Hello all! Shizu is back with another Tale of a butler! woooooooooooooooooooo! I want to thank those who are being most supportive to this story! Reading you're reviews on these almost brings a tear to my eyes! Now I'm trying my best with this and that and mostly I'm wondering how on earth shall I make this romance commence...my mind has been working rather relentlessly for awhile for future ideas. hmmm *thinks*
Chapter Ten: The Butler, Shadows
A butler always gets the day started, the first to always wake up and prepare the house for a new day. It was nearly the same as every morning for Sebastian; his gloved hands were graceful and hauntingly elegant as he set up his master's breakfast. The crisp smell of rain reaching his nose as he set down a porcelain cup for the young lord on a salver, but unfortunately the rain had soaked the young master's daily newspaper. The demon sighed through his nose as he turned his attention to the said paper 'Barely ruined…' he thought. His black, always polished, leather shoes clacked against the tile of the kitchen floor as he went to go retrieve an ironing tool to dry and flatten the papers. Finding what he needed in one of the many cabinet he heated it to a desirable temperature he began the boring process of drying the morning's paper.
With practiced grace he dried individual papers with sharp precision. He flipped through the papers, looking at each article with barely any interest at all. Nothing that the Humans wrote about ever interested him, there were simple stories and sales advertisements. Flipping one more page the demon butler paused, his eyes scanning over the enlarged bold letter words on top of the page.
ANOTHER MYSTERIOUS ATTACK!
"Interesting..." He murmured.
Wrapping it up, the butler placed the now dry paper onto the tea cart pleased that all the preparations for the young master (and young lady) were completed. Positioning himself behind the cart he casually strolled out of the kitchen. The halls were blissfully dark and silent, the servants already busying themselves with today's chores.
Walking out to the great hall of the manor Sebastian effortlessly lifted the cart in his hands and ascended the grand staircase to the next floor and placed it back down on the ground to continue pushing it to his destination. Everything he passed was pristine and spotless (due to his effort) and made a swift right to his master's hallway, the door of the family head within his crimson sights as he strode up to it.
Straightening his tailcoat the butler raised his hand and tapped lightly on the door a few times before grasping the door handle and twisted "Excuse me..." he started as he stepped through, glancing up his face expressed surprise when he spotted his master already awake in bed "oh." he finished lamely as he pulled the cart into the room after him and closed the door. A smile reached his face as he faced his young lord "It's rare to see you awake so early." he noted as he pushed the cart to the bedside of the boy.
Ciel's face scrunched up in annoyance as he held his hand out expectantly "I was feeling irritated so I had trouble sleeping" he explained. Sebastian nodded his head once and extracted the paper, handing it over to his master's awaiting hands. He was amused when the boy roughly opened the paper and began to flip through the pages without a care in the world "It seems that those two stayed out all night, what exactly were they doing all night?" he questioned. His butler sensing that his frustration was aimed at the two foreign men that were staying with them.
Sebastian moved to retrieve the tea as his young master sat up straighter in his bed, a look of seriousness crossing his young features as he read over today's top story of a coffeehouse being severely damaged.
The young boy tsk'd in anger before folding up the paper and flinging the bed sheets off his person as he dangled his frail legs off the edge of the bed. Pouring the tea Sebastian lowered the teapot, swiftly adding some honey and sugar before he made his way back over, cup in hand and gave it to the young master "Today's tea is Lapsang Souchong from Twinings of London, a very popular brand my lord" he stated. His master brought the porcelain cup to his lips and took a sip, he bowed his head in approval before drinking some more and resting the cup over his lap.
"Is Cosette ready for the day?" he inquired.
Sebastian rose a slim black brow and shook his head "I have yet to check up on her my lord, shall I after I get you dressed?" The young Phantomhive nodded and rested his tea on the bed rest as Sebastian retrieved his shoes and clothes of the day. It was taken less then ten minutes, and still on schedule to be done. Sebastian smiled when he was ready and dusted off his hands "Now young master, I shall leave you now to wake the young mistress I would be back momentarily unless you are going to meet with Lau who is already in the drawing room and awaiting you're company"
"I will go soon, just head to the drawing room once you're done with her." Ciel replied, waving his hand dismissing the butler as he placed his eye-patch properly over his eye.
Placing his gloved hand over his heart Sebastian bowed, his eyes fluttering closed as the corners of his lips tilted upward "Of course my lord"
Grasping the cart he made his exit. Tilting his head to the side as he closed his master's door behind him he traveled a few doors down to his mistress's chambers, clearing his throat he knocked "My lady, may I come in?" he called.
There was not a sound as he listened.
Frowning, he knocked once more and called again more loudly "My lady?"
Pressing his ear to the door he heard the rustle of fabric, and once again silence before a soft 'come in' was said.
Taking it as his cue to enter he left the cart in the hallway and entered, his crimson eyes focused on the bed. The young lady was not there, and the sheets were already neatly made much to his surprise. Turning his head he saw her there, sitting at her mirror. She was brushing her hair, the brush untangling the lovely golden locks of hers' as her electric blue eyes stared back at her reflection with the utmost concentration. The butler felt a bit amused until he spotted her bandaged wrist, the bruising was rather horrid still and his anger flared at the insolent Indian man from the streets. In a way like his master, Sebastian rightfully felt like she was also his sense of property, she was in his territory and she could be considered a free meal but until he claimed his young lord she would just become perhaps the desert after the main course.
The demon had a hard time suppressing a smile as his tongue darted over his lips, licking them in a hungry fashion as his eyes flashed in their true demonic hue.
Striding the the young Mistress he rested his gloved hand over her's, and as always she tense under his touch. So gingerly he unwrapped her fingers from the brush and resumed in her place, brushing her marvelous hair for her "Good morning my lady." he crooned.
Cosette's face scrunched up as a distasteful frown formed now her lovely features "Morning Mister Michealis" she grumbled rather unhappily as he styled her hair for her.
Sebastian could hardly contain a chuckle "Now, now my lady no need for such a look" he reprimanded "the young master wished me to get you ready and send you off to the drawing room for the day to discuss the case, Lau is here as well" he couldn't help but take pleasure as she cringed as he mentioned the Chinese man.
"Oh...bugger..." She sniffed.
Once he was content with how her hair was styled, and she seemed to have dressed herself without his or Mey-Rin's aid. He gently help her stand and offered her some food, which she gladly accepted before showing her down to the drawing room. She spoke to him little still, her eyes always so big and wide when she regarded him.
Coming up to the drawing room Sebastian offered her one shit-eating grin before opening the door to her. Lau's words flowing to them as the Chinese man spoke.
"So...meh to be honest those two have been ultra suspicious from the get go"
Cosette blinked, by 'those two' he must have meant their unexpected foreign guests. Nodding her head in greeting to them as she entered she went over to an empty chair and sat down. Sebastian excusing himself for one moment to put the tea cart away. Ciel on the other hand was busying himself with opening invitations from other nobles, seemingly annoyed with how many he had been sent "That is true though, I just can't see why those two would cause trouble" he stated "A grudge against colonial rule? It doesn't seem likely...even if they do have a problem with the Anglo Indians returning to England, attacking them in such a fashion is just to risky." Ciel carelessly tossed his unwanted invitation to the side and huffed.
Crossing his legs he continued "Most of all, if they are the criminals why would they come and stay with me of all people? They are not really all that suspicious at all right? Besides..."
"Well then it would be pretty neat if it was night time soon don't ya think?" Lau interrupted like it was the best idea ever.
Cosette shrugged her shoulders, she had noticed the butler returned to stand faithfully behind his master. His crimson eyes meeting hers' for just one daring moment before she looked away, missing the smile he sent her and spoke her own opinion "Truthfully I don't think they are the criminals Soma seems so...eh" she trailed off lamely and a blush dusted her pale cheeks "And Agni is to kind to even do such a thing!" her voice took on a slight affectionate tone for the kind Indian butler, something Sebastian narrowed his eyes at.
"Some things can be rather deceiving sister, we shall see"
It wasn't long until it was dark, all dressed for the winter air Sebastian made sure that lord and lady were dressed properly for the winter's bitter cold. Oh, how he enjoyed how flustered the young lady was getting as he kneeled before her, straightening her jacket and making sure that the red scarf he presented her was snugged closely to keep her neck warm. Tucking her hair into the hood he flashed her a kind smile before going to collect his own signature black coat. Within seconds he had it on, and right on schedule the two Indian men had left the Townhouse to continue their search of the missing woman they had come to get.
"Are we ready to go?" he questioned.
"Yes, let's get a move on" Ciel insisted.
He was already leaving the room before anyone else could say anything and the rest followed. Cosette tagging along behind him like a duckling following it's mother, a rather adoring thought but the butler kept mostly to himself as he opened the front door for them. He had placed the house within the idiot servants hands so he hoped that when they returned it wouldn't be burn down to the ground or something. The most unfortunate things would be bestowed upon them if such a thing were to ever occur.
Stepping out he heard the crunching of snow beneath their feet.
It was amusing as he watched how awed his lady looked as she watched the white substance fall from the sky, even trying to catch a few on her tongue while Ciel urged her to follow much to the lad's annoyance. It was interesting to see a human so baffled by something so simple as snow. It still amazed him how interesting humans tended to be, even if he did walk the land of mortals serving different verities of masters or mistresses in the past when they had summoned him from the deepest depths of hell.
Though for Cosette, as a mortal he found her a tad bit...adoring. Much like a curious kitten who stuck it's nose in the most simplest things. Like how Sora (his loving present from the young lady herself) had done with a box. A cat could see a box anytime but their urge to want to go inside it and play in it never seemed to get old for the ageless demon. So her ignorance is what he found to be one of her best qualities in his opinion, and perhaps her kind thoughtfulness such as bestowing gifts to him on the night of Christmas to such a lowly servant as himself. With such innocence is maybe what made her soul a tad bit more refreshing then the master's who knew pain and the cruelty of the world around him.
The demon butler loomed behind the pair of siblings, though they weren't related by blood. He had come to notice that Ciel had developed a rather impressive tolerance to the young lady. Her impeccable charm seemed to woo anyone around her, unintentionally wrapping those near with perhaps just her smile and kind but also shy words.
Sebastian tilted his head thoughtfully as his crimson gaze set upon the small mortal.
She perhaps could be something, respectfully he could agree to that. Much has yet to be determined sadly though she seemed to be rather resourceful with her ever growing knowledge by how long she tended to go to the library at the manor, sneaking there at night not knowing that he was fully aware of her late night trips. And her friend Jade, who provided her with friendly company now and then gave the girl a sense of growing companionship though it is also a wonder how mortals could just bond on a whim. Demons tended to be rather competitive no matter what from fighting to keep territorial hunting rights, to meals, and status...mating was perhaps the worse of them. Sebastian shuttered at the thought of mating season in hell, though he personally never had any problems himself considering his power and his rights of status.
As if she felt his stare, Cosette turned to look over her shoulder at him.
Her icy blue orbs meeting his head on, at first she looked a little puzzled as to maybe why he was looking at her. But one to never back down, he met her gaze. Ever the pleasant butler he offered her a gracious smile, her reaction to him was to narrow her eyes suspiciously for one moment before offering a small timid smile of her own before she turned away to continue her small talk with the young master.
He chuckled quietly to himself as he clasped his gloved hands behind his back, following along as they started to cross a street mostly emptied expect with the exception of those who lived for the London nightlife. Making it to the other side the demon heard a long drawn out sigh from just a little ways down from where they were and glanced over at two shadowed figures exiting a pub.
"This is so frustrating Agni!" a voice exclaimed.
An all to familiar voice.
Grasping Lau (who was walking next to him the whole time) he dragged the Chinese man and ushered the lord and lady out of sight as his eyes focused on their targets for the evening. Soma looked irritated as he held that horrid drawing of the woman he was looking for, Mina? Mena? Whatever her name was...while Agni sadly watched his prince but following obediently without question.
"Mister Michealis?" Cosette murmured questioningly.
Raising a finger to his lips Sebastian made a silent 'shhh' and tilted his head to where the two Indian men were. Blinking she moved closer to him and leaned, poking her head around the side much like he and Lau were already. The Earl of Phantomhive was the last to look, he looked pleased that they were managed to find them so quickly with much time left to spare to monitor their movements.
Spying that the two foreign men were leaving Sebastian quietly bid them to follow him as he lead the group of four after them.
They went into pubs. Talked to random folk on the street. Checked squares, parks, and alleys.
And once again when he found himself surrounded by the others as they looked around the corner her just sighed.
"Eh, it really does seem like they are just looking for that person..." Lau spoke.
Ciel moved back, shivering and rubbing his mitten-covered hands for warmth "In this country the best place to look for news of that person would be a club or a pub...it really seems like they aren't up to something." he grumbled tiredly, his voice laced with annoyance.
Cosette silenced a yawn with her mouth, eyes watering as she looked over at the demon "What time is it?" she asked.
Reaching into his coat pocket he pulled out his ever handy pocket-watch and snapped it open "It is now 1 AM" he spoke and glanced up at the rest of them "I predict they will return home soon we should go home also" he advised as he clicked the watch shut. Spinning on his heels he started his way back to the townhouse, the crunch of snow heard behind him so he could hear the rest follow in his footsteps.
"We will beat them home yes?" the female of the group piped up.
Scoffing the demon nodded his head "Of course my lady, there is no need to worry I shall get us there momentarily with just a few shortcuts."
As he promised they were home long before the Prince and his butler was. Taking the master, his lady, and guest he placed them all in the darkened drawing room since Agni nor Soma wouldn't be staying up much later then they have to. Standing by the window, hidden by the shadows he saw their figures shuffling down below outside to make their ways indoors and not a minute to soon they had entered the townhouse. Their steps were perhaps silent to the humans but not to him, he heard as they made their ways up the stairs and to the guest bedrooms, and perhaps muffled sound of conversation before it grew silent and then there was only one set of footsteps.
Excusing himself silently, and ruffling the lady's hair as he went much to her disdain, exited the room.
He shut the door behind him softly, his eyes scanning the clear hallways as he made his way to one of the nearest windows he could find that led to the outdoors. Resting his fingers against the windowsill he pulled it up effortlessly and started to crawl his way out, not minding the biting winter chill as he scrambled himself onto the roof. Reaching his destination he got on one knee and leaned himself forward to get a better view of the yard. At first there was nothing, then the sound of the entrance being opened and closed reached his sharp ears.
And soon a shadow walked to the front gates.
Smiling, Sebastian saw as Agni turned to stare back at the townhouse. His bandaged hand adjusting his cloak before turning to leave. Slowly the demon butler reached down into his pocket and pulled out his pocket watch to look at the time.
"2:45..." he murmured "he is on the move, as is expected."
Pushing on his knees he stood and strode over to where the dark office would be, hearing the small chatter Lau and Ciel were having he bent over and grabbed the ledge, leaning down so he could peer into the room. With a free hand he knocked on the window a few times, and found himself rather pleased when it was Cosette who had turned her attention on him. She blinked in surprise and rushed over, her brows furrowed as she stared at him in puzzlement before standing up on her toes to reach the clasp to unlock the window before swinging the doors open "What are you doing there Mister Michealis you might fall!" she scowled.
"I would never fall my lady" he assured, he shifted his red gaze over to his master "Young master, he is on the move."
Ciel raised his hand to silence a yawn that was working it's way up and nodded his head "Alright after we-"
"Wait!"
Everyone paused and turned their attention to the door, where a fully dressed Indian prince stood looking rather solemn as ever "Take me with you as well" he pleaded. Sebastian gripped the sides of the roof, angling himself as he made a swift landing on the windowsill. Resting a gloved hand on Cosette's delicate shoulder he stepped into the room and closed the window behind him.
"I was aware that Agni would sometimes go out after I'd gone to bed...I want to know what he's up to." Soma stated calmly.
Faithfully Sebastian stood aside, watching as the young lady moved forward. A smile on her lips as she placed a small comforting hand on the prince's arm, eyes shining as she stared up at his face "I'm sure we'll get this all solved Soma." the prince seemed comforted by her words and rested his much larger hand upon her own, patting it lightly "I do hope so my little Devi"
"Well" Ciel started, adjusting his hood over his head "Let us depart then."
Bowing his head Sebastian cast one last look at the young blonde girl and the prince "Yes, my lord."
Trailing behind Agni was not as difficult as one could imagine, Sebastian had led them through the streets and stopped them before the Indian butler could get a sense of being followed. But it was so cold...Cosette swore that she wouldn't be able to feel her fingers if she stayed out any longer then she has already. And she was tired, a yawn would work their way in now and then which only got her unwanted attention from the butler clad in black. On their journey Soma was kind enough to offer her his arm, providing her some warmth as she linked her own arm through his. Of course she never noticed the slightly dark look Sebastian gave their way until they stopped at yet another corner. Sebastian peering over discreetly as possible, Lau looking over his shoulder as well "He went into this building" he stated.
'Obviously...' Cosette thought, raising her hands to her mouth so she could warm them up a little by breathing on them.
Ciel tilted his head back as he studied the manor before him "If memory serves correctly..." he paused for a moment, his expression thoughtful "I see, now I'm starting to get the picture."
Cosette rose a brow and stared at the house once more "What do you mean? Whose house is this?" Soma snapped, gesturing at the house in irritation.
"Beats me" she uttered.
Lau rested a hand on his chest, all out seriousness coating his voice "It will be clear once you've gone inside and then you will be forced to face the truth, whether or not you...and I both 'kay?" he finished cheerfully. Cosette rolled her eyes and slapped her palm over her face "Lau! By the 'and I'...I take it you haven't got a clue either like usual!" she shouted accusingly. The Chinese man laughed halfheartedly "Yes!" he agreed. Soma seemingly confused and Ciel seemingly annoyed by the man's usual antics.
"The residence belongs to Harold West Jeb, who runs an expensive import business I had the displeasure of meeting him once he's an unsavory sort who loves all kinds of titles." the Earl explained.
"Imports, hm? We're in the same business then!" Lau added pleasently.
"I am sure those don't go as far as Opium?" Cosette asked him quietly under her breath so Soma wouldn't hear, Lau chuckled and raised his hand to pat her head affectionately. But she glared at him and slapped his hands away only getting "Business was business" for an answer.
"Why would Agni go to an importer's house" Soma questioned, cupping his chin in wonderment.
"He mainly imports spice and tea leaves from India, and Harold Trading is a general store and then the Harold West is a Hindustani coffeehouse." The Earl of Phantomhive rubbed his lone eye tiredly, gesturing for Sebastian to continue.
"Whilst investigating Miss. Mina, I happened to come across Mister West's name in some of the documents I was reviewing...per those papers, Bengal is indeed the main source of his wares and he has suffered collateral damage from the hanging incidents but it seems the company representative, Mister West, just happened to be away at the time of the incidents and escape being hung."
"That is rather suspicious..." Cosette offered.
"There's nothing for it...let's go take a look." The Earl spoke, Cosette made her way closer and stared at the giant wall. How on earth were they suppose to climb it without any guards noticing it. Opening her mouth to ask she was caught off guard when an arm snaked it's way around her waist, pulling her body closer to a pleasurable source of warmth, her mouth forming into a small 'o' shape as she tilted her head up to see Sebastian smiling "As you wish, sir" he spoke. With her in one arm and the Earl in the other he bent his knees and just gracefully jumped over the tall cemented wall.
"You idi-!" Ciel shrieked, unable to finish his sentence as Sebastian landed safely on the other side.
The complains of Lau and Soma reaching their ears as they struggle to climb over the wall. Setting her and her brother firmly on their feet Sebastian brushed some snow off of her shoulders "It is faster this way" he explained. His gloved hands fixed her coat for her, Cosette fought off a blush of embarrassment as he got on his knees before her to fix one of the bows in her hair and batted her hands at him to shoo him off. He took it as a playful gesture as he shoved her lightly and continued with his work before the sound of beastly growls met their ears.
Gasping softly she turned her head, eyes wide as she spotted a group of dogs. Their teeth bared viciously as they spite and snarled, their ears flattened against their skull as they approached. Frightened she grasped onto the only thing closest to her, her fingers dug into the wool of the butler's jacket. He responded by wrapping a protective arm around her, pulling her close as he stared at the noisy creatures. Ciel wisely stood back, not looking nearly as nervous as she was. The dog leading the small pack, the alpha perhaps, crouched lower as step by step it came ever closer and let out a scorching howl before launching itself at them.
"Ciel!" Soma screamed, his voice full of panic.
"Mi...Mister Michealis!" Cosette stuttered, her face burying itself into his side to hide from the dog. And suddenly the already cold weather seemed to drop rather dramatically, as if all the light in the world had just simply vanished as the deathly silence rolled in. Taking in a deep breath she cracked open an eye fearfully. Hearing no screams or barking she cautiously peeked over. The hounds, once so vicious, stood deathly still. All their eyes facing one thing, their tails tucking between their legs as they took a step back warily a whine leaving one of them. Confusion over took her that moment.
'What...?'
Facing what the dogs were watching she turned to stare up at the face of the butler. His expression showed nothing as he stared down the hounds, his brow furrowed ever so slightly as his eyes shined a strangely demonic hue. She was not sure if the color of his eyes should be simply called demonic, it looked feline almost, and horrifyingly predatory that made the dogs turn and retreat. Her spine straightened and the hairs on the back of her neck stood straight as he looked down upon her for that one moment, but just for that single second she felt captivated by those glowing orbs. She dared not move when she felt his hand slid up her back, pulling her much closer to his being. The eyes that glowed faded back into their usual crimson depths and he blinked, turning his gaze away from her.
"Huh? The hounds are backing off?" Soma's voice inquired softly as he struggled over the wall. Lau already landing next to the Earl and then sneaking off.
"Hmmm..." the butler rumbled, Cosette feeling his chest vibrate which caused her to blush involuntarily "Such cowardly dogs Lord West has Raised."
Resting her gloved hands to Sebastian's chest Cosette made some distance between them, the air more lighter the further away she was from him and rushed to aid Soma when he clumsily made his landing. Wrapping her arms around his, she weakly tugged him onto his feet earning herself thanks from the prince as she followed him back to Ciel's side.
"Yo Earl~look over here, over here!" Lau chimed.
Cosette went blue with shock as she acknowledged the Chinese man who stood casually twirling a ring of keys around his finger. Seeing her expression Lau puffed out his cheeks in exasperation "Aw come on now I just put them to sleep, it's not like they are dead!" he assured, though she and Soma thought otherwise.
"So what." Ciel dismissed "Let's get a move on."
Leading their group Sebastian went to the door, snatching the keys from Lau's hands as he unlocked the door. Pausing for a moment Cosette studied as he rested his ear against the door. Listening for something. Once when she assumed he was satisfied he opened the door and stepped in "No guards inside?" Soma wondered. Cosette kept her focus on the man clad in black as he tilted his head to the side, towards a staircase "I can hear two people, let's go" he stated. Cosette strained her ears. And she heard nothing. No voices could be heard, and how he could hear them was a bit suspicious in her book. She would have to question Ciel about it later...that time she had seen his eyes glow just like tonight, and the odd tattoo he claim to have on his left hand, and his inhuman senses.
Slowly she followed the group up the stairs on onto the second floor. Her hands clasped in front of her chest closely, still fending off some of the chills the butler have given her earlier. And soon, she did start to heard voices down the fall. Two men, that spoke. The hall became brighter as a crack opened door shed some light in the darken hall. Seeing the others line up to listen in she joined in as well, her shoulder brushed up against Ciel who shot her a look for just a second before returning his attention to the conversation at hand.
"You did a good job." she heard "Why give me that expressionless face? Take a cigar and loosen up a bit okay?" a voice cooed, Cosette leaned forward, having a quick glimpse of a blond hair man, holding a cigar casually between his fingers. And if she learned further she caught the sight of Agni sitting solemnly on a couch, staring dully at the coffee table before him. "These are grade A Havana cigars. I got these babies from James Fox, he has a Royal Warrent." Agni didn't reply or move to take a cigar so the lord of the estate continued, Cosette's heart sinking as she listened "Oh well, it's your problem...everything is going to plan. In one week it will all be decided." Cosette covered her mouth with her hand to keep herself from protesting as the man grasped Agni's wrist, raising the right arm up and closer to himself "Only with this Right hand of God will I realize my dream! I've been planning this for three years so I'll definitely complete it!"
"Agni..." Cosette murmured silently.
Uncertainty entered Agni's sadden gaze "And if I help you accomplish this Mina will..."
Her eyes widened with terror, her hand reaching to grab for Soma's hand to stop him though she was a second to slow before the Indian prince slammed the door open and stepped into the room "YOU SAID MINA!?" he exclaimed.
The look on Agni's face was that of surprised dread. Even Lord West was rather shocked as Ciel cursed the prince loudly "You fool!" the Earl was about to say more until Sebastian's gloved hand covered his mouth and pulled him back taking the young adolescent by surprise.
"He will recognize our faces, let's just wait for now young master" he reprimanded and then shot Cosette herself a look "You as well my lady, stay here and don't let anyone see you."
"P-prince!" Agni's voice stuttered.
Back in the room Soma placed his hands on his servants shoulders, anger flowing out of his being in waves "Agni! What's going on? You know where Mina is!?" he shouted, betrayal sounding through his voice.
West rose a brow at the scene before him in interest "Ah, so this is you're master Agni?" he questioned. His eyes scanned the prince with distaste, moving closer to the couch which Agni once occupied and leaned against it casually. Soma snapped his eyes to the Lord of the house, grinding his teeth together "You, are you the who kidnapped Mina!?" he accused, and then pointed at him "Agni! Beat this guy!" he ordered. But the Indian butler did not move, his face turning grave as the prince turned to face him with slight confusion "Angi? What are you waiting for?" he questioned impatiently.
Lord West make a 'tsk' sound and gestured back to the prince "Agni, throw his annoying Highness out of here."
"Wha?" The prince took an alarmed step back.
"Can't you hear what I'm saying?" West asked, his voice pressing.
Cosette watched helplessly, her heart thumping ferociously against her ribs frightened for both Agni and Soma. But she couldn't help but feel suddenly betrayed by Agni, he was so nice...so sincere. How could all of this happen? What was West using against Agni that was forcing him to comply and disobey his own master. Cosette could not imagine, except for wondering if this had to do with Mina herself. Did West have the girl? Did he steal her all the way from India or was there more that has not yet been revealed?
"It would seem that a quarrel has ensued." Sebastian noted dully "Though there's no mistaking West's involvement with the hangings based on this little chat they no longer seem to be incidents of the underworld."
"And this means this is all out of the Earl's jurisdiction." Lau added.
"Indeed." Ciel murmured plainly "But informing the Yard is a pain, so what do you say we beat them silly and go home?"
"Ciel!" Cosette gasped, horrified that he would even suggest such a thing.
The butler smirked slightly "That doesn't sound half-bad but I have another idea...let's leave West at large for awhile longer...tonight, we'll be leaving with that thick-headed prince."
Lau scrunched his brows in thought "But West knows what you two look like, right?"
"That he does" Ciel confirmed.
"So then what do we do?" Cosette asked anxiously, praying that things wouldn't esculate to badly in the room.
She flinched when a warm fabric covered hand grasped her own. The culprit being the butler as he raised her hand to his chest, his expression offering some reassurance "Leave it to me, I have a good idea" and with that he turned from her and started to walk towards a deer head mounted on the wall...
Meanwhile...
"Agni! What is wrong with you? Explain yourself!" Soma scowled, getting into his servant's face though Agni was still much taller then he was. But he stood his ground, his lips turning down into a frown "I..." he murmured and then clenched his fists at his side "I have nothing to tell you now please leave" he replied rather coldly. Soma's golden eyes pierced into the man's withering soul, his mouth open in stupefaction "Agni..." his voice cracked "w-what are you saying...?"
West chuckled, looking rather pleased "Good boy" he praised.
He didn't react when the prince grabbed his fine coat and pulled him closer, his cigar between in lips as the prince yelled at his face"You bastard! What have you done to him!?" Soma screeched and then was suddenly pulled away by a desperate and worried Agni who pleaded him to stop. But his master would not heed his words as he struggled against his hold, curing the Englishman with hatred with every fiber of his being.
"Well, I never!" West snarled, rather offended as he fixed his suit "My Gieves & Hawkes suit is all wrinkled!" rather annoyed as the prince demanded to be unhanded and glared at the young boy "Y'know for those chaps who are a bit hard of hearing a good beating always does the trick" Agni stared at west in true terror now, as the blonde lord waved his hand "Agni, give his highness a good whack to shut him up" he ordered.
At this Agni started to break out into cold sweat, his hands trembling as he found himself inwardly conflicted "What's wrong? I'm not ordering you to kill him I am only telling you to rough him up a bit to get him to bite his tongue aren't I a nice fellow?" he urged, Agni released his hold on Soma as he turned to stand before his most beloved prince. Who looked like he feared him, it hurt his heart as the prince weakly called out his name "Agni" West warned.
With sudden determination Agni raised his right hand and was to bring it down upon the shaken prince before a blur come from no where and stood between then. Stopping Agni's hand in a hard grip as a man in a black tailcoat stood between the two and when the intruder stood up he glanced at all of them. Everyone going blue with shock as they came eyes to eyes with...
'A deer...!?'
"W-WHO THE H-H-HELL IS THIS!?" West screeched loudly. He let out a not so very manly squeak when the deer's head turn towards him and then bowed, a hand over it's chest as it regarded him politely "I nought but a humble deer, have come for this prince" it answered casually.
In the hallways Cosette, covered her mouth to keep herself from laughing. Her eyes prickling with tears at her effort as she watched the scene before her. Sebastian did have one genius plan to which even Lau could agree to and it was slightly worth seeing Ciel rather embarrased until the fun was short lived.
"F-forget the prince! This might be one of the enemy spies! Agni! Kill him!" the paranoid Anglo Indian trader pointed a finger at this apparent deer. Agni turned to look at West incredulously.
"Destroy him? How-...I can't-!"
"Shut up!" Do you want me to take back my promise?" he spat heatedly "I ORDER YOU TO DO THIS!" he left no room for any arguments "DO IT NOW!" he screamed. Poor Agni grabbing is head falling to his knees as tears fell from his eyes in utter despair, though they weren't normal tears...he was bleeding. His voice came out again once more shakily. Strained and in utter pain that just wrenched Cosette's poor heart.
"I...I...my God...I only wanted to serve him...this right hand I only use for his sake...I've chosen to-...this sin of betrayal..." he gasped. Soma watched him in complete horror, as if he knew what was about to happen.
"Agni! No!" The prince shouted, though his words fell upon deaf ears.
"Please forgive me" Agni moaned sorrowfully. Those were the last of his words before tearing the bandages from his right hand and with a wild, animistic cry. It rang in all the ears of all who heard it. Sebastian...or rather...the "Deer" tightened the glove on his left hand calmly as the Indian charged at him in full speed. Before any sort of impact could be made to him, he snatched the prince over his shoulder and shot out of the way. The chest behind him was completely shattered. The sheer physical power was astonishing! Lord West pulled at his hair screaming like a distressed woman over it. And it served him right, the young lady of Phantomhive thought mercilessly...and it did come with him being all materialistic. His demeanor could only continue to worsen as Sebastian continued to dodge and avoid Agni.
Cosette backed away from the door. Lau picked up Ciel from the ground "It seems that things are getting a bit wild, we should leave, Earl" he told the boy.
"He's right..." Cosette agreed softly, shooting one last anxious look to the room. She and Lau both darted with Ciel in their custody.
"Wait! A commotion this big is going to attract attention!" Ciel protested over Lau's shoulder "You need to bring him out also!" He shouted, calling out to Sebastian, who's sensitive ears easily picked it up.
"As you wish" He paid his young master heed. With Soma still hoisted over his shoulder like he were the hunted deer, he leaped out of the window just in time to avoid one final blow from Agni. It completely shattered the glass and some of the wall. West was most likely about to have a stroke no doubt with all the damage that had been made to his home. But with one last look Sebastian made eye contact with Agni, who did not pursue them, for one last moment before running off into the night.
Earl Ciel Phantomhive and his companions now sat by the fire over some tea. It was late but that did not stop them from warming up and discussing what they had just seen before they went to bed. The source of Agni's trick apparently was a trick of the mind. 'Samadhi.' Cosette found that one bright side to living in the Phantomhive manor was that it was quite the educational experience for her young mind as she stood by the fire to warm herself up, raising her steaming tea delicately to her lips to take a sip. Sebastian of course had given a lecture on it based on itself and all the similar things like it throughout history.
"The Vikings of the past called upon Odin to accomplish this."
"Ummm...like berserkers?" Cosette listened intently.
"Indeed. The Holy Knights, and the Crusaders, fought in the name of Yahweh." he added in. Cosette frowned and set her tea aside. The Vikings and the Crusaders were completely different in the fact that she knew from a book she once read (in which she read often) is the fact even though the Vikings could summon such monstrous strength at will...it also occurred unexpectedly against their will at times...more like a possession of some kind, but that was irrelevant to her. Though she couldn't help but be slightly wary that the butler wasn't revealing everything to them "For Agni also...his belief in his one true God...Soma...allows him to use such power." he continued to speak nonchalantly. "Something we could never obtain. Bred from love and belief. The power of faith." His face held a devious light to it. And the light from the fireplace did not help.
Soma's face was hidden by his dark bangs as he leaned forward in his seat, his chin rested in his hand. Cosette dared to glance at him "Then tell me why..." the forlorn youth began silently. "Why did he betray me?" His voice was filled with puzzlement and hurt. As Cosette placed her now empty teacup back among the rest of the china neatly set out thanks to the butler, his arm swung out violently to swipe everything destructively from the table. "How did he leave me behind so easily?" he shouted. Ciel and Cosette barely avoided shards of porcelain and hot tea as Lau easily avoided them by leaning back in his seat. Cosette nearly had to jump back, just as outraged as Ciel.
"You...!" the boy gaped.
"Why!?" Soma paid them no heed and continued his anguished rant "Why is it that everyone around me vanishes? Why? WHY?" with that he was darting from the room like a fleeing animal. Cosette looked at her dress, slightly dismayed that it had sticky remnants of the tea that she was unable to dodge due to such close proximity. Darn it all. Sebastian though glared at the destroyed china on the floor before looking at her, Ciel and Lau.
"Are you alright?" he asked dutifully. They nodded. Cosette wanted to shout out that 'No!' It's NOT alright!' but simply allowed it to fester in her gut her kindness preventing her to take such rash actions.
"Yea, we dodged." Lau stated out loud where as Ciel remained silent and unhappy as always. He looked at the tea set once again with a lamenting expression. Soma perhaps might die later this night. Perhaps she would go talked to him and give him a good scolding, but Sebastian's arm stopped her from leaving as he continued to look down at the mess.
"Ohh...the Haviland tea set that I went through so much trouble to pick out for the young master." He clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "I guess I should...teach him some manners." Cosette shivered by how darkly those words were spoken, thinking back on the times when she witness him confront the other servants on such things once, to some point she almost pitied the prince. Sebastian would be biting the famous trio at their ankles if they left any sticky residue behind.
The china was replaced by another set that Sebastian had kept as an extra. It was enough that Mey-Rin destroyed most of the china accidently already. Never mind guests throwing them across the tables. Still thanks to May-Rin they were prepared for an accident like this one. Cosette had no idea what Sebastian had done to the poor lad but Soma looked like he had just seen a ghost and held a very sheepish and silent demeanor. Cosette couldn't help but look at Sebastian with a 'what on earth did you do to him?' face. Ciel in the meantime continued to speak as Soma continued to avoid close proximity to Sebastian like he would snap and bite his head off at any moment.
"West mentioned a three year plan that the successful execution of that plan will take place in one week and Agni's right hand is absolutely necessary that's about it." Of all these things...the most important was 'within a week'. Lau spoke up again now at this declaration.
"He might make the next strike a big event? Feh...but it's winter now. All the large events are pretty much over." He commented observantly. At this Ciel looked to his butler.
"Sebastian. Can you think of major events taking place in a weeks time?" he questioned.
"A week from now?" A gloved hand stroked his chin in thought. "Amongst the written invitations addressed to the young master there was..." Ciel listened intently and silently as several events that he not bothered to so much look at were mentioned. He perked up slightly as the Wagner's Opera at Covent Garden Opera House was mentioned but that was not to be focused on at the moment. Finally he heard what he was looking for "A prospering exhibition of Indian culture in The Empire at Crystal Palace."
"Indian?"
Sebastian sighed. "Young master, reading your own letters throughly no matter what the content is all part of being a proper English gentleman." Cosette blings and tuned out another one of Sebastian's constant lectures. How Ciel even paid attention to a word he was saying was beyond her. As the conversation went on it became clear to her that they had found their event and their motive.
"I can't believe this has turned out to be such a boring case." Ciel muttered. Lau laughed.
"So it really was a pointless visit." He said.
"Hold on a sec!" Soma called the attention in the room to himself "I don't understand! Start from the beginning." He requested adamantly.
"Calm down prince, from now on we will explain everything in order...well at least the Earl will anyways" Lau drawled. God weren't these people sleepy yet? Ciel shot Lau a look.
"You just pretended to know again, eh?" He raised an eyebrow. He waved it off and proceeded to explain "The Hindustani Coffeehouse that West owns has a main course of curry. In other words, West is trying to get a Royal Warrant with curry." Soma blinked at this.
"Royal Warrant?" he asked. Cosette had heard enough. She already knew about this sort of thing due to talks the adults would have at the orphanage about these events. Everybody was finished with their tea, and much to Sebastian's dismay she busied herself gathering the cups and the saucers. She found herself not in the best of mood, being tired and all from no sleep. Certainly her senses had not deceived her, but what good were they to her? Agni was clearly doing what he thought was right...and yet she could not rule out that he had affiliated with West. Besides that, her skirt had tea stains and some said tea had scalded her right hand. It was only a stupid burn but it still slightly pissed her off, and then there was the fact that Sebastian was probably plotting a way to get her alone for whatever creepy reason like he always had, she had never enjoyed being alone with him for long periods of time.
She deemed it best to take care of the stuff and head to bed. Making good on this choice she took the china and made for the kitchen. It seemed that Ciel was planning on interfering with West's Royal Warrant. Entering the competition, eh? What did Agni's right hand have to do with that? Closing the door to the parlor behind her, she decided that she could ask Sebastian later perhaps. At the moment she was to sleepy to care.
"Good evening, my lady." Damn whatever Gods existed! Cosette glared over her shoulder and continued to scrub at her skirt in some hot water. "Dried sugar is rather difficult to wash off if you still insist on wearing that fabric that you are trying to clean at the same time." He remarked. The young girl rolled her eyes dramatically before looking up at the butler.
"I thought I would give it a shot..." She remarked dryly. Not really in the mood to dead with him now. She continued to scrub away, using her left hand since her unfortunate right one was burnt. Also at the fact that he has once again seen her in her nightgown, it was perhaps stupid on her part to assume that everyone including Sebastian had gone off to bed. "So Ciel has decided that he will enter the curry competition?"
"Yes, the young lord wished to steal the Royal Warrant out of West's clutches as a form of a lesson. Though Soma says Agni would be a rather difficult opponent to defeat, his right hand apparently has a thing with curry." He trailed off jokingly.
The girl in front of him said nothing as she washed the soap suds off her hands and dried them off with a towel. She was extra careful of her injured hand. Folding the cloth the place it on the counter. "Let me see it." Sebastian suddenly said.
She blanched as she turned to him "See what?" He rose a brow at him as if he was asking her silently if she was seriously asking.
"You're hand is burnt." He stated.
"Oh! Ummmm it was the tea b-but it'll be- hey!" She squealed in outrage when he snatched her wrist in a tight hold, though his grip did not hurt her she relented and let him have his way. He ran a gloved finger along the red irritated flesh, simply grazing it "I don't suppose you had ran this under cold water?" Silence was his answer. He studied her pouting face before taking her back to the sink and turned the tap for the cold water. Waiting and then slowly moved her hand under the cold running water, causing the girl to hiss out in discomfort "Now, now my lady it'll only take a moment." A smile formed on his lips "You seem to be hurting you're lovely hands lately."
"It's not my fault..." she grumbled under her breath. He chuckled.
This once again led to her hand having to be bandaged once more. And while the butler worked Cosette couldn't help but find herself staring, wondering about what she had seen. The memory of Sebastian's eyes was perhaps forever burned in her memory. She still found that his eyes terrified her, they were so different...they were cold, so calculating, so beautifully unique that when he turned his crimson gaze on her she couldn't help but feel as if he were staring at her very soul. And the look of when she thought they had changed color...well not thought she knew they did. More then once had she seen it. And now she was beginning to question the story of this black clad Butler. Was he who he said he was? Did Ciel know? In fact did anyone know or questioned about the perfect butler that was Sebastian?
"There, all done." Sebastian's voice broke her out of her reverie.
"Thank you." She raised her hand to eye level and wiggled her fingers, relieved to feel no pain.
Her shoulders slumped, her exhaustion finally getting to her as she glanced at the butler before her. His eyes staring at her like they sometimes always did, almost searchingly. Then he smiled and came to her side, resting his hand gently on her lower back, his voice low and husky as he spoke "Let's get you to you're chambers my lady, tomorrow shall be a big day as we ready ourselves for the curry fest."
Tiredly she allowed him to guide her out of the kitchen. His steps were silent as he walked, even with his polished shoes. He led her through the dark, making sure that she didn't bump or crash into things and led her up to the second floor. He spoke to her under his breath, telling her to be silent so she didn't disturb the master and then beckoned her into her own room. Of course he followed her inside, and she was able to see thanks to the generous amount of light the moon shined through her windows. Moving like a shadow Sebastian strode to the bed and pulled back the covers so the bed looked inviting. "Come now my lady." he said smoothing, he patted the mattress.
Huffing, she walked over and sat on the edge before snaking her way under the covers. Sebastian tucked her in, making sure she was comfortable before walking to the curtains his hand grasping the silken sheets.
"No, wait." Cosette uttered sleepily.
Sebastian paused and turned to look at her. Her blue eyes shined as she stared at him, her blonde locks formed a halo around her heart-shaped face. If anything if Sebastian didn't detest Angels so much, he would have perhaps used the words angelic to describe her but no...perhaps the sight before in would be...
'Enchanting...' he thought.
"My lady?"
"Please, keep them open Mister Michealis...I want the company of the moon tonight." she pleaded. He rose a brow at her odd request. She seemed to notice this and sighed. "When I lived in the orphanage..." Sebastian perked up with the mention of her previous home. "I was always alone in a room, away from the other kids they thought I would make them sick if they got to close to me...they didn't know what I had." she explained. "Aside from someone who always came in to take care of me that person didn't stay long enough to make me feel any less lonely."
Sebastian stood there patiently and silently to her story, he watched as her eyes shifted to the moon almost lovingly as if she had greeted a long lost friend. "I talked to the moon, as if it were a person. I told him all my secrets, or things I like or hated. And sometimes if I try really hard, it would almost be as if the moon was smiling at me...happy to listen to what ever tales I spun up." The demon butler seemed thoughtful to her words, though he couldn't really understand the concept of being lonely. Demons like himself preferred the solitude in their given domains in hell, though other demons stayed in packs until they were summoned to the land of mortals to fulfill contracts to their given Masters or Mistresses.
"Are you ever lonely Mister Michealis?"
His eyes widened. He pondered over the fact if he knew anyone other then her who had asked him that question, though no one came to mind. Leaving the curtains alone he moved to her side and stared down at her. Her eyes where half closed now as she battled herself to remain awake, so he decided to indulge her and gave her one of his usual smiles "No, I suppose I am not I have you and the young master to keep me company along with the other three servants and Mister Tanaka." Of course the lie just slipped out past his lips. He couldn't lie to the young master, but he could to the mistress. He didn't honestly care if he was alone or not but he would perhaps miss some of the company they had to offer once he took the master's soul and return to hell and continue on with his eternal existence. Never before had he met such a group of mortals that could keep him on his toes.
"Are you lonely my lady?" he couldn't help but ask.
She hummed, half-asleep as she tilted her head to the side "Sometimes." She yawned. "I miss my parents, I remember so little of them..." her words were dying off at the end of her sentence. But Sebastian found himself once again intrigued about the other piece of information he had just learned. His opened his mouth to ask her more but silenced himself when the sound of deep, soft breathing reached his ears. She had fallen asleep. His expression was blank as he continued to look down at her sleeping form. A revelation falling upon him, telling him that he did not truly know this girl, and neither did the young master. He had neglected to read the papers that Madame Red had dropped off at the manor a few months back when she brought the young girl with her and into their lives. He would have to search those later when they returned home.
Finding that he stuck around to long he turned and went to the door, his hand wrapping around the door knob as he twisted it and let himself back out into the hallway, only sparing just one last glance in sleeping girl's direction before closing the door with a soft click. And for a demon that needed no sleep he thought he would preoccupied himself with starting up his first batch of curry for tomorrow.
'Time to start...' he mentally sighed.
Yaaaaaay another chapter done! This one was so long x-x
Sorry that it took me forever to get it done but thank you all so much who have been reviewing and supporting my story! Still wondering how I'd spark a romance between the two...perhaps you fans could toss me some advice my way? I don't want it to be to cheesy or anything I want it to at least have some sort of class xD
Ciel: you have class...?
Shut up! *tosses a book at him*
Ciel: *ducks*
So anyways I want to personally thank Paxloria, Helenchibi, tohru15, XxJadynTimmsxX, Sefiyer and so many more who had reviewed on my story! You have all been so great and I love you all for it.
Keep them reviews comming I love it when you guys give me you're thoughts/opinions it makes my day a whole lot brighter and time I just finished this at 4:34 in the morning! wow I've been up awhile xD
So anyways! thank you again and review!
Love,
Shizu-chan~ 333