Ai-chan: Yahoo! People (pronounces as Pipol)!
Ciel: Pipol? What kind of English is that?
Ai-chan: It means people silly. It's more or less… slang…
Ciel: Whatever… *mumbles* weirdo…
Ai-chan: Shut up shortie!
*Ciel & Ai-chan started fighting*
Mai: *sighs* let's ignore them and read the next chappie…
Normal – English
Italic – Thoughts
Bold – Japanese
Mai's POV
I skipped on the sidewalk as Sebastian followed me quietly. We went shopping for some winter clothes as I didn't have any. "Mai, stop skipping. Knowing you, you'll trip soon," Sebastian warned and as if on cue I tripped. "Wha-?!" I braced my arms and shut my eyes shut while waiting for the impact. However, no pain came and I took a peek. Staring down at me with his red orbs, Sebastian shook his head. "You are really a klutz… You're not like that before…" he commented as he walks while carrying me princess style.
"Why you?! Place me down!" I commanded. "And you'll trip again," he stated nonchalantly. I tched and shifted into a more comfortable position. Thank God that there aren't much people at night… "Hey, Sebastian… How did you become a butler?" I enquired. "I don't want to talk about it," he replied curtly. "You won't?" I questioned with teary eyes and quivering lips. He sighed and asked me," Why do you want to know?"
"Well, you ARE the one who used to be a klutz and also you cooking is really bad before plus I'm curious," I replied. "But that was way before, Mai. Of course I change while you're in the future…" he said. That makes me homesick again as I immediately became quiet and decided to look at the snow. While we are about to approach a bridge, I saw the silhouette of a man but it quickly vanished. What the-? Maybe it's just my imagination… As we pass the bridge, I saw a glint in the snow and jump off Sebastian's arm.
"Wha…. It's a ring!" I stare at the gem with light and dark blue swirling inside. Similar to Naru's eyes… I miss him… I pocketed the ring and skipped the rest of the way back to the mansion. Sebastian shook his head and sighs from time to time for some unknown reason. Unknown to us, the figure that I thought I had imagined is staring back at us.
THE NEXT DAY
We went to the town and noticed that everyone is all content. People sold lots of things here and there. "Frost Fair is an appropriate name…" Sebastian noted. "Yes, I'm told that this is the first frost fair on this scale to be held on the frozen Thames at the foot of the London Bridge since 1814," Ciel agreed. "But still… it's cold…" I mumbled. A red scarf caught my eye and I eye it sadly. "Mai stop standing there like an idiot and start walking!" Ciel ordered. "Why you-?! Stuck up, annoying, jerky brat!" I yelled. Well it's true that we became closer after that day when we tricked Sebastian but he is still annoying. He ignored and I followed them quietly after sighing. I fingered the ring I found last night. I stared at an Ark. "Young Lad! You have a good eye!" the vendor exclaimed. I smiled sheepishly and Ciel explained, "That's a fine piece from the Funtom Workshop. Though it is a fake one. Since our mansion burn down, even we no longer have one. So they certainly would not turn up here. They are very rare as only 3 sets are made…"
"Noah's Ark is like this nation itself. A boat led by a single skipper who only saved a selected few. It's an arrogant idea," Sebastian remarked. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw a man with auburn hair and blue eyes. "If a Scotland Yard inspector has time to frivol about here, I suppose there must be peace at London… for today," Ciel commented. "I'm not frivolling! I'm on duty!" the man denied. "Oh my… Well, Inspector… earn your wages in faithful service to Queen and country," Ciel replied and walk away with Sebastian. "Wait, I have some questions for you Ciel!" the Inspector yelled as he reach out to grab the Earl by his shoulder in order to stop him however Sebastian's hand just swiftly slap his away. "Excuse me but as you can see my master is quite fragile, I mean sensitive, so I'll have to ask you not to be so rash," Sebastian told the man. "If you wish to speak, let's go to somewhere quieter," Ciel suggested and left. I stroll beside the man and opened my mouth. "I apologize for their behavior…"
"Oh! It's okay young lady!' he waved it off. "Ara? So you found out that I'm a girl!" I said in amazement. "Well, your features are more feminine… May I ask your name?" he replied. "My name is Mai Taniyama. Nice to meet you," I introduce with a cheerful smile. "The pleasure is mine Miss Taniyama," he bowed. "Please just call me Mai. I'm not use to be called miss… Mister... I requested. "Fred, Fred Abberline. Please just call me Fred," he answered.
IN A CHINESE TENT
I sat beside Ciel who is currently sitting across Fred. I sipped my green tea as Ciel sipped his Chai. We are in a tent that sells some tea and I must admit that it's quite good. Sebastian stood outside like a bodyguard. Two plates of cookies are placed in front of the men. "Well?" Ciel questioned as he picked up a cookie. "What's a detective from the Yard doing here?"
"This morning, we found a man's corpse under the ice," the detective explained. A stare at my ring as I register the sentence into my head. An image of a man with black hair and purple eyes jumping into the river flashes for a second. He jumped? "What do you mean Mai?" Ciel enquired. "Eh? I said that aloud again… I don't know just an image of a man jumping flashes in my mind while I'm playing with my ring. He has black hair and purple eyes…" I replied.
"How do you know his looks?" Fred asked in astonishment. "I'm a psychic…" I replied. "Well back to the case. This man was a member or a criminal organization," Fred informed. "His death is caused by multiple deep slashes on his body. Right now, we're trying to look for his killer and the ring he stole. There's a blue diamond set in the ring that's supposedly worth two thousand quid."
"The diamond… the gemstone that gleams in eternal radiance. Legend has it that those bewitched by its sparkle are compelled to purse it even when they knew only destruction waits…" Lau said as he held a Chinese woman in his arms.
"Why do you know about the hope piece?" the inspector exclaimed. "Hope piece?" Ciel said, looking at Fred with a wide eye. "Wait… where have I heard that… Ah that hope piece or should I say the cursed gem?" I said, tilting my head to the right. "Lau, what are you doing here?" the young Earl asked. "This place is mine," Lau answered. "So you've never heard of the Hope diamond?" Ciel enquired.
"Nope." Ciel sighed and explained," Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette… It's known as a diabolical stone that's passed through the hands of many owners and driven all to ruin. After being stolen, the diamond was cut into smaller pieces in order to disguise it. They say that only 2 pieces exist and my ring is one of them. Is this what you're looking for?"
"Well, the explosives were used on the carriage which carries the evidence and it's stolen…" Fred said. Ciel leaned forward and said in interest, "Interesting… Give me details and I'll lend a hand…" I stare at Ciel and sighs. This thing is giving me bad feeling… And I'm usually right… Fred gasps which made the earl's face turned dark. "Obviously I won't force you though if you refuse… Sir Arthur might find himself in an extremely awkward position," Ciel threatened.
Normal POV
LATER
Mai: *stare in slight nervousness* it's this place again…
Ciel: This is the place? *uneasy*
Fred: *shrugs* yes, he says he set up this shop with the reason of lots of people freeze to death during frost fair…
Lau: My lord… could this shop be…
Mai: I bet my life that this is the Undertaker's… it's too obvious…
Fred: You all wait outside! You guys are lucky I let you accompany me at all.
Mai: *teary eyes and quivering lips* I-I c-can't enter?
Fred: *freeze then sighs* you can… Mai…
Mai: *brighten up* Yay! This will be interesting! *enters the tent with Fred* undertaker! Are you here?
Undertaker: *pops up behind Mai* you calling little hybrid? It seems that you have awakened!
Mai: GAH! Don't do that!
Fred: Sir, could you please tell us about Tim? Yesterday, he was found under layers of ice frozen with some deep wounds.
Undertaker: HAHAHAHAHAHA!
*The three outside enters*
Undertaker: *points a pale finger* you're amazing! You're in the wrong business! You could rule the world of comedy Hehehe!
Ciel: What did you do?
Fred: *shocked* I-I was just conversing… then he…
Ciel: *eye narrows* Abberline…you are a man to be feared…
Sebastian: It seems you are rather skilled Inspector…
Fred: I-I didn't…
Mai: *pats while giggling slightly* Hehehe… you sure is funny… don't worry about him… *glance at Undertaker* it seems that his mind is slightly… well you know…
Fred: *exasperated* but I-I didn't do a-anything!
Ciel: *clears his throat* enough of this. Tell me about the ring Undertaker! We're told a frozen corpse you took care of this morning had it.
Fred: It might be around the location where the body was found… I want you to cooperate in this.
Undertaker: *chuckles* I'm impressed. I'll tell you about the ring… it is…
SOMEWHERE IN LONDON
Undertaker: *points at the ring at an ice statue of a woman* it is right there! *looks at Mai* little hybrid, can I talk with you for a moment?
Mai: Okay… *follows the Undertaker*
Undertaker: It seems your power is growing too strong for the charm huh…
Mai: *eyes narrow* how do you know?
Undertaker: *chuckles* you see my eyes?
Mai: *stare at the greenish yellow eyes* yes, what about it?
Undertaker: I'm a shinigami… as these eyes are the proof… I know your parents… well your mother actually… She is the angel in charge of my department at that time… She is the best and purest one… with the kindest heart in the world… God really cherish her and yet she fell in love with the demon king's youngest son…
Mai: What?! So I'm related to the demon king?
Undertaker: *nods solemnly* yes unfortunately she did… and had you… a hybrid of angel and demon something considered as the cursed being…
Mai: Can you please stop calling me cursed? *annoyed* for your information, I'm NOT a cursed being!
Undertakers: Easy now… I don't consider you as a cursed one as your mother has helped me lots of time and believe it or not… your father did too… Although he is one of the most powerful demon… he isn't arrogant like most. You're so cute when you're still a kid… Now then let's go back to the serious business… *face turns grave* you do know that many are trying to kill you right? You are very powerful, even more than that butler… Many wants your powers so be careful but then don't worry as you knight in shining armor… *chuckles* or should I say tailor coat will protect you just like what he has done before.
Mai: Okay… This is too much for my brain…
Undertaker: Also I suggest you dispose that ring as it is cursed…
Mai: What… this ring?
Undertaker: *grins* well you know what that ring on the sculpture is fake… just an imitation. Yours is the real hope diamond ring.
Mai: *eyes literally bulge out* this is the ring? It's so beautiful… just like Naru's eyes…
Undertaker: Naru? *smirks* is that your boyfriend?
Mai: *blushes* no he's just a crush… he rejected me already…
Mai's POV
"Mai, here you are!" Sebastian said as he sighs in relief? "I've been looking for you for a few hours already!" I blink once… then twice… then thrice and shouted, "WHAT?! But I've just been here for about 20 minutes…"
"Well Mai, you are in another dimension… I brought you here and for your information… time passes faster in here…" Undertaker informed me before bursting into laughter at my bewildered face. "Let's just go back… So Sebastian… have you retrieve the ring?" I enquired. I want to keep this ring… "No… then contest is about to start in 30 minutes and I've done my sculpture. "EH? There is a contest? Aww~ I want to join…" I whined. "You are late already… There won't be enough time," Sebastian said. "I know… Let's go back…" I sighed and with that we went back.
LATER DURING JUDGING TIME
"We will now begin the judging!" the announcer announced merrily. The contests, a group of shady guys, Sebastian, Abberline and Lau, stood behind the announcer. "First, we have team Scotland yard and Its Marry Men with 'The Guardian of London'!" the MC stated. The sculpture is of Sir Randall. I whistled and said, "Bad choice Fred… Bad choice…" I don't know whether you are stupid or what but seriously… choosing Sir Randall? As if to prove my points, murmurs of dislike sounded around the area. "Your scores please! One point, two points another one point another one point again and zero point. Total is five points!" the MC declared. "Next! We have Team All China Dresses Should Be Minis… Though… I'm afraid for reasons I'm disqualifying it…" the announcer stated uncomfortably. Lau presents a statue of Ran-Mao naked and certain parts are covered. "Why?" the Chinese man enquired. My face is still blushing as I replied, "Lau… I don't think that is appropriate…"
"I think they made it more erotic by hiding the bits…" Lau commented, pouting. "And next, from Team Queen's Puppy; Noah's Ark!" the announcer shouted as the curtain fell, revealing Sebastian's artwork. I, along with the crowd, gasped in awe. "What a grand scale it's on! This is true ice art!" said a bearded judge. I stare at the ark, not paying any attention to the judge. Suddenly, it split into 2 which reveal some ice animal sculpture. "Wow…" was what I could utter as I gaze at the huge sculpture. The bearded commented that it's like it is alive and explained that the seam of the roof is weak so it would melt and slip apart.
Viscount Druitt did his dramatic speech as usual, "Oh! Oh! The man who stood bravely against God's wrath! His name is Noah! Pairs of beasts he led rocked on the waves as they wait for rebirth!"
Wait… Did he refer Sebastian as Noah? I glance at the black clad silver haired man beside me who is roaring in laughter. "We can't beat that boss," a voice whispered. I turn my head to look at the source of the voice and saw the last team. Fishy… I focused on listening to their conversation with my inhuman hearing sense. Being a hybrid sure is useful…
Hold it right there!" the leader of the last team stood beside the statue with the ring. "Sorry but this ring is ours and we're taking it back." And here starts trouble…
Normal POV
Abberline: What? Don't tell me you are the-
Leader: *aim a gun at Fred* that's right! We're the team that London's talking about. *take out dynamites and started a lighter* I'll countdown to ten. If you don't want to die, get the hell out of here! Ten!
Sebastian: *looks at Ciel* Young Master?
Leader: Nine!
Ciel: My orders remain the same. Sebastian, do it.
Sebastian: Yes my Lord.
Leader: Eight!
Fred: What are you doing?! Hurry and run Mai and Ciel!
Leader: Seven!
Ciel: You can run so forget about me. Same for you Mai.
Mai; *shook head no* nah~ I'll stay here. Anyway I'll be fine now… I'm not as weak as before.
Leader: Six!
Fred: I can't do that! I became a police because I want to protect the citizens!
Leader: Five!
Fred: To protect everyone.
Leader: Four!
Mai: I'll take care of Fred, Ciel. So watch out. *pulls Fred* come on. They'll be fine.
Fred: But Mai!
Mai: They'll be okay… Trust me… Now then stay here while I'll go get Ciel.
Leader: I'm going to the last three counts. You sure don't want to run little nobleman.
Ciel: There is no need to because…
*Sebastian kicks the gun away and land on the ice gracefully before doing a quadruple spin*
Fat Judge: That's the legendary quadruple spin jump!
Viscount Druitt: It's the gallant blackbird dancing upon a world of white and silver! Enchanted by that smirking face, being overcome with delights, maidens reach for those wings!
Ciel: *shiver* that man…
Mai: Tch, show off.
*Sebastian knocks all the villains except for the leader out as the judges gave him a perfect score*
MC: 10! 10! 10! 10! 10! It's a full score!
Leader: *pissed off* damn, you brat. *aims a dynamite at Ciel* be blown to smithereens then!
*Sebastian rescue Ciel in time by lifting him up with a hand as they escaped all the dynamites*
Goons: Stop it boos. Don't you remember, we're standing on ice!
Ciel: Sebastian! *thrown by Sebastian* WAHH! I'll kill you someday! You damn demon!
Mai: *watch them silently* so reckless.
*the ice cracks and fog rises*
Fred: Ciel…
Lau: My, it's quite sturdy…
*fog clears up and the audience gasp*
Mai's POV
Sebastian and Ciel stood on the ark."The ship sails, leaving behind people's despair! The ship sails, along with the world's future, carrying the chosen hope with it. Onward, to a winding, dreamlike journey, the ship sails~" Viscount Druitt made his dramatic speech. "It's Noah! It's the living incarnation of Noah! A biblical miracle has occurred on the Thames," the fat judge gasped. I burst into laughter. He compares a demon with Noah!
I spotted an orange haired man. Not knowing what came over me, I followed him as the tune of 'London Bridge is falling down' came into my sense. I feel dizzy… What's happening? I saw the man look at me with a blank look and I passed out. Sebastian… Help…
Ai-chan: AND I'm finally done with this chapter. It seems that I've made some mistakes in chapter 8 so I've edit it!
Ciel: Careless…
Ai-chan: *glares at Ciel* well then please R&R.