Secret and Lies
"I Wanted to Tell You"
Told you I'd be back. Let us continue, shall we?
(***)
Five suits of armor gathered in a circled on a glazed Oakwood thespian stage. The red velvet curtains drawn back, unveiling a background set of Camelot, fake fichus trees, and cutouts of village people and the royal family. A grand gala of audience chairs extending from the entrance to the stairs in organized separated into three rows by two isles of pine green carpeting. Balcony seats for the VIP's sat nearest the stage. The second and third floor balconies stretched a short way, but cast a powerful shadow of sight over the stage and the theatre.
"HU! HA! PARRY! THRUST! PARRY AGAIN, MONDEGO!" The capped tip blade of an epee struck one suit of armor and immediately bounced to the next and one opposite. "HA-HA!" The blade sliced the helmet of one suit, the gauntlet of the other, and the legging of another. "Three down and two to go." The epee lined and darted between the two remaining armors. "Surrender now Mondego," The black booted feet of the Epee wielder stalked in cross step. The tip met the neck of one armor, "Or shall I skewer your protégé?"
At the climax of the dramatic duel the theatre doors burst open. Reverberating the walls and stage. A flag on the set fell to the floor. "VENDETTA!"
The fanatic fencer halted himself, scooped up his displaced mask, wig, and chapeau and faced the fuming woman stampeding towards him. "Mrs. Roland," Vendetta bowed low and with a sweep of his hat, "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
Sarah stomped up the wooden stairs with a newspaper clenched in claw like fingers. The loud thumps were felt under Vendetta's boots. "What the Hell is this?" She boomed.
"A reenactment and crossover of the most popular of medieval and renaissance lore-"
"I MEAN THIS!" She flashed the paper in his face.
"It is a series of papers with news and stories about the daily provincial and hectic lives of people in Paris." He elucidated snidely. Sarah tapped her foot impatiently, heatedly brushing wiry locks from her leering eyes. "You young folks call it a newspaper, I believe?" Sarah launched the paper into his face. Vendetta, not bothered by the smack, let the paper slid and slap to the floor. Sarah clenched her fingers to her hips, daring him to mock her with his rhetoric. "Or do you prefer the post?"
Sarah pointed feverishly to the floored paper. "The Story, Vendetta, THE-STOR-EE!" Vendetta spread his hands in a mocking shrug, and cynically tilted his face down. Lord Schneizel's second and named Commander, Alliahnna P. Britannia, survives deadly wound to chest. Lady Elizabeth Midford alive and well, and returned to Schneizel's manor earlier this morning. Alliahnna says she will return to her duties tomorrow. Vendetta nodded, impressed by the tale. "You killed Mikhail, Markel, and Maxus with little to no effort!" She stomped a foot into the faces of the two girls, obstructing Vendetta's pleased view. "Yet you can't kill two little girls! ONE YOU KICKED AFTER STABBING HER!" Vendetta shrugged his shoulder nonchalantly, and tilt nodded like a smartass. "I gave you a simple order! Kill everyone involved with my husband and son's
"Ah," Vendetta gasped, silencing Sarah, "And there's the rub." He extended an educating finger, instructing Sarah to keep silent. "You exact words were, "I want everyone who were involved in taking my husband and son from me." Sarah violently bobbed her head sardonically, not seeing his point. "Make them pay – lesser form and function of kill which entails either the elimination or life damaging mortification of another." Before Sarah had a chance to question his explanation, Vendetta proceed to say, "I killed Mikhail, Markel, and Maxus. I traumatized young Elizabeth and etched my power into Alliahnna's head, forever terrifying her."
"But why didn't you kill her?" Vendetta shook his head in annoyance. Sarah doesn't appreciate the nuance of a first impression. "You said yourself her existence is a nuisance to you. I even heard you say you wanted to torture and kill Alliahnna."
"And so I have."
"HOW!"
"Death of innocent souls, the kidnapping of her best friend are the best way to torture the proud commander. But the only way to kill her is to kill her fighting spirit and the body will follow." To Vendetta this is a production, play involving How to kill the fighter's spirit. And the anticipation of the climax makes his skin crawl elatedly. But it also made his blood boil. She'll return to work tomorrow? He sucked on his teeth touchily. Well picked, Sebastian.
Sarah slapped him across the mask. "NOT GOOD ENOUGH!" Vendetta remained unfazed by the strike. "I want her and everyone else dead! You hear me!"
"I do hear you." Vendetta rumbled, managing his rising temper. "But I do not care for what you say."
"What did you say to me?"
Vendetta stomped hard, silencing the brazen woman instantaneously. "I do not care for what you want, I never did. I came to you because you were my best means of attracting Alliahnna." He growled swiftly. "I do not obey you, you obey me. I feed on your desires, I feed on your misery, and if it suits me act upon them and remove them." With a quick step, Vendetta was in an inch away. "And unfortunately for you I require Alliahnna alive."
Sarah stepped back, fearful of the glowering crimson eyes peeking through the mask. "W-Why?"
"I declared her existence of nuisance. No doubt she will seek to prove me wrong, and I welcome her to try." Vendetta karate chopped the bite marks on her neck, knocking her unconscious. "Sebastian believes you are worthy to join the demon fold. I am not convinced." He tightened his glove, then smile hungrily to Sarah. "And I think I know how to put this production into motion."
(***)
"Ooh-Hoo…" Alliahnna quivered. She glanced to the window, catching a glimpse of birds flying by. "What on earth?" She whispered.
"Something wrong?" Sebastian asked, moving a pawn forward.
"I just got this ominous chill." Alliahnna scanned the chess board attentively, the game barely beginning. "Felt like someone was…cursing me." She moved a pawn, blocking Sebastian's pawn and giving way for her bishop to move.
"I think your fall and rendezvous with Vendetta has made you paranoid." He moved a second pawn, bringing it diagonal from Alliahnna's.
"Doesn't surprise me." She mimicked his move. Four pawns lined for an attack. "You didn't hear what he said." Since three hours ago – it is now noon – Alliahnna's cognitive memory had improved and she recalls the moment between her and Vendetta before she lost consciousness.
"What did he say?" Sebastian claimed her pawn.
Alliahnna shied away from the game, tapping her head pensively. "He made it abundantly clear he was aware of my sight and my being a demon." Sebastian curled a finger over his chin, still eyeing the game. "Then he mentioned our contract and declared it void." When she claimed his pawn, Sebastian glanced up from the game, wondering how Vendetta knew of their contract. Then again…it was rather odd he struck just an inch below her pentagram. To do so would have alerted Sebastian immediately as to Alliahnna's predicament. Yet he avoided it by a mere inch. Could he be a demon? "Apparently he thought I would die in the fall and wanted our contract to end."
"Perhaps." Sebastian concurred, but didn't quite agree. "To void a contract, one way is the death of the receiver of the contract." AKA Alliahnna. "But if he knows you're demon, then he also knows no mere knife can kill you."
"So…what? You think the knives he has…"
"Are demon blades." Alliahnna swallowed hard. Sebastian taught her long ago demons do not die by conventional methods. Weapons such as reaper scythes or specially crafted demon weapons can kill them almost instantaneously. "Which serves to assume Vendetta may be a demon. Which leads me to wonder why he didn't check to ensure you were dead? Substitute, half, or full demon – we are not easy to kill." Regardless of the fall and stab wound, Alliahnna's chances of living were slim but - as proven a couple hours ago – she would recover. He may know of her survival. Sebastian leaned away from the game, engrossed by the conversation. "What else did he say?"
"That our relationship…" She thought about that statement for a moment and blushed, "The friendly one! Not the uh…uh…" Images of their kiss a few hours ago rattled her mind. Sebastian smiled wolfishly and snuck a kiss. Alliahnna's entire face lit up in scarlet as she grumbled, "Yeah that." She clapped her cheeks, "He said I only cared for your loyalty and the power you gave me."
Sebastian smirked in her face, "We both know that is false." He purred. He trailed a slender finger over her lips. "Or was it my imagination when you kissed me back?"
Alliahnna swallowed, pouting to the wall and proving him right. "Vendetta believes nothing exists…" she choked, "Between us."
"Obviously he's wrong." He quickly nipped her ear, earning a flustered squeak. "You see. You yearn for me."
Alliahnna sneered her nose to the air. "Bullocks."
"Really?" He hummed, accepting the challenge. Hands on her waist, his mouth found her neck, suckling on the nape. Alliahnna breathed in sharply, moaning in little squeals as his tongues lathered her neck crook. Her muscles jazzed and spazzed crazily. Legs pumping in and out, hands gripping his shoulders pushing and holding him in place. The gloved slender fingers circled like feather up her stomach and round to her lower back, tickling the sensitive spot. Unable to resist any further, a moan erupted from Alliahnna, her tail sprouting out the back of the gown. She felt Sebastian smirk into her neck. He grabbed the tail and grinded the base of the tip in his thumb and index finger.
Her fingers clawed into him. "UGH-HA!" She cried out.
Sebastian trailed his tongue to her ear lobe, lapping it lovingly. "Care to protest?" He teased with a warm whisper in her ear. His voice arousing goose bumps down her neck. Their bodies pressed firmly together, Sebastian felt her body tremble beneath him. "Because," he pinched the tail. Alliahnna gasped aloud, her leg wrapped around Sebastian's resting between hers, "You seem to desire my touch." He prodded in and out of her naval. Alliahnna breathed choppily.
"C-Cheater…" She moaned, eyes squeezed shut as his knee rose into her groin. "G-G-GAH! HAA!" He captured her mouth. She moaned into the kiss, feeling a hand gingerly slide between her legs. "Ugh…nnn….haaa…" She groaned, not able to fight it any longer. Subconsciously her arms wrapped around his neck. She felt a sharp prod and her hips jumped. Sebastian snapped one hand to her mouth. "AHH-HAA!" She cried out in a muffle.
Sebastian licked his lips hungrily, smirking hungrily. Alliahnna panted and heaved, unable to stand the waves of pleasure still flowing as she felt Sebastian's fingers dancing in her crotch. "Have I mentioned you have a lovely voice?" He purred.
"Sh-Shut up!" She snarled beyond his gloved hand. Sebastian removed the hand. "I swear…if he was…still…here…" The fingers rattled her mind to a haze. Too…good…too…good, "Ciel would…murder you…for this." The fingers suddenly stopped. Alliahnna arched a brow. Sebastian seemed sadden by the mentioning of Ciel. "Are you okay?" Sebastian grunted, glancing away. "Sebastian?"
"Alliahnna," Sebastian swallowed nervously, "There's something…well…" Alliahnna leaned in. "There's something…I've been meaning to…to tell you. But I never discovered a means to explain it."
"Then…try." Alliahnna encouraged, curious what he had to say.
"I need to know…you'll forgive me if I tell you."
Alliahnna shook her head, bewildered by the condition. "Why would-"
The conversation ended with three knocks to the door. "Ms. Alliahnna," A female nurse summoned, "Time to check your stitches." The two glared back to the door, wanting to burn the nurse with their hard gazes. The horrible timing of fate! They both mentally snarled. "May I come in?"
Alliahnna retracted her tail and fixed her gown, Sebastian returned to his chair, both moved chess pieces randomly appearing as if they've gotten far, and pretended to think. "Come in."
The nurse entered with antibiotic wound cleaner and a rag in hand. "Hope I'm not interrupting."
"What's there to interrupt?" Sebastian snarled with a fake smile. The nurse turned her back to prep the medicine. Sebastian reached into his coat. "It's not as if we were busy." The hilt of a dinner knife emerged. Between his fingers he caught a bishop. Alliahnna raised a brow to him, reminding him to behave. The nurse looked up and wondered what happened. "I'll give you ladies some privacy." He pecked Alliahnna's cheek. The nurse giggled like a school girl. "Try not to miss me." He whispered. Alliahnna pouted her lip, ignoring Sebastian's blatant slow strut.
"Order for the day," She whipped her finger to the door, "Get out that door!" Sebastian raised his hands and backed out the door, winking as it closed.
"I envy you." The nurse swooned. "I wish my husband was as handsome."
"He's not my husband."
"Doesn't matter." The burse undid the lace in her gown. "You both are absolutely adorable together." The stitches were healing nicely, but still needed to be cleaned to prevent infection.
Alliahnna, in all seriousness, was shocked to hear so. "Do you really think so?" She parted her breasts, giving the nurse access. "Someone thinks we're a façade."
"Then they're wrong." Alliahnna winced when the cold rag touched her sore stitches. "I know fake couples. I've seen them, heard them, and counseled them." She poked Alliahnna's nose, "You two are not fake in the least." Gathering the rag and medicine the nurse allowed Alliahnna to lace up the gown. "In fact I hear wedding bells in your future." Alliahnna gaped in disbelief. She and Sebastian married? Not a bad idea. But…farfetched.
"I OBJECT!" A thundering voice reverberated in the room. The window shattered open.
The nurse startled onto her butt and into a corner. Alliahnna raising her pillow to block the glass. Peering past, she gawked in rage and surprise. "VENDETTA!"
Vendetta bowed slightly at the hip. "And a good afternoon to you, Lady Alliahnna. Let me begin by extending a full and heartfelt congratulations on your recovery." The nurse whimpered, hiding behind the chair. "Allow me to reward you with a theatre presentation I'm sure would be simply to die for."
Alliahnna's hand searched for some sort of weapon. "Knowing you, you plan to virtualize your claim!" Her hand for a pen.
"I already have a little scenario planned."
"Forgive me, but I must decline!" She whipped the pen like a dart. Vendetta swatted it away. Alliahnna leapt from her bed, a foot powering into Vendetta's mask, cracking it. Vendetta growled in outrage. Alliahnna was sure she sensed daggers beaming for her. "RUN!" She screeched. The nurse bolted from the room, dashing down the hall. "SEBAST-" Vendetta slapped a hand to her mouth, gripping with iron fingers curling into her jaw.
"No, no, dear Alliahnna!" He sucker punched her stomach. "I'll not have him interrupting our time." Alliahnna fell unconscious into his arms. Sebastian burst into the room, eyes glowing vengefully. "Hello, Sebastian." Vendetta greeted nonchalantly. "I'll be borrowing Alliahnna for the time being. Do you mind?"
"I do!" Sebastian drew four knives. "Put her down!"
"She isn't worth your time, boy. And I intend to prove it!" Sebastian was taken aback by the remark. He's heard it before. As he returned to his senses, Sebastian deflected a soaring knife. When he went to glare back at Vendetta, he and Alliahnna were gone with the wind.
"Damn!"
(***)
After three hours of endless searching, reconnaissance of the Roland residence, list gathering, and general information skulking – Phoebus and his team, Randall and Aberline returned to the manor and reported their findings to Schneizel, who was taking over investigation in Alliahnna's absence.
The investigators broke off into teams. One team to finish investigating Mikhail's crime scene, and move on to Markel and Maxus's crime scene. Another to wrap up questioning and finish attaining Mikhail's client list, despite Sarah being the prime suspect. The last would return to Sarah Roland's residence scout out her place.
Three hours ago – Phoebus and Aberline went to the Roland's residence and proceeded to question Sarah once more, demanding an Alibi for her whereabouts in the last hour. She claimed to be at home cooking and cleaning, and preparing dinner for when her daughter returns from school. A neighbor spoke on her behalf, claiming Sarah never left her house once. And she said she could smell the suffocating aroma of cleaner. Leaving Phoebus questioning what Alliahnna may have seen. Possibly another black haired, green eyed woman with a mark on her neck. But still they lingered, watching for any signs of change.
Two hours ago – Maes finished questioning the last five people who saw Mikhail and joined Taylor in digging up an old client list. In the many decades of Mikhail's Defense Attorney service, he has had a grand total of 45 clients both in civil and criminal cases. 30 are in jail for life, 10 were in jail but were released several months ago, and five – not counting Sarah – lost major civil suits. In all Mikhail gained a certain portion of his clients' assets. A grand total of fifteen clients. But only three were female and none had black hair or green eyes, nor did they know Markel or Maxus.
One hour ago – Carmichael and Aberline were paired up and returned to and from Mikhail's crime scene, wrapping up their investigation. They later adjourned to the bistro where Markel and Maxus were dumped. Stab wound in several parts of the body, dead for only a few minutes at the time of the incident. Courtesy of Alliahnna's memory recollection, the two looked further into the two men and Mikhail. One factor ties these men together – Sarah Roland.
"Unfortunately that is not cause for an arrest." Schneizel decided grudgingly. "Any good defense attorney will say so long before an arrest."
"Then what do we do from here?" Aberline asked, urging Schneizel to come up with a solution. "If we can't arrest her and Vendetta's in the wind, what do we do?"
"Do what we can." Schneizel shrugged. "It's all we can do."
"I almost envy Alliahnna, right now." Phoebus grumbled, rubbing a hand on her neck. "She gets to escape the headaches."
"Speaking of which," Schneizel stood up from his chair, "Perhaps I should visit her."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible." Sebastian remarked, entering the room. "Due to a pain in her chest, my master has been given some medicine to ease it. As a side effect it has made her quite tired." He lied effortlessly. "The doctors request all visitors wait until later in the afternoon to visit." Schneizel, Aberline, and Phoebus bit their cheeks, wishing this wasn't so. But rules are rules and they had work to do. No matter how little the load was. "Has anyone seen Zanosuke?"
"I believe he's in the library." Taylor pointed in the general direction.
"Thank you." Sebastian quickly exited.
"Since when did Sebastian start caring where Zanosuke is?" Phoebus questioned in bewilderment.
"Maybe he ate the hospital food." Maes shuddered.
"Is it that bad?" Aberline wondered.
"Let's just say the ranch dressing…" He gagged on his tongue, "Wasn't dressing." A symphony of shudders and stomach churning.
(***)
Elizabeth decided to take a nap in her room. Paula wished to watch over her and ended up falling asleep herself. Zanosuke recluse himself in the library, hoping to escape the rattle of mayhem rumbling about all of Paris. "Vendetta…" He hummed the name, flipping a page in the Jules Verne novel he discovered. "Quite troublesome for a human."
"Perhaps not as human as one might believe." Zanosuke closed his book to find Sebastian standing before him. "I believe him to be a demon."
"Not a bad summation." Zanosuke rose from the chair, tucking hair behind his ear. "Might explain how Alliahnna was overpowered so…effortlessly." He sugarcoated, to put it kinder terms. To put it simply, Alliahnna was beaten and she was beaten bad. "Do you think he's one of us?"
"Worse." Sebastian remarked ominously, resulting in Zanosuke arching a perturbed brow. "I believe you and I know him, and he's kidnapped Alliahnna." Zanosuke tightened his grip on his book. How glad he was Elizabeth was resting at the moment. Zanosuke leaned into his chair, staring inquisitively as he urged Sebastian to elucidate further. "Eavesdropping on our task force, I discovered Sarah Roland acquired bite marks on her neck that glow." Zanosuke's brow twitched. "And he said to me, "She isn't worth your time, boy. And I intend to prove it." Those words struck home for Zanosuke. Both were now certain who it was who had taken Alliahnna. And they must locate her quick. Because they knew Vendetta would never allow her to call for Sebastian. Or, should Alliahnna discover he is a demon, she will not call for him. "We must not tell Schneizel, Elizabeth, or any of the others. We do not need humans in a tizzy, least of all now."
"So you've come to me for help." Zanosuke obviously showed signs of surprise. Sebastian never asks Zanosuke for help. Nor has he hinted to needing his service. Zanosuke can barely contain his smug elation. "I'm rather surprised."
A brow twitched in Sebastian's brow. "Do you wish to mock? Or do you intend on helping?" He growled.
"I shall help you." He full heartedly agreed, rising from his chair. "How many theatres are in Paris?"
"Collectively, 50. Half are open. The other half are abandoned."
"Then let's get started." Zanosuke declared. "Lord knows what he's doing to her at this point."
(***)
(Link for Costume - http:/ media. /image/anime %20assassin/ jenuchiha/Anime %20Pictures/ ? o=262 must see.)
"Ugh…" Her head was throbbing painfully. Her body pressed against a hard surface. "Hm…" Her eyes fluttered open, vision blurred. Very dim fuzzy orange lights pierced through the haze. "Where…" When her vision cleared, a woman with her throat slit lied next to her on a wooden floor. "OH GOD!" She scrambled away. It was Sarah Roland. Her throat was slit like a fish's stomach. Alliahnna's hand hovered over her gaping mouth. "My God…" She whimpered. Her fingers smoothed her unkempt hair from her forever petrified green eyes. On her neck were two pentagrams which were the size of bits. The same bites which attracted the full attention of Alliahnna and Phoebus. "Sarah." She stretched a hand out. "Huh?" An ebony black glove donned her hand. Both her hands. A black ribbon layered three times around her neck, knotted in the back. A black M chest dress, revealing her pentagram. Dark Grey stocking socks. Black ankle high laced boots. A ribbon tied her hair in a pony-tail, leaving bangs and long strands hanging out. "What is this?"
"An attire I believed best suited you persona." Alliahnna whipped around to the sea of chairs resting in the shadows. It became apparent to Alliahnna she was on a stage. A theatre stage. "Your normal clothing suggested you were nonchalant, serene, and joyful of life. That is the you you've etched from the real Alliahnna lying within you." A familiar British tone directed. Alliahnna squinted her eyes, her sight not fully repaired from her unconsciousness. Barely, she made out a white face in the midst of the shadows. "This attire represents the true vigor within you. Threatening, dark, and malicious," The man leaned into the dim light, revealing the Mask of Vendetta, "The you from several years in the past."
Alliahnna straightened the skirt of the dress as she rose to her feet, facing off against the man hiding in the shadows. In reality Vendetta's knowledge of her life bothered her greatly. But to protest or disagree would feed his overinflated ego. "That was me. The me after I lost virtually everything I loved in one night." She grudgingly agreed. "At times the old me resurfaces at the most random of moments. I lash out and turn ugly."
A menacing chuckle chilled Alliahnna to the bone. "How brave of you to admit it." Vendetta mocked her.
"I'm not going to lie to preserve myself."
"Not even a little?"
"Why lie when I'm sure you've got a full profile of my life hiding in your cloak?" She challenged. Vendetta did not respond, merely stared down Alliahnna through the holes in his mask. "Tell me demon," She felt him smile beyond his mask, then pointed to Sarah, "How long has Sarah been dead?"
"Surely you're not worried-"
Alliahnna stomped a thundering foot. "HOW…LONG…HAS…SHE…BEEN…THERE?"
Vendetta clenched his gloved hands, surprised by the outburst. Fire burned in Alliahnna's eyes. Genuine sorrow for Sarah flared. "It's been 45 minutes." He responded impassively.
Alliahnna sucked on her lips, squeezing the rage into her eyes. She wrenched at her hips, and then dropped to Sarah, propping the dead woman into her lap. Taking the dress, Alliahnna cleaned Sarah's face. "I'm so sorry, Sarah." She whimpered, hugging Sarah closed. "Never did I imagine we drove you to this." She rubbed her face against Sarah's. A tear trickled from Alliahnna's face to Sarah's. "I promise someone will look after Melanie." Vendetta leaned in, intrigued by the girl's compassion to the dead woman. Why Alliahnna would be sorry to a woman who not only vowed Vengeance against her, but also made an attempt on her life? "What did you do to her?" Alliahnna demanded, tears of woe falling down her cheek. "TELL ME WHAT YOU DID!"
"Just a little bite to the neck, love." The marks of Sarah's neck faded into black, their glow dying. "Her deepest desires, her fears, all malicious thoughts flowed into me through one little nick to her neck." The lap of his tongue over his lips reverberated and bounced off every wall in the theatre. "She believed I bowed to her. In truth she bowed to me. I decided to void our false contract. One of her thoughts included your death. You should be thanking me."
Fangs and blood red eyes blazed. Sarah was hugged closer. "I DON'T CARE IF THE BLOODY AMERICAN PRESIDENT HAS IT OUT FOR ME!" Alliahnna's voice cracked. "She was sad, lonely, her husband and son were taken from her for the rest of her life! Now her daughter has to grow up alone because you thought you were doing me a favor!" Her claws slowly extended, accidently piercing into the flesh of Sarah. "I would kill you on the spot!" Vendetta tensed his shoulders, anxiously awaiting her to act on her threat. "But I could kill you a hundred times over," She rose with Sarah in her arms, "And it won't change the situation." Alliahnna rested the departed Sarah backstage by a sealed off side exit door.
Vendetta meandered onto the stage, studying Alliahnna's attentive care she put into cleaning Sarah off. "Why do you care for a woman who does not care for you?"
Alliahnna tied a thick ribbon around Sarah's slit throat. "Because I feel sorry for her." She caressed Sarah's cheek. "I hoped she would take this time and build a future with her daughter." She dusted herself off, facing Vendetta. "But obviously, if she attracted you, Melanie wasn't enough."
"And yet, despite knowing this, you still struggle to preserve her?"
"I want Melanie and others to remember Sarah for who she was. Not who she is now." She narrowed her eyes damningly. "Regardless if she wished for you to kick me off the roof." Alliahnna defiantly approached the masked man. "Now tell me something." Vendetta backed away, not out of fear, but wishing to grant each other the room for the climactic battle inevitably arising, "Was killing her your way of getting my attention? Do you have a Vendetta against me?"
"What makes you think that?"
"You've made it more than clear you dislike me! And quite frankly I couldn't give a pig's ass if you find me the most intolerable demon, human being on this earth! You do not kill people to get to me! You want me?" Alliahnna got as close to his face as her height would allow. "Stop hiding behind the humans, put on your balls, and face me yourself!" Vendetta's brow knit heatedly. "Or is my confidence a hindrance to your power?"
Vendetta bit his lip under his mask. Alliahnna's reaction was nothing he could have imagined. She was enraged beyond all comprehension, yet composed enough to restrain her itching to gouge claws. Saddened and horrified by Sarah's death, yet she glowed with confidence to right a wrong, rather than revenge. "I almost killed you once, my dear. With little effort, I might add." He purred huskily, mask touching her face. The two were able to see the vibrant colors in their eyes. "Do you really wish for another meet and greet with death?"
"I'm a Phantomhive and a blood demon by Sebastian Michaelis!" She announced and declared proudly and wished the entire world could hear her. "I SPIT death in the eye, I challenge and battle reapers sending them back to Hell, and I," She slammed her boot into his foot, "Step on the toes of Angels!" Vendetta remained oblivious to the grinding heel. "Do you honestly believe death terrifies me?" Her fangs and crimson eyes beamed brighter. "IT DOESN'T EVEN MAKE ME SWEAT!"
Vendetta pressed a palm over one eye, amazed by the brazen character of the young demon. Even after being held in the grip of death for the better part of a half hour, the fire burning within her heart burned as hot and bright as ever. "You truly are a stubborn creature Ms. Phantomhive." He mumbled. Alliahnna raised a brow. "A stab to the chest, a kick to the ribs, a crash into a wall, a long plummet into a disposal can filled with glass – not an ounce of your fire has dimmed." Alliahnna was caught off guard. Was that a compliment? "Resilient does not begin to describe your Will."
"I shall take that as a compliment." She grudgingly accepted.
"Then I should state I was not complimenting you," Vendetta folded his arms, not wanting to lash out, "But merely stating an irritating fact as to your inability to roll over and die!"
"Sorry if my drive to live disturbs you," She grinned snottily, "But I do not intend to change because you have ill feelings towards me." Her grin widened with a tilt of her head. "So say what you will and be quick about it. I do have paperwork to file, and a corpse that needs to be buried."
"Quite bold for a captive." His hand gripped her neck, lifting her from the ground. Alliahnna held his wrist, choking for air, but managing to still stare defiantly. "I highly suggest you watch your tone, young lady." He growled ominously, reverberating Alliahnna's bones. "Sebastian will not be here to vanguard you."
"You're right. He won't." She gurgled in the grip. "Not until I call to him." Her foot kicked off his stomach, and she flipped back on to the stage. With a flick of her wrists two daggers appeared. Vendetta searched himself. Two of his daggers were missing. Alliahnna took a stance. "Which I have no intention of doing!" She charged.
(***)
Agni was rather disappointed he would not be permitted to see Alliahnna. Soma broke down in tears, soaking a pillow with a bouquet of flower next to him. You would think he wept for her death. Quite a pathetic man.
Sebastian and Zanosuke exited from Soma's extravagant temporary home. "Hm…" Sebastian halted in the middle of the sidewalk, brow narrowed.
Zanosuke stopped, wondering what kept his brother. "Is something wrong?"
Sebastian smirked and sighed with relief. "It appears my master has been riled." He chuckled, wondering what took her so long. "So not only is she alive, but our friend is about to learn what happens when she's worked into a tizzy."
"You seem rather happy she's missing." Zanosuke teased. "In the hospital you nearly tore the walls down." He folded his arms, smirking mockingly. "Now, with her whereabouts unknown and she about to fight our known foe, you seem rather calm." Sebastian arched a confused brow. Zanosuke edged closer, getting into Sebastian face. "What exactly happened in that room after we left?" Sebastian glanced away, refusing to answer. "I can smell her on you." Sebastian's eyes widened, caught in his lie. "You and Alliahnna finally consummated your love, haven't you?"
A vein popped, and blue dread lines dropped under his eye in irritation. "I hardly find that important at the moment!" Sebastian shoved and stomped past his brother.
"I'll take that as a yes."
(***)
Rings resonated with each strike of the stainless steel. Sparks trickled and bounced along the wood. Muscles ruptured and throbbed with each painful strike. Alliahnna back flipped onto the mini barrier of the second floor balcony. Vendetta flew up and round house kicked. Alliahnna feral pounced up, the foot swiping nothing but air. As Vendetta came round full circle, Alliahnna darted down with the daggers aimed for his eyes. Vendetta's free foot touched the balcony and launched straight back. The knives pierced the balcony wall. Vendetta flipped around and torpedoed two daggers. Alliahnna leapt up again. The daggers grappled into the chairs and floors, a cable wire tightening as Vendetta tried to drag them back. Alliahnna landed on the wires and dashed across, daggers dragging along the air. Vendetta yanked and whipped himself up, bringing his feet up. Alliahnna used the boots coming towards her and hurdled over Vendetta, their glaring faces meeting as they passed by. As they were inches from parting, Alliahnna's hand gripped the chin of the mask and she wrenched it away. The hat and wig came along with it. Vendetta flipped up before she could see his face, but she made out the red eye.
Alliahnna landed square on the ledge of the stage. Vendetta on the upper balcony, back turned to her. His to the neck, falling neat, nappy black hair disheveled and imprinted by the wig h had no doubt been wearing for quite some time. Alliahnna displayed the mask, smirking mockingly. "Now before we get into the whole dramatist where you try to conceal your face," She announced, purposefully carrying her voice so to rattle him, "Why don't I save you the trouble?" She narrowed her eyes, "MR. MICHAELIS!"
Vendetta froze, head raising in shock. His shoulder relaxed. The cloak fell. The gloves, boots, vest were all cast away. A familiar trench coat formed. The same trench coat and patch of hair Alliahnna saw at the bistro. As Vendetta turned, he revealed an elderly man's face, cheeks sunk slightly. Crimson red eyes boring holes into Alliahnna's smirking now returned to sapphire orbs. "How did you know?" He grumbled.
"Sebastian mentioned your disdain for humans, half and Substitute Demons." She pointed to his face. "Not to mention you have the same eyes and charismatic charm as both boys."
"You flatter me." Mr. Michaelis hissed.
"Not at all. I mean what I say."
"I do not doubt you do." Mr. Michaelis hovered to the lower level, gently perching his feet on the backs of the chair. "But I must warn you flattery will get you nowhere with me." He walked along the backs. "And if you persist with this battle you will undoubtedly lose." He stepped onto the stage a foot away from Alliahnna, surprised she did not retreat. "Sebastian nor anyone else will be here to save you this time."
"Sebastian won't come because I haven't called him, and because he's knows I'm fine." She stated swiftly and confidently. "Second, for all anyone else knows I'm still in the hospital doped up on morphine." A sharp twinge jolted in her mind. "And Sebastian's undoubtedly searching for me right now."
Mr. Michaels chuckled then threw his head back laughing. "Surely you aren't so naïve to believe he's looking for you?" Alliahnna blinked, offended by the laugh. Thank god she was blessed with an iron will. She wished to punch off the face Mr. Michaelis wore. "My god…" Mr. Michaelis gaped, analyzing her face. "You really believe in him."
"Trust may not be in your vocabulary, but it is in ours." She held her hands behind her back, restraining the daggers. "Sebastian's looking for me. He knows I'm fine. And he won't intervene until the latter changes."
"You trust each other?" He questioned, refusing to believe her.
Alliahnna smiled lovingly, remembering the kiss and the warm embraces she and he have exchanged. "Indeed we do." She flipped her hair behind her ear bashfully. "Whether or not you believe me is of no consequence."
"Apparently Sebastian failed to mention my disdain for belligerent behavior."
"No he mentioned you love to get your way. But when you don't get it you're no better than a five year old denied his candy bar."
A vein protruded in Mr. Michaelis's head. "I suggest you watch your tone."
"Or what?" She challenged, approaching him. "You'll kill me? You honestly expect me to believe you'll kill me if I act submissive?"
The stage suddenly erupted with jagged cracks from Mr. Michaelis's feet. Alliahnna swallowed hard. Mr. Michaelis encroached upon her, "The more pressing question is," Alliahnna's back hit the wall right stage, "How will you stay alive IF YOU DON'T?"
"If you wanted to kill me you would have done so long ago!" She continued to challenge. Mr. Michaelis stepped back, wishing for her to elucidate. "I've been unconscious, disoriented, I've had my back turned to you a number of times, and to top it all off you knew I was alive in that alley and permitted me to live!" Mr. Michaelis blinked, unable to ascertain the comprehension of her deductions. She quick to the mark, agile, charming, and bold – A female Sebastian. "You could have killed me ten times over, but instead you choose to bring me to an old theatre and try to terrify me into submission. By the way, you failed!" She earned yet another chuckle from Mr. Michaelis. This time he was amused by her dogmatic tendencies. "So why have you brought me here to this charade of production?"
Mr. Michaelis threw his head back, howling with laughter, and clapping. "Straight to the point and very perceptive. I like that."
Alliahnna knit her brow, head pulsating with annoyance. "Then if you don't mind getting to it."
"And impatient – a sign of youth." He sighed heavily, "How I envy the young, while at the same time I pity you." Alliahnna arched a curious brow. "From birth until…" He waved a couldn't-care-less hand, "Whatever year's humans consider old, the young have all the years in the world to live their lives to the fullest. Yet they company of friends, play and squander the days away merrily, happily, and ignorant of the true troubles under their noses. I pity them when they've reached a point in their lives where obsession plagues their minds and hearts. Where all they see is as black as night and white as paper." Alliahnna was obligated to agree. Many wish to see the world for what it is and not look beyond to discover what it's truly made of. Knowledge may be power, but it is also induces fear. But fear of the unknown is more gut wrenching. "You share this obsession, yet you see the world – or try to see it – beyond the mask it wears."
"What obsession do you refer?"
"Revenge." He purred. "Revenge for the parents engulfed by the flame caused by Victoria and her Angelic Butler." A painful stitch struck Alliahnna's heart. "Precisely the reason Ciel signed a contract with Sebastian. Then with Ciel's sudden incapacitation, the task of carrying out the revenge for both parents and brother fell unto you." He stroked his chin. "Yet this revenge does not cloud your judgment or heart, but permits you to look forward."
"Is that a problem?"
"Not at all. I'm just curious as to why you try so hard."
"What do you mean?"
"You possess the power to control and or destroy this city and all who dwell within it with a single glance. Yet you spend your days protecting and serving ungrateful humans you could shred into tatters."
All facts Alliahnna was all too aware of. John was proof. Along with Sebastian and Zanosuke, Alliahnna could dominate France and all of Europe. But domination never appealed to her. "I'm not into domination or ruling over a country with an iron fist. I like working under someone. Gives me a reason to work."
"But it's more than that, isn't it?" Mr. Michaelis weaseled about. "Are you compensating for the souls you could not save?" Alliahnna glanced away in shame, proving him right. "Not an unreasonable ambition. But one which will surely lead you to the brink of despair." What made him think she wasn't already there? The sad fact is that Alliahnna, with all the power she possesses, cannot save everyone and it saddens her. But know ing she can save some of them took some of the edge off. "If I may be so bold as to surmise, Ciel would be rather distraught if he learned his big sister surrendered her humanity or soul for him."
"Then I have no cause for worry."
"Oh? Why's that?"
"Ciel's been dead for six years." She clenched the daggers in her hands, the design imprinting in her palms. "And I aim to make Ash and Angela pay for taking him from me."
Mr. Michaelis erupted into a heartily, bloodcurdling laughter, startling Alliahnna. He staggered back, holding his stomach he was laughing so hard. "Is that what you've been told?" He blurted. "My how deep in the dark you must be."
"What do you mean?" Alliahnna approached. "What are you talking about?"
Mr. Michaelis ceased his laughter instantaneously. Alliahnna was genuinely confused, feeding the growing smile on his lips. Running a hand through his hair, he narrowed his eyes to the bewildered girl. "Do you know the true meaning behind the term Substitute Contractor?"
(***)
"Oh my…" Lau clapped at his reception desk, "Look who's come to my humble Harem Theatre." Zanosuke and Sebastian grieved sickly, dreading the presence of the Chinese man before them, and his scantily dressed girl toy. "What can I do for you gentlemen?"
"ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!" The two brothers burst from the theatre and retreated to the roof tops. "Have I mentioned yet your girl is acquainted with the strangest of people?"
"You have no idea." A sensation of dread flowed into his heart. "We must find her."
"What's wrong?"
"He's getting into her heart." Sebastian panicked. Looking around he felt out Alliahnna's presence. "She's close! We must hurry!"
(***)
Alliahnna and Mr. Michaelis squared off, Michaelis with the higher ground in the situation. He held Alliahnna full grip in and he wasn't going to let her wriggle her way free with her word play. "A Substitute Contractor is much like a Substitute Teacher." Mr. Michaelis began to elucidate, pacing in steady strides. "Should the primary teacher be incapable of teaching – illness, injury, leave of absence, and so forth – a replacement, substitute, is called to order; taking up the duties and role of the primary. When the duties of the substitute are completed the primary is returned to order."
"I don't understand." Alliahnna touched her edgy forehead. "You make me sound like…" She swallowed, choking on the slim chance, "Like a stand in for Ciel. But how…"
Mr. Michaelis raised a finger. "Allow me to finish." Alliahnna leaned against the stage wall, holding hands to her elbows to ease her rumbling stomach. "Sub-Contractors – substitute demons – are of similar circumstance. One closely related to the primary contractor – blood or friendship – is granted a sub contract provided they long for the same revenge or revenge against an object closely affiliated." Ciel longed for revenge against Victoria and the angel for death of their family. Alliahnna wants revenge against Ash for Ciel. "As such a sub-contractor is given two choices" He extended two fingers, "Surrender their soul or surrender the remainder of their humanity." The terms of the contract which Sebastian presented to her the day they met. Mr. Michaelis clapped his hands, breaking her out of her trance. "However one cannot become a sub-contractor with two choices," He narrowed is eyes watching closely for a reaction, "If the primary contractor is dead." Alliahnna's mouth, eyes – her entire face gaped. Her stomach wrenched, mind buzzed. Who couldn't be saying… "That's right, dear." Mr. Michaelis sniggered, "Ciel is alive." Alliahnna shattered. "He has been for the last six years."
(***)
Zanosuke and Sebastian landed on the roof of a tower. A grand opera house was in their sights. The final theatre within Paris they have yet to search. The Antoine Theatre – abandoned and condemned two years ago due to it being a haven for whores and drug addicts. Now a day's not even rats would scurry into the theatre. Alliahnna's presence burned beyond the ivory marble roof. "Allie…" Sebastian hissed.
(***)
Alliahnna paced fervently, circling Mr. Michaelis as he smoked a cigarette nonchalantly. He smirked when Alliahnna wheezed, ruffling her hair as she processed the scenario in her head. "This…this…" She heaved sobbingly, "This is impossible." She glared to the Michaelis. "You're lying!"
"Am I?" He challenged.
"Ciel's been dead for the last six years!" She contorted her fingers, stretching out her arms, "I held him in my arms and watched him die!"
Mr. Michaelis erected a finger, commanding her to fall silent. "What you watched – or better yet – what you saw was your brother close his eyes." He touched his fingers into his chest. "What you didn't see was the still healthy, yet gradually failing, beating heart within his little fragile chest."
"YOU'RE LYING!"
Mr. Michaelis chuckled, shaking his head with humored impatience. "Is it a lie because it's coming from me?" He tilted his head, wanting a better view of Alliahnna's distress. "Or is it because your precious Sebastian has yet to tell you?" Alliahnna's mind went blank, reverting to the moment in the hospital. Alliahnna…there's something I've been meaning to tell you. "No…" She trembled.
"Yes." Mr. Michaelis pinched her chin, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. "All of his words of love, his five year long friendship with you was all a ploy. A means to buy him time so he would not have to divulge his dirty little secret."
Blankly Alliahnna's eyes quivered, Ciel's face flashing in her mind. "Ciel's…alive?" To say it aloud made it sound even crazier. "He's been alive…this whole time."
"Alive and hidden away on an island known to demons." Mr. Michaelis dropped his hand to his side, letting her head drop. "Sebastian – He told you he did not want your soul, yes?" He assumed. Alliahnna did not respond. "Has it ever once occurred to you why he refuses to take your soul?" A slight twitch came to Alliahnna's brow. "If you were to give up your soul to Sebastian the contract would be complete. Ciel's soul would fade from existence and him along with it. But if you give up your humanity, it will be given to Ciel." Alliahnna shot her head up, tear resting on the corners of her eyes. "The mortal wound to his body would heal, awakening the incapacitated boy. Giving Sebastian free reign to claim the soul he so richly coveted."
"He wants Ciel?"
"And once he attains Ciel you will be nothing more than dirt beneath Sebastian's shoe." He balanced his fingertips on her shoulder, meandering around, "He will leave you alone to rot in this world." Coming behind her he clasped both hands to her shoulders, whispering in her ears, "Any love he claimed will evaporate into nothing." The tears fell down her cheek. She held her hands to her aching heart. "But I can help you change all that. I can make it so the pain he caused you will vanish." He wrapped his arms around her, running his head alongside hers, exposing her neck. "You will no longer be bound to Sebastian – by love or contract." He trailed his tongue down her neck, Alliahnna taking no notice. "All you must do," He bared his fangs, "Is kill him." He bit down.
(***)
The theatre doors burst open. Sebastian and Zanosuke entered the hallowed halls, eyes darting about for the slightest shift in the shadows. They meandered further into the ominously dark building, the peeling walls and crumbling chairs making their skin crawl in revulsion. The silence was unnerving as well. But signs of a struggle were present. Broken walls, smashed chairs – Alliahnna definitely was here. In fact she was sitting on her knees center stage. Head dropped, her hair in the pony-tail covering her neck, and her bangs hiding her void of life eyes.
"ALLIAHNNA!" Sebastian sauntered for the stage. Zanosuke lingered behind, finding the scenario a little too easy. Where are you? He grumbled mentally. "Alliahnna." Sebastian leapt onto the stage, approaching behind her. "It's alright." He smiled warmly. "You're safe now."
"Sebastian…" She rasped drearily, "Would you ever lie to me?"
Sebastian tilted his head perplexedly, "I beg your pardon."
"Would…you…ever…lie…to me?" She asked again, this time more touchily.
"No, My Lady. Why do you ask?"
"Because I would like you to clarify something." As she rose to her feet, Sebastian caught a glimpse of her neck beyond her hair. There was a bruise. He narrowed his eyes, gritting his teeth. "In what category of stupid do you think I'm in?" She demanded in a raspy grow.
"Alliahnna, what happened to your neck?" Sebastian fretted, dodging the question.
"ANSWER ME!" Sebastian was taken aback by the roar. "Do you take me for a fool? A child?" Alliahnna twisted around. Her crimson orbs enraged to hot demon pink. Her hair revealed the glowing pentagram bites. The same bites Sarah Roland had on her neck. Shit! Sebastian growled in his mind. "Or do you think it's funny to keep secrets from me?"
Sebastian raised his hands, instinctively taking a step back to show he would respect her right to space. "Please remain clam, My Lady." He urged, feeling the heat of her rage. "What are you talking about?"
Alliahnna's fangs glistened, "Why didn't you tell me Ciel was still alive?" The questioned echoed into the horrified ears of Sebastian, and startled Zanosuke into a petrified stupor. Sebastian's eyes quivered in horror. An ominous red aura emanated from every pore, Alliahnna bore her eyes into Sebastian. "Why…didn't…you tell me?" Her voice quivered.
Sebastian lowered his head in shame, sighing heavily. "I wanted to tell you." He admitted in defeat. Strands of Alliahnna's hair floated. "I tired." He swore, watching her anger rise. "But I never knew how or when."
"So you thought you'd tell me after we share our first kiss?" Zanosuke furrowed his brow. His assumptions were proven correct. "Or perhaps you thought it would be funny to tell me after our contract is completed? You know…" She stepped closer, "WHEN YOU'D HAVE TO LEAVE!"
"Alliahnna I did not treat this as a joke!" He proclaimed genuinely. "I've wanted to tell you about Ciel! But I…I couldn't…"
"You can't get his soul if I give up mine." Sebastian grunted, biting his lip. "My humanity is worth more to you." She scoffed, smiling maliciously. "No wonder why you fell in love with me. I'd never give up my soul if I was fooled into love." The bites resonated with her rage, glowing hot red. "And boy did you fool me."
"Alliahnna I would never-"
"SAVE IT!" Sebastian was shocked silent. "I don't want to hear anymore!" She whipped a hand out. The walls cracked, traveling up and dropping the overhead lights into the seats and stage.
Zanosuke actually began retreating for the door. "No wonder Sebastian tries not to upset her."
"I've had enough!" Alliahnna declared. "I've had it with Grell! I've had it with Zano! AND I'VE HAD IT WITH YOU!" From behind her back she drew two daggers which Sebastian recognized as demon blades. "I'm sick of this life! The life you gave me to just so you could take Ciel from me again!" Her energy lashed out in raging waves, gusting the props back, and blowing Sebastian and Zanosuke's minds. "To think I could order you out of my sight!" Alliahnna chuckled scathingly. "But that would be too easy! I'd rather end this with my own bare hands!"
"Please Allie!" Sebastian backed away, drawing his own knives. Alliahnna licked her lips hungrily. "Alliahnna please stop this! You're out of control!"
"Then allow me to rectify the problem!" In a flash Alliahnna appeared before Sebastian. A backlash kick sent him tearing into the chair, stopping in the center in a dug out ditch. He held his head, trying to sooth the throbbing. Boots plowed into his stomach. Cold crossing steel touch in the crook of his neck. Alliahnna glared deep into his eyes, smiling one of the most demonic grins Sebastian had ever seen. "Consider this the end of our contract," She pressed the blades in, drawing blood, "SEBASTIAN MICHAELIS!"
Cliff. 1:00 Am. Going to be. Bye.