Hi guys I want to update because I really have nothing to do other than go to the movies and see the Hunger Games for the fifth time. No kidding. I haven't gotten many reviews except for my ever faithful SakuraPhoenix13, and VampireSiren. You rock I totally appreciate it as you know. So here we go I suppose chapter 9. Oh and I don't really do disclaimer huh? So I'll do it today! I don't own anything except for Cat, the cat, and Clara the nun. Now on to chapter 9 (there is some swearing later in the chapter)
Cat's POV About three weeks after the last chapter.
I woke up to the sound of Sebastian's shoes clicking and the curtain being drawn back. I groaned, and pulled my pillow over my head in a childish manner.
"Cat, you need to wake up." I didn't move thinking maybe if I stayed still he would let me go back to sleep for a couple of hours. "Cat, I know you're awake, the 'stay still and maybe he'll go away' approach is not working." I just groaned again. How was it that Sebastian always knew just what I was thinking? He can't be human, it's not possible. "Catherine," he warned his voice starting to get stern. Not knowing what he would do, I sat up slowly rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.
"What do you want Sebastian?" I asked in a sleep slurred voice. Maybe if I acted sleepy enough I would be able to go back to sleep. I spent a late night out last night with Mey-rin, shooting targets with the pistols she got me for my birthday.
"I don't want anything I need you to wake up." Sebastian said in a mock calm voice. "If you didn't remember we have lessons today." As if that made it any better. There was little he could teach me that fully captured my interest, not to mention that we worked hard all day, leaving my head swimming with all the names and dates that I honestly didn't care about has to mention I had been going out most every night after Sebastian went to bed with Mey-rin to practice shooting and aim, and to teach her how to throw daggers, much to her delight. That way if they run you can pin them to the ground, which would keep them still enough to get a decent bullet into them. Of course Mey-rin didn't really need to do that, she used to be an assassin after all.
"Yes, Sebastian." I groaned as I pulled myself over the side of the bed. He pulled the wheelchair over, but I declined. I was going to start using crutches so I could at least work one of my legs. I already knew how to use crutches, and I taught many a child how to use them in the orphanage. He escorted me downstairs to breakfast being the chivalrous man he was. I was just lucky that he didn't make me get dressed. Moving on crutches quickly in a dress was really hard for me, meaning that it was impossible for everyone else. I crutched into the dining room quickly and sat down, not waiting for Sebastian to pull out the chair for me. Ciel was already there waiting for me.
"Good morning Cat." Ciel said politely. I was happy that he had finally taken to calling me that, it made me feel a lot more comfortable. However, my sleep deprivation made me quite a grouchy riser, that and my low blood pressure. I grumbled something that must have resembled a 'good morning' somewhat. Apparently he noticed I was tired this morning as he looked up from the scone he was cutting.
"Not fully awake this morning I see." He commented quietly to himself picking up the bite of scone he had cut off and popping it in his mouth chewing it thoughtfully, his gaze somewhere in the middle distance.
"Why is that I wonder." Sebastian commented to the side of me. Damn these two. Anyone who knew me knew not to mess with me while I was tired, or I could go all 'hypertensive evil lord' on them. According to Sid, the teenage butcher I knew when I lived in London, (more like on London's streets) I emanated an evil aura when I was tired.
"I get it, I'm tired, would someone please pass me a newspaper?" Sebastian chuckled and proceeded to pass me the untouched newspaper that was on Ciel's end of the table. I spread it out and picked it up to read in between taking sips of my tea. Sebastian chuckled again. Normally being in the good nature I normally was in I would laugh with him, even if I didn't know what he was laughing at. Today however I was in a foul mood in case you haven't noticed yet. "What are you laughing at?" I snapped rudely surprising myself.
"Dear lord, you are tired. Remind me to put you down for a nap later." Bastard why didn't he let me sleep now god damn it! "I was laughing because you look like a middle aged man, rather than a grumpy nine year old girl, reading the newspaper like that." I glared at him a little, but it's hard to glare at someone when a kitten pounces into your lap, turn circles a few times, and then proceeds to fall asleep in your lap, mewing happily. That made me smile and cleared my mood up a little.
"I'm sorry, for being in such a foul mood this morning, but I am tired and now you know that I am in fact, a demon on the inside, especially if I get woken up early." Ciel looked mildly amused. Then Mey-rin came running in, in all of her frilly skirted, thick glasses glory, and all too predictably tripped on a bump in the carpet, and would have fallen if it wasn't for Sebastian who caught her and the parcel she was carrying. After scolding her lightly, and telling her not to run, he dismissed her, with a red hot blush on her face. Sebastian rolled his eyes a little bit and opened the letter Mey-rin gave him.
"What is it?" Ciel asked in a bored tone.
"It's an invitation to a party." Sebastian told Ciel, not looking at all surprised. I don't know, maybe parties happen everyday, damn rich people.
"Decline it." Ciel said still bored. What the hell! Did rich people really party this much.
"Sir," Sebastian cut in. "I think it would be more beneficial to go than to decline this one."
Ciel raised an eyebrow, "Oh?" he looked genuinely interested. Not.
"The witches case, going to this party may be able to give you a lead, over the Scotland yard, not like they could ever threaten you." Sebastian informed my older brother who really did look slightly more interested now that he knew what was to gain. But what did he say about the Scotland Yard? And a case on witches? I gave Sebastian a questioning look, which Sebastian in turn gave to Ciel.
"You mean you never told her!" he claimed, Ciel shook his head.
"There never was a reason to tell her." He said resting his head in his hand.
"Would someone please just tell me what's going on before I explode!" I exclaimed. Still not in the mood to be tousled with I just wanted them to spit it out already!
"Your brother is the queen's watchdog. He eliminates any threats to her kingdom, any time she asks. She's quite fond of him." Sebastian mused to himself. My brother working for the queen? And I never knew about this!
I turned on my brother, "What do you mean there wasn't a reason to tell me!" I exclaimed. "You work for the queen for god's sake! Don't you think that it's a rather interesting piece of information for me to know about you!" Ciel shrugged.
"It wasn't something that would benefit you if it was in your knowledge."
"Well, okay then," I said shaking my head. "But what was this about witches?" I turned to Sebastian hoping to get a more complete answer from him. He responded the way I expected him to, actually answering my question.
"There have been several mysterious disappearances lately, and we are trying to link them to one person, the murderer."
"Well, that makes sense, it's how you solve all murders, but what makes you think that it was a witch that was the murderer?" There were plenty of murders where I lived but the police didn't really get involved, probably because they didn't want to get their hands dirty.
"Well there isn't any evidence that could lead to who the murderer is, no traces or anything. A possible explanation could be suicide, but the people who have died were all seemingly mentally sound, and they were rich and happy, giving them no motive to kill themselves." I nodded. Wow, Sebastian really did his research. That's kind of interesting to know.
"I see, and how would going to this stupid ball help?" Ciel asked, the better question was why didn't Ciel want to go to the ball anyways.
I interrupted. "Isn't it easier just o get the case over with now, before the Scotland Yard even gets involved?" Sebastian's lips turned up in a half smile.
"What a clever little girl you are." He commented as he patted me lightly on the head. I bristled at the comment and pursed my lips. He addressed Ciel, "And, we need to introduce your sister into society." Ciel nodded agreeing with the red eyed butler.
"Why do I need to be introduced to society?" I asked my crossing my arms. I was happy enough with my family here in the manor, I didn't need to meet all those aristocrats who, would no doubt look at me as if I was cheap piece of meat rather than a person. I mean I knew well enough how rich people acted when something they did not like was in their wake. They cast it aside and turned up their noses at it, that very thing happened to me too many a time while I lived on the street.
"You my dear, must be introduced to society so if people see you with us they won't ask questions and can give you the proper respect of being the Lady Phantomhive." Lady Phantomhive, whoop-de-frickin'-doo.
I looked up at the tall raven haired man pathetically and asked, "Do I have to?" he gave me a stern expression.
"Yes, Catherine you have to." He took out his pocket watch and clicked it open. "Speaking of which, it's probably about time we get you ready."
"Ready!" Ciel and I exclaimed in unison. "I need to start getting ready this early?" I asked in amazement.
"Why of course." Sebastian said in that ever so calm voice of his. "You need to learn all kinds of rules before you go to a social gathering."
"More rules? Sebastian, you've been teaching me social etiquette for over a month now. I don't need to know anything more." I argued. I mean seriously, it couldn't be that bad to mess up in public. It's not like there are any real consequences. Sebastian, being….well, Sebastian, knew exactly what I was thinking. He narrowed his eyes at me
"Catherine! It's very important that you make an appearance at a social gathering sooner or later." He pulled my up by the arm and instructed me coldly to follow him.
Several hours later….
I gasped for breath. "Dear god Sebastian! Not so hard, I'm not used to this!" I exclaimed taking in a sharp intake of breath. "I'm too young to have this happen to me! I'm only nine, that's way too young for this! Ahhhh!" I screamed in pain.
Sebastian smirked, "Oh please your fine Catherine, you just need to get used to it that's all." Then he stopped and seemed to ponder something for a moment. "Well perhaps you are a bit too young for this, I just want you to see how it feels and then we'll be done."
"God dam it man! Just get this corset off of me!" I yelped as he just pulled the strings tighter.
"Excuse me?" he asked in a cold dangerous tone. If anything I did not want Sebastian angry at me right now.
"Nothing sir, nothing." I responded quickly and wisely. Boy was I glad that my conscience hadn't died from underuse because there were times when that thing really was useful.
"We're almost done…." He pulled the laces tighter one more time knocking the wind out of me once more. Damn rich people and their strange need to be stick thin. I looked underfed as I was, I didn't need any more help from that devil's device called the corset that France invented. Stupid Frenchies.
"Ok you can breath now, I'm going to unlace you. You are too young for this." So he put me through hell…FOR NOTHING! Now I was positively certain that Sebastian was not human, at the very least he was devil spawn. Then again I did the wisest thing possible and held my tongue. I was always getting into trouble after all wasn't I?
Finally time to leave for the ball. THANK GOD!
I was forced back into the wheelchair, finding it impossible to use crutched in the voluminous dress that I was wearing. It was blue, and matched Ciel's suit as he was my escort. We sat in the back of the carriage together, not being able to make conversation, not that the conversation we made was all that interesting anyways. It was hard to find something to talk about with my older brother, probably because he didn't know anything about me and vice versa. Maybe I can work on it a little more when Sebastian gives me a break from all of these lessons. Boys didn't have to learn all these rules and etiquette! Why did I? I was snapped out of my thoughts as the carriage jerked to a halt. I considered reaching for the dagger that I had hidden in the many ruffles of my dress. 'Just in case.' Mey-rin had said a wry smile on her face. But as it turned out we had reached our destination as Sebastian came around to open My door for me. After settling into my wheelchair, Ciel firmly grasped the handles, and began to wheel me up to the grand estate.
"Welcome to hell." I heard him whisper almost silently under his breath. I giggled quietly raising a gloved hand to cover my mouth. At that, his lips turned up just barely on one of his legendary half smiles. We walked in to the elegant entrance hall, and I couldn't help but marvel at well, everything! The crystal chandelier the marble pillars the brightly lit hallways. This place was huge! An in the center was a dance hall! A whole bunch of couples waltzing in time to the music. Oh and the music, it was beautiful, slow and smooth like a calm wave on a sandy beach. It was lulling and lovely. A grand piano sat on the side, and a whole orchestra accompanied it. I liked the music the most out of anything. I watched as a tall man gracefully played the piano. He looked to be one of the very few people who was enjoying himself to the full extent. He swayed with his arms, immersing himself, and letting the notes surround him and wrap him in their harmonized embrace. I was suddenly aware of someone shaking my shoulder lightly.
"Cat. Cat. Catherine." I immediately stopped zoning out when I heard my full name. I looked up.
"Yes Ciel?" I asked still dazed in the music. He leaned forward and whispered in my ear.
"They are going to present us, in just a moment. Stay calm and smile." He instructed.
"Are you going to smile as well?" I asked cheekily. He clipped my cheek playfully with his thumb.
"No, you cheeky little monkey." I smiled, when they finally noticed we were here. A page ran up and asked us our names. Ciel went back into the solemn mode that he was always in in public. "Catherine Phantomhive, and her escort Lord Ciel Phantomhive. The young lady's tutor Sebastian Michalleis is already here." They announced our names loud enough to the point that I would want to cover my ears, but in good nature I didn't. No doubt in my mind that Sebastian would scold me if I did. We promenaded down the grand stairway, everyone at the party silent and watching us.
"Did I do something wrong?" I asked Ciel under my breath and just loud enough that only he could hear me. "Why are they all staring?"
"They aren't staring they are just acknowledging our presence." He whispered back into my ear.
"Well I don't see why they have to do it so rudely." I commented quietly to myself. Finally we made it to the bottom of the stairway. Sebastian then took control of my wheelchair.
"So which one is the suspect?" I asked, whispering, and craning my neck to get a look at the tall raven haired man.
"Her, in the pink dress." he turned his face in her general direction. "Don't stare." He chided me. I cast my eyes downward.
"Sorry Sebastian."
"It's okay Cat," he stroked my cheek smiling. " would you like something to drink?" he gestured to one of the many servers.
"Yes please." I nodded smiling. He grabbed two glasses of lemonade handing one to me and lifting his in a toast I did the same and we both drank. I don't know why but several minutes later, he was called away and instructed me not to move, as if I could navigate my way through all the people. Sonner or later I felt a hand on my shoulder, thinking it was Sebastian I looked up smiling. "Your back…wait your not Sebastian." The man, who was not Sebastian, was tall and very blond. He wore a white suit with ruffles around the collar and had a ruby in the middle to keep it in place.
"What a lovely robin you are." He smiled and kissed my hand. A shiver ran down my spine. "So little robin, are you enjoying your evening?" According to decorum I was supposed to smile and nod. That is precisely what I did. "Wonderful!" the creepy man exclaimed. I was about to excuse myself and wheel off when there was a great commotion as the sound of wretching echoed through the hall, and all the music stopped. That wonderful piano player was choking and sputtering, coughing up water, as if he was drowning on dry land. Finally the man died. The witch had struck again. Now I was more desperate than ever to find Sebastian. I began to wheel my way through the crowd, when I was jerked back by a strong hand.
"Where do you think you're going?" the man from earlier asked me. "I am not finished with you." Somehow the man managed to get me to a secluded part of the house, he stroked my face, but not in the gentle caring way that Sebastian had. No his way was hungry, vicious like a façade he was putting on to appear sweet and gentle. I bit his thumb and he jerked back. Self satisfaction! I thought. I was quite pleased with the fact that I drew blood.
"You little bitch!" He exclaimed smacking me across the face with the back of his hand.
"Go to hell!" I retorted. "What the fuck do you want with me anyways?"
"Feisty aren't you? But don't worry, I can break you with time I'm sure." He responded chuckling evilly to himself not answering my question. He pinned my arm behind my back and tied it in a way that I couldn't get the dagger out. "Let's try it again." This time he tried to bend down and kiss me. Lucky for me my legs weren't tied, because I got him with my high heeled boots right in his soft spot.
"HELP!" I cried, "somebody please help!" I continued to yell at the top of my lungs. Okay now I was starting to feel like a dumbass in distress. The man recovered faster than I thought he would, and returned with no response, only to yank my hair back, and slap me again. I felt a trickle of blood go down my cheek.
"I'll stop hurting you if you just stop resisting." He whispered devilishly into my ear, I was crying now. "Besides, who wouldn't want to be loved by me?" just as he was about to launch another attack on me Sebastian appeared in the doorway.
"Druitt!" he exclaimed angrily rushing toward him. "Back away from my little girl!" somehow Sebastian managed to yell and whisper at the same time, his red eyes flashing bright and growing more than dangerous, deadly. Sebastian rushed at him, cracking the back of Druitt's skull before he even had a chance to cry out. Druitt lay there unmoving in a pool of his own blood. I was still crying, now trying to hide it from Sebastian, but failing. He came and scooped me up into his arms. He pet my hair and cooed into my ear, "Shhhh, shhhh, you're okay, you're going to be okay, I'm here now." He hugged me tight as I continued to sob into his black jacket. "Nothing's going to happen to you now that I'm here." He abandoned my wheelchair, choosing instead to carry me to the carriage. He arranged another footman to drive us home, as he wasn't going to let go of me anytime soon. He rocked me in his arms, still trying to convince me that I was okay. Eventually my loud sobs, quieted into regular crying, and eventually a few tears, and then just to sniffles. Finally we got to the manor, and he carried me upstairs, undressed me and put me to bed, my body flopping in his arms like a rag doll.
"Thank you Sebastian." I whispered weakly, as he tucked the covers around my chin.
"There isn't a reason for you to thank me, I should have stayed with you the whole time to make sure that nothing was going to happen to you." He replied in a voice full of regret. "Now you need to go to bed." And I did just that. It had been a long day, and I fell into a blissful and very much needed sleep, with Sebastian right next to me.
The next morning I awoke feeling much better, still weak but better. Of course I would never be able to forget what happened the night before. No, it was likely that that would stay with me like a scar forever. I attempted to get out of bed only to have Sebastian tell me to 'Get back in bed right now young lady!' turns out he had never left and spent the whole night with me. He had food and told me that today I was to spend the entire day in bed getting my strength back. My arms were very weak, so Sebastian forced me to eat while he fed me. I don't think that I'll ever be able to live that down. After finishing breakfast he leaned back a bit in his chair. "I do believe that normally, you would have gotten a spanking for disobeying me," I winced, knowing too well that a spanking never was a promising feature to a day. "However, I think that I can make an exception in your case." I smiled and Sebastian hugged me tightly against his chest. "Just never do that again." He whispered. I could feel him breathing as he pressed a kiss onto the top of my head.
