Kuro Kishi : Akuma no Joō (Black Knight : Dark Queen) A Kuroshitsuji/Fruits Basket crossover
Disclaimer: I do not own Fruits Basket or Black Butler. They, and their characters, belong to their respective creators.
This story is a sequel to Kuro Kishi : Shiro Pōn (Black Knight : White Pawn)
Please note: I'm mainly basing off of the manga for both Black Butler and Fruits Basket, but will use references and such from the animes on both where it is needed to further the story. With that said, please enjoy the story.
Also, despite it saying Tohru and Ciel at the bottom of the description in such a way as to suggest they may be paired together, that is not the case.
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Chapter One: November 1st
November the first. Why was it that the first day of any month always made him feel somewhat ill? Was it because, in a way, it was an ending and a beginning? Just thinking about it was giving him a headache.
Ciel Phantomhive pushed the newspaper he'd been reading away. There wasn't likely going to be any information in there anyway, nothing about the mysterious lights from the night before, or the strange sounds he'd heard coming from the grounds. And Sebastian had yet to determine their cause. Of course, it could partly be considered his own fault.
Late that night, he'd ordered his butler to stay close at hand and not to leave his side under any circumstances. He'd felt a bit ill after eating something Lau Tao, one of his many pawns, had brought him as a treat. A treat! It had turned into more of a trick. And they'd said Halloween was supposed to be fun! It hadn't been all that good to start with, but he'd tried to be courteous and had eaten at least one piece. The rest, he'd given to the servants. His stomach still bothered him somewhat, but he was a Phantomhive and would endure it, even though it did leave him more inclined to be surly.
"Sebastian!" He called out to his butler, a demon, if truth was told. They held a contract with each other. One day, when Ciel had finally accomplished his revenge on those who had murdered his family, Sebastian would have his soul, to do with as he pleased. He'd probably just eat it, but that didn't matter right now. That time was probably a long way off, and, until then, he needed his more than human servant.
Sebastian Michaelis entered the breakfast room, pushing a small cart. His immaculate black suit almost crackled with starch. The light from the open windows reflected from his polished butler pin and chains. The dark haired man brought the cart up to Ciel, settling it to one side. "Yes, young master?" His jet black hair made him look perhaps more pale than most humans, but his eyes were the real feature, colored almost deep reddish brown, with the occasional hints of purple.
Instead of waiting for a reply, knowing his master was inclined to be less than agreeable that morning, though he was usually less than agreeable most of the time, he lifted the lid of the covered try on his cart. Steam wafted upwards. His master had been rather ill the night before, and it had taken some convincing, on his part, to not be sent after the Chinese man who had likely been the reason behind the earl's upset digestive system.
Ciel scowled at the newspaper, as if it was the top article's fault for his bad mood. "What kept you? I could have been killed several times over while waiting for my breakfast alone."
Sebastian's face remained composed despite the tone. His voice was as smooth as velvet as he moved a bowl to sit in front of his master. "This morning's breakfast is a mild risotto. It should not further upset your stomach." He ladled the risotto into the boy's bowl and bowed.
"Sebastian," the boy growled. "Answer my question!"
A loud crashing sound came from the kitchen and Sebastian let out a sigh, his shoulders sagging ever so slightly. There was the earl's answer. Bard, the supposed chef, had managed to make a mess once again. He'd rather gone overboard this time as well, the butler thought. Though the treats Lau had left did not seem to have affected the men on staff, their over zealousness had more than made up for it. The only other who seemed to have been affected by the goodies was Mey-Rin. She was currently upstairs cleaning at a slower pace than usual, though with no less zeal than usual. She had not been as affected as the earl had been, which was probably not hugely surprising, given the boy's weak constitution.
Ciel picked up a spoon and dipped it into his risotto, then tasted it. Like Sebastian had said, it was mild. He supposed he could not fault him there. Another set of crashes came from the kitchen and he winced. If it had not been for a few other reasons, he'd be tempted to send the bumbling fool packing, but he was important to the staff for his other abilities. Those abilities did not really including cooking, and probably never would. But that was of little consequence so long as they had Sebastian around. And once the earl was gone, it wouldn't matter who cooked, or didn't, as the case certainly was.
Sebastian had replaced the ladle on the tray and was now pouring a cup of tea. Another glass of milk was already sitting by the earl's bowl. "This morning's tea is a Gyokuro tea. You may recall it from when our visitors from Japan were here last. I have been told that it will also help calm upset stomachs. I took the liberty of adding some ginger as well."
The earl waved absently. "Fine." He couldn't say he really cared for green tea, but the Japanese did seem to believe it quite healthful. And if it would make the abominable cramping go away, he supposed he could endure the taste. He preferred Earl Grey. "Did you learn anything about last night's occurrences?"
Sebastian bowed a bit sorrowfully, one hand over his breast. "I regret that I have yet to determine the cause of the disturbances. However, it would seem that quite a chase was executed through your woods, but to what end, I have not yet been able to discover as my inquiries were interrupted by other matters that are best left unmentioned. It can be safely determined, however, that the mansion was not in any danger. It would seem that the local authorities were behind the chase, but what kind of criminal they wished to apprehend is unclear."
Ciel rolled his eyes. That was one of the most unsatisfactory answers he'd gotten from his butler in some time. "They should not have been traipsing about the grounds," he complained. "I will have to speak to the Yard about this. It is inexcusable."
Sebastian inclined his head in agreement. "Be sure that I will look into the matter more thoroughly." He pulled out his pocket watch and checked the time. "It is, perhaps, a good thing that I have managed to clear most of your schedule for the day," he commented idly. "It would seem that your appetite has not yet returned." He glanced a bit critically at the boy, who hadn't really touched his food. The boy had only tasted it, he noted.
Ciel rubbed at the corner of his uncovered eye with a finger. "I'm just a bit tired. I did not intend to stay up as late as I did last night, as you are well aware. Remind me to send Lau," he grunted slightly as he shifted in his seat, "a thank you gift in return for his, dare I call it a treat?"
Sebastian smiled. He rather thought he knew what kind of thank you gift the earl had in mind, nothing too harmful, but something to convey his displeasure for the discomfort caused. "I shall be sure to remind you," he agreed with a smile. He had, fortunately, not partaken of the offering.
The doors to the breakfast room burst open and Finni came flying in. "Mr. Sebastian! You're wanted at the door! It's one of them funny chaps!"
Both boy and butler looked up at the interruption. Sebastian sighed and looked to his master. "It would seem that I am needed elsewhere for the moment," he apologized. "Please excuse me."
Ciel frowned. "Very well, but be quick about it."
Sebastian bowed. "Of course. Oh, and please do try to eat a bit more while I'm gone," he gently admonished as he headed towards the open door. "I shall return momentarily." The doors closed behind the tall man and the earl sighed, pushing his food around with the spoon.
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Tohru Honda gazed out at the crisp autumn landscape in front of Shigure's house. The leaves were changing colors and falling to the ground. The sky was a brilliant blue. Dew beaded up on the blades of grass, and the cool autumn air was only slightly chilly. It was very refreshing, she thought as she smiled out at the morning sun.
Kyo Sohma stepped out onto the porch behind her and stretched, reaching for the sky. His orange hair stood in stark contrast to his black uniform shirt, collar unbuttoned, the regulatory tie missing, though he didn't really care about that. He didn't like things close to his neck. He carried his book bag and hers, in one hand. "Hey, you forgot your books again," he said and thrust her book bag at her.
Tohru blinked her eyes in momentary confusion. "Oh, thank you, Kyo! I guess I was just so caught up in the newness of everything that I forgot. After all, it is a new month." She smiled, her brown hair framing her face, her blue and white school uniform, a sailor suit design, complimenting her fair complexion.
Kyo folded his arms; book bag now slung over one shoulder. "What's so great about November? It won't be long now until the first snowfall, and you know what that means. It'll be nothing but cold for the next three months!"
Tohru shook her head with a smile. He was always finding something to complain about. It didn't matter what it was about. She supposed it was one of the reasons she liked him, though it would be more fun if he found something to be complimentary about instead. But things had to happen one step at a time. After all, he had come a long way from when she'd first met him.
Yuki Sohma closed the door behind them, his silver tie perfectly in place. Tohru had helped him with it earlier that morning, just after breakfast. He still hadn't quite gotten the knack of tying it down. "Why are we all standing out on the porch?" He glanced idly at his two companions, then pushed ahead of them. "It won't go over well if you dawdle too much and are late for class."
Kyo resisted the urge to growl at his silver-gray haired cousin. Ever since he'd become the student body president, no, even before then, he'd been an insufferable little brat, even though they were about the same age. He hated the guy like nothing else. Well, maybe hate was too strong of a word, especially now that Tohru was with them, but he definitely didn't like him very much. After all, it was his goal to beat the guy, fair and square, one way or another, by the end of the year, or he'd be locked up for the rest of his life.
He scowled. "Worry about yourself, rat boy!" he jeered. "At least I don't have to kiss up to the rest of the students like you do!"
Yuki pretended not to hear him as he continued to walk down the long dirt path that led into town. Kyo annoyed him to no end, but he didn't have time to waste on his cousin's stupidity.
Tohru put out a hand and touched Kyo's shoulder. "Um, I don't think he can hear you anymore, Kyo. But maybe he's right. If we don't hurry, we'll be late to school and that's never a good thing."
Kyo growled but gave in. "Fine. I'll get him later," he announced, then grabbed her hand. "Well, let's go already!" Tohru found herself being dragged behind the suddenly bustling Kyo.
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Sebastian returned to the breakfast room with a white, sealed envelope in hand. He quickly moved to Ciel's side and presented the white parchment. "This just came from Her Majesty," he announced, bringing out a letter opener that he had kept who knew where. He had not had one visibly on hand when he'd re-entered the room.
Ciel took the envelope and letter opener with a bit of a frown. What dirty deed did the queen want him to take care of now, he wondered. After Sebastian had mentioned lessening his schedule for the day, in light of the night's past events he was sure, he'd rather hoped to take the needed rest his eyelids were asking for. But, alas, that was obviously not meant to be. It never rained but it poured, as the saying went.
He slid the sharp knife through the top of the sealed paper and set the blade down to one side of his barely touched risotto, which had, by now, gone cold. Inside, he found a folded piece of parchment with the queen's elegant hand penned on it. He began reading.
My Dear Ciel,
I hope this letter finds you well. Unfortunately, it would seem that I must burden you with an unfortunate task. It would appear that my men at the Yard were attempting to apprehend a woman suspected to be involved in activities unbefitting the Throne. It is my understanding that the party in question was upon your grounds late last evening, and from there has disappeared. I now call upon you and your duty to that Throne to finish what they could not do. Please be assured that I would not involve you in this matter if it were not of the utmost importance.
Yours affectionately, Queen Victoria.
Ciel placed the letter down with a sigh. He closed his visible eye momentarily. This was just the kind of thing he had hoped would not come up. And to find that it somehow involved him before he was even a part of the chase was something more. So Sebastian's account of the Yard having been on the grounds was verified, not that he'd doubted it, but to find that their fugitive was a woman… What kind of crimes could she have committed?
He had to take that thought back. After all, his aunt, Madame Red, had been part of the pairing that all of England knew as Jack The Ripper. A woman could do a lot of scornful, dirty things. He just wondered what kinds of things this woman had done. He would have to scour the newspaper all over again in search of any clues that might help him discover this point.
Sebastian stood patiently to one side, waiting for his master to finish his perusal. He, of course, had already read the letter, or at least knew the contents. He had a bit more to add as well, something he'd heard from the man who had delivered the message. "Young master, I assume you will want to peruse the newspaper once more for any clues while I search the grounds for any indications of their chase to ascertain where they lost their fugitive. Am I correct in thinking this?"
Ciel looked up and sighed again. How well his butler knew him. "Yes." He glanced at the clock in the room. It was a little past nine now. "I want you back no later than ten this morning with your findings." He picked up the newspaper, now completely ignoring his cold breakfast, though he knew he'd probably regret it later. His stomach was still a bit queasy.
Sebastian gave an inquiringly glance his direction but wisely chose not to comment on the earl's disinterest in food. Either he was still unwell and wished not to eat, or he was too busy thinking about the queen's new errand. "Very well." He bowed, then turned on his heel and left the boy to his paper. He could track the entire chase in less than half that time, but he understood that his master wished him to be as thorough as possible, and so he would be, to placate him. He might, also, discover the identity of the woman they were to chase.
