Chapter Text
“Ci…el…” A painful breath, shaky and exhausted.
Ciel immediately looks down to Avis, whom he holds as the knife is still embedded on her lower back. “Yes?” He holds her hand, set on keeping her awake with her pain.
“Are you… cold…?”
Softly, he shakes his head, “No, I’m not.” And holds her close, “Are you…?”
Avis also shakes her head slowly. “But… Madam Red…” A cough as she tries to look up at Ciel, “Can you… help her…? She looks… so… cold…”
“Yes, of course.” Gently, he places Avis down to the ground. He approaches Madam Red’s corpse and closes her eyes, then puts the cloak all over her body.
Just in time, a certain Grim Reaper are heading down headfirst, bruised and screaming, “Pleaseeee stoooop!!”. Sebastian appears to kick him away from his descent on top of his master, which still makes Grell to land on his face. The saw machine lodged with black wool nails down near Sebastian
Avis, who only saw it partially from her position, let out a weak coughing laugh. In which Ciel immediately goes to hold her again from the cold and wet floor.
Sebastian bows towards them, “Please, excuse me. I misjudged the distance.”
Ciel’s comment, “You look awful.” Making Avis dry heave a laugh again.
Sebastian smiles politely, “I had a bit of trouble with him.”
Although, the groans and moans from Grell indicate that he’s still very much alive.
Chuckling, the demon adds, “Oh, dear.” Sebastian takes the embedded saw machine off the ground with him, “I suppose one can’t kill a Grim Reaper with bare fists.” His steps echoes in the night, now with a new hypothesis in his arm as he draws closer to Grell. “Then how about with this? The Grim Reaper’s Sickle that can cut through anything.” He rips out the black wool with a smile, closer still to Grell, “Shouldn’t it be cutting even you?”
Grell looks horrified tries to crawl away, “W-What are you thinking?!” Alas, he’s met with a shoe stepping and smearing on his face. “N-N-No-BWAGH!”
A rather sadistic smile appears on Sebastian’s face, “I don’t enjoy being kicked, but doing the kicking feels rather nice.”
“That hurts! Bassy, it hurts, it hurts!”
Still grinning and very much enjoying the situation, Sebastian addresses his master behind him, “Young master, hideous though as he may be, he is still a divine being.” He gives a particular rough stepping on Grell, “Are you prepared to shoulder the heavy crime of killing the divine?”
With nonchalance mixed in, “Are you trying to make me repeat my order?”
The demon smiles, “Very good, My Lord.”
Vrrrrr!!!
This time, the saw machine is a tool to execute the criminal. Whirring menacingly and gleams in cold moonlight. “You scream very nicely.” Sebastian brings the saw machine upwards, “As a reward… I’ll kill you with your favorite toy!”
Beneath Sebastian’s soles, Grell holds on for dear life as his own are on the line, “Please, stop!”
Yet, he is met with a cold smile and a “no” from Sebastian.
“Stop! STOP IT!!!”
The blades hurls down to the God of Death….
“AAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”
A long pole intercepts the descent to blood.
KKRRSSSKKK!!!
All heads turn upwards to see whom dares to interrupt.
“I apologize for interrupting your conversation.” A man in suit and same chartreuse eyes as Sutcliff and another unbreakable and durable tool, another Grim Reaper. The long pole retracts back to where he is, “I am William T. Spears, an administrator at the Grim Reaper Staffing Association.” He fixes his glasses with the sharp end of the pole. “I came to take charge of that reaper there.”
Grell manages to wriggles his way out from Sebastian’s soles as the William reaper descends down, “Will! William!” Looking every thankful for the interruption. “So you came to save me…!” Only for his head to splatter back to the ground, breaking the bricks as William lands on the redhead’s head.
Opening the book on his side, William begins to read Grell’s transgressions. “Dispatch member Grell Sutcliff, you have violated the rules.” The sounds of Grell in pain shows William is extracting every strength into stepping on him. “Firstly, you have killed people not on the To-Die list. Secondly, you used a Death Scythe for which a permission form was not filed.” A final groan as the new reaper thumps its soles to the redhead.
William shuts the book and hops to the front, bowing his head to Sebastian. “I apologize for the trouble this wretch has caused.” Using his long pruner, he takes a card out from his coat and offers it to Sebastian. “Oh, and here’s my card.” Which Sebastian takes noncommittally. “Really,” William scoffs under his breath, “I’d never thought I’d see the day when I have to bow to a noxious beast like you… This is a disgrace to the profession of Grim Reaper.”
Sebastian also scoffs and throws the card to the side, “Then please keep watch over your staff so that they don’t cause troubles for us, noxious beasts.” He leans down to William’s height and smirk, “Humans are susceptible to temptation. When they are placed in a hellish bowels of despair, if a spider’s thread appears before them that could get them out, they will cling to it without fail. Any human will.”
William furrows his brows before fixing his glasses, “Aren’t you demons the ones who takes advantage of that to deceive humans and prey upon them?”
Chuckling, Sebastian reply, “I won’t deny it.”
Looking back towards Ciel and Avis, William notes again, “Though you seem to be a tame dog with a collar; that at least makes you a lesser evil than the unprincipled, rabid dogs.”
Ciel pulls Avis closer again, in instinct to the Grim Reaper’s gaze.
“Come, Grell Sutcliff,” William drags Grell by the hair towards the dark streets, “We’re leaving.”
Among the complaints of managerial works, Sebastian throws the saw machine in his hand towards them. William receives it by only his two fingers without turning around.
…
The two silently stares at each other, broken by Sebastian’s polite smile. “…You left this behind.”
“Thank you.” William let the saw machine fall on Sutcliff, who groans in pain. “In that case, I shall take my leave.”
Once the two are gone, Ciel gasp and looks down at Avis who grows paler. “Avis! Sebastian, help her! She’s been stabbed!”
…
“…Avis…!”
…
Scent of iron fills the air, clogging the nostrils of anyone in sight. Red paints the night as a figure motionlessly stabs someone on the ground.
Over…
…and over…
…and over…
…again.
It was mechanical almost as natural as breathing as Avis stabs the demon over and over again.
Down, in that broken crossroads, her dream shapes strangely with sinister sharp edges.
She hates this.
Behind her, a pair of cold hands and a mocking laugh sounds. Grell hugs her from behind, his words are muted but it’s praising her. Of her “red passionate love”. How she bleeds and bled others to sustain such emotions.
That’s right.
She stabs Sebastian again below her.
She’s just another monster. Willing to do crimes for Ciel, her beloved…
…beloved…what?
She doesn’t know anymore. How much the lies and performance has muddled her true emotions.
Who is Ciel to her?
She doesn’t know.
She hates this.
“…Wake… up….”
The sun filters through the blinds as she wakes to the daylight. Her eyes see Ciel, sleeping on the armchair on the side of the bed, the sunlight catching on his grey-blue strands.
Fragments of broken memories and dreams halts her movements, hazy with from its darkest depths. Avis winces when she shifts, weak as she tries to get about. Her lungs work harder as her lower back on the right-side flares in pain while she takes lungful of air, sweat beads onto her brow.
It feels like burning hot flames, slowly seeping into her back and fray her nerves.
The sound of her stirring about causes Ciel to wake up. His eye jumps along with his body to immediately takes Avis by the shoulders, gently. “Avis…! Don’t move too much, you’ll reopen your wounds!” He looks sick in worry, there’s a visible eyebags under his eye and his hair a mess.
Breathing out and in, Avis settles herself back in a comfortable position on her side to finally face him. “What happened…?”
Ciel cards his fingers through his hair, taking a deep breath. “You were losing blood. It’s a good thing Undertaker manage to stop it before it becomes critical.”
“Undertaker…?”
“Yes,” He sighs loudly, “He was passing by and found us. From there on, he takes care of you until we brought real doctor. Then we transfer you to the townhouse.”
“I see…”
Both of them stay silent as the event of what led to her here has been concluded. But more than that, there’s uncertainty in their gazes. Whether it was him to reprimand when she was still in bed rest, or for her to apologize for the situation she was in.
Finally, it was the latter who opens her mouth in concern for him, always.
Her throat feels terribly dry as she coughs and waves her hand to the water pitcher. “Are you… hurt?”
Ciel helps her drinking by lifting the glass and let her rest against the pillows, “No… I’m fine.”
Drip drip
“Ah…” Avis catches her tears as she process everything again, “I’m sorry, I−“ Right then and there, she burst into tears.
It’s too late now.
Madam Red… Rachel’s sister… is dead.
There’s nothing left for her to share now.
She’s gone.
All the memories of her would be locked deeply in a casket, sealed deeply without ever seeing the glimpse of her dear friend.
Why, oh why she couldn’t be brave and tell the truth?
A pair of hands grabs her and Avis opens her eyes to see him, staring at her tears.
“I’m sorry…” She sobs, “I’m sorry…” Again and again, “I…”
She doesn’t know why she’s apologizing, and she’s too tired to think about it.
Past, present, future. Wherever she is, Avis is always shackled by the name of Phantomhive.
And the one before her captivates her, sealed her future until the demon who serve him takes his due.
Yet, she can’t see herself freed into the horizon.
The loom of fate hanging up above, like that day that noblewoman placed her hat atop her for a slice of heaven from the cruel world.
Ciel studies her face, seeing the tears that glisten in her eyes. There’s a sense of helplessness in her expression that would tug at anyone’s heart…
…including his.
Leaning closer, he brushes a tear away from her cheek with his thumb, his touch soft and tender. Although his eye holds deep intensity behind as he comes close enough that she can feel his warm breath against his skin.
“Avis…” He begins, “Do you think I won’t survive all this time just by relying on Sebastian?”
Sniffling, she shakes her head.
“Precisely,” Ciel kisses one of her tear-stained cheek, “I can hold on my own. So please, trust me that loving you wouldn’t be my downfall.” He whispers, voice low and filled with quiet desperation, “Stop trying to protect me…”
“…and let me love you.”
Ciel closes the small distance between them, lips gently pressing against hers in a soft, lingering kiss. He keeps his hand on her chin, holding her close as if he is afraid that she might disappear.
Avis sobs further as she holds that hand.
Why…? Why can’t he let her go? Didn’t he see how much it pains her, to know that he’s walking towards death?
The kiss is a mix of tenderness and vulnerability, a silent plea for her to open up and embrace what is right in front of her.
Ciel pulls away only slightly to speak against her lips, his voice barely a whisper.
“Please…”
All this time, the thought of him reaching the end of his contract, when she would celebrate her freedom terrifies her.
She loves this boy very much. And it pains her to know the only way to stay is by his wants.
“I know…” Avis shuts her eyes for more tears to slip by.
Ciel tightens his grip on her chin, determination and heartbreak on his eye. He leans in closer, his words a mere plea in a whisper. “Then let me love you fully. Let me cherish you.”
He captures her lips once more. This kiss is more intense, his hand moves from her chin to hold the back of her head and cradling her tightly.
Again and again. It’s so confusing for her. She’s tired and she hates it.
Avis chuckles a breathless sob. “It’s-It’s still daylight…”
Despite the heartbreak, she tries to keep light of the situation.
She can’t stop. Not now, not in the long run.
For him? For her? Who knows?
Letting out a soft huff and an almost relieved chuckle, Ciel pulls back slightly, his forehead pressing against her, ”Since when do you care about that?” Despite the pain in his own heart, he tries to tease her with a tone, soft and gentle, “Don’t give me excuses.”
Continuing the path, his lips trail up her jawline to her earlobe. Ciel nibbles on the sensitive flesh for a moment before whispering in her ear, of his adoration and determination. “Let me show you…” He moves over her, shifting their positions until he is lying on top of her. The weight of his body presses down carefully, fitting against hers.
The curtains are, once again, shut their entanglement from the world. And she’s still as a doll for him.
“Here you go.” Avis hands Ciel the red dress, watching him go as Sebastian opens the cathedral doors for him. She smiles when people gasp quietly at his entrance.
That boy… Always so dramatic. Avis sighs dreamily.
The sun shines brightly on this lovely day, to greet a lovely maiden who deserves to wear red.
Then, she looks at the numbers of the fan buttons on her hand, “Ah, which one should I push?” The other fiddling with the cables on her lap.
“Hm,” Undertaker hums, “I believe it’s the number two, dearie.”
“I see.”
With a flick of her finger, the giant fan whirs to life as it blows the rose petals from the carriage into the cathedral. The mourners for Madam Red are awestruck with the fleeting beauty, as Ciel puts on the red dress on the madam and whisper his goodbye.
A romantic farewell for the most beloved of all.
Avis smiles from her wheelchair beside the carriage outside, turning off the fan. No matter how much her heart ache, it was also filled with joy to see how people truly loved Madam Red.
For all its worth, the memory is everlasting.
Both of them whispers: “Rest in peace, Madam Red.”
Among the plain grasses, another Burnett finally joins their pair. Her grave is fresh from the red roses garland decorating the gravestone. Ciel Phantomhive and his advisor, Avis Collins, are lingering on the cementery along with the butler, Sebastian Michaelis and their Chinese businessman friend, Lau.
“So,” Lau begins, “You never inform the Queen of Jack the Rippers true identity?” He looks at Madam Red’s grave, silently asking questions if her death is linked to the crime.
“I didn’t find it necessary,” Tells him without looking at the man, “Besides, London is now free of Jack the Ripper.”
Lau pauses a little, “That means you… will steadily sink into the mud.”
Avis could only close her eyes solemnly as Ciel looks back in question.
“Even if you step towards a place with no return, you chose not to reveal yourself screaming for help to other people, eh?” Lau chuckles, “Not for the proud Queen’s dog.”
Avis holds in a chortle, masking it as a cough. It works perfectly since she’s bound to a wheelchair. Although, Lau tilts his head at her before eventually shrugging it off and returning his attention back to Ciel.
Then his gaze returns to the graves, “I also hope that I will not bring any trouble to the Earl.” He bows his head, “I will try to keep things tidy on my end.”
Ciel regards him for a moment, “Opium dens are starting to become a problem. It’s only a matter of time before regulations are made.” Tilting his hat downward, he taps his cane, “The Scotland Yard wouldn’t be able to ignore your merchants now, will they?”
Lau snickers, “If that happens, I will have just to come up with a new business idea. My interest in this country is far from exhausted. The same goes for you, Earl.” He bends down to put a hand on Ciel’s shoulder, opening his eyes far wider than before. “I do hope that… you will show me many more interesting things.”
The moment his eyes flicks over to Avis, there’s a silent understanding between the two performers. Lau straightens himself and leaves the cemetery grounds on his own.
Once Lau is out of sight, Ciel turns to the other direction of the plains, “Sebastian, Avis, there’s somewhere else I would like to visit. Let’s go.”
“Very well.” Sebastian takes the handles of the wheelchair and pushes Avis forward to following Ciel.
…
They come around to the commoner side of the cemetery. On one among many tombstones, they found Undertaker lingering about in a fresh grave.
Ciel approaches him follow by Sebastian and Avis. “Undertaker, are you done?”
“But of course,” Undertaker let off from the tombstone, “As expected, I gave her a beautiful little burial. Take a look.” He presents them the newly made grave with fresh flowers included.
Avis puts a hand to her mouth, “Oh.” Reading the name: Mary Jane Kelly.
“This is…” Sebastian gapes, “The last victim of Jack the Ripper.”
Ciel turns to address the situation, “It turns out that she was a foreign immigrant. No one came forward to claim the corpse.”
“Hehe~,” Undertaker comes forward, grasping Ciel’s shoulder from behind, “That’s why our kind Earl here gave her, a nameless prostitute, her own grave.” He pokes at Ciel on the cheek.
“I’m not that kind.” Ciel grips his cane, “I… I came to realize… why I could not save this woman.” The wind blows as he holds the side of his face with a solemnly look, “On that night, had I made her life a priority, there would have been number of times I could save her.”
“However, I did not.”
“I knew there’s a chance of saving her, but I made the capture of Jack the Ripper my priority.” He looks down to the grave, “I… knew that I would let that chance slip away. I kept that in mind and let her die.” He looks to the side, which is Avis is, “Even my own relative.”
However, instead of staying silent like he is…
Avis smiles, causing Ciel to pause and look at her.
“Ciel…” Her voice is gentle as she gently untangles his hand from his cane and replace it with her own, “I was just like you, long ago.” The woman sighs as she looks to the grave. “It comes to mind to how many people have to die. How many have the choice to live by someone else’s hand. But all I could think of is this one thing:” She raises his hand and kiss the Phantomhive Ring, eyes looking upwards to his, “Sometimes, Justice demand Death. Neither could be anticipated, but that is the Truth of our world. No need to despair about it.”
Before she knows it, Earl Grey and roses scent fills her sense. She wraps her arms around him, smiling softly at the twilight skies.
Undertaker let out an ‘ooh’ as he steps aside to give them a room, whilst Sebastian chuckles.
After a moment and them stepping back, Sebastian put their coats over their shoulders. “You two really are kind.”
Ciel scoffs, “For the hundredth times, I’m not really all that kind−“
“You are kind,” Sebastian interrupts again, “Otherwise…” He chuckles, “Wouldn’t you just be a “coward”, am I right?”
“You jerk…!” Ciel hisses while Avis grows unamused. Although not a moment, she laughs, shocking Ciel. “Avis?”
Avis stops her laugh and asks, “So that’s your game, isn’t it?”
Sebastian smiles politely, “Indeed it is. From you, I would have think of you being sentimental enough not to shoot. But from our young master…” He looks over Ciel. “Was the thought of killing the madam yourself is frightening?”
The boy in turn grits his teeth before he regains his composure by taking a breath.
Avis smiles proudly.
Looking up to Sebastian on the side, he delivers his answer. “It’s because it’s your job.”
Sebastian seems to frazzle.
Ciel continues on, “I thought that even if you died somehow, you would protect me. That’s why I didn’t shoot.”
“It was part of the contract between you and I. Until I reach my goals, you shall be my power. You would protect me until the end and see that I am not killed.” Ciel looks back into the horizon. “I imagine demons do not have “principles” nor “loyalty”.
“All you have is aesthetics. And so, for the sake of your own aesthetics, you will protect me no matter what. Am I wrong?”
Sebastian tilts his head, “Then why did you stop me?”
“Hmph,” This time, Avis is the one who answers, “Even throughout our fight, there’s still hesitation in her attempt to injure Ciel.” She looks over at Sebastian, “A demon like you does not comprehend that’s what divide a man and a monster.”
Nodding, Ciel confirms it through, “One wrong move and she lost her life. Just like chess. She hesitated and lost sight of her next move. That’s all there to it.” Turning around, he takes Avis’s wheelchair on the handle by himself and push it forward out of the cemetery. “That’s why I won’t hesitate.”
Reaching a hand, she places it atop his own with a smile.
His eyes soften as he looks at her, “I won’t stop moving, and I won’t regret the steps I’ve taken.” Then he looks back at Sebastian, “So, this is an order:” Resolute and unwavering, he dictates, “The two of you are the ones who must not betray me. Don’t leave my side.” The dusk winds blows coldly, carrying the scent of fresh grounds and rain that will come. “Ever.”
The two servants bow from their place. One, unyielding and cocky, and one, unstable yet defensive altogether: “Yes, My Lord.”
Come high hell and wars may be, this is an unbreakable, yet cursed oath.
.
..
…
On the road as they walk, Avis takes in the dusk and cawing of the crows.
Despite them being seen as harbingers of death, seeing them flying on the sunset makes her pause.
“What a beautiful afternoon…”
Those words passed by her lips as smooth as water cascading through the glass. Effortless, yet fleetingly simple.
Sebastian chuckles while pushing her wheelchair, following their master. “It is a quite the sight.”
And for once, without a picking a fight with the demon, she simply agrees.