Author's note~
I do not own Kuroshitsuji© Yana Toboso, etc.
I
"Ciel!" I screamed, trying to rip away from the hands that were clawing at my skin,pulling me away from my little brother. "No don't take him, please!"
"Sister!" He reached out his small hands to grasp mines. Tears strained his face as it fell upon the cold cobblestone floors.
I fell to my knees. "P-please, take me instead but spare my brother! He is just a little boy for God sakes!" I begged. The people disguised in masks did nothing but laugh at my words.
One asked, "And what is God to you?"
I sobbed uncontrollably. "If you are true to your God, you would not be doing these awful things!"
Another spurt of laughter filled the cold dark room.
"Take them away and tidy them of their filth!"
I attempted to break free as they dragged us further and further apart.
"Don't be afraid," I struggled to mouth out the words as tears continued to flow.
I looked at my brother's eyes one last time and they spoke to me.
They will pay.
My senses brought me back. I lifted my head lifelessly and gazed about the dark room. My hands and feet were tied to a wooden pole. I still attempted at my freedom but with less effort now. The dry wounds that enfolded my wrists and ankles began to reopen themselves. I bit my lip at the pain, holding back my tears. My body neglected the movement as throbbing pain ascended to my chest and peaked at my upper back. I'm sorry Ciel. I was not strong enough to save the both of us. I was breathing hard now, sobbing. I shut my eyes and flashbacks came into view. My little brother and I having a picnic down by the river banks; myself, sitting by the fire while mother was reading us a story and father had my little brother on his lap; and of course, my little brother and Elizabeth playing outside our mansion; the smile on Ciel's face…I knew it was something I would never see again. I opened my eyes to find a figure standing opposite of me.
"Oh good my lady, you have awoken in time." It was a man's voice. A white and gold mask concealed his face along with a satin cloak that draped his torso.
"Where is my brother," I asked weakly.
"Worry not, he is being cleaned of his impurities." He replied with pleasure.
"Bastard," I said gruffly.
"Oh dear, it seems your tongue needs the most cleaning," he said as he grasped my chin with his thumb and index finger. He moved his face closer to mine. "I am going to enjoy watching those russet colored eyes wither away."
"You think you're going to get away with this?" I hissed, glaring back.
"My lady, I have already gotten away with this," he snickered as he moved his lips to mine, caressing them.
I fought back, biting his. He moved away.
"You are repulsive," I breathed.
The man merely laughed. "Even your mouth tastes better than your words. But do not worry I shall clean every part of you, not just your body and mind but your soul as well."
A spark started just below my feet. I immediately smelled smoke. He's going to burn me alive?
The flames ascended and it continued. It licked the ends of my shredded dress. I wriggled trying to break free. Stupid. Useless. I looked up at the man. He was smiling.
And I waited hopelessly. The pain, the agony, it hit me. No, it crashed into me. I screamed to my soul's content. My fear still remained, why am I so scared? I'm dying already, the delay is over and now I just have to wait…but no. I can't just die like this…it's so pitiful! It's getting harder to breathe now, the pain remains but the hot flames feel so…so soothing. What is this feeling? I blinked a couple times. Visions of my life began to cloud my perception; my mother and father; my little brother; I saw myself running through an endless meadow. I shook my head trying to erase it. There's no way I'm going to die! I shut my eyes and cursed at the God I once was faithful to. Why are you doing this to me? Tell me what I have done so wrongly! The torment insinuated me. This insufferable pain was just a shattered piece of glass now etched into my soul. Oh hell. Hell. My heart, it's still pounding, that means I can still ask for one more thing.
I gazed back at the man and grinned. He stopped smiling and stared back perplexed.
"Allow the impure to be healed by your hands," he chanted.
I opened my tarnished mouth to speak. "No! I consent myself-"
"Unclean!" the man bellowed repeatedly.
But I continued with concentration, "to the conduits of hell and to whom is perceiving my words, hear me out; let me live and aid me until my true death, and in return, do what you will with my soul. This is my final decision, my will."
The flames that submerged me grew brighter and the pain gradually initiated its departure. I could feel myself lose consciousness. And then an aura induced me with feelings of anguish and sorrow, dread and devastation. A whirl of dark emotions overcame me, as if something drew itself into me. I was no longer paying attention to the man who suddenly fell to the floor because before I slipped away, I swore I saw black bird at the corner of my eye.
A rhythm. I could hear it, pounding in my ears. Darkness I saw. Nothingness I felt. But this sound, my own heart? I'm alive? I tried to move. I suspected my body was strapped; my eyes and nose; my whole head. I moaned, moving my dry lips and drew in air into my lungs.
"She's moving!" a woman's voice yelped.
"I'll go get the young master!" a younger male voice squealed.
I felt a hand across my forehead.
"Bard what are you doing?" the woman asked.
"What does it look like I'm doing, I'm unwrapping her eye dressings," a gruff male voice answered.
"Wait until the young master gets here!" the woman retorted.
Who are these people? And who is this young master? I gulped. My throat was dry; I felt a sudden quench of thirst.
I opened my mouth to speak. "Thirsty," I croaked.
"Quick Bard, go fetch a glass of water for the lady," ordered the woman.
"Alright, alright."
I heard shuffling of feet and the opening and closing of a door.
"Who are you?" I managed to mutter.
"A servant of yours m'lady!" replied the woman, there was sheer joy in her voice.
A knock came upon the door.
"That must be the young master!" I heard her say as the door creaked open again.
I heard the clicking of footsteps draw near to me as it stopped.
"Elena?" That familiar voice struck me down like lightning and my heart skipped a beat. There was deeper tone to its familiarity. And yes, my name was Elena, it had to be. I mean, I am her, I am alive aren't I? But still, I had to be sure it was him. My little brother.
"Who are you?" I asked, my voice trembled.
"Sebastian, unwrap her head bandages," said the familiar voice.
"Yes my lord," said another strange voice. This one sounded quite different, more rich and profound.
I felt hands touch my face and they gently lifted my head to unravel the darkness that I saw. Light glowed through my eye lids. I was afraid to open them for this could all be just a dream that I didn't want to wake up from.
"Open your eyes Elena," ordered the familiar voice.
I slowly opened them, rays of light fixated from the ceiling infiltrated my vision. I squinted for a brief moment allowing adjustment to the brightness. I moaned and everything came into focus. I was in my very bedroom of our mansion. But how could that be? I glanced around, everything was in the exact same position. My wardrobe was in front of my bed, my vanity mirror and desk at the far right corner. Even my bookshelves along with my books I've collected were near the terrace doors. Everything was the same except for the bed sheets which were plain white and a canopy that was tied to each corner of the bedpost. A large man, with straw colored hair who was wearing a cook's attire, smiled and handed me a glass of water which I thanked him for. At the foot of my bed, also stood a woman with a maid's livery who had on a pair of spectacles and by her side, a younger looking male with golden locks held back by stickpins.
"Welcome back."
And alas I forced away the confinement of my bandages to turn; the pain I thought I would feel never came, how relieving. And there was Ciel, sitting in his chair. But he looked quite different, he looked older and his garments were gracious. There was a patch on his right eye. He reached out to give me a hug. The bandages accompanied more restriction but I didn't care. My brother, he was alive! Those very same tears came back again.
"Ciel," I choked. "What happened?" I tried to move but it was useless. I wanted to stand, to get a feel that everything was real.
"We can talk about it later." He turned to nod to the man dressed in a tailcoat. The man smiled and turned to the three servants.
"Move along, you three," he said. "I'll be checking up on dinner."
"It was nice seeing you m'lady!" They chanted before hurrying to leave.
I gave a weak smile. I have never seen these people yet they gave out a warm ambience; but my attention was on the butler. My gaze was fixated on him for a brief moment as if I was lured to him.
"This is my, I mean our butler, Sebastian Michaelis," He simply said. I returned my attention back at my little brother.
"I see." This was all strange to me.
"Sebastian, please help her in removing her bandages and preparing for dinner." He got up and turned to leave. He was much taller than last time.
"Of course, my lord." The butler simply replied.
"Wait Ciel," I said, "aren't you going to tell me what happened?"
"You were in somewhat of unconscious state, but you were breathing." He answered calmly. "It's been a few years now. The estate you are now in is the exact replica of our original manor. Everything down to the last crack."
"But why?"
I looked at him, dumbfounded. He seems so composed. And better yet, how could he reside in such a place that would bring back tragic memories?
"I shall expect you downstairs," he said and left the room.
I laid there, so many things to process. I tried hard to remember the last ounce of memory from…from the fire. Hence it did work, somehow something got through to me. I then remembered the dark bird-like creature that I caught a glimpse of. Could that have been it? The thought sent shivers down my spine.
"My lady?" said the butler. Oh right, I had forgotten about him.
"Sebastian, was it?"
"Yes, my lady." He knelt on the floor next to me.
"No just sit, it is a lot easier."
He nodded and sat on the bed, as he began to remove the bandages on my arm. His dark hair brushed over his face. I stared up at him. He had flawless skin, his eyes were somewhat of a burgundy color fused with maroon. What a strange shade, I thought. His jawline formed perfectly and his features seemed so impeccably contour down to the tip of his nose. He appeared to be smiling, which I found somewhat disturbing. Well he knows you were gaping at him. I shifted my gaze to the ceiling, feeling uncomfortable.
"How long have you been working here, Sebastian?" I asked, wanting to break the uneasy silence.
"Since the tragedy, my lady."
"Oh?"
"Indeed."
"And how do you like it?"
"It's been very favorable, my lady. The young master is a very solemn."
I blinked a couple times and wondered. Solemn? That does not sound like my brother at all. But I don't blame him for his changes. I turned my gaze yet again to the large terrace doors. The moon gleamed brightly through the panes. Even I, myself, felt a slight discrepancy.
"Sebastian, what is my age?" I asked flatly.
"Eighteen, my lady."
So it has been 3 years. I turned to look at both my bare arms that he had un-bandaged. Scar less. Unbelievable.
"Be thankful, my lady," he said, a wider grin seemed to form on his mouth, "it is a miracle you were able to survive with only insignificant injuries."
"Yes, I suppose it is a miracle," I replied, uninterested. "May I sit up?"
"Certainly," he said, "you have made a rather inexplicable recovery."
It was difficult to move, my body felt flimsy. I took a deep breathe to ease myself. His hands started to move to the bandages on my thighs.
"It's fine I can do it," I murmured, embarrassed.
"My lady, it is nothing to be ashamed of. If you like, I can have our female servant assist-."
"I am not ashamed," I said sharply, hiding the fact that I actually was.
"You know, you and your brother are quite alike," he chuckled.
"Perhaps you will find me quite dissimilar soon," I retorted.
"Perhaps so. Please excuse me my lady," he said as he stood up, "I must go draw your bath. Would you like rose petal or warm honey?"
"Whichever one smells better." No, honestly, I wasn't really much of a girl. I never really adored dresses and whatever was simple and comfortable was what made me happy. Also, being outdoors was what I enjoyed.
The butler took a brief bow and left the room.
It was strange being able to move my legs again. Feeling through my nightgown, there were bandages tucked in underneath, over my chest and abdomen. I moved over to grab on to the bedpost to prepare to stand. My legs were shaking at the weight. I exhaled sharply. Alright take it slow. I sluggishly made my way to my vanity mirror and peered into it. My sandy colored hair was in a mass of tangles, although my skin was fine. But to me, I looked older. It felt like I wasn't looking at myself at all. I glared at her, my reflection as I leaned closer. Without a doubt I had my mother's features but had my father's eyes and the same mole. And the ivory skin was indeed a Phantomhive trait. I continued to stand there for a moment, expecting something.
Well whatever the hell it was, it winked back at me. Startled by what I saw, I tried to move away but my legs quivered and as a result I fell back, anticipating the marble floors but instead felt hands that caught me.
"Oh dear, my lady," It was Sebastian. "You must be more careful, you don't want another incident." He smirked.
Where the hell did he come from?
"I'm fine," I mumbled, turning red. I struggled to stand. He of course deliberately helped me. Turning back to the mirror, I gawked at it again to see if what I saw was not a figment of my imagination. I swear my own reflection moved on its own.
"Your bath is ready, my lady." He announced with a bow. "If you will my assistance, just utter my name. I shall send another servant up."
"Yes, thank you Sebastian." I said, distracted.
He left the room. As I made my way down the corridor to the large bathing quarters, I noted that all the tapestries and paintings were in its precise arrangement. Completely astonishing. He was able to remember where everything went. I stepped into the tub; the touch of hot water was intoxicating. And so I cleaned myself down to the toes, rubbing my skin.
Skin. I felt something on the right palm of my hand, turning to see what it was, I gasped. It was a pentagram, engraved onto the folds of my palm. I touched it with my left hand and felt its deep indentation.What is this mark? And then I remembered the pact I made. Fear suddenly came back making my heart pound. I recalled nothing more after I made that deal. How did I end up with this? The thought made me shiver. No I must not fear it, for whatever it is, it will come for me.
I continued to stare at it, touching it, feeling for more answers. There was a brief knock on the door. I immediately submerged my hand into the water.
"Yes?" I called.
"M'lady! May I come in?" It was that woman's voice, the one with the large spectacles.
"Yes," I called back.
The door opened and she was carrying a bath towel.
"Sebastian wanted me to make sure you were alright," she said.
"I'm fine and you came right on time. I have just finished bathing." I stood up as she covered my body with the towel. I clenched my fist to hide the mark.
"Alrighty then!" she said happily, "your attire is ready in your quarters."
"Thank you. What is your name?" I asked.
"Mey-Rin!" She said with a proud response. "And the tall one you saw earlier, his name is Bard. The smaller one, that was Finnian."
"I see, well I suppose you already know my name." I said, stepping out of the tub.
"Of course, how could I not know who I serve, m'lady!"
"Well then, as my first order. Do not call me m'lady." I said bluntly. I really don't fathom it. "I do have a name and I want it to be used. You may call me Elena. Endorse that to the others if you will."
She looked at me confounded. "But m'lady-"
"No, no," I said, "if anyone else protests, they can hear me out." I walked past her. "And don't worry, you won't be expecting too much from me."
She bowed awkwardly and followed. "Yes, Elena."
I arrived to my bedroom to find an extravagant dress laid on the bed. Sighing I lifted it up. It had quite a weight.
"Who picked this out?" I asked, frowning.
"T'was Sebastian. It is fairly beautiful, yes it is!" She exclaimed.
I scowled at it for a short moment before putting it on. The corset was beautifully laced in silver; the dress itself was in stunning white. But still, it was not me.
I inhaled sharply as Mey-Rin tightened the corset.
"I don't remember corsets being this fit," I managed to say.
"Well you have lost some weight my lady, I mean Elena, and I have got to make it tighter." She said, gritting her teeth.
My chest seemed to have popped out tremendously as I pulled up the tips to hide most of my cleavage.
"For heaven's sake, I'm just having dinner with my little brother!" I snorted.
"But it is special to him and," she turned to gaze at me, "you look gorgeous in it, m'lady Elena!"
I walked to that very mirror, I was no longer frightened. Indeed, the dress grew on me. I brushed away locks of waviness and put on the gloves that were lying on the desk.
"Any jewelry?" She asked.
"A set of pearl earrings would be fine. Where is my ring?"
"Oh! you mean that emerald stone I see the master where all the time?"
"Yes, that was the only one I wore. We each had one."
"I'm sorry but it was completely destroyed when the master found you."
I didn't say anything. That little piece of jewelry was everything to me and now it's gone.
She went ahead as I walked downstairs and I really insisted on being barefoot. Walking down the halls made me feel nostalgic. The music room seemed so abandoned, in fact all the other rooms felt like lost memories. Loneliness it was that lingered here. And for first time I felt pity for my the main stairway I went, to the grand living room. The portrait of mother and father was no longer there. Why would he take it down? I saw Sebastian waiting for me down by the stairs. Don't be clumsy! I straightened my posture. He etched out his shoulder as I grabbed it. Oh my, he had a firm built.
"You look beautiful my lady," he said in a vivid voice. I could see a corner smile on his lips again.
"You haven't even looked at me, Sebastian," I said, frankly.
"I do not need to look to know what is already beautiful," he replied with a playful tone.
I rolled my eyes. Just another butler.
We entered the exquisite dining hall as he sat me down. Food was already prepared, looking rather delicious in fact. Ciel sat on the opposite end, with elegancy. I could feel my stomach protest.
"You must be starved," he said.
"Oh dearest brother," I said with a frisky tone. "You already know the ampleness of my appetite."
He gave me a look. "How impossible is it for me to forget, you always devoured everything."
"If you had entirely eaten your portion, I wouldn't have had to." I said, so innocently.
He yielded a small smile. It was what I wanted to see more of. Sebastian walked over to Ciel's side as the other servants arrived.
"For dinner, we have turkey that was tenderly roasted on the fire, seasoned with spices and garlic of course. On the side are fresh vegetables, handpick from the gardens early this morning and for dessert, Turkish delights as favored by our master." Sebastian smoothly articulated the words.I sat there, once again astonished.
"Well go ahead," said Ciel.
I gladly filled up my plate to the most of what I can consume, which left no hint of its floral decoration.
"Tell me, who cooked this marvelous meal?" I asked, talking in between mouthfuls.
"It's so scrumptious!"
"It was Sebastian." He said, rolling his eyes at my manners.
"With help from our skilled servants of course," he added with a wide smile.
The servants couldn't help but grin at once.
"It seems you've got skills Sebastian, this is delicious!" I said. What is this sorcery; I have never tasted anything so delectable! Or is it just my love of food bargaining at my taste buds?
"What kind of butler would I be, if I could not make a simple meal," he stated.
I heard an utter from Ciel. I laughed lightly. "Well then you are one hell of a butler." I covered my mouth and bit down on my tongue. I swear I didn't just say that! I looked at the both of them. "I'm sorry! Such foul words, I didn't realize what I was saying."
Ciel look at me with composure. "Don't worry, it has been a while. I'm sure it was just something that's wanted to come out." He poked around at his food. "After all, we've all gone through a certain hell in our lives." He took a glance at the servants who were now gazing on the floor and back at Sebastian, then at me. The silence was foreign.
"You're right, everyone has their tragedy," I looked intently at those same blue eyes, "ours just came too soon." There was emptiness in them. Something had gone astray. And that strange eye patch he wore. Of course, that didn't seem right either. His eyes…they were speaking to me like before. No, it said, ours came at a perfect time. I quickly removed that thought.
"Are you going to tell me how the both of us…managed to escape?"
He leaned back on his chair. "I can't quite remember. But what I can reminisce was that all those people who had hurt us, died." A flashback came of that man whom had tried to 'cleanse' me; how he just fell to the floor. I knew there was something more he wasn't telling me. But I didn't persist. Maybe he wasn't ready to tell me…and I sure wasn't ready to tell my full part of the story, for he might I think I've gone mad.
"And as for you, you came out unscathed with just a few scratches and bruises. I realize that implausible after finding out you were supposedly burned alive. "
"Yes that was the last thing I remember," I voiced out, "the pain was so excruciating and in my preceding moments, I pleaded. I pleaded to live."
"How horrifying it must have been," he said, "as I did the same. Tell me, what was the last thing you saw?"
I bit my lip with hesitation for a moment. "I could care less if you believed me or not, but I did see something. A raven or crow perhaps, but I am positive it was a bird."
Ciel smirked. "Of course, people would see a lot of things before they evidently die. What you saw was just a fabrication of your thoughts."
"How could you be so sure?" I demanded.
"Because I didn't see anything."
I sat there silently. I didn't want to start an argument nor did I have the desire to tell more of the other side my story.
"Alright, it was just my imagination then." I concluded, flatly.
He seemed pleased with my response. I was always the one to give in before a dispute was about to rise. My little brother was the competitive one; I myself really never cared unless I knew I was right.
'He's hiding something from you,' a voice sneered in my head.
Huh? Who are you?
'I am you and you are me.'
That's helpful. I have truly gone mad.
'We saw each other earlier, dearest. And I expected more of a welcome greeting.'
I remembered the mirror.
That was you…and that was you as well spitting out those words?
'Yes, I felt the need to say something.' The voice chuckled.
What are you?! And why are you here!
'You called me didn't you?'
That's right, I remember now. The fire…I didn't die because you saved me.
"Elena?" Ciel asked, interrupting my thoughts. "Are you alright?"
"You look awful, my lady," said Sebastian. "Would you care for some tea?"
"I'm fine," I muttered, apathetically. "The dinner was great, I will retire to my quarters now." I stood up to pardon myself, not realizing the ends of my dress were caught under the legs of the chair. I nearly fell flat on my face. Stupid garments, I thought.
'Actually, I find the dress pleasant.'
Shut up. I'll deal with you later.
'Oh my, so un-lady like.'
"But it's rather early," he replied, putting down his napkin on the table. "I don't remember the last time you slept at this hour."
"Everything just seems to overwhelm me right now," I snapped, bewildered by my own reaction. "I'd like to rest."
"Oh alright," he said with an irritating voice. "Sebastian, escort her upstairs."
"I can go by myself!" I nearly hollered. I was becoming agitated and distracted. They all looked at me with surprise. "I mean, I am absolutely okay."
Ciel lifted his hand, "Fine."
"Goodnight." I waved my hand in annoyance.
"Next time, I expect you to wear your shoes," he called.
"You already know my answer!" I couldn't help grinning.
I entered my bedroom and was finally by myself.
'Now where were we?'
"Like I said, you saved me from the fire and that is why I am still standing here presently." I was deliberately talking to myself out loud.
'Correction, I merely intervened from the reaper that was about to plunge his death scythe into you.'
"You mean a grim reaper? Honestly, you expect me to believe that."
'Well do you believe I, an entity within you, am talking to you or are you yourself plummeting into insanity?'
"Alright I'm not crazy. Let me see you."
'Come see your reflection'.
I walked to the mirror while I was removing that awful dress and slipped into a nightgown. I stood there, waiting.
"Well..?"
And to my continuous surprise, my reflection moved on its own. It did a little curtsy.
"But it's still me," I said raising my voice with bewilderment.
'It is you. But what you see is only a second disguise,' it said.
"Then what are you."
'You may call me whatever you like, a demon, an entity, a creature of the night, or a witch; it does not matter as we serve different purposes.'
"I see, well do you have a name?"
'You may give me one, if you'd like.'
"Fine, Eleanor then."
'That's a lovely name.'
"So tell me how are you going to assist me if you can't materialize yourself right here."
'I can.'
"Then do it."
'That was not the deal, remember?'
"What?"
'The deal you asked for was to be aided; you never requested an ideal servant. You should have been more specific.'
"I was near death, what the hell was I supposed to do, come up with a speech?"
'Well you could have thought about it more carefully.'
I shook my head and stared back at her in the reflection. "Then how am I supposed to benefit from this?"
'It is quite simple. I'll lend you my capability. Use it whenever you want but be mindful that it feeds on your anger.'
"In other words, I have your power."
'Yes. Well, until your death that is.'
"Of course." I gulped. I turned back to my bed and got into the sheets. I had totally forgotten about the covenant, how foolish of me. "What about this mark?" I lifted my hands to have another look at it.
'That my dear, is the emblem of our contract and the source of my power. As long as it exists, the contract is valid.'
"Fine then, there's one more thing I would like to rule out."
'What is it my lady?'
"I give you no right to take possession of my body unless it is absolutely necessary. Understood? And that joke you blurted out earlier was unnecessary."
Eleanor gave out a small giggle. 'As you wish. But bear in mind, when the day arrives of your true death, I can no longer control your fate for I have intervened once and once I can only do. You are still human.'
"That is good enough for me."
There was that same familiar knock on my door.
"Come in." To my surprise, Sebastian walked in with a candle.
"My lady, I wanted to make sure you were alright." He said effortlessly. "I thought you were talking to someone."
"Certainly, I'm fine Sebastian. I'm not a child," I replied meekly. "And yes, I do talk to myself, occasionally."
"Forgive me my lady, it just came naturally to me," he said with an uncanny smile.
"Well then, goodnight."
He blew out the lights and the brilliant radiance of the moon penetrated the room.
"There's one more thing Sebastian."
"Yes?"
"I will be the one to deal with my own matters. Just go back to Ciel or whatever it is he has you do."
"As you wish, my lady."
"Goodnight Sebastian." He took a swift bow before leaving the room.
'Oh I almost forgot, there is something you ought to know.'
"And what is that?"
'I'm not the only supernatural being on this estate.'
Well here's to the first chapter. This was an entirely different concept that came to me one day. I hope you guys enjoyed it. I'd appreciate a review please to see what I need to improve on and what not. T_T Sorry about any grammatical errors also, as english isn't my first language ^^'
More Sebastian later on x3
Hope to write a chapter 2 soon
~Kai