Merry Christmas Everyone, from kh2996.
Chapter 11: Christmas Special
(A book started to float and it pictures Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. The book opens and Sebastian is seen with Ciel with the latter using a shush gesture. It opens up with the chapter called 'Down the Rabbit Hole.')
Sebastian: It was a normal day at the mansion and yet young Alice was getting bored. She spent all day with financial accounts. It is not related to murders or any of that type.
Ciel: What was that did you say something and-wait a tick? Something doesn't seem right. (A person walks in to Ciel's study room. He was wearing a suit along with a fedora and surprisingly an eyepatch on his right eye because it's a little hazy. Hard to believe it, it's me)
Kh2996: Sorry I'm late. Laptop broke so I had to get a new one. Hey wait, why are we back at the mansion?
Sebastian: I was about to introduce the people by reading 'Alice in Wonderland' to them.
Kh2996: It has already been done! Besides you're not back until (flips through the schedule) after the Kuromorimine match.
Sebastian: Who and what is Kuromorimine?
Ciel: (sighs deeply) Enough both of you! Kh2996, get working with the chapter and Sebastian play unconscious until you're called up.
Sebastian: Yes my lord.
Ciel: Seems like I can't take a break, can I? (Sighs deeply then turned to me and smiled) Kh2996, you all set?
Kh2996: Laptop's all warmed up and ready to go. Alright so... (I begins to write down the story)
Zuikaku Class Aircraft Carrier-Oarai Girls Academy
Ciel just got his first taste with one of the top premier schools in sensha-do history. Pravda has always been a competition between both schools. When Kuromorimine advanced to the finals with a win over Chi-Ha Tan High School, Miho will stare down against her sister once more. The last time they fought was an upset victory for Oarai. This time though, no tanks because Christmas is fast approaching and Federation officials decided to let the schools have a winter break and spend Christmas with families and loved ones. As a matter of fact, all of the schools will dock at Oarai harbor, because the Christmas festival is being held there. On the school ship, each student was decorating the entire school with Christmas lights, tinsel and numerous other things. Ciel, Anglerfish Team and Turtle Team are tasked to decorate the gym while the rest do the outside and classrooms. He was carrying a box of new Christmas lights for Miho to cut open. He stretched out his arms and bent his back to keep himself from being stiff.
"Oh man. I never have Christmas in Japan before." He said
"You never gone anywhere other than England?" Miho asked while unboxing more Christmas lights
"I just stayed at my mansion." He answered "And family members and Elizabeth followed suit to celebrate. Now that I'm here, in the 21st century, in Oarai, Japan, I don't know what to do. Usually I would just stay inside and open presents in the morning."
"You're right about those things." She answered "Here though it's just, friends and family. Though my sister would come. Mother though…" He saw a sad look on her face. He hugged his best friend to calm her down.
"It's okay Miho. You have us remember." She recuperated and made a small smile on her face "It's not like you don't have a family anymore. You have me, Maho and all of your friends to back you up."
"Arigato Ciel." She said as she hugged him "Speaking of which the ship should be docking at port about now."
"Let's find out." As they started walking outside, they donned their winter attire but it's still freezing so that means international government army styled mouthplate. He has mixed feelings for this but it is the only way for him to control his immune and respiratory systems in the freezing winter. If he was in Russia about now, he would have to wear it all the time. When they reached the front door, he looked up and noticed something is missing. "Miho, I think something should be put where the front door is."
"Hmm. Oh, a mistletoe would work out nicely." She said
"What's that?" he asked while Miho is hanging the mistletoe
"A mistletoe is used during Christmas. In the West, they used it for acknowledging people as a friend and acquaintance. Or in some cases, you have to kiss under it if it is lovers." She answered
"Huh. Who knew? Back in England, we've just sit by the fire, exchange words, me getting involved with Elizabeth and other things." They both went out the door, made their way to the observation posts and saw land. Out in the distance, dock cranes unloading materials for the Christmas festival. "We must be nearing the port."
"I'll call the others. They must be in a frenzy to get off the ship." Miho said as she heads back towards the school. Ciel just remained there watching the land as it closed in. He began to experience some memories of his Christmas with his family. He's always happy back then, until the havoc began. He didn't celebrate Christmas when Sebastian was his guard now. Nor did he even smile when the holiday starts. He also didn't realize that his girlfriend was right behind him as well. She went behind him and started to get his attention. Touching one shoulder to the next, he turned around and saw face to face with Momo.
"Hey lovely." He said as they embraced "Are you done with decorating the school?"
"We're done. Though Anzu wants more flamboyancy to the school. Wants to make Oarai stand out for the holidays. Since Oarai is hosting the Christmas festival for the schools, yeah Anzu wants to make Oarai stand out from the rest." She said
"Yeah, though this is my first time having Christmas here than in England." He said
"If you want, we can get a ticket and fly to London." She said
"No, I want to experience Japan's version of Christmas." He answered "And also I have you to celebrate with and Miho, along with the Anglerfish team." She blushed as a result
"We're about to dock soon. If you want you can go with Miho and Anglerfish team to do some Christmas shopping." She said "It's only three days until Christmas begins."
"Do you want something?"
"Not really." He soon sees Momo's black ribbon tied around her neck.
"Maybe something to go with that black ribbon of yours." He said. Momo unlaced the ribbon and looks at it.
"Come to think of it, this black ribbon is not that dazzling as it used to be." She said "It has been passed down from my family who served with student councils. Right now, I'm the current generation taking the helm. Though I need something that would make it worthwhile. Something that can hang over this ribbon." Ciel questioned this when remembered something earlier.
"You said that I should go with Miho and the Anglerfish team to buy some Christmas gifts right?" he asked
"Yes."
"With any luck, I can find something that would fit perfectly with that black ribbon of yours." He said
"Good idea. But I need to get you something as well. I think it's best that I should come with also." She said
"Alright. Just try not to buy the same gift." He said. As they descended from the ship, they both found Miho and the girls waiting for them at the terminal. All of them are wearing their winter attire along with Ciel's mouthplate. That made the girls giggle a bit. He became a little annoyed but regained his composure. "Yep its official, if the girls giggle at this, I'm wearing it at prom." He thought as he took a deep breath. "Miho, are the girls ready?"
"They have been hype like this since this morning. As a matter of fact, every one of the school is." She said
"Is it okay if Momo can come with? She wants to get something also." He said
"Something for you I guess?" Saori asked
"If she can find one." He answered "Though I highly doubt that she'll find something. I just hope that whatever she finds, it comes from the heart."
"Very touching Ciel." Yukari said "What are you planning on getting her?"
"I suppose you don't recall the black ribbon she wears around her neck." He said
"Come to think of it, I haven't Phantomhive-dono." She said
"Neither did I." Mako said.
"I think neither of us saw her black ribbon." Hana said
"Or better yet, neither school has seen her black ribbon." Saori said
"What she told me was that her ribbon kind of looks dull. So she tasked me to make it dazzle." He said "Only problem is, what to put on it?" The girls pondered over the question, until Saori bought up a perfect idea.
"How about you get her a diamond around her neck. I know a diamond cutter who hand-crafts diamonds and turns it into a shape of a heart." She said
"How well do you know him?"
"My mom and my dad were good friends with him. He became their personal relationship gift giver." She said
"Also, how old is he?"
"Let's see he's-wait a minute." She said "Are you saying that if I confess to Hideki, he would be mine?'
"Seeing that you knew him from time to time and him having connections with your family, I think its best that you have to come to terms with him." He said
"And how did you know that?"
"Let's just say that a student in the higher ranks have spilled out information regarding what she saw between me and Momo." He said devilishly. Saori pieced together that Anzu saw and heard the entire conversation after the Saunders match.
"I will destroy her when the tournament is over." She pouted. The group laughed before heading out to buy Christmas gifts. All over Oarai, people are decorating their houses and people going non-stop over buying gifts. They even bypassed an ice rink filled with numerous skaters. Ciel recounted a memory where he and Sebastian had to win an ice sculpting contest in order to win an ice-carved replica of the Queen herself. Not only they won the competition but they have to evade three thugs poised on getting the ring that is lodged on the sculpture. Those thugs were equipped with dynamite and guns and Sebastian easily dispatched them while he carried Ciel and throwing him into the sky and landing on Sebastian's ark. He closed his eyes while trying to let the memory pass, but he didn't see where he was going. He bumped into someone who was fielding a familiar face.
"M-Maho." He said
"Good to see you also Ciel." She said as she hugged him "Girls. Sister." Miho raced forward and hugged her sister
"What are you doing here Onee-chan?" Miho asked
"I came here to stay with you for the holidays. You can't have Christmas without one of your family members." She smiled
"You're right onee-chan. But does Mother know?" Miho asked
"She knows but it's only for the holidays until the tournament restarts." She said "So why are you all here?"
"We're just showing Ciel around Oarai Maho-san." Hana said "So far, he's entranced at an ice rink." Everyone looked at him. He saw people skating individually and some people dancing. He recollected another memory where he and Elizabeth danced with each other for the first time in his mansion. She also smashed his ring out of frustration. He eventually forgives her and forgets everything that happened during that day.
"Ciel?" He jolted awake and turned to the girls "Are you alright?"
"Just… Just looking back at some memories." He said as he chuckled a bit "I always wondered if I can skate. I'm not so sure about Momo. The last time I did was… never."
"How about you give her your Christmas present on the ice rink?" Saori asked
"I don't see any romance happening at an ice rink before." Yukari said "This might be a first time I've seen one done."
"You mind if I tag along also?" Maho asked
"Sure onee-chan." Miho said. The gang left the ice rink and headed off to the mall. Inside they found a swarm of people buying gifts. Ciel looked surprised when he saw the swarm.
"Let me guess. Christmas shopping at the last minute." He said
"Yes because either they forgot or completely go in when prices are at their lowest." Miho said
"Are the people always like this? I mean, are they really all like this?" he asked
"Most of the time." Yukari said "You should see Black Friday or Cyber Monday."
"THOSE SOUND LIKE DISEASE DAYS!" he screamed "OR BETTER YET APOCALYPTIC DAYS!"
"Don't worry. Nothing's like that. Just people cramming into malls trying to get the items they need before the holidays starts." Yukari said
"Let's just find Saori's diamond cutter/future boyfriend and…" he went red, seemingly confused "Let's just go." The girls laughed as they head out for the jewellers.
Momo's P.O.V.
Momo separated from the group after they went different paths. She still has that line going through her head saying that she cannot buy the same gift as Ciel's. She wanted to do something special for him since he doesn't have the ability to go back to his own timeline. Seeing that the mall didn't work because it is too much people, she went back outside and headed for the ice rink. Surprisingly though, not much people are skating in the night. She also saw the schedule for when the rink opens. On Christmas Eve, the rink's open until Christmas Day. So far no one will attend.
"I know what to give him." She thought. She went back to the carrier and went into her apartment. Inside her apartment was a vast array of dresses, but an object came out of her closet. She looked at it and it was her Lee-Enfield rifle. She had a memory of her own. She was around 8 years old when her father and her uncle, an SAS soldier, gave her a hidden past.
"Momo, I would like to give you this." Her uncle gave her something
"What is it uncle?" she asked
"It's a Lee-Enfield rifle. The British used it during the Second World War. My dad gave it to me when I was little, while serving under the army. He wants you to have it." He said
"What am I supposed to do with this?" she asked sternly
"It is for your safety. Use it whenever it is necessary, for you, your family and if possible the love you will find one day." He asked
The flashback ended, though she found herself troubled that she is carrying a weapon for protection. She sighed because her uncle legalized her firm to possess a firearm and uses it for protection of others. She went back finding a dress. She found a sleek crystal blue dress with gems on the tail end. "This should be perfect." She thought. As she put back the dress, another item came out of the closet. It turns out it was a suit, along with a black fedora, an eyepatch, black dress shoes and a strange looking nosepiece. She had another memory. A dark one no one never knew about.
"What is your name?" a desk clerk asked
"I'm Momo Kawashima. Daughter of Isoruku Kawashima and niece of Adam Carpenter of the British SAS." She said
"Why are you here? You're only 12 years of age." He said
"My uncle signed me up in order to protect myself. I also supported myself for being here. I want to protect others in their time of need." She said. The desk clerk thought of it for a moment.
"Hold on for a minute." He went to the back and a minute later he came out carrying a suit along with dual wield Beretta 92's. "Your training starts tomorrow." He said as he handed over her nametag. "Welcome to INTERPOL, Japan Branch, Special Operations Division." She raised a firm salute as she placed an eyepatch over her right eye.
She lamented over her memory. "I can't lie to lovely. Or my friends. If anything happens to him… I will use this." She said to herself. She went back to the ice rink and found that the time slot is still empty.
"Sir, I'll take the Christmas Eve skate time slot please. And for two people also." She said
"Alright, that would be 620 yen." The clerk said
"Here you go." She said as she handed the yen over
"Arigato." He said. She went off back to the mall to find her friends.
Ciel's P.O.V.
Navigating through the mall can be a doozy but for Ciel, to him, it's madness. People were swarming inside out of stores buying gifts. All he wanted is to get to Saori's friend Hideki and get the gift.
"There's Hideki's store." Maho said. The group went inside finding it calmer.
"Where's Ciel?" Hana asked. Before the group can answer, Ciel got through the swarm of people by pulling his body out of the crowd and entering Hideki's store.
"I thought… getting tortured back in… London was worse." He said as he was catching his breath. "So, this is your friend's store Saori?"
"Yes. Hideki should be coming any minute." Soon enough Hideki came out. To the girls, he looked handsome, Ciel though, looked like someone who was in Weston College again. Hideki had short black hair and silver eyes. He looked young, roughly 20 years. He caught eye of Saori and blushed.
"Saori-san." Hideki said
"Hideki-chan." She said. They both embraced each other "How's the store?"
"Not that busy. Only a few people came in here and got what they wanted. So what brings you here?" he asked
"We're trying to get a diamond in a shape of a heart for our friend here." She said as she pulled Ciel over
"Your name son?"
"My name is Ciel Phantomhive." He answered "Saori told me you are one of the best diamond cutters in Japan."
"That I am Ciel. Speaking of which, why are you buying a diamond instead of a necklace?" he asked
"My girlfriend has a black ribbon around her neck. She found it a bit basic, wants more style in it." He said
"You have a girlfriend? Lucky you. Between you and me, I'm getting all googly eyes at Saori-san."
"Maybe's now a good time to confess to her about how you feel." Ciel said with a smile
"How do you know that?" Hideki asked
"Let's just say a certain someone knows how to get a boyfriend faster." He answered
"I always like her. She always has that smile on her face whenever we meet up." Hideki blushed
"Well, go and tell her how you feel." Ciel said. While the girls looked at what Hideki does with the diamonds, Saori talked to Miho about her relationship with Hideki. He went over to Saori and wants to speak to her. He ushered her to his private room while the girls scoped out the diamonds. Ciel was waiting patiently like someone is waiting for their turn in the singular household washroom. "Hideki, any progress?" The minutes ticked by and Ciel was sleeping for the entire time. "Okay Hideki, I'm coming in." He forced himself in and saw both Hideki and Saori still holding their kiss. Both of them looked at him when they need to catch their breath. His white-eyed expression told the whole story.
"Ciel, you alright?" Maho said as she walked up to him. She looked at him and called up her sister. They both tried to get him out of his trance. Miho touched his shoulder and he fell down. Back first. "Is he like this Miho?"
"Not really. Only if it's completely wrong or something that is troubled." She said "But he'll be back up in a few minutes." Ciel woke up an hour later as he was collecting his head. He saw the Nishizumi sisters looking at him as he sat up.
"Miho how long did I pass out?" he asked
"Only about an hour and a half." Miho said
"Before I passed out, Saori and Hideki were kissing. I believe I just gave Saori her Christmas present early." Saori then answered him
"You just did Ciel! Thank you!" she boomed as she gave him a hug. A big one.
"CHOKING! NOT! BREATHING!" he screamed as he was being choked. She let go of him once she knew about his condition. "So Hideki, about the diamond thing."
"I know. You want a diamond the shape of a heart. Well, I've got just the thing." Hideki went under the cabinet and bought out a silver diamond heart, with blue accents.
"Looks nice Hideki." He said
"Thanks Ciel. I bet your girlfriend will like it." Hideki handed over Ciel the heart.
"How much is it?" he asked
"18,458 yen." He said
"Yikes, I don't have that much." He exclaimed
"That is why you'll have to see this." Hideki said "Saori love." She produced a credit card and paid for Ciel's heart diamond.
"It's on the house Ciel. And it's for getting me my Christmas gift this year." Ciel soon received his bag containing his gift.
"Thank you Hideki."
"No Ciel. Arigato-ne. Oh and thank you for giving me Saori on Christmas." With that the group left the store and headed out to the swarm again.
"GAH!" Ciel screamed "Freaking last minute shoppers." Hours went by as the group went to various stores and bought things. He only bought Momo's gift, and he received a text telling him to meet her in the food court. There he found his sweetheart waiting at one of the tables. "Hey lovely." He kissed her and sat down. "You found something, while shopping?"
"Yeah I did. The girls, I bought a lot. For you, however, it's a surprise."
"If it's the Anglerfish Dance, no thanks and I want to commit suicide if I ever get forced to do it." She giggled a bit before answering
"No, it's not that. Something… special."
"Can't wait though." They both kissed each other before the girls joined up. They bought numerous gifts for their friends. Maho even bought gifts for Miho and her friends. Seeing that next match that both she and Ciel will be rivals, now's the best time to give him something.
"Ciel, since the both of us are best friends and the first one that is a boy, here. It's from me." He looked at it and looked confused.
"Maho, I-I, you don't have to give me something."
"Don't worry about it. Since we're rivals at the match, it's best that you might need something from me before the match." He opened the present and found one of Kuromorimine's garrison hats. "Originally, it was Miho's old hat. She wanted me to give to you."
"You sure of this Miho?"
"Hai. Since you're acting like a Nishizumi now, might as well have you look like one." He looked at Miho's old garrison cap. He stroked the black felt with red lines streaking on the top of it. The Nishizumi family insignia is also present on it. He felt like he was one of them. An unknown Nishizumi, not a Phantomhive.
"Next you're going to give me Kuromorimine's uniform." He said jokingly
"The garrison cap is the only thing that's fits your style. Besides the uniform also came in with a skirt. I'm pretty sure you don't want that now do you." He flushed red instantly whenever a skirt came up to him in mind.
"Okay, never mind." The girls laughed a bit at the part about him wearing skirts. The shopping came to an end after Ciel bought a present for Miho. He bought her one of those rare battle bears that have never been seen before. "Still can't believe that Funtom is still functioning since I'm gone." He said to himself. The group was extremely tired and headed for their apartment complexes. Ciel, however, was still up looking at the gift he purchased for Momo. "I sure hope she likes what I bought her." He soon slept waiting until Christmas begins.
Christmas Eve-2315 Hours
It was about 11 at night when Momo texted him to come to the City Centre for the Christmas Festival. He went and don his winter gear and his mouthplate since it's snowing and temperatures are seven below zero. His gift box is all wrapped up as he proceeded to the centre. The centre of Oarai was filled with people, celebrating Christmas with loved ones. He soon found the girls, but Momo was missing.
"Miho, where's lovely?" Miho had been told earlier by Momo to not let him tell what she is planning.
"Uh, she's coming. She's just getting something from the school right about now."
"I got a text to meet her here and show up wearing a suit. Best thing close to it is my Weston College uniform. Christ I forgot I even had this." The girls chuckled a bit as they gave Ciel Christmas presents. He was very happy to celebrate it with his new friends. But the fact remains to where his girlfriend is. Miho soon received a text saying 'Bring him over.'
"Ciel can we do something?"
"And that is?" Miho bought out a blindfold and wrapped it around his eyes. "Is this part of Momo's gift?" The girls just remained silent as they brought Ciel over to the location. The girls found Anzu, Yuzu and almost all of the schoolgirls come to see what is transpiring. Girls from Saunders, St. Gloriana, Pravda and some girls from Kuromorimine are also present. They soon saw the girls and Ciel coming into the open. All of them fell silent as they reached the location.
"Okay Miho, I'm done playing. Where is Momo and where am I?"
"Simple." She said as she undone the blindfold. He then saw numerous students surrounding the ice rink.
"My god." He said silently. Soon enough, Momo came out, wearing the dress she brought out. "I thought you're at home."
"I can't pass an opportunity like this. I always have my family to celebrate with. This year, I would like to celebrate it with you." She put her arms around him, which reminded him that he still has to give his present.
"Sweetie, I've got you something." He gestured a small present in his hand. He handed it to her and opened it, revealing the silver heart diamond that was purchased two days ago. She was stunned by the gift he bought her.
"Are you okay Momo-chan?" She then smiled
"I'm fine. Can you help me put it on?" He helped her don it on her black ribbon which required finesse, with his right hand touching Momo's cheeks. She blushed with what he is doing. "I also got a present for you."
"What might that be?" She looked to the stage and gave the signal.
"You." She said sweetly. Yuzu was playing a song that Momo regarded is her favorite. Feeling his old-Victorian era self, he gestured over to her. "Come on, we'll forget our cares and dance the night away, what do you say?" Just then, the clocktower struck midnight; Christmas Day.
"You planned this all along, haven't you?" he asked softly
"Hai. I did." She said as she buried her head into his chest. She then looked up and removed his mouthplate. "You're warming up."
"Yeah. I know. I just wanted you. To take care of. Always." He said
"I love you, Ciel." She said softly
"Watashi wa anata o aishi, watashi wa itsumo ishi Momo-chan." He replied softly and in Japanese. The crowd looked in awe as the two lovers headed for the ice.
"I hope you know how to ice skate."
"Uh, I, umm…"
"Don't worry, just flow with the music." They started doing a slow dance while Yuzu played Kristina Train's 'Wanderin.'
"I'm wandering, been moving to and from
Just wandering, with no place to go,
Since I lost you, lost you, all I ever do
Is be wandering, 'til I wander back to you...
Oh, I'm wishing, been yearning for your kiss,
Oh and I've been missing, the warmth of your caress,
Since I lost you, I lost you, all I ever do
Is be wandering, wandering, wandering,
Wandering, I'll be wandering, 'til I wander back to you...
I look on every corner, down every dismal street,
Are you there? Are you there? oh darling I repeat...
I visit all familiar places, there's no one there but me,
Where can you be? Where can you be?
Oh darling, where can you be?
Oh I'm praying, your touch for me has grown,
Oh and I'm saying, for before it's not been known
I love you, I love you, and all I ever do
Is be wandering, crying, wandering, wandering
I'll be wandering, 'til I wander, 'til I wander back to you
Yeah, oh yeah, I'm gonna be, I'm gonna be wandering
'til I wander back to you, yeah, yeah,
Oh wandering back to you!" When the music died down, both Momo and Ciel looked at each other, eyes locked. The crowd cheered them after they finished dancing.
"Merry Christmas lovely." She said
"Merīkurisumasu Momo." They kissed passionately under the falling snow which blanketed the night. "Best Christmas ever."
Kh2996: All down Ciel. Ciel? (It turns he's out on the ice rink.) Merry Christmas kid.
So, there's my Christmas special. The Kuromorimine battle is under development though, I would like to point out Momo's hidden past. The reason why she is an INTERPOL agent is because she wants to protect her family. If you think she is a demon, no, she's not. I might be planning a rendition of one of the Black Butler episodes, 'His Butler, Strongest.' Also, I don't own 'Wanderin' by Kristina Train and the part of the Black Butler OVA. Have a Merry Christmas people. Until then, signing off.