree..."
But now Lydia was wondering something. When she slept in the bed, where did Undertaker sleep? There were no other beds...
"Lets get you cleaned up. Poor dear. It's a wonder you're not dead." Undertaker said with that swooping voice of his. Lydia's mouth stuck out into a pout. She was getting tired of these hints of her death and being prettied up.
"Do you really want me dead? Is that what you want? You keep hinting I would look wonderful in a casket, and make these odd jokes-" She let out a squeak as he poked her nose with a pointy nail.
"I would never wish that upon you, dear Lydia." He said with a jagged grin. But his tone was serious. It was deep, it was cold. "In fact, I quite fancy the opposite." He admitted to her. Lydia stared at him, a little surprised he would boldly make such a statement. So he enjoyed her company.
So she wasn't a nuisance. She was needed. He wanted her around to help. So the comments about her being in a coffin was just jokes? No he said fantasies...So he was just a pervert then. Well, now that was settled. "Hentai..." She muttered, earning a muffled snicker from him.
...
The song had ended, and song people were beginning to leave. I got up from the piano, giving it one last look. Music was so beautiful. It revealed many emotions. It made my heart jump for some reason.
Soon, the room was empty, and I was helping clean with Jenna. Some people had left trinkets behind. Jenna would play with them. She was honestly very sweet. Better then most children. Most were so bratty...
"Jenna? Time to go!" Called James. Jenna pouted, but nodded. "Okay!" She said. And to my surprise she turned around and hugged my legs. I blinked a few times, before smiling sheepishly. "You're such a dear." I said, patting her head. She smiled wide, before returning to James. "Bye bye!" She waved. I waved back, smiling softly. She was too cute.
To my surprise, Undertaker was standing next to me, spooking me out of my daze. I fussed, tugging at my hair. "Must you spook me?" I asked. He simply snickered. "Quite the lovely voice ya' got there. Certainly brighten' up their day." He claimed. I shrugged.
"I still felt rude..." I muttered. But of course, Jenna and James said otherwise. And the funeral was set up by them.
"No matter. You' done a wonderful thing."
Soon an idea came to me. "Why don't we drop by James's shop?" I asked him. "Maybe buy a few sweets on this sour day?"
"Now tha' sounds like an idea." He agreed, a grin on his face. We both scurried out, hopping into the wagon together, the wagon barely moving. I didn't care to notice though.
I watched as the tail on his hat whipped around. "You've must have studied hard to get a liripipe." I said, motioning to the tail on his hat. Liripipes were just a decoration, a expression of how hard someone worked. A trophy.
"It's a wealth of experience... a lifetime."
I looked curiously at him. "Don't take this as rude. But why spend your life studying about the dead? I'm curious." He just smiled in response. His smile was so...creepy some times.
"Natural inclination, I 'spose." He replied simply, a grin on his face. My eyes wondered to him, a thought coming to me. Perhaps we both had the same interests. "Heh...I always wonder if death really is the end."
"Nothin' is ever really over." He hinted, his head turning to look at me. I only blinked in response.
"I suppose...But we'll never know which is the sad part. Not even a seer can really tell us what lies beyond the "End"." I said, remembering how that word always showed up at the end of a record.
He chuckled, "It must be somethin' wonderful, since no one's botha' to come back." He mused, looking thoughtful.
I shrugged. "Or perhaps...They have...But cannot remember us."
"Aww, that's a ratha' sad little perspective to take." He said, though a soft smile remained.
"I know. It's quite sad, that the person you grow up with, may die and reincarnate, and they won't remember anything about you. Like you never existed..." My eyes glanced to him. "I'm quite the thinker." I said with a crooked grin.
"Sounds like it. Does your mind wander far?"
"Very...I always wonder, how does a soul die? I cannot fathom a soul being truly gone. Where does the consciousness go?" I asked, my hands opening to express my question.
"Memory." he said, "It remains in th' memories of those ya' leave behind." He replied. Of course his strong hint went unnoticed.
"Not completely. Spirits do retain them. The memory's are just an object to-" I trailed off. I was giving too much information. I forgot I was a reaper.
He smirked under his hair, a rather knowing look. But once again, I did not notice.
"...If there really was a god, what would happen if this "god" died?" I wondered, trying to change the topic.
"Another would rise." He replied simply. I looked at him, a smile on my face. "You like to think about these things too?" I asked.
"O' course. It's part of my studies."
"Well, hopefully My favorite God Odin would arise. He makes more sense then this one thats currently in control." I said with a cheeky grin. That made him spit out a "Pfffft."
He laughed, "And certainly took care of th' ice giant problem." He said, tapping his chin with a nail. He was drooling now. Eeeew.
I grinned and giggled softly. So I wasn't alone. "Exactly what I was thinking..."
"Perhaps we are more akin than we thought."
"Perhaps, don't get ahead of yourself, dearie." I snickered, a grin on my face. I could not see myself really having a relationship with a human anyways. Besides, I could not see myself being in one at this moment. I wasn't one to feel...in love with something.
"You'll learn in time." He hinted, snapping the reigns of the horses, signaling them to move. I raised an eyebrow. "Learn what?" I was puzzled now. He didn't seem to hear me and I poked his shoulder. "Learn whaaaaaaat?"
"The secrets." He finally said, guiding the horses to turn. I forgot he was the driver. I had to be careful not to distract him.
"...Secrets?" I asked, not getting it.
He suddenly barked out a laugh, startling me out of my calm demeanor. He was laughing for no reason. He really was a madman. His shoulders were shaking with his heaves.
"You're off your biscuits...Charming..." I muttered flatly, rolling my tired eyes. But he only laughed harder. And to my surprise he was ruffling my hair. I whined softly. "Heeeeeey. You're such a odd man." I whined.
He just simply grinned, looking cheeky. "Why thank you, dear." I pouted, my voice squeaking. "How can you take that as a compliment-What is this I don't even!" I waved my hands back and forth, fussing like a chibi. My cheeks stuck out as I held my breath. He just muffled out a laugh, almost sounding like a sneeze.
The pout remained on my face. It was astounding how I thought of him as a good friend, even though I just met the man a few days ago.
"I WON'T LET YOU HURT MY SISTEEEER! YOOOOU MOOOOONSTEEEEEEEEEEER!"
I suddenly perked, my eyes looking around. That voice...That scream...Another auditory hallucination...But it was my voice this time? No, had to be someone else...But who was it? I must have had a relapse...
To my surprise, Undertaker was standing on the sidewalk, waiting for me to snap out of my stupor. I blinked and shivered. "I'm so sorry..." I quickly apologized. Undertaker just shrugged his shoulders. "Don't worry so much, luv. Happens to most of us." He replied, simply waving it off like it was no big deal. I was certainly lucky to find someone as accepting as him.
As we entered the store, I was greeted by Jenna, who hugged my legs like there was no tomorrow. "Hi!" She giggled out. I smiled tiredly, patting her head. "Hello dear." I said with a smile. She was quite the jem. I heard Undertaker stifle a snicker behind me. A angry vein appeared on my head.
"I made cake with father! I made it for you!" She cheered. I felt overwhelmed. "You didn't have to dear..." I trailed off- seeing as how Jenna was not paying attention. I sighed, before taking a seat. "It's for Unnie too!" Jenna giggled out, earning a rather surprised look from Undertaker. His mouth forming into an "o".
"Well now, ain't that sweet." He snickered, a bit of drool going down his face. I snickered softly. "I should carry a napkin..." I mumbled. He only laughed harder.
Jenna soon arrived, holding two plates of the slices of cake. I snickered. She would possibly be a very good waitress in the near future.
Jenna set them on the table, a snicker escaped my mouth. "Don't forget the forks and napkins." I said gently. Jenna blinked, before hurrying to grab some and bringing them back. "Don't run with forks deary. You don't want to get poked. You're such a dear." I praised her, taking the fork.
Undertaker had been grinning this whole time, his bony fingers intertwined. I took a bite out of the cake, grinning. "Lovely taste...Fudge with caramel..." I licked my lips.
I then took notice of how Jenna was still standing by me. I raised an eyebrow. "Eh? Need something dear?" I asked.
Jenna looked nervous. "Father is busy working...I'm bored. I want to play a game." She looked sad. She was too precious. Undertaker smiled at her. "Oh to be young again." He said simply. "What game were you wanting to play?" He asked.
"Tag." She said with a grin.
"Oh my, indoors? You wouldn't want to knock something over would yooooou?" He asked, reaching out and poking her. She giggled. "We can go outside?" She asked. I smirked, she was too sneaky about things.
"Alright dear. Let us finish out dish first." I said, still eating. Jenna then twirled around, humming cutely. I rolled my eyes, unable to stand the cuteness. Undertaker was just smiling to himself. Children were too innocent to the world.
Once I was finished, I hurried outside, playing with Jenna. She was quite sneaky. Even for a reaper such as me was having difficulty locating her. Undertaker stayed inside, he hadn't touched his cake yet. He had such patience...
As time went on, it was getting dark and Jenna was getting tired. I scooped her up and brought her in. James laughed softly, taking her from me. "She's out like a flame." I said. James nodded. "Means she had fun." He said, taking her upstairs. I then turned to Undertaker, seeing he still hadn't eaten yet. "Not hungry?" I asked.
Undertaker chuckled, his shoulders moving. "No my dear, I was simply waiting for you." He said, taking the cake in one hand and eating it in one bite. My eye twitched in annoyance and disgust. How did he eat that one one bite?
"You could have told me...I couldn't have been in sooner." I said gently. Undertaker shook his head. "And spoil the fun? No, my dear." He said, getting up quietly. I just sighed in response. This man had such patience for me it was remarkable.
As we got into the wagon, my mind was wondering. I remembered just yesterday, I had gotten a close call...
Yesterday, several men in suits were wanting to chat with us about the strange increase of bodies showing up all in one night. I felt so terrible I had done that to poor Undertaker. All those bodies to clean up...
But he thought it was more fun for him. And it wasn't hard at all. But it was astounding how he could handle that many bodies piling up. He was quick, he was smooth about it. And he never fussed about it. Perhaps I would limit my reaping...
When we arrived to our shop, I hopped out, going inside. I was glad to be back. No more noise. I wanted to rest before going out anyways. I got the urge to reap...I don't know why I had these strange urges.
.../\/\/\...
My eyes stared at the dusty ceiling of Undertaker's bedroom. It felt weird being in a males bedroom. However, the room was just barren. Nothing of value was here...As least not to me.
My ears picked up a loud click and I turned my head. It was midnight on the small clock on the night stand. I blinked softly, my eyes saddening. It was time to go out...I then sat up, before heading to the shop area. To my surprise Undertaker was no where to be seen. I realized he must have gone to bed. I sighed in relief.
I went to the door quietly, my feet not making a sound. I turned the doorknob, looking around. I didn't sense him. I then quietly slipped outside and shut the door behind me.
Slowly, a coffin lid was pushed aside, Undertaker poked his head out, his hidden eyes glowing bright. His slender hands gripped the sides of the coffin as he stood up. He had been well aware of Lydia's absence from the shop. He was quite clear he was becoming curious where she was headed.
It was raining. Oh lovely. I then jumped onto a roof nearby, before leaping around. Yet again another night. I was going to be so cold. Great. Good thing I couldn't get a cold.
A figure stood on one of the rooftops, watching Lydia with red eyes. It was the same women from before. She seemed rather keen on keeping an eye on her. But this time she kept her presence hidden. Even as Lydia was only a few feet below her.
Lydia soon slipped into a hospital, her glowing eyes scanning the sick and elderly in bed. None smelled of death. She then slipped out of the window, before jumping to the next roof and slipping inside the window. Only two minutes later, the cinematic record was seen pooling out from the rooftops. Aurora watched with eyes that screamed boredom.
"You'll come to understand who you really are, dear Lydia..." She spoke softly, her hair starting to cling to her face. Her hands fondling a very old chain holding mourning lockets. Lydia then climbed out, before yet again doing the same pattern to another house. Aurora remained where she was for the longest time. The smell of death was in the air.
Aurora then narrowed her eyes, catching the faint blur of something silver going past her. She knew fully who this was. A faint smile appeared on her face. So the old man was watching her as well. Lydia was quite the lucky girl.
Suddenly, in a blur, Aurora was now facing the old man himself, who looked quite interested in her. But also very weary and intimidating. Aurora's eyes glowed faintly. Her eyes showing no emotion. It continued to rain. "I'm sure You're wondering who I aaaaam?" She asked him, her voice clear against the downpour.
Undertaker cocked his head at her. "Tha' I am, now, why would a vampire be watchin' the reaperlin'?" He asked with a grin. Aurora slowly turned her head to stare at the records pooling out of the houses. "You always were a keeper..." She said with no emotion. She noticed no reaction from him. Of course.
Aurora then unhooked something from her pants, before chucking the old chain and lockets to him. He grabbed them like they were a feather. His bony hands ran over the lockets, the very familiar lockets, that were...
The same as his. Everything was the same as his. However hers were more worn and the chain was clearly rusted. But everything was there, including the one he grew fond with the most. Claudia Phantomhive...The hair still bright blue...
Undertaker looked up, a rather surprised look on his face. Aurora grinned softly. She finally got a reaction...Took a while. But it was soon gone. The bastard always was quick.
"I'm just a random someone. Nobody you should care for, nobody you should notice. The person you see in front of you is just a fragment from another lifetime and dimension...You are nothing but a ghost to me. Is that clear?" She asked him, her tone sounding cold.
Lydia soon entered a small house, finding a rather old man laying in bed. She could smell death upon him. He opened his eyes, staring at her. He knew who she was. They all did. It was time for death. Lydia took his hand, singing softly. It always comforted them.
The sound of a loud clang filled the air. Aurora's eyes glowed a blood red. Both of them had drawn out their weapons. Undertaker having revealed his scythe to her. But his hidden eyes were wide. Aurora had the same weapon. The skull, the blade, the rib cage. The spine. She had his scythe. Her eyes remained the same, boredom to it's core.
"Any more proof you need?" She whispered icily, pushing against his weapon, making a loud scraping sound. "Don't test me." She warned, her fangs gleaming in the dark. "I can hear your thoughts. You wanted to see if your theory was true. Yes. I do know you. Yes, I was a lover. You haven't changed..." She hissed, pulling her weapon away, before hiding it in her robe. Though it never showed through her cloak.
"I would keep a sharper eye on Lydia dear. After all, she's about to hit a rather huge snag in a couple of minutes. And knowing you. You always show up at the most wonderful of times."
Undertaker narrowed his glowing eyes. Why did she know so much? He then tossed back her lockets. As Aurora caught them, she smirked as he was no longer there... For once, she had caught him out of character. This was highly amusing.
Lydia was still in the process of reaping the male. As the records flowed out, she realized he was a veteran. Her eyes softened. He had served well. He was a strong spirit.
Lydia had no idea that the veteran suddenly went into flight or fight. His records were inching toward her from behind. She was so caught up in seeing his life...
Aurora stayed where she was. "You will come to learn, Undertaker. That even as someone as old and mad as you can love." She said with a grin.
Lydia had miscalculated. She was not paying attention like she was last time. She didn't notice a record strand reaching toward her until it was too late. She let out a squeak as it wrapped around her leg and pulled her upside down into the air.
Reality dawned on her as more records began wrapping around her limbs. Her eyes widened as her vision was obscured. And what was more terrifying was that the records were tightening around her, digging into her skin, until searing pain was felt. Lydia let out a scream, blood was pouring onto the floor below her. She couldn't die like this. Not yet.
The human who was dying was fighting back, his years of being a soldier still stuck in his blood. He wasn't even aware he was killing Lydia.
When it dawned on her she was going to die, she let out a scream. A scream that carried. The reaper death scream. But it was futile. No one was coming. In a shocking turn of events, she was seeing her own life at the dispatch flash before her eyes. No...This wasn't...supposed to happen.
As her vision began to fade, she heard rushing footsteps, before a loud ripping sound was heard.
SLIIIIIICE
Lydia soon hit the floor with a thud, though she felt nothing. She was numbed from the attack. The records faded away to nothing. The man was dead. Lydia slowly blinked her eyes, blood was clouding her vision. She heard heavy footsteps. Who had saved her?
A figure was now standing over her. And to her horror, she knew who it was. The hair is what gave it away. Silver hair, pale face, scars, black outfit, the silly top hat. The silver bangs covering half his face...
Undertaker?!
Lydia let out a choked gasp, blood spurting from her mouth. No doubt her insides had been crushed up as well from how tight the records were. Undertaker grinned wide, leaning down and grabbing her carefully under the waist and shoulders.
He...was a reaper...this entire time?
"Aaaaand now we both carry scars...Hihihi~" Sang Undertaker as he carried her out of the building, before jumping and hopping away with her bloody form. How did She not know?
Aurora stood there as he carried her away. Rain poured harder onto the roof and cobblestone. "Now, onto the next story." She sang, walking along the roof, before disappearing into thin air.