Great Train Rescue
Move along, move along - let's get this fic moving.
xxx
All was too quiet amid the train. Granted, terrified passengers stampeded for their lives to get as far away from the assassin on board. Thank you, Abberline. That commotion raised lord Acroy's blood pressure through the roof. A torrent of questions bombarded his already frazzled mind. What's happening? Is it the kidnappers? Is the train in trouble? The handkerchief he'd been using to wipe his sweat was soaked through and through. He was exhausted from carrying the bag of collected pounds and searching for the possible suspect. He needed to return to his lounge car. Rest, have some tea, calm his mind.
"Huh? AH!" Lord Acroy screamed, dropping the bag. His skin fell off his bones. His heart was ready to burst. A note was pinned to his seat. Very detailed instructions outlined the finer points of retrieving his son. "If you wish to see your son again, leave the suitcase with the ransom money in the very last lounge car."
xxx
'Try not to make Young Ciel your meal.' A cycling torment repetitively knotting Alliahnna's stomach. 'The taste of Ciel's blood sent you into rapture.' She touched her lips, brushing her tongue. The exquisite succulence coursing through his veins. The other passengers didn't smell half bad either.
Alliahnna slapped herself across the face. "Pompous...arrogant…" She trudged animously through the train. Casing for a fire ax crushed like a tin can as she passed by. The House Trancy - dormant for a brief number of years - have stepped on the toes of her family too many times. "Alois Trancy. You escaped with a simple ankle fracture." Her leaking demon essence choked the life out of the carpet, withering it's purity to an ashen likeness. "It is becoming pertinent that I strangle you with the spiderwebs your shelter behind."
The booth door opened. An exasperated Alliahnna was greeted by a hand slamming beside her head. Sebastian ensnared her in a rancorous stare. He reached around and locked the door behind her. Then, harshly squeezing her shoulder, he pinned her to the wall. Her pouring demon power was snuffed like a flickering candle under a breath. Sebastian's own inner demon placed her at his mercy. If any was left for her pattern of foolish decisions.
"This is no longer about Abberline, is it?" Jovial remarks would only worsen Sebastian's already fowl mood.
"I would give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you spent your extra time with Edward Abberline." For that he would eternally commend her, despite he being in the company of another man. Alliahnna winced under his tightening grip. "But your Phantomhive pride forces me to assume otherwise."
"Sebastian...that hurts…" She brought up a hand to stop him. Sebastian snatched her wrist and smashed it over her head. It stunned her. Abject fear turned her to ice. Sebastian bore his pristine, demonic orbs, shredding her nerves to ribbons. Her knees knocked uncontrollably, waning under her. Sebastian's hold kept her from falling. "Sebastian...I'm…" I'm scared… 'Ashe glaring hatefully, bringing the pipe meant for her.' A trickle of water swam to her chin.
Sebastian was caught off guard. His demon essence faded in a breath. Tears fell from Alliahnna's glossy eyes. That fear. It is how she gazed upon Ashe for the first time many years ago, and when she witnessed Sebastian's true demon form. He released her. She, in turn, regained her courage and pushed him away. Sebastian was surprised by the reaction. Her tears were dried, replaced by an anger he was all too familiar with.
"Is it too bold to state I find your lack of faith in me VERY disturbing?" She bared her fangs.
"I am your humble servant." Sebastian bowed at the hip. "My faith in you is steadfast as it always has been."
"Is it, Sebastian?" She challenged incredulously. She marched to him, looking him in the eye. "Because - be it your infallible work ethic, or a blind sense of duty - it appears to me that you've lost trust in my abilities. Or my common sense."
"Is it my faith that is dwindling?" Sebastian easily countered, insulted by her accusation. "By your own accusations toward me, it sounds as if your previous resentment leads your common sense."
"Meaning what?"
"Meaning, My Lady, there is a grandeur of taking in our relationship. But neither of us are willing to give."
"What, precisely, is it that you have left me with to give?" Alliahnna snapped. Last she checked, she gave up her humanity - a chance at a normal life - for demon powers. For revenge. "For that matter, what RIGHT have you to preach to me about sacrifices?" Sebastian grit his teeth, hissing venomously.
"Pardon the intrusion." The pair whipped to the door. Ciel snuck his way, shutting the door behind him. "The door was open, so I let myself in." He tauntingly displayed the lock picks he often carried. Alliahnna and Sebastian were not amused by his little trade. "Lord Accory's son's kidnappers are one mystery. Is there another I should be aware of?"
"Not in the least." Sebastian and Alliahnna both grunted.
"Good." Ciel didn't buy that for a second. But he's not qualified to intrude upon relationship issues. Or give relationship advice. "In the minutes preceding, what have we learned to expedite our solving this case?"
"Abberline must be restricted to being seen and not heard." Alliahnna curtly announced, sitting with crossed legs. "His outburst about the maniac in the other car sent all of our suspects rushing." Right about now Abberline has a coconut cream pie smashed on his head for that inane outburst. "Knowledge of police on the train undoubtedly is forcing the kidnappers to tighten loose ends."
"If not remove them." Sebastian added forebodingly. "If the boy was not in danger before, he will likely be now."
"Agreed." Ciel nodded. "Our hand is being forced. We must force his first."
"It may prove prudent to locate our suspects and reevaluate them."
"They retreated to the back of the train." Ciel exited the booth. "Let's join them and try to make sense of this mess."
"Abberline will be busy removing food from his hair." She sauntered past Ciel, "Hopefully that'll keep him out of ours for the time being."
"Hopefully!" Ciel spat, marching for the end cars. Sebastian stopped in the doorway, exchanging harsh glares with Alliahnna before they ventured forth. It may prove prudent for them to play the silent game before unintended words are uttered.
"All in all there a quite a few suspicious characters on board this train." Sebastian stated.
"Yes…" Ciel trailed off, "The priest with the tattoo. The sham archeologist. A surly Japanese man. A maniac obsessed with time tables."
"That's a spicy variety of people if ever I saw one." Alliahnna remarked in awe. "But our man wouldn't want to stand out. An operation like this, you'd think he'd wait until he can have Lord Acroy secluded."
"Thanks to Abberline, he's gotten his wish." Ciel growled.
"Let us not forget the assassin on board." Sebastian noted. Shackles and a cage do not hinder a madman's reach.
A man exited a door behind them. He pulled the brim of his hat down, obscuring half his face from prying eyes. " 'Scuse me…" He shuffled his stomach along the wall. Rugged scratches blemished the top of his palm.
Ciel recognized those scratches immediately. A porter at the station received those very scratches when he dropped the mummy's sarcophagus. Ciel yanked his arm, making the man lose color. "You're the porter I saw back at the station!" He hissed, tightening his grip. "What are you doing on the train dressed as a traveler?"
The grit his teeth, growling venomously. "Damn!" He shoved Ciel into Alliahnna's arms, breaking into a run.
"He's the kidnapper!"
"That's a problem, isn't it." Alliahnna snarled.
"I know you don't take orders, but this is pertinent!" Ciel locked a stern eye to her. "Force the kidnapper's hand! Find the child!"
"As you will, Little Brother." Alliahnna happily curtsied. Ciel chased after the kidnapper. She pushed past Sebastian, racing to the other end of the train.
Sebastian chased after Ciel, sneaking a glance at Alliahnna. It was brief, but he swore he saw her lips utter a warning. 'Try not to worry.' "Hm-hm. She's truly upset with me."
xxx
The bag of money was parted open. Lord Acroy took one last look at the money he accumulated. In a few more minutes it'll be gone. A worthy sacrifice to have his son returned to him. He released a shakily relieved breath. It was almost over. He and his son would soon be reunited.
A slamming door made him jump. There was clattering coming from outside the lounge car. Could it be his son? Or is it the man who took him? His old heart couldn't take much more. He just wanted his son back so they may return home and live out their lives.
xxx
Alliahnna must have cleared half the train cars in the last few seconds. Not an impossible feat. They were completely vacant. One would think everyone jumped ship at the mention of the assassin. Again, Abberline, thank you so much. Speaking of Abberline: Alliahnna found herself in the dining car, spotting Abberline still stuffing his rice covered cheeks with food. He cleaned the pie from his hair quite nicely in the short amount of time.
"Oye, My Lady, welcome back." The food muffled his greeting.
Alliahnna put hands to her hips. "You must tell me the secret behind your figure." She groaned. If she were to eat like him she'd lose her girlish figure. "By the by, are those the Japanese Woman's rice balls?"
"Indeed they are?!" He sparkled like an enamoured child. "Would you like one?" He offered her the last one.
"I'll pass, thank you." She declined, waving a hand. Abberline shrugged and shoved the whole ball in his mouth, cooing in the tasty bliss. Seriously. I want this man's stomach. She mentally praised, all the while hiding her nausea. "Have you by chance spotted any of the other passengers?"
"Yes. They're in the car two cars from us. Why?"
"No reason." She lied. Abberline blew the whistle on the assassin in the other car. Lord knows what will fall from his gluttonous mouth about the kidnapping. "You rest your stomach. I'm going to go make sure our fellow passengers aren't killing one another."
"Be careful, My Lady." He bid her farewell. "Unsavory characters might take advantage with the gents not with you."
Alliahnna stopped after she opened the door. "Your concern is touching, Edward." She turned around, batting her eyes flirtatiously, "But there isn't a man alive who can have his way with me." She winked. Abberline blushed bright pink, swallowing his bashfulness in cider water. Alliahnna giggled at him. He was an adorable man. Her smile faded noticing Claude off to the side. A menacing smirk stretching his cheeks, he twirled the knife she used to impale him. Alliahnna left the dining car. Just in time. Her fingers punctured holes in archway.
xxx
"DAMN! CAN'T GET IT!" The fake porter frothed at the mouth. He dug a pry bar at the train's link. He needed to separate the last lounge car from the rest of the train, and he will be sitting pretty in money. He pressed a foot on the iron locks, pulling with every ounce of strength his wounded hands had left. The car's suddenly decoupled, throwing him inside the car.
"STOP!" Ciel stopped at the door, blustery wind catching him off guard. The man snickered boastfully as his separated car slowed gradually to a halt. "Sebastian! Don't let that man get away!" Ciel snarled.
"My Lord." Sebastian jumped the gap, landing light as a feather at the car's door. He watched the car grow further away. The firm expression of his master was the last thing he saw before the train left his sights. "Those two alone on a train." He scoffed fretfully. "I dare say I pray for the preservation of the train."
xxx
Ciel closed the door behind him, pressing on his drumming skull. The fact that that man decoupled the cars means he's gotten Lord Acroy to lower his guard. The deal is about to commence. But that still left the boy's location. The train was far from big, but it wasn't small either. A kidnapped child will undoubtedly cause a fuss. Draw unwanted attention. The objective thus far has been to remain inconspicuous. The kidnappers had to have stashed the boy somewhere where he will be silenced and less trouble.
"This is becoming a race against time." Alliahnna may be forcing hands, but not even she will be able to locate the boy in the time they need. The boy may very well be in danger as he speaks. "Thankfully Alliahnna is skilled at weeding answers." She does not need to confront the abductors. Merely sweat them.
Racing for the other trains, Ciel happened upon the dining car, finding Abberline finishing his meal with his third Glass of cider. "It's the other Phantomhive." He cheered. he wiggled fingers on either side of his head. "Do you and your sister share that phenomena where you sense one another?"
"I'm sure the rumors say so. I require your assistance." He swiftly diverted the conversation. "The life of an innocent boy depends on it."
"Huh?"
xxx
There he was. There they were. In person and safe from any interruptions. Lord Acroy in the face of his son's abductor. The turmoil was so close to ending, yet so far from bringing him peace. The bag of money clutched to his pounding chest the sole lifeline to having his son returned alive.
"Alright, old man, let's have the money." The kidnapped scoffed. Loord Acroy staggered away from the man. He didn't trust him. He can't trust him. What sort of guarantee did he have his son would be returned safely. "I'd make it quick if I were you," He rifled in his coat, "Or your precious boy's life is over." His confidence went out his back end when he felt nothing in his pocket.
A click at his head turned his blood to ice. "You would be far better suited being concerned for your own life in this juncture." The man whipped around, throwing his hands up. Sebastian pressed the gun barrel to the middle of the kidnapper's forehead.
"Hey, who the Hell are you?!" The kidnapper demanded to know.
Sebastian had no intention of answering him. "Where are you keeping your young hostage?" He asked in sing-song. An irritated grin outlined his perfect features. To further convince the man he he curled his finger to the trigger.
The kidnapper swallowed a massive dry lump in his throat. His eye twitched, life flashing before them. "The-the boy is still on the train. But it's too late unfortunately." Fear was replaced by malevolent confidence. "You can't save him now."
"Oh? Why is that?"
"I planted a bomb. I've set it to blow as soon as the train stops." The kidnapper could hardly contain himself. It was all just too perfect for him to handle. "My plan was to collect the ransom money, and then to celebrate with some fireworks!" He threw his hands up to replicate an explosion. He threw his head back, laughing hysterically.
Lord Acroy couldn't believe it. He was played for a fool. He was never going to get his son back. It was all a money scheme that would leave him with absolutely nothing. The bag hit the floor. Lord Acroy's trembled knees collapsed. He hit the floor in abject horror. It's all over now.
Sebastian checked his pocket watch. It was set from departure to the time the train will arrive to it's set destination. "We have ten minutes left before the train reaches the next station." He muttered to himself.
The kidnapper was absolutely giddy. He may not walk away with the money, but at least he'll have plenty of fireworks to entertain him. "SERVES YA RIGHT, YA LOUSY-"
Sebastian easily brought a foot around and kicked him out the window. A new wave of fear washed over Lorad Acroy. "I have to hurry. There's not much time." He stated indifferently. Saving his master, Lady, and an entire train of people is going to be quite bothersome for him. He leapt from the car and sprinted along the tracks. If he kept at his current pace he should more than likely meet the train long before it reaches the station.
xxx
The commotion throughout the train was barely going unnoticed. While a mass panic has yet to ensue, authorities stationed in certain areas of the train became restless with rumors circling the air. Those rumors included the assassin trapped in the farther recesses of the train. In the car beyond the good's wagon, a blond man restrained in a straightjacket and ankle shackles was trapped in an ironclad cage. A blindfold prevented him from spotting the identities of his captors. He is notorious for recognizing faces and stretching his reach beyond the confines of his cage. A gag kept his silver tongue from intimidating nearby ears.
The two officers charged with guarding the crazed assassin heard on the air of unease circulating the train. "Hey, I just heard one of the train cars has been decoupled." One of the guardS announced shakily.
"We should go help." The other proposed. They hesitated a moment, worried about leaving their charge alone. The way he was tied up, they could leave a bunny in charge of him. The guards left the prisoner, praying that they weren't too late to help anyone who was hurt. The prisoner heard the guards leave, and he shuffled his ankle shackles.
xxx
The fury directed at Claude's presence shortened the trip. Alliahnna tore the car door open, greeted by the rambunctious rambling of the missing passengers. "Finally!" She spat. This crowd was night and day from before. They'd actually calmed down since before. "Abberline, I swear, you come in here and I will toss you off the train."
Alliahnna scoured the crowd, gliding her head left to right. The previously accused suspects were present. The false, boisterous archeologist. The pacifistic Priest with tattoos. The angry Japanese man and his eating wife. Then there's the loon with his time tables. The only one missing is the assassin, and he's locked up somewhere. All of these people board a train heading for the same destination. The beginning of a bad joke Alliahnna didn't want to know the punchline to.
One of these 'Masterminds' has the boy in their custody. She used the term loosely. Right about now the abductor was cornering Lord Acroy, leaving the boy to either a second partner, or in a location of his choosing. She had no time for subtlety. As Ciel so ordered, she needed to force the kidnapper's hand. If there is a second man - conscious of it or not - he's in that car.
"LISTEN UP! ALL OF YOU!" The car quieted down. All heads turned to her. Alliahnna flipped her collar open, revealing the crest of Phantomhive. "I am Alliahnna Phantomhive! Earless and First Borne of House Phantomhive! As of now, every last one of you is a suspect in the abduction of Lord Acroy's only son and heir!"
"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY?!" The rude Englishman from earlier roared.
"Who the Hell do you think you are?!" The Archeologist howled.
The Japanese man marched up behind her, fists balled so tight veins popped in the palm. "You audacious brat! I'll teach you some manners!" He threw a punch for the back of her head. Alliahnna easily reached behind, catching the fist. She pulled the old man forward, tossing him to the floor.
"BITCH!" The Englishman stormed to her, drawing back an open palm. "WOMEN SHOULD LEARN TO STAY QUIET!" Alliahnna unenthusiastically caught the wrist, twisting harshly behind his back. "BLOODY HELL! LET GO!"
"If you're quite done," Alliahnna pushed him on top of the man, "As we speak, a father is about to give up everything for the sake of his son!" She snarled venomously. Concern, guilt, remorse all mixed with anger shared between the passengers. All were unsure how to react or respond. "One of you are either the kidnapper's accomplice, or you are playing an unknowing part in the abduction." Murmurs rumbled amongst them. They tried to recall their day, live in denial, and come up with reasonable explanations as to their plausible involvement. Alliahnna studied their expressions. "They haven't the first clue."
"WAIT, CIEL!" Abberline's voice was heard behind the door. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE HEADING TO THE GOODS WAGON?!" The door burst open. "COME BACK!" Ciel charged in, Abberline Hot on his heels. "Alliahnna! There you are!"
"What's all the noise about?" Alliahnna asked the boys.
"Sebastian his handling apprehending the kidnapper. You and I shall focus on the child." He declared. Alliahnna nodded comprehensively. By his own admission, Ciel must have let Abberline in on the kidnapping case. It would have happened sooner or later. "What have you learned?"
"None of these people have the slightest inkling of what I'm talking about." She informed the two. "Meaning the kidnapper is working on his own."
"Then our problems are narrowing." That still doesn't grant them time to dawdle. "The kidnapper disguised himself as a porter. He must have hidden the hostage inside someones luggage."
"Then that narrows our search." Alliahnna stated confidently. "There's only one piece of luggage big enough to hide a person!"
"Agreed." Ciel nodded firmly. He snapped a glare to the archeologist. "The boy is inside the mummy's coffin!" He announced loudly.
"I SAY!" The archeologist barked. "I've had enough of children and their wild accusations for today!"
"We're both 19, you fowl git!" Alliahnna snarled.
"There's no time for that!" Ciel stayed her with a hand. "The boy is our priority." There was a thud behind them. Abberline groaned in agony. Alliahnna and Ciel arched brows at him. Abberline buried his head into the floor, digging fingers in his lower stomach. He writhed in utter agony.
"Edward!" Alliahnna dropped to his side, putting a hand to his back.
"What's wrong?" Ciel knelt to him with concern.
"It's...my stomach! IT'S KILLING ME!" He whined, tensing his fetal position to ease the wrenching pain. Ciel and Alliahnna shared mutual disbelief. "I don't understand. I'm sure I rested my stomach." Ciel sighed bothersomely, putting a hand to his hip. The number of idiots in his life seems to increase by one every day.
"The punishment for being an overzealous glutton." Alliahnna scolded, fixing her skirt as she moved from him. As the twins set the assumption Abberline was making a fuss over nothing, the elderly Japanese woman was afflicted by stomach pains as well. Unnerving was that she was holding her stomach in the same place as Abberline. "That's the woman who had the rice balls."
"Oh dear!" A nobleman shook in his loafer, putting his back to the seat. "I do hope it isn't cholera."
"LET'S GO!" A man bolted from his seat, retreating as far from the outbreak as the train would let him. His friends were hot on his trail.
"YOU BASTARDS! THAT'S MY WIFE!" The Japanese man hunted them down, fully intending to lay their hides like skinned pelts.
"Did you, by chance, eat some of that woman's rice balls?" Ciel quizzed the ailing man.
"The proof is in the pudding." Alliahnna plucked Abberline's collar. A single grain of rice stuck to his uniform. "Or, in this case, in the bargain sail police coat."
"I regret nothing…" Abberline managed a weak smile. "They were simply heavenly."
"This man…" Alliahnna pinched the bridge of her nose. "Soma wasn't this much trouble."
"Another male acquaintance?"
"And the one to kiss me before Sebastian." This brought a sadistic smile to Ciel's cheeks. Alliahnna matched the smirk, putting hands on her hips. "Are we sacrificing the boy for a tale that can wait until we return home?"
Ciel growled in the back of his throat. Work before pleasure. "OH FINE!" He stormed for the goods wagon. "Stay here and tend to him!"
"Why do you and Sebastian constantly give me the easy jobs?!" She snarled.
"Because you're the only one of us who has a mother's touch!" He shouted impishly, slipping inside. "Now be sure to give him that Tender, Love, and Care Sebastian treasures." He wolfishly bounced his brow.
"HOLD IT!"
"YOU'RE THE BEST! BYE!" He closed the door before she could finish her threat.
Alliahnna had fire in her eyes. Jagged teeth ground together animally. "I'm going to destroy that spoiled brat when we get home!" She vowed with a fist.
"Now, now, My Lady…" Abberline motioned a hand, "That's no way for a lady to behave." He chuckled weakly. The strain in his stomach was too much to bear. Alliahnna hoisted him by the collar, throwing him to the seat. "So much for tender, love, and care."
"You want tender?" She stomped on his stomach. "Seek out a teddy bear!"
xxx
Ciel really dodged a bullet on that one. A second longer and he'd become part of the floor decor. "No matter how old she gets, that temper burns with a passion." He cackled. He's glad. Too much has changed in his life. He'd hate for Alliahnna to change with it.
Now to the task at hand. There were no candles or lanterns. Ciel's only source of light came from the corridor separating the goods wagon from the other car. The wagon was packed to the ceiling with luggage and goods. Crates labeled on all four sides, stake to the walls. Bags and loose articles scattered about, jostled by the rigorous turns of the train. It was a needle in a haystack looking for one long box with a dead person inside. Or not.
"Is that it?" Ciel noticed a wooden compartment matching what the fake porter helped haul. He ran to it, pushing the other luggage off of it. "This is it!" He unlatched the wooden cover. The sarcophagus was inside. The decaying mummy curdled his insides. Playing with the bed, Ciel discovered it had a false bottom. He moved it aside. The was a young boy panting inside.
"Help me…" He rasped. He was drenched in sweat. This was his first breath of fresh air.
"Just hold on!" Ciel worked on his bindings. The boy was wrapped good. Christmas presents paled in comparison. The good news, in spite of him being restrained, the boy was unharmed. Dehydrated, but okay.
Ciel was so preoccupied with the young Lord he was unaware a figure stepped from behind a stack of luggage. A shadow towered over Ciel. He turned expecting Alliahnna. Huge hands clamped his mouth closed and restrained a wirst. Ciel struggled in his captor's strong grip. The leviathan sized man lifted his feet off the ground, denying Ciel less momentum to move. He sinister smirk stretched ear to ear.
xxx
Meanwhile, as if the day wasn't busy enough, Sebastian cut through a hill of forest. Chasing a train on the trail of tracks would have wasted too lengthy of time. He sprang from tree branch to tree branch, flipping through the air to a stop on an aged branch. Sebastian spied the train from on high. The station which would trigger a catastrophic explosion was mere minutes away. As luck would have it, a fork in the tracks led elsewhere. Where, is a mystery. But it was preferable to a fiery demise.
The track controls were just off to the side. Sebastian leapt into the air, throwing a knife, fork, and spoon. The silverware hit the three levers, shifting the track to the right. The train diverted to the new course, heading to vast countryside.
The conductor couldn't make heads or tails of the change in itinerary. He thought it might be a flaw in the train tracks. "Pardon me." The conductor acknowledged the voice. He nearly fell off seeing Sebastian on the pile of coal. "Listen carefully. There is a bomb on this train set to go off when we stop." The conductor gasped in horror. "Under no circumstances are you to brake!"
"Wait! What do you mean?!" Sebastian was already gone before the question left his lips. The conductor was at a loss, so his simply followed the instruction issued.
Sebastian found his way back inside the train. Alliahnna took her attention off Abberline to see him running toward her. "What took you so long?" She asked gruffly.
"Traffic." He winked. Alliahnna rolled her eyes. "Need I ask?" He pointed to Abberline lying halfway on her lap.
"Gluttony was named a sin for a reason." Alliahnna removed him, standing to her feet. "What's new?"
"The kidnapper is subdued. But we have another problem."
"You're telling me." She can't handle anymore bad news. What's so wrong about the day ending on a smooth note? Just once. "Tell them your news can't make things worse."
"You recall my proclamation of never lying." He countered as a hard fact. Alliahnna felt the pendulum cutting her patience in half.
When all seemed bleak, one of the train's attendants entered the car. His cheeks were flushed from running at break neck speeds to find the passengers. "I...I have an announcement." He trembled. PLEASE be a silver lining! Alliahnna was tempted to get down on her knees for the slightest bit of good news. "The points have been changed. We're now bound for a different destination." That explained the sudden jerk Alliahnna felt. The train's been diverted. "We'll be passing over a bridge that is no longer in use. It won't be able to bear the train's weight. Our final stop…" He paused to wipe sweat from his cheek, hoping to calm himself down, "WILL MOST CERTAINLY BE HEAVEN!" So much for staying entire train flew into an outright panic, banging on the windows like lunatics.
"I don't suppose you're responsible for this." Alliahnna twisted a scowl at the butler.
"It was not my intention to doom the passengers." He retorted, hurt she would assume something so dastardly.
"I know that." She plugged one ear, getting a headache from the screaming. "I'm more concerned with losing my hearing. This panicked crowd is by your design, you know." She smirked foxily.
"Then I shall have to fix it." He smiled back. "I would hate for your fragile ears to be damaged."
"Moi? Fragile? You amuse me." A pleasant sign they had forgiven each other.
"How about we see about stopping this thing?!" A voice pierced the chaos.
"Oh no!" Abberline froze. "It can't be…!"
A scary looking man entered from the goods wagon. Alliahnna grimaced defeatedly, starting to find the day to be absolutely dreadful. The man had Ciel at knife point with one of his muscular tattooed arms around his neck.
"I leave you alone for a minute…" Alliahnna whispered heatedly.
"Oh, Master…" Sebastian breathed exasperated, "I see you've wound up as a hostage again." He pressed fingertips to his throbbing forehead. "I'm starting to think you enjoy being captured."
"Silence is a virtue." Ciel monotonously countered.
"My Lady, why were you not watching him? You know the trouble he stumbles upon when left unattended."
"Silly me." Alliahnna shrugged her hands. "I thought he could take care of himself."
"Alliahnna, there is a silver adhesive strip that I will relish strapping to your mouth!" Ciel growled.
"Hmph! So it was you after all…" The priest stood up. He twisted around. His face contorted with a menacing smile, "Bloodbath Johnny!"
Things were getting interesting all over again. A priest on first name terms with a crazed assassin. That punchline had to be somewhere. "Well what a coincidence." Johnny guffawed. Sebastian and Alliahnna allowed the priest to meet his old colleague in the center. "To think I'd find myself on the same train as Jackknife Haywood." The crowd glanced between the men, confused how they were on friendly terms. "You of all people know what I'll do to the kid if my wishes aren't complied with." He flipped the knife to Ciel's neck. He remained impassive to the threat.
"I would be more than happy to help stop the train myself." Sebastian volunteered. "But I'm afraid that's currently ill advisable. You see, there's a bomb on board that will detonate if I were to do so."
"Huuh…" Johnny deflated dismally.
"Please tell me you're joking." Alliahnna groaned.
"I am afraid not. The kidnapper installed it as a celebratory contingency."
"Bloody terrific this day is."
"And let's not forget the cholera outbreak on this carriage." Abberline added, climbing his sickly body over the backrest. "Even if you get off now, you may already be infected."
"Is he joking?" Sebastian's shoulders sank.
"Afraid not. He ate one of the nice woman's riceballs and keeled over." Both Abberline and the old woman doubled over in pain.
"A most terrific day."
"So I'm on a booby trapped train that's heading for a run down bridge, AND THERE'S BLOODY CHOLERA TOO?" Johnny's voice cracked.
Alliahnna drearily leaned on a seat with her knuckles to her cheek. "When he puts it like that…" She trailed off.
"It has been quite the busy day for us." Sebastian crossed his arms.
"I've had enough of this charade." Ciel grumbled impatiently. "Sebastian, Alliahnna! Do something about these events…" He knit sharp eyes to them both, "That's an order!"
Alliahnna and Sebastian smirked pleased to Ciel. The two nodded and simultaneously bowed, touching hands to their chest. "Yes, My Young Lord."
Johnny's had enough of this. He's free to stretch his legs in years. He wasn't about to lose his freedom because of a butler and scrawny wench. "Tuh Hell with your cholera and bombs!" He kept every last person in his sights, strafing for the door with Ciel in hand. "I'm getting' myself out of this mess!" The man left the car, knowing a quick way to reach outside.
"This is a fix." Sebastian stroked his chin. "How shall we proceed?"
"You heard Ciel. He wants us to take care of things." She licked her lips. "I would appreciate being allowed to chase Bloodbath Johnny. I do so hate bullies of my brother."
"I shall see to the bomb then." He agreed.
"Hold on!" Abberline objected, grasping at Sebastian's tailcoat and Alliahnna's skirt. "This is too big a job for a Noblewoman and a butler! I must insist you both seek aid!"
"While your concern is touching," Sebastian removed his hands before a wardrobe malfunction sullied their good name, "I can assure you my lady master and I can handle these series of unfortunate events."
"That being said, Edward," Alliahnna touched two fingers to her lips and passed them to Abberline's cheek, "Take care of your tender stomach." Abberline blushed madly, using the stomachache to hide his embarrassment. Alliahnna strutted in the general direction of Johnny. A breeze brushed wafted her hair. A ladder led to an open hatch. It made Alliahnna smile. Johnny has trapped himself. "If you're curious or worried," She touched her lips, then shared them with Sebastian's, "Abberline - men like him - have never been my type."
Sebastian's chuckle vibrated her fingers. "Good to know." He slyly parted his lips, running his tongue to the tips. Alliahnna's cheeks flushed. "Allow the young master to stew in his humiliation for a moment before rescuing him, won't you."
"Sebastian Michaelis, if I do not allow my brother to bask in his slipups, what kind of sadist would I be?"
Sebastian had no witty retort for that. He's beginning to think he may be a bad influence on her. Alliahnna jumped the ladder. She scouted for a lingering Johnny, and climbed to the roof. "I truly am a horrible influence."
xxx
Johnny was running to the very last car, minding his steps as the train jerked on its rickety tracks. Ciel thrashing about underneath his arm wasn't helping with his balance either. He ordered Sebastian and Alliahnna to see to the troubles plaguing the runaway train. That hardly meant he would play damsel in distress for this man. Although it didn't seem to matter if he behaved or not. Johnny wasn't escaping the train. At least not in one piece. No human can survive jumping from a train at this speed.
"What a short lived chase." Johnny shot around in shock. Ciel's eyes widened in similar surprise. Alliahnna had caught up to them, cornering Johnny at the end of the line. In more ways than one. "You are, by far, the most boring of suspects I've ever chased."
"Alliahnna, what are you doing here?!" Ciel shouted irately. "Where is Sebastian?"
"Seeing to the bomb." She cracked her knuckles. "No sense in allowing this trash to sully his gloves."
"Hold on. They sent the little girl after me?" Johnny laughed out loud, holding his stitching stomach. "Oh that's rich! What'cha gonna do, Missy? Claw me eyes out?" He mocked her with the knife.
"Not a bad idea." She stroked strands of whipping hair behind her ear. "Sebastian can fry them up for me when we get home." She cackled, baring her teeth.
"A stubborn prat, and brazen wench." He dropped Ciel like brick, stomping on the middle of his back. "I prefer my women silent and beneath me, if you know what I mean." He lecherously purred.
"I would very much like my brother back now." Alliahnna extended an open palm. "Either do so peacefully, or be left in pieces for scavengers." She preferred option two.
Johnny planted his feet, growling rabidly. He was in a fine mess. A little girl though she may be, there was nowhere for him to run. Police were crawling all over the train. This is, of course, not counting the bomb and cholera. And one misstep taking Alliahnna out would be a disaster on his part. He was sunk. But perhaps he'll have a small victory before his untimely demise.
The train pulled on a hard turn, coming around green hills. A stone bridge was swiftly on the approach. And Johnny was the only one who was aware of it. "Alright. You can have him." Johnny stalked forward. "See...here you go." The bridge was closing in. Alliahnna was lined up perfectly with it.
"HA-HA! I WIN!" Johnny ducked.
"ALLIAHNNA!" Ciel shrieked. Alliahnna blankly turned. She literally met the bridge head on.
"WHAT THE-!" Johnny and Ciel gawked in disbelief. Alliahnna's body never so much as budged an inch on impact. A straight section of the bridge underbelly was gouged by her head, reducing to crumbling debris.
The bridge past, leaving nothing but dust particles in her hair. Alliahnna blinked confusedly, curious of what just happened. She sure she met the bridge. She patted her head, cheeks, torso, and hips. Everything was in tact. "Wow. I didn't feel a thing." She droned. It barely registered as a tickle. Johnny lost all color in his gaping face. Ciel, in spite of knowing of her demon blood, was absolutely gobsmacked. When she faced her brother and Johnny, she innocently smiled. "Sorry to disappoint. But such cliche means no longer threaten my life." She educated the aghast man, meandering listlessly to him. Johnny whimpered pitifully, letting go of Ciel. "Brother, are you well?" She leant him a hand, helping him to his feet.
"I'm not sure anymore." He touched his head, praying a mental affliction made him see things.
"You're…YOU'RE A MONSTER!" Johnny screeched. Alliahnna grabbed his neck, flashing an irritated smile at the nuisance man. She tossed him up over her head and held him up by his back. "OYE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
"This is your stop. Has no one...TOLD YOU!" She stepped forward and launched the man off into the hills. She's sure the thunderous boom she heard will leave a mark. Ciel kept forgetting. Alliahnna is strong. "Well that was an unnecessary chore." She drolly dusted her palms.
"Where is Sebastian?" Ciel asked again.
"Right there dealing with our bomb issue." Ciel followed her erect finger. Sebastian was knelt at the roof of one of the other cars, hooking his fingers to the underside. Ciel planned to run to him. The wind was too harsh. Alliahnna scooped him up like a bridge, carrying him to Sebastian. "Hope this isn't too embarrassing for you."
"Just never tell Lizzie, and you are forgiven." Alliahnna was in the clear in other words. She jumped a whole car, landing beside Sebastian as he was working.
"What took you so long?" Sebastian teased.
"Would have been here sooner but some moron put a bridge in the way." Alliahnna joked, setting Ciel down. "How are we looking?"
"I've determined the bomb is on the ceiling of this car. The trick will be disposing of it."
"I've read there's normally a red or black wire you have to cut."
"Maybe there are, My Lady." Sebastian tensed his fingers, flexed his biceps. The roof parted with ease. Ciel and Alliahnna gazed in awe. Sebastian gave it a sharp tug, tearing the entire roof off its car. He lifted it perpendicular to the sky. The menacing bomb was bolted right underneath. "But I see no reason why I have to choose just one." Sebastian flipped the roof, twisted his body back. Alliahnna threw herself protectively over Ciel. Sebastian launched the roof into the sky. It exploded in a fiery blaze. Shrapnel and debris was carried off by the strong wind.
"Be careful!" Ciel scolded. "There could have been passengers!"
"Not to worry, Lord. That was merely the roof of the dining car." Sebastian reassured him. He glowered disdainfully to the dining car. "No human was hurt." Ciel noted the disgust in his tone. Alliahnna inwardly hoped the nonhuman sustained some sort of injury. That would be her cherry. "Well then, carrying on." Sebastian gestured to the end of the line approaching. "My Lady. Would you be so kind as to stop the train?"
"What?! Me?!" Alliahnna gasped.
"She can't possibly-"
"I believe she can." Sebastian interrupted the twins' protest. "Surely an unstoppable force will be nothing but a breeze for our immoveable object." Sebastian eerily narrowed daunting crimson orbs to his nervous lover. "Or is Jasper correct that I need to coddle you until maturity?"
"No one needs to coddle me!" Alliahnna walked right into his goad. She tugged Ciel's collar, throwing him into Sebastian's arms. "You! Stay with him! I'll be back!" She stormed off.
"Alliahnna, wait!" Ciel's cries went on deaf ears. Alliahnna jumped from the speeding train, stumbling on her less than graceful landing. She was able to keep up with the train. Gradually she was falling behind. Faster than when she was a substitute, but not fast enough to match Sebastian. Or Claude. I'll need to work on that. She focused all her energy into her legs, gaining a second burst and out running the train.
"Staggered on the landing. Her speed is adequate." Sebastian studied audibly. Glancing to the bridge they passed, he saw the gap Alliahnna tore. "Durability is satisfactory."
"Treating my sister like an experiment?" Ciel hissed.
"Merely observing her development." He corrected. "She still has a long road ahead."
Alliahnna dug her foot. She kicked off the ground, sliding to a halt ahead of the train. It was coming straight for her. No time for a plan, or to collect her thoughts. Alliahnna planted her feet. She fortified her body. She lifted her hands. "Unstable force…" The train loomed upon her. "IMMOVABLE OBJECT!" The train plowed into her, driving her with it. Alliahnna pushed with all her might, indenting her palms in the hull. Craters ravaged the dirt and tracks, her legs sinking inch by inch. The dismantled bridge gap was second away. Alliahnna poured her weight in her feet and pushed hard against the train. With her full demon powers she would stop it in an instant. She refused to rely upon it. She is not a child that needs to be coddled. She is...Phantomhive's Demon! "STOP!" She thrust her palms. A shockwave scrolled the train's whole body.
The jolt startled Ciel. Sebastian smiled. The train screeched to a grinding halt. The bridge's support bar hugged the train's head. The engines hissed to a cooling stop. Ciel marveled in breathless awe. His nerves continued to race, but the train was at a dead halt.
"She stopped a train…" He hushedly remarked.
"She did." Sebastian chortled.
Ciel pulled him in by the collar. Sebastian was taken aback by his shock. "Alliahnna...stopped...a whole...train…"
"Are you so surprised, My Young Master?" Sebastian set him down, allowing the reality of it to sink in. "After all, Alliahnna is the new Demon of Phantomhive."
Alliahnna had fallen to her knees, completely lost of breath and strength. Her arms and legs had gone completely numb. Her arms trembled uncontrollably as they slid to her sides. Her fingers curled like rusted coils. Her body felt light, while at the same time heavy as lead. Breathing was a chore.
"Amazing…" Was all she could say about it. To think that this was not a percent of what a demon is capable of. When her full powers blossom to their zenith. "Simply amazing."
"And there is far more where that came from." Strong arms swept her off the ground. Her numb arms swung at her sides. Sebastian held her close, smiling proudly at his young protege. "If you'll allow me, I'd be happy to teach you proper control and management of them."
"I'd be honored if you would." She dreamily replied. Sebastian nodded graciously. He was happy to hear her say so.
Contrast to the moment was Ciel. He stood a ways from the rather nauseatingly tender moment between Alliahnna and Sebastian. A contemptuous ambiance radiated from every pore of his body. The idea his sister will be trained in the ways of a demon. "Absolutely not."
An emergency was transmitted over the train's radio. The conductor relayed their location, and the station of their intended destination. A separate set of tracks was close by. The Conductor confirmed which tracks and was told a train would be by soon to pick up passengers where they left off. Carriages provided by the station just miles away would help transport the passengers who had business in the nearest town.
The bomb, the kidnapper, the assassin, and the runaway train were all dealt with. As for the other mind numbing troubles, the kidnapper and assassin - miraculously walking away with severe injuries - were apprehended by local police and would be tried in a matter of days. Lord Acroy and his son were reunited. The two never left each other's side for a solid second. The fright of the cholera outbreak was nipped in the bud. It turns out Abberline and the old woman fell ill to their eating habits. An ill advised mixture of foods they ingested. A simply tonic, provided by Sebastian, cured them in a flash. Abberline was convinced Alliahnna and Sebastian were far from ordinary people. If he knew the half of it, he may rethink his grasp on reality.
As the day fell into the late evening, the hailed train arrived. Carriages barely had a second to let the horses rest before they were bombarded by luggage and carry ons. Babies and bags were handed by window. With the lack of porters, the men got their hands dirty and helped haul the cargo into the goods wagon. Scotland Yard arrived to take statements from those who witnessed the kidnapping, and were involved with the bombing or the assassin.
Ciel found a private booth to collect his thoughts. He quickly drew up a report to send to her majesty upon their return home. Meanwhile, Sebastian and Alliahnna saw to their luggage. For the most part it was so Sebastian can receive minute by minute updates on Alliahnna's healing body. Her strength and balance had returned with ease. However the trauma of stopping a full steaming train remained. She has stumbled after simply taking a short number of steps. It is Sebastian's hope she will regain her body's composure if she kept moving about.
"Oww…" Alliahnna winced. Sharp prickles crawled down her spine. "Should everything be hurting like this?" She circled her arm. Cracks sent waves shooting throughout her body.
"It will hurt for now." Sebastian assured her, having no plans to lie to her. "In time it will be like a father gliding over you. A feasible feat." Possessing demon blood within oneself is the easy part. Maintaining constant control, applying discipline, and reaching levels Sebastian and Claude have surpassed will be her challenge. As a demon, she will have a seeming eternity to master her powers.
"I hope so." Alliahnna shuffled her shoulders. "That was downright hazardous."
"An impressive feat nonetheless, Lady Earl." That silken tone weaving a cloak of dread to her shoulders. "To stop a train with drastically underdeveloped skills in one to revel." Alliahnna shuddered to turn. Those smirking lips and auburn eyes inches from her ear. "Though, such a boorish and unrefined act is hardly befitting for one bearing the mark of a demon. Your teacher she intensify your training." Claude Faustus reared his unwanted presence from the luxury of the decimated dining car. Were the crowd of human not near, Alliahnna would relish tearing his heart from his ribs. "Here…" Claude held a soiled linen to Sebastian. "My tea spilled during all of the commotion. A true butler - in this case, a mentor - would have instructed his charge on how to properly stop a train without the slightest rock."
"Why do you insist on speaking about me as if I'm invisible?"
"Quite so. My oversight." Sebastian placed a hand to her lips. There is no sense in her fueling Claude's fire. He would only linger. "I see you took some damage as well."
A strip of cream was on Claude's nose. A long pink tongue lapped it clean. Alliahnna giggled behind a curled hand. "Sebastian, I've never known you to walk about in a disgraceful state." She indirectly stabbed Claude's pride. "I guess true demon quality is in the eye of the beholder." She hugged his arm, grinning mocking to the bespectacled demon. "Alois' standard must be outlandishly low."
Claude turned his back to the insults, refusing to be ruffled by a child. He was before them with a pressing matter. He stuffed the entire cloth inside his stunted cloak, replacing it with a sealed letter. "What is that?" Sebastian's curiosity spoke.
"If you want to investigate my master, simply come in through the front gate." He less than cordially invited. Sebastian brow narrowed suspiciously. Being invited into the devil's web with open arms is a trap in itself.
"While the invitation is appreciated," Alliahnna started, putting herself in the middle, "Why would we accept? Our last visit is one that chased us from your threshold." She challenged. Claude's not only the butler to a dysfunctional boy, he's what many would consider a taciturn tactician. The web to snare his prey was being woven as they spoke. Whether or not Sebastian, Alliahnna, and Ciel will fall into it would be up to them.
"You want to help Young Ciel, don't you?" Ciel's name widened her eyes. "He so desperately wants his revenge...but no longer possesses a target to set it upon."
To be continued