Midnight Truths
The personal estate of the lord of Demeter lies quietly on a mountain in the mist. The city sits sleepily, dew sprinkling lush grass. Black feathers trail a clear dirt road, rising to the gate and slipping through undetected. A black crow emerges from the shadows, a silent caw to the morning approaching. Soaring up the large mansion the crow alights upon a cracked window, black curtains swaying...
Entering in silently the crow hops upon the nightstand, watching a face framed with forest green hair sleeping peacefully. The sleeping man wrinkles his nose, a scent, startling him awake. Quickly the lord of Demeter leaped from his bed in alarm, the crow remaining unmoved.
"What is this?" Bast whispered quietly
The crow seemed unperturbed and turned to him a crimson eye "Use your nose, Bast, are you a demon or a human?" A slightly pleased voice responded
The lord of Demeter blinked "Ah..." A twitch of the nose sends eyes wide with recognition.
"You're Sebastian..." He said quietly, moving towards the crow
The crow nodded, looking around the shadowed room.
"Where is my master?" he asked
The lord of Demeter smiled softly "He's not here Sebastian, he left several days ago."
Sebastian's wings twitched, A quiet shadow building behind him.
"And...Why did you let him leave?" Sebastian asked quietly, angrily
Bast frowned..."What was I to do, Sebastian? Force him to stay, give orders to Ciel Phantomhive?" He said pained "He wouldn't...even when I..." The lord of Demeter trailed off, as if emotionally bothered by something
The shadow ebbed and the crow's eyes softened. "Its fine...my master, ever the ever the cruel." He remarked
"If you're looking for him, I dropped him off in the only place I could leave him without risking detection...the swamp lands of Xen." he added quietly, reaching in the nightstand for a map.
The crow ruffled its feathers "What kind of place is it."
"Xen is a powerfully enchanted swamp land, I haven't explored much of it-
The lord of Demeter quiets again when he sees the rising shadows of the crow once more.
"Sebastian, I don't see your reason for agitation...Would you have had me subject him to possible ambush by going directly to Luze?" He hissed growing agitated "I've been taking care of him...you were nowhere around...I've been protecting him." The demon lord said, a slight swell to his chest as the words filled him with affection and pride.
The shadows ebb completely and a silence between the two sits. The calm demeanor of the lord of Demeter is gone. The crow looks, unmoved, but attentive.
"I care for him...he's just a soul to you, so don't give that caring butler act to me...I don't want to hear it...Advear or not, I will come for Ciel Phantomhive...one day...I swear it." The lord said quietly
"I've given you a map to find him...Now leave..."
The crow watches tentatively, showing no reaction as the quiet soft light of the Underworlds sun rises. The crow sighed, as if about to begin something troublesome "Ciel, Ciel Phantomhive... He is beautiful, delicate and strong...is it not so?" The crow began
"He sweeps others away in an alluring dream of inspiration and awe...but that is all it is... A dream." The crow bites off "An illusion conjured by a child so pained, that even a demon is compelled to affection..."
"Sebastian-
"Have you seen him in the pits of despair? Do you even know the color of his blood? You know nothing."The demon whispered quietly, angrily, sending the lord of Demeter's eyes blazing in fury.
"What would you know of the brand on his skin, the smell of his burning flesh, of vomit, cascading the air?" he continued
Bast's eyes widened
"Or of trembling fingers bloodied from beating a rusty cage…" he recited from memory
Tears spilled from the Lord of Demeter's eyes as fists clenched tight shook in anger.
"You want to be there for him...but I tell you...you are already too late." The crow chimed
"Because in that pit of despair...he called for me...and only I... only I answered..."
The lord of Demeter looked down in pain, emotions flashing across conflicted light green eyes. He looked to the crow watching him and down to the floor in hurt, in shame, in frustration.
"Until you have seen that fragile soul, gripping to you as its only lifeline, until you have heard the screams of terror at night, fed his malnourished form, bandaged the torn skin-
"Enough... Bast whispered pleadingly "Please..."
The lord of Demeter sits on the edge of his bed, head in slender hands and cries softly, the large form wracked with silent sobs.
Sebastian sighed "Until you have seen Ciel Phantomhive in his purest form...do not say that you are coming for him, that you want him...You only want the magic, the charm of him...I want him as he is...I have always, always wanted him as he is."
The lord of Demeter sighed silently, gaining control over his emotions enough to look at the crow with red cheeks "What can I do? I want to- so much to-
"Nothing..." The crow replied
"Nothing-?
"That's right...My lord does as he pleases so if you want to be of use to him then it will be on his terms and at his time, just make sure when the time comes you are there for him...It will come when you least expect it, but if you support him in that hectic hour, you will forever be a valued peice to him." Sebastian replied
"If you try to shield him from everything he'll just slip through your fingers and hurt you...you should know that." The crow added, giving a knowing look
Bast nodded, still frowning in unhappiness
"Cheer up...I think you'll be pleased to know that my master is fond of you."
"Sebastian." Bast started
"It's true." he added, flying to the window's ledge again
The lord of Demeter and Sebastian shared one final look before the crow took off to the sky.
A gentle call rides the wind, leaving the lord of Demeter with a final message of comfort.
"No matter how far he goes or how lost he is, I will always find him..."
Prelude to a Coup
In a city dark and lavish, an unpleasant air hangs over a building bearing a pristine emblem. Inside, the room lies in shadows, a soft candle ominously casting shadows in hunched positions against the walls.
The soft clink of glasses and the scent of perfume grace the air in a misty haze. Feline eyes stare out from a head of royal blue locks, engaged in a close dialogue with a much shorter one of the same color and features. The two sit in a corner of the dark room, black cloaks revealing only the barest of facial features. Shadows swarm towards the two sinuously, engaging the older man, the younger toying with a fine cigar.
The shadowed exchange carries on and the shadows leave, causing the two to lean in and dialogue amongst themselves. From across the room a pair of unnatural eyes watch them, glowing from the shadows like lighthouses. The older man flashes a feline gaze and the watching eyes disappear only to phase right in front of the younger cloaked figure. The wind blows the candle out, amidst the pounding rain and lightning, a shining object sends the room into a frenzy, anxious growls and hisses scatter the shadows in high speed. A cry of annoyance and alarm rings out, sounding human, and in response a powerful gust blasts through the dark clothing the room.
Luminescent green eyes open wide and huge in the pitch black room...An arena of illusions...The sounds of struggle and fear, sweat and perseverance create a cadence in the hall until a sharp ring hits the air...The windows burst, bathing the room in red stained glass pieces and pounding rain. Thunder claps and a streak of lightening reveal a hall torn to pieces, the signs of escape and battle, evident. A man in an all-black suit bearing a silver imposing scythe looks out with feline green eyes in pleasure, a black top hat emitting shadowy protrusions like a rabbits ears. The scythe drips blood to the floor in a silk stream, a pink tongue licks white fangs leisurely.
Out front, a pair of royal blue heels tram down dirty cobble stoned streets, a small black cloak whipping the air in high speed after a brown cloaked individual. Making a series of lefts and rights the young boy picks up speed, anger and determination lighting blue eyes amidst the storm. Reaching the brown cloak the young boy leaps onto the being, sending them both crashing down to the hard ground, smearing the pursuer's face into dirty puddles.
The young boy holds him there, the brown cloaked man struggling to raise his head from the deep puddle. After moments of thrashing the young boy hoists the man up roughly, despite his size and slams him into the wall. A man with goblin like features stares terrified at the young lord with piercing eyes like sapphire...
"I hear you have some info I'd be interested in..." The young man snarled, annoyed and out of breath. A quick movement and a small wad of strange bills are stuffed violently into the trembling goblin's mouth. "I'll pay you." the youth says with a wicked smirk.
Returning to the building, drenched in rain and shadows a man with amber eyes and a dark cloak comes walking out calmly, the sign of the demonic being and the scents and sounds of death, gone. Standing amidst the deluge, the man waits until a small black cloak comes into view with a larger person in toe. Reaching the man the two exchange looks and he takes the capture by the cloak after a thorough binding, pulling him the rest of the way.
Turning several corners leads the two to a black carriage, strange creatures snorting puffs of smoke out front. The carriage door opens and the three get in, a silent signal sending them trotting down various roads and stops. The cloaks stay up on all parties, rain wetting the red cushioned seats. The carriage pulls up to a black stone inn with boulders blocking the windows. The larger cloaked man gingerly lifts the smaller boy and snatches the goblin, money still stuffed in mouth, by the throat collar.
Entering silently into the top floor of the building, a soft lamp illuminates the whole room, a fire slowly coming to life. Though the building appears abandoned large red wine carpets and soft arm chairs litter the room with a desk and small futon. The goblin is thrown to the carpet roughly by the larger man and the two remove their cloaks.
Methodically they go about the room, the older one drying and tending to the younger and afterwards tending to himself. At the end of it all, two chairs are pulled up to the bound, gagged and blind folded goblin who is warmed by the red brick fireplace and a tray of dainty dishes are placed in front of the blue eyed youth.
Ciel nods silently, bidding Kyo to remove the restraints.
The demon removes the blindfold to see wild golden eyes looking from a haggard face and patches of white hair scattered on an uneven head. Ciel sips from a crystal glass tea cup, an amber liquid glittering softly. Placing it down he addresses his captive.
"I am Ciel Phantomhive...and this is my servant Kyo..."
"I have brought you here because I have questions that need to be answered...If you answer them, you can leave unscathed and well tended...If you cannot, you're of no use to me and your life will be forfeit...Understood?" Ciel said graciously
The man looked to the finely dressed youth and then at the man sitting quietly next to him, the older man grinned. He looks back at the younger and nods.
With that the wad of bills are removed, allowing the being to speak. A quick movement from Kyo has a simple wooden chair under the cloaked being, ready to be questioned.
"I hear you are in the employ of the Marldo Family...Is this true?" Ciel asked calmly
The man nodded.
"What do they offer to the aristocracy of Lavre? I hear they are in quite a bit of trouble..." The young lord started
Again the goblin nodded, drawing an impatient look from Ciel "I'm going to need you to do more than agree with me." Ciel snapped
The goblin looked in fear and swallowed.
"I am in the employ of the Marldo Family, I am the personal advisor over mining operations...I am Fedlan." A proper voice recites quietly
The young lord takes in the appearance of his captive once more.
"Why would someone who seems to possess half a brain be skulking in the slums of Lavre?" Ciel asked
The capture smiled wistfully "It was an order, young sir, from the head of Marldo Family...I was to go into hiding...for the safety of the family and to save it." He replied
"Go on." Ciel pushed
"In the city of Lavre, It's precious metals hail from caverns deep in the Underworlds, some come from caverns that connect to the Upperworld as well. The Marldo Family has for years supplied the land with every precious jewel and metal that can be found...An organization of the most skilled procurers have mined these caverns meticulously, carefully, to ensure the the highest quality and to keep the balance between the two worlds, so close in the caverns, from being breached." He started, coughing in between his response.
Ciel raises a hand for him to stop, placing the other gently on his older companion, in a few moments the man rose, bringing a hot mug with him after retreating to a back room and an old wool blanket. In short order the man was warm and sipping gingerly from a steaming cup. Placing it to the side he began with more gusto, life returning to soft gold eyes.
"For years we have thwarted the schemes of the royal families who would like to take over our livelyhood...They want the routes and keys to the underground caverns that hold treasure and an unsealed gate, to the human world."
"Don't you have the protection of Norst? Your high lord?" Ciel asked quietly, gaining a curious look
"No, young sir, Lord Norst is the master of this realm, but he does not interfere with the affairs of his city...We are a city of small lords with small families that each have a specific contribution to the wealth and function of the city." The man replied "For many years the Marldo Family has pushed away the attacks of the families and kept tight watch on who we allow into our confidence..."
"The head of Marldo family is now very old, family members have been disappearing, beginning with his granddaughters and threats have been sent to the home daily...The masters family should be supporting him but their loyalties have been corrupted, they say we should sell secrets we've kept for generations...to the highest bidder!"
The young lord's tea cup rattles with force of the pained man's recounting, settling into a strained silence.
"The Marldo Family will be directly attacked soon, I fear. No one in Lavre will help us for the royal families have banded together...We can no longer mine in safety, which means funds are running low and the state of health of the master is deteriorating rapidly. Only a small group of family with limited power remains to keep him safe but even they are breaking one by one."
Ciel held a hand up once more, another glass of glittering liquid poured by his companion. "And where do you fit into all of this...Why have they put you into hiding?" he asked
"I am the only one aside from lord Marldo who knows the exact locations of the underground caverns and the routes and keys to unlocking them...I had a team of minor earth spirits at my command and once the materials were extracted and sent above ground to a location far from the caverns, a team of workers would continue the work...The spirits were captured and corrupted...it is not in their nature to lie and so their fate was sealed...The rest under my command were murdered...My friends..."
A lone tear falls from the old demon's face, carrying the weight of grief.
"They will come for lord Marldo and he will be tortured and killed, false memories have been implanted…only I know the secret places of the earth...The opposition want me dead, the fact that I am alive is the only reason my lord remains hopeful, remains confident to resist him...and why they have not murdered him sooner."
Ciel remained quiet after the man spoke, eyes closed in quiet contemplation; Clear with an idea, Ciel addressed the being calmly.
"It seems you are indeed in a mess of things...Marldo family has the potential to be powerful because of its necessity to other royals and yet because of its neglect at ensuring political favor, power, and only focusing on its supply, its unprepared to handle the onslaught of the quick and the power hungry." Ciel began
"What you need is someone to protect you from the wolves that surround you and help you restore your family's strength...In fact, I think it has the potential to become better than it's ever been..." Ciel trailed off with a grin, the man looking at him strangely
"What are you saying, young sir? That you can provide that? A mere child?" The capture asked in disbelief
The young lord bristled at the word child, he hadn't heard himself be called that in years but yes, it still bothered him. Swallowing the retort sure to come from his mouth he sipped from honey once more and calmly addressed the man.
"Yes, I can and WILL provide protection for the family you serve..." Ciel replied
"But how!?" The man exclaimed "This isn't a game, there's...there's a demon lord involved..." The man whispered fearfully
Ciel's ears perked "A demon lord has a hand in this? Who." Ciel demanded, anger boiling at the idea of one of the 7 lords interfering with his plans again.
"I think his name is...Merdock...Merdock Enconzic...Lord of the House of Nine." he finished
A teacup shatters, crystal pieces spraying the floor with honey pattering softly behind. Kyo rises in alarm, quickly picking up the pieces and wiping the spill, looking at his master searchingly, a hand is placed on the young lord's shoulder and Kyo shivers, quickly turning away from the guest to hide shining eyes. Ciel looks behind him at his alter self and grins before turning back to the man who looks on confused.
"You and I share the same nuisance, Fedlan...I am telling you I have the power to protect you...I can have you all in safe order and make it so that you may begin mining operations and sales in just a short time." Ciel says confidently
The man's eyes widen, half in disbelief, half in hope "Do you have any idea what you're saying?"
Ciel interrupted "I mean every word...I will do this...However, there is a price..."
The man's face went ashen and pale, he swallowed, unsure of what would come..."We don't have much money...We already-
The man is silenced by a gentle smile "I'm not going to take a single thing from you Fedlan." He replied softly
"Th-then?"
"What I want is for you to put me in charge of the family business...Let me make the Marldo family reach the height of its potential under my direction...At the end of this you won't have to worry about losing your money and you will have gained something more valuable than money...Power." Ciel said confidently, piercing the man directly
Fedlan sits down bewildered "And...And what makes you think you can guarantee our safety?"
Ciel smiled, capricious, coy..."Because I am the future ruler of this city...and you will be the first move I make on this board." he finished cryptically
The being known as Fedlan watched the young man for several moments before walking up to his seat. The man bows deeply "If you can do that, you have the honor and allegiance of the Marldo Family...Now and forever."
Ciel inclines his head curtly, acknowledging the man's admission. The gears turning in Ciel's mind, he scratches out a list of things on rich parchment, scrutinizing the penmanship and folding it back into a small leather notebook. Motioning for his companion, Kyo leans in to hear the quiet instructions of his master self.
Kyo was thoroughly pleased with his little phantom, Ciel had managed to sort through the data he collected and find the leads he needed to begin taking over. Bringing a brown sack to the young lord Kyo watched as he pulled a shimmering bowl from the bag and placed it in the center of a polished wooden table.
Ciel blows over the empty dish, causing a translucent puddle of water sloshing to the top. The surface of the water turns black.
"State the entity you wish to speak with."
"Lord of the House of Mage, Demon lord to the city Demeter...Bast." Ciel responded
There is a pause.
"Demon lords may not be contacted by beings without lordship titles..."
Ciel sighed
"Tell Bast that it is Ciel Phantomhive...Tell him that the first born is calling him in regards to Nightmare." He finished patiently
Ciel knew that there were keywords that could be spoken to the link that were put on the demon lord's list of high alert topics...he would get the response he was looking for with just those three words.
..."I understand...Please wait a moment..."
...
"The message has been delivered to the House of Mage...A reply has been issued..."What is the title of my key?"
Ciel smiled, how could he forget? "1st Realm of the Underworlds...Lucifer's Dream." He recited
A shimmering light lit up the reflector, slowly ebbing to reveal a large bedroom clothed in soft morning light, a mess of green hair and sleepy eyes looking out groggily. Ciel smirked "Good morning Bast...sleep in late?" Ciel joked
"Huh? Oh...yes Ciel, I had a long night...A crow came and-
"Ciel?!-
The young lord moved back to shield his ears from the jubilant shriek, the lord of Demeter leaped up and quickly ruffled his bed head, moving into the light.
"Ciel...I'm shocked, to think you'd contact so soon...Hey, when did you get a reflector?" Bast asked
Ciel smirked
"Taking things from demon lords isn't cute at all Ciel." Bast remarked in mock upset, smiling gently.
The lord of Demeter looked closely at the scene behind the young lord, returning to look knowingly at the young boy.
"You're already in something again, aren't you?" He said solemnly
Ciel sighed "I am, look, I need you to do me a favor."
"You know the Lord of Demeter?" A wistful voice chimed
"Yes, he's an acquaintance of mine...A close friend." Ciel remarked, turning back to Bast's curious eyes.
Bast remembered what Sebastian had told him and he knew that no matter how deep Ciel had gotten into trouble wherever he was, that he would do whatever he asked of him because he cared for him...He would do anything...As Sebastian had put it...He loved him...and Bast did, he did love Ciel...
But he wouldn't just be left in the dark...He would play hard ball too, If only to calm his mind, he had to know what was going on and since the little lord needed his favor, he would use that to get what he wanted too.
Bast smiled softly "You know I would do anything for you, Ciel, don't you?" Bast asked casually
The young lord seemed startled by the blunt admission but turned pensive "Yes, I have considered that, your behavior is too intense otherwise, so there could only be one explanation...I have your heart strings in some way...Still, what has that to do with now? I have called you out of necessity…not to be spoiled." Ciel replied in business fashion
Bast bristled at the way his affections were brushed aside but plowed ahead. "You have need of me, Ciel...but today, if only today, you're going to have to pay up...I want to know everything you've got going on right now and don't spare me any details."
The young lord's eyes looked searchingly into the summer green before him and a soft chuckle escaped his lips. "Ah, Alright Bast...It might be easier for my plans anyway if I tell you...only you, everything."
Ciel disappears into the back room with the reflector, leaving Kyo and Fedlan to twiddle their thumbs or strike up an awkward conversation. The two decide on neither and Fedlan curls by the fire, falling asleep amidst soft wool covers and Kyo transforms into a black rabbit, hopping to Ciel's seat and cozying up to the left over warmth.
In the room Ciel told Bast everything from the very beginning, he told of his detriment in Xen and of his discovery of the Phantom Rabbit, he told of the battle and of his new found plan and of this current development. As expected the conversation was riddled with questions and exclamations, apologies in some areas, admonitions in others. When the retelling had ended Ciel had to marvel at all the nonsense he had managed to get himself into and out of...He truly needed some kind of vacation...Maybe the angels could-
"Ciel! Are you even listening?"
Ciel is startled from his thoughts and welcomed back to Bast's fussing. "Sorry Bast, I didn't hear you over your nagging." he snapped lightly
Bast humphed "Well, I was saying that you are on a fool's errand but I am glad you told me everything...You know I will help you in any way that I can."
Ciel smiled "Thank you Bast, You've helped me so much."
The lord of Demeter relishes in the small but warm smile and turns away with flushed cheeks. "It's fine...I've decided I want you to use me, so it's okay."
Ciel laughed "As you please."
The call extends a few minutes more, the two exchanging pleasantries with the other. Bast decided he wouldn't tell Ciel that Sebastian was coming. After all, he was focusing on something big it seemed and he needn't worry about that capable crow. Ciel decided he would tell Bast only enough to say what he needed, the part about him taking over Norst's realm was left out, after all, he didn't think Bast would approve of it, for whatever reason the lord of Demeter wanted the seals to be found as soon as possible and every other thing left alone.
In the other room Kyo and the guest lie sleeping peacefully, the young lord walked quietly, leaning over to bid the man rise. Sleepy eyes look around groggily and the man stands, facing the reflector put in front of him. At the sight of two summer green eyes Fedlan snaps to attention and bows deeply. "It is an honor, my high lord." he said curtly, bowing graciously
The lord of Demeter smiled, The epitome of relaxed royalty and kindness.
"Rise, our friends are the same." he said, bidding Fedlan to stand.
"Your situation has not fallen on deaf ears and I would like to inform you that the 7 houses do not engage in shameful acts such as the one you've been plagued with under the Lord of the House of Nine." he began
"Because a fellow lord is involved it is my right to act according to our laws...and at the persuasion of a precious friend." he added
" I, Bastarius Albine, Lord of the House of Mage, grant you asylum in the kingdom of Demeter. I will send a guard to take as many of your master's family as would come, where they shall have secured accommodation on my own estate...Do you accept this invitation?" Bast finished
The demon known as Fedlan crouched low.
"I do accept, on behalf of Marldo family, I do accept his lordship's invitation."
The lord of Demeter smiled "Very good then, it's all been set, return to your master's side and bid the family to prepare."
"Thank you." Fedlan replied graciously
Ciel looked at Bast evenly "Will you be okay with the other lords for doing this?" he asked softly, removing the reflector to a corner of the room.
Bast nodded "I'll be fine, Merdock broke the rules, and he's interfering in things that have nothing to do with him." he growled, eyes glowing slightly
"Aren't you much angrier at the fact that he attacked a place I was in?" Ciel said jokingly
A sharp cough gives way to a relaxed chuckle "That's a big part of it Ciel, nothing gets past you."
"I'm still concerned." Ciel said "From what I remember you're the youngest lord, right?" Ciel asked
Bast bristled at the statement but replied "I am, but the land I govern is just as old as the others...Besides, although their always running off at the fangs about nothing, they wouldn't dare attack me." he says smiling too kindly for it to be sincere.
"And why is that?" Ciel asked, hoping his admission would give rise to why such a kind person bears the title of Lucifer's Dream.
"Well, because I control the food...Demon lords very rarely consume souls, To actually satiate our appetites, we'd have to eat a hundred humans at once...and that kind of eating could get us into trouble. So the darkness of the land's food sustains us and we indulge in a soul or two of the highest quality every so often, powerfully dark humans...If however, the land that supplies the food is blocked off...
"They would starve to death." Ciel finished
Bast nodded "And all of their subjects with them...what kind of realm are you running without any people in it to serve you? Even the strongest of demons can't fight on an empty stomach." Bast laughed
Ciel smirked "That's a bit cruel of you Bast, perhaps I misjudged you...You are a demon after all."
The two laughed, exchanging goodbyes before the link closed and the translucent slosh disappeared into the bowl once again.
Ciel came to the center of the large study and watched as Fedlan scratched out notes on a piece of paper. Kyo finally opens two dark blue eyes, hopping into the air and landing in human form, stretching with a yawn.
"Did you get everything done?" He asked, walking over to the young lord.
Ciel nodded, looking out the window bearing two blue moons. Kyo placed a hand gently onto his shoulder, learning of the events that transpired while he slept. Leaning in he wrapped his arms around his master self, nuzzling him gently. Grinning with pearl white fangs Kyo leans in, licking Ciel's neck leisurely. The youth yelps, knocking the offender on the head.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Ciel barked, fuming at the antics of his demon counterpart. The youth is stopped short by glowing feline eyes and a smirk "You…" he starts
The phantom rabbit smiled "You truly are amazing…even though you're just a baby." He coos, quickly grabbing hold of Ciel again.
Ciel flushes in anger and squirms out of his grasp. "There you go again you dummy! And I was going to be nice to you tonight…but you've gone and ruined it." he hissed, hitting the man with the hard leather book.
The phantom dodges, a pleased smile still present, amber eyes returning "Missed." He chirped, sending the young lord charging after him. The two run around the stone lodge, annoyance and thoughts of retribution giving way to mischief. Ciel didn't realize he was playing, Kyo watched as the eyes of his master-self grew light and he ran with less determination and more abandon.
Kyo didn't comment on what he felt coming off of the young lord when he touched him but he knew how to get rid of it. Ciel wasn't as strong as others made him out to be…he was truly a little bird…Ciel was building tension and it would make him sick…Kyo knew the only way to rid him of that would be to take his mind from it, give him an outlet…after all, youth were full of energy and not having a proper release would lead to all sorts of trouble.
Kyo closed his eyes, sending his awareness to lightly brush the skin of his companion….Heart rate: accelerated, blood flow: normal, muscle tension: minor, lung capacity…
Kyo stopped running and waited, his analysis of his master self, ending at the lungs…Ciel barked as the sudden halt caused him to crash into his alter only to be caught before falling over. Kyo fixed Ciel with serious look, shocking him.
"What?" Ciel asked, still coming off the high of running around, breathing heavily, and cheeks flushed.
"Your lung capacity is abnormal…you're panting but…oxygen is low…and getting lower…let's stop this…until I can figure out what's wrong." Kyo said seriously, gingerly lifting the heavily breathing youth just as he was about to collapse. Ciel's vision grew blurry as he let himself be lifted and carried up the stone stair maze they made their playground.
"I-I have something called asthma, Kyo…I-I guess even now, I-
He paused, taking in slow controlled breaths. Kyo looked in concern at his little self, keeping an eye on the lung contractions and the intake of air. If it got too low he would have to go back inside of Ciel and take over the functioning of his respiratory system.
"That's not it…that's not what's wrong." Kyo said seriously, giving Ciel a strange look.
"How, how did you…" Ciel began as they moved to the large lavish room that was their home.
When they returned, the demon named Fedlan was no longer there, the wool blanket folded neatly and a cup left empty. On top of the blanket lie a folded peice of parchment, the two figured that the man had gone to alert his master's family of the news and to assist in their recovery and Ciel would read it later, since there were more pressing issues at the moment.
Kyo placed Ciel on the plush dark blankets and methodically undressed him. "When I touch you…I can feel your bodily functions…your blood flow, the contraction of your muscles…whether you're hungry or not…I can even read the pulses and currents in your brain that process thought and emotion…I feed them into my own mind on a loop and though they would just be a series of electrical pulses to someone else, to me they are a maze of information…A doorway into your thoughts and emotions, even before you realize you're going to feel them…" Kyo said quietly, slipping on a black pair of silk pants and shirt over the boy.
Ciel sits there quietly, his body trembling a little.
"I-I'm not human…so how…
"I already told you, that's not what's wrong with you." Kyo added
Ciel's eyes widen as a wine glass shimmering with a ruby red liquid is brought before him…Kyo watches Ciel carefully, as if looking for a reaction…Ciel's throat goes dry and he gasps, air seeming to elude him all at once. Kyo quickly removes the glass and hoists Ciel into his arms, placing his mouth over Ciel's and breathing into him deeply. A feeling of cool darkness floods his lungs and he relaxes only a little, panting and sweating. He feels his muscles tensing and his stomach growls.
"Kyo…I'm really hungry, some food, some…
Kyo leans in, his eyes glowing…"I can't feed you anymore, little phantom…and honey won't do…Do you know what's happening to you?"
Ciel watches Kyo with wide eyes as his own teeth grow sharp and long, cutting his mouth. Blood trickles down his mouth and he reaches his tongue out to lick it, it's like cream…it smells sweet and its spicy…its warm and inviting…
"I want it…this…this…"
Ciel is shocked out of his reverie; by a glowing gaze…Kyo looks at him, eyes full of unknown thoughts.
"The time for honey and milk is over…it's time to eat…real food, the food of a demon…"
Ciel jumps back, leaping from the man's arms in shock and knocking over the wine glass. The scent shocks him and he gasps again, his throat on fire, his lungs refusing to take in air. Ciel falls to the ground, throwing to the side a table in frustration. Was what Kyo said true? Was this a reaction to a need for blood?
He was a demon…but…but…An over powering feeling filled the youth and he stood up erect, muscles tight and eyes shining. Looking to Kyo who seemed to be waiting for something, Ciel took a finger and slid it over the spilled liquid…He was enraptured.
He reached a finger towards his mouth and shivered as the faintest drop touched his tongue. "Kyo…this stuff…its lovely, isn't it?" Ciel cooed, flicking his tongue over his blood covered finger and caressing his fangs with it.
Kyo bit his lip, shaking in pleasure, but remaining still. "Yes…yes it is…" He said, taking steps towards his master self.
Ciel allowed himself to be picked up and held by the phantom demon, leaning in to his neck.
"I smell fear…chaos…something wanting to be good to me…" Ciel cooed, biting lightly on his companion's neck, like a child teething…or practicing…
Kyo shivered, he would have to keep his wits about him, this would be his little phantom's first time and honestly, the pleasure he would feel from it would be mind boggling…He would make sure he did his best, even as he was almost mad with hunger himself…
"Are you ready? Little phantom." Kyo breathed deeply, opening the large window pouring in moonlight and stepping onto the ledge…
Ciel nodded, senses still dazed by his first taste of blood.
"Okay then…" Kyo said, leaping into the air…
"It's time to hunt…"