Disclaimer: I do not own Black Butler or anything affiliated with it. Black Butler belongs to Yana Toboso. Original characters are mine.
*Important Note* - Check out my Black Butler Instagram account to see a visual of Sebastian and Sera's "undercover outfits" for this chapter! I don't want to give away anything, but the scene happens halfway through the chapter.
My Instagram account username is "hisdemoness" and the name is Seraphine Michaelis. It's an account dedicated to this story where I post updates and mood boards and such.
Enjoy the Chapter!
It was a beautiful day for a funeral.
But a hell of a waste of a soul, Sera thought.
Sera, Sebastian, and their master were standing close by, but respectfully away from the funeral gathering, watching the newly made widower and his closest friends and family shed a tearful goodbye to the man's departed bride. Or what was left of her, which happened to be a single white shoe as the rest of her had disintegrated into ashes.
The man's bandaged hands, which had sustained the horrid burns from attempting to save his wife, clutched woefully at his hat as he watched the white heel disappear beneath the casket's cover.
Hidden by the gathered crowd, Sera watched as a bespectacled man holding a medium sized object and someone who appeared to be his wife, shuffle towards the widower.
"Look, my lord," Sebastian muttered to the earl, directing his attention to the newly arrived strangers.
The man with the glasses walked up and removed his hat in respect, his wife close behind, her parasol shielding her body from the sun.
"Pardon me, I'm Turner, the photographer."
The widower turned slowly, his eyes briefly shut in anguish before he acknowledged the couple.
"Excuse the intrusion, I'm so sorry for your loss," Turner said, him and his wife briefly bowing their heads.
Turner handed his hat to his wife, so he could better present the object in his hands. Removing the black cloth that was protecting it, Turner presented a frame to the widower. "I've brought the last picture that was taken of your dear wife. Here you are, Sir."
As the photographer held out the frame, everyone watched as the widower slowly walked over to the couple, his tearful eyes on the captured image of his bride.
"She seemed like such a nice woman," Mrs. Turner somberly commented. "Our condolences, Sir."
The tears streaming more steadily down his face, the widower attempted to take the frame from Mr. Turner, but because of the wounds he had sustained on his hands, the pain was too much, and the photograph went crashing to the ground. The glass cracked right over the image of the deceased woman, the frame seeming to say she was well and truly gone.
Mrs. Turner looked down at the broken picture. "She was truly beautiful. Such a great loss."
After the frame was retrieved from the grass, the Turners bowed once more and went on their way. But not before Ciel caught a flash of sparkling dust, floating behind the Turners on the wind. Blue eye narrowed, Ciel looked up at his butler and noticed the same look of suspicion pass on the demon's face.
They had made their way back to the Phantomhive town house, ideas and suspects brewing in their minds.
Sebastian left Ciel and Sera in the young earl's office to do his own quick investigation, promising to be back in due time.
While there were books and papers strewn about his desk, Ciel was currently reloading his handgun, a spread of bullets lining the mahogany table.
"Do you even know how to use that?"
The earl looked up to see his housekeeper sitting lazily on the couch across the room. She was leaning against the arm of the sofa, her cheek resting in her hand, and her legs crossed, black skirts falling against the couch. Her red eyes were watching his movements in an almost bored way.
Ciel's nose scrunched as he frowned. "Of course I know how to use it."
"Ok, new question. Have you ever used it?"
The earl looked back up at the demoness, not missing the mocking look in her eyes.
"Because knowing how to use something, and actually using it are two very different things."
Ciel was about to retort when a knock came on the door. Clearing his throat and taking his mind from the demoness's questions, Ciel gave a pert 'enter'.
Sebastian entered immediately, a vial in his hand that contained the same sparkly dust they saw at both Undertaker's parlor and at the graveyard.
"My lord, I've identified the substance found in the ashes. It matches the sample we gathered from the photographer and his wife." Standing before Ciel's desk, the butler displayed the vial so everyone could see. "These are flecks of magnesium oxide, a byproduct of photography. It's made from the flash powder photographers use to catch their images."
"Photography? Huh…," Ciel pondered.
"I was able to obtain information on the import of such products from Mr. Lau," Sebastian continued. "It turns out a shipment of magnesium did arrive at the docks the other day, and apparently it was bound for a London portrait studio. What's more unusual is they've purchased an entire ships worth."
"Surely that's more than they would need for their flash powder," Sera commented, moving towards Ciel's desk.
"Quite," Sebastian agreed with his mate. "And in addition, the victims had something in common." From his inside jacket pocket, Sebastian pulled a piece of paper that unfolded to the ground as he held it out. On the paper were names, date of births, medical records, as well as nuptial information. "I've taken a look at the history of all those who were burned. There's a connection between the women. They'd all recently had their wedding photos taken. Odd, no?"
Ciel cocked his gun, a dark look on his face. "Let me guess, at Turner studious."
A sudden gasp had the butler and earl looking towards the female in the room.
Sera grinned, an excited twinkle sparkling in her eyes. "I've just had the most brilliant idea."
While Ciel sat confused, wondering what could possibly be going in her head, Sebastian immediately caught on, his eyes widening in horror.
"No. Absolutely not, I forbid it."
Ciel sighed and set his gun down, resting his head in his hand as he listened to the pair go back and forth.
"What are you talking about? You and I can pose as a newly married couple wanting to get our portrait taken. It gets us into the shop unsuspected where we can investigate with no problem, and we get a nice picture out of it in the end. It's completely fool proof! Also when you think about it, we are kind of like newlyweds."
Sebastian frowned, his jaw tightening in annoyance as his mate continued to fight him over this horrid plan. "I am not putting you in the line of fire of a demented human just for a photograph."
Sera turned to Ciel in exasperation. "My lord, you must see the reasoning behind this plan. Don't you agree that it's a great idea?"
Sebastian's eyes flew to his master, his body going cold, knowing that in the end the decision wasn't up to him. His teeth clenched, and his fists curled inward as the primal need to keep his mate safe completely overcame him.
Ciel studied the two demonic creatures, one with a look of joyful anticipation, the other a look of murderous rage. While not completely knowledgeable of the details and aspects of demonic mates, Ciel contained a small semblance of understanding from what Sebastian had explained to him. Apparently, the protection of the female was of the utmost importance. While Ciel understood, it didn't mean he particularly cared. His interests were still his own, and he had no doubt the two would be ok.
"Let's proceed with Sera's plan. We move within the hour."
The sun was just setting, casting an orange glow upon the semi busy streets. Some people were out for a stroll, others were closing up shop. It was quite relaxing; or it would be if Sebastian wasn't sure he was leading his mate into danger.
"Will you get that grubby look off your face? This is exciting!"
The demon and demoness were strolling down the cobblestone sidewalk in London, heading towards the Turner's photography studio.
And they were certainly dressed the part as well.
Gone were their Phantomhive uniforms, replaced by the attire of a well-off London gentleman and his new blushing bride.
Sebastian was bedecked in black trousers, a white dress shirt, and a silver waistcoat that was covered in dark violet accents. A silver cravat was positioned at his neck and silver gloves covered his hands. Finishing the ensemble was a black top hat and a black knee length coat.
Next to him was his aforementioned blushing bride, her black gloved hand tucked into the crook of his arm.
While Sebastian was against this entire plan, he had to admit that Seraphine looked devastatingly lovely. She was dressed in a long sleeved, dark violet dress that perfectly matched the bit of violet on his waistcoat. The dress was simple but molded to her form perfectly, accentuating her curves. The sleeves were slightly puffed at the shoulders, and a trail of buttons ran from her neck straight down her waist, where the dress also puffed out. The skirt of the dress swished with her every move and floated down to a pair of black, ankle-length booted heels. A thin black cloak sat on her shoulders and her hair was cascading freely, a piece of violet ribbon tied in a neat bow at the back of her head, holding strands of hair from both her temples.
Removing his eyes from Sera's delicious form, Sebastian scoffed into the night. "This is utterly ridiculous."
"Oh, hush," Sera scolded. "Don't try to pretend that you're not having just as much fun as I am. You and me on our first task together! It's so exciting!"
"Honestly, the only part I find humorous about our little adventure, is our young chaperone."
The pair glanced behind them to see the Phantomhive carriage, trailing a ways behind them at a leisurely pace, the earl tucked away inside.
Seraphina smirked before turning back to the path ahead, her hand tightening on Sebastian's arm as they came upon the photography studio.
The bell above the door jingled as Sebastian pulled it open, escorting his "bride" inside.
Standing behind a counter at the front of the studio, was Mr. Turner himself.
The man turned and raised his eyebrows in surprise at the couple who had just walked through his door. "Well, hello there, Sir, Miss." He said nodding to the two. "My name is Turner. What can I do for you this evening?"
Walking towards the counter, Sera's hand held in his own, Sebastian removed his top hat. "Good evening, Sir. My name is Charles Deighton, and this is my wife. I was told your establishment specializes in the production of photography and that you were one of the best in the city."
Sera smirked inwardly at Sebastian's alias for themselves. It was ridiculous but necessary; best to be sure nothing led back to the Phantomhives.
Mr. Turner grinned in delight. "Oh my, well isn't that just something to hear. Welcome in, welcome in," he said, ushering them through the door. "Let me take your cloaks and hat. The misses and I were just about to close up shop, but given that you're here, what can I do for you?"
Setting aside their garments, the photographer took in his customers and liked what he saw. From the state of their dress, Mr. Turner gathered he would be making quite a pretty penny from these two.
"You see," Sera started, "my husband and I have just recently married, and we would so love to have our photograph taken, to commemorate our union."
Mr. Turner stood stock still for a moment, the beauty before him taking his breath away. Pulling on his collar and clearing his throat, a slight blush on his cheeks, the photographer gave the couple a smile. "I would certainly be happy to assist you in this manner. If you'll just follow me into the back, we'll get you sorted."
Sebastian's eyes were darting to and fro as they followed the man, taking in as much detail of the establishment as he could. He then studied the photographer in front of him. He seemed normal, not anything like a homicidal maniac, but looks could be deceiving. Him and Sera were proof of that.
They entered a medium sized room, set up with the camera, as well as a small stage on which the subjects would stand to pose, and a few props set up against the wall.
"Please excuse me for a moment as I retrieve my wife." Mr. Turner said.
He left the room, but within moments, the demon's enhanced hearing picked up the sound of a conversation as the couple made their way back.
"What do you mean we have some customers? It's closing time."
"Yes, I know, but you must see them! Their way of dress is very fine, not to mention their appearance themselves! One of the absolutely handsomest couples I've ever seen in my life."
A pause and then an agitated tone came from the woman. "I don't like this. I don't like this at all."
"Be reasonable. They'll be our last sale and then we'll be done for the day."
Sera looked up at Sebastian, "Someone doesn't sound happy. Do you think we've ruined some evening plans?"
Sebastian smirked albeit stiffly, his arm tightening around Sera's waist, always aware of danger when it came to her. "We shall undoubtedly see."
While Mr. Turner entered the room most jovially, Mrs. Turner's reaction upon the sight of Sebastian and Sera did not go unnoticed. While her eyes roved almost hungrily over Sebastian's form, a different kind of emotion took over her features as soon as she focused solely on Sera.
The demoness detected it as soon as it flashed in Mrs. Turner's eyes.
Envy.
One of the seven deadly sins.
Sera nearly grinned at her discovery, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. This was a clear case of simple jealousy. Beautiful women dying off at the hands of a jealous monster.
"Dear, this is Mr. and Mrs. Deighton. Newlyweds, come for a wedding portrait," Mr. Turner introduced, setting up the camera in the process.
It took Mrs. Turner a second to compose herself, but she did, nodding stiffly towards Sebastian and Sera, a nearly undetectable grimace on her lips. "If you two don't mind stepping up onto the platform," she said, gesturing towards the stage.
Sera and Sebastian simply smiled in reply as they did as she said. They immediately got into a pose, standing side by side though slightly angled towards one another, Sera's hands clasped between Sebastian's larger ones as she leaned her body into his.
Mrs. Turner came around, bending down to situate Sera's skirts around her legs. She stood and observed Sebastian and Sera, her hands coming to nearly touch something on Sera, then hesitantly pulling away. She seemed to go into a trance as she circled them, studying them, devouring them.
"Are you two…happy?" Mrs. Turner suddenly asked.
"Oh, yes," Sera replied, a lovely smile on her lips. "Though we've been married so short a time, our love is so strong it nearly feels as if a lifetime has passed."
Sebastian played along, giving a gentle kiss to Sera's brow. "I feel the same way."
"That's…nice." Mrs. Turner droned. She came to stop in front of Sera, still pretending to fix things that didn't need fixing on the perfect couple in front of her. As she fixed a hair on Sera's head that wasn't out of place, a hazy look came over the blonde woman's eyes as she stared at the demoness's flawless face.
"You are…truly beautiful…," Mrs. Turner murmured, a blank look taking over her features. Her eyes though; Sebastian did not like the dark, psychotic look in her eyes as her gaze devoured his mate.
This was their culprit. While Sebastian was unsure whether or not Mr. Turner was involved. He had no doubt that Mrs. Turner was their murderer.
Mr. Turner cleared his throat awkwardly, ready and in position behind the camera. "Ok, dear… I think they're situated enough. Are you two ready?" He addressed the couple.
The "Deighton's" smiled and nodded at the photographer as Mrs. Turner backed away, taking her place off to the side."
After a series of poses and pictures, Mr. Turner announced that they were finished.
"Marvelous, wonderful photos! I don't ever think I've ever had a more handsome couple as my subjects." The photographer announced, leading them back into the studio's foyer.
Sebastian gave one of his signature fake smiles, his eyes closed as his lips quirked up. "We sincerely thank you, Mr. Turner."
"Oh, I can't wait to see how the pictures turned out." Sera said enthusiastically. She paused, looking around the front room. "Where is Mrs. Turner?"
Mr. Turner stood confused as he was sure his wife was standing next to him just a second ago. "Why I don't know. I was sure that she had followed us in here."
As the photographer's sentence concluded, an enormous explosion sounded above their heads, chips of wood and plaster falling around them. A maniacal laughter soon followed.
Sebastian protected Sera's head from any falling debris, but Mr. Turner was left on his own. A huge block of wood fell and struck him on the head, splitting his skin, blood pouring down his face
Fire soon started to spread as the booming explosions erupted around the first floor, the flames growing higher and wilder within a matter of seconds, eating at the walls, carpets, and furniture. Before Mrs. Turner could get any closer to the foyer, Sebastian pulled Sera into his arms and whisked her out the door. Just in time as well. Right as he made it across the street, an explosion like none of the others blasted the windows from the building, glass shattering and raining across the sidewalk.
People screamed as the London street turned into chaos, some people running away, while the single brave souls did their best to put out the fire.
As smoke billowed from the building, the sound of a male scream filled the air. It seems the photographer had met his end. Sera, still in Sebastian's arms, watched as Mrs. Turner came skipping out of the building, singing a jolly tune as she flung the magnesium oxide in the air. She didn't get very far before the Phantomhive carriage came roaring down the streets, Ciel bursting from the carriage doors as soon as it came to a stop.
"Put me down! It's just fire! It's not likely to hurt me." Sera struggled within her mates' arms till he reluctantly let her go.
"Is that who I think it is?" Ciel asked as the three immediately gave chase.
"Yes," Sebastian answered. "It's Mrs. Turner from the photography studio." His eyes caught the form of his mate keeping pace next to him. "Sera, stay with the carriage!"
"Ha! Not bloody likely."
Suddenly, Mrs. Turner turned and tossed a fistful of the explosive powder behind her, aiming just slightly off from where Ciel was.
"Oh, yes!" She shouted. "I'll find my happiness now!"
Sebastian yelled for his master, but before he could shield him, Sera's body came into view, tackling Ciel and rolling him safely away from the explosion.
The buildings behind them weren't so fortunate as they exploded and immediately caught fire. The flames spreading an orange glow akin to the sunset that just disappeared beyond the horizon.
Sebastian paused in shock before dropping to make sure they were both ok. Sera waved him off before he could say anything (she knew she was gonna get it later for throwing herself in the line of fire), and Ciel was solely focused on the deranged woman dancing down the street.
"That camera must be her ignition device. She has to be stopped! Capture her!" Ciel ordered Sebastian.
The demon quickly kneeled, placing his hand over his heart. "Yes indeed, my lord. Sera, stay with the master and keep him and yourself safe." He then flashed away giving chase to the mad Mrs. Turner.
Ciel quickly picked himself up from the street, running after the demon. "Sera! Let's go!"
"Not that I don't love defying Sebastian's orders, but wouldn't it be a better idea for me to take you somewhere safer?" Sera questioned as she ran alongside him.
Ciel ignored her, focused on the task at hand.
They watched as the woman disappeared down an alley way, still flinging her powder, singing an awful toon. Sebastian vanished behind the corner moments after Mrs. Turner, and just as Sera and Ciel were catching up, another voice joined in with Mrs. Turners singing.
As the earl and the housekeeper rounded the corner, a flash of red fell from the sky, a chainsaw whirring as the creature continued to sing. A male spun downward in the air, his deadly weapon aimed straight towards Sebastian.
Sera gasped and instinctively pulled Ciel towards her, her heart leaping to her throat as her mate lifted his arm to block the weapon. The chainsaw collided with three pieces of cutlery held tightly within the butler's fist.
Sebastian glared as he came face to face with someone he was hoping he'd never cross paths with again, the metal from each pair's weapons causing sparks to fly between them.
"I thought it was you," Sebastian glared, the fork, knife, and spoon shaking against the pressure of the chainsaw.
The creature grinned, pointy teeth on full display and a glimmer shining in his yellow green eyes. "I've been simply dying to see you, sweet Bassy."
What's this? A new chapter? In the span of a week? I know, crazy right? No the world is not ending, I just had a lot of inspiration for this chapter. Guys, you may not like to review, but they sure do make me feel good about my writing and want to work harder to give ya'll more. I got so many amazing reviews for the last chapter and they really made my days when I received them.
Thank you to everyone who left a review on chapter 7! To the guests who left reviews, I love ya'll and I wish I could send you a pm to express that gratitude. To all my other FF users, ya'll are the bomb and I'm so glad you're enjoying this story. I always try to reach out to those who left a review to let you know how much I appreciate the fact that you took time to give me your thoughts on this story.
Anyway, I was super excited to get this chapter out. I had so much fun writing it! Please please please let me know what you think! Let me know what parts you liked, anything about the characters, what you'd like to see, etc.
Thanks for reading!
Xoxo Alyssa
