Author's Note: Thank you all for waiting this long. Things are getting more climatic now. Even I am getting impatient with myself. All your reviews are wonderful and they mean a lot to me. I will work harder and faster. Just wait a little longer. Hahas. Enjoy!
-Pluepg
Meeting the Demon Council
FLASHBACK
"Let us go Ciel." The demon's dark voice beckons the fledgling. Stepping into the unknown once more, a thick black fog surrounds them. When it disperses, Ciel and Sebastian vanish without a trace.
START
A dark place that seems to have only night as day; the demon realm is filled with white sand spread across miles and miles of vast land. Only the white moon illuminates the large expanse of outskirts and infrastructure in the distance. The sand swirls a little as a black fog appears and dissipates. There revealing Sebastian and Ciel. The boy steps away from his butler to survey his surroundings. All he sees is a barren desert filled with beautiful, fine, white sand.
"So this place is rather barren. I expected it to be a metropolis of demons and such."
The demon chuckles, much to Ciel's annoyance. The fledgling turns to look at the demon – wanting to know just what seemed to be so funny.
"It is. We are in the outskirts. It is easier to land here to prevent any public…disturbance. The 'metropolis' you speak of – is just over the horizon." The demon explains, pointing his long black fingernail ahead of Ciel.
"Lead the way."
Pointed heel boots dug into the sand as they walked at a human pace. Sebastian could have gone faster; at a demon's walking – or even running speed. However, his master was only a baby in their terms. To force him to exert himself would be too much for the boy to handle.
"Sebastian."
"Yes Ciel?"
The boy almost protests before remembering his status in the realm. Did the council in this world have eyes all over the land? A creature with two tails, a head of an alien and the body structure close to a human's flies high above their heads. Ciel looks up at it, the alien-like creature stares at him; continuing to fly past them. Probably.
"How much longer do we have before we reach?"
"A very long while. Our current speed is too slow to reach the town by your expectations."
"Then let's speed up."
For the rest of the trip, it consisted of short runs and rests. Sebastian had no queries about their pace. Instead, the demon was – concerned about Ciel. The boy looked as tired as the first time he tried running when he was a human. His powers were still weak and he had no knowledge about utilizing them. Since when did a demon become concerned for another?
"Can you continue Ciel?"
"Of course." Ciel answered, as if it was the most obvious answer in the world. It was evident that Ciel was becoming tired.
"Come now." Sebastian crouches down in front of Ciel, ready to carry the boy on his back.
"Are you absurd?"
"When we are near the town, you'll continue to walk by foot."
Hesitating a little, the boy climbs onto the demon's back. If any other demon living here finds out, Sebastian will be the mockery of the entire realm.
"Hurry." That was the only word Ciel speaks as he makes himself comfortable on the demon's back.
With that, they quickly run through the desert. The distance was certainly very large as the demon took a few minutes before they had the town in their view.
"Let me down here."
Wordlessly, the demon allows Ciel to slide off his back and leads the way. Ciel trails behind him as they enter the streets. A pavement starts from the sand. They walk in; going straight all the way. As they walk forth, buildings resembling giant spiked rocks appeared by their side. Crooked signs with a foreign language written on them directed to other roads and avenues, as if part of the town's design. Demons dressed in similar attire to Sebastian; standing by the sidewalk or indoors seemed to be staring at the duo. It was rather unnerving for Ciel; his enhanced sixth sense was feeling some hostility from the others.
"Stay by me." Sebastian ordered under his breath. Ciel made sure to do so.
Keeping his head straight, Ciel scans the surroundings of the town. The design basically made it look as if the demons were staying in giant, spiked rocks; and way up ahead was a giant pointed castle-like fortress. Most probably where they were headed. Dark clouds loomed above it, a large – barely visible and rather broken spider web hung on two pointed stone pillars behind the castle. This particular sighting intrigued the young one. The castle becomes larger in view as they approach it. Ciel sees the entrance to the castle – far – but right in front of them. Suddenly, Sebastian turns to his left. It must be another place then.
The path soon ends at the side of the castle. Sebastian moves closer to the door and knocks on it. An elderly lady opens it. Her bright red eyes glowing red.
"The council has been expecting you."
It seemed like a rather small room; like a cave; as if like a secret meeting place. A door is at the side of the room.
The elderly woman informs them, "Come in when you are ready." She goes through the door, leaving them alone in the room together.
They look to each other.
"Speak only when it is necessary. Do not draw any other type of attention from the council to you. Our only reason to come here is to gain their approval for your transition. If you offend them, even I am unable to fend them off for you."
Ciel nods. Sebastian walks to the door and opens it. Ciel follows behind him. Behind the door, a gigantic hall filled with such grandiose décor. A long table that resembles a rather bent line is situated in the middle of the hall. 7 demons are seated there. Ciel felt a little intimidated at the sight of these seven demons. Obviously, they are far stronger than him; even Sebastian at most. It was not just because they outnumber the two; Ciel could feel the threat in his gut.
In the middle is a girl around Olivia's age, with long silver hair and blood red eyes. She wears a white and dark blue dress and a golden tiara with blue jewels is seated on her head. White gloves cover her forearm. She must be a royal. She certainly dresses like differently as compared to the other demons in the kingdom.
To her left are three more demons. Likewise for her right. To the far right of the table, a boy with silver hair similar to the girl is seated; a crown evident on his head. His dress code is matching to hers as well. The two must be related.
"State your name fledgling." The girl in the middle speaks – stern and serious.
"Ciel – your highness."
She raises her eyebrow; drawing a slight bit of alarm from Ciel. The girl transfers her attention to Sebastian.
"You are this fledgling's mentor?"
"Yes your highness."
"How did this boy come about? Is he from that town?"
"Yes."
A man seated just beside her left speaks up. His left eye his covered by his black hair that extended to his shoulders. An ironic sight - a demon wearing an earring with a cross and the necklace of a cross on him. He wore a black robe. Calmly, he prodded further.
"Explain."
"Ciel was turned into a demon by Hannah Anafellows under another human's order. I simply would like to conduct this boy's transition for him."
The council stirs a little at the sound of Hannah's name.
"And why would a demon such as yourself help this boy? Does he hold any special meaning to you?" The man continued asking.
Ciel could feel his heart start to accelerate. The last question intrigued him and he was rather anxious for his butler's answer.
"The interference of another demon and some complicated matters brought me to this circumstance. I am now in charge of Ciel and I am obligated to take care of him."
Was that disappointment that in Ciel's heart? That was not really the answer he had hoped from Sebastian. Was he really just protecting him as an obligation?
'Don't be stupid Ciel, you knew that the only reason he took care of you was because of your soul. But then, why would Sebastian continue serving him even after his soul was no longer attainable? He could have just taken off.'
Ciel's thoughts were interrupted by an obnoxious laughter.
"Ha! How interesting! You must be really lucky, cutie! To have such a capable demon to serve you! Ha! Ha!"
It was a demon with ochre blond hair that was seated on the girl's other side.
Ciel glanced over to see the discomfort on Sebastian's face. Obviously, it would be humiliating for a demon born with such great pride to be reduced to such a state because of a mere human.
"Enough Gillian."
Another demon beside the blond spoke up, reprimanding his fellow council member in a cool manner.
"Aw Dusky! You have to learn how to have a good laugh. Especially when it involves such a cute little boy here." Gillian smirks, a certain look in his eye; one that Sebastian recognized all too well.
Ciel, on the other hand, was losing his patience with this demon.
"Let's just finish this quickly. I don't see why we have to waste our time on this fledgling." A lady spoke from the other end of the table. She had long black hair to her waist.
"I agree with Sara; Estelle?" the silver-haired boy next to her urged his sister on.
"Zephir is right. We should finish this quickly. Fledgling Ciel."
The blue-haired boy stands at attention at the serious tone in her voice.
"Yes your highness."
"Understand that in your circumstances that the human body you possess now is a limitation to your powers. We will have to destroy whatever humanely physical thing you have in order to start your transition. It is a painful process; but only for a moment. Do you still wish to become a full-fledged demon?"
Ciel pauses for a hesitant and unsure split-second. "I do."
"Very well. Sara."
The black-haired lady stands and approaches Ciel, hiding a black dagger with red carvings behind her back. Sebastian sees it and wills himself to remain still. The boy could feel the anxiety exuding from Sebastian. Sara bends down to face the boy. She places her hand on his head; softly whispering words of comfort. Ciel was afraid.
"Be strong young one." She plants a kiss on his forehead and thrusts the dagger into his stomach before pulling it out.
The boy's blood splattered all over the floor. The pain weakened the strength in Ciel's legs causing him to kneel. He clutches his wounds tightly, feeling his entire body burn up; as if a fire had been lit inside him. He coughs some blood out onto the floor. Sara steps back, watching him shrivel on the ground.
Sebastian looks on at Ciel but painfully holds himself back. Ciel needed to be strong at this time. Subconsciously, Sebastian fists his hands.
"His human soul was very valuable." Zephir notes.
"Yes. It was. I can smell it." Sara agrees.
The pain was so immense that Ciel had to scream to alleviate some of it. The boy's eyes became a brighter red. He could feel two horns grow out of his head. His back burnt as two black wings are grown from his body. The black fog surrounded him; his transformation was taking place.
"Hey. Could I taste some of his blood?" Gillian asks innocently.
"No Gillian. It would be impolite to Ciel – and his mentor for that matter." Estelle declines Gillian's request, sensing the anger stemming from Sebastian.
The black fog clears. A boy that clutched his stomach knelt on the ground appears. He slowly stands up, slightly affected by the transformation. He opens his eyes to face the demons. A young fledgling stands before them in his glory. Black horns are situated at the side of his head; black wings that extended outwards. A confident smirk spread across his face. Dressed in a black shorts and thigh-length black boots with a black robe-like jacket on him; in Sebastian's opinion – he was devastatingly tantalizing.
"You are a full demon now. Learn all you can from your mentor and when you are done, return; so that we may asses you." Estelle informs before standing up and making her way out the door behind the table.
The rest of the demons follow suit. Only the cross-decorated man and Gillian stayed behind to greet them.
"My name is Ray. Feel free to stay in this realm under you are able to transform back. I don't think you want to return and scare the rest of the townspeople."
Ray claps his hands twice and a few servants emerge from the door behind the table to clean up the blood and remains. Gillian pouts in disappointment.
"If you need anything, I'm on the other side of this town. Don't be shy to find me, honey." Gillian offered; inching closer to Ciel. He was about to grab the boy's chin until Sebastian pulled the boy back a little by the shoulder.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance Senior Gillian. I am referred to as Sebastian; Ciel's mentor. We will come and find you should we need any help. I thank you and bid you goodbye." With that, the demon leads his charge out the other door. The blonde frowns at Sebastian's sudden intrusion; making sure to glare at the mentor's back before directing his gaze towards Ciel.
"Farewell."
"Come and see me, alright cutie?"
Sebastian closes the door behind them.
"How are you feeling?"
"Horrible. You could have explained what they were going to do before she stabbed me."
"I apologise. This is my first time converting a human into a demon. I would not have known about the procedure. Shall we head in first?"
"Where to?"
"My home."
Amused, Ciel smirks.
"I find it funny. Demons have homes?"
"Of course. Where do you expect us to go?"
"Nowhere. Lead the way."
Sebastian walks ahead of Ciel, recalling his way through the streets. To Ciel, all the buildings looked identical. It would be easy for him to lose his way. There was no sign of any shops or landmarks that marked where they were. Just a string of pointed rocks with slightly different make ups.
"This way." Sebastian walked into a tight alley; Ciel followed suit. This was going to be quite the walk.
Back in the castle which connected to the council's room, two demons sit together in a garden of white roses.
"There had been no news of Hannah Anafellows a while back. Her premises was empty; even the triplets were gone. Do you think this has anything to do with that boy, sister?"
"I believe so Zephir. We will have to keep an eye on them. There would be no reason for such a great demon like her to disappear into nothing."
"Do we need to have Adam to survey them?"
"No. It's not that serious. Call upon Ray."
"What about Gillian? He seems to show interest in Ciel."
"I'm not surprised; that boy's soul is practically a delicacy to all of us. I cannot afford Gillian going bezerk over that fledgling. Have Sara watch over him."
"Yes Estelle."
"Ciel is the sign of change. We must prepare for it. I feel it drawing near."
The princess explains as she looks to the dark looming clouds above them. The giant spider's web behind the castle is re-spun. Estelle can only pray for the boy's safety.
END
Evil is near. :D
Yes! I can feel the inspiration flowing through my fingertips! *insert maniacal laughter here* The next chapter should be out by next week? I'll do my best to write as much as I can before my holiday ends. I have school starting in April T_T. I hate going into long-term hibernation. Back to writing!
How was it so far? Anything wrong with the story? Let me know through your reviews.
-Pluepg
