Lady Keiko here...

I apologize to everyone that this chapter took extremely long to put up here. My only excuse is that I had to study for my math class because I really wanted to pass it. And guess? I passed it! XD I'm so friggin' happy! Not to mention this week is my Spring Break! Double Score! Therefore my darling readers, I promise that the next chapter should not take more then a week to update.

Other News: I'm gonna respond to your comments at the end of each chapter now. Seems prudent this way. Also, check my Bio for any updated news on what I'm doing or why I'm taking so long on things. That's where I'll generally communicate to you guys. To be truthful, I'm mostly active on my Deviantart account (I'm starting a historical hetalia doujin soon) so if you wanna say something, comment or send me a note or whatever.

And to those of you with a twitter account, I have have one too XD Its: Lady_Keiko_Sama (I actually had one years ago but never used it until now...so follow me on twitter!). So if you have questions or just wanna see what I'm doing, go there.

Future Warning: EVERYTHING I WRITE HAS A PURPOSE IN THIS STORY! So if your not liking whatever part of this story, please be patient. Everything will be revealed eventually, and then some. Also, please REMEMBER, I can't please all the people all the time. Kay? Cool.

Dislcaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji.

21. A Little Murder Never Hurt Anyone

"Well? How much longer do the two of you intend to stay here at the manor?" Ciel asked, irritation lacing his voice as he spoke to the Indian prince before him. The two were eating breakfast across each other in the dining room as their respective butlers stood by their side.

"Hey! I'm staying here just so I can spend the long awaited winter holiday with you and Hero! So how could you say that?" Prince Soma exclaimed as he crossed his arms.

"Don't go making up your own holidays," Ciel snapped before his attention was settled on an article in this morning's newspaper. He paused.

"Hmm, but anyways, where is Hero?" Prince Soma asked, chewing on a particularly yummy kipper. "It's rare for her to miss breakfast."

"Unfortunately Miss Hero caught another cold," Sebastian answered behind Ciel's chair. "That fall into the ocean water caused more harm than good I'm afraid."

"Eh? Really? But she looked fine yesterday!" Prince Soma stated, shocked.

"That's cause she refused to admit she was sick," Ciel answered as he suddenly got up, Sebastian pulling back his chair. "You have to admit her acting skills can be quite convincing. Even I didn't catch until later. Who knew she was that fragile? If it wasn't for Sebastian noticing how her color was off, her condition would have gotten worse."

"How terrible! And she promised me she'd show me how to play this curious game of red light, green light," Prince Soma explained. He too got up suddenly, bringing a lot of zest to his movements. "Agni! We must help take care of Hero at once! After all, that is what friends do for each other!"

"Yes, My Prince!"

"Hey now!" Ciel called after them as they exited the dining room, totally ignoring him. "You two leave her alone! She's sleeping! Hey! Are you even listening to me?" he shouted as he ran after the two idiots down the hall. "Get back here!"

Sebastian merely sighed as he glanced out the window and noticed their spectacular view of the grey gathering clouds outside.

Mey-Rin stared out the window to look at the grey darkening clouds rumble. Bard was leaning against the counter, peeling some potatoes as he wallowed in his thoughts. "Haah—" Mey-Rin sighed. "The sky seems awful cloudy, it does."

"I know, right? Doesn't it just make you wanna watch a movie? I usually watch Pirates of the Caribbean with my dad," I told her as I searched around the kitchen, looking for something to eat. The startled Mey-Rin and Bard hadn't expected me in the kitchens so they jumped half a mile high when they suddenly saw me rummage around in the pantry.

"Miss Hero!" Mey-Rin exclaimed in shock. "What are you doing here?"

"Looking for something sweet to eat," I said nonchalantly.

"But you're sick!" Bard added. "Sebastian said you 'ad to stay in bed no matter what!"

I closed the lower cupboards. "And I will return to bed, as soon as I find something to eat. I'm just starving!"

"But didn't Sebastian bring up two trays to your room earlier?" Mey-Rin asked.

I shrugged, not noticing the kitchen door being neatly slice in parts. "Yeah, but apparently when I'm sick, I'm hungrier than a bear after hibernation. So anyways, do you know where Sebastian keeps the good stuff?"

Bard opened his mouth to say something but at that moment, the door that shielded the kitchen from the outside was kicked in with a force of a hurricane. Dust clouds quickly formed around the kitchen as Bard and Mey-Rin became alert in full kick-ass combat mode. I coughed, noticing two figures enter the kitchen.

"Pardon the intrusion!" called out Charles Grey as he stepped into the soon to be battle arena. "Is Earl Phantomhive home?"

"Who wants to know?" Bard answered. Grey noticed me in the background and a mischievous smile spread across his face.

"Oh? Is that Girly Boy Hero I see?"

What's up with this guy's apparent obsession of referring to me as "Girly Boy"? I mean, yeah my hair used to look awful, but it's grown by now so it's not as bad looking. I just don't understand and—I blinked. Whoa, fuzzy vision for a minute there. I shook my head and faced Grey. "Was destroying the door like that really necessary? You could have just knocked."

"I was a bit impatient," Grey answered with a mischievous smile. "But now that you've come to greet me, I take it that you're ready to challenge me."

I gave him the WTF look. "Are you nuts? I'm sick you loon!"

Grey blissfully ignored the last sentence as he lunged at him. I shrieked and dived low as Grey's blade sliced the air that had once occupied my personhood.

"Miss Hero!"

Mey-Rin with her pistols and Bard with his knife were already on the defensive, hell bent on protecting me. Mey-Rin immediately let loose some bullets, all of which Grey expertly dodged. The poor China behind him shattered as Mey-Rin kept her barrage of bullets aimed at the Earl in White. He seemed very much impressed with her. "Wow! A two-handed shot! How very stylish of you!" He continued to dodge but suddenly came at her. "But…" With one quick move, he sliced Mey-Rin's pistols in two. Grey smirked. "I win at close-combat."

Mey-Rin looked shocked and just as Grey was about to swing his sword to finish her off, Bard came up behind him, his knife aimed at Grey's jugular. I just couldn't watch this, mainly because my head was feeling heavy again. Still, when I moved away toward the door I could practically see behind me as Grey used Mey-Rin as leverage to backflip in the air. And instead of attacking Bard like he was supposed to, he ended up landing a few feet in front of me, blocking my exit.

"The heck!" I said angrily. "Do you want me to beat you senseless?"

He merely smirked. "I'd like to see you try!" He then lunged at me and swung lightening quick. But like an epic beast, Sebastian appeared out of nowhere between us, the layered dessert tray deterring and slowing down the blow so that the sword merely stabbed a crème puff and ended up stopping an inch away from my face.

I blinked.

Then smiled and plucked the crème puff from its impalement. "Hey thanks, Sebastian."

Sebastian summoned his ever-ready smile as he faced Grey. "May I present these custard cream puffs, made with plenty of traditionally-raised eggs produced on the Phantomhive Estates?"

I paused in mid-chew and looked at Sebby. Wait, you mean to say Ciel owns an egg farm? Just the thought deserved an LOL award.

Grey frowned in frustration and walked forward. "Why is it that there's always some interference every time Girly Boy and I fight? It's always like this and I'm getting down right angry at it! Our fight has to be settled!" He glared at Sebastian. "You butler, I heard that you're in the competition for Hero's hand. You obviously interfered our bonding time purposefully—"

"Oh shut up," I told Grey as I stuffed a cream puff in his mouth. "You should just try this. It's really good."

"Did that nut just say that this whole fight was a way for him and Miss Hero to bond?" Bard whispered conspiratorially at Mey-Rin, to which the maid nodded as she was helped up by Phipps.

Grey chewed and found that the pastry was indeed not bad. His thoughts, along with mine's, were soon occupied by the contents inside Sebastian's dessert tray.

"Hey Sebastian!" Bard shouted as Phipps handed Mey-Rin her glasses. "Just who the hell are these guys?"

Grey looked up and smiled innocently. "Oh that's right, we only met briefly during the Christmas Party. I'm Charles Grey," he introduced.

"I am Charles Phipps," Phipps added.

"We are commonly known as the 'Double Charles'. We are Her Majesty the Queen's private secretarial officers, as well as her butlers. Nice to meet you!"

"Can we get a move on?" I told everyone as I was headed toward the door with Sebastian in tow. "I'm hungry and don't you have a message for Ciel?"

Grey looked surprised, but quickly smiled with a sly look. "Of course I do." He held up an official looking letter. "This is for Earl Phantomhive." Then he held up another letter. "And this one is for you, Girly Boy!"

After I took the letter from Grey (I'll have to read it later), we later gathered together in the salon room that Ciel liked to receive guest in. Bard and Mey-Rin resumed their kitchen duties in the half-destroyed kitchen (which Sebby told an irate Bard to clean up within the hour). Anyways, you should have seen Ciel's face when he saw me up and about; like it was a crime for a sick person to be out of bed. Of course Sebastian wore a similar disapproving face. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that I'd hear some serious scolding from the two of them later. But right now, I didn't care though cause Sebastian's desserts were worth any tongue-lashing.

As I sipped my sweet tea (I've gotten quite use to it by now) Grey told Ciel that Queen Vicky wanted him to host a party for some German bigwig who happened to be distantly related to her.

"Your Funtom firm is one of the British Enterprises about which we may boast to the world," Phipps began. "With your connections, we believe you will be more then capable of summoning guests in whom our visitor will delight."

Ciel sighed as he placed the letter on the coffee table. "If its connections you want, would Her Majesty not be better off receiving this visitor herself?"

"Are you sure you ought to be saying such a thing?" Grey questioned a small knowing smile. "Her Majesty harbors doubts regarding your report about the 'recent incident', Earl."

I pointedly looked away from the group as I munched on a mini fruit cheesecake. Ciel said nothing. Grey had him there. And Ciel knew it. He couldn't afford to get on her bad side. In the end, he accepted the request.

Grey grinned. "By the way, I'll be participating as a supervisor. You've no objections, do you?"

"What's there to say?" I absently remarked before Ciel could speak up. "Since you'll be here anyway."

"So very true," Grey replied. "But formalities are important after all. Which reminds me, Her Majesty was wondering when you'd be stopping by for some tea?"

"Huh?"

"When you'd come and visit her," Grey clarified.

"You mean me? Visit her? At Buckingham Palace?" I exclaimed in surprise (I wasn't the only one since both Ciel and Sebastian seemed equally shocked). It's one thing to write each other letters, but to talk to her in person? This was like having a secretary from the White House tell me that the President wants to invite me over for dinner! What an honor!

"Of course. And I'd be happy to give you a tour around the place," Grey added with a smirk when Ciel scowled at him. He chuckled. "But anyways, on to our original conversation, we've already confirmed the safety of this manor for this event. It doesn't seem like you'll need additional guards."

Ciel folded the letter and tucked it into his jacket. "There's no need to worry on that account. This manor is absolutely secure." He gave Grey a serious look. "I'm against inviting superfluous personnel into the manor and raising the risk from within."

Grey smiled but stood up along with Phipps. "Very well then. We shall take our leave. You do not need to see us off,"

"That's great. See ya later then. Bye Phipps," I added.

Phipps nodded his head. "We look forward to seeing you two again in two weeks."

Once they left, I leaned against the couch in relief, feeling my head start to grow heavy again. Grr, stupid cold.

"Well, you heard the man, Sebastian," Ciel finally said as he got up and walked over to the window. "Prepare the invitations right away. And get in touch with Madame Red, Lau and Undertaker as well."

"Very good, sir,"

I got up as well and stretched. "Now that that's over, I'm headin' off to bed you guys laters."

Ciel turned around. "Wait a minute, what were you dong up in the first place? Don't you know you're sick? You can't keep moving about so freely." He glanced at Sebastian. "Didn't I tell you to make sure she doesn't get out of bed?"

"Well, you guys look like you're gonna hash it out between you two, so I'm gone. Hero, out." I said as I power-walked out the room and ran down the hall. I knew sooner or later Sebastian was totally gonna get on my case and I'd rather it not be now. Mainly because I felt like I was gonna pass out any minute now if my head didn't lie down on a pillow soon. Just when I thought I was close to my room I soon realized that I was lost…again. Just as I was about to curse my horrible sense of direction I heard Prince Soma and Agni's voice from around a corner near-by. And those voices sound awful close. I quickly ducked into a random room, shutting the door behind me and waited for them to pass. Just when all seemed clear, I moved heard a crinkle from the inside of my bra.

Took me a second to realize that it was the letter from the Queen I had stuffed in there earlier (what? I had no pockets).

I ripped opened the letter and unfolded the familiar crisp and stiff royal stationary paper.

To Miss Hero,

Good tidings to you and a Happy Birthday as well. I hope you spent it well with my dear boy. Recently, he hasn't been a very good boy I'm afraid, but I'm sure you and I can redress such a deficit.

I blinked. She and I?

Though I am very much curious in learning more about this Doctor Who you've mentioned in our previous letters, I'm afraid much more urgent business is in order. As you know, my darling boy will be hosting a party for a distant relative of mine. And that's where I'd like to ask you a favor dear girl.

A favor? Ooh boy.

Two Weeks Later

"This carriage has been sent for you, sir. Please take a seat," announced the hired coach driver as he showed a young Arthur Wordsmith his ride. The young Wordsmith in question gazed at the handsome carriage with intimidation as he reluctantly hopped aboard. The door was shut and he sat still, not moving around too much.

This is the first time in my life that I'm riding in a brougham-and-pair with a coachman, thought Arthur as the carriage moved forward. He dug in his suit jacket, hoping he'd brought the invitation sent to him a week ago. Finally he found the desired envelope and stared at the waxed seal. "Just what sort of fellow is the person who sent me this, I wonder…?"

Early Spring, 1889—

Winter had not yet run its course. While living hand-to-mouth as an oculist in London, I was also a struggling writer. I say "writer", but I put pen to paper only when there were no patients coming through the door. And although I had contributed works any number of times,, only one had as yet been accepted, the remuneration for it a mere pittance. I was plagued more than ever by thoughts of simply shuttering the practice and moving to the Scottish countryside. It was then that I received a singular invitation.

Yes, that was where it all began.

As I mentioned before, I was but a somewhat unfortunate yet ordinary man. However, the affair that occurred at the manor house to which I was invited would come to change my ordinary, humdrum existence by 180 degrees.

A number of years have passed since then…and finally I resolved to pick up my pen once more. Herein I shall recount all I can about the incidents that I encountered at the Phantomhive Manor…the grisly events which came to pass on that dark and stormy night…

"Hmm, so that's how it is. Now it all makes sense…since I'm not all that familiar with the state of affairs in Germany myself," Ciel commented over the telephone as he sat alone at his desk in his study room. It was about half an hour before the party would start. He relished the brief period of peace before he'd be forced to play host for the night. If only he'd have been spared this arduous task, but a duty was a duty.

"Gracious!" exclaimed Clause over the phone. "Your disagreeable traits are growing to resemble Vincent's more and more. Does it look like things are going to turn out troublesome?"

Ciel sighed as he picked up his papers and tapped them in alignment against his desk. "Most likely."

"Don't do anything stupid now and make sure you keep Miss Hero safe," Clause warned.

Ciel chuckled. "Of course. Speak to you soon." Just as he hung up the door to the study burst open and in marched Hero with an outraged look on her face. Ciel took her sudden appearance and then noticed her state of undress in just a cotton chemise and stays. He blushed furiously. "Hero! Why aren't you wearing any proper clothes?"

"This is official!" Hero declared as she ignored his scandalized question. "I think Madame Red's going a little bit too far with dressing me up! I mean did you see what she told Sebastian for me to wear? And with a corset no less! My bust has already grown so there's really no need," she explained with impatience. "Plus I'm still short even with my recent half inch so I think all the extra layers on that thing are just a little too much. I mean, Amanda said that more is less for short people in order for the illusion of tallness to work."

It took a second for Ciel to understand, but luckily by then Sebastian had hurriedly entered the room and placed a shawl around Hero's shoulders, effectively covering the front portion of her body. That only made Hero roll her eyes.

"You guys are such prudes," she stated.

Sebastian smiled. "Just proper manners."

"So, what was the problem again?" Ciel repeated.

Before Hero could go on another tirade, Sebastian cut in. "Miss Hero is in disagreement of Madame Red's choice in dresses."

Hero flushed. "At least this one! Seriously! I mean, I'm no expert in fashion but hot damn! There's a reason why I told Nina to make those 'modern alterations'. I'm so talking to Madame Red the minute she arrives here."

Ciel looked at the grandfather clock in the corner of the room. "Which will be soon I believe. You should finish changing quickly."

Hero crossed her arms. "Fine, but know I'm making major alterations."

Sebastian looked slightly worried, but with time quickly against them he would merely have to hope she didn't make the dress look like the first one she had decided to remake on her first stay here. Just as Hero exited the room, she quickly reentered the room.

"Oh! I almost forgot! Do you guys know what day it is?" Hero questioned "I feel like I've been in limbo recently."

"It's—" began Ciel before Sebastian smoothly answered with the 12th of March. Ciel would have ordinarily been annoyed at Sebastian for the interruption had he not noticed Hero's eyes widen in shock, her face paling a little. The reaction was so brief that any other person would have missed it. Such a reaction did not go amiss by Sebastian either. Of course, all you saw now was her normal smile as she took in the date.

"O-Oh, really? Okay, well, thanks!" she began as she exited the room. Ciel and Sebastian briefly exchanged glances before Sebastian left to follow Hero. Ciel said nothing, his thoughts thinking about what could have possibly gotten Hero so worked up. He looked out the window and noticed how dark the churning clouds were. He frowned.

"Looks like rain."

Arthur Wordsmith stood by the foot of the grand stair case in the Phantomhive lobby, surveying the guests as he tried but failed to fit in, ignoring the small voice telling him that maybe his invitation had been accidentally sent. But then, if it had, his name wouldn't have been written across in giant elegant letters where the entirety of anyone who possessed the letter could have obviously seen it. Arthur sighed inwardly. What am I even doing here?

He had thought many times about simply declining the invitation but surely such an action would be considered rude, would it not? Especially if a member of the nobility was deigning their hand to extend an invitation to a party to his social class (the working kind). Maybe it was charity or maybe something else. But one thing Arthur did not understand was why he had been invited to what look like a private party; and not just any private party, but one with estimable high-class guests that normal people weren't worthy to look at.

His dark eyes wondered over to a handsome couple to his left. A beautiful tall woman with the face an angel, elegantly clad in a dress of cream silk, smiled charmingly at the man before her as she gently gripped her fan. Arthur squinted.

Why, that's Irene, the opera singer isn't? Arthur thought, surprised. The handsome blond man (with an eccentric earring in the shape of a…sea horse?) beside Irene looked familiar as well and it took only a second to realize why. And isn't that man beside her the Stage Director Grimsby Keane?

Arthur looked to his right and noticed two gentlemen talking, the younger one looking particularly uncomfortable. Not to mention that fellow there is apparently the son of a distinguished shipbuilding magnate…can't say he looks like one…The older gentleman with a white streak in his hair laughed loudly…And that loud fellow has diamonds on all his fingers! How rich is he?

After scooping the scene, Arthur was left feeling considerably inferior. And then you have someone like me, who's not even in evening dress—A sudden bump to the shoulder interrupted his pitiful thoughts and he automatically began to apologize until he looked over and got a maximum eyeful of cleavage. His face reddened immediately.

The tall Chinaman the Chinese girl had been clinging to spoke. "Ah, excuse me," he said. He looked down at the stoic faced beauty hanging on his arm. "You mustn't look away in a situation like this! Where's your apology for the nice man, hmm?"

"Sorry," the girl replied indifferently.

Arthur blushed even more when he noticed her getup. "N-Not at all! A-Are the two of you actors as well?" Her legs are indecently exposed! Arthur couldn't help but think. And what kind of clothing is that?

Chinaman spoke again. "No, no. I am but a humble branch manager with a trading company, just a hired hand. My name is Lau. This is my little sister, Ran Mao. Well…what about you?"

"I'm an oculist," Arthur began shyly. "Who does a bit of writing on the side…"

"How very fine!" Lau exclaimed. "Why that must make you quite a professor!"

"Nothing of the sort! I'm just an amateur, more like!"

"Ohh?"

"I've never even had the honor of meeting the Earl, and I don't understand the slightest bit why I've been invited," Arthur quickly explained.

"Who can say? I for one can never fathom what the moody Earl might be thinking," Lau said as he poked the girl's cheek. "Isn't that so Ran Mao?"

Arthur was startled by this revelation; just his luck to get invited by a temperamental Earl who may or may not be of the friendly variety. "Is he really that moo—"

The mysterious Lau interrupted him suddenly, his voice darkening and showing a completely different side of him that Arthur almost called dangerous. "However…," his eyes opened slightly (something of which Arthur got the impression he did only when things got serious), revealing dark eyes. "Something amusing will come out of all this without a doubt….of that I'm quite sure."

Arthur blinked. "Eh…?" Lau's countenance had returned to normal and once again he resembled that of a humble and carefree trading manager with an exotic eccentricity leaning toward the comical side. And just like the last ten seconds never occurred, Lau continued speaking.

"Moreover, the Earl has a staunch aversion to society and is renown as a rare character who hardly shows himself. Why if it wasn't for his lovely American lover, he would surely have become a reclusive hermit."

"L-Lover?" Arthur stuttered, blushing at the scandalous word. An image of a tall beautiful regal woman filled his head.

"Yes indeed. A charming exotic lady known to render men to their knees; quite vivacious as well. Much the opposite of the grumpy Earl. She will be in attendance tonight so you will definitely meet her."

"Meet who?" came a feminine voice from behind Arthur. He jumped a little and moved to the side, revealing a rather small girl maybe around thirteen or fourteen years of age. She wore a dress of black lace and silk, hair in a French braid his sisters kept telling him was all the rage this Season, hands gloved, holding onto a fan as she placed a hand on her hip, looking at them in question. She looked too young to be here, but Arthur wondered if maybe she was the Earl's daughter.

"Ah! And here she is! The lovely Miss Hero Sanders!" Lau announced with an innocent smile. "Also known as the Earl Phantomhive's lover!"

Arthur sputtered in shock, practically choking on it. Now he definitely had not expected this little girl to be the Earl's…lover. She was so small! She was a child! And though she was pretty in that exotic way, she was…well…a child! And now that he thought about it, it was painfully obvious that she was American as well. That much was obvious from just the two words she spoke and that detachment of English social conventions she wore around her like a shawl.

And to further solidify her Americanism, Hero whacked Lau's arm with her fan. "Lau, would you stop giving him the wrong impression? I bet your part of the reason why people keep thinking weird things."

"S-So you're not…?" Arthur trailed off, blushing at the mere thought, hoping his assumption wouldn't be considered rude. The child called Hero smiled.

"No I'm not."

"No she's not," Lau agreed with a mischievous smile. "But she could be. The Earl is currently competing for her hand in marriage," Lau told him in a whisper. "And he's quite determined to win. But he could loss. And then where would that lead him?"

Hero rolled her eyes. "Now I know how Ciel feels. It's like no one understands the concept of privacy. Are you the one spreading this all over London?"

As Hero chided Lau, Arthur couldn't help but let his thoughts run away for a minute. To think that this Earl would be competing for a young girl's hand. She seemed pretty vibrant, smiling away as if she was comfortable with the current situation. Goodness she was small (and American) and she already had suitors vying for her hand? Did she already have her Season? She looked awful young. The thought kept freaking him out since he couldn't imagine his own sisters being fine with such a situation. "Um," Arthur mumbled, looking at the exotic threesome before him. "What sort of person is this Earl?" he asked, becoming curious and a little bit frightened.

Before Hero could open her mouth, Lau spoke first. "He's a very proud fellow, who typically wears an expression somewhere between sour and angry."

Hero covered her mouth, looking like she wanted to laugh but nodded in agreement. "Too true."

"Ehhhhh?"An image of an elder man with a scowl and scary eyes filled Arthur's mind.

"And his eye patch, which would not be amiss on a pirate, seems to have quite the story behind it."

Hero smiled. "You guys have no idea."

A pirate? And Miss Hero has no problem having a suitor like that? Arthur thought frantically as the image of the Earl became a bit uglier and gruesome, if not hairier. He would have freaked out some more had a clear sharp voice from above not interrupted Lau's fun.

"Why don't you leave your teasing of my guests at that?"

The three of them looked up at the top the staircase to find a little boy around thirteen clutching a cane and sporting a slight frown as he looked down at them.

"Eh…a child?" Arthur murmured as he stared wide eyed, not understanding what was going on. Who was this boy? Hero smiled and rushed forward, smothering the boy in a hug when he made it downstairs.

"Ciel! You know what I just found out? That dress that I told you was simply ridiculous? Well it turns out the orders had been mixed up and it was someone else's ridiculous dress. Silly Nina. The dress Madame Red had planned for today was just under it. Thank goodness Sebastian spotted the mistake in time!" she exclaimed in joy.

Lau chuckled and pointed at the boy. "That little boy is the Earl Phantomhive. Isn't he just adorable?" he told a dazed Arthur.

Ciel heard that commented and snapped from underneath Hero's arms wrapped around him. "The 'little' is unnecessary!"

"See? He's angry now," Lau said with a carefree laugh.

Once Hero let him go, the little Earl cleared his throat and addressed the stunned Arthur. "I thank you for accepting my invitation on this occasion," he said formally. He gave Arthur a rare glimpse of a smile. "I am the head of this family, Ciel Phantomhive."

He then turned to face the rest of the guests in the lobby. "Ladies and Gentlemen, those of you with whom I'm acquainted through your continued patronage and those I am meeting for the first time, I hope you will allow me to extend my greetings to you anew in person once the banquet is under way."

A sudden knock on the door had everyone turning toward the noise. Tanaka went over to open it up.

"Oh that must be Madame Red!" Hero exclaimed as she walked forward in excitement. "A little late, but whatever. She'll just absolutely laugh when I tell her about the dress incident."

Unfortunately, much to the girl's surprise, Tanaka opened to reveal, not Madame Red, but another young woman with ice blonde hair, wrapped in a coat shivering from the cold and rain. Hero seemed quite puzzled. "Who…?"

"My apologies ma'am," she said as she shivered. "My name is Charity Price and I come in behalf of Lady Angelina Durless-Barnett."

"Madame Red?" Ciel said as he came forward.

The meek young woman was let in and her coat and hidden luggage was taken away. "My lady has sent me a message telling you she won't be able to make it to tonight's festivity. She has sent me in her stead instead. Mainly since I am to be a Miss Hero's new lady's maid."

Hero's eyes widened. "Wait, are you serious?"

"New lady's maid?" Ciel repeated, confused. "Why wasn't I told of this?"

"And she also told me to tell you and in these exact words, 'Surprise! Hope you enjoy my gift.'…"

Hero giggled. "That definitely sounds like something Madame Red would do."

Ciel sighed. His thoughts most probably running around the thought of better her than Sebastian dressing me from now on. "Alright then, do come inside. Sebastian be sure to brief her later then."

Sebastian eyed the girl suspiciously but bowed. "Yes, my lord."

Once that was quickly taken care of, Ciel turned back to his awaiting guests but paused for a bit as he noticed something crucial. "Wait, the guest of honor appears to be missing."

"It appears the foul weather has delayed his arrival," Sebastian answered.

"Ah, he'll be here soon enough," Hero said, none too worried.

"Still," Ciel continued. "We can't have everyone waiting in the hall like this—"

Suddenly Mey-Rin appeared before them. "The guest has arrived!" she exclaimed.

Hero smirked. "Told ya."

Still, there was something puzzling about the group that entered, at least from what Arthur sensed in the atmosphere. For one thing, there were four people with them. And Arthur had gotten the impression that only two were supposed to have arrived.

A large stout German fellow with a serious face and a heavy accent introduced himself. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am George Von Siemens. Thank you for your kind invitation."

A slim figured fellow in a formal fancy coat with silver hair waved at them all cheerfully, in particular the Earl and Hero. "Hiiya there! I hope you don't mind but I've brought along Lord Hugho, Her Majesty's nephew," Grey announced as he side stepped to reveal in full an annoyed man around his early twenties with dark hair and light blue eyes garbed in evening dress. A smaller man around the same age with a cheerful disposition carried Lord Hugho's bags. "And that's Channings, Lord Hugho's valet."

"Hello," Channings merrily greeted.

"Lord Hugho?" Ciel uttered in surprise. "I thought you were still in India."

"I thought so too," muttered the young man as he glared at Grey.

"Her Majesty missed him so much that he came visiting post haste," Grey continued to explain cheerfully. "Fortunately we all thought it a splendid idea if he should come here and enjoy the party. She is busy at the moment you understand, therefore unable to entertain him."

"Hugho?" said Hero as she walked forward before the new guest. "Oh so your him. Hello there! I'm Hero Sanders, nice to meet you," she said, smiling as she curtseyed.

Lord Hugho seemed to pale a little. "Wait, not the Hero Sanders? The American girl?"

"Wait," Ciel said. "Hero how do you know Lord Hugho? And how does he know you?"

"Not important!" Grey interrupted cheerfully. "Anyways Earl, you aren't going to have us stand in the lobby all night are you?"

Ciel looked annoyed but quickly donned on his Host face as he began to lead everyone to the dining room. "Quite right. I do apologize. Let us exchange greetings once the party has begun. Tonight's dinner is buffet-style, so everyone may speak freely with one another. This way please."

Sebastian stood by the door as he held a card up. "Ladies and gentlemen, I shall announce each of you, so please go through to the dining room when your name is called. First…"

George Von Siemens, Honorary Board Member, Bamberger Bank

"When his grandfather was Prime Minister, word of the man's shrewdness reached even as far as Germany," said Siemens as he talked to the group before him twenty minutes later. "Still, I must say, he is the spitting image of his grandfather."

Karl Woodley, President, Woodley Company (Diamond Polishers)

"Speaking of Earl Grey," added Woodley. "He hails from a family of such repute as to have lent its name to a tea. I never imagined the day would come when I could personally offer him my compliments."

Hero Sanders, Self-Proclaimed (Hey!) Detective Extraordinaire

"Bleh," Hero muttered. "I don't get why everyone is so fond of tea. It's so bitter and…well, bitter."

Earl Charles Grey, Her Majesty's Secretarial Officer & Personal Butler

Grey chuckled. "Oh Miss Hero, how very American your response is."

Hero sniffed in annoyance as she twirled the contents in her wine glass. "Well I am American. What do you expect? Anyways, if someone could invent and sell fruit juice I'd be a very happy girl. I mean, I don't want to keep adding tons of sugar to my tea. It's not very healthy you know."

Earl Ciel Phantomhive, President, Funtom Company (Toy & Confectionary Maker)

Ciel sighed. "Hero, not everyone has a fetish for fruits like you do."

"It's not a fetish. And it's really good. Don't act like you haven't tried it before. Anyways I told Sebastian to order mangos this week. You haven't lived until you've tried my mango smoothie."

"I'm sure Lord Hugho is familiar with such fruits living in India, eh Hugho?" Woodley said as he looked at the man next to him.

Lord Hugho Ashdown-Saxe-Coburg Gotha, Indian Branch Manager (Royal Tea Trader)

Lord Hugho, who was here in body but not in spirit, snapped out of his forlorn thoughts and looked up. "What, what? Mangoes? Yes. Um, India is full of mangoes when in season. Although I don't see them bloom often. I mostly focus on the tea trade among other things."

"Ah yes, the famous Assam tea," Woodley commented. "Why Mister Phillip doesn't your company help ship these magnificent teas to jolly old England?" he laughed as he patted Mister Phillip roughly on the back.

Patrick Phelps, Board Member, Trading Division, Blue Star Line (Shipbuilding & Shipping)

"Ah ha ha…yeah I think we do," Phelps said weakly as he tried smiling, which looked brittle indeed.

"Such heavy industries such as shipbuilding are showing growing of late," Siemens added. "Our bank is considering focusing most of its efforts on them and their like."

"And you'll want to," Hero chimed in. "They don't call this era the Industrial Revolution for nothing."

Lau, British Branch Manager of the Shanghai Trading Company "Kong Rong"

Suddenly Lau came into the social circle. "And what are we all talking about this fine evening?"

"Something about tea and shipbuilding," supplied Hero. "I think Mister Siemens was interested in the latter."

"Ah, if it is ships I do own several magnificent vessels that handles the trade for my humble company," Lau said with a smile.

"Wasn't it called Kong Rong or something?" Hero added.

Beside Woodley, Phelps stiffened. "Kong Rong…?"

Lau merely opened one slited eye to the point where it made Phelps flinch nervously, obviously mums the word would be his philosophy regarding Lau. Hero loudly sipped her drink so that the awkwardness and deadly aura would go unnoticed. With that, Lau bowed toward Siemens.

"How do you do sir? I am Lau," he introduced briefly.

"You must possess an extensive network to have a branch in Great Britain—" Siemens began until Ran Mao sidled up beside him and grabbed onto his arm, purposely showing her cleavage to its best advantage, face still stoic. "Wha—Wha—Wha—Wha—!?"

Lau chuckled bashfully. "Dear, dear. Really now Ran Mao. I do beg your pardon, sir. She can be such a baby. As I was saying, we may have a wide network," the Chinaman continued. "But we've yet to intrude upon Germany."

"Hey! Wha!"

"I do hope to learn many things from you for future reference."

"I-I understand, so please get away from me!" exclaimed the blushing Siemens as he backed Ran Mao away from him. He cleared his throat. "If it's Germany that interests you, I'll tell you about it at lengths tomorrow. I'm curious about the situation in Asia myself."

"He doesn't seem to have enjoyed that," admitted Lau in a whisper to both Ciel and Hero.

Hero giggled. "Only when he's sober."

Grimsby Keane, Stage Director & Irene Diaz, Opera Singer

"Excuse us for interrupting," came Grimsby's voice as he and Irene entered out circle. "Thank you for inviting us tonight." There was just something about them that gleamed in air. It could be because they were from the opera or the fact that both persons were simply beautiful in looks, thought Arthur depressingly as he watched everyone talk together in the circle he dubbed Elite. Still, Arthur was a guest and he at least wanted to be introduced to everyone before they ignored or forgot about him for the duration of the party. Never again would a chance like this appear he was certain.

Still, it was like a mere beggar trying to approach Her Majesty, the Queen. Not only was one embarrassed but also slightly ashamed for their unfortunate position in the hierarchy of social class. Nevertheless, Arthur stuttered a bit but with each passing second, he managed to find his voice enough to introduce himself.

Arthur Wordsmith, Oculist and Aspiring Writer

"I'm—ah! I mean, I am—"

"WELL THEN! That should be it for introductions!" Grey cheerfully interrupted, forever crushing Arthur's confidence and determination. "So what do you say to a toast?"

As almost everyone agreed, Arthur turned tail and decided to wallow in his own pity by some chairs situated in front of the window. Every merry second of the other guests rousing conversation made Arthur seriously wonder why in the world he had even agreed to come.

He sighed.

"Would you care for a drink?" came a smooth and seductive voice from above.

"Thank you," Arthur looked up as he accepted a drink and looked in shock as he saw the handsome butler up close. Sebastian, he remembered the man was called. Uwah! What a captivating air and handsome face he has! Like a character out of an Oscar Wilde novel. Sebastian simply smiled.

"Sebastian!" called a familiar voice. Sebastian turned slightly, his attention entirely focused on the petite figure walking towards him. Arthur noticed how his existence had momentarily been forgotten. He looked at the young girl, Hero, approach. "I ran out of the juice you made me. Do you have anymore?"

"Not at the moment but I shall I have Mey-Rin fetch some from the kitchen."

"Okay, I'll wait here with Arthur," she smiled. With that Sebastian slightly bowed before he left. Hero plopped onto a chair beside Arthur and smiled at him. "Hey there."

"M-Miss Hero," Arthur said by way of greeting. Then he remembered that she had said his name and he didn't remember ever giving out his name to her. "Um, how do you—"

"Know your name?" she guessed accurately. "I know a lot of things. Trust I seriously know a lot of things here. Sometimes its bothersome. Too much information if you know what I mean." She looked at his wine cup. "You like your wine?"

"Huh, oh I haven't tried it yet. Is it good?"

She blinked. "Oh sorry, I don't know. I don't drink alcohol."

Now Arthur became confused. "Eh? But, you—"

Hero smiled. "Sebastian made this really tasty fruit juice that looks like wine. It's perfect for occasions like this. Fools everyone."

Well it certainly fooled him. But of course she was a child so wine probably isn't her preferred drink.

"Still," she said. "You'd think after I turned seventeen I would have grown a mature taste. Oh well."

Arthur absently nodded. "Right, seventeen—seventeen!" he exclaimed in shock as he abruptly stood up. "You're seventeen?"

"Ah, you didn't know? How old did you think I was? Thirteen?" Arthur flushed in embarrassment, which only made Hero giggle. "It's okay. Everyone thinks I'm younger than what I really am."

Arthur briefly looked over at Ciel who stood listening to Woodley and Lau ramble on about something. As Arthur observed he remembered that Lau said the Earl was competing for Hero's hand in marriage. Imagine that! Not only was a four year difference in the way but she was also American. Of course, people with power and authority can afford to do eccentric things like that.

"I heard that you had several suitors lined up," Arthur awkwardly brought up, cursing that social conventions made it necessary for small talk. He was just so very bad at the skill.

Hero sighed. "Yeah. I think I preferred it when it was just Ciel and Sebastian." Sebastian…the butler? Arthur thought, scandalized. Eccentric people indeed! "Now Grey's in the mix. Annoying prick. At least Prince Soma recognized that we should be friends so he's out of the running."

A prince? And Grey? You mean Earl Grey? Arthur studied Hero as she looked at everyone in the dining room. It was true that she looked quite pretty in an exotic way, but other than that he didn't see anything else that was special. She just looked like an ordinary teenaged girl. Arthur didn't understand the hype, but supposed that he must have missed something. He noticed Hero sigh again, her eyes turning a little dark as she looked at her lap, face sorrowful. The transformation from carefree joy to melancholy worry was instant and it had Arthur speaking before he could stop himself.

"Is there something wrong Miss Hero?" he asked.

She quickly looked up, the sorrow gone as she suddenly smiled. "What do you mean?"

"Um…," he blinked as he studied her. There was something about her cheerful smile and carefree air that seemed…well, fake. As if she were putting on an act, but would rather lock herself in a small room and just…sulk. Arthur didn't understand why but he sensed that maybe a change in conversation was good. "N-Nothing. So you're from America?"

"Yup. Florida, to be exact. Best state in my opinion. It's always sunny and just the right temperature, despite the humidity mind you," Hero informed him, seeming to brighten up at the topic.

"I suppose your visit to dreary England must have been a shock then,"

Hero gave him a rueful smile. "You have no idea."

At that moment, Ciel began to walk over to them. "Here comes Ciel," she said as she suddenly stood up. "I'll let you talk to him. Besides, I gotta confront Lord Hugho. A favor you understand. Talk to ya later, Hero out!" she finished as she quickly left Arthur alone, her skirts swishing as she made it across the room and approached the scowling Lord Hugho. When Ciel made it toward Arthur he paused and looked over to where Hero stood. Again, Arthur sensed the brief moment when his existence was forgotten.

"What is that girl doing now," Ciel murmured to himself.

"I-I believe she said something about wanting to talk to Lord Hugho," Arthur responded, not sure why he spoken. It's most probably the accursed sip he took from the wine in his hand. Miss Hero was right in avoiding drinking; it made people do foolish things.

Ciel's too-blue gaze looked at Arthur and the man gulped. "I suppose, but the real question is how does she know him? Hero's not very familiar with the ton and I don't see how Lord Hugho would know her unless from rumors…or Her Majesty herself. Anyhow I hope you don't mind if I sat down."

"N-No, not at all," Arthur said as the little Earl sat down comfortably. It took Arthur quite an inestimable amount of courage to ask, but he did it anyway, thanks to the wine. "Um, this may be a bit of a rude question to ask but why did you invite me here today?"

Ciel cautiously looked over at Hero who seemed to be chasing the unfortunate Lord Hugho. "Hero is a particular fan of your work—"

"Miss Hero? A fan?" Of my work? Thought Arthur as his head began to feel light headed. His only work that he'd written had been A Study In Scarlett and honestly, he wasn't even sure he should continue the idea he had in mind for it. To even have it published in Beeton's had been a miracle in itself, but Arthur knew better then to expect any other such recognition of it. After all, many critics had said that its content was too frivolous.

"Yes," Ciel continued. "At first I didn't understand why she was so…'passionate' about this character or the story. Then I read your work, the long piece published by Beeton's—"

"Eh? You've read such an obscure magazine?" Arthur asked in shock.

"As an owner of a company that deals in trends, I make it a point to run my eye over everything," Ciel explained. He looked at a still gaping Arthur. "Is something wrong?"

Arthur fixed his features and gave a sheepish smile. "So even someone with social standing of an Earl reads such magazines, eh, my lord?"

Ciel chuckled. "Status has nothing to do with it. On top of that, my consumers are common folk. I read Punch as well, though their satire is entirely lost upon Hero I'm afraid. Anyhow, the protagonist of your work was really quite rich in wit and charming. I understand why Hero has such a fixation upon him. He really is a new kind of character."

Hearing that both Miss Hero and the Earl had enjoyed his work made Arthur blush bashfully. He hadn't been expecting this kind of reaction at all. After the critics had all but made him cry in despair, Arthur hadn't thought of continuing it. He told Ciel as much. And the thing that surprised him more, besides the fact that his work had actually been liked especially by this small yet intimidating boy of high social standing, was just how…cunning his mind seemed to work. Already in less than two minutes, Ciel had opined on when to go about writing a historical story that Arthur had wanted to do someday.

It made him ponder for a minute, seeing this small boy with a mind and air of an adult. Who was this kid? He glanced briefly at Miss Hero finally cornering the poor Lord Hugho. It occurred to him that though Miss Hero came off as a sweet girl, despite her American background, he sensed that there was something…off? About her. He couldn't quite decipher it or understand it himself, but he mused that maybe it was all in his head.

As usual.

Like a boss, I finally managed to corner Lord Hugho near the buffet table after three minutes of cat and mouse. He sighed in annoyance and resignation, finally daring to look at me. "Alright, you caught me," he said briskly. "Now say what you have to say and be gone."

I cocked my head. "Why are you so…angry?"

"I'm not angry," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Just annoyed."

No, I would have never guessed. "Being here? Back in England?" I asked. "Queen Vicky mentioned that ever since two months ago, you've had a staunch aversion to returning home. That's why she had to take…'emergency measures'."

"I can't believe I fell for that," Lord Hugho muttered darkly against his wine glass. He was obviously referring to the so called "news" about Queen Vicky's fake imminent illness that sounded so ridiculously overdone in the copy of the letter she had sent with the original missive that I seriously couldn't believe he fell for it. And honestly, were it not a favor (one that if I completed successfully Queen Victoria would forget all about Ciel's BK children mishap) I wouldn't be here, hounding at this poor man who obviously didn't want to be here at all for reasons I must discover before this party finished. "Anyhow, I've been warned that my grandmother sent you to convince me to marry the girl she picked out for me. And I shall say this now, I still refuse."

Oh and did I mention that I also had to make this guy agree to marry the girl Her Majesty had for him? There was a reason why Amanda never came to me for love advice. Still, as I've learned most of my stuff from Spanish soaps, I decided first things were first.

I smiled. "Oh Lord Hugho, why in the world would I talk about that stuff during dinner? I was just going to strike up a casual conversation with you."

"Not interested,"

I tilted my head. "Well that was a quick rebuff. But if you don't wanna talk, I do. You don't have to say anything."

Lord Hugho visibly paled. I wondered who tipped him off that his being here was so I could "talk some sense" into him. I'm not sure why Queen Vicky would think that whatever I say would convince him. Seriously. Two letters before the current one, I was totaling bemoaning my indecisive and stressful love life (you'd be surprised how "unvictorian" Queen Victoria actually was; she seemed to enjoy gossiping almost as much as Madame Red). Still, you'd think she'd take the hint and maybe, I don't know, discourage Grey with his attempt at courtship (and why he's even interested remains a mystery to me).

At that moment, before I could enthrall Lord Hugho about the wonders of knitting, a soft voice spoke from behind me. I turned and found Charity, apparently my new lady's maid. It felt weird calling her that. Lady's maid…never had a maid before. Heck, I was the maid in my house. Phil was the most distracted person when he wasn't involved in his job. Seriously! I paused for a minute. The thought of my dad had me briefly feeling a tightening in my chest, making my eyes sting a bit. I rapidly blinked and smiled at Charity.

"Ah, Miss Hero, I apologize for interrupting," she said, looking unsure between me and Hugho.

Lord Hugho for his part looked immensely relieved. "No, no, please. In fact I was just leaving," he said before he swiftly escaped, much to my dismay. I frowned. I know I probably wasn't going to convince this boy to marry anyone, but I at least need to know why he didn't want to return to England. The reasons could be anything and I didn't have much time. I sighed but faced a distressed Charity.

"Did I—"

"No, no," I quickly assured her. "We were done talking. So um, did you need something?"

Charity flushed. "No its just, well, I know I'm not supposed to be here—"

"Non-sense. Tonight's where all the guests come together and dine. Doesn't matter who you are," I told. I turned slightly and pointed to the other side of the room where Mr. Channings was currently trying to cheer up Lord Hugho's irritated mood. "See that guy? The one with all the smiles around doom and gloom Hugho? Exhibit A for ya."

Charity chuckled quietly. "I suppose your right. But I wanted to let you know that starting from right now, I will carry out my duty as your personal maid." I wrinkled my nose. Again with the lady's maid thing. "And so I thought it wise to list any and all things necessary that I should know." Suddenly a writing utensil and a small notepad materialized out of nowhere before her, unusual grey eyes looking at me expectantly.

"Um…"

"I've asked you to please stop that sir!" came a shrilled exclamation that had the entire room whirling to witness the scene in an instant. I mentally cursed and went over to where Irene had gotten groped by Siemens. How could I have forgotten that detail? Oh, wait, I'll tell you why, because right now I'm seriously one heartbeat away from getting emotional. Why? Well, like I'd own up to that.

"You insist on laying your lecherous hands on my person!" Irene complained as she wrapped her arms around herself. "And I can't stand it anymore!"

"'hat was that?" slurred Siemens, looking totally smashed. "T'e one gaddin' 'bout in clothes like that's t'e one in t'e wrong!" And then Siemens got soundly slapped afterward when he said she was playing the innocent and wanted to be touched. I tsked. Seriously. People can be crazy when drunk. Still, I was quite proud of Irene for that slap. Sounded like the ones my Spanish soaps liked to dramatically do. I quickly intervened before the man decided to throw his beer.

"Okay, let's break it up ladies," I said as I came between them. I looked down at the fallen German. "Now, now, Mr. Siemens, you have to admit you had it coming. You simply don't help yourself to respectable women."

Siemens glared at me. "Don't get in the way!"

I simply blinked in shock as he threw his friggin' beer at me. Seriously, me. What'd I do to him anyway? Before I could jump out of the way, bringing Irene with me, Ciel came out of nowhere and stood between me and the beer. Too say that this was "oh sh*t" moment was an understatement.

"My lord!" Irene cried in shock as I gaped.

Ciel simply stood quietly as the alcohol soaked his hair, clothes and dripped down the side of his face. He looked at Siemens with cool indifference. "This is a banquet," he said calmly, though underneath I sensed something brewing. "Please do try to restrain yourselves and leave it at that for the evening before you drag other guests into trouble."

Both Irene and Siemens looked sufficiently scolded. At the corner of my eye, I noticed Grey looking livid, his glare directed at Siemens. When he saw me looking he rearranged his features into a carefree smile. Huh, weird, but whatever. I rolled my eyes as I faced Ciel.

"Ciel are you okay?" I asked.

Before he could say anything, Grimsby snapped. "You dirty old codger! Don't you dare touch my woman as you please!" That ended with a bottle of wine being thrown at Siemens direction. And honestly I wouldn't mind seeing it smack his face and have him topple over to hit his head until he was unconscious but…Sebastian had other plans.

Like a beast, he somersaulted through the air, grabbing the bottle before it could touch Siemens, uncorking it in one smooth motion as he landed on the ladder leaned against the table with the wonderfully shiny and crystal clear champagne glasses. To my surprise, the liquid was a light pink and it cascaded down the glasses like an elegant little waterfall. Even though I don't drink (underaged, not to mention that alcohol smells awful) I was tempted to take a sip (it was pink; you don't see pink wine often).

"This is a fabled wine from Purcari village in southeast Moldova," Sebastian explained as he held the bottle up, looking all smexy I might add. "Please do enjoy it, ladies and gentlemen."

Everyone was instantly amazed and wanted a glass, or two. It was as if the last three minutes never happened. But whatever, Ciel smelled like beer and he needed to change ASAP. Sebastian was quick to bring Ciel a towel.

"Oh Ciel, I appreciate your coming in but a simple inconspicuous whack to the head with any blunt object would have prevented all this," I told Ciel as I took the towel and dried him quickly.

"Bashing one's guest, however inconspicuous, is simply not down in polite society," Ciel explained calmly. "Though I was sorely tempted."

"Are you alright, young master?" Sebastian inquired.

"Quite," he replied as I towel dried his hair. Once that was done, Ciel removed his beer soaked jacket and handed it to Sebastian. That was when they switched over to French and I pretended to look as if I understood. I mean, if I hadn't stumbled unto Kuroshitsuji via oven then I would have taken French class the semester before I made it into my Senior Year…

Senior Year…

Oh gosh…

There was an uncomfortable pinching sensation between my nose and my eyes were stinging. Before I could figure out what was happening to me, I saw Charity race over to where I stood.

"Miss Hero, are you alright?" she called worriedly.

"I'm fine," I mumbled.

"Thank goodness," she said. When Sebastian looked at her with a frown, Charity quickly looked down, as demure as a deer could look. I didn't understand that brief exchange but the night was still young as Ciel gestured for Arthur (who happened to understand French, the lucky bastard) to keep all he heard a secret.

I smiled at them all. "Okay, I'm hungry! Who wants to eat?"

"No more gas in the rig, can't even get it started
Nothing heard, nothing said, can't even speak about it
Out my life, out my head
Don't wanna think about it, feels like I'm going insane
Yeah"

"What a curious song," Charity commented as she hung the dress I wore earlier. "I don't think I ever heard it."

"It's called Disturbia, sung by the amazing Jamaican-American Rihanna," I told her as I brushed my hair before the vanity table in my room (not the one I shared with Ciel; I always get ready for bed in this room then sleep in his). In my lap was the book the Undertaker had given me for my seventeenth birthday, the one that was 99.9 percent undecipherable, the rest illegible. But there were a few words that caught my attention that I managed to make out.

Demon mate…

I continued brushing my hair, staring at myself in the mirror. I had managed to read a page of the book, just a page. Most of it left me with more questions, far from being "enlightened". Of course it didn't explain the main questions I still had floating in my head (the very ones I liked to conveniently forget for the sake of not having to think too hard about them). Questions like "Why was Sebastian present when I was five?", "Why were we on the run?", "Who were running from?" and "Why was Sebastian present when I was five?". The main one though was the first and last questions. I sighed, detangling some knots. Not to mention the whole time-traveling to Black Butler. I mean, that enough should be able to occupy my time.

I do like it here, no question about that. In fact in the short time I stayed here, it's like a second home to me now. But…it's not my first home. I sighed again, suddenly feeling frustrated as I fought with my hair. Like seriously, I can't possibly be stuck here! I mean I have my whole life to sort out back in the future. There's Phil, my detective work, my friends, school, detective work, TV, electricity, the local foster home, my social, food, electricity, detective work…the list could go on! I have a life back there and to never return…it's just unthinkable! I mean, I have family over there. Yeah, it's just my dad, and sometimes Grandma Sanders, but Phil hasn't really got anyone (until the day he gets married and judging by his attempts at flirting, ain't gonna be anytime soon) except me. And I can't just never see him again. He's my dad.

But…

…At the same time…it's hard to imagine me just abruptly leaving Ciel and Sebastian. To never see them again except in a manga or anime episode. It's just so…cold…and empty.

I blinked back the tears threatening to fall, I gritted my teeth and yanked the brush that was still stuck in my hair.

"Gyaaah!" I growled when the knot refused to budge.

Charity glanced up from the linens she was folding. "Would you like me to brush your hair?"

I contemplated saying no, but one look in the mirror made me bowing my head in shame.

"Please?"

Charity chuckled softly as she took over the duty, her hands soft but sure as they worked magic on the knots. It felt weird viewing her as a lady's maid, so I kind of just think of her as my personal assistant (I always wanted one of those). "So um, Charity, where are you sleeping tonight?"

"Hmm? Oh, well, Mister Sebastian said I would be sleeping in the maid's quarter," she answered, fingers deftly undoing the knots.

I drummed my fingernails against the wood, purposefully ignoring the heavyweight book on my lap. "Say, I'm curious, why did Madame Red send you? To me I mean? And why now?"

Charity stilled her movements, but smiled simply at me. "Well, one can never truly discern what the Madame may be thinking. I did say she sent me in her stead as an apology for not being able to attend the party."

"Where did you use to work?"

"Mmm…I use to work for a very rich household in East Sussex; the Marquess had great ambition for his family."

"Did he succeed with whatever?"

Charity smiled fondly. "He did and more. But alas, he's dead now though,"

"Bummer," I said, looking at her in the mirror. She was really pretty, beautiful even as her blonde bangs touched her eyebrow, the rest tied into a simple bun behind her head. Her grey eyes were fixed upon my hair, pink lips thinned to concentration. It was a wonder this girl wasn't already married. Earlier in the evening, Woodley kept giving her suggestive glances to which she politely ignored. Even the Glowerul Lord Hugho had acted civil toward her. What gave me pause was Sebastian's apparent dislike of her. It wasn't a big thing. Just that I could tell he didn't like her (of course she did take his spot in being the one to dress me).

I took the book in my lap, wrapped it around a red cloth and placed it inside the drawer of the vanity table. I'll have to read more later. "Sucks that you had to be uprooted but I'm sure you'll like it here if you want to stay."

Charity smiled as she finished my hair. "I do so want to stay."

Just as I was about to open the book and crack under the temptation, we heard a very loud yell, that obviously came from Siemens, echo in the halls rather gruesomely. I gasped as I stood up, nightgown swishing around my legs.

Oh shi-nit!

I totally forgot about Siemens faking his death! Both Charity and I raced out the room and ran down the hall, where we later found Grey and the rest coming down from another corridor.

"Something wrong? What's all the fuss?" Grey asked as we made it to where a frantic Mey-Rin and Sebastian stood outside Siemens door.

"Let us kick in the door," Sebastian said as he handed Mey-Rin the water jug. With just one powerful kick, the door busted down and we all converged on the threshold to look in. To see a rather icky but dead-looking Siemens shocked the crowd a good deal. I'm not exactly sure who screamed, but the aftermath was pretty chaotic. Mister Phelps and Charity both fainted (apparently she had a phobia of dead people; this arc is gonna suck for her) and Arthur rushed forward where he took the man's wrist and felt for his pulse.

He paled as he choked out his words. "H-He's dead!"

Everyone was deathly silent. Thunder rumbled outside as lightning flashed and streaked across the sky, briefly illuminating the room before it plunged into the darkness once again.

Let the Murder Mystery Arc begin.

March 12, 1803

There isn't a lot of time left. I'm being hunted. I'll be dead within the hour I'm certain. It wasn't always like this. My life seemed so much simpler before I found out I was a demon mate. It's like the minute you know, they know. I don't know how, but it's true. Already I've been attacked thrice. And apparently the demon I belong to hasn't come to claim me. If it were not for my special talent, then I'd have been dead for sure. But without my demon partner (quite strange to think of him that way, but that's what he is), I really will be dead. And I like living very well, thank you.

Still, I suppose it's all my fault for being clumsy. I shouldn't have flashed my ankle like that in public. Most scandalous it is, even if it was an accident.

You see, not an hour later, I was accosted by a most curious stranger in Vauxhall. He wore all black and had silver hair, very eccentric if you ask me. Nevertheless he told me something that later had me returning to his queer shop down in central London.

He told me I was a demon mate and that I had little time left to live.

~ C.

"Oh what rotten luck!" Madame Red complained, hands on hips as she stood in front of the threshold that separated her from the tumbling rain outside. "And just when I wore my brand new red coat!"

"I'm sure it won't come to harm if you stay under the umbrella Madame," said Stanton as he opened up the large red umbrella under the torrential deluge.

Madame Red pouted. "I know, but still. I wanted to look fashionable, not like some skittering mouse hiding from the rain."

"Unfortunately, that's how you'll look until we can get you to the carriage you'll ride home in," Stanton said as both he and Madame Red began to walk under the dreadful weather. Madame Red made sure to lift her skirt up so that they didn't touch the dirty wet cobblestone underneath.

"I do pity the fool who'll have to drive in this rain," Madame Red commented as she stopped before a carriage parked just outside the Hospital. She had covered a particularly late shift this evening and unfortunately couldn't attend Ciel and Hero's planned party. A shame really since she did so enjoy parties, as anyone who knew her could attest to that.

Once Madame Red was safely seated inside, Stanton was about to close the door when she grabbed his sleeve and pulled him inside.

"Are you mad, sir? Its pouring outside! No, you'll ride inside with me instead," she chided.

"But—"

"No buts. I'm afraid I have the right this time," she told him with a smirk.

Stanton merely sighed, but complied to her wishes, closing the umbrella and setting it to the side, tapping against the roof so the driver could move the cab. The silence between them was noticeable, but comfortable. Instead of letting unnecessary words breach between them, they let the hard pitter-patter of rain and the occasional rumble of thunder fill the companionable void. This relaxed silence was a usual thing for them, especially in awkward situations like these that Stanton still had to get used to.

The ride to Madame Red's stately house didn't take long. In fact it was only a mere fifteen minute walk away on foot. And walking was what Madame Red liked to do, especially since it was rumored to be good for one's figure.

The Durless-Barnett family house was large as it was well furnished with tactful taste and style. The chosen wood was a cherry and the shiny white marble was recently polished to perfection. Old paintings and satin curtains decorated the walls just as antique vases and figurines lent the old place a faded air of nostalgia. Overall, Madame Red had come to love this place and Stanton found that he quite liked working here.

Once both Stanton and Madame Red were safely inside, the current Barnet butler took her coat, hat and bag as placed them on the coat rack to dry. He then left to light the fire in her private sitting room like he did almost every night since he landed on her front door, his employment status possibly gone if not for a stack of confounded cards. But such an action became routine for both parties, something that they had come to expect should worse come to worse. Madame Red entered the now lit room, collapsing on the plush armchair and sighing as she stretched her arms.

Stanton turned to look at her, still crouched before the fireplace. "Is there something you want Cook to make for you before I bring in the tea?"

"Mmm, I suppose so, though I'm not sure what. Something with ham I should say."

Before Stanton could suggest something heartier, there came a knock on the front door that startled them both. Madame Red and Stanton gave each other a brief look before Stanton straightened the lapels of his coat and walked to the front door of the house. Who could it possibly be this late at night? And in this terrible weather?

When Stanton opened the door, he was mildly surprised to see a tall figure hunched slightly over under a wide dark purple umbrella with gold etching of spider webs as decor. The stranger tipped his hat away from his forehead, the shadows receding and revealing a pair glasses and amber eyes.

"Pardon the intrusion late at night, but is this the residence of Doctor Durless-Barnett?" asked the stranger.

"Yes, but—"

"Stanton who is it?" called Madame Red as she appeared at the door. Her eyes widened a bit as she spotted the stranger. "Dear me and in this rain! Stanton don't leave him outside! I'm sure questions can be asked and answered in the parlor room. Be quick about it!" she said as she retreated inside.

Stanton mentally sighed (he'll have to remind her later that as a single woman of repute, she shouldn't be inviting just anyone inside especially this late at night), but dutifully allowed the stranger inside. He led him to the warm sitting room he had just lit, the fire crackling comfortably in the fireplace. Madame Red sat in the chair opposite, legs crossed, a look of curiosity on her face. "Stanton, do bring in the rose hip tea," she ordered.

Stanton bowed and exited the room, not sure this was entirely wise.

The stranger still stood, but seemed to unshoulder the burden on his back first. A tuff of blond hair appeared and a flash of a purple coat did too before a sleeping child was revealed and settled unto the empty armchair behind the stranger

"Oh my," Madame Red exclaimed in surprise. "What's this?"

"Forgive the sudden intrusion, but I'm afraid my Master has gotten severely injured. Normally, I'd treat the wound myself, but it seemed prudent to summon a doctor this time."

Madame Red instantly stood up and walked over to the injured boy. "What's happened?"

"A mere accident,"

Madame Red undid the coat and opened it up to reveal a bloody shoulder. She examined the wound carefully. "What an accident. There's a deep gash on his shoulder and is that…a bullet?"

The man bowed his head. "A most grievous accident. I gave him sedatives an hour ago and he fell asleep. He should wake up any minute now,"

"We'll have to take him to my operating room before he wakes up then. Thankfully the bullet didn't touch the bone. This should be easy to fix up in less than thirty-minutes."

At that moment, Stanton entered the room with a tray full of tea. If he was surprised by the bloody boy in the armchair, he did not show it.

"Stanton," Madame Red called. "Prepare the Operating Room! We have an emergency operation on our hands."

Stanton set the tray down and bowed slightly. "Yes, Madame," With that he disappeared.

The stranger looked after him for a minute before he returned his gaze to the woman before him. Madame Red looked at him. "You said master before. Who exactly is this child? Looks a year older then my nephew."

"His name is Earl Alois Trancy, Madame. I myself, am Claude Faustus, his butler. How do you do, Madame?"

:D Done! What do you guys think? Please review! I really wanna know your thoughts! Like SERIOUSLY! I do listen to criticism (if they have a valid reason and not just said for the sake of bashing people) and I do answer questions and concerns. So let me know ^.^

Responses:

SmileRen: As you can see, Murder Mystery Arc is here for ya. And I wouldn't worry for Lizzy too much, she'll grow as a character and we'll see how her happy ending turns out (but she will have one ^.^).

Yami Mizuna: Lol, I hope that sated some of your curiosity.

Szayel's Angel: Cliffhangers were always annoying and they're no exception now :D I hope this update satisfies.

Frostivy: Thanks, but I can't say this update was fast. Sorry! Though I love Doctor Who, I knew if I saw anymore I'd never get my work done so I stopped watching after Season Three. I'll continue soon. As for the book, close but not Cleopatra's diary I'm afraid.

Paxloria: Even though Hero forgave, that doesn't mean she forgets, just keep that in mind. And I totally heard about the live action movie AAAAHHH! I cannot wait! I know people are skeptical, but I just really wanna see how it all turns out, especially with Ciel, poor darling! As for Lizzy pushing Hero, yeah Lizzy's lucky. Or her reputation would have suffered. But those two still gots unsettled business ^.^ Anyways, thanks for reviewing! I do try to edit and catch some mistakes, but hey, I'm only human.

VampireSiren: How'd the Disney trip go? I'd really love to go sometime soon, sigh. And I'm glad you got the foreshadowing, sometimes I think I lay it on too cryptically. Ah well.

PhantomGirl17: I hope that answers some questions ^.^ Enjoy!

tohru15: Ta-da! Not exactly as you thought, but necessary my friend. I did so love Alois, but its not his turn to show himself to Hero and Ciel yet.

Masgrl98: Lol.

watergoddesskasey: Thanks!

Jane86445: Hope you enjoyed the chapter :D

ItsMyCircusNow: I think by now you'll know what it is.

bored411: I hope this didn't take too long for you Xo

shadowprincess100: I have no problem for the AloisxHero rooting. I love that blond too XD And don't think too badly of Edward. He really wants to please Hero and the girl is his first love. We'll see what happens in the Titanic arc ^.^ As for the tongue, that's just how it is. And I think that's how it goes, tasting souls through blood. Which might explain why Sebastian licks her in the first, only way for him to get to her soul unless he claims her. Cannot wait for that whole jazz to be explained later XD

AshesAndDreams: Yes, I suppose Hero being around Sebastian is stirring all that up now or it could be that the memory wipe on her mind is fading at last-Oops! I said too much. An I agree with you all the whole pushing Hero off the cliff, being therapeutic for Lizzy. Though I'd love to see their interactions during the Titanic arc. And Sebby in a swimmingsuit, I'm so gonna have to draw that before Friday!

FallenOkami: It'd be fun if I knew the rules to Zombieland, but I don't. I think I'm gonna have to stick with what zombie lore I do know. It'll fun though, if not terrifying.

Doll with No brain: lol, thanks. Sorry for the long wait. I hope to never make you guys wait that long again.

TheNerding: lol, he sure does.

Guest #1(1/23): I read your review and I have to totally agree with you on most of it. To be honest, I myself was feeling as if I was almost there but not quite. Of course I wasn't sure, but I guess it just means I gotta still keep honing my writing skills! Anyways, on the subject of the competition, chillax. Its merely for comic purposes as well as making the plot flow. It may seem annoying and like "oh gosh not again" but hey, the characters aren't dumb and they'll discover themselves eventually (like Prince Soma realizing he and Hero should be friends instead). As for Mary-Sue, well, all I can say is that I know my character and if you guys think then maybe I haven't been doing my job as a writer (meaning really showing Hero's complex character to you guys, I guess most of it will be revealed as the story progresses). Still, thanks for your concern. Its made me reflect my story and really try to get down to it. I most especially love this arc because of its room for character development; particularly Hero's :) Oh and the home bit, just wait for it, sorry if it seems like she doesn't care, but if Hero really starts thinking about...well, you'll see why next chapter. Thanks for reviewing!

Aquarius-Otter: :D I hope that answers some questions.

nomer: I'm so sorry! Its been a very long couple weeks but I'll definitely have the swimsuit before Friday! Totally, totally serious! And you swim? Awesome. I couldn't swim to save my life so props for you man!

Stormyspiritstar: XI So sorry! I know this long wait must be killing you, but I'll give you a hint, its basically obvious if you read all the chapters by now. Just look at the little details (yeah, I know that's not much of a hint, but I thought it was a obvious). Sorry!

SisterOfScarletDevil: I think by now I'll know if your ideas were what my ideas were ;D

taramegareader: Alois will show up this chapter as you now have finished reading and most definitely next chapter.

Kyoki no Megami: Team Ciel? Team Grey? Lol, we'll see, though Grey kind of scares me now. His character is so...scary. Anyways, Ciel and Sebastian will know her past soon enough. Hero's pretty much an open book to them.

AbbyInWonderland14: If you're freaked over a little lick, then I think you'll just die as the story progresses. This story was originally rated M since I usually only do rated M stuff. But we'll see...

Ren O'neil:

Ch. 19 - There's lots of room for character developments as you'll see hopefully. And I'm totally eager for the Lizzy and Hero confrontation!

Ch. 20 - Doctor Who fans unite! Lol, I hope this chapter answered some questions.

xxxbribriturnerxxx: Uwah! I can't say more on the subject or else Sebastian might overhear, but all I can say is your on to something!

AnimeFanGirl99: Lol, Happy belated Feb 4th! Sorry! Its so shamefully overdue!

vampireXgirl13X: SO SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT! NEVER AGAIN ToT

Guest #2 (2/12): Nice definition. Best one I've read yet.

Rin-chan Desu: Categorizing:

Ch. 3 - lol, the pawn part makes me just wanna hug him. And I appreciate your enthusiasm.

Ch. 4 - CielxHero :) Looks like we got another in the fanclub, lol

Ch. 8 - ^.^

Ch. 9 - XD Your welcome.

Colombiana: Sweetheart, have you been reading anything I've written? No, let me rephrase that, do you dislike it when people aren't generally hated right off the bat? Seriously, give it time. Not everything's peaches and roses and I'm not gonna make character hate Hero for nothing. EVERYTHING I WRITE IS FOR A PURPOSE! I'm not a frivolous writer. And please review on Chapter 20, which is when you've read the story a little more and understood. If you still complain, then okay I'll take your advice (if you give me any, don't just complain and not give me anything else, I won't take you seriously), just be patient for goodness sake.

Katarina: LOL. Claude? He doesn't even know who she is. Man, I love exaggerations as much as the next person, but please be accurate or else I won't take you seriously. And not every male likes Hero, really now. Please continue reading before you feel the need to complain. There really is no point to addressing this unless you review on CHAPTER 20, not 15 (heck, the plot hasn't even unraveled yet by that point). And as for Ciel calling off the engagement (and I reiterate, did you READ what I wrote there?), his engagement with Lizzy wasn't public knowledge yet (at least in my story which is why I WROTE it) so he had EVERY RIGHT to call it off. His reputation wouldn't have been in danger (and the whole thing was a joke to begin with so his engagement was never real; that's the power of fanfiction for you ^.^). And let me say this again, everything I write has a PURPOSE which will be explained as the story progresses. I'm a serious writer so take me seriously or else I won't listen to reviews like these.

Jude: I cannot begin to tell you how your reviews really lift up my spirit. Your not only honest, but totally give me great feedback. I'm particularly exited about this arc because its basically when Hero's character gets developed XD and I love writing character developments. And I do hope some of your questions were answered. As for the competition, I'm happy that Prince Soma established his friendship card and THANK YOU for realizing that Lau doesn't like Hero in that THAT way like many people seem to think. I just love his joking personality and how it becomes a comic relief. As for Edward and Grey, I'll get to them , you'll see ^.^ And thanks for the thumbs up, the licking is necessary my friend.

Sebby-fan: Hope that answered some questions. And no, Claude and Alois don't appear in the manga, but they do in my story :D

suchanoddecho: Gurl, bring on the puns, I don't mind XD

That's it everyone, write ta ya later!