Bound by fate

Chapter 1

*A soft light was shining from the bright moon above, illuminating the dark water below. The sounds of the waves echoed threw out the warm sea air that blew lightly against the sand that seemed to retrain the heat from the sun earlier that day. Among the long beach that seemed to stretch for miles and miles were a few dunes, ranging in various sizes from small to large. They all adored the sweet scent of grass that danced and swayed in the wind and all over looked the water.

As waves broke, they made a thick sea foam that trailed along within the wake as I slowly strolled across. Water washing over my feet and the sounds of the ocean had a very soothing effect on my nerves which had been rattled by the return of the people I had left in another place and other time no more than a mere month ago. They told me a very incredible story that seemed almost as impossible as my own time travel adventure. Yet, they were here, back in the hotel room I was staying in, awaiting my return.

I walked up to one of the smaller dunes and sat down on the sand below to gather my thoughts together. Not only did the butler and the boy return to my time, but they also had to; for some god-unknown reason, bring him with them. The one person who I thought I would never see again once I left 1888. I came face to face with Grell once more. Not only did I make my feelings known before I left but when he returned with the boy and the butler by his side I had the sudden urge just to run to my car and drive away never looking back.

I thought I would escape this terrible time traveling mess I had caused by coming home but it seems I was wrong. That night I came back a person from The Underground had seen what had happened out in the woods that night and had sense then been conducting his own experiments to come to the future. Leaving a trail of destroyed buildings and deaths behind. However his failed attempts only seem to encourage him to seek out other ways to open other vortexes.

And in doing so actually mange to open a vortex to come here, to my time. This is what got the boy involved. While my first trip into the past wasn't all that informative I have now come to understand that Ceil is known as The Queens Guard Dog. The Queen has asked Ceil to find this person known only as The Mad Scientist and to bring him back to 1888. This task wasn't going to be easy as they had very few clues to follow.

So now here I am, sitting on this dune trying to get my head together. Not only was I asked to help find this guy they were looking for, but now I also had Grell to worry about. Why did I fell like this was total Déjà vu? I pulled my knees up to my chest and rested my chin on top of my knee caps. This was going to hard. Helping Ceil and Sebastian find the guy might turn out easier than catching myself alone with him - which must never, ever happen. No matter what I had to stay within the company of the other two.

I let out a long deep breath and breathed in the salty sea air around me. Closing my eyes I let the sounds of the crashing waves slowly drift me in a very light slumber. It was no sooner than I did this when I felt someone sit next to me. I didn't want to look to see who it was praying within the depths of my mind it wasn't him. Please dear god let it be someone else. Anyone but the one person I had to avoid at all costs.*

"The sounds of the waves can be quite soothing on ones nerves don't you think, doll."

*I felt myself wanting to shake with both fear and excitement. I kept my eyes closed hoping he would think I might have simply fallen asleep listening to the sounds of the ocean. However I don't think that was going over all too well.*

"Don't try to fake it. I know you're not asleep."

*Grell said in a soft tone as he looked at me with a sly smile. I swallowed so hard I felt the back of my throat hurt. Opening my eyes slowly I kept them locked on the water in front of me, my body never moving. Not even an inch. This was changing though as I fought hard not to move and yet I wanted to just bolt.

Grell scooted closer to me and looked out over the ocean with me. I had no reason not to believe he wasn't thinking about what I had done before I jumped into that vortex. In fact he had a whole month to think about it before he came back here. Which just made me wonder why he did come back? I know for sure it wasn't to see me. Maybe it was only him wanting to make sure Sebastian made it back alright. God only knows what happened between those two when I left.*

"Aren't you going to say anything? Or are you just going to sit there?"

I...umm...

"You know doll that kiss you gave came as a complete surprise. I wasn't expecting it."

*My face was blood red now. As much as I wished it this wasn't a dream like last time. This was real and Grell was only a few centimeters away from me. With my fingertips gripping my knees as hard as they could, I was trying my hardest not to run. I was going to get asked about this sooner or later. I had to stay strong and just say what I felt. I could do that. No. Not could, can. I can do this!*

I, well... I...

*This was hopeless. No. I was hopeless. No matter what I couldn't face him after what I had done. My chest starting to hurt, I quickly stood up and dusted off any sand that still clung to my shorts.*

I only did that sense I thought I would never see you again.

*I said, putting my left hand behind my head, along with a very, very nervous laugh.*

I mean like what are the odds you would come back here right? So I figured why not. I mean, what would it matter...

*When Grell stood up and looked at me. I gulped hard and took a few steps back. I had this notion that Sebastian told him whatever I had said in my sleep that first night I had stayed in the manor.*

So...yeah...later!

*I said and took off like a shot running down the beach. Grell laughed putting his hand on his hip.*

"I get the feeling."

*He started to say as a wide shark grin crossed over his lips and got ready to come after me.*

"You actually like to be chased!"

*And like last time he took off after me. Okay this is another strange thing about me. He was right I really do like being chased. It was a major thrill for me and as much as I hated to admit a little bit of a turn. My feet pounded hard on the wet sand before leaving foot prints in my wake. I ran as hard and fast as I could.*

Man, how to runners actually do this? I feel like I'm going to fall into the water any second. Wait. That's it!

*Panting, I made a quick turn towards the water with Grell right on my heels, and dove into the warm ocean, causing him to halt in his tracks. He stood there breathing hard. I came up for air a few feet into the water. My body road over each wave and I laughed pointing at him. Not once did I ever see what he would do around water, other than when we were searching for the vortex the first time.

Even then, we were on land. I never thought of actually going into the water and once I stopped laughing, I looked to see what his expression was. It looked to be a cross between anger and confusion. I giggled as I stood there watching and waiting to see if he would come in after me. Thankfully he didn't.*

"Just how long do you expect to stay in there doll?"

*He asked. I saw him grip his gloved hand in anger and I smirked in pure victory. I did love to swim after all so water was like a second home to me. I could stay in for hours on end.*

As long as I want!

*I shouted over the waves*

"You can't run forever!"

*He shouted back.*

Oh I do believe I can! I don't see you getting out here to catch me!

*I laughed more and laid my body lay back as it slowly road over another set of small waves. Not only was it relaxing but now I had a way to avoid Grell at least during the evening hours. During the day I will just stay close to Sebastian and Ceil. I may never know why I didn't see this sooner. The best way to keep psycho off my back was water at night and friends during the day.

It was so simple and I could do it easy. I knew I could swim back to the beach and walk up to the hotel when the dawn came. Taking a one or two hour nap and be good to go. That's when I saw Grell sit down on the beach. I blinked looking at him wondering what on earth he was doing. I stood up, letting my feet touch the sandy bottom.*

What...are you doing?

*I questioned.*

"Well, if you're not going to come out, then I'm just going to wait. I've got all night doll."

*Grell stated with a grin. Was he serious? He did really think by sitting there I would come out of the water where I could be easily caught?*

You... you're nuts! You really think I'm going to come out of the water knowing your sitting right there?

"Well I don't what all else I could do. I mean I'm obviously not going in after you and you have to come out at some point."

*I had to give him that. I would have to come out when the dawn came. I looked around for any part of the beach I could swim to quickly so I could make a run for the hotel. He must have seen what I was trying to do and stood up.*

"It doesn't matter where you swim doll. I'll be able to reach you twice as fast."

*Crap! No. I was a very good swimmer and I couldn't some reaper show me up like that.*

You really believe that you'll be able to catch me sense your on land huh? Well you have no idea what a good swimmer I really am!

"Want to play a little cat and mouse huh? This should be fun."

Fine! I'll show you!

*I dove under a wave started to swim as fast as I could along the side of the beach and Grell gave way to the chase. With little glances, I could breathe in small gulps of air and I could see that same grin on his face - the same as when we first met. I put all my effort into my strokes and I managed to pull away from him by a few inches.*

"Just give in doll!"

*I couldn't shout it but I knew he was hearing me think "Hell no!" as I swam faster. I could feel my energy slowly drain but I had to keep it up. If I could just pull away far enough I could make a run up the beach and run back to the hotel. It was a long shot but I had to try. I made a left turn and swam right for the beach.

I had a few feet on him which wasn't much but enough to where I might be able to keep this distance. With the help of a large wave my body mange to catch I was rolled up on the beach. I was panting heavy and my limbs felt like jelly but I had to keep going. I pulled myself up and kept running along up the beach and over the dunes.

I looked back once and saw he was catching up to me and fast. I looked right ahead of me and summoned the last of my energy and strength and got one final speed boost. It was just enough for me to make it to the paved road where I was stumbling to stay on my feet now. I looked like I might drunk, and falling over myself when I made it back to my room which felt super cold, due to my wet clothes. Sebastian who was watching everything from the window looked at me just as I slammed the door.*

"Having a race Miss Kelly?"

*The butler asked as he looked at me. I knew I looked a drowned rat. I wanted to just flop down on the floor when I heard the door knob turning and I ran into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. The front door swung open and the Sebastian just shook his head sighing.*

"Alright doll, where are you?"

*He asked as he walked inside and closed the door. His eyes darting around the room in search of me. The butler only nodded towards the bathroom.*

"Really Grell chasing a lady like that?"

*He said in his annoyed but clam tone.*

"It's not my fault! She started it! Besides I think she actually likes being chased."

*Grell stated taking a seat near the window, his eyes never leaving the bathroom door.*

"No lady likes being chased."

"Trust me, Bassie. There is more to her than meets the eye. That much I do know."

*I had my ear pressed up against the door so I could hear what they were saying. What did Grell mean by that? Was this steaming from what he was told? Or was it something else I wasn't even aware of? Now I have more questions to answer but I figured as long as I was with Ceil and Sebastian I wouldn't get asked about it too much. There was an advantage to being in a group after all.

My eyes where so heavy from all the running and swimming I slowly slid down the door still leaning up against it. I knew I needed a bath to get all the salt water out of my hair. Yawning, I tried to stand up but my body felt too heavy to lift anymore. As I started to fall asleep, I was greeted by the scent of cloves, roses, and cinnamon.

It took me a few moments to realize I was still wearing the pouch I got from the voodoo shop. How could I forget about that! I reached inside my shirt to see it dripping with sea water and releasing the sweet sent in the air.*

So... that's what was inside it.

*I fell asleep on the bath room floor unable to keep my eyes open anymore. The pouch out now for all to see. As I slept I breathed in the sent that were around me. My mind slowly drifted into another dream but this time... it was a pleasant one.

I was in some kind of woods. It was a bright sunny day and I was sitting on a blanket in a small clearing. I laid back and let the warmth of the sun dance across my cheeks and the sounds of the birds, as well as a nearby creek, were very peaceful.

Over to my right, I heard giggling. I opened one of my eyes to see who was giggling and what it could be over. I sat up when I saw a young boy. He couldn't be no more than 8 or 9 years old. He was in the shade and a good distance away so I couldn't make out much of his features.

He was picking some wild flowers and giggling at something though I wasn't too sure as to what. When I heard a very loud and close wood pecker. I looked into the bright sun light to see what kind it was. When I heard it again, the sound it made got slower but louder.

When I heard it right over my head but not able to see anything I opened my eyes. It was morning. Bright sun light filtered through the little window in the bath room. The knocking I heard was Sebastian knocking on the bathroom door.*

"Miss Kelly, are you alright in there?"

*He asked in a loud but considered voice. I pulled myself up off the floor. Every muscle in my body was aching and burning. My clothes where dry but now had hints dried sea salt and my hair was a total mess.*

Y-yeah I'm fine. I... I fell asleep in here.

*I was embarrassed to say the least but I had to get changed and get a shower to get all the ocean water out of my hair.*

Hey Sebastian, can you hand me my overnight bag please?

*I unlocked the door still keeping myself behind so I wouldn't have to face Grell just yet and stuck out my hand. Sebastian walked over to the closet, picked up my bag, and walked back over handing it to me. I grabbed the strap and quickly pulled it inside before re-locking the bath room door.

I placed the bag down on the ground and turned on a nice hot shower. Sebastian sat down on the bed. Ceil awoke by the sound of the shower going off and sat up yawning. Grell had fallen sleep on the chair. The young boy looked at the reaper then at his butler confused. Then he looked around wondering where I had gotten off to. The butler only smiled softy and nodded towards the bathroom.

I stood under the hot water that was jetting down all over my body, watching the sea water slowly slide down the drain. I didn't know what to do. Grell was right I couldn't run forever. At some point I was either going have to admit my feelings or tell him to hit the road. I grabbed the shampoo and started to wash my hair.

I had so much on my plate right now I wasn't sure what to do with it all. I need to come up with an easy to follow game plan that would allow me to sort things out in order of importance. For that I would need my journal. I finished getting cleaned off and turned the water off. Wrapping my hair up first then my body I got my hair dryer out and used my hand to wipe away the steam that had built up on the mirror.

Then I saw a quick glimpse of the lady from the voodoo shop. I gasped and turned around but nothing was there. Was my mind messing with me? I looked over at my necklace. It was dry but encrusted with sea salt. I wondered if I should try washing it by hand to get it off or if that might make it more ruined than I was worried it might be.*

I guess...I could wash it by hand once I was dressed.

*I dried off and got dressed then dried my hair. Luckily I had it thinned out and straighten up so it dried much easier and faster. I pulled it back into a pony tail and started to hand wash my charm. The air around me was filled with the sweet sent that the little pouch held and I blow dried it.

It was half way dry when I heard another knock on the door. I placed it around my neck and tucked it inside my shirt. I gathered up my things and walked outside. Ceil didn't say anything but walked in after me, locking the door.

I walked over to the made bed that was meant to be for me and laid down. I could only guess where Sebastian went. Sense Ceil was still here I wasn't all that worried Grell might try something. Yawning he woke up and stretched out his arms. Looking over he saw me lying down on the bed and grinned a little. Before I could sit up he got up and quickly rushed over to me, pinning me down so I couldn't move.*

H-Hey! Get off me psycho!

"What have I told you about calling me that?"

*I tried to wiggle free but I was held firm. I looked up at him terrified my whole body in a deep blush now.*

"This cat has got the mouse now."

*He said in a teasing tone.*

Look like I told you I thought I would never see you again! You have no right to hold me down like this!

*I snapped still trying to break free. It seems my assumption about him not trying anything was way off base.*

"Look at the cute little mouse squeak now that she's been caught by the tom cat."

*He lightly laughed still giving me that same grin as before.*

Remember buddy, you're in my time now. All I have to do is cry rape and you will be hauled off by the cops!

*I said in a real dark tone. This was pretty much true. I didn't watch a lot of Law and Order SVU for nothing. This only seem to make him hold me down harder and I gulped really scared he might actually hurt me.*

"Now don't worry, little mouse. This tom cat always promises not to hurt you."

*He said, getting close to my face - which made my whole body blush a deeper shade of red.*

You ain't no cat, buddy!

*I shouted until I heard the front door knob turn. Grell got off me in a blink of an eye, and I sat up panting. I glared at him and he only put his chin in hand looking at me grinning.*