CHAPTER 29

The opium den was exactly how I remembered it. Ornate couches and lounges donned with scarlet red cushions were filled to the brim with aristocratic men high off their heads and scantily clothed women smoking with them. I scrunched my nose at the smell and how stuffy the den was, waving away a cloud of smoke as Sebastian placed me on the ground.

"Urgh I hate how this place smells."

"Well, well what a surprise! If it isn't Miss Maid!"

"Good to see you again Lau…and you too Ran Mao."

I turned around to see Lau walking towards us, pipe in hand and Ran Mao holding onto the other. The girl raced forward, clinging onto me like a sloth on a branch and began to sniff me.

"You smell funny…"

I'm hoping it's not sweat and other fluids that she smells on me right now. I bit the inside of my cheek to stifle the grimace of that thought.

"Now, now Ran Mao…Miss Maid must be tired from her journey here."

As if on cue, the added weight on my body began to take its toll as my legs buckled beneath me and I fell forward. Thankfully Sebastian managed to catch me and pull me back onto my feet and saved me the embarrassment of falling on my face in front of everyone. The girl leapt off me, patting my head in apology and slid underneath my armpit, hoisting me up and supporting me as we headed out back, likely to where everyone else was.

"Thanks…Does the Young Master know you went to get me?"

I said staring up at the eerily handsome face that, despite being quite passive now, I could still feel the simmering anger beneath his skin, beneath the façade he now wore. I am so fucked.

"No, I was out gathering information and happened to come across a tip that you were being trapped in the servant's quarters. Thankfully, Undertaker was not near the servants quarters at the time I left to save you."

"Huh. Really? A tip? From who? I was beginning to think that you guys had left me there for good. Wouldn't exactly blame you, but it still hurt. So you can't also blame me for my decisions."

Sebastian threw me a vicious side eye, one that I couldn't help but look away from, afraid he might burn a hole right through my face.

"Here the Young Master and the servants was worried that you were subjected to awful torture and mistreatment but from what I can see, it seems you weren't being treated horribly there at all."

I felt my face flush with both embarrassment and anger. My lips pursed into a snarl as I glared at the demon.

"You know what? I'm not going to argue with you. I don't have the energy or fucks to give. All I want to say is, it was pretty dang good and a nice break from being treated like a private secretary and blood bag to that undead brat on multiple occasions in the past week and a bit. So cut me some slack. And how was I supposed to know that Undertaker was going to do that?! I had no idea that he…felt that way towards me."

"You honestly did not notice that?"

"No! I'm not around that bastard enough and as of late, all of the times we have run into each other have been under times of danger and distress. So excuse me for not noticing!"

I hissed at the demon who was staring down at me with a raised eyebrow. I closed my eyes and sucked in a deep breath in an attempt to calm myself. My explanation did not seem to alleviate the situation because I could see the muscles in his jaw tighten slightly but that was put on hold as we walked through a set of doors, revealing my friends and the younger twin dressed in traditional Chinese attire.

"Oh, hi there."

I put my hand up in a wave and then was immediately tackled to the ground by a burly chef, panicked maid and a crying gardener.

"Jessie! You're alive!"

"Thank goodness you're alright Jessie!"

"WAAHHH! Miss Jessie!"

I accepted my fate and just let them dogpile me, thoroughly enjoying the warmth of their welcome and their smiling faces. Before I knew it, the tears were rushing from my eyes as I let out an ungodly wail, pulling them all into my arms and crying with them. This was my family and I had missed them so, so much.

"I-I thought I was ne-never going to s-see you guys again! I thought y-you forgot about me!"

I stammered, trying to breathe and talk at the same time but failing miserably.

"We'd never forget you!"

"That's right! We were making plans to rescue you, says Oscar."

"Did they hurt you?"

"You look like death!"

"Okay, okay…that's enough you lot. You'll suffocate her and it will defeat the purpose of rescuing her."

Sebastian pulled me up onto my feet as the others stumbled to theirs, eyes red and swollen from crying. From their out stretched arms, it seemed like they weren't ready to let go, afraid that I might disappear again. The young twin slowly approached, a look of relief and disbelief plastered all over his face as he realised that this wasn't a dream.

"Young Master! I missed you like crazy!"

Before he could respond, I pulled him into a tight embrace, nuzzling the top of his head with my cheek as my tears dripped all over his hair. My whole body shook as I held him. I did a once over, making sure he was alright and then pulled him into another tight hug.

"What in the blazes are you doing? Get off me this instant!"

"Hhhhh! I didn't realise how much I missed this!"

"You've gone mad. GET OFF!"

With a small shove, he broke free from my hug and shot a glare my way. Beneath it all, I could see he was genuinely happy to see that I was okay. I could see his eyes glancing up and down, taking in my dishevelled state, the dark circles under my eyes and my unsteady posture. A flash of concern crossed his face before he turned to Sebastian, his arms crossed across his chest.

"Sebastian, explain yourself."

So he did. Sebastian repeated the same thing he told me, going into a bit more detail and it made me realise that the person who tipped him off was likely Mr Tanaka. Bless your massive heart you badass old man. Thankfully, he left out the part about the state he found me in.

"Hm…well, nevertheless…it's good that you are fine Jessie. I'm hoping you didn't spend that time idle and complacent. What did you learn while there?"

Business as usual.

"Hmpf! Of course, but before that…what's with the get up? Is it part of your disguises?"

I gestured to the silk that my friends were currently dressed in. Lau chuckled as he sat down on one of the lounges, Ran Mao sitting on his lap while he smoked from his pipe, a plume of herbal smelling smoke wafting up into the air.

"I have temporarily hired the Earl and friends at my Shangri La as payment for shelter and food. Everyone has managed to fit right in…well everyone except the little Earl. He's really just adorable but has absolutely no substance…ha ha ha…completely useless. So now that you are here, you'll have to work for me too Little Maid."

Ciel glared at Lau for that comment. A small chuckle escaped from Sebastian's lips at the sight of his master humbled.

"Aha…right…Sure. Alright…sit down friends while I recount everything that happened."

Everyone sat themselves down on the chairs and lounges scattered around this back room as I went into detail about my day to day tasks like helping with the housework and paperwork, my multiple escape attempts foiled by Undertaker and finally all of the transfusions.

"From what I could see, Zombie Ciel – oh hope you're alright with me calling him that by the way, needs a blood transfusion at least once every 3 days. That's if he's done nothing but sit around in the office looking at documents all day, otherwise it's once every two days. Once, it was three days in a row and that was god awful."

I shuddered at the memory and honestly horrible condition I was in after that. I swore I had looked like one of those mummified pharaohs. Undertaker had to hook me up with what was the equivalent of an IV just to ensure I didn't die.

"I overheard their conversation during one of the transfusions. We may have shut down Sphere Music Hall but that wasn't their only method of collecting blood. My understanding is that we still have no idea about the people representing the stars…you know…the whole Vega, Polaris, Canopus thingamajig. But what I know now is that they're real people who go around helping collect blood and stuff. I'm also assuming since there are 4 of them, there's likely 4 systems or places that are being overseen by them. I never saw any of them in the manor but I probably wouldn't be wrong to think that they drop in sometimes to report back. "

Younger Ciel sat in silence, evaluating the information I had just dumped on him. I could see the little cogs and gears in his head turning as he was likely coming up with a plan to getting revenge on his brother.

"That makes sense…Especially now that you are no longer there to provide blood, my brother will have to use other methods of collecting blood. And if he requires it that frequently, then those methods must be collecting a large amount of blood. In that sense, my revived brother likely has not overcome death completely. He is still just one of Undertaker's bizarre dolls."

"I agree with you there Young Master. From what Jessie has said, it is safe to assume that the people representing those Stars must also be bizarre dolls…therefore, Undertaker would be needing a massive amount of blood to keep them all sustained."

"Oh yeah, a lot of blood was needed to keep your tiny brother up and about. I can't imagine how much blood is being used to keep the others moving, especially since they're actually moving about and performing physical tasks and they could be adults. But going by their names, I'd assume that they have access to more blood since their blood types are more common."

We sat in silence for a moment as Ciel collated all of this information into a plan for the future.

"Right, then the plan forward is to find those sources of blood and destroy them. This way we sever their lifelines once and for all. To do that we will need information."

Lau leaned back, crossing his legs and shot the young boy an intrigued smile.

"Oh ho! Of course, Earl. What kind of information are we talking about?"

"Lau, I want information on any human trafficking and missing persons cases. Also anything similar to the events of the Campania where masses of people have been 'dealt' with in the underground. Sebastian, I want you to find any information on recent fads or facilities. Specifically, on places where there is a large population of people frequently entering and leaving."

"Yes, My Lord."

We all turned to face Lau and Ran Mao who had bowed and took a moment to wonder if Lau had said that as well. Which was confirmed when he lifted his head with a bright smile, laughing with glee.

"Ha ha ha…I've always wanted to do that at least once in my life."

"It was cool."

Younger Ciel's face went flushed red as he chased the two, flustered and embarrassed. It wasn't so strange when Sebastian said it since we were used to it, but it was a little strange to see someone else say it. I let the small laugh escape my lips.

"And what would you like me to do?"

The young boy turned to face me, Lau and Ran Mao escaping into another room, leaving the three of us alone.

"You will stay by my side for now. I don't want you going out there and getting captured again."

"Thank god. Music to my ears. Jessie is back and reporting for duty!"

I gave him a salute, unable to hide the blazing smile that shot across my face. It's so good to be back. The boy eyed me up and down and with a sigh, gestured for me to go.

"You can have the day off. You look like you've been dragged through the gutter."

I probably look just like one of those bizarre dolls now since everyone keeps saying I look like death.

"Roger that, though do I really look that horrible?"

The boy didn't say anything, but I saw the little grimace and a flash of guilt on his face, I could tell he wasn't exaggerating. With some direction from Ran Mao, I entered into a bathroom with a large tub that reminded me of a shared bathhouse. There was water filled but it was mostly lukewarm now. Didn't matter to me because I got to take a bath. I happened to pass a mirror after stripping off my uniform and felt my jaw drop as I stare at my reflection, horrified at how I looked. Jeez, I look even worse than how I feel. All over my body were dark kiss marks and several bite marks that made me look like I had been mauled by a wild animal. I noticed all over my back and thighs were long scratches that had now scabbed over, likely made by Undertaker's long nails. I felt my face heat up as I recalled my passionate night with the reaper. If I closed my eyes, I could still feel his touches and the warmth of his body.

I let out a sigh as I turned away from the mirror and slid into the tub, the water stinging a little when it touched the bite marks and scratches. Never in a million years did I think I would ever get myself into this relationship situation. As someone who was a hermit and didn't really go out to meet people and also had no interest in pursuing relationships, romantic or sexual…it really made me realise that this would have never happened if it wasn't for Az. Well, that's a revelation I didn't want to make. To think I would have to thank them for this is pretty fucking sad.

"Ahhh, that feels so nice…smells good too."

I could smell various floral scents, likely some kind of bath salt that was added to the water which was why my injuries stung a little bit. I let the water soothe my aching muscles, almost wanting to just relax and float about but was a little afraid someone might walk on and see me. I made sure to thoroughly scrub my body and rinse my hair so that any previous scent was replaced by the smell of flowers. After about 15 minutes of soaking, I got out of the tub and dried myself off with the spare towel Ran Mao had provided and then realised the predicament I was in when I picked up the change of clothes.

"Oh fuck…this thing is so short, you could probably see my cootch if I lifted my arms up. And it's not to going to cover up all of this!"

I was horrified when I put the damn thing on. It was a simple qipao made from a soft black silk with red and gold embroidery at the hem. It covered my upper body, so the marks on my chest, back and upper arms were completely covered…the problem was the bottom. The hem of the qipao ended at my upper thighs and the sides had slits that went up to my hips, so the scratches were visible and so were the kiss marks and bite marks on my legs. Yeah, there's no way in hell they'd believe me if I said this was from me getting hit. Should I request for stockings?

There was a knocking on the door as Mey Rin stepped in with a concerned look on her face.

"Jessie? You were taking a while so I – OH! Oh dear! What happened to you?"

"Ah…well…God how do I explain this?"

She rushed over, grabbing my hands and staring at the bruises that were scattered all over like the spots of a dalmatian. The poor girl looked so distraught, thinking these were due to the copious amounts of abuse suffered at the hands of the older twin when really it was from tangling in the sheets with Undertaker. I couldn't help but cover my face with my hands in embarrassment.

"Oh, sorry. Please don't cry! I didn't mean to pry! But we should get you checked up by a doctor."

"No, don't apologise Mey. I'm not upset. I'm a little embarrassed. I can't even physically talk about it without wanting to curl up into a ball and finding some hole to jump into. For now, can you ask for some stockings or something for me please? I don't want the others to see this. And it's not as bad as it looks, but if it starts to hurt, I promise I'll get it checked out."

She nodded and then thumped on her chest with a fist, a determined look on her face as she raced for the door.

"Leave it to me! I promise I won't say a word about it."

And then it was just me alone, again. Phew…thank god Mey Rin isn't too perceptive. Moments later, Mey Rin returned with a pair of red thigh high socks that covered up enough of my legs that you couldn't see anything except for a tiny sliver of skin.

"You are an absolute legend Mey. I can't ever thank you enough."

"Ahh, you're exaggerating…I'm just looking out for my friend."

The girl clutched her face and turned away, blushing at my praise. We both left the bathroom together and headed back towards the group. The entire way, she told me everything that had happened prior to my arrival. They had managed to escape to the photographer, Pitt, who had a secret tunnel beneath his studio. The tunnel led into the sewers which they used to escape, however, the Yard was quick on their tails and chased them through the winding tunnels.

Thankfully, Lau and Ran Mao managed to find the group and save them, though at first, it seemed like the duo were going to turn them in. They were given a big meal in which Ciel threw a temper tantrum, stuffing food into his mouth like he was at an eating competition and basically declared that he was going to take everything back and his older brother was going to eat shit. Nice, very on brand of him.

"Wow, I can't believe the Young Master threw a temper tantrum. This is the second or third time I've seen one. In Germany remember? Except we can't really blame him since he was sick."

"This one was a bit scary in all honesty. Mr Sebastian gave him a good scolding afterwards though."

"Yeah, I bet. Mr Prim and Proper likely blew a fuse watching the Young Master. He's scolded us all for less."

We both laughed as we arrived back at the back room where Ciel was pouring through some documents.

"You look wonderful Miss Maid. The clothes suit you very well."

"It's strangely comfortable and not very restricting at all. Well, other than the bare legs."

"Ahhh, yes Mr Butler was not too pleased with that, so I've allowed the socks. Though you'd look much better without."

"I'm going to ignore that last comment. I'd rather not risk getting my head bitten off."

Lau let out a chortling laugh.

"If you ever get tired of working for the Earl, I'll hire you here but you'll have to go without the socks."

Both Ciel and I shot him a scowl, to which the older male, threw his hands up in surrender.

"So how goes the investigating?"

"These incidents or events don't seem to be likely related to the blood collecting. Lau and Sebastian seems to have gone overboard with their information gathering. It's just a heap of useless information."

"Maybe because they're going at it too broad. I bet there's a ton of random huge events or missing peoples in England, so how about narrowing it down to be more specific to the Campania stuff…Oh, wait! What was that weird group that organised the event again? The Phoenix!?"

I belched out a horrendous laugh as I did the dumb phoenix pose, shouting out the catchphrase to try to jog my memory, much to the shock of Ciel who hissed at me for startling him.

"What in the hell are you doing?! You-! THAT'S IT! The secret organisation was called the Aurora Society!"

"You're most welcome."

I wheezed as I remembered how we all looked doing that pose so that Viscount Druitt would turn on the dodgy machine that we all thought could control the Bizarre Dolls. As traumatising as that entire fiasco was, there were tons of hilarious moments that I would not soon forget.

Shortly after, Sebastian returned with more information which was promptly thrown to the side as Ciel ordered the two to investigate into anyone, noble or commoner, who was a part of the Aurora Society. I was extremely glad that Ciel was keeping Sebastian busy, because it meant that my punishment would be delayed and hopefully forgotten about, but when I saw the look that Sebastian gave me as he bowed to leave, I knew he had not forgotten. Oh boy….

While Lau and Sebastian were out digging for info, the servants finally finished with their new jobs at the opium den and flocked into the room. When they saw me sitting there with Ciel, glossing through all of the documents, they rushed forward to ask me more questions.

"I can't believe that you're really here! Says Snake."

"Damn it! We shouldn't have left you there. Old Man Tanaka promised you'd be okay but you look anything but okay."

"WE'RE SO SORRY FOR LEAVING YOU!"

I gave them all a big smile, trying to be as reassuring as possible but their eyes were filled with guilt and remorse. It hurt me to see them blame themselves.

"Hey! None of that please! It wasn't your fault. I chose to listen to Mr Tanaka and follow him, so if it's anyone's fault, it's mine. I don't want you beating yourselves over it. Besides, I'm fine. A little tired but nothing bad happened."

"Liar! I can see bruises on your arms."

Finny pointed to the patches of purple and yellow on my arms, the largest patch being at the crook of my elbow where blood was being drawn. A familiar green snake slithered up my arm, sliding beneath the sleeve of my qipao causing me to giggle.

"Oscar, that tickles."

The snake poked its head out from my sleeve and flicked his tongue at me.

"They go all the way up your arm, says Oscar."

"It looks worse than it is, I promise!"

"What did they do to you Miss Jessie?"

Finny said with a sad tone, his eyes wide with disbelief and worry. Everyone's attention was on me now, eager for an explanation.

"I already explained to the Young Master, but they needed my blood…so they took it as much as they could. Most times, enough so that I could still walk around and do chores…sometimes, I couldn't move afterwards. But there was nothing else. No one bashed me or hit me…Mr Tanaka made sure that I was cared for."

Mr Tanaka had made sure to give me healing ointments and supported me when I stumbled while doing housework but it was mostly Undertaker who cared for me. Who spoon-fed me when my arms didn't work or when I was too tired to even lift my head. I didn't think I would be so affected by his confession, or his actions afterwards…but here I was…on the brink of tears just thinking about it.

"Anyway, no point crying over spilled milk. I'm out…I'm free and I'm back here with you guys and that's what matters."

"Still! How could they be so cruel?"

Mey Rin huffed as she crossed her arms and frowned, staring at me with deep sympathy. Bard patted me on the head, his large and rough hands making a mess of my still damp hair.

"You're a tough one, that's for sure. If you feel sick or tired, just leave it to us. We'll take care of it!"

"Sure thing old man."

I said with a cheeky grin. We continued to chat for bit, much to the annoyance of Ciel who looked like he just wanted to some peace and quiet…something he could get hiding in his office back at the manor. Roughly an hour later, Sebastian and Lau returned from their information gathering, a stack of documents in their arms as they placed it onto the table in front of Ciel and I.

"Young Master I have found the most likely candidates for the sources of blood collection. Firstly, in North Yorkshire, Baron Heathfield's residence has been posting advertisements for maid positions with hefty benefits for long term employment. It seems like they have managed to hire well over 100 maids at their residence but they continue to post advertisements and hire new maids. Several former nurses from Karnstein Hospital are also employed there."

"Hmmm…you think they're using the maids for blood collections?"

"Perhaps…the high employment rate for maids is a cause for suspicion, so it will be worth investigating."

"Alright, continue."

"Norfolk's institution for children is another on my list. They are gathering orphans from all over England and providing them with an interesting and original form of sophisticated education. In addition, many noblemen affiliated with the Aurora Society have made large donations to this institution."

Sebastian continued to describe the last two places. One was a hospital for ex-servicemen in Wiltshire where a magical nurse dubbed 'The Miracle Healing Hand' had managed to successfully heal many soldiers who were left mentally and physically ruined. And along with that, many doctors hired there were are part of the Aurora Society. Lastly, was a resort and hotel in Brighton. Not only was the price reasonable, but the service was so amazing that many visitors extended their stay or even permanently moved in. This place seemingly on brand with how they attracted people of all classes at Sphere Music Hall. The man in charge of this place was also a nobleman who was affiliated with the Aurora Society.

"Looking at where they are located, the best path of action is to strike each of these places simultaneously…meaning we will have to split up. Sebastian, gather the servants."

Sebastian bowed and everyone was gathered together as Ciel relayed the plan to the group.

"Mey-Rin and Ran Mao, I would like you to go to North Yorkshire and infiltrate as maids. Finny and Snake, you will go to Norfolk and investigate the children's institution. Bard and Lau, investigate the Wiltshire's Sanatorium. Lastly, the Young Master, Jessie and myself will investigate the resort hotel in Brighton."

"If there is no blood collection occurring at those places, withdraw and return here immediately. However, if there really is evidence of it happening, I want you to annihilate the entire organisation completely! Remove it from existence!"

"YES, MY LORD!"

"Good. Sebastian prepare information for the others to learn for their investigations. Everyone else, pack what you need. We all leave the day after tomorrow."

Everyone scattered, gathering their belongings and readying themselves for their missions. Everyone except me.

"Ciel, wouldn't it make more sense for me to go with Mey and Ran Mao?"

The boy's eyebrow raised at how I addressed him and I sat myself next to him.

"That's the name that I know you by and I can't be bothered referring to you as someone else. Is that alright with you?"

Ciel's lips curled into an amused grin as he left out a huff of air.

"Do as you like…And I would rather you stay by my side. Knowing what my brother and Undertaker plan to do with you…it is a risk that I won't take again."

Something about the way he said it really hit home. He had been afraid to lose me again. I thought back to the expression he wore when Sebastian and I walked into the room. I could have sworn I saw the beginnings of tears in his eyes and a smile of relief blooming across his lips.

"Alright, I don't mind. If anything, I'm just worried you might lose your mind if you're stuck with me again. After all, my favourite pastime is to provide as much discomfort and inconvenience to those around me."

I gave him a cheeky grin and the boy returned one.

"Perhaps I should actually send you to North Yorkshire instead."

"Oh come on…you know I'm your favourite! Ah, another thing…I don't have any of my weapons on me. Sebastian stole me away in the middle of the night with nothing but my uniform…so…"

"I suppose that's something else I owe to Lau."

"On the contrary Young Master, I believe these belong to you Jessie."

Sebastian, appearing out of nowhere, handed me my sais and the harnesses. My eyes went wide in shock as I stared up at the demon and back down to the sais in his hands.

"Uh- how-? I didn't even know where they were being kept!"

"I happened to pick them up along with you. Please take better care of them Jessie, after all, they were a gift from the Young Master."

I pulled them close to my chest with a sigh of relief. They had been with me through thick and thin and being separated made me feel like I was missing a limb. I pulled Sebastian into a hug, genuinely grateful that he picked these up as well.

"Thank you so much Sebastian! Thank you, thank you! These are my babies!"

Sebastian let out a confused chuckle as I pulled away and lifted them into the air, twirling around with them and taking another good look, afraid that they might just disappear if I blinked.

"Are you really that happy?"

Ciel crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at my happy dance.

"Of course! My babies have saved my life so many times! And yours too! And they were my first gift from you."

Ciel rolled his eyes and got up from his seat. Seeing the faint smile grace Ciel's face brought a brighter one on mine. It had only been a couple of hours since I had been reunited with my friends and I felt like all was right with the world. Being with them had made me realise how much I depended on them for my sanity and happiness…they were the only people in the world that I could trust.

"Alright enough, get some more rest. You look like you need as much as you can get."

"There you go again, fussing over me. Do I really look that ragged Sebastian? Honest answers only!"

I turned to the demon who was staring at me with a look that could be mistaken for contemplation, but I knew that there was something else simmering underneath.

"Hmmm…If I am to be honest, you look like you've been ravaged by some beast. But considering your thick skin and your indomitable human spirit…I'd say you are fine."

"See? Mr Prim and Proper has spoken. Besides, I've been away from you guys for too long. Can't blame me for missing you and wanting to spend more time together before we go on another life changing mission that could result in us dying."

Ciel's expression was a little unreadable at first before a slight blush splashed his cheeks and he waved his hand at me in a dismissing motion.

"Tsk…you actually missed that thing? And I won't be dying until I take back everything and have my revenge. I suggest you do the same. Now get some rest, don't make me repeat myself."

"Alright, alright…I'll go for a power nap right now. Give me and my old aching bones some relief before I jump back into treacherous waters. Oh woe is me!"

I dramatically rested my hand against my forehead, leaning back against the couch as Ciel threw a pillow at me. I laughed, dodging out of the way as I headed towards the spare rooms that Lau had lent us.

"Jessie."

"Hm?"

"It really is good to have you back."

I didn't hold back the beaming smile as I winked at him.

"Glad to be back Young Master."