JO here...

I remember when I first posted this chapter, Hurricane Sandy had affected the North East, particularly New York. Despite the chaos, I'm glad everyone made it without suffering too much. At least I hope so.

Also, be warned, super long chapter this one. And another thing, a shout out to when TTLG reached a hundred or so reviews when this chapter was first posted. It was honestly more than I could hope for. You readers are truly the best!

Edited: 10/4/17

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroshitsuji


11. When Company Comes To The Table

It wasn't until the next day that my life began with some semblance of order. And I do mean semblance. Once again, Ciel was called by the Queen to investigate a series of incidents happening in London and off we went. Leaving the servants to enjoy their day fun filled with snow at the London townhouse.

Winter.

In Great Britain it's an ashen season covered by thick heavy clouds and smothered by a chilly wind. Incidentally, it also happens to be the type of weather a certain time-traveler is fascinated with. Too much crispy sun and unbearable cloying heat tends to change one's opinion about weather.

With the Jack the Ripper case solved, the hum of daily life returned to London. That peace, however, proved but a brief respite. There occurred a curious incident in which Anglo-Indians frequenting the Hindustani coffeehouse near Portman square were attacked, stripped, and hung upside down near the roof. Which was unfortunate as nobody wanted to see them half-naked; they weren't even good-looking.

Afterward, in a rash of similar incidents, aristocrats and military personnel who had returned from India were likewise assaulted all over London. And that was something to really worry about because a few of them had actually been really good-looking.

The same note had been affixed to all the victims: yadda, yadda, yadda, you catch my drift. All the notes ended with a little picture of a tongue sticking out.

Sir Randall crumpled the note in his hand in frustration and anger. "Another incident! This is the twentieth one!" He looked at the nervous Inspector Abberline. "Haven't you been able to arrest the perpetrators yet Abberline?"

He flinched but stood straight. "Sorry, sir!"

"We let Jack the Ripper slip through our fingers and that bloody brat with his little missus snatched away our glory—"

"Oh, do forgive me for being a brat," called a familiar voice behind them.

"Earl Phantomhive!" cried Sir Randall in surprised outrage as he turned around.

"Sir Randall, if you keep shouting like that your blood pressure will rise," I chided him as I stood next to Ciel. Sebastian stood behind us, silent but ever watchful and ready.

"Miss Hero," he acknowledged in a huffed temper. I smiled cheerfully. Abberline looked at me and smiled back. He was about to say something when Sir Randall placed a hand in front of him and spoke to Ciel. "Earl Phantomhive, why are you here?"

"Ha! I should think that would be obvious. I've come to clean up after the bumbling hounds," Ciel replied coolly. He then snatched the papers from Abberline once again.

"Wha—!"

"I see." Ciel said after inspecting them. "Only Anglo-Indians have been targeted in this case. And there don't appear to be any causalities as of yet."

Sir Randall looked like he was about to bust a vein. He really should take it easy before his blood pressure spiked to a dangerous level.

"Who gave you the right to—!"

Ciel thrust the Queen's letter in his face with a smug look for the second time that month. "I would not be here if mere bandits were to blame, but I cannot rightly sit by as the Royal Family continues to be insulted."

Sir Randall was silent after that.

"You really shouldn't tease people so much, Ciel," I chided, but there was no helping the look of satisfaction on his face. He handed the papers back to Sebastian for him to memorize.

"I say 'child of sloth and depravity' is a wonderfully accurate expression on the part of our culprit. I'd have to agree that this country would be marginally better off without the Indian Nabobs," Ciel commented with a mild smirk in my direction. His face should come with a trigger warning.

"That's the Victorian Imperialism for you. Britain was famous for it during the Industrial Revolution," I said, remembering what I had been taught in school. Hmm, who knew it could be so useful?

The British Indian Empire.

At the time, masses of Englishmen lived in the British Colony of India. The third or fourth sons of well-to-do families, who could not live in luxury in their homeland, were able to live the elegant lives of "noblemen" in India.

Clearly, they needed a job.

Those who returned from India were called "Anglo-Indians" and the many who were unable to shed their lifestyles of extravagance and idleness even after their return were known as "Indian Nabobs." And they stayed that way until Ghandi had their asses kicked out of India.

Ghandiji!

"Even if they wallowed in base amusements while in India and are cowards who single-mindedly squandered their fortunes, many of them are members of the British Gentry," Sir Randall pointed out. "We must protect them!"

"Gentry, hm? Worthless," said Ciel, sticking his tongue out. "In any case, what of this mark…?"

"They're making a mockery of the British and Her Majesty The Queen!" Sir Randall exploded. "How dare they cock about like this! The victims are all returnees from India. That means the perpetrator must be a vile Indian! Those bloody savages!"

Hey, I take offense to that! Even though I'm not Indian, I have two pen pals, one from India, Rajeev and another from Japan, Mimiko. Not only is Rajeev pretty hot (fine appreciator of male beauty here!) but he's wicked talented in tennis and totally kick ass at Assassin's Creed.

"Careful there Sir Randall. That's pretty racist of you to say," I said to him.

He ignored me, fuming and caught up in his own world. Abberline came over and tried calming the man down.

"Oh? So that's why I've been summoned," commented Ciel. "Most of the Indians who've stolen their way into Great Britain are holed up in East End. The city police seem to have trouble dealing with the underworld there. So learning the exact number of stowaways or by what routes they make it here is rather problematic, hm?"

By then Sir Randall had calmed down some, but he still looked pretty ticked. I wandered over to the scene of the crime and looked at the loosened rope. I pursed my lips and thought back to the note. Well, we'll be meeting them soon enough I believe. Kind of bummed the mystery wasn't really a mystery. It deflated my inner detective as there wasn't much for me to figure out. I sighed. Maybe next time.

Abberline chose then to approach, greeting me with a friendly smile.

"Out of curiosity, what can you make this?" he asked me.

I eyed the rope again. "I think what you should be asking yourself is not who did this," I conspiratorially whispered in hushed tones so that only he could hear. "But who commanded for this to happen and why."

He looked confused. "Commanded? Why?"

I grinned. "Right. How would an Indian fresh off the boat know who to attack? How would they know an Anglo-Indian aristocrat from a regular aristocrat? And why do this in the first place? It's pretty risky for them to do this just for revenge and to keep up for weeks? Smells like a motive, a purpose that sinks deeper than what we're looking at. I suggest you find a pattern between the victims and locations. Never know what you might find."

His eyes alighted in understanding. "Yes, I see what you mean."

I placed my index finger on my lips. "Just keep it to yourself for now, kay?"

I noticed Ciel frown upon seeing me huddled close to the Inspector. Sebastian noticed this too, but said nothing. The boy faced Sir Randall once more.

"Well, if you don't mind, I'll be going about my business. I'd like to return to the manor as soon as possible. Sebastian, you've memorized the papers?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Come Hero, we're leaving," he said.

I looked up and smiled, dutifully walking over to his side. It would seem Ciel was comforted by my presence being a constant always beside him. Not that I knew.

"Great talkin' to ya," I told Abberline cheerfully. Sebastian returned the papers to the Inspectors and off we went.


Inspector Abberline stared after the trio before glancing at Sir Randall.

"Um, sir, who exactly is that kid? And why is Miss Hero always with him?"

Sir Randall's usually strict expression turned grave. "Since you've seen for yourself twice, I suppose there's no other choice but for me to fill you in. Abberline, in this country there exists a secret agency under direct control of the Queen. It is known as 'Phantomhive'."

The Phantomhive earldom has headed this agency through the generations and the Earls themselves have been called "Watchdogs of the Queen" or the "Aristocrats of Evil".

Sounds really cool when you think about it.

Abberline appeared confused. "But why evil? If he serves the royal family are they not the same as us—"

"No. Their task is no easy one. In every civilization, there is both a 'polite society' and an 'underworld' and Great Britain is no exception."

The rogue organization known as Phantomhive covers up any number of criminal acts carried out by the royals and will stop at nothing to eliminate any and all who may seem to harm the Royal Family. By all rights they function as a royal "shadow"—A "phantom" which should never have come into being.

It also doesn't help that the past heads were all criminally good-looking.

"The underbelly of the East End. The criminals and blackguards of other nations who congregate therein. All so that the undesirables do no spill into polite society, they employ their monstrous authority to rule over and police every inch of this country's underworld…that's the 'Phantomhive Earldom' for you," Sir Randall concluded.

"So basically, they're the opposite of the police in that they use the powers of "evil" to carry out the Queen's orders? A slip of a child like him?"

"That there is no child. That is the very devil himself."

"But if that's so then why's Miss Hero with him? Surely she wouldn't wish to be associated with him if she knew?"

"She does know."

Abberline looked alarmed.

"Miss Hero is in fact Earl Phantomhive's pawn; a recent acquisition so I've been told. Apparently, she ranges in all types of skill sets, criminal investigation being one of them. From what I've managed to uncover, she discovered who Jack the Ripper was and his next victim. Thanks to her, the victim lived and with Phantomhive, the Ripper is no more."

Abberline shivered slightly. "Even so, I find it hard to believe she's got skills other than criminal investigation. I mean, she's so petite and so…American. Working with the boy must be dangerous and yet she's so cheerful and always smiling."

"That girl is a mystery even I don't understand. Just know that she's a lot clever then she lets on. Even as an American, Miss Hero is a force to be reckoned with."


"Young master, Miss Hero, we have arrived," announced Sebastian as we stood before a non-descriptive door in a rather non-descriptive street that no proper person of decorum would find themselves in.

I smiled. "Sweet! This is Lau's place, right? I haven't seen him in a while."

Ciel didn't look amused. "I was actually rather glad we haven't. Sebastian, is this the right place?"

"Yes, sir."

It was dark inside and to make matters worse, we had to go down a set of spiraling stairs. I was careful not to fall, but my platform heeled foot landed on air and I suddenly went forward. Luckily Sebastian was there to catch me in his arms.

"Oh thanks," I said.

He chuckled. "Allow me to carry you the rest of the way."

"What? That's not—" I was cut off when Sebastian scooped me into his arms with ease. I struggled but he remained firm. I sighed and stopped. "Fine, but let me down as soon as we make it, okay?"

He merely smirked before continuing. He looked back at the scowling Ciel who was probably wishing right then and there to be taller and stronger. Sebastian gave him an innocent expression.

"Watch your step, sir."

A popping vein mark appeared on Ciel's forehead as he followed. Eventually we made it down to another non-descriptive door. Once he let me, he opened the door and a strange smell greeted us. An annoyed Ciel used his arm to cover his nose.

"What an awful smell," he said.

"It's not so bad," I told him as we walked further in. "It smells like poppy seeds and flowers. But don't inhale it too much. Even though it isn't weed, you can still get high as hell off this stuff."

Like a fog, the cloudy air around us dissipated until we could see a familiar figure reclined on a couch at the very end of the room. The light in the room kept moving so it was difficult to get a look.

"So you finally managed to find this place, Earl. How strange to be facing you like this, and for Miss Hero to witness me at my most degenerate moment. But I've always believed this day would come."

Another popping vein mark.

"And what sort of day would that be?" Ciel inquired when the light revealed Lau and his Chinese harem chillin' as they gathered around him like a group of One Direction fans.

The go-lucky Lau laughed as he greeted us, a stoic yet adorable Ran Mao straddling his lap. "Welcome Earl, Miss Hero, it's been so long. Have you been well? Ah! I heard you celebrated your birthday not long ago? Good tidings to you!"

"Never mind that!" Ciel snapped, face red.

Sebastian looked at him. "Why are you blushing, master?"

"It's because Ciel's a rather pure boy. He's never been exposed to intimacy and its mechanics beyond kissing," I whispered to the demon butler.

"And you haven't?"

I smiled. "When you've had a sex ed class with perverted classmates, you grow up fast."

"A-hem! I can hear you!" Ciel faced Lau. "Anyways there's something I want to ask you."

"Ah! For the Earl to go to the trouble of visiting this dank cellar of an opium den must mean you're here about that, yes?" A few of the Chinese girl came up to Sebastian and offer him some opium, to which he politely refused. "Word's gotten around already, has it? You've a sharp ear.

"Yes, I'm looking into that series of events," Ciel answered. "When it comes to Orientals, talking to you, the bigwig of this patch is almost expedient, British manager of the Chinese trading company 'Kon Ron', or should I say, Top Official of the Chinese Crime Syndicate Qing Bang—Lau."

I whistled. "My, what a title."

Lau got up with a smoking pipe still in hand, leaving a startled Ran Mao behind on the couch "I really would prefer you not call me that. It's much too stuffy and all. And I don't want Miss Hero getting the wrong message."

Dude, what wrong message? It's true!

"I've left the management of the quarter Oriental to you. So you've an idea of the number of people coming and going around these parts, yes? Stop puffing away and hear me out!" Ciel demanded.

"Now, now this is just mint," Lau explained as he set the pipe down and wandered over to my side and placing an arm around my shoulder. "And certainly, my lord. I'm following your orders to the letter. Such is the price I must pay to conduct 'businesses in this part of the country's underworld, after all."

Ciel and Sebastian looked at Lau's offending limb around my shoulder. I rolled my eyes. Don't they know the relationship between Lau and myself is simply platonic?

Ciel continued. "Then—"

"But first, I have a question to pose to you as well, my lord." Here it comes. "These incidents of which you speak, what are they exactly?"

I giggled when I saw Ciel's put out expression. "Why you! We have to take it from the top, huh?"

Sebastian smiled. "He was simply chiming in when he thought it appropriate. I am sure of this."

I turned and whispered into Lau's ear. "Or it could be that you have much going on, especially on the slide and aren't sure if these 'incidents' refer to one of yours?"

Lau glanced at me from the corner of his eyes and smiled mischievously before placing a finger against his lips in a shush gesture. I smirked.


"—Oh, now I see!" said Lau as if the meaning of life became clear to him. "So you'd like to capture the prankster!"

We were currently following Lau in some random street in East End. I would have warned Ciel and Sebastian that such thinking was not wise, but then how else would we meet Prince Soma and Agni? I smiled at the oncoming prospect. This week will surely be fun!

"There haven't been any deaths yet, but the gentry and military personnel are being targeted," Ciel explained.

"Ah, you have to make an example of him to keep the common folk in line! There simply is no end to your troubles, Earl."

"What drivel," replied the annoyed bluenette.

Sebastian looked around. "Incidentally, we have walked quite a distance. At which lodging house are the Indians based?"

"Nn?" Lau said in confusion. "Ah! Do forgive me! I was so caught up in our conversation that I think I may have gotten us lost! Hahaha! Silly me!"

I laughed into my gloved hands. Ciel looked royally pissed. "Why, you—!"

"Chill Ciel. You've got to control that short temper of yours," I remarked.

"I do not have a short temper!" Ciel snapped. He paused and face palmed as I giggled.

"Now that I think about," Sebastian added. "I don't think I've seen you the slightest bit angry before."

I pointed at myself and with a southern bell accent said, "You talkin' about lil 'ol me?"

"Hmm that's true," Lau agreed as we kept walking. "You're usually smiling and so upbeat."

I did my signature smile. "That's because a detective extraordinaire like myself is made of mangos and cream." Their faces were too funny. "I'm just kidding! It takes a lot to get me mad. I have a generally tolerant attitude and trust me it took me a while to get it this way. I'm much happier this way."

Ciel sighed. "In any case, we should find a way out of here. Let's trace our steps back and—Ow!"

Ciel looked up and was met with the sight of a rather scruffy and suspicious Indian face. He was about to apologize when the man dramatically clutched his side and began to shout.

"Owww! I think I just cracked a rib—!"

"Wha—?"

Sebastian sighed and I was right there with him. Pretty soon the man had made such a fuss that we were soon surrounded by even more suspicious looking Indian East End residents.

"Oh my," Lau observed.

I placed my hands on my hips. "Now isn't this a fine kettle of fish?"

The man Ciel had bumped into leaned down to face him, grabbing his coat. "The little master's awfully well-dressed for an East Ender. Are you a noble?" Ciel haughtily freed himself from the man's grasp, face cool and composed, betraying nothing. "I gotta demand damages for you banging into me, kid! Leave everything you've got on ya behind, ya hear?"

I pointed at Ciel. "You're telling me this scrawny kid with a weight of about maybe ninety-five pounds tops actually broke a rib?"

Ciel flushed. "Hey!"

Sebastian chuckled. "And once again, you have gotten yourself caught by a second-rate thug, young master."

"I know, right?" I exclaimed. "And he says I attract trouble."

"Maybe not trouble, but too much unwanted attention."

I gaped. Did he really just say that? Me who couldn't even seduce to save my life? I shook my head. "I won't even answer to that, mainly because I won't know how."

"Hey! Don't just ignore us!" Interrupted the rude Indian dude. "The Indians 'round here have it in for you nobles. You dragged us all the way here, and then just threw us out like trash! The lot of you British are self-serving bastards!"

"Yeah!" cheered his people.

I tilted my head. "Well its fine if you think that, but rather than threaten and terrorize people why don't you take it to court? If you want to go home I'm sure they'll arrange some sort of way."

"Don't kid around!" The man shouted. "If you get in our way we'll hurt you too!"

Ooh, I'm so scared—Not. I dug into my trusty knapsack and took out a piece of bread Sebastian had made this morning. It was wrapped securely with a handkerchief and surprisingly still warm. I handed it to the man who looked pretty surprised.

"Here, you can have it. I was gonna eat it myself but you look like you need it more than I do. And they say the reason people get grumpy is because they haven't eaten."

That saying is definitely true when it comes to me by the way.

Ciel looked at me in shock. "You've had that since breakfast?"

I huffed. "Well you were in such a hurry to leave that I didn't get to finish my plate. The fault is entirely yours. And it was a damn good piece of bread mind you. Sebastian's cooking is the best!"

Sebastian humbly accepted the compliment. "I would have been glad to make you some more at home."

I perked up. "Really?"

"Didn't I just say don't ignore us? And stay out of my way bitch!" exclaimed the angry Indian.

He slapped my hand away, dropping the piece of bread onto the cold unforgiving ground. And to make matters worse, someone stepped on it! I cannot begin to tell you the horror that stole my body at that moment.

"You didn't have to do that," Ciel told them, seeing my reaction.

The angry man grabbed Ciel's coat again as he shouted. "Since you've refused to cooperate we'll just have to help ourselves! You British bastards deserve everything you're gonna get!"

"Yeah!" cheered his people.

Ciel backed his face away. "Sebas—" Before he could finish saying the name, a heeled foot came out of nowhere and slammed into the man's face suddenly. He let go of Ciel and stumbled back. A stunned look sat on his face as his fellow peoples gasped in shock as a red foot print was clearly outlined on his face.

"Wha—"

"You ignorant fool! How dare threaten Ciel even further when you've just insulted me in the worst possible way!" I raged angrily, my face hot.

The man's face contorted even further. "You bitch! This is the end for yo—" Another heeled foot landed on his face and the force had him staggering back.

"And you have the balls to talk back? Have you no fucking shame? Do you know that there are hungry children in the world that would have loved that piece of bread? You fucking bastard! Debo de golpearte con una escoba y tírate al mar! A ver si así no entiendes, descárado!"

And on and on flew the strings of Spanish words as my native tongue came into play. As you can guess, I only ever talk Spanish when I'm either really angry or helping a confused fellow Hispanic. Sebastian and Ciel didn't exactly know what to make of me then but apparently, they've dubbed my rare moment of anger as "The Spanish Fury" and wisely decided that they'll never again waste food, at least in my presence.

I continued to kick the now crying and struggling victim in a repeated fashion as I called him a no good cruel bastard for being a child abuser, thief and a women hater—it just seemed right at the time.

The man's supporters weren't sure what they should do now and the few who were wise refrained from coming closer. Those who weren't so bright I caught easily enough and thrashed them like some crazed harpy, causing destruction where she went. And I supposed what was funny enough was that I still kicking the shit out of the Indian man below me.

"Ustedes deben de sirles disculpas a la gentes inocentes por atacarlos! Como si sus crímenes no eran suficientes! Idiotas! No puedo creer que groseros ustedes son! Si yo no estuviera en tacones pero me los bajo asta que ya—!"

"Great Goddess Kali!" cried an unfamiliar voice. I snapped out of my angry haze to find a new body under my foot. It was of Indian descent but not the rude man I was beating the shit out. I gasped and dropped the men I had lifted into the air during my tantrum. They groaned as they landed on the floor with a heavy thud.

I was shocked to see Prince Soma underneath my heeled foot. Oh my gosh, I didn't grab him on accident and just beat the goodness gracious out of him, did I? The twenty-sixth prince of Bengal got up and dusted himself off, but rather than look upset, he seemed immensely pleased with himself.

"Great Goodess Kali, I humbly thank you for sparing these men."

I flushed. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to!"

He smiled and grabbed my gloved hands. "It is not your fault. No doubt that one of my countrymen did something to provoke your wrath, but thankfully, I contained it!"

"My Prince!" exclaimed a much impressed and worshipful looking Agni as he neared. "That was so courageous of you!" I smiled seeing Agni arrive. Awesome! Now things were getting interesting. "And look! You have even made her smile!"

Prince Soma stared at me, got close to my face and stared some more before backing away. "Indeed. And very beautiful too." I blinked. Was he talking about me? He cleared his throat. "Agni, it is decided! We shall take our Kali along with us!"

Agni looked in awe. "My Prince!"

"And if she pleases me then I shall make her my bride."

Agni looked even more astounded, but immensely pleased.

"Hey!" shouted Ciel as he neared us. I was wondering what he would do if he heard that. "Just what do you think you're doing? Hero is mine."

Prince Soma eyed Ciel with skeptism. "It is obvious that a pipsqueak like you wouldn't know how to handle her." He then spotted Sebastian behind an enraged Ciel. "Ah! You have a khansama with you. Are you a British noble?"

Ciel looked immensely annoyed. "And what if I am?"

The dudes that had surrounded us came back, seeing our side falter a bit after I calmed down. Those I had beaten up though, stayed down and those that actually had brains (which were like one or two) fled. The not so smart ones gathered around Ciel and Sebastian once again, this time armed and ready.

Prince Soma crossed his arms. "Then I shall allay with my brothers in this battle and keep Kali with me."

Err, can I have a say in this?

"Agni!"

"Yes, your highness?"

"Defeat them!"

Agni stood his ground and unraveled the bandages on his right hand. "Jo aagyaa. This right hand with which God has blessed me shall I wield for my master!"

Ooh, fight, fight, fight! In the end they did fight. Agni moved like a flashed and was on par with Sebastian's speed and skill. Sebastian blocked his move and grabbed a startled Ciel, keeping him safe as he dodged Agni's series of attacks. Their little fight neared where I was standing. I jumped back and heard one of the Indian men shout and point a dagger at me as he lunged. With Sebastian dodging, one of Agni's fist connected with the man's face. He crumpled to ground out cold.

"Ah! Forgive me brother! I shall tend to your injuries presently!"

"Wow! Agni really is good!" I observed in wonder as my savior ran after Sebastian.

Prince Soma smirked. "Of course. He is my loyal khansama after all."

After stepping on someone's face, Sebastian jumped in the air with Ciel still in his arms. Agni followed and began hitting pressure points, but Sebastian being a demon, the move had no affect on him. Agni became confused but kept his ground. Eventually Ciel had enough.

"Hey! We were just passing through when those Indians picked a fight with us! Are all Indians barbarians who indiscriminately attack any Englishman they lay their eyes on?"

I turned to Prince Soma and tried acting as girly and helpless as possible. "It's true you know. They threatened and said awfully mean things to us. They even threw my bread on the ground and one of them just attacked me for no reason!"

Prince Soma looked scandalized. "What?" He turned toward the Indian men. "Hey, you there, did you really just threaten and attack Kali? And attack the runt and his companions for no reason?"

"…reason?" one of them uttered in bewilderment. "Kali? That she-devil?"

"We can't have that! The fool is he who wages war without cause. Not to mention to dare insult and harm the great goddess Kali! Agni! In this case our brothers are at fault! Allay with the runt and his companion!"

"Yes, your highness!"

Everyone had one of those "WTF is going on here" looks. I giggled and clapped my hands in joy. In less than five minutes Agni had the perps piled high, each one of them knocked out and unconscious.

"All done Lord Soma!"

"Good!" He walked over and picked up Ciel's fallen hat. "Hey you two, you're not hurt are you?"

"N-No," answered Sebastian warily.

Prince Soma plopped Ciel's hat on his head. "And you, runt, should not be wandering in a place like this. It's dangerous. Kali?"

"I'm here," I said, approaching them. "The name's Hero by the way. Hero Sanders, detective extraordinaire."

"Hero?" Prince Soma said, testing the name out. "How very unusual yet fitting in a way. The name certainly is on par with your looks too. Very well, as future husband, I approve of this name."

"Wha—What are you saying?" raged Ciel, flushing angrily. "You're not Hero's future husband! I am!"

"That has yet to be decided, my lord," supplied Sebastian as he checked me to see if I was okay or injured. "It is not certain you will win the competition after all."

I rolled my eyes. How can these guys be so confident?

"I am uncertain what you two speak of, but nevertheless I am on the hunt for someone so I shall take my leave. Hero?"

I smiled apologetically. "Sorry dude. I'm with Ciel and Sebastian; gotta stay. But I'm sure we'll meet later. You do have to find someone so do that first."

Prince Soma looked a little surprised, but nodded. "Yes, you're right. I shall search first. Very well, farewell for now, Hero."

The pair walked away with Agni exclaiming that Soma did the right thing and how he and I will definitely see each other again. Prince Soma replied with an, of course, that its fate, etc. I shook my head, but smiled.

"My, those two were something else!" Lau commented. We all looked up to find him perched on the roof of a building. Huh, I forgot about him.

"And where have you been this whole time?" came Ciel's irate voice.

"Now don't be like that! Why I was waiting for Miss Hero to calm down and save you all, remember?" Lau hopped down, as if jumping from a two-story building wasn't a big deal. "In any case, who were they? They don't live in the East End, that much is obvious. They were well-dressed and their English is without accent."

Sebastian had bent down to examine the pile of unconscious men. "Be that as it may, I should think our first priority is to take these people to the city police."

"Agreed," I approved, crossing my arms. "Jerks still piss me off."

Everyone sweat dropped as I pouted and looked away.

At least now they know I was capable of getting angry. Unbeknownst to me, the boys all silently agreed never to have that wrath unleashed again.


After a long day of fruitless efforts of finding the culprit, we all returned to Ciel's townhouse. Even though I had unleashed my never-before seen fury, I was in high spirits. Mainly because the outfit in Nina's collection Madame Red had chosen for me before she left was specially built to block out the cold. Another reason would be because it began to snow a few moments ago. And another really important factor was because dinner would be done soon!

"We labored in vain," Ciel complained, his body exhausted. "And now it's begun to snow."

Sebastian chuckled as he took our coats and hats, hanging them by the door accordingly. "The culprit may be among them. Let us wait for Sir Randall to contact us."

"Really! I'm tired of being summoned to London every time a silly incident like this occurs!" Ciel huffed.

"Man up!" I told him cheerfully. "I did the same thing you did but in high heels. And as the fairer sex, I should be feeling out of sorts here." Cue the lifting of the hair with hands dramatically.

Ciel rolled his eye. "I don't think you're capable of feeling 'out of sorts'."

I smiled. "Maybe you're right. My Hispanic blood gives me a sturdy 'constitution', as you call it."

"That isn't the only thing it gives you," he commented bluntly.

I flushed. "Hey, that was a one-time thing! I haven't been that angry since some guy had cut in front of me at the food court in Dolphin Mall. I had been waiting for like two hours to finally be second in line and it was the grand opening of a new restaurant too!"

"I wonder what would have become of you if you hadn't stumbled upon us," Ciel sighed.

I hugged the adorable shota, bring his blushing face closer to mine. "Quit being a worrier! And I'm not so bad. I'm great company!"

"Now that I can attest," said Lau with a happy-go lucky smile. "Miss Hero is nothing if not amusing. Poor Earl. Having to not only howl if there is even the faintest possibility of harm befalling Her Majesty but to have to take care of the lovely Miss Hero with the temper of a deranged devil. If you want I could do you the favor of taking the latter option from you, my lord. Then you'd worry less."

"I believe he'd have even more to worry about," commented Sebastian absently, noting how his young master's grip on my arms wrapped around his shoulder tightened.

"I find it amazing you would even think that when you know the answer," Ciel said haughtily. And to prove his point he turned his head, about to give me a peck on the mouth.

But I was prepared for this. So before he could make contact, I took out a fan and had Ciel kiss that. He looked surprised and blinked. I backed away and laughed evilly.

"Sorry dude, but I'm not about to get mauled over by kisses any time soon. I told you I'd be hard to court," I chided him teasingly, opening my weapon and fanning myself.

Lau tilted his head a little. "That fan looks familiar."

"It should be. Madame Red gave it to me before she left. She said that I might need some sort of barrier from all the attention I was going to receive." And boy was she right.

Sebastian smiled. "I applaud your efforts of resistance. But it will be useless, at least regarding myself."

Ciel huffed. "I can take the challenge. I'm not about to get beat by Sebastian."

Now I rolled my eyes as I wandered over to the demon butler and tugged at his sleeve. "Well anyways, how about some refreshments? Sebastian, could you make some hot chocolate like I told you yesterday?"

"Of course," he replied pleasantly as he looked at me indulgently.

Right then, the B-MY-F trio came out, eyes alight with excitement—except for Bard and Tanaka who looked pretty chill.

"Young master! Miss Hero! Welcome home!"

"You brought your servants with you this time?" inquired Lau.

Sebastian's face darkened a little, remembering what had occurred the last time. "Yes. It would be troublesome to leave them behind at the manor." He then smiled suddenly, perfect butler face activated. "Well now, you all must be worn out from the cold. I'll have hot chocolate and tea prepared right away."

I smiled excitedly myself. "Yay!"

"Indeed," Ciel sighed in agreement.

"I would prefer Chai to English Tea," added another voice.

"Indeed," Ciel agreed absently. Everyone paused, then looked at the door. "Eh?" There by the door stood a grumpy Prince Soma and a cheerful Agni. I smiled. Sweet, they're here!

"Wha—Wha—Wha—!" came Ciel's startled reply.

"Hey there guys!" I greeted them merrily.

Prince Soma saw me and smiled. "Hero! I knew we'd meet again, though this place is awfully smaller than my palace."

Finally, Ciel found his voice. "Why are you here?"

"What do you mean why? Have you failed to recall that we became acquainted a moment ago?" Prince Soma reminded him. "Have you forgotten me already?"

"Became acquainted you say!"

The servants stared in awe at the new arrivals.

"What's going on?" they whispered to each other.

"I calmed Hero down and I rescued you."

"You just threw yourself under her foot! And rescue me? How!"

Prince Soma crossed his arms. "In India it is commonplace to invite your benefactors into your home and make them welcome. There's a saying that goes 'entertain your guests even if you have to sell off your heirlooms'."

I nodded in agreement. "It's true you know. I read A Passage to India and my friend Rajeev confirmed it."

"That's not helping! And whose Rajeev?" Ciel asked curiously.

"A penpal," I told him

Prince Soma looked around. "Hey, where's the bed?"

"Why a bed?" question Lau.

"Apparently in India, one invites one's guests to one's bed to sit together in a circle, enjoying each other's company," I explained verbatim as I remembered the manga. I also remembered Rajeev talking about the custom still in practice in some Indian households.

The Prince smirked and looked approvingly at me. "See? Even Hero knows proper basic etiquette. Of course, I should expect nothing less from Kali."

Ciel glowered at the Prince. He was about to speak up when a voice interrupted him.

"My Prince! Lord Soma! I have found one here!" came Agni's energetic voice from the stairs.

"That is well."

"Hey! Listen to me!" Ciel shouted in vain.

"Then good. It is a tad bit small but we shall be staying here for a while. Much obliged," replied Prince Soma as he went upstairs. "Come Hero."

I giggled as I followed him upstairs, wondering how this was gonna turn out. In real life, you never know. Ciel looked outraged.

"Hero! Don't follow him! And why must I take care of you!" he asked, running to keep up with us. We were already inside the room with Agni presenting the guests' bed to Prince Soma.

He sat down on the bed and faced Ciel with a smirk. "I haven't given any thoughts to other lodgings. Besides, is it customary for Englishmen to throw their benefactors out into the cold?"

Ciel wasn't done yet. "No but moreover—who are you?"

"Me?" Prince Soma repeated.

"He's a prince," I told them.

"A prince…?" Sebastian questioned.

Agni spoke up. "This person is the twenty-sixth child of the Raja of Bengal…Prince Soma Asman Kadar."

"We shall be imposing upon you for a bit…runt."

I laughed, seeing Ciel's reaction. This was just too funny.

"Then, as a symbol of our new friendship, I will serve you Chai! I will borrow the kitchen. On a cold day, Chai full of ginger is best!" And off went Agni. Sebastian looked alarmed and chased after him.

"Ah! Please wait, if it is tea you want, I shall—"

Sebastian was cut off as Finny popped into the room, eyes full of sparkles. "Amazing! So you're really a prince?"

"A-A Prince?" Mey-Rin repeated in awe.

"First time I've seen a real prince in the flesh," Bard commented.

"You may approach," Prince Soma graciously announced. The trio oohed and awed as they bombarded Prince Soma with many questions. I smiled as I stood next a rather put out Ciel.

"There, there, Ciel," I told him as I patted his head. "It's not so bad after you get used to them."

Lau appeared behind us. "Well, my lord. Your stay should be a lively one."

Ciel faced Lau. "GET OUT!"


I couldn't stop laughing and poor Ciel looked very much miserable. I patted his head gently.

"Ciel, it's not so bad. You really should learn to be a people person. Can't isolate yourself forever."

He huffed in annoyance. "I know that. I just find the situation very irritating."

"Well it's too late now. It'd be very rude to throw them out," Sebastian commented as he finished dressing Ciel for bed. Meanwhile I fussed with the many buttons of this freakin' nightgown Madame Red had pre-selected—she's already pre-selected a whole two weeks' worth of clothes! And I just had to wear them, even said she'd have people 'keep an eye' on me to make sure; scary much? —behind the Chinese screen in Ciel's room. The concept of living in Ciel's bedroom along with him wasn't as alien to me after a few weeks; now it's kind of like we're roommates!

"He's right you know," I added. "Besides, Prince Soma did say he was looking for someone. Maybe if you help him find this person he'll go away faster."

That won't happen, sadly, but it'll ease Ciel's mind a bit.

Ciel visibly relaxed "Of course. That makes sense. I'll inquire about it come tomorrow morning."

I came from around the screen and walked toward the bed. "Good. Now if that's settled, let's sleep. Night Sebastian! By the way, that hot chocolate was spectacular!"

He chuckled. "I'm glad it was to your satisfaction."

"Chocolate milk, hot chocolate," listed Ciel. "You eat more chocolate then me."

"I'm a woman. Can you blame me? Chocolate appeals to the female consumers, especially if it's really delicious," I told him. I saw Ciel add that to his mental list of business ideas for the future and I couldn't help but giggle. "I remember eating a chocolate house once. It was really good."

Ciel sighed. "That doesn't surprise me."

"And now it's time for bed," Sebastian announced. "I shall see the two of you on the morrow." And then he did something neither Ciel and I expected. He kissed me on the cheek. It was warm yet brief. I blushed and Ciel gaped.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"Sometimes the simplest tricks are the most effective," he replied with that insanely beautiful face of his. I had to fan myself a bit there and admit, to Ciel's dissatisfaction, that Sebastian had a point yet again. Ciel scowled but said nothing. We laid down in bed and Sebastian blew out the light before he left. As we stayed awake in the darkness, I wondered if Ciel was gonna pull a fast one. I had my fan tucked under my pillow—I had convinced Ciel to put the dang pistol in the drawer next to his bed—so I was ready.

"Hero, if I try to kiss you are you going to pull out your fan?" Ciel asked, something I found quite surprising.

I hesitated. "Well, yeah?"

"Then I won't," he said calmly. "I won't do anything you don't want me to."

I blinked in surprise. "Oh." Wait, was I actually disappointed? Oh my god! I was actually feeling that! And why? The boy was only thirteen! "Oh, okay then, though it's kind of strange for you to do that."

"I simply thought a change of strategy would be best. After all, you're not used to that kind of stuff."

And you are? But I smiled, appreciating his effort. "Thanks."

"One more question, when's your birthday?"

Huh?

"Oh, um, I don't really know. The nuns picked a date when they first found me on their doorstep."

Ciel appeared shocked when he turned to face me. "First found you? When was that?"

"January 1st. New Year's baby!" I said with a grin.

Ciel kept staring at me, his expression undecipherable until he gave me a small rueful smile. "I should have known."

I gave him a dazzling smile. "We better get to sleep. I have a feeling you'll be seeing a new face in the morning."


Ciel might have not known what I meant when I said what I said but as I'm sure he later discovered, I literally meant he'd be seeing a new face that morning. Our night had gone on rather peacefully as he and I cuddled close while we slept. Even as consciousness slowly approached him, he felt my arms tangled with his and relished the warmth and the tranquility of the moment. No doubt Ciel would have slept longer if it hadn't been for the voice.

"Lord Ciel! I didn't know you and Miss Hero slept together!" exclaimed an unfamilair voice in surprise. "Could it be you two are lovers?"

Ciel thought it strange that Sebastian would ask such a ridiculous question until he realized that it wasn't Sebastian who had come to wake him up. His eyes snapped open and he found Agni's brown surprised face hovering over his.

"Good morning!" he greeted with a smile anyways.

Ciel's loud outburst reminiscent of a frightened hoarse turkey woke me up with a start. My heavy head looked around with tired eyes, seeing no threat. Annoyance filled me.

"What's wrong? Did someone die? Break in? Attempt to light our house on fire?" I was met with wide worried eyes. I blinked and yawned in response. "What? Some criminal prick did it once after they found my dad's address. A detective's life is very dangerous ya know."

I flopped back in the bed and pulled the covers over my head. Through the thin barrier of the sheets, I heard Agni continue his greetings.

"Namaste jii, Lord Ciel, Miss Hero. Breakfast is ready."

I could smell the eggs, cooked meats, exotic spices fill the air and penetrate the sheets. I pulled down the covers and lifted my nose in the air, inhaling appreciatively like a starved dog.

"Father in heaven! Why didn't you say so sooner, Agni?"

"Wait! Why is he even in my room?" Ciel demanded.

There was a knock on the door and a clueless Sebastian entered, expecting this morning to be like any other. "Pardon me, young—"

"Breakfast will get cold if you do not hurry!" Agni cheerfully supplied.

"Yeah Ciel. Quit fussing!" I complained.

"Now just hang on! What the hell? Put us down!" Ciel protested, cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

Sebastian blinked twice. What he was witnessing was a rather merry Agni carring not only his volatile young master, but his rather sleepy and bored looking demon mate on one shoulder as she waited for breakfast. He was dazed at the odd spectacle, but quickly snapped out of it as an idea formed in his mind.

He smiled as he approached the Indian butler. "My, those two appear a handful. Allow me to carry Miss Hero for you."

"Ah! Thank you!"

"What? Sebastian, you bastard!" Ciel shouted as he struggled to get out the Indian butler's arms. "You know Hero can't think for herself in the mornings without food!"

Sebastian smiled innocently as he held his sedate demon mate in his arms. "Of course, I am very well aware of that fact."

I looked up at Sebastian but said nothing. My mind refused to process any more information without sustenance of the edible kind. With my mind in denial, I didn't protest to being carried bridal style by the handsome demon butler in black.

"Can we move this along?" I mumbled.

He chuckled and was about to walk off when Lau appeared in the room. "Oh? Things are sure lively this morning!"

"Mister Sebastian!" shouted the trio as they ran towards him.

"You three, you are in the presence of our guests. Now what is it? Has something happened again—"

"Something's wrong! Really, really wrong! Crazy wrong! Wrong it is!" they shouted. "The food! The garden! The laundry! It's all—!"

"Wrong…?" Sebastian guessed for them.

Off in the background an upset, incredulous Ciel was carried off by a joyful Agni. Sebastian went to investigate (me still in his arms) and he found to his absolute shock that everything had been spic and spanned, garden filled with exotic elephant statues, the linen washed and hung to dry, and the food deliciously prepared in their respective plates ready to be served. My mind only registered the food part though.

"What in the world…?"

Agni appeared. "Ah, I have taken the liberty of handling the morning chores!"

"You should not have, you are our guest so please make yourselves at home," Sebastian insisted.

"I could never! My prince aside, I am merely a butler. I felt it my duty to help Mister Sebastian."

The genuine goody two-shoes sparkly golden rays shined out of Agni to a frightening degree. I chuckled a little. Sebastian glanced at the awaiting trio. He gave them his most radiant evil smile.

"Why don't you three kowtow and beg Mister Agni for the dirt under his nails? Your lives might gain a little value that way."

Wait for the pause, ten seconds later, the trio literally attacked Agni for the dirt under his nails.

I tugged at Sebastian's lapel. He looked down and I pointed towards my mouth, finding for some strange reason that this gesture would somehow be understood by him. The thought was peculiar but my mind insisted that my stomach be fed and the pointing would do the trick. Sebastian himself found the gesture endearing and chuckled.

"That's right. Let's get you to breakfast."


"So, how long do you intend to stay?" Ciel asked later when we were all seated round the polished dining room table. Today's breakfast was different and consisted of shrimp curry and French toast with ginger. I mentally moaned in delight and could barely contain myself. I mean who would?

"We'll leave when we've finished our errand," Prince Soma confirmed vaguely.

"That—"

"You mean the person you were looking for before, right?" Lau asked.

Ciel glanced at Lau. "And why are you staying over?"

"Ahahaha, why not?"

"Yes," continued Prince Soma, ignoring their little exchange. "I'm in search of a certain woman." He held up a sheet of paper with a picture of a crudely drawn Mina on it. Sebastian, Lau and I leaned in around Ciel to peer at the "illustration". It looked nothing like Mina. No way was he going to find the woman.

"Her name is Mina and she was a servant in my palace."

"This is…?" Sebastian started.

"I drew it. You'll know right away when you see her because I drew her so well. Isn't she lovely?"

"Whoa. Like Da Vinci's Madonna," I smiled falsely.

Prince Soma beamed.

Ciel looked at Sebastian. "Sebastian, will you be able to seek her out with this?"

"Even for me, this is a bit erm, well, I shall try."

Lau laughed. "Oh, I myself have never encountered a beauty like this other than Miss Hero, I say!"

"Well of course," said Prince Soma. "Hero is of a caliber higher then Mina," I arched a brow. How can these guys say that so casually? "But she was still the most beautiful woman in my palace. My thanks for the meal."

"So why is that woman in Great Britain?" Ciel asked. He looked up and found both Agni and Prince Soma gone, relocated into another corner of the room, praying to some gruesome looking statue that appeared out of nowhere. "Listen to me!" he shouted in frustration. He, Sebastian, Lau and I got a little closer.

"What are they doing all of a sudden? And where did they get that statue from?"

I cocked my head as I stared at it. "Huh, it looks big in real life…"

"They seem to be praying, but their object of worship is quite surreal," answered Lau.

Sebastian looked at the statue. "You would call that an object of worship? It looks nothing so much as a woman dancing in a frenzy on the abdomen of a man whilst carrying severed heads and wearing a necklace of said heads, at least to me that is."

I smiled. "You hit the nail right on the head."

Agni looked at us and smiled. "This is a statue of the goddess Kali, a deity of Hinduism, our faith."

"So it is an Indian god," concluded Ciel.

"Our goddess Kali is the wife of the god Shiva and the godness of strength. She protects against misfortunes. In ancient times, a devil dared to challenge the goddess in a battle. Of course, the goddess Kali was victorious. However, she could not stop raging and continued to destroy and kill. She kept on killing, made a necklace of severed heads and drank blood."

"It sounds as if the goddess caused more harm than the devil. Truly amazing," Lau chimed in.

Agni was on a role as his passion carried him forth. "Even the gods could not stop the goddess Kali, and the earth was about to fall in ruin, when…at that very moment—! Her husband the god Shiva, lay down at her feet to protect the land!"

"Ah! That is why she is stepping on him. I had assumed they were simply having a lovers' quarrel!" Sebastian settled.

"Her husband was very slow to act. Wasn't he too late? In a whole number of ways?" Ciel added.

"I'll say," I said, adding my own two cents. "Humanity must have been an endangered species by that point."

Agni continued. "When she stepped on her husband with her unclean foot, the goddess Kali returned to her senses and peace returned to the land. Therefore, the goddess Kali is a supreme deity who engaged in mortal combat to defeat the devil. That is why she holds the severed head of the devil."

"…so that's the story," said Ciel.

"I was not aware that such a strong goddess existed. I must be careful when I go to India," Sebastian commented to himself seriously.

I laughed. "Oh Sebastian you're too cute!"

"And that is why Kali's spirit lives in Hero!" Agni supplied, returning to reality with a smile. "Yesterday as Lord Soma stumbled upon her, the goddess radiated through her like a ray of sunshine. And if he hadn't sacrificed himself then who knows what would have happened to Britain!"

Everyone paused and all turned to look at me. I flushed. "Hey I am not like that! My temper was a onetime thing and it was all my Hispanic blood's doing. Besides, I wasn't acting like some deranged she-devil!" Everyone coughed lightly but murmured weak agreements. I huffed and crossed my arms. "Whatever."

"Well, we're done praying," announced Prince Soma as he got up. "So let's go, runt!" He cheerfully grabbed Ciel in a chokehold and tugged at my arm as well. "You must also come, Hero. The runt can guide us."

"Why me?" Ciel exclaimed as he was dragged along. "And furthermore, I am not a 'runt'. I am Ciel!"

"Then Ciel! I order you to guide us!"

Before we took a step further, Sebastian blocked our path. "Forgive me, but the young master has a full schedule with his studies and work today."

Ciel was let go. He looked relieved as he grabbed my hand and led me away. "Yes, as you can see, I'm busy. Find your quarry on your own. Come Hero."

Like I had much of a choice.


10:00 AM

Violin Lessons

"Now," started Sebastian in total swoon-worthy tutor mode. I mentally drooled looking at him. So hawt! "While you are in London, I shall tutor you in place of the lady governesses. This includes Hero of course."

I snapped out of my daze and flushed when he smirked at me. I forgot that he had absolutely insisted that I learn to play some sort of instrument, it being essential for a Victorian lady. So here I stood next to Ciel, a violin and bow in hand. I panicked.

"Um, Sebastian? I was really serious when I said I couldn't play an instrument. Really, really, really serious. You know how badly Ciel dances? Well that's how badly I play, but worse."

Ciel flushed. "Hey!"

"Nonsense," insisted Sebastian lightly. "After a bit of teaching, you too will learn how to play adequately."

"Ugh," I looked at the violin, hoping it would forgive me in the future.

"Now, let's start with you. What do you know?"

"Nothing."

"…"

My face was blank. Sebastian sighed.

"I see then. We shall have to start from the beginning. Very well, let us start with this."

Basically he showed me how to properly hold the violin and what strings to play and how much pressure I should apply and with what fingers I had to use to tune the strings. I only grasped at how to hold the instrument but the rest flew in through one ear and out the other. Ugh. I swear!

"Alright begin."

Ah! I did as I was told and the note came out sounding like a dying cat. I flinched and Ciel covered his ears as the sound got worse. Sebastian's face was still serene though bits of his hair began to curl. At least he understood what I meant when I said I really couldn't play. I shifted to the other string like I was supposed to do but the screeching got so bad that I flinched and accidentally shifted my arms, slicing the two strings of the violin in the process.

"Whoops!"

Ciel uncovered his ears. "What in the world was that? I thought my ears would bleed!"

"And it would seem you sliced through the strings cleanly in half," commented Sebastian as he inspected my abused instrument. "And these are made of quality material, not prone to snapping easily."

I flushed. "At least I didn't break it! You should consider yourself lucky! My music teacher is still mourning her piano."

Ciel looked at me in horror and I couldn't help but giggle. Sebastian sighed as he set the instrument down.

"I suppose I shouldn't have asked for too much. You can take a break." I smiled and sat down on a nearby chair, happy I didn't have to play anymore. "Now it is your turn young master. First let us practice the 'Partita No. 2' for the solo violin."

Ciel looked at the music sheet in doubt. "Bach's chaconne, I won't be able to play such a hard piece—"

Sebastian used my violin bow to lift Ciel's chin and smiled.

"You will gain confidence if you begin by mastering the difficult pieces first. Unlike Hero you have some skill." I took no offense to that. It was the truth, really. "I lay down the rules here. And naturally, I am very strict. Do you have any issues with my teaching method?" Sebastian inquired with a winning smile.

Ciel said nothing, but nodded once.

"It's okay, Ciel. Unlike me you can totally do this!" I reassured him. Sebastian smirked, but began the lesson.

"Good, now hold the bow ready," Ciel did as instructed. "With the key of D minor, it is important to express solemnity and reverence with your timbre." The sweet sound flowed out of his violin and I listened to it, dazed as the pleasantness settled around the room. Oh my gosh, boy got serious skill! I glanced at the corner of the room absently and nearly laughed aloud. Instead I placed a hand over my mouth as I watched the spectacle unfold.

"Just like that," continued Sebastian, eyes closed, feeling the music. "Express the timbre with emotion."

A new tune appeared, but he was oblivious to it.

"Express anger occasionally."

Another tune that sounded like bongos.

"Yes…," he opened his eyes. "Erm, and what might you be doing?"

I giggled as Prince Soma and Agni were seated playing their own instruments.

"I thought I'd spend the day with Ciel and Hero today! I'm a dab hand at playing instruments too," Prince Soma announced cheerfully. "Look Hero! Don't I sound better than Ciel?

"GET OUT!" shouted Ciel as Prince Soma and Agni were tossed out the room.


11:00 AM

Drawing Lessons

"Now it is time for drawing," announced Sebastian, who stood next to a table set up with props for a still life picture. I absently stuck out my tongue at the thought of having to draw all that professional looking artsy stuff. Still, my hand worked furiously on the paper as I struggled to finish my picture with precise strokes of my charcoal pencil.

Ciel glanced at me and noticed how intensely I was concentrating and wondered if I was more proficiently skilled at this then violin playing. Sebastian noticed too and cocked his head.

"Miss Hero?"

"Done!" I announced happily, throwing my hands in the air in victory.

"What? So soon?" Ciel asked in disbelief. "But we just started three minutes ago!"

"Drawing doesn't take that long, sweetie," I told him smugly. "At least for me." Sebastian and Ciel went over to my side and looked at what I had drawn. "Ta-da! What do you guys think?"

"…that…isn't the image I set up," announced Sebastian finally.

"Well duh! I can't draw still life to save my life," I told in him seriously.

"Did you just draw me in that chibi thing form?" Ciel exclaimed, his cheeks reddening.

I smiled. "Of course! I thought I would draw each of us holding the props instead. Isn't it cuter this way?"

Sebastian sighed and shook his head. "I suppose I really am asking too much."

"Indeed," answered Ciel as he returned to his seat and tried concentrating on his own picture. Sebastian resumed his instruction and I noticed Prince Soma and Agni sitting behind him suddenly.

"Continuing on, look at how things are balanced and give depth to your drawing," instructed an oblivious Sebastian.

"What is this? Drawing a bottle is dull!" announced Prince Soma grandly, startling Ciel and making me laugh again in the process.

"Wha—!"

"You must draw naked women. One with exceptional curves to truly capture the beauty," he said seriously. I blushed. Oh my gosh, I don't remember that being said in the anime or manga; poor Mey-Rin. "Therefore, Hero! You must do us the honor and strip!"

What? I gaped and blushed furiously, using my arms to cover my chest "Wait! My bust isn't fully developed yet!

Lau came behind me and placed his hands on my shoulder. "Oh, shall I undress her?"

"GET OUT!" shouted Ciel as Prince Soma and Agni were tossed out the room again.


1:00 PM

Funtom Corp. Business

"Samples of the Christmas products have arrived from the Yorkshire Factory," proclaimed Sebastian as he held the latest Funtom business reports.

"OMFG IT'S TOO CUTE!" I shrieked in joy as I held an adorable stuffed bunny and snuggled it against my cheek. "And it's really soft!"

"I had them revise it. I'm glad it feels good now," murmured Ciel.

"Not only is it soft and cute, but its way better than that stupid Chucky doll my friend Steven's little sister is obsessed in carrying around." I shuddered at the memory of that creepy cracked face. "I swear it's the devil's spawn!"

Sebastian arched a brow. I smiled at him.

"Not yours of course. Yours would come out looking all handsome and cute!"

He smirked. "I should hope so," he glanced at the papers in his hands. "Also, headquarters has sent over the plans for the next year. In addition, they've finalized the new product you requested and its progress is going along splendidly."

I stopped snuggling the rabbit and looked up. "What new product?"

"Nothing, nothing," Ciel hastily answered, blushing. "Next?"

"The New Christmas Crackers are selling well at Harrods," Sebastian finished.

"Speaking of, we should go again soon," I told them thoughtfully. "I saw something really cute that I wanted to get you guys and the servants for Christmas."

That surprised both Ciel and Sebastian. "Why would you do that?"

"Get presents? Because I like giving gifts to people and I love seeing their reactions to it too. We should also get some of these Christmas crackers," I said, holding one up. "These look like fun. It's no wonder they're selling so well."

"However, children are difficult to please. We must keep providing new novelties," Ciel added.

"And so I have invented one such new product just for you!" Prince Soma suddenly declared as he appeared in the room once more. "Feast your eyes! It's a soft toy in the likeness of the Indian god Ganesha and…the trunk…it moves!" he proudly presented as Agni flipped the cards to show the new product's animation.

I clapped my hands around the giant plush rabbit I was still holding. "It's simple but I bet it would be real popular with the children in India."

"See? Of course, Hero would recognize the genius in my idea," Prince Soma said. "She is my Kali and I am her future husband after all."

"GET OUT!" shouted Ciel as Prince Soma and Agni were tossed out the room once more.


1:45 PM

Ciel's Study (Break Time)

"Maybe you should relax a little," I advised the little Earl as he paced impatiently around his study. I was currently perched on his desk, legs swinging. "After all, Prince Soma and Agni mean well."

"I would relax even more if that idiotic person would stop saying things about you!"

"You mean trying to impress me and all that extra stuff?" Ciel flushed but nodded. I giggled as I got off the desk. "No need to pop a blood vessel. He's only teasing. Now just sit and calm down. Sebastian said your next lesson is in, what? Fifteen minutes?"

Ciel sighed. "Fine. I'll try but it won't do me any good."

I placed my hands on my hips as Ciel sat down at his chair but remained tense. I wonder, should I even? It would certainly distract his mind but I just wasn't that kind of person! But…I sort of missed…ugh! He'd better be grateful! I blushed but crossed my arms as I faced him seriously.

"Okay, if I give you just one kiss, just one, would you promise to stop being so irritable?"

Ciel perked at this new offer as he gave me his full attention. "You mean you kiss me?"

I blushed. "Yes, but just one!"

"Where?"

I paused. "Um, where do you—"

"On the lips," he said quickly. "That is if you can do it."

Ooh! He was challenging me! I huffed. "Okay on the lips, but I'm a novice at this so don't expect to see fireworks. And mind you this will be a quick kiss, got it?"

Ciel smirked. "I'm waiting."

I blushed again. This boy! I kept my eyes opened as I stared into Ciel's too blue eye. Gosh what a color! As I leaned in, I felt the heat of our faces mingle and my eyes droop just a little. Oh shit! I was really gonna kiss him! While I was freaking out mentally, Ciel looked as though he were inwardly gloating. I hope this hadn't been a plan he had concocted just to get me to initiate any sort of action first—though something told me it was exactly that, but at this point, it was too late to pull back.

Our lips were a mere half a millimeter away from each other when the door to his study slammed open and Prince Soma walked in along with his loyal Agni. "Ciel! Hero! Are you two free now?"

"Yes," added Agni. "My Lord Soma thought it would be grand if..." he trailed off.

Prince Soma blinked when he saw me standing a few feet away from Ciel, face red. Ciel on the other hand was shaking in anger, veins popping out.

"OUT!" he shouted for the fourth time that afternoon as he kicked both Prince Soma and Agni out the room.


2:00 PM

Fencing Lesson

"Heeey, when will you two be done?" whined Prince Soma as he laid on a carpet placed under him. "Heeey! Heeey! What are you doooing? Heeey, I saiiiid! Heeey! Heeeey! Heeeeey!"

"ARGH! SHUT UP! I CANNOT CONCENTARTE!" Ciel snapped in utter frustration.

"Come on, you don't have to get so angry," pouted Prince Soma.

"Ciel—!" I fell flat on my back before I could even finish my sentence. I blinked, seeing bright white lights. "Ow."

"Hero!" Ciel exclaimed as he went over to help me up.

Sebastian sighed for the thousandth time that day, I think. "Once again, your foot work is absolutely atrocious Miss Hero. I do not understand how you can fight others when you look like any simple gust of wind could blow you away."

"I told you that fencing is a fancy sport best left for rich or really talented people!" I muttered as I got up and dusted off my fencing outfit Sebastian had forced me to wear. "It's not like I'm ever gonna use it. Besides, my penpal Mimiko, epic fashion designer btw, taught me all she knew about kendo, which is pretty extensive since her family owns a dojo. So I can expertly, almost, wield a katana, even a naginata for Pete's sake!"

Ciel scratched his head. "I'm sure if I knew what that was I'd be impressed."

"I believe they're Japanese swords," Lau interjected. "I'm impressed you can wield such blades, little Hero."

I rolled my eyes as I placed my hands on my hips. "My point is that I can't fight with flimsy swords!" I huffed indignantly. "And really Sebastian, I don't see the point in insisting I learn this."

"I find myself determined to teach you something. I don't believe in you being 'unteachable'. I thought a physically active sport would do you some good since you admit finding it pleasing," Sebastian admitted calmly.

I sighed. "Any other sport but fencing. And horseback riding!"

Sebastian pointed his fencing sword at me. "Nonsense. You will learn at least the basics of fencing footwork today or my duty as a butler is forfeit."

I sweat dropped. OMFG, he was serious! Prince Soma approached Ciel from behind. "This little sword play does not seem so hard. The blade is indeed flimsy and surely not worth the trouble. You must be finished so now will you two play with me?"

That seemed to be the last straw that broke the camel's back. Ciel looked absolutely fed up. "Fine!" He went over to me and I gratefully gave him my foil. He tossed it over to the surprised Prince Soma who caught it with ease. "I'll take you on since you're so desperate for attention."

Prince Soma tested out the sword like a light saber. "Hm, I only know Kalaripayttu and Silambum but, well, why not. So if I win in this, you and Hero will play with me, right?"

Ciel had on his poker face. "If you can win, that this. If you lose, behave yourself and stay out of my way, especially when I'm with Hero."

I face palmed, remembering that I had almost kissed Ciel. Of my own free will. What I found even more funny was that once Ciel had gotten rid of them, not even a minute later Sebastian came in and hustled us out, telling us to change for our next lesson without so much as a by your leave.

And well, here we are. It was no wonder Ciel finally snapped.

"We will play five rounds of three minutes each. The fencer with the most points wins, alright?" Sebastian declared. "Now, begin!"

Prince Soma lunged forward with a small smirk on his lips as Ciel stood still. "You and Hero shall be mine!" he announced in triumph. Unfortunately, he hadn't counted on the sword being bendable.

"The leg is not a valid area of the foil. Too bad!" Ciel added smugly as he parried, the Indian prince narrowly missing it.

"Wha—You coward! I don't know the rules! What is the valid target area?"

Ciel smirked. "It's your own fault for being ignorant of the rules. A bout is a bout."

Prince Soma narrowed his eyes. "You fiend."

Sebastian chuckled and I shook my head. This little duel lasted for a few minutes before it seemed like Prince Soma was in hot water. Agni instinctually protected the Indian prince when Ciel lunged for the final move.

"Prince! Look out!" he shouted as his instincts kicked in. He pricked Ciel's pressure point, allowing his foil clatter to the ground as he bent down, clutching his paralyzed arm. I gasped and rushed over to his side.

"Ciel!" I exclaimed worriedly. Even though his arm would get better in a few minutes, I couldn't help but feel troubled whenever I see him suffering any kind of pain.

Agni blinked and came to his senses. "L-Lord Ciel! I am so sorry! I could not help it when I thought my Prince would lose!"

Sebastian came over and inspected the damage. Prince Soma on the other hand was laughing it up all the way to battery city. "Ah ha ha! Agni you protected your master! I commend you! Agni's my khansama. He belongs to me. Therefore, I win!"

Ciel looked alarmed. "No—"

"Now you and Hero must accompany me!" Prince Soma smugly declared. "Come Hero!"

What am I? A dog? Lau, holding Ciel's sword, smiled. "Dear dear. Now you must avenge your lord, master butler." He tossed the foil to Sebastian, who caught it easily enough.

"Whoot! It's Sebastian and Agni's fight!" I cheered. "Yeah!"

"Ciel's khansama? Are you going to fight?" questioned Prince Soma.

Sebastian sighed. "Goodness, all this because you were mean to an amateur who didn't know the rules."

I nodded at Ciel's embarrassed face. "It's true ya know.

"However," continued Sebastian. "My master has been injured and Hero is falling behind on her lesson. As butler to the Phantomhive family, I must do something about it." His face darkened considerably. "Moreover, we have fallen ten minutes behind schedule."

Ciel looked annoyed. "That's your real reason, isn't it?"

I sweat dropped again. "You know Sebby, you could just forget about giving me lessons."

"Interesting," Prince Soma announced. "Very well, I approve of this duel."

I squealed like an idiot (inside my mind) when both boys got into positions.

"Agni! In the name of our goddess Kali who also stands in this room, win this match!"

"Sebastian, I command you, shut this brat up!

Agni's eyes narrowed determinedly. "Jo aagyaa."

Sebastian smirked lightly. "Yes, my lord."

"Go Agni and Sebastian! Fight, fight, fight!" I cheered, fist pumping.