What Then...? (Open)

The missing pieces can never be patched up; the scars are permanent and fresh, haunting and soaring. Once whole, but now empty and weak. Begging nice from its knees, its pitiful pleas are drowned out by the cold whispers of defeat, mocking and proud. Combusting into guilt and regret, it now gives up and cries itself to sleep. It lies alone sweating all its blood, famished to be found...

***

Eyes wide with pain, terrified of the nightmare before her. The heart pounded so quickly, a heart attack sleeping within her chest; waiting until the timing's best to cut off her short breaths and end her pitiful life. "Damn it Tifa answer me!" a vague and agonizing voice yelled, bloodcurdling screams trailing behind it. Why were they yelling so loud if no one was listening? Such pity. He could scream out loud, but his pain fell under deaf ears. The beautiful color of crimson was everywhere, an aroma of rust perfumed the air. Ah, the sweet scent of hell's calling. 

Tifa's fragile body laid in a massive pool of blood, her dress soaked and dripping as she was gently picked up a little. Shakened gently, she still didn't budge, but her eyes saw everything. Her weak ears heard everything. The boy who held her was crying hysterically crying. Why? Blood ran down from her mouth, her lips parted slightly as blood flowed over them thickly and slowly. Why was this boy calling for her? Can't he see? She's dying! The most puzzling question of all was... Why was he crying if her purpose to him was just being used to get to another and gain power? He faked his love towards her to trick her, and with the trifling imbecile she was she rashly fell for it. Being head over heels for him, she did anything for him, just to feel loved for just this one time. The hole in her torso couldn't be healed,  but she believed that she had deserved it. God's punishment towards her for being just another souless shadow that occupied space amongst this cruel world. What was this...? Were... Angels and demons fighting for her worthless soul? To stay or to parish and puke in misery? Ah, yes--misrerable at best is what seemed correct for her. "Tifa! Don't go!!" Ugh. Just shut the hell up already, bastard! To every lie, there is a truth. For his lie of his "irrevocably and uncontrollably" love for her, the truth behind it all was her suffering. 

And, she stood corrected. His screams were cut off by a menacing laughter, a large low grin spreading across his face getting wider and wider each second. The satisfaction in his eyes was unpleasant to see. The blood lust within his eyes was noticable, and his head jerked back, his mouth falling open and a loud laugh boomed out. It was a victorious laughter, after all.

A wide smirk was carved on his face. His eyes were glimering in exicitment as he held her, her body thrashing around like a crazed beast now. "Oh, shh...It only gets...worst..." he hushed in a calm, soothing voice. His light honey brown hair ruffled in the wind, his penetrating amber red eyes locked on hers. The boy lifted his hand, and twitched his pointer finger up. A plethora of ear-splitting cracks boomed throughout Tifa's chest, and her mouth hung open. Her ocean-blue irises shrunk as the pain ripped through her. She tried to scream, but the only thing that poured out of her mouth was warm blood. Every rib in her chest snapped so simply, breaking with ease. Hell isn't this simple, is it?  
    
Tifa violently writhed in his arms, the burning increasing as it now flowed through every thin vein that ran through her chest. She screamed, her screams ear-splitting and very unpleasent. Tifa screamed in pain so loudly it could have been clearly heard miles away from their destination. The pain just got heavier and even more unbearable; her body began to twitch, and her chest would jerk upward as her heart was about to be engulfed in heat, going through a burning frenzy. Her screams were then cut off as blood clogged her throat. You could hear it gurgling in her throat as she tried to breathe. She then coughed up the massive amount of crimson blood, the blood pouring out of her mouth and down the side of her jaw and covering her chin. New screams made their way out of her bloody throat. Now, these screams were the kind of screams you would never be able to forget, the kind that sends a hole through your chest. They were layered with such undesirable pain, it was almost heart shattering to hear. She couldn't stop screaming--they just wouldn't stop coming. The shinobi began to cry as the pain grew and grew inside of her whole body now. Her chest jerked more violently now, right where Kiosho implanted the jutsu in her. Even though she was its new host and hadn't grew yet in her, she already felt like something was trying to claw their way out of her chest; oblitering anything in its path.

Her throat burned as new blood was coming up her throat, but this time, the burning was a luke warm temperature. The fire was mute at first, but as it got halfway up her throat, it felt as if someone had shoved hot boiling gold down her throat. Her head flew up as she coughed it up--just adding more blood to her body. She should've been dead by now--the amount of blood that she had already shed should have killed her. Why was she still alive? Why won't he just kill her now!? 

The boy grinned sadistically as he watched with satisfiction. Her precious heart-tretchering screams sounded like beautiful music to his ears. So many years he's waited to hear them. She deserved it, afterall... 


"Be careful, God is watching.
In a street blacked by night, please link our hands together.
Even if I'm by myself and far away, He can always come find me.
He comes to teach me everything He knows.
Even if I should no longer remember,
He will teach me over and over my sins.

But what should I do once I know everything? What then...?"

An imperfect voice sifted through the unchanging winds of the ghostly night as it sang a painful lullaby, the street beneath their feet desolate. Not a soul crowded the area, not a step could be heard. The black robe they wore bellowed behind them in the wind, standing on top of a large building. They stood in front of the bright, huge moon, the light brightning the world before them. The figure's long light blonde hair blew gently in the wind, the bird-like ANBU mask they wore hiding their face from the world. Beneath it, was the flawless face of Tifa Shinoku. Not being able to sleep as images of the nightmare kept invading her mind, she was out here, trying to clear her mind; yet that was out of her reach... And then, another vision invaded her mind, almost like black and white reruns:

Tifa walked slowly through the soaked streets of her village, taking her time as she soaked in the beauty of the cool rain. Each droplet looked like a small diamond as it was summoned from its cloud, causing ripples in any glassy puddle it dipped into. Her boots kicked up water around her ankles as she took each step, the street ahead looking like an mirror as a thin layer of water swarmed the street, reflecting its surroundings. What was the meaning to the dream she had...? She had seen it before, but only sudden images of it that randomly popped into her head. Was that a heads up, to show her what was coming? 

She reached the wall, and looked up, the rain soaking her hair and clothes. Tifa sharply turned on the heel of her boot and she ran towards the building beside it, jumping onto the dumpster next to it and lithely flipping onto the roof. One wrong step, and that would end it. But she didn't want it to be that simple... 

Her boots clacked on the wet roof, coming closer to the edge. If she were to jump perfectly at an angle and with not much power, she could reach the wall. Narrowing her eyes to see through the heavy rain, she bent her knees at the correct angle she had quickly calculated and jumped, flying through the air. Her heels landed onto the top of the wall, and her arms flew out to keep balance. Tifa had made it, to the wall atleast. The tortured soul walked to the very edge of it, her hands clasped together behind her back.  Her petal-pink lips parted, and she began to sing a song, her voice beautiful within the desperate rain.

"Be careful, God is watching.
In a street blacked by night, please link our hands together.
Even if I'm by myself and far away, He can always come find me.
He comes to teach me everything He knows.
Even if I should no longer remember,
He will teach me over and over my sins.

But what should I do once I know everything? What then...?"

The eerie song filled the air as her emotionless voice sang it, her eyes half way closed and lingering for something. Tifa looked down, smidgenly leaning forward. Shall she do it, now?! Home was calling for her! She could hear it calling out to her! "All I had is gone with your step... By blood and by mean... I fall when you leave..." she said softly, her tears washing away in the rain. Picking up her foot slowly, she held it out over the edge, shaking. Just lean forward, and you shall see. The pain will all wash away, then you can finally come home to me, a voice hissed within her ears, chanting for her to just fall. She froze when she heard it, the voice very close and direful. The hairs on the back of her neck rose, and her eyes widened with abhorrence. Closing her eyes, she nodded once and sluggishly leaned forward, feeling the air press against her and the ground disappear beneath her feet...

What were these images for? They had no purpose to her. It was obvious that those had never happened because she was still right here... Right? Yes, it is so. Shrugging off the images, she placed her arms on the railing and rested her chin among her crossed forearms, her fingers tapping the railing with a cling, cling noise. The night was still young, maybe. If it was, why wasn't anyone out?

Sebastian had arrived in the village earlier in the day and had decided to take a stroll. He passed a cat on the way and ended up having a one-way conversation with it until night fell. He was surprised to see no one out in the early night until he noticed a girl who seemed just a bit troubled. He walked up to her and placed his gloved and out to her. "Are you alright, madam?"

Looking up to see a man before her, she regained her thoughts and came back to reality. Sliding off the mask, Misa's face was revealed, and boy was she pretty. Her ocean-blue eyes glanced over at the man as he asked if she was okay, she nodding quickly. "Y-yeah... Being the Mizukage is just a bit tiring, that's all...heh," she stammered, fakingly laughing. So she was Kirigakure's new Mizukage, eh? Quite young, and actually beautiful. Beauty and brains, and she preferred. "Sorry if I bothered you in anyway," she said, apologizing.

Sebastians eyes widened and he bowed "Oh... I had no idea I was in the prescence of the Mizukage." Sebastian observed her beauty for a while and stared at her soul which was even more beautiful. It was perfect. "Tell me Lord Mizukage...do you have a wish or goal in life?" His pink eyes glowed as he smiled

[I]Whoa, this guy was very respectful[\I]. "Oh--no, no! Just call me Lady Misa, if you wish. But a... Goal?" she echoed, pondering for a moment as she looked down. There were many, of course. But she sifted through the weak ones and got to the stronger ones. Within a heart beat, she spoke. "To protect this village from harm's grasp, and that I may carry on the past Mizukage's wish..." she said, the variations of blues in her eyes brightening with smuggness. "What's your name, sir?" she asked, her eyes darting towards him.

Sebastian knelt down. "I am Sebastian Michaelis, and I would like to help you with your goal~"Sebastian could feel himself getting excited just as he did when all the others signed his contract. It was nothing cruel or evil. It was just how Sebastian made sure he lived a long life by making others happy

Misa flinched back slightly, flabbergasted by how proper he was when introducing himself and what he wanted to do for his goal. Should she let him help her...? Since she just became the New Mizukage just a couple months ago, they were still looking for an assistant--since the last one moved to another village. Maybe this was her chance. "...Sebastian Michaelis, welcome, sir. It is a pleasure meeting you. But please, stand up. There's no need for that around here," she laughed, her laugh sounding like a sweet and securing lullaby. "I'll position you as my assistant, if you'd like," she added, looking down at him and faintly smiling.

Sebastian stood up beaming with joy.Darkness started swirl around them and crows perched beside him.A paper with a feather dipped in ink appeared out of the darkness and floated to Misa. "You must first sign this contract. As your butler, assistant, chef, and bodygaurd I will obey your every order and help you with anything I can to the best of my abilities, and my abilities are the finest. As proof of this contract, a pentagram will appear in your right eye and turn it to a glowing pink just as mine. But there is just one cost which you must pay...."

Misa quickly noticed the black darkness that swarmed around them, the crows perched on the railing beside Sebastion. A contract appeared before her, her eyes narrowing at it by the slightest bit, curious. Why would she have to sign a contract...? "Before I sign anything, what's this cost you speak of, Sebastion?" she asked, her voice in a monotone tune. Though it was plain, it still sounded just as lovely, even when she said his name. Curiousity waved through every vain that channeled through her body; anxious to know what he meant. What was she going to have to pay for?

Sebastian gained a serious tone "In order for my services and protecting your wishes and goals.....when the time comes for you to die, I will consume your soul, and add more years to my own life..."Sebastian's hapiness diminished but the contract still floated in front of Misa. This was often the deal breaker for many.

She stared at him in disbelief. What a contract that sure was! But knowing Misa, she always surprised everyone. "If that is what you wish, then I shall agree. As long as it allows you to keep living though, then I'll accept..." she paused, hesitating. "One will lose a heart, as another starts to beat. A heart for a heart; a new beginning, and a wonderful journey that has to end. Don't you wish that one could go on with the other, instead of one falling behind and... Disappearing?" she asked, reaching out for the pen. Was this a good idea?

She held the pen against the paper, her hand shaking, causing her to frown. "When my times comes, you take my soul, correct?" she asked, making sure. It could all be a simple trick; so might as well let him think she'd sign it until he gave her full details. She wasn't that stupid. She was brains and beauty, after all.

He nodded "With my ability and protection you will most likely die of old age.When a soul is about to pass from its body it usually seeps out a little further everyday. When this happens I will tell you to prepare for it and make the process as painless as possible. However many years you lived under my contract, thats how many years will be added to my lifespan. If I am killed...then all the souls I have consume will be released to the afterlife..."Sebastian looked into her eyes and gave a small reassuring smile "I will never disobey your orders.Not if it threatens world peace.Not if it threatens your village.Not if it threatens the lives of others.Not if it threatens my life.Your orders are the highest and only priorty in my eyes."

Her eyes were locked onto his, and she couldn't pull away. Was he really willing to... Do that all? She shook her head, her bangs slightly motioning side to side. "If you're with me, there won't be many commands and orders. I do not see myself being a dominant playing on the board, like a queen. So don't act like I'm controlling, please. It kills me," she mumbled as she signed her name in an elegant cursive font.

The pentagram on his left hand started to bleed as the contract floated toward him. A single drop of blood fell on the paper underneath her signature and formed kanji for Kuroshitsuji.The paper disappeared as Misa's right eye became a glowing pink and formed a pentagram in it. Sebastian smiled and bowed, and the darkness flew away and brought back the scene of the early night. "Whatever you wish madam. It is early night,would you like dinner?"

Misa watched as the event went on, her eyes wide with amazent. She couldn't feel anything different, even when her eye glowed a pink color, like Sebastian's. He then bowed, and spoke to her with high respect, asking for dinner. Misa took a step closer to him, the heels of her boots clacking beneath her. All of a sudden, she rose her hand and smacked him; not using any of her strength. "Madam? As I said before. Remember, dominance isn't my thing. I prefer Misa, okay?" she said, walking past him with a faint smile. "And dinner? No, I'm not very hungry," she said softly, clutching her stomach.

Sebastian smiled after being smacked and stood up. "Then what is it that you wish to do now?Just give me orders and I will follow them~" He never thought she'd just want to be called by her name.None of his previous master's allowed him that freedom, so it was akward to be serving someone so humble and modest.

"Hmm..." she hummed, twirling around gracefully, turning towards him now. She smiled, getting an idea. "How about we take a walk, and get to know each other? For all I know, you could be tricking me and luring me into my death bed," she said teasingly, standing up straightly and placing her hands on her hips. Misa smiled again, giggling. "C'mon, while the moon's light is still bright."

Sebastian nodded his head. He put his glove on and proceeded to walk with her "If that is your command I will follow it."

She rolled her eyes. "Must I slap you again? You speak gibberish to me, with that as you wish language. Please, Sebastian. I'm not like your previous masters, if you had any. I want you to feel free, because you are," she said, clasping her hands behind her back as she walked. Cocking her head up and to the left, she looked at him.

Sebastian sighed nervously. That was always his way of talking and it was hard for him to change...but since she commanded it... "Very well...ma-...Misa.Please do tell me all about you so I can bend all my abilities to your tastes!"

She could hear him having trouble speaking like that, so she sighed, scratching her cheek with the tip of her index finger's nail. "Well, I like to cook. Not to brag, but I'm excellent at it, hehe. I enjoy being around kids, so I visit the Academy as much as possible to show the kids some things. I'm not really sure what else to say about myself. I don't think about myself much; I'm just too busy thinking about others. They're my priority, always putting them before me..." she paused, slightly catching her breath, "I do play the piano..." she murmured softly.

Sebastian smiled. "You like to cook and you play the piano? I must tell you that no one can make a desert better than I can. I play the violin which I will teach you if you wish. I can take good care of kids though I prefer not to and..."Sebastian's voice trailed offf as he saw the cat he was talking to earlier. He rushed to it and picked it up petting it belly. "Your fur absolutely magnificent!Your just a precious thing arn't you?"

Misa was left there alone as he ditched get for a cat. When she looked closer, she sighed. "You like the Mizukage's cat? His name is Mello," she said, placing her hands on her hips and walking up to him. It was a beautiful cat. The collar was a beautiful sea green m, blueish color, a small golden bell attached to it. It had been the previous Mizukage's pet; that cat is so spoiled.