A Fine Choice

"I Couldn't have Chosen Better"

After a gut retching cliff hanger, time to return to the next installment. I think this will be my last chapter for a while. I have a kingdom hearts fic I need to finish. But you guys know me, I'll return eventually. Anyway, ENJOY!

(^^^)

Brown hands slammed into the receptionist's desk. "WHAT!" Soma howled in outrage. The lady running the desk, staring tediously over the rim of her horrible hot pink glasses at him. "What do you mean she's not in?" Agni wrapped his arms under his arms, holding him back from attacking the lackadaisical woman. "She was in just an hour ago." 1:00pm and no Alliahnna in her hospital bed – This did not bode well.

"Tha' was an 'our ago!" She remarked nasally and monotonously, sucking on a chewy pellet "This is now." She shooed her hand, turning away in her chair, "Now go away."

"DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME YOU SMARMY POOR VOICE BITCH!" Soma stretched a leg over the desk. Agni tossed Soma over his shoulder, dragging him away. "HEY! PUT ME DOWN! I'll rearrange her face!"

"What's all this then?" Schneizel gaped, Phoebus in bewildered awe next to him.

"SCHNEIZEL!" Soma kicked out of Agni's grip, jumping in front of Schneizel. "THAT BUG EYED HARPY WITH THE HORRIBLE BREATH AND VOICE," The Lady spat into a trash can, sending shudders down the two blonds back, "She said Alliahnna's not here! Hasn't been for the last hour!"

"What?" Phoebus gasped. Schneizel bit his lips angrily. Sebastian specifically told them Alliahnna was resting and could not be disturbed. Regardless they still came to visit. Now all of a sudden she isn't here. Not to mention Zanosuke and Sebastian have disappeared without a trace. Coincidence? One should think not. "How?"

"Ask the harpy! She refuses to tell me anything!"

"Maybe if you would not insult her and yell so much, she would be more cooperative." Agni advised, urging his Prince to lower his voice. A young peered around the corner, curious of the hullabaloo. (Such a weird and funny word.)

Soma folded his arms, sinking into his shoulders. "Well maybe if she would practice," He shot a glare to the round buck toothed woman, "HYGIENE AND MANNERS," The woman ceased picking her teeth with her hideously long nails to snort her nose in confusion, "I would not have to yell at her!"

The young shy woman cautiously approached the aggravated bunch. "Well she has to be here somewhere!" Schneizel growled. "Amazing how she vanishes after a visit from Sebastian."

"E-Excuse me." The soft spoken woman approached. "Are you friends of Alliahnna?"

"Yes we are." Schneizel approached, touching the woman's shoulder. He noticed a scar in her cheek. "My Dear, what on earth happened?"

"That man everyone's looking for took her."

"Vendetta?" Phoebus gasped.

"Yes. He burst through the window. When I returned to the room, the man she was with – Sebastian – ran out the door."

"So he knew she was gone the whole time." Agni gasped; surprised Sebastian would keep such crucial information from them. "Alliahnna must be found. The wound to her chest could reopen."

"OR WORSE!" Soma hugged himself. "Vendetta could have killed her."

"Do not count Alliahnna out yet." Schneizel encouraged both distraught men. "She may be young, but we all know she is strong." None of them could deny Alliahnna was rather resilient for her age. Soma and Agni were especially amazed by her level of ferocity. Phoebus and Schneizel, with their knowledge of her demon half, were not as surprised, but are still worried for Alliahnna's safety. They've known her since she was ten years old. She's like a surrogate daughter to Schneizel, and a sister to Phoebus. To lose her would be worse than the world coming to an end. "Sebastian and Zanosuke are with her." Schneizel promised them. Where would those two have disappeared to? "No one outside this circle is to know of this. Least of all Elizabeth" Everyone and the nurse nodded, swearing to secrecy. "Alliahnna will turn up. For now we must locate Sarah Roland and Vendetta."

"Sarah Roland?" Agni inquired.

"A woman of interest who has suddenly disappeared." Phoebus admitted shamefully. "We have yet to ascertain how she escaped her home."

"Find out!" Schneizel ordered. "It may help us find Alliahnna and shed some light on this situation." Phoebus saluted and returned to the city, bee lining for Sarah Roland's home. "Alliahnna…what are you doing right now?"

(^^^)

Glowing liquid hot pink eyes bore into distraught crimson red eyes. Heaving psychotic laughter reverberated from Alliahnna's throat. She, in a mental sense, was gone. All that remained was an emotionally wrecked monster. The steel of the daggers drew blood from Sebastian's neck. Alliahnna pressed in harder, making him wince. She drew a knife back. "DIE SEBASTIAN MICHAELIS!" She drove the knife for his head. Sebastian caught the wrist and removed the one from his neck. A swift kick to the stomach sent Alliahnna flying into and through the Camelot stage set. Spare ply wood, tripods, and lights collapsed on top of her.

Sebastian's wound in his neck zipped closed, healing instantly. He fixed his tailcoat, squaring off in preparation for Alliahnna to launch from the debris. Zanosuke, compelled to allow Sebastian and Alliahnna to sort through their quarrel, retreated to the second floor. Aside from wanting to escape the brawl, Zanosuke felt their father close by. In fact…he was watching. And he was enjoying himself.

Dust puffed from the demolished set, but there were no signs of Alliahnna. No shifting, clanking, or attempts to escape the broken equipment. So where…A dark cold chill traveled up his spine. Turning, Sebastian met a round house kick to the face, crashing and toppling a wall. Alliahnna landed on her tiptoes on one foot on the back of a chair, smiling pleasingly. Sebastian emerged from the hole, bewildered by how Alliahnna got the drop on him. It was then he saw it. A hole rested beneath where Alliahnna stood. He smirked with a sense of pride. "How clever of you, My Lady." Alliahnna burrowed below, traveling the hollowed underground. "Quite clever indeed." He massaged one side of his face. A swelling imprint formed. "Her power is growing." He rumbled, dusting off his coat. Normally he'd be proud. For the moment it did him no favors.

"HAAA!" Alliahnna launched for him, arms crossed. She slashed in an X. Sebastian leapt into the air, the daggers striking the wall and piecing it away further. Sebastian hung on the lanterns in the wall. "GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE!" She charged after him. Sebastian pushed of the wall to the third floor balcony. "GET BACK HERE MICHAELIS!" Alliahnna maneuvered and kicked off the wall. She somersaulted forward, axing a foot down. Sebastian leapt back, her foot striking the ground. "STOP DODGING ME AND FIGHT." She threw a punch. Sebastian side stepped. Alliahnna's fist struck the wall. "DAMMIT!" Zanosuke sat crossed legged and not bothered by the rubble falling around him. Sebastian leapt into the air again, bursting into the ceiling and making his way for the roof. "YOU CAN'T ESCAPE ME!" She chased after him. "I'LL CHASE YOU TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH!"

Zanosuke scratched his head irksomely; thanking the spirits Alliahnna possessed no desire to kill him. Not that he blamed her. Sebastian's kept one of the biggest secrets of her life from her for so long. He allowed their relationship to grow, stating time after time he wished not to possess her soul, only her humanity. Knowing her humanity would revive Ciel from stasis only to have him taken from her again? He would feel betrayed too. Especially since…they seem to have shared a special moment.

"Is this what you had planned?" Zanosuke asked, still facing forward. "A quarrel between two lovers to prove a point?"

The shadows behind him shifted and formed into Mr. Michaelis, who moseyed with a pleased smile on his face. "The extreme burst of energy was not planned." He chuckled placidly. "Nor did I imagine her movements were so agile and swift." He sat next to his son. "But her reaction and actions were everything I have imagined and more."

"Especially with your little love bite on her neck."

He shrugged. "A small nuance." He chortled. "My bite merely provokes the inner most desire to come forth." He explained feigning innocence. He smirked hungrily, relishing in the loud crashes outside. "The victim acts upon these desires of their own volition or asks me to carry it out. In Alliahnna's case, she wishes for Sebastian to pay for he shattered heart, and she wishes to do so with her own hands."

"You mean the heart you weakened, allowing it easier to shatter."

"What have I told you about splitting hairs?"

Zanosuke shook his head, finding this train of conversation going nowhere. "Your plans will fail, Jasper." Jasper Aiden Michaelis – Mr. Michaelis's full name. "Alliahnna may toss him about for several minutes, but she will not kill him."

"You sound so certain." Jasper scoffed at his son's naivety.

"Your bite brings forth the dark desires of the mind. The heart you cannot touch."

"Regardless, I'm afraid your confidence is all for naught." Jasper ran a tongue lovingly over his teeth, still able to taste Alliahnna's blood in his mouth. "Not even full blooded demons can resist my bite. No mere Substitute Demon can hope to fend off my power."

Zanosuke chuckled heartily, earning a bothered arched brow from Jasper. "Then I have no cause for worry." Zanosuke faced his father, staring defiantly into his father's eyes. "Alliahnna is no mere Substitute Demon."

"Then what is she?" Jasper demanded touchily.

"She is a Phantomhive." He stated, embedding the name into his father's mind. "A Phantomhive does not merely rely on thought. They follow their instincts; their heart. And in Alliahnna's heart, she loves Sebastian more than life itself."

(^^^)

Couples relaxed nearest the canal, standing hand in hand on the bridge, enjoying the calm bliss and serene laps of the water. In the blink of an eye walls of water tore down the canal and all persons were drenched in water. "What the heck was that?" A man asked.

"Your much needed shower." The girl rang the water from her hair onto her boyfriend's head.

(^^^)

The trenches of roaring water clashed and crashed into one another, washing the city in a soaking shower. In a building concealed canal Alliahnna and Sebastian emerged from the cover of the water. Both pulled a side skidding halt, and kicked up whirlpools of water. The two vortexes met and cancelled each other out in a gentle shower spanning over miles of buildings, a thick mist exploding in the canal.

Sebastian spanned his feet, firming himself on the water surface. With a whisk his hands he parted the mist. Alliahnna was gone. Sebastian darted his eyes about, keeping an eye on the two ways into the canal and below him in case she tried to attack him from the water. "HM!" A dark reflection manifest. Sebastian shot his head up. Alliahnna dove head first for him, daggers held at the ready. Sebastian lashed a hand up, catching both wrists in a hard grip. The power of the contact sent both beneath the surface.

As they descended to the floor, Alliahnna fought to regain her arms. Sebastian retrieved the daggers from her, launching them like torpedoes into the stone wall. Whirling around he tossed Alliahnna aside, and drove a swift kick into the middle of her back. Alliahnna's front met the wall, air exploding from her. Sebastian swam up behind her, pressing his body full on against hers. He restrained one arm behind her back and pinned the other to the wall. Alliahnna fought against the grip to no avail. His strength greatly outmatched her. He intended to wait until the lack of oxygen knocked her unconscious. She would not have it.

Alliahnna raised her knees to the wall and pushed, giving her feet way to touch the wall. With a strong push she shoved Sebastian's back into the wall across the canal, knocking the wind from him. She wrenched a hand free and grabbed his neck, boring her claws into her necks. Blood trailed and floated to the top. Alliahnna drove Sebastian to the floor. To her despair her lungs needed air. Alliahnna kicked off his stomach, pushing him into the floor and broke to the surface.

An abnormal current swelled around Alliahnna's feet. Looking down the canal she watched a shadow blur down the way, the water whirl pooling after it. Sebastian was making a break for it. "Oh no you don't!" Her wings sprouted from her back. "You're not getting away from me!"

(^^^)

Jasper and Zanosuke watched from the roof of the Theatre. Jasper smiled, relishing in the fiery hate emanating from Alliahnna. "I do hope you realize the human police are still looking for you. "Zanosuke resentfully reminded his father.

"I'm aware. And I've already taken steps to ensure this Vendetta nonsense dies."

"Of course you have."

(***)

Maes, Taylor, Aberline, and Carmichael were absolutely horrified by the state of Sarah's home. Dirty clothes scattered up and down the stairs and in every room including the bathroom, dishes piled in the sink, beds left unmade, and papers torn and misplaced everywhere. The smell was deriving from the buckets cleaner and candles placed precariously in random rooms, accounting for the heavy cleaning smell the neighbors claim to have smelt. But all signs point to Sarah not being home in quite a while.

Randall remained outside, compiling the notes received, and piecing together Sarah's questionable alibi. At first glance it all appears legit. But in hindsight her story was all over the place. Phoebus arrived, bewildered by the level of noise rattling inside the house.

"What's the situation?"

"Sarah Roland is not home." Randall rumbled impatiently, unable to make heads or tails of her disappearance. "Aberline and I were stationed outside her home for the last hour and a half." He shook his head, "She never left."

"Which means she must be using the catacombs?" Phoebus assumed.

"What makes you think that?"

"Half the buildings in Paris are built over the catacombs. And half of those still provide access into them."

"Is it possible the Roland's have access to the Catacombs?"

"More than possible." Maes reported, jogging to the Officer's in Charge. "It's a fact. We found an access hatch in the basement! Sarah's taken to the catacombs."

"THEN GIVE CHASE!" Phoebus boomed, startling both men. "Follow her trail as best as you can! We must find Sarah! She may lead us to Vendetta!"

"RIGHT!" Maes ran back inside. Randall glanced to Phoebus, who clawed a hand through his locks roughly. Allie…please…hold on.

(^^^)

"A trail of breadcrumbs." Zanosuke chuckled with revulsion. "How passé."

"Maybe." Jasper shrugged his shoulders. "But effective."

Sebastian was seen retreating down the canal, heading for the city limit which led into the woods. Alliahnna took to the sky, her sheen ebony bat wings reflecting off the sun as she pursued him. Jasper found himself boggled by the wings. Fangs and the eyes are common among demons. But wings meant a secondary form. "So this girl has a demon form?" Jasper inquired.

"Yes." Zanosuke stroked his thin beard pensively. "Like us, calling upon her full demon form will grant her unimaginable strength and speed."

"You sound like you're hiding something."

Zanosuke chuckled, remembering that his father has an uncanny talent for reading between the lines. "In her regular form she's powerful enough. She fights reapers of the elite kind, matches the speed of a full blooded demon, and maintains near absolute control over her anger. Something most half and Substitute demons find difficult and are driven into madness."

"Just as she is now."

"She's not crazy, Jasper. Just heartbroken." Zanosuke narrowed his eyes heatedly to his prideful smirking father. "And if you knew her like I do, you would be able to sense she's holding back."

"Why are you so eager to come to her defense?" Jasper challenged, catching his son off guard. "Do not tell me you've fallen for her as well."

"Not like Sebastian has. But I do admire and respect her. In fact I'm more than willing to call her my little sister."

Jasper's brow sharply knit into an outraged sneer. "Too bad you will not get that chance. Before the day is done this girl's true disdain for Sebastian will be revealed. Then they will part ways."

"The only outcome this battle will bring is Alliahnna and Sebastian closer."

"You do not honestly believe she loves him!"

Zanosuke full on faced his father, eye flickering from bright to dim for a brief second. "She is nothing like the Masters Sebastian has had before! Alliahnna is the epitome of honest! She truthful, bold, brave, driven by morals and integrity, and not once has she manipulated Sebastian like the others have tried to do. And you and I both know the women who claimed to love him only loved his body."

"What else has sold you on this woman?"

"She resisted my gaze at first glance." This made Jasper's breath halt. A feat second in impossibility to resisting Jasper's bite is resisting Zanosuke's Auditos Gaze. Both corrupt and control the deepest portions of the conscious and control the subconscious. All feelings and emotions one keeps hidden or is trying to keep under wraps come to light. Alliahnna, due to her trust and love in Sebastian aided her resilience. "There is not a shred of doubt in my mind Alliahnna will fight this corruption. She will be mad for a time, but she will forgive him."

"We shall see."

(^^^)

The canal came to a halt at a grated waterway leaking water into the three foot hollowed wall, distributing water into the city. Sebastian broke to the surface, climbing onto the wall. With a string flush of his arms the water clinging to his body drenched onto the wall and back into the canal. He looked out to the woods 200 yards away, relieved he had arrived. "This should suffice."

"FOR YOUR GRAVE!" Sebastian dodged off the wall. Alliahnna's fist punched into the wall like it was wet paper. Sebastian faced her, his heart aching in the level of rage resonating from her. Alliahnna yanked her hand from the wall, leaving a small hole peeking into the waterway. She retracted her wings, flipping her hair as she smiled sinisterly. "Do stop running Sebastian." She pleaded with a psychotic purr. She extended her claws, crackling her knuckles as she drummed them, "I promise to make your death quick."

"You're truly angry with me, aren't you?" Sebastian sighed sadly.

Alliahnna's smile faded into rage. "Did you think I wouldn't be?" She asked, amazed he would remark in disappointment. "Did you honestly believe I would take this lightly?"

"No." He admitted shamefully. "Which is probably why I refrained from telling you in the first place."

"Because in the end I'm still a child, right?"

"That's not what I meant."

"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU MEANT! I WANT YOU TO DIE!" She launched herself for Sebastian. He dodged back, her fist impaling the dirt. "SIT STILL AND FIGHT!" She threw several rounds of punches, all caught by Sebastian and diverted. Alliahnna unleashed a barrage of kicks. Sebastian bobbed and weaved out of the way. With an aggravated roar Alliahnna hammered both fists down. Sebastian leapt into the air as the grass and dirt ruptured and came loose. Alliahnna growled to Sebastian, watching him retreat into the woods. "You won't escape." She vowed, crushing a large rock into dust. "I'll make you pay for taking Ciel." The dark red aura seeped from Alliahnna as her anger rose. "I'LL MAKE YOU ALL PAY!"

(^^^)

Sebastian heard Alliahnna's cries from the woods, clenching his eye closed. How could things have taken such a drastic turn? Sebastian and Alliahnna, barely four/four and a half hours ago, shared a kiss, consummating their love for each other. Now here they were. Both running rampant throughout all of Paris, Alliahnna trying to kill him, all because he kept one of the most important secrets from her. "I should have told her." He admitted disgracefully. "She may have been angry for a time, but she would not hate me." To have Alliahnna hate him…worse than having her taken from him in death.

Arriving to the middle of the woods, Sebastian came to a halt in a meadow clearing. Wind gusted through, the blades of light green semi tall grass dancing in the gentle breeze. Sebastian inhaled the fresh air, and sighed resignedly. "I will not run." He decided. "I can't. I must face facts. I lied to her."

"Damn right you did." Alliahnna entered into the meadow, emerging from the cooling shade. Her expression void of any emotion, despite her eyes glowing pink. "You lied to me for five years. You knew Ciel was alive."

"You are correct on both counts." Sebastian answered, facing her fully. "I kept this secret from you."

"Do you have anything to say for your actions?"

"Only that I wished for you to decide your fate without coercion." Sebastian felt as if he was lying. But why? Because, deep down, he knew the real reason behind his tight lips.

"You kissed me! Made me long for you! And yet you stand here trying to convince me you didn't want to coerce my decision?" Sebastian diverted his attention, refusing to look at her. "Well I've made my decision." She clenched her gloves fingers, the claws extending through torn holes. "Our relationship, our contract – it all ends here." Sebastian nodded, taking a fighting stance. "After this…" Tears suddenly ran down her cheek, surprising Sebastian, "I hope I never have to look at you again."

"Then let us both give it our all." Sebastian welcomed, narrowing his eyes. "Show me how much you've grown!"

(^^^)

For 15 minutes Phoebus, Randall, and the four under officers followed the dimly lit catacombs deep into the heart of Pairs – or so it felt. Distinct footprints were left in the wet stones. Heels belonging to Sarah, and boots belonging to a male they assumed to be Vendetta. All signs pointed to Sarah traversing the underground tunnels several times since the death of her husband and incarceration of her son. And often she wasn't alone.

After following Sarah's footprints for several minutes, the six men came to sturdy and somewhat new ladder leading to a hatch. The six men drew their fire arms. Carmichael and Aberline were the first to scale the ladder. With a hard push of his shoulder Carmichael shoved the hatch open. Carmichael and Aberline poked out the hatch, revealing a stage as they aimed their guns around. No sign of the enemy. Carmichael and Aberline climbed onto the stage.

"WELL!" Phoebus called to them. "What do you see?"

"It's the old Antoine Theatre!" Carmichael reported. "It's all clear." Phoebus and the others scaled the ladder, in awe of the theatre they used to retreat to for weekend shows. "Looks like Sarah and Vendetta retreated here." Carmichael elucidated, marveling in the history. "Wonder why?"

"Vendetta was a lover of the theatre." Randall explained. "He ate, lived, and breathed the drama."

"Apparently died at the drama as well." Aberline shouted from left stage, kneeling to something.

"What do you have Aberline?" Taylor cried out. Aberline shifted to the side. All eyes widened, hearts dropped, minds blurred. There lied a dead Sarah Roland with Vendetta's hat, cloak, wig, and mask in her lap. A note resting on the items. My only regret is leaving my daughter in a world which took her father, brother, and now her mother from her life. Vendetta.

Randall gaped in horror, sorrow, and regret. Vendetta was a young woman who felt wronged by everyone. And now her life is gone, leaving a young daughter to fend for herself.

(^^^)

Black glove and white glove clashed in a powerful punch, shocks traveling up the arm. Another pair of punches were thrown, meeting in the same clash. Alliahnna and Sebastian locked their gazes, vowing in heart and mind to not let up.

The two jumped back, bringing the other into full view before charging into another attack. Both launched another punch, being caught by the other. A power struggle ensued. Their feet dug into the ground as the pressure of over powering the other built. Alliahnna shifted back lashing a foot for his stomach. Sebastian caught the foot, spinning Alliahnna full force around. She bared her teeth. Twisting her upper body her hands walked along the ground, turning her body over, and launched a kick into Sebastian's chest, pushing him back. The butler dragged his feet coming to a halt.

Alliahnna already stampeded for him, driving an uppercut. Sebastian stepped back, feeling the guts of the punch as it missed. He gripped her wrist and chest of the dress and launched her over his shoulder for a tree. Alliahnna spread her legs and shifted her weight in midair, somersaulting the ground and stopped. As she turned Sebastian appeared in front of her, both hands drawn back. Alliahnna threw up her arms in an X. Numerous painful punches prodded her arms, the bones and muscles nearly breaking under the strain. Sebastian ceased for a second, then struck a massive blow center into both arms, blowing Alliahnna back. With a sickening crack her back and head hit a tree. She groaned from disorientation, her vision blurred for a second. Sebastian came at her again. Alliahnna rolled along the tree, Sebastian's fist making contact with the tree. Alliahnna, gripping on the trunk, whirled herself around and connected both of her feet with Sebastian's face, slamming him into a tree. Alliahnna whirled her body around, planting her feet above, appearing to stalk down the tree like a jungle cat. She pounced off. Sebastian jumped back. Alliahnna landed against the tree and pushed off again, swinging a foot.

Sebastian ducked down, Alliahnna foot grabbing air. Sebastian's fist circled around and punched her stomach, rounding her into the ground. An imprint formed. Sebastian relentlessly punched and pummeled her further into the ground, widening and deepening the crater. Alliahnna caught the next punch and slashed her claws across his face. When Sebastian hissed and leaned back, Alliahnna drove five punches into his stomach, and one into his face. She stretched backwards, double kicking Sebastian as she flipped back. Sebastian ran a glove over his bloodied mouth as he panted heavily. Alliahnna held a hand to her abdomen. Her panting aching her bruising muscles.

The small meadow clearing was dug up and ruined. The glistening grass was mangled, dug up from the ground, and torn. The trees were chipped, nearly crumbling over. Alliahnna and Sebastian had bruises and sore muscles up and down every inch of their bodies. Not letting up for an instant, the two continued to glare the other down, killing them with looks.

Sebastian looked over the child which he had cultivated into the demon that stands before him. The demon, due to his bungle, he allowed to run rampant and virtually lose forever. "I have failed you Alliahnna." He admitted with a sad smile. "I failed you." He repeated, further etching the realization into his person. "As a butler I am supposed to protect and serve you. Never am I to lie or keep secrets from you. I could not protect you from my father. And what's worse is I allowed the secret of your brother to form into a lie. For that I am sorry."

"I DON'T WANT YOUR DAMN APOLOGY!" The roar took all of Alliahnna's might to muster. She was so winded, to stand was a task. "I don't want you to apologize!" He voice cracked. "I just want the truth!" Sebastian lowered his head. "Why didn't you tell me from the get go? Why would you claim to love me and not tell me?"

"It was not a claim. It was…it IS an absolute truth. I do love you. I always have."

"Then why?" She snarled.

"That's just it." Sebastian sighed resignedly. "It's because I love you why I didn't tell you." Alliahnna blinked in bewilderment. How can love prevent you from telling someone the truth? She would receive her answer. "The bridge…the night I blooded…I immediately fell in love with you. Your strong spirit, your bright smile, your wonderful personality – everything about you I loved. I tried – with all my power – I tried not to fall for you. But the more I fought, the more I came to realize how much I longed for you." Sebastian slowly began to approach her. "I would find myself thinking about you when you weren't around." He reached out for her hair. "The smell of your hair."

"GET BACK!" Alliahnna absentmindedly staggered back.

Sebastian pursued. "The cheerfulness in your laugh."

"I SAID STAY BACK!"

"The frail vibrant paleness of your skin."

"GET AWAY FROM ME!" To her horror, Alliahnna's back hit a tree. Sebastian leaned an arm to the tree overhead, snapping a hand to her neck pinning her. Alliahnna fight against the grip. She was dissuaded by the dismal and dank expression on Sebastian's face. The brightness in his crimson orbs was gone. "Sebastian…" Her voice trembled.

"Everything about you I fell in love with." He loosened his grip and then touched his forehead to hers. She winced at the warm touch. "And if I could start over I know I would choose the same joy, the same sadness, the same master. I would relive each and every last moment and fall in love with you twice as much as I did before." Alliahnna gaped in awe, her heart beating unbearably hard. She prayed in every recess of her mind Sebastian could not hear. The mark on her neck pulsated, glowing in and out. Tears trickled down her cheek as she gazed dazedly. The hand slid from her neck, caressing her cheek and erasing the tears. "When you cry…" He tilted her face up, "Whenever you're sad my heart shatters." He took one of her hands and touched it to his chest. Alliahnna's fingers quivered as she felt the ferociously pounding beats. "Even now it aches. To tell you Ciel was alive, but could not and would not awaken unless you surrender your humanity…" He shook his head, "I knew it would wrench your heart into tatters. I could not let that happen."

"You kept this secret…so I wouldn't cry?" She inquired in disbelief, but was touched by the sentiment.

"Yes." He breathed. "But the contract demands I claim something from you. I did not want you to take your soul. You're too young and too inspirational to simply remove you from life." Inspirational? The mark on her neck flickered rapidly. "But to take your humanity, I would unwillingly be leaving you alone. I was at a loss. So I decided I would leave it up to you. Ultimately that meant not telling you about Ciel." He let her hand fall from his heart, but still held it, not wanting to let her go. "And every day I kept it a secret, every day I watched you weep for his loss, the guilt would grip at me." He tightened his fingers around her hand. "So I've been contemplating ways on telling you for the last five years. I never imagined my father would be the one to tell you. I never wanted you to find out like this." He knelt down to one knee, hand still in hers, and bowed his head shamefully. "Please, My Lady…My Alliahnna…" Alliahnna touched her heart, "Though I do not deserve it, please forgive me."

Alliahnna heaved in and out, the bite on her neck buzzing like a failing light. She swallowed a large lump in her dry throat. "Just do one thing for me…" She softly rasped. Her hand tightened to his. "If I give you my answer then and there, swear to me right now…that you will allow me to see Ciel before our contract is complete."

"I swear," Sebastian began, head still lowered to the ground, "As the Raven as my witness, I will take you to the site of your brother's seclusion and allow you to see him."

"And that you will be by my side…until the very end."

Sebastian smiled lovingly. "I would stand by you long after."

Alliahnna smiled warmly, tears splashing into the grass. "Thank you…Sebastian." After minutes of flickering, the pentagrams on Alliahnna's neck faded and fizzled away, turning to ash in the wind. Exhaustion overtook her. Alliahnna fell for the ground. Sebastian swooped his arms out and caught her bridal style. Holding her close Sebastian realized she had peacefully fallen asleep, clenching her fingers to his suit.

"My goodness," Jasper gasped, he and Zanosuke emerging from beyond the trees, "Quite the bout this turned out to be." He marvels in the destruction. "And her…" He partially glared and stared admiringly to the slumbering Alliahnna, "To think she sustained vital damage and still managed to fight off my bite – unreal."

"The result for underestimating her." Sebastian growled, narrowing his eyes to his father. "I highly suggest you refrain from doing so twice." Sebastian turned to take his leave, retreating further into the woods. "I'm sure you've covered your Vendetta tracks. Zanosuke take Jasper back to the manor. We shall deal with him later."

"Will you?" Jasper challenged.

"Indeed." Sebastian leapt and vanished into the woods, leaving Jasper and Zanosuke to themselves.

"It would appear you were right Zanosuke." Jasper admitted, whipping his brow. "She is strong. Sebastian chose well."

(^^^)

Sebastian arrived to the pond he and Alliahnna so often retreat to. The crystal clear water complimented by the dancing lime green seaweed clinging to the floor. The gentle laps of the waterfall, the fresh clean smell of the water soothed the ravaged mind and muscles. Seating himself against a tree, Sebastian rested his legs flat and placed Alliahnna neatly on top. Gently he caressed a hand through her hair, removing he ribbon and unleashing the voluminous locks. "That's better." The bruises and cuts almost instantly healed, returned the vibrant tone of her skin to its original majesty. She was his Master. She was his Alliahnna again. "No matter how many centuries pass, I could not have chosen anyone better than you."

Alliahnna stirred from her short nap. Her eyes fluttered open, greeted by the serene scene of the little grotto. Not noticing one hand on Sebastian's lap, Alliahnna pushed herself up, trying to wrap her mind around how she had come to her favorite spot. "You're awake." She turned to see Sebastian smiling warmly. "I'm glad." He touched her neck. "And no remaining abrasions – another good sign."

"Sebastian…?" She whimpered. After a few seconds Alliahnna recollected all that had happened in the last half hour. It brought tears to her eyes. Her shoulder quaked, her body trembled, tears fell down her face and onto his pants. Alliahnna snapped forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his torso, burying her face into his chest. "I'M SORRY!" She sobbed heavily. "I'M SO SORRY, SEBASTIAN!" Sebastian wrapped his arms around her, massaging her back. Her felt her back heave in and out with her heavy sobs. "I tried to stop! Honest I did! But I was so angry and hurt I…I…couldn't control it! I'm so sorry!"

"No, Alliahnna, I'm sorry. I kept a secret…I lied to you."

"You didn't lie." She assured him. "Mr. Michaelis was right. I assumed Ciel was dead. I never asked you." She locked eyes with him, wanting him to see the sincerity in her gaze. "How can you lie if I never asked you?" Sebastian still dropped his gaze away. "And you're allowed to have secrets. I understand why you kept this one." She glanced to the fresh pine green grass, unable to hide the hurt still ebbing in her heart. "But it still hurts that you never told me. I really did believe…you only kissed me so you wouldn't have to." Sebastian's eyes widened. "That was when I thought you lied."

"I can assure you…" Sebastian gently took her between his index and thumb and turned her face to him. "My words…the kiss…none of my feelings are a farce." Pulling her closer, Sebastian helped Alliahnna onto his lap, her legs on either side of his. He wrapped and arm around her back, holding her close and whispered. "From the night we first met to the night where death parts us forever; forever and always I will love you." He brought their lips together. His arms constricted around her back. Alliahnna wrapped her arms around his neck. Their bodies hugging close, feeling the heartbeat of the other pound.

Forever and Always…

Alright people. I know you're going to be upset, But I'm going on black butler Hiatus for a while. I have other fics I have been neglecting and desperately need to update. I will return, but probably not any time soon. Do not worry. This fic is not dead. Not by a long shot.