Once again, I just want to take this time to thank all of you for being patient with me. It means a lot to me that there are so many people who have faith in me as a writer. I am overjoyed each time I receive a text from people who favorite my stories or place me in their favorite author's page. I hope you all have had a great summer and enjoyed it to the very last. Just remember that school is just as important.

I would also like to inform people that I just celebrated my 24th birthday this week on September 23rd. That means I have been on this site for more than a couple. It gives me plenty of time to come up with inspiration and other important things like finding a job.

Also, you will notice that this story will have taken a darker turn. I hope so because that is sort of the point but not to fret. Ciel will not die. That is left for the other characters and a few select others.

Warnings for this chapter: mentions of torture, attempted rape, use of drugs, and corrupt staff.

Chapter 15: Just another push

The month of March transformed into April. The air was a little warmer giving the British countryside the arrival of fresh spring flowers, livestock, and harvest. It should have been a joy to experience. Not everyone was able to enjoy this beautiful season for they were either busy working, attending school, or stuck in a most undesirable situation. For one person, that was precisely the case. Yes, you guessed it. Ciel Phantomhive was stuck inside a god forsaken hospital with a bunch of unfathomable nut jobs! Well that is how the young Earl saw it. He lied down on his bed watching the ceiling fan whirl around. It had been one week since he last visited Anna telling her about his "improvements". He remembered to heed her suggestions carefully, only taking pills every couple days and not every day.

Ciel sat up on his bed and patted his fading bulge. Maybe he should go down to "The Back Alley" today. It was after all a gorgeous day and it was a real drag staying inside all day. He already ate his breakfast and did his annual weigh-in by Clarice. Thanks to the satchel from Anna, he was able to pass off as an average 38.6 kilograms (85 pounds), just a bare minimum of the normal weight for his age. When Clarice had turned her back via left the room, he took of his satchel and checked his actual weight: 36.3 kilograms (80 pounds). Good, he wasn't a whale this time around. That was not to say he shouldn't be more careful. If he became too light, the doctors would delay his stay a couple months. He opened his door to exit for the gardens when he was stopped by a familiar face. It was Dr. Paris Archibald. What could he be doing here? Didn't he have work to do? Paris greeted Ciel with a wave.

"Good morning Mr. Phantomhive and how are you holding up this morning?" Ciel shrugged. "Too be honest, I would rather not spend the entire day in my room. Instead, I would rather be outside and warm myself in the sun". Paris put a hand to his chin deviously. He couldn't allow Ciel to slip away just yet. First, he had to see if there was anything he could use against the boy and put it to his uses. (1) "Ahhh yes, sun does indeed do the body some good. That way we can absorb some much needed Vitamin D. It also helps boost metabolism" he stated. Ciel nodded. Of course he knew that. His school had a class on the human anatomy and its vital functions. "Well, not that it was good talking to you", Ciel reiterated to the man, "but I would at least like to see the outside before sunset" he stated pushing the man to the side. But Dr. Archibald was not done yet. "Uh before go, I wonder…how are you doing as far as your weight is concerned? I ask this out of doctoral concern" he suggested yet his cold eyes told differently. Ciel gulped. He had kind of hoped to sidestep that conversation. Alas, it was no use hiding it.

"Well, I was just measured by Clarice not too many minutes before. I am at a standard 38 kilos. Although, she says that is tad less than what the doctors here want of me". Paris shook his head. "Quite a good start I should say so for someone of your age and height" he complimented making Ciel smile. "Although, Ciels smile dropped somewhat when he heard the dreaded but, "I think you might be just be about ten pounds away from going past your previous weight limit" Paris stated sadly. Ciel's face dropped. Then he remembered that he had not told Paris the entire truth. He went back in his room much to the elder's chagrin. Ciel then pulled out something from the hole in the wall where he kept his "uppers" and showed them to the doctor. It would be a lie to say the man was shocked. Instead, the wheels in the crooked man's head were spinning a million miles a minute when he spotted the object.

This is just too perfect. All the eating disorder patients I have ever had, this has got to be one of the more pathetic and desperate ones yet. Not to mention a filthy rich one at that. Now I have you right where I want you Ciel Phantomhive.

"I-I-I'm sorry about lying to you before but I was afraid that you would get mad and tell Mr. Zephyr and I-I- didn't really want that so I…" he was stopped by a hand. "Ciel…Ciel… I understand perfectly. You are not the first patient I had that has done something similar to this. Actually half the eating disorder patients I ever had eventually find some loopholes to their recovery methods. Just out of curiosity how much do you truly weigh in at?" he inquired tilting his head to the side. Ciel rubbed the back of his head. "80 kilos exactly" he admitted. Paris was ecstatic. "Aside from these, a friend of mine gave me other fine tips to help maintain a constant…er…medium" Ciel stressed his last sentence not using the word "weight". Paris nodded but decided not to keep him any further. He didn't want to stick around lest that bitch Clarice show up and report him. The last thing he needed was another lecture not to mention a headache. "I think I have kept you long enough young man. Go right along outside. Don't stay out too long now. Ciel nodded determinedly and ran off. Before he could get any futher, the doctor called out to him. "And Ciel…if ever you should need any advice…come to me alright?" he suggested. Ciel nodded and ran off again. When the boy was completely out of sight, the man let out an evil chuckle. "Mission accomplished".

Ciel took a long deep breath of the outside air. He smiled taking in the splendor the outside provided. It was even more beautiful with the coming of spring; the flowers, the glow of the sun, the shade of the trees, and the crisp scent of the air. He stretched his arms over his head before relaxing. He patted his pockets remembering to bring his inhaler. He loved spring but hated the allergies that came with it. He walked through the garden before stopping at the fountains located toward the very edge. The flow of the falling water rippled in the fountain. They relaxed him. He was careful not to look too far down lest he see his own reflection. He wasn't in the mood to see how he had failed. That talk with Dr. Archibald shook him greatly. He felt like a loser for having let himself get back to square 1 like he did. Then his mind went back to Clarice's advice about staying away from Dr. Archibald. But something about the man drew Ciel to him. He was like a confidant…a guardian angel even (A/N: if only you knew that you're so called guardian angel was really a devil in disguise). Then, there was "Anna". He had talked some more to her yesterday. He thought her sort of strange but also as a friend. A strange one he had to admit but still just a friend all the same. While he was not one to boast, but seeing his doppelganger made him speculate that he would make one good looking female. God forbid, should anyone back home figure that out.

His eyes narrowed at the water when a second image appeared next to his own reflection. He rubbed his eye making sure he wasn't seeing things. He peered back and forth. His ears picked up a feminine giggle. He slowly lifted up his head to stare at the owner of the reflection and glanced. It was a young woman probably around 20 or so dressed in a white button-down dress frock much like the other women inhabitants at the place. She had a lithe, dainty figure all the way down to her feet. Her face was oval in structure with pointed chin and round nose. Her deep brown hair cascaded down her back in waves framing her face; she had deep blue eyes, and had light skin. She smiled at Ciel warmly. However, Ciel found it to be rather unnerving. Not to say she was ugly by any means. She was actually quite pretty.

"Beautiful spring morning isn't it?" she began casually walking forward making Ciel walk backwards slowly. He did not want to be near this woman for some reason. She sat down where Ciel had been and stared at the water running her fingers over the surface.

"I love the feel of water on my skin, hot or cold. Don't know why though. I guess it's because I associate it with typical sensations like a hug or even a…lovers…embrace" she switched her eyes to Ciel strangely. Ciel inwardly gulped. He took another step back. He became even more disturbed when the woman began rolling up her sleeves and lightly rubbing water on her arms gingerly.

"Before I came here, I was a washer woman at an old factory. Along with other young girls, I would spend hours knitting, sewing, tending to laundry. Afterwards, I would go home to the arms of the many men who accepted my courting to…" her voice trailed off and began recounting in graphic detail mind you, the experiences she recounted of the nights she shared with the men. Ciel pursed his lips in disgust. Dear God, is she a whore? She must be if she was so willing to let different men have their way with her each night. Though it won't explain why she's in here. The woman stopped talking finally and stood up from her seat and looked over her shoulders. "For the meantime however, I am but fated to be confined in this place thanks to court orders. But…" she suddenly turned to him, "seeing as you are here…" step, step, step " why don't we try and get to know one another for a bit" she inquired swaying her hips seductively. The Earl's eyes widened. This could not possibly be good.

(Inside the clinic)

Nathaniel Zephyr inspected the halls of the facility. In his arms was a clipboard and pen he used to check off; which patient was out, what patient was undergoing counseling, what patient was locked in, or what patient was where, etc. As head dean and physician, it was his sole duty to confirm every nook and cranny in this place along with making sure all the workers (via nurses and doctors) did their job accordingly. (2) Right now he was checking on the hallways of the high risk patients. The only times they were even allowed outside the rooms was if they were monitored or escorted by a qualified nurse or doctor.

"Okay let's see room 304, room 305, room 306, room 307, check…finally room 30- wait a minute" he exclaimed out loud. He glanced at the empty room to see that it was empty. He frowned to notice an empty room. There was no way that she could have gotten out without a key. That means one of the nurses or doctors must have let her out. He only prayed that someone wouldn't get hurt. He was just about to turn from the hallway, when his bespectacled eyes spotted something in its peripheral. He called out to the figure.

"Alphonse". The said man was just inching away hoping not to get noticed when the dean called to him. Shakily he faced his boss. "Alphonse, you didn't by any chance happen to let out patient #308 would you?" he asked. Alphonse as he was called shivered. Shit, if the doctor found out he had lost a patient he could lose his job. But he couldn't lie to him either. That would get him in even deeper trouble. Alphonse gulped and bowed shamefully. "Aye, I did sir. I only meant to let her out for a few moments to help air out her room and change her bed sheets but when I turned around, she was gone. I'm very sorry sir". Zephyr simmered down a bit. "It's alright, Alphonse. After all it was your first offense since working here. However, you know this is where I will write you off with a warning and put you on mandatory probation until further notice. Understand that?" Alphonse nodded dumbly and turned away. A voice called out. It was one of the nurses huffing and puffing. She had apparently been running up the many stairways.

"Dr. Zephyr bad news! Patient#308 was just seen heading toward the garden and that another patients, male, was seen walking over to the back alley before", she cried out. Wasting no time, Dr. Zephyr and Alphonse jolted down to the gardens. This was worse than they thought for he knew what #308 was capable of when around other men. He remembered reading her file. He was in absolute shock of the things this woman did outside her workplace. He prayed over and over again in his mind that he would be able to stop a similar atrocity from happening.

(In the gardens)

Ciel continued stepping back. He looked behind him briefly toward the garden to see how close he was to make a possible escape route from this person. He turned his head back to face her only to find that she was now three feet in front of him.

"Well, not that I'm not at all enjoying this talk of ours" he strained his words "but I really must be going. It was nice to meet you but now I…" he never got finish that statement as he was knocked backwards and found his arms and legs restrained. His gasped in shock. He stared in horror when he realized he was being held down. And he couldn't get her off. Her eyes were glazed over and dilated and a red hue brushed across her light face.

"W-w-hat are you doing? Get off of me!" he screamed. She leaned down so her face was just above his. "It's…ha…been so long since…I've felt another's touch" she whispered caressing his face. Ciel flailed beneath her. Then to his abject horror, one of her dainty yet strong hands made his way to the hem of his hospital shirt. Ciel yelped and began flailing harder underneath her to stave her off. But this only served to arouse her further. She moaned. She knelt down and bit his earlobe gently. This made him gasp involuntarily.

"Relax and I shall show you the pleasures provided from a woman's body" she purred sensually. She then began unbuttoning her blouse revealing her undergarments. Ciel laid there petrified. He shook his head back and forth. Mortified tears ran down his face as flashbacks from his painful ordeal with the cult came back. She somehow managed to skillfully rip his shirt off and throw it off to the side before reaching for his pants. Instinctively, he folded his arms over his chest to cover himself. "Someone help me! Please. Help!" As he began to suspect all hope was lost…The weight that was on him was suddenly gone. He shuddered not wanting to take any chances that it was her trying to get her into a false sense of hope. He slowly opened his one visible eye.

Standing above him was Dr. Zephyr with a clenched fist and angered eyes. On the ground was his now unconscious rapist. Next to the dean were two employees he never met before. Ciel opened his mouth to thank the doctor. Suddenly, the boy remembered his situation and began to convulse violently. "NO, no no no no. Get off me! Get off me! Let me out! I don't want to be here! You monsters! I hope you burn in hell for this!" Ciel was in full blown crying mode, rolling back and forth in his place hugging himself. He felt himself being carried bridal style combined with hearing voices he couldn't make out in his state. The next thing he felt was a slight pinch on his arm, voices calling out to him in assurance, and falling into a deep sleep.

Nightmare/Flashback sequence…

10-year old Ciel opened his lids to discover himself in a dark celled room. It could be taken as a jail even. He lifted his upper body up to find he couldn't. His eyes widened when he realized he was strapped to a wooden table. His head whipped to the direction of a door opening and a man entering. The blue eyed child's eyes widened when everything was sinking in. Here he was.

In this hellhole that they brought him to after his parents died and his house burned down. A man in a black hooded robe walked into the room. His face was covered by his hood so only his mouth was visible. He twisted toward Ciel with a sick grin. He reached into his cloak and pulled out a long black staff. Ciel felt his stomach drop.

"Well brat today's your lucky day" he laughed. "You get to have fun with me and my trusty friend here" he said waving the stick. But the boy knew better. He knew what fun he was referring to. The mysterious figure walked up to him. He unlocked Ciel from his chains and threw him roughly on the stone floor. Ciel cringed feeling the impact of the floor underneath his already bruised up knees. "Lets have fun now why don't we?" he laughed. Ciel whimpered knowing what was coming next. He could pray that it would go fast.

A shrill whirl of a whip snapping next to him made him shudder. He shut his eyes tightly. He screamed when the sudden sting of a lash landed on his formerly smooth unmarred skin. Many more lashes, many more screams, many more tears, then it stopped. Some blood dripped from his lips. He struggled to stand on all fours. He screamed bloody murder when hot liquid splashed his torn back. Oh god, the bastard just poured hot water mixed with salt on him. Ciel fell to the floor in a heap. He curled into a ball weakly. Would it ever end? His question was answered when the figure pulled him up by his hair harshly and back on to the board he was previously strapped to. He shivered wondering what would come next. Would he be compressed between two boards till the breath was squeezed out of him? Oh that would be awful especially with his condition. Anything but that. Ciel watched helplessly as the man stepped just a foot from him. He re-chained Ciel to the wooden table. (3) Suddenly Ciel felt his limbs being pulled rather painfully. The man stopped and loosened the wheel to let Ciel's limbs relax. He was then turned over on to his stomach.

"What-what are you doing" the boy exclaimed. The smell of burning smoke and metal met his nose. A harsh chuckle. "Now, hold still why don't you?" Ciel turned his head over his shoulder to see a red hot metal about to place itself on his skin. He screamed loudly before shadows engulfed him.

Nightmare sequence ends…

Ciel scrunched his face a little before slowly opening both his eyes. He was back on his bed, with a soft pillow beneath him, and covered by a soft blanket. He switched his eyes around him. A soft voice called to him.

"Are you alright, Ciel?" Ciel looked to his right and found Clarice smiling down at him. "What time is it? How long have I been out?" he whispered but loud enough for her to hear. Clarice sighed.

"It is now about 3:30. You gave us all quite the scare right there. Afraid you might go into a breakdown. Glad that Dr. Zephyr got there when he did or who knows what could have happened". Ciel nodded numbly before turning over on his side. Clarice smiled sympathetically at him. Who could blame him? What with having been attacked out in the open and almost…humiliated; for lack of a better word. It was enough to make the woman's blood boil. She would let it slide for now. "Aside from that, you all gave us quite a scare down there. We were all afraid you would go into cardiac arrest and such. Good thing Dr. Zephyr for knowing what to do in that case", she stated softly. She then stroked his bangs. "Wow, your hair is quite soft. Must be a pain to comb through in the morning. Look at mine. It's naturally wavy so I struggle in the mirror every morning. Ha ha ha" she laughed softly. A quiet sob reached her ears. She found it to be coming from Ciel. His eyes were wide, his body was shaking, and both his hands were over his mouth. Tears were in his eyes. "Clarice" he whispered. He pulled the covers over his head and began sobbing. "Ciel, Clarice called out, "Ciel. Are you alright? Hey now come on. It's alright. It's over now" she stated shaking him gently. She sighed. He would confide in her when he came to.

(Hours later)

Ciel was back in the fields once again enjoying the last of the daylight. He was at first reluctant, given the chance that 'nympho' was still lurking from the shadows waiting to strike. At least, he decided that a chance to be outside was too good a chance to pass up and he forget his fears just this once. Now here he was outside just watching the last of the sunlight shine on the flowers as they appreciatively soaked up its rays. He smiled as he thought back to his companions back at the mansion. He knew for a fact that Finnian would jump at the chance to witness the beautiful foliage before him. Given the chance that he didn't mess it up before hand of course. Ciel sat there letting his thoughts of home and all that happened so far. He was in a crouched position so he could look at them without having to sit on the grass.

"(4) Beautiful aren't they?" Ciel flipped his head to the direction of the sound. Approaching toward him was none other than his savior from earlier; Dr. Nathaniel Zephyr. Ciel gulped thinking he would be in trouble for being out so soon after his earlier confrontation. He opened his mouth to explain but was ceased by the doctor putting a hand up. "You need not be afraid of me, Ciel. I will not punish you. In fact, a little fresh air would do all of us some good" he placated the child. Ciel exhaled in relief. He turned back to the flowers and heard the doctor stand next to him.

"You know, flowers are quite resilient. They can get pounded by rain, beaten by sunshine, and even blown asunder by sharp winds but they always manage to persevere", the man explained. "Because someone is watching over them" Ciel added in. "Huh?" Nathan asked confused. "It is because someone is looking out for them, that they are able to persevere" he replied smiling. Nathaniel nodded. "I see and are you able to persevere?" he inquired. Hmm mm, was Ciels only reply. Yes, it was all going to be alright now. Nothing could have spoiled this for him. He was interrupted by a curt cough. Ciel swerved his head. The doctor had addressed him but for what.

"By the way before I forget, young Phantomhive sir, you received several letters this morning. I was on my way to hand them over to you after I had completed my morning duties. However, the incident with patient#308 delayed things a little. If you would like, you may read some of them. I have them here". The doctor reached into his tweed pocket and handed Ciel five letters. Ciel eyes lit up. He had gotten mail. He got up from his leaned position and thanked the doctor before retreating to his room to read his letters in private.

He looked through each letters. Three of them were from his servants, excluding Tanaka and Sebastian. He read each one laughing at each of the staff's explanation of what is happening in the outside world. He got complaints (mostly from Finnian) about how Sebastian was running things or how they were being treated by him. All of the letters ended with them asking more like whining for him to recover soon so he could come home and set Sebastian straight. Ciel shook his head and chuckled. He then read the next three letters, those came from his relatives. He read the one from Elizabeth. She talked about how much she missed and apologized for her brother's behavior toward him and that she looks forward to visiting him when she can. Ciel felt himself smiling. Finally came the last letter, the ones from his aunt and uncle. As he read it, his smile dropped. He let it drop to the floor. He laid face first into his pillow and screamed loudly. Why oh why couldn't they leave him alone?

His relatives would be visiting in a week's time.

Just when things were looking up for Ciel, something always has to drop the ball. This wouldn't be a drama/angst fiction if I suddenly made it out to be happy. I want to add more drama to the mix before I jump in and give the antagonist their just desserts. I hope I didn't disturb any of you horribly putting in the torture scene. I imagine this is something to what Ciel experienced before Sebastian rescued him. Don't lose faith with Sebastian. He will have a part to play in this soon enough.

I ask this often but if any of you have a deviant art page, could you do artwork for my stories? I don't have a scanner for my laptop. If I could see some artwork, I would be forever in your debt. Also if any of you have suggestions on what I could do with my story, that would also be helpful. Remember to be nice though. If I see any rude comments, they will be deleted. Until next time then.

Chapter Footnotes:

(1) This is true. In fact the vitamin itself is mostly used to absorb calcium and phosphate to break down harmful fat particles. You can mostly get it from absorbing sunlight, milk, eggs, vegetables, and fish.

(2) High risk can refer to anyone that poses a danger to themselves or others. In this case it can refer to cutters, violent or angry patients, masochistic, or sexually deviant, etc.

(3) A pulling wheel or "rack" was one of many medieval torture devices. Accused witches or criminals would have all four of their limbs tied by ropes and the torturer would spin a wheel that would stretch the muscle fibers'. This was done with the intent to get a confession out of the accused or prisoner.

(4) This is based off a line from Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori, episode 1. The wheel guy is talking to the girl about the significance of flowers and their strength. No matter what their trials are, like flowers, people are able to persevere with a little help.

Next Chapter: A talent night at the clinic gives Ciel a sense of nostalgia and allows him to reflect on his life so far.