Disclaimer: Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) © Yana Toboso. Hagane no Renkinjutsushi (Fullmetal Alchemist) © Hiromu Arakawa. No profit is being made from this story. This story does not necessarily reflect the author's religious views, beliefs or morals.
Rating: MA15+
Warning: May contain spoilers. Psychological. Dark themes. Disturbing imagery. Murder.
Summary: When the Phantom alchemist smiled that sweet angelic smile, it was hard to think of him as a dog of the military.
Story type: Manga Cannon AU.
Pairing: None.
AN (may contain spoilers for story and cannon): Oh god I hated this one. It just wouldn't end. I remembering smsing my beta about it; "It is the story that wouldn't end it just goes on and on my friend…" If you know the song, you'll probably be able to predict the rest of the song. This one virtually turned into a story on its own. I almost lost sight of why I started writing it. The worst part was writing the negotiations scene between Ciel and the terrorists. The first draft was fine, since it was still basically in dot points. It was after that, that everything got screwy; I wrote the scene from Ciel's point of view first, then I had to switch to how the terrorists would see it and add in the negotiator and Abberline. And then there was the complication of the terrorist "hostage", I botched that so badly, that I somehow ended up with three hostages. It took hours to straighten that out. I think if I had to edit it again I'd cry. Really, I mean that literally… and now I want to cry since I have to do another partial edit. This had better be worth it. There is basically nothing in the manga about Abberline's personal life, so I pinched his backstory from the anime even though I use the manga as the basis for this series. The last line is a direct quote from chapter 15, page 14.
Conception Date: 29/9/2013
Completion Date: 15/1/2015
Secondary Completion Date: 3/2/2015
The Devil
Part 1'Well, well, I suppose this can only be more evidence of the military police's incompetence.' That hated, mocking voice sneered from behind the Chief Inspector 'How on earth did you manage to allow a Major General's son to be kidnapped when you already had a tip off as to when it would happen. Are you trying to make a mockery of the military and police force?'
Chief Inspector Randal gritted his teeth before turning round to face the bane of his job.
'Good evening, Sir Phantomhive.' He replied, growling at the serpent in human form before him. The Chief Inspector glared at the short figure in front of him, acting as if he hadn't just insulted Randal's competence.
'That's Major Phantomhive to you.' Ciel reprimanded sharply, the arrogant tone causing the Chief Inspector's hackles to rise.
'I'm here at the request of the Fuhrer, as the Phantom Alchemist.' The boy continued as if he hadn't just thrown his rank in the Chief Inspector's face. 'The stalemate between you and the hostage takers has gone on for too long. Here is the documentation for me to take over this operation.'
The Chief Inspector took the proffered paper from the silent man who always accompanied the dark noble. Abberline couldn't help but stare at the State alchemist. It was the first time he had ever seen someone who could do alchemy, let alone a state alchemist. From his limited understanding, Alchemy was the manipulation of physical material, something that was almost like magic. It was done by drawing images called arrays, but he had heard there were some alchemist who didn't even have to do that. His mother had disliked alchemists, calling them unnatural. However Abberline couldn't help but be amazed by them. His musings were abruptly ended by his superior shoving the sheet of paper.
'Everything seems to be in order, Sir.' Randal ground out. Curse the brat, who did he think he was strolling in here acting as if this was his operation. Well it was now, but the imp could show more respect and courtesy. Damn it, now he would have his superiors breathing down his neck about why the military had taken over the operation.
'What is the status?' The young boy asked briskly, eyes scanning his surroundings.
'You'd best talk to the negotiator in charge.' The chief inspector said shortly before turning away to order his assistant to fetch the "thrice blighted" negotiator. Looking at the Major in disgust, Randal warily watched the boy as he waited impatiently for his assistant to return. The orders on the paper made it quite clear that the brat would be in command of his men for the duration of the operation. Randal had a squad left, to manage the perimeter. The Chief Inspector was determined to make the most of his orders and get as far away as he could from that unnatural child as soon as possible.
'Abberline, Major Phantomhive will be in charge for the rest of this operation. You are to assist him in whatever way he requires while I secure the perimeter.' Randal instructed his naive assistant.
'Yes, sir.' The ginger haired man replied, the sandy haired negotiator standing awkwardly a little distance away. With that the Chief Inspector stalked off, muttering under his breath. Abberline looked at the now smirking child in apprehension.
'Well that certainly put the wind up him.' The boy murmured, the words not easing Abberline's apprehension in the slightest. Abberline's attention was then drawn to the silent figure standing a few steps behind the Major who was talking to the negotiator.
Abberline felt a sense of unease at the presence of the other man. When he tried to focus on the man his eyes seemed to want to slide away. There was something wrong with the other. Something out of proportion. He seemed perfect, yet there was an unnaturalness about him. He was too tall, his limbs just a tad too long, skin inhumanly pale. He seemed a statue more than anything else. Abberline felt the hair on the back of his neck rise when he realized the man was watching him, dark brown eyes staring back implacably. The eyes seemed to flicker, as Abberline watched in fascination. Suddenly the man's too wide mouth quirked up in a smirk and the eyes turned deep red, glowing like the embers of a fire. Abberline took an unconscious step back in startled fear so fleeting, that a moment later he had no idea why he had taken a step back. The dark brown eyes were looking at him curiously, before their owner turned his attention back to the slate haired child in charge of the operation. With an uneasy shiver Abberline directed his attention to the Major and chief negotiator.
'...and the release of the leader of a terrorist cell. The only problem is that the terrorist was executed three days before the kidnapping. Contact was every three hours. It also appears the mental condition of the hostage is beginning to deteriorate. The few times we asked for proof of life, he seemed to be getting steadily hysterical, the last time he almost managed to give us information, although we warned him not to, on the number of men, but there was a scuffle and the line went dead. It's been eight hours since then and several shots have been fired. I've tried to approach them a few times, unarmed and they've shot at me.'
'Are there any visuals?' Major Phantomhive asked, as he scanned through the transcripts of the negotiation rounds. The negotiator looked to Abberline, directing Ciel's attention towards the nervous young man.
'Unfortunately no. The building they are holed up in is an old warehouse that was undergoing renovation, all the windows are either boarded up or have sentries on watch. We've tried to sneak cameras over, but it's simply impossible, one man was shot in the shoulder.' Abberline felt himself wilt slightly under the Major's gaze. It was ridiculous, he a grown man of twenty six, being intimidated by a boy less than half his age. However there was something worn out in the boy's eyes, that made Abberline wary; those eyes were older than they should have been, much older.
'We can't be sure how many men are in there and we have no idea what the inside is like as a result of the renovations in there. We know that the builders have already put up a number of walls and two sets of staircases at opposite ends of the building. The staircases lead onto a scaffold round the room. Despite this we have tried to infiltrate the building with scouts, but none of them managed to make it into the building, all but one have been shot.' Abberline winced, as the Major raised one eyebrow as if to say, didn't you learn anything from the first time?
'We did only send in four scouts, half the number the chief inspector wished to send in and they were equipped with military grade body armour, so none of the shots were serious.' Abberline defended weakly. There was silence for a minute, as the two officers watched their superior nervously. Closing his single blue eye, one eyed boy breathed in deeply, before letting it out in a huff, shaking his head in exasperation. A slight frown creased his forehead as he hummed under his breath. His eye opened, its innocence contrasting dramatically with the sly smile on his face as he looked at the setting sun thoughtfully.
'Perfect, this should play to our advantage.' He murmured under his breath before turning to the suited figure next to him. 'Sebastian, I want you to infiltrate the building and create a blueprint, take note of the men; appearance, distinguishing features, number, you know the drill. Also check in on that hostage and make sure he hasn't completely lost it, reassure him if necessary and possible.' The Major paused, blue eye tilting upward in thought 'Actually, forget about anything to do with the hostage, you'll most likely scare him further.'
The man, Sebastian smirked at this, bowing slightly.
'Very good sir. Will that be all?'
'I also want the group dynamics and in particular if any of them are alchemists. Have I made myself clear?'
'Diamond clear Sir.'
'Go then.'
'Yes, my lord.'
Sebastian still bowed, backed away from the Major. Abberline was rather puzzled as to why he seemed to be backing away from where the terrorists were holed up. To his disbelief the man seemed to melt into the shadows of one of the buildings and, with a final flash of red eyes, the last trace of him, he vanished completely. Abberline looked to the negotiator, who was a similar state of disbelief. The two men rubbed their eyes, blinking rapidly. There was no way that the man had actually physically melted into the shadows, it must be an optical illusion. Wasn't there a state alchemist who specialized in illusions? Maybe it was some sort of alchemical trick. That had to be it. However that idea seemed to become less viable when he caught the half amused pout on the slate haired boy's face.
'Show off.' The child muttered 'But then again maybe not such a bad choice.' Abberline was startled when the single blue orb fixed its gaze on him. The thoughtful expression the boy sported flickered as a corner of his mouth twitched up for a moment. 'No need to look so apprehensive gentlemen, Sebastian should be back in about thirty minutes.' The Major said a tinge of amusement in his cultured voice.
'Well we may as well have some tea, while we wait for him to come back.' Ciel said as he walked towards a building near the warehouse from which the negotiator had first emerged from. Trailing behind the young officer, the two men looked at each other questioningly, each daring the other to ask the question that both wanted so badly to know.
'S-sir,' the negotiator finally stuttered.
'Yes?' The slate haired boy answered impatiently without turning round or stopping.
'How did he disappear like that?'
'Ah.' Was all the alchemist said before he half turned round and cocked his head to one side.
'That's a secret!' He replied playfully, placing a finger over his plump lips, an angelic half smile on his face. Abberline felt his cheeks heat up at the mischievous boy, partly mortified as he felt his heart beat a little faster as the boy turned back round to make his way towards the negotiators building.
§§§
The young alchemist was good company once he relaxed. The interaction between them was a little stilted at first, but after Abberline had finished debriefing Ciel on what the overall operations had been like so far, their talk had turned to the recent art exhibition held at the colosseum. The Major was well informed and at times Abberline forgot just how young he was until he looked over at him. They were halfway debating the merits of an up and coming artist when a wisp of dense black smoke drifted over to Ciel. Abberline and the negotiator leapt up in alarm as the smoke quickly expanded and solidified into the brown eyed manservant. He knelt at the feet of the alchemist who calmly finished his tea. The stunned silence was broken by the chink of the mug as the alchemist set it down on the table.
'Wha- what just happened!' exclaimed Abberline in fearful confusion, groping behind him for his seat. The alchemist looked at him coolly, and Abberline felt an unreasonable stab of fear as he looked into those cold blue eyes.
'No need for panic officer, Sebastian has merely returned from his task.' Ciel said calmly 'Now sit down, you're distracting me.' He said before turning his attention to Sebastian
'Report Sebastian.' The alchemist ordered.
'I have successfully completed your orders, young master.' The manservant said as he straightened up. The young alchemist shot him a look of annoyance.
'Couldn't you have chosen a less startling way of returning?'
'Forgive me master, but I believe that time is of the essence, and you know this is the quickest way for me to return under the circumstances.' The manservant replied with a slight smile. The assistant had seen many strange things in his life, especially when it came to alchemists, but this took the cake.
'How would you like my reports sir?' The manservant asked still smiling.
'Numbers, group dynamics, roles and alchemists as verbal; appearance as drawn and blueprint as illusion. Reports in that order.' The alchemist ordered as he set down his empty teacup.
'There are nine men and two boys, one of which is a terrorist.'
'So that makes ten terrorists and one hostage.' Ciel clarified
'Correct sir. There appear to be two groups of four each with a leader who reports to the main leader. Each group seems to consist of a sniper, hand to hand combatant, scout and leader. The main leader and the boy appear to both be alchemists. The main leaders specialized in metal alchemy and the boy in stone alchemy. That is all for the verbal report.'
'Very good.' Ciel turned his attention to the negotiator who jolted nervously. 'Do you have any large sheets of unused paper?' he asked.
'There's some for negotiations recording.' The negotiator said breaking out of his speechless trance.
'Good, several sheets would be appreciated.'
When the paper had been brought and laid on the table. The tall servant began to sketch out the terrorist's appearances. However Abberline had never seen anything like it. The man's arms were a blur; it was like his arms were those of the weaving looms in the fabric mills, moving from side to side revealing the image as they passed. As the servant completed a picture, the phantom alchemist studied them for a while before passing them onto Abberline. The officer looked at the pictures in amazement. The detail was so incredible they almost looked like photos. Abberline didn't want to contemplate it, but he had a sneaking feeling that the mysterious man could make them look exactly like photos, if the smirk he threw Abberline was any indication. Ciel caught the smirk and frowned.
'Blue prints!' He barked, handing the last paper to Abberline.
'Yes, my lord. Please close your eyes.'
'I suggest you do the same you two.' The phantom alchemist said without turning round. The two men shut their eyes, only to open them in surprise when they sensed a change in the light. They stood there in shock, unable to comprehend what had happened. Somehow, they were somewhere else. All the strangeness that had happened since the arrival of the alchemist became too much for them and they panicked at their alien surroundings, trembling in fear and indecisive terror.
Crates were stacked around them, some covered in rough sacking, the floor dirty with assorted debris. To one side was a wooden wall, water stained and thinly caked with dirt in places. On the opposite side was a studier looking door, the wall appearing to be stone or concrete. Their legs began to severely shake as they witnessed the young alchemist walk through one of the walls, his bloody-eyed servant following. They rushed to the door, but screamed in horror when their hand passed through the door knob. The two men's screaming escalated when the alchemist's head appeared through the wall, frowning.
'Cease that racket immediately!' He barked, a scowl crossing his features. His frown deepened as the men stood there frozen, their sanity only pinned together by the sternness of their superior's orders. Ciel's frown deepened.
'You have been briefed on the alchemists billeted at Eastern Headquarters right?' He asked the two deer-in-the-headlight men. They shook their heads. Ciel let out an exasperated sigh, muttering about incompetence and communication, before stepping back into the room as the two men surreptitiously began to back away, their eyes never leaving the young monst – man. Ciel's scowl deepened as he noticed this.
'Attention!' He shouted stalking over to the two compacted rigid men. Automatically the two men snapped into a salute; the only thing keeping them from bolting was the iron discipline that had been hammered into them in cadet school. Ciel stood in front of the men.
'At ease.' He said more softly looking each man in the eye. The men relaxed imperceptibly, but the adrenalin was still pumping through their veins, hearts thundering like the hooves of a hundred wild horses while they struggled to calm their frantic breathing. 'I am Major Phantomhive, the Phantom alchemist. I specialize in the creation of illusions. What you are now seeing is an illusion. As we move through this illusion, we are actually standing round an empty table. Sebastian himself is an illusion, slightly different from most, but an illusion still. There is nothing to fear here. Do you understand?' He asked making eye contact with the two nervous officers. For some inexplicable reason, both of them felt a little more reassured. They nodded stiffly.
'Good.' The phantom alchemist said, fixing them with his steely gaze. 'Follow me.' And with that he stepped through the wall. The men hesitated, looking at each other doubtfully before screwing up their faces as they walked forwards. There was a brief change in the light then nothing. The two men opened their eyes and looked about them in wondering confusion. Obviously they had taken the alchemists words as an order, but didn't actually believe them. After all it wasn't the first time they had to follow orders that didn't make sense.
Ciel watched them, one brow raised in amusement at their astonishment. 'Surely you didn't expect to feel anything from an illusion.' He drawled sardonically, the hint of a smile tugging at his lips 'It's all in your mind after all.' He turned his attention away from the men to the static hostages and kidnappers in the room. After several long moments of walking round the figures and through the open space, Ciel declared himself done and the room melted away as if it had never been there, once again startling the two men. Ciel sat down the tips of his fingers meeting in a steeple, as he rested his chin on them, humming softly he closed his eyes. There was silence for minute, the officers fidgeting, unsure as to what to do. The child soldier open his eyes.
'Would it be correct to assume that you haven't been able to make any person to person, line of sight negotiations at all, not even at the very beginning?' he asked the negotiator.
'Yes, and now they shoot at anyone who approaches them.'
'You've been approaching them using the standard methods?'
'That would be correct sir.'
The alchemist stood, looking at the late afternoon sun for a moment before turning to the two officers, a beatific smile on his face, the dying sunlight creating a halo around his head.
'Well gentlemen, let's get those hostages free. I'm going to need a long length of rope, a megaphone and something more bodyguard like for my manservant to wear. Also have the lights on standby for the hostages, and alert the medical team that the hostages will soon be released.' The two men stood there in bewilderment. Mystified by the orders, the two men, went about procuring and carrying out the orders. They were not the only ones who didn't understand what the boy alchemist was doing.
Everyone else was also puzzled by the confident orders of the boy. How on earth was he going to free the hostages? The rest of the police force present had received no indication of what was going to happen, merely to stand down, and not do anything regardless of what they should hear. This last point was repeated a second time, accompanied by a steely blue gaze that sent shivers down their spines and set the dogs whining. Finally everything was set. The small alchemist walked off to the edge of the standoff area. Turning to the assistant and negotiator he smiled pleasantly.
'Ah, could I please have your guns and holsters.' He asked. Seeing their expressions of confusion he elaborated. 'They'll make my little performance more convincing.'
Still just as confused as before, the two officers complied, handing over the requested items. Handing them to his butler, the Major ordered him to wear them prominently. Orders completed, the boy takes a deep breath and strides confidently out into the open, his manservant behind him. The officers startled for a moment, crying out in alarm, worried that the child (because even if he is a Major, he's still a child to them) will be shot. The cry is met by an icy glare, as the Major (child soldier) turns to face them, before walking forwards once more. They have covered half the distance, before a shot is fired at the alchemist. Faster than can be seen, the manservant shields his master with a disc of metal no larger than his hand, the bullet ricocheting. The two stop there, just within shooting distance of the warehouse. It seemed the megaphone would not be needed after all.