A Demon's Fate

Racing Against the Odds

The sun rose high into the sky, it was obvious the time was around twelve. The streets were filled with people of all kinds; commoners, nobles, businessmen, and store clerks all trying to sell, buy, and get what they need. I particularly was heading to the mortician's shop, 'If anyone knows something... it's gonna be him.' I knew it would be best to start with him. In previous events I have had personal ties with the mortician before, we've crossed paths more than once. Alex and I quickly weaved through the crowd of people, making sure to avoid people who look like bad news. As we turned the corner, the mortician's shop can into view. I smiled to myself as we approached the door, the shop itself stood out from the rest. It was darker, mostly consisting of blacks and navy blue colors. It held no windows, but nonetheless it make good business. I took a breath before opening the big, deep brown door, "Adrian, are you here?" I called out cautiously. The room was dimly lit by candles, coffins were littered throughout the room. It was normal for him, his desk and seats were coffins even. I gave a dull expression when a door creaked open, eerie laughter could be heard from within the room. I waited patiently for Adrian to come out, he had a habit of trying to scare his guests. I groaned and called out, "It's Lilian you idiot, stop fooling around." I waited for a response, all I got was more giggling. Suddenly a figure crept from the darkness, eyes staring me down intensely. I smiled a little when I could see him fully; He had short white hair and piercing green eyes. He wore a grey long-sleeved shirt, a black vest over top of it. His pants were black as well, and his boots black with buckle straps across the body of them. His smile could fool a thousand souls. His skin held stitches of a forgotten past. Adrian made his way over to Alex and I, smiling when he saw my expression lighten a bit. He chuckled to himself before smiling, "What brings miss Ackerman and her butler to the shop today?" He giggled again, I sighed and pinched my nose. Studying his waiting form I replied, "I was hoping you could help me with something..." I trailed off, letting him assess the situation. Adrian gave an unnatural grin, understanding immediately. He put a finger to his chin, "Hmm, I wonder what it could be about." His tone was sarcastic, it was more of a statement than a question. His messy white bangs fell over his eyes, he never allowed them to show in front of others. I growled and got to the point, "You know something about Jack the Ripper, I'm certain." He smiled hearing those words, soon breaking into a fit of laughter afterwards. Wiping a tear away he sighed, "I'll tell you what I know miss Lilian." He walked over behind his desk, offering us a seat on the two coffins in front of it. I sat down quickly, 'I knew it...' was all I could process. Adrian immediately got down to business, he gave us each a cylinder with tea inside. I rolled my eyes, 'He can never keep a cup or two can he?' I thought mentally, I didn't want to offend him. He took a bite of his dog biscuit and started, "The other day I had a man come in, he said he was a detective of sorts. He asked if I could do him a favor." Adrian paused, taking another bite. I pondered on the thought as he continued, "He asked to see the corpse I received after the recent attack..." I nodded, furrowing my brow in thought, "Why would a detective want to see the body... That's the mortician's job..." Adrian gave a "mhm" as I thought aloud. He spoke yet again, "I was a li'l weary of 'em myself." He dropped the smile he had been so persistently wearing. The fringe over his eyes seemed to thicken as he continued, "He said they had another attack, mid-daylight. 'Ere was li'l to nothing left when they arrived." He finished his story and took a long sip of his tea. My eyes were fixed on his expression, it never changed. I narrowed my eyes and answered, "Did he say where the attack was...?" I started to ball my fist in anticipation. Adrian's expression changed to a worried one, "Jasper's Creek." Was all he said. I growled and stood violently, "That's close to my cousin... I'll kill him." I clenched my fists in anger. Adrian stood as well, he moved his head slightly, eyes visible through his silver fringe. I stared at him, waiting for him to stop me like always. Adrian only gave a strait face, "I'll do whatever I can, I'd hate for you to lose another loved one." His tone was stern, filled with the same anger my own withheld. Alex rested a hand on my shoulder, causing me to turn in his direction with a questioning gaze. His eyes were different now, they seemed to glow against the candle light. Alex kept his serious expression, "You have my full support, My Lady." He moved his right hand to his chest, closing his eyes he bowed half way. I smiled determined, now that I knew I wasn't alone.

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Reader-chan:

(I DID IT, ITS DONE!!!! Sorry, I got busy but nonetheless it is finished. I will start on the next part fairly soon, my next few weeks are busy so it might be a while before the next update. Later reader-chan!)