We are each our own devil. With our hands, stained and black, we made the world our Hell. And from that Hell outgrew demons, though weak and young.
As the world grew blacker, they grew stronger. They are the ultimate beings now- our masters, though they serve us.
Now, because of that greedy black stain humanity has birthed, we have risen one demon too many.
However, this one is different.
It knows us, has lived among us, and has existed with us. We sat next to it in school, we ate with it at the table, we spoke to it in Church. We let it into our home, we let it corrupt our children, we let it steal their lives.
And we only have ourselves to blame.
A loud creak emanated from above them. The chandelier's chain had melted, and was a hair's way from crashing to the floor.
The butler and maid, ignoring their fight, fled outside of the house before it collapsed on them. That was a wise choice, since the stairs cracked like ice and the priceless paintings began corroding like rust in a desert wind.
The butler stumbled a bit on an upturned piece of earth, though he used the momentum to front-flip his way farther from the dying home. He landed on his knees, and hissed under his breath. His wounds were great, but not unbearable- he'd had his bloody arm cut off, what Rose gave him was nothing! He then stood shakily, the sense of dread and evil weighing heavily on even him.
Rose was quick to follow, her temper now level and her mood calm. "Sebastian… where is Ciel?" She asked, her eyes darting suspiciously, searching for the boy.
Sebastian scoffed and narrowed his eyes, not even bothering to search. "Take one guess." He deadpanned, motioning to the Master bedroom.
The female's eyes dilated. In a moment, she ran past Sebastian, in an attempt to rescue her Master. She would have jumped, had the man not grabbed her and dragged her from the house. "If you go near there, you WILL die, you stupid girl!" Sebastian hissed, his strength barely containing the woman.
Rose let out a growl of fury in between laughter. "I know my Master, fool! What could I possibly have to fear?"
The elder clenched his jaw. Rose was the fool, not him- could she not sense the feeling of dark hatred? Of rotting innocence? "Unless you want to end your life, then get that Reaper and run!"
"And leave you to kill my young Miss? NEVER!"
The male demon sighed, his breath uneven and shaky, the feelings growing in volume. He had to admit, she was courageous to risk death on retrieving the child. But now wasn't the time to suddenly care about her.
"Why?" He asked. "Why bother? Her soul is unreachable. Even if she were to choose to remain human, her soul would be so twisted and distorted the mere consumption would turn you mad."
Rose stiffened at that. Her face contorted into rage and disgust. He knew nothing of Rose. How could she possibly become mad if she already was? "Reasons that you will NEVER understand." She answered darkly. She drew another knife, and shoved the man away. "I will kill you to get to her! NOW MO… ve…?"
…
Clink…
…
…
Why…
Why did you… leave me… all alone… in the dark…?
Was…I not… good enough…?
Was I not… a good daughter…? A good… friend…? I know… that I… am flawed… but… why…?
What… did… I… do… to… deserve… going… to…
…
Hell…?
Clink
…That sound… That's the sound… of chimes. Like the ones at the mansion in Georgia…
Rose let her eyes droop closed, her frown deepening. Such pain… I can feel it, in every breath…
Then, suddenly, silence. Silence that made Rose pause in walking again, and sent tremors down Sebastian's spine. He swallowed thickly, his ruby eyes dilating as red flames licked the glass of the window.
What have I done?
"Get out of my sight."
CRASH!
The window shattered into a million shards, not only destroying it, but the wall around it as well. In a moment, the flames that erupted like a roaring maw from the gaping hole caught the vines that twirled around the home ablaze.
Sebastian let out a sharp gasp as a blue/black form contrasted against the sky. "YOUNG MASTER!"
Ciel had been the force that destroyed the window, and was now speeding like a bullet for the war-torn ground. Sebastian, without a second thought, leapt for his Master, catching him in his arms and landing safely away.
Ciel was trembling violently, and even sobbing without tears. He let out random cries of terror, and clung to his servant like he was his lifeline. This, of course, made Sebastian's own shiver grow.
"What, young Master? What did you see?" He asked quickly, his eyes darting to the gaping, flaming hole in the mansion.
A sense of nostalgia went over him. It was as if Ciel was laying in his subconscious again, demanding a contract. The flames of the mansion that he so despised now licked the sky and teased the Earth, just as they had so long ago. The last time, however, he reasoned, was because of an Angel that he hated with all his might.
Now, it was because of him.
All she felt was anger. Hatred. Then… power. Immense power.
What she always wanted.
Flames didn't hurt. She looked at her palms, noting with no surprise or emotion that they were whiter than paper. It was to be expected.
Whatever she was- human, demon, half-bred mutt from neither plane- she had what she wanted.
…
And yet… something… something is missing.
"So, you finally show?"
Rose turned her head sharply, her eyes dilating in terror.
A small black form stood in front of her, the flames exploding, licking her back like little puppies. Her clothes had been burnt, until all she had left was a ragged, dirty white, spaghetti-sleeved nightgown. Her hair was a dully saturated oak, limp like water against her skull. Her feet had obtained the appearance of a cross between hooves and bear feet, and her nails on her fingers were now claws and connected directly to the hand, elongated and pitch black, the rest of her fingers also a duller onyx, like she'd stuck them in coal. Long canines bore, and the form let out a loud, screeching hiss.
Then opened its eyes.
Rose's heart broke as the sad blue gazed at her, the pupils slit with madness. There were no whites, only black surrounding blue like a sea of ink. They recognized her with pure, utter betrayal.
She smiled sadly. Like a mother abandoning her child.
Ciel let out a howl of fear, quickly hiding behind Sebastian. "KILL HER! THAT'S AN ORDER!" he screeched.
Sebastian jumped at the command. He grit his teeth. "Master… please… I cannot… she is…"
"I ORDER YOU TO KILL HANNAH ASHBY! NOW!"
The demon leapt without another word. He had to do as his Master ordered.
The second time I get to watch a child of mine die. Twice I'll hurt Rose. Am I capable of anything other than misery? Hm... Of course... I'm a demon. That is all I'm capable of, misery.
"I'm sorry, Hannah…" He breathed as he wrapped his arms around her, stilling her escape. Hannah stood, unmoving. She looked blankly at him, as though she didn't recognize who he was- which was probably completely and totally true.
Daddy...
He clenched his jaw tightly, fighting the immense feeling of self-loathing.
And then he stabbed her.
"NO!"
He jumped back, his stomach twisting and turning as the demon woman gave out a loud howl of agony.
...
Yet...
Hannah remained standing. Did not let out a cry of pain, didn't even bleed.
The butler gave out a shout of surprise as he was shoved into the wall of the mansion, as though he was a stuffed animal. A imprint of a clawed hand burned into his jacket, catching it one fire. Sebastian was forced to toss it, less he'd want his dress shirt burned too.
He attempted to stand, but his leg gave out from under him and sent him to the broken tiled floor. He propped himself on his elbows, his ruby eyes glaring from behind black bangs.
Hannah laughed at the glare. It was soft, and dry, like she was still ill. "Cute. You tried to kill me, 'Daddy'. At least you do as your Master orders. That… cannot be said… about YOU."
The last part was directed to Rose, who was frozen to her spot. She had thought Sebastian had delivered the final blow, and killed her Duchess, hence why she gave out the screams.
But no. Hannah grabbed the handle of the knife…
And snapped it in half.
The rest sunk into her skin, sending chills of disgust down the maid's spine. Rose's mouth dropped open as the flesh reappeared itself instantly, until it appeared there was never a knife there.
The girl opened her mouth wide, slipping two fingers down her throat. With a soft choking noise, she dragged the broken silverware out from her esophagus, stared at it with disinterest, then lightly tossed it into the bushes.
Rose shuddered. "Young Miss..." She breathed, attempting to call out to her Master.
Hannah let out another chuckle. Only, this time, it turned into a howl of laughter.
"YOU BITCH!"
Rose jumped from her spot just her mistress tackled her, her fists creating a crater where the demon used to be. "YOU LIAR!" Hannah screeched.
This time, Hannah caught her target, and tackled Rose to the ground. She bit deep into her thigh, forcing a scream of pain from Rose. Rose yanked her Mistress free, and threw her far from her person. The demon girl hit the ground on all fours, her body in a position like a pouncing tiger.
Rose dashed through into the garden, leaping over a dazed and confused Andrew, who had just awoken only seconds before.
Andrew groaned in pain. "Fuck, that hurt... What happened- HOLY SHIIIIIIIT!"
At the last part was when he saw Hannah bounding on all fours toward him, a look of pure madness in her eyes. He laid flat against the ground, his face almost blue with terror, when she copied Rose and jumped over him, her attention everywhere but him at the moment.
The Reaper blinked, his mouth hanging open. "No way... that's what a half demon looks like? DAMN... That's a little creepy..."
Rose narrowed her eyes, dodging her mistress's swipes at her face. "DO SOMETHING, YOU TWIT!" She screeched.
The teen stared at the possessed fifteen-year-old, blinking confusedly. Then, he burst out into laughter. "HELL NO!" He exclaimed, smiling like an idiot. He pulled himself up using his scyfe, ignoring the daggers sent his way, and hopped over what was left of the fence and back into the bushes.
"Hey! I found my hat!"
Hannah hissed deep in her throat. "You lecherous swine... I'm going to rip you to tiny pieces, then burn them. You'll be just like those children I was forced to watch DIE. Did you know that, Rose? I was forced to watch children, younger than I, be burned alive. And then I was thrown into a cold room, and experimented on like a lab rat. And then I was thrown into below freezing air, and cut, and burned. All with the thought that you were never going to save me."
She yanked a nearby rose bush from the ground, rearing it around and smashing it into the woman like she was a baseball. She glared pure deadly intention through her wet hair. "Do you know that feeling, Rose? Of being so lonely it kills you, like a disease? I LIVE WITH IT!" She pounced, her hands curling into fists and striking the maid viciously.
"ALL I AM IS PAIN, SUFFERING, AND LONLINESS! I LIVE WITH IT, I FUCKING BREATHE IT! And what have you done? YOU TURNED ME INTO A MONSTER! All I ever wanted was my family! BUT MY SISTER IS DEAD, MY PARENTS ARE DEAD- AND YOU'RE GOING TO JOIN THEM SOON!"
Sebastian blinked. "Oh dear..." He mumbled, wondering whether he should be proud or worried. "Should I give her a hand, or let them work it out like normal couples?"
Ciel glared darkly at him. This was no time for jokes. "Why are you just standing there? Kill it! Before it kills me!"
Sebastian snorted. "You think it would, young Master?" He asked teasingly, approaching the boy. He smiled sweetly, and leaned in.
Ciel held his breath at the sudden intrusion of space- something he hadn't done in years.
"Please, young Master… I beg of you… Shut up."
And then he was gone.
The lord blinked confusedly. How dare he speak to me that way…? Why was he so angry…?
Sebastian tackled Hannah, ripping her away and throwing her into the trees behind the manor. After a moment of checking to see if she'd immediately jump back, he helped Rose to her feet, his eyes lit with concern. "Are you alright?"
Rose grunted, shoving him away. "I am fine! Do not touch me, you filth!" She shouted, ripping a piece of her dress to wrap around her leg. She wiped the blood from her mouth and nose "It is only a flesh wound. I have had worse."
Sebastian chuckled. "I know. I was there when you gave birth."
For that, he received a kick to the face that had him seeing stars. "I have no time for jokes." Rose muttered.
At that moment, Hannah walked through the front doors of the mansion (which had been blown open earlier), her expression anything but pleasant. Her face held a few specks of blood, and the skin on her arms began turning a grey color.
Rose's emerald eyes once again met Hannah's, who was sizing up her "prey", and keeping at a distance. She sighed. "I cannot kill her. It is my contract, and I refuse. What brought this? I had not sensed her sinking this far when I last saw her."
The male demon's expression grew serious, if not a tad bit guilty. "I had her hypnotized so she would behave. Apparently she broke it on her own when Ciel tried to… well… you know. But… it seems she lost her mind. She's become a full demon-"
"No."
The male raised an eyebrow. "'No'?" He repeated.
Rose nodded. "She's still human. I can still feel her soul. However, it is searching for something inside herself- what, I do not know. The demon inside her is acting as the dominate half… and isn't happy about her treatment." She explained, her nose scrunching in distaste.
Sebastian nodded. "Inevitable. Though this is your fault, techniqually." He added.
"NO, THIS IS YOUR ENTIRE FAULT, YOU TWAT! HAD YOU NOT TAKEN HER TO THE CAMP, THIS WOULD HAVE NEVER-!"
"No. This is my fault."
Rose and Sebastian jumped at the voice. It was Ciel, looking at his lap sadly. "I had no idea that this… girl… was a demon. A demon so frightening and powerful… I didn't know what my actions would bring…" He trailed off, in a voice barely above a whisper.
Sebastian's eyes softened. Ciel? Being remorseful? Who had ever heard of such a thing? "Young Master…"
Ciel looked up, and then stood, though shakily. "She attacked me in my room, and then flung me out the window- all without breaking a single sweat. She… her power, it… it's not normal, even for a demon of high caliber." He looked Sebastian in the eye, his Seal alighting purple as he opened the eye containing it. He fought the urge to chuckle- even after all that time, he still had a habit of closing it when the patch was off.
"Sebastian, this is an order." He declared. He grit his teeth. This was against his morality… but he had no other choice. Damn it... Honestly, Sebastian better not give me grief for being nice to a girl, his child or no.
"Save her. Turn her back into a human, before she harms anyone outside of this."
Sebastian's eyes dilated in absolute shock. Young… Master…
The feeling in his heart returned again. The shock, the delight… the feelings that came with Ciel. His bangs hid his eyes, and he smiled happily.
"Yes, my Lord."
In that same moment, Hannah grew bored of the display, and attacked Rose yet again. This time, however, Rose was completely ready. She grabbed the child and pinned her to the ground, her hands flying around the child's throat. She expected the girl not to move, for fear of being strangled.
Once again, however, she was surprised as Hannah shoved herself up, forcing Rose's hands to press into her windpipe. "I am not afraid to die anymore… Are you?" She breathed hoarsely, shoving the woman back twenty feet and into the flames of the house.
The demon coughed as thick smoke entered her lungs, sparked with deadly poisonous energy from the Duchess . The manor was now all but safe to be inside, and she was in the very middle.
A sense of calm filled her. She wouldn't be angry if Hannah killed her- she deserved any type of pain for her mistake. Memories of her Mistress, before she knew the truth about her power, floated through her conscious. She was so beautiful a soul... it really is my fault that it's so twisted now.
The half-demon flew through the window after her, her smile distorting her face. "Nowhere to run, Rose. My only hope is that I kill you before I die as well. A shame though... I was really looking forward to having my soul devored by you."
Rose let out a soft grunt of shock, and Hannah's expression softened. "Bet you didn't know that, huh? All these years, I've been waiting for the day I knew would never come, but attempted to reach anyways, solely because I knew you'd stay by my side if I did. After all... That's the only way it'll be satisfying, right? If I fulfilled my wish? For you to eat my soul... HA! What soul, eh? It has to be gone now! And that dream I had? LIES! But... you knew that as well, am I right?"
She sliced the maid on her side, her eyes growing feral from the smell of demon blood.
Rose leapt onto the roof, and Hannah followed suite, her eyes wide like a predator. With every swipe of the claw, Rose was ready to parry with a well-aimed kick. But, just as her kicks were on mark, they were also ineffective, as though they were hitting solid steel.
How is this possible? She isn't even aware she's a demon fully, yet she's fighting better than I did when I was that young! Tch… Sebastian, you cur...
"Cursing Sebastian for hypnotizing me? Foolish woman… You alone shoulder the blame for this monster you see." Hannah declared boldly, grabbing the woman by the ankle and slamming her back and forth against the roof, shattering and scatter tiles everywhere.
Rose coughed up blood as she was thrown away like a doll, wincing in agony when she hit the chimney. Bricks flew everywhere, and in the background she heard Andrew give out a shout of pain as one smacked him across the skull.
"Why, I wonder, did you leave me? Why did you tell me, 'good night', then allow me to be taken and tortured like a lab rat, only to return, expecting I would forgive and forget? You know me so much better than that, Rose. After all… you raised me."
Rose hacked violently, then giggled softly. "I did raise you like that. But I had no clue that they would do such horrid things, young Miss. I believed in the foolishness of men once more… I believed Ciel would have taken you to his home, gotten bored of you, and then left you for me to collect."
Hannah howled at the top of her lungs, grabbing the demon woman by her hair and forcing her head back. "YOU EVIL, VILE, HEARTLESS CREATURE! HOW DARE YOU SAY SUCH WORDS TO ME? YOU KNEW HE WOULD KILL ME!"
For that, another laugh erupted. "He couldn't have killed you… you are a half-demon, Hannah. You cannot die by the hands of fellow demons."
A demon...
You are a demon.
You aren't human anymore.
YOU ARE A DEMON.
The girl gasped, the realization hitting her like a ton of bricks, her face contorting with terror and shock.
"I'm… I'm a…"
She stopped her fist from colliding with Rose's face, her sapphire orbs widening slowly. She dropped her fist shakily, her face shifting into a look of pure agony. She backed away from her servant in a dazed, zig-zag pattern, her hands clutching where her heart was as though it was falling out of her chest. She trembled violently, her entire body twitching and trembling like a leaf in a storm.
"I'm a… a demon…"
Rose watched, helpless, as Hannah's blue eyes faded into pitch black, like a light going out. Only burning holes in her skull remained.
Then, Hannah screamed- not in fury, or hate- but sadness.
Utter sadness.
Where… am I…?
"Hi. I and my brother were waiting for you to wake up. Want a spot of tea?"
Hannah blinked rapidly, and sat up. She had been lying on a park bench that was painted a soft, creamy white.
That's not the only thing white, she appraised with a grimace.
She was back at the park of ice- the same place where she formed the contract with Rose.
She frowned, confused beyond belief. "Where am I?" she asked to no one in particular.
"Oh, just a little place in-between. No tea then?"
Hannah's eyes slid halfway closed in annoyance. Lovely, another British fool. What's he going to do, cut off my breasts? She wondered dryly. "Who the Hell are you?" She asked, turning her head to see who was talking to her.
At first, she thought she was looking at a woman. But then, she realized with a gasp, that it was a boy. A blond boy, with wavy locks that framed his round, youthful face and slightly covered light blue eyes. He wore a white dress shirt and white dress pants, with no shoes, despite the freezing air.
He smiled pleasantly. "Hi. My name is Alois Trancy." He introduced. "And this is my brother, Luca."
Hannah's mouth dropped open. No… this can't be… He is the reason Ciel is a demon…
She stood quickly, her hands clenching into fists and her eyes narrowing threateningly. "What do you want? Come here to eat my soul and become alive or something?" She asked suspiciously.
Luca giggled, finally revealing to have been behind his brother on the bench. "No! He just wants to talk! It's okay!" He cried, jumping up to hug the girl. She flinched in defense, but blushed when the small boy hugged tighter.
She looked up at Alois, who was smiling still. "Luca…" He began, walking up to his brother and rubbing his hair. "Why don't you go and play in the park? I have to speak to her alone, and we don't have a lot of time…"
Luca nodded enthusiastically, and, to Hannah's surprise, bowed to his brother. "Yes, Your Highness." And then, he giggled happily and dashed off, leaving the two teens alone.
Alois chuckled. "He hasn't seen a girl in a while, you'll have to forgive him."
Hannah didn't lower her guard. "Why are you here? What do you mean, 'talk'? How are you-?"
"Still alive?" The blonde finished, smirking slightly. He sat back on the bench, and motioned Hannah to copy him. "I won't bite, I promise."
The girl, frowning still, begrudgingly sat next to him. She crossed her arms, shivering at the sudden chilling wind.
Alois looked ahead of him, watching his brother running back and forth in a carefree manner. "Your demon ate our souls, but a piece of our innocence manifested and lives here now, in a sort of limbo between life and death. It's not as bad as you'd think, just very cold… I have my brother to keep me sane, so..."
Hannah frowned softly. "I'm… sorry…" She apologized, not sure what else to say.
The blond huffed. "I know. I've been watching you, you know. From this place. Don't worry, by the way. You aren't dead."
Can he read my mind?
"No, I can't read your mind, it's just easy to guess at this point."
Hannah blushed lightly. She pouted a bit, her arms wrapping tighter around herself. "Start talking, Blondie." She ordered.
Alois laughed sweetly. "Okay, okay! Calm down…" He sighed, a hint of sadness in his voice. "I wanted to show you some things, since you're about to decide to become a demon out of hatred."
"Become a demon out of- what?"
"Hatred. You're going to give up your soul because you hate Rose. But I want to show you a few things."
"Show me… what?"
The boy waved his hand in front of them, chuckling at Hannah's gasp as a mirror-like mass appeared before them. "What Rose has done for you."
Hannah's eyes lit up with anger. "FOR ME? She cares for me about as much as my mother did!" She argued.
He shook his head. "That's not true and you know it. Let me show you."
Suddenly, an image appeared on the glass. A memory.
It was Rose, sitting at Hannah's bed. It was after Hannah begged Rose not to leave her side. She was holding her tightly, trembling.
"My little girl…" Rose mumbled, kissing Hannah's forehead. "Angel… not demon… a real Angel… not the ones who hurt him… but the ones who serve God, who spread love and peace." She smiled softly. Her hands found purchase stroking brown locks and a smooth cheek, and she simply sat there, humming softly.
After a moment, she opened her mouth, and began singing.
"Where is my heart…? Where is my soul? Why in this place there's cold darkness here? Closing your eyes as you drift in wet full moon's rain… having got your soul cleaned… All for who has killed me…"
Hannah clenched her jaw tightly as the image faded. She looked away, the back of her eyes throbbing dully. "So what? What does this matter? So she's the person I heard that song from. Big deal."
Alois sighed, obviously annoyed. "Fine then. Then maybe you should see this."
At that, another image appeared.
This one was something Hannah was familiar with- the day after she'd made the deal.
"My name is Rose Soloton, and from now on, I am your humble servant. Give me an order, and I shall follow."
Hannah, so tiny, blinked. Then, she smiled sweetly. "Do you have any money?" She had asked.
"Er... No. But that has been fixed. You see, I had someone adopt you... a very well-off General that has no other family, no parents or children. Therefore, when he dies- which he will- you will inherit his large family fortune." Rose had explained, smiling pleasantly as she poured the girl something to drink.
They were on a boat back to Ireland, Hannah's homeland, where she'd be staying until the "General" came to meet her.
Hannah had nodded, understanding... somewhat. "I don't want some creep to adopt me though."
Rose had smiled wider, and laid a hand across her chest. "I promise, young Miss, that nothing will harm you as long as I am by your side. To turn the world into the shape of it's one true ruler, you, is my only passion and desire. I will forever be by your side, loyaler than any dog or knight. You told me yesterday that you wanted everything. I shall do as you command, and give you just that."
The girl had smiled, a blush forming on her cheeks, her hands stroking the bandages that wrapped around her head. Rose frowned slightly. "Young Miss, don't touch them. Though it was easy for a maid such as I to repair the scalp, it will get infected if you keep poking at it. Then the hair will never grow back!"
Hannah had giggled. "You are so protective. It's kinda funny." In a moment, her smile faded. "I want them to scar. It will remind me of the mistake I made- trusting."
The girl's grin had changed into a dangerous smirk. "Therefore, no matter what you say, I will NEVER trust you... demon."
Rose's hair hid her eyes, and she grinned like the half moon turned sideways.
"But of course, Young Miss."
"You dare insult my Miss, sir?"
Hannah jumped as another image instantly appeared.
It was after they'd returned to the mansion from their, "vacation". Rose had been sent by Hannah to retrieve a new dress- a black and white one, by what she suggested.
The man she was speaking to chortled. "Why, yes ma'am. You a servant of hers? Then give her a little message- when she's legal, tell her to find her ass into my home." He joked, howling with laughter with his drunken companions. "She looks pretty tight, if you know what I mean!"
Rose smiled pleasantly, but Hannah could feel her rage- her utmost disgust. It was like a fire, sinking into her skin and bones.
Hearing me being insulted does that to her?
Rose rubbed his shoulder. "You are absolutely right. I will give her that message… But for now… care to settle for me?" She purred, batting her eyelashes sweetly.
The man's grin widened. "Hell yeah! Come 'ere!" he shouted immediately, grabbing Rose by her waist and practically shoving her into the nearest alley.
Hannah blinked in utmost shock as his scream filled the air. Rose had mutilated him, smiling and chuckling madly the entire time. As he lay, dying slowly and painfully, Rose gave him a pleasant kiss on the forehead, followed by a slap across the face.
"Never insult my young Miss. She will be the ruler of the World one day. I will guarantee it. Her throne may be rusted, her mind a mess of color and insanity, but even if she orders my arms to be ripped from their place, I will stand by her. To paint the world in her image... Oh, should I be so honored to see that carried out."
What Rose ignored was the fact the man was already dead.
Alois waved his hand, and the mirror disappeared. "Do you know why I showed you that?" he asked.
Hannah glared. "To make me lose my lunch?" She chirped, annoyed.
The blonde laughed. "No, no… It's to prove a point. Rose, Sebastian, and Claude are demons. But they aren't Gods- they have more flaws than us, because they aren't meant to have any. Rose was unaware that Ciel would harm you. She even went to Kami, the God of Death, to recruit Reapers for your retrieval. She went to see the Angels too. She wanted nothing more than to see you reach your goal. Solely because you deserve to have it come true."
"But… wait... she hates Angels…"
"Because they hurt your father."
Hannah raised an eyebrow, but her expression said she already knew.
Alois's smile finally faded. "That's right… it's true. Sebastian is your father- your real one. And Rose is deeply in love with him. Why is not our business… but she was harmed in a way unimaginable, and Sebastian took the blame for it. But she still loves him. More than I've ever seen humans love."
Hannah felt her heart ache for her maid, despite all that she was put through. She knew of love, and betrayal. Hell, the maid was the reason for half of those feelings. "She loves you too, you know. You are something she's wanted for a very long time- a child of her own. You are her daughter in her eyes. Which is why she would be devastated if you were to give into the hatred that surrounds you."
The brunette's expression twisted into confusion and annoyance. "Hatred is all I have."
"No. It's not."
Hannah froze. No... She thought, her head turning to her other side.
A small hand settled on her shoulder. Curly, dark brown hair hid one faded brown eye, the smile on the owner's lips warm and gentle.
The Duchess fought the urge to burst into tears- whether of happiness or loss, she didn't know.
"Maybelle..."
It was Hannah's big sister, exactly how she looked the day she died. She even wore the same grey dress and dress shoes with white stockings. "Hi, little sis... Well, I guess you're the big sis, right?" She giggled.
Alois shook his head, laughing softly. "She showed up a little while ago. She said she was waiting for you."
Maybelle nodded. "I had a feeling you needed to talk."
Hannah swallowed thickly. "Bella... I... I miss you..." She breathed, tears forming in her eyes.
Her sister wrapped her arms around her neck, smiling still. "I know. I miss you too. I wish I didn't die, so I could have helped you. Maybe, if I had been there... This wouldn't have happened."
"Bella! Please! You can't wear the hair bow, remember? What if that lady snatches it? It's the last thing Mommy gave you!" Hannah whined, tugging her elder sister's dress.
Maybelle grinned widely. "It's okay, I swear! They won't notice!" She cried, tying a ruby red ribbon loosely into her hair. "Look, don't try to be Miss Bossy, 'kay? I'm the big sister! I know what I'm doing!"
Hannah huffed angrily, but after a moment, she giggled, hugging her sister tightly. "Right. You're the big sister! You're strong, and smart!"
"Yup!"
Maybelle hugged Hannah tightly back. "Get ready to go to the sewing room. I'm going to the machines today, okay?"
"Got it!"
The elder sister appeared to be thinking for a minute as the younger slipped on her dress. "Hey, Hannah-Bannana." She called, going to under their bed and retreiving a tin box. "We have enough money- I saw we go and get some ice-cream after work today. My treat!"
Hannah gasped, her blue eyes wideneing comically. "But ice-cream is so expensive!"
"I've got enough! Don't worry!" Maybelle argued, patting Hannah's long, chocolate brown hair. "Besides..." She trailed off, her eyes gaining a faraway appearance. Her smile faded until it was just a gentle turn of the lips. "I want to make my little sister happy. No matter what."
Hannah giggled a bit, her hand entwining with her sister's. "Same! I want to make you happy too! We'll be... uh... Queens! Yeah! Queens of the whole world! Just you and me!"
The elder laughed. "Yeah!" She twirled around with Hannah, holding her hands tightly. "So, what's your first wish?" she asked, genuinely interested.
The younger appeared to be thinking deeply. After only a second, she grinned hugely. "I want my ice-cream to be strawberry!"
Maybelle nodded vigorously. To Hannah's surprise, she curtsied like a servant.
"Yes, my Duchess!"
Hannah threw her an odd look. "'Duchess? I thought I was a Queen!"
Maybelle stuck out her tongue playfully. "I get to be Queen! You are a regal Duchess!" With that, she dashed out, laughing loudly at Hannah's threats of "de-throning".
As Maybelle closed the door, Hannah had a sudden feeling of loss. But it was deeper, deeper than she'd ever felt.
The feeling grew, and Hannah felt tears in her eyes.
"Why... do I get the feeling like I'll never see her again?"
"Bella..." Hannah whimpered, tears now pouring freely. "I can't. I can't turn back now."
Maybelle seemed sad, but her smile didn't drop. She held her little sister tightly, her face buried into her hair.
"You still don't understand…" Alois mumbled, not wanting but having to interrupt the reunion.
Hannah sniffled. "What do you mean?" She questioned.
Maybelle was the one to answer that. "You are Change. You can lead the world to death, or prosperity. But you won't get anywhere by wallowing in hatred and pain, sis." She answered, reaching behind her.
The Duchess gasped a bit as she took out the ruby bow, and tied it around Hannah's wrist. "You have to forgive and forget."
Alois stood, as if that would make the point, walking around so that he faced Hannah and her sister, who both still sat.
"Look at me- I let misplaced hatred consume me, until I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. The same is for Ciel- actually, even more so. He fails to see the big picture because he wallows in the hatred and pain of his past life. He fails to notice his servant, by his side, willing to die, though their contract ended the moment Ciel became a demon."
The brunette gasped. "Why does he stay?" She asked, standing suddenly. Maybelle was close behind, and it became clear to both of them that how much shorter she actually was in comparison.
"Because Sebastian loves him. He loves him so much, it pains him to see him as the monster he's become. Hatred and Love are the same coin, different sides. One flip, and they change. Stop it from spinning, and live knowing your past, but not hating it. Accept it, and thank it. Because of it, you are where you are now." Alois explained simply, like it was obvious.
Hannah tilted her head. "But… they…"
"Don't matter anymore. You have a home, you have people who care about you. You are alive. For God's sakes, you're the bloody Ruler of the World!" Maybelle cried, smacking her sister lightly on the arm. Hannah giggled, her tears stopping their continuous flow.
Alois smiled at that, and took her hands. "Pain… pain is only meant to be there until you're better. You are better now."
Right after he said those words, the world they were in vanished from their feet, like a dream fading into reality. Hannah gave out a shout of fear, but was cut off by a pair of tiny hands grabbing her dress, and another, slighter larger pair grabbing her arm.
Luca smiled happily as he stood next to Maybelle. He held her hand tightly, like she was his sister now. "I'm glad I got to meet you! Did you have fun talking to my brother and your sister?" He asked, looking up sweetly.
Hannah gave a sad smile. She turned to look at Alois, then Maybelle, nodding slowly. "I did." She stated. "Thank you. I think what you've said is the best advice I've ever gotten. Before I go, though… I have a question."
Alois raised a blonde brow. "Ask away."
"Why… Why did you turn Ciel into a demon?"
The blonde looked shocked for a moment, then grinned widely. "Simple." He stated, letting go of her hands.
Hannah frowned. "Well, why? Tell me!" She demanded.
Maybelle giggled. "You are always so impatient, Hannah-Banana... It's okay though. I hope... you'll be able to wait... until I see you again."
"Wait..." Hannah trailed off, her eyes once again filling with tears. "Don't- BELLA! Wait, don't leave me! Come back with me!"
Her sister sighed. "You know I can't, little sis. You'll have to wait until it's your turn."
The younger let out a sob. "Maybelle... please... I love you... I love you so much!"
"I...I love you too, Hannah. I'll always be here, watching out for you. Just like a strong, smart big sister should."
The teen whimpered once, yet smiled through salty tears. She laughed softly, her eyelids drooping shut.
"One more thing..." She called, gripping the red ribbon like a lifeline.
"Yes…?" A faraway trio of voices asked.
Hannah closed her eyes tighter, and her grin widened excitedly, like a little child. "I think I'll be better."
Before she faded into light, she could have sworn she heard a trio of giggles.
"...I... I'm alone...?"
Big sister... please... tell me that this power is something I can control...
"YOUNG MISS!" She screamed, quickly jumping to catch her mistress as she collapsed and fell off the roof. She landed on the ground with the child in her arms, faraway from the mansion which was now rubble engulfed in flames.
Sebastian gasped once grey skin faded back to peach, and ran to Rose's side. "What? What happened?" He asked worriedly, his eyes widening in shock.
Rose shook her head, just as confused as the butler. "I don't know, she just suddenly fell. I didn't hurt her, so why…?"
The butler held up her head. "Come on, Hannah… wake…" He begged in a voice barely above a whisper, frowning deeply.
The maid stroked her cheek. She gave out a shaky sigh of pain. "This… This is my entire fault…" She muttered.
Sebastian looked into emerald eyes just as they filled with tears, cringed, and glanced away out of respect. He knew she didn't want to be seen like this.
"I shouldn't have left her. I failed her as a servant… I failed her as a guardian and mother. Just as I failed to save Desiree…"
Sebastian flinched at that. "That wasn't your fault… It was mine. I let…" He began. Rose looked up suddenly, her eyes showing her confusion. He turned away quickly, his voice failing him.
"You 'let'?" She repeated. "…You liar…"
Sebastian jumped as Rose's foot nearly collided with his face. He growled. "What are you doing? You're mistress could be-!"
"Shut up… I'm fine." Honestly, these demons...
Rose paused in punching Sebastian in the face. Her expression brightened immediately. "Young Miss!" She cried, rushing to the girl's side. Glancing around, she grabbed Sebastian and ripped his coat off him, leaving the man disoriented and extremely annoyed. The maid placed the jacket around her Duchess, smiling happily as Hannah's feet and hands changed instantly at her touch. She gazed into soft sapphire eyes once more.
"Young Miss…" She breathed. She kneeled in front of her, her eyes cast to the ground. "I'm so sorry… forgive me for abandoning you."
Hannah clenched her jaw. "I understand why. Though you betrayed me..."
Rose cringed. She waited for the onslaught of insults that she now accepted. "You came to get me, that's all that matters." Hannah finished, standing on trembling legs.
Rose's eyes lit up with utter shock and surprise.
"Just don't leave me anymore. Or else you'll never be fed another soul again."
The maid smiled widely at that, her bangs hiding her eyes. She's returned to me...
She got to her knees and stood by her side, where she belonged. Her hands folded in front of her as they always were meant to.
Once again, the third Black Demon was with her Master.
Hannah turned to Sebastian, and her expression didn't change. In fact, it grew sour.
"Feel free to kick his ass now."
Rose's grin grew wider and darker. She expected as much.
After all, she did raise her.
"Yes, my Duchess."
Dude. HARDCORE. Only Hannah can do that with a knife.
Sorry, I had to end it on a sorta funny note. This chapter was pretty intense…
Yay! Alois became the voice of reason! I imagine he would be… better than Claude.
I fixed it. I wasn't happy with how rushed it was, so I added a few things. Like Maybelle! XD She was such an unimportant character, but at the same time, if she hadn't died, this story wouldn't have happened.
Review!