A/N: Hey guys! :) How have you been? ^-^ Yes, yes I know...I'm late again DX and if you follow me...you're mad I updated another story twice than this one ._. to be honest guys, I needed a break from this story for a while. I don't know if I'm still writing crap or good crap -.- But I came back so that's a good thing :)

Review time! *cue the dramatic chipmunk thing on youtube*

Night Owl's Shadow: Yes, yes, calm yourself. It's okay, I understand. I love you too xD Not ooshu-gooshey but it's grateful love that you love me XD

jenny: I will :) Thank you!

AliceEverette: 0-0 I'm going, I'm going! DX Oh no, lol this story is going to have more than 25 chapters xD Well, look below to see what happens next!

Well then *Claps hands* onto the story! I do not own Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler. Enjoy the chapter!

"Welcome home." Lillian and Anna bowed to me as I walked inside the mansion. It was exactly the way I remembered it. Nothing changed. However, the mood of the mansion felt...sad...depressing. Something that made me want to cry. Maybe I missed the large house or...just how many deaths have been in this estate?

"Thank you." I smiled. "I'll need a day or two to remember how things worked."

"No worries! If you need help, just ask!" Lillian said.

"Lillian!" Anna nudged her shoulder and whispered something in her ear.

"Oh! Uh...forgive me, Master." Lillian bowed again and apologized.

"Don't worry about it. I forgot about that too." I chuckled.

"Just ask if you need anything, Milady." Anna smiled. The quiet maid walked to the kitchen and the spunky cook headed to the kitchen.

"Welcome back."

I turned my attention to the butler at the top of the staircase, eyeing my every move like a hawk.

"Thanks." I said almost too quietly.

"You have nothing scheduled for today. But tomorrow, you are required to go to two places."

"That is?" I asked.

"One, Buckingham Palace." Sebastian listed but stopped as I quietly groaned. "It's required, Master."

"Right, right." I sighed. "Number two?"

"Valerie's funeral."

My eyes widen with realization. "No...No, I can't go to that."

"And why not?"

"You out of all other people should understand that." I narrowed my eyes. "Stop playing stupid with me."

"I am just a butler." Sebastian said coolly. "Second, I think not going will make you look bad on your part."

"Oh but people making rude stares at me isn't that bad?" I tucked my arms in, giving an Oh-no-you-didn't face.

"Just don't look at them. It's quite simple, My Lady."

"Easy for you to say. You feel nothing. It's normal for someone as evil as you to feel nothing." Realizing what I had said, I shook my head. "I...uh, er...didn't mean it like that...it..." I sighed. "It didn't sound that bad in my head."

Sebastian was quiet for a second. "Yes or no?"

"I'll go..." I sighed. "I don't want to though..."

"Show some respect for the death of your friend." Sebastian scolded.

I scowled at him. "The day I don't show respect for Valerie is the day you win me back. Now, if you will excuse me..." I hurried up the stairs and dashed off into the master bedroom. Once in, I closed the door gently and jumped on the soft bed. As I laid in the cool sheets, my heart felt heavy and felt as though it would drop down to my stomach at any second now. It hurt.

"Things...will never be the same..." I mumbled. "I hate this place..." I squished my face onto the fluffy pillow, groaning in misery. "Let's see what is in store this time around..."

(Next day)

I couldn't sleep at all. My brain kept going on about ifs and buts that would happen at the funeral. Not to mention, a thunderstorm was on the job, making the rain tapping on the window comforting. It was just the thunder that scared me.

DING! DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!

The clock chimed 6 o'clock in the morning and I sighed. "Go to sleep, Aerith." I mumbled, rolling over to my side and covering my body with the white sheets.

"Milady?"

I sat up from the bed. Anna peered inside with a small candle in her hand. "Is everything okay? I heard a voice."

"Oh." I stretched my arms back. "No, I was talking to myself."

"Can't sleep?"

"No..." I used my fist as a cushion for my chin. "You?"

Anna gave a small chuckle. "Not really. Would you like some company?"

"Yeah, I could use some. Do you want some?"

"I could use some." Anna smiled and walked in, closing the door silently. She grabbed the chair from the desk and sat down near the bed, her candle placed on the dresser. "How have you been?"

"Fine."

"No, like how have you been?" Anna asked again.

"Could be worse...we wouldn't be speaking at all..."

"I see. And...I never got to tell you this but...I'm sorry for the loss of your friend."

I smiled, "Thank you. That means a lot."

"It's today...no?"

"...Yeah." I rubbed my eyes in exhaustion. "I'm so nervous..."

"Why?"

"Well...half of London believes I'm guilty and the other half thinks I'm free is because of the Queen. I'm pretty sure a good amount of people dislike me."

"That's what's stopping you?"

"...I suppose. I just...I don't know what will happen. I'm pretty sure I will get people making ugly faces at me."

"Ignore them. You cared for Miss Brazen, just as much as everyone else in that room. Keep your head high." Anna smiled.

"I'll try." I gave a small grin. "Enough of me. How have you been?"

"Between Lillian's mess of things and my own life, it's alright." Anna chuckled.

"Mess of things?"

"Oh, she's a klutz at times. I'm surprised too. Her father was really stable and smart. She's smart but...eh...some things don't pass?"

"I suppose." I laughed.

"Oh my. Look." Anna pointed to the window.

Outside, the rain had ceased and far into the horizon, the glowing sun rose out of the ground. The red streaks bled across the gray sky, making the clouds a faint pink color.

"It's almost dawn. Better get back..." Anna rose and took her melting candle. "Do you want me to get Sebastian already?"

"Actually...get Lillian." I panicked a bit in the inside.

"Fair enough." Anna nodded. "She will be right there."

(30 minutes later)

"There." Lillian smiled. "All fitted."

I wore a simple black dress with black flats. My hair was fixed into a thick bun with a black flower clip on the back.

"Ready?" Lillian opened the door, allowing me to go first.

"Yeah." I nodded, walking out of the master bedroom. "Are you taking me to the funeral?"

"Oh, no. I can't, sorry." Lillian shook her head.

"Then...who?" I asked.

"...I can't change his mind." Lillian sighed.

I lowered my head. "Right..."

As I approached the stairs, Sebastian waited at the bottom of the stairs. "Are we ready?"

"Yes." I said a bit too harshly. Without a farewell to both ladies, I hurried outside and prayed silently that the day would pass as quickly as possible. I climbed inside the carriage and wished that I could leave without the butler. Before attempting, he appeared and sat down inside the carriage. The horses started to pull on the carriage, making the view of mansion fade away.

I didn't dare make contact with the butler. My eyes kept looking outside, watching the trees sway with the wind and blocking the yellow sun.

"How long are you going to keep ignoring me?"

I lowered my sights and sighed. "I don't know. Now, never."

"If this is some sick revenge-"

"Revenge? Not like me." I sat properly but still did not look at Sebastian. "It's only right to go back to formalities."

"I never wanted this."

"Neither did I."

Silence.

"Are you scared?" He asked.

"...Honestly, I'm not sure what to be scared of..."

"Are you scared of what will happen at the funeral?"

"Yeah..."

"Things will go well."

"You don't know that."

"You're right. I don't."

My fingers curled into one another, playing with them to avoid the butterflies in my stomach. 'What the hell? We are cruel to each other...and I hate it...but...I can't help it.'

"We are here." Sebastian announced.

I looked up to see the church. Grieving people dressed in black entered the building. I got out of the carriage, not waiting for Sebastian. I wanted it to be all over.

I approached the church, entering and finding a seat in the back. As more people entered, they gave me death glares. It looked like they were wishing the death of me to happen. Or perhaps, switch places with Valerie. I kept my head down to the floor, not wanting the crowd to see me in such a state.

"Keep your head high, Aerith." I whispered to myself. Raising my head, I took a calmly breath and exhaled. "Now, keep it like this for another hour or so."

"Hey." A whisper said.

I looked up to see Claire sitting next to me, dressed in black.

"I didn't know you were coming."

"Last minute plan." She answered. "Finished my work early and decided to come and be with you. And her as well."

I smiled. "You're the best."

"I know. Don't tell anyone." She smiled. "Is...you-know-who here?"

"Yes. He's not coming in however." I said.

"Makes sense." Claire shrugged her shoulders. "Oh, service is starting."

(1 hour later)

The service wrapped up, giving Valerie her final prayers. A group of men carried her coffin out of the building and out in the rising sun. Everybody rose out of their seats and followed the men outside. I was one of the last people to leave the church.

"My Lady." Sebastian got in front of me, blocking my way.

"Get out of the way, Sebastian." I tried to push him away from me but he didn't budge.

"But, My Lady-"

"The Queen can fucking wait." I sneered. "I'm going to Valerie's grave."

"My Lady."

"I don't give a fuck and never will." I went around him. A hand clasped onto my wrist and my hand tightened into a fist. "You won't change my mind. You wanted me to respect my dead friend, remember? This is how I want to respect her. I'm going to her grave whether you like it or not."

The iron grip was released. "My Lady."

I turned around to face him and about to repeat myself. He handed me a bouquet of white roses. "I know. These are for her."

I took the flowers out of his hand. For the first time in a while, I managed to look at his cherry eyes. Only for a moment.

"Thanks." I whispered and continued to follow the crowd. 'It surprises me. He meant well. I was just being cruel...makes me seem and feel foolish.'

"Aerith?"

I looked up to see Claire waiting for me. "Where did you get the flowers?"

"Uh...I...he gave them to me to give to Valerie."

Claire's face was astonished. "Really?"

"Really." I nodded. "Let's hurry before we lose everyone."

(After the service)

As the socialites left the tombstone of Valerie, I approached the grave. Holding back the tears, I placed the roses on the lump of dirt.

"May you find everlasting peace, Valerie. May you be with your fallen loved ones forever and always. Have mercy." Claire whispered but loud enough to be heard.

"I do not ask for pity from you. I'm sorry..." I said.

The both of us stayed quiet for several seconds. The cool breeze passed us as we waited. Finally, Claire turned to me. "I'd best be leaving."

"Me too. I have to see the Queen."

"Ugh, good luck. Will you come by The Bottle Tree for Valerie after?"

"Sure!"

Claire smiled and hugged me. "Love you."

"Love you too." I kissed her on the cheek as Claire walked away from Valerie's grave.

I walked back to the church where Sebastian was waiting near the carriage.

"All set?" Sebastian asked, checking his pocket watch.

"Yeah, I'm done. And I can tell how much you want to get out of here." I smirked, climbing into the carriage.

"Why do you think that?" He followed me and closed the door. The carriage moved gently before going into a fast pace.

"It's a church, what do you expect?" I smiled just a little and faced the window again.

"Fair point." Sebastian smiled but it was a tiny smile.

"Hmph." I used my hand as a cushion for my chin and stared at the busy city life of London. A fair amount of new automobiles passed by, their engines purring in the streets. The style of the Victorian era was fading into a...I suppose, a 'jazzy' stage. Who could help it? It was society.

"Please try to be respectful to the Queen." Sebastian said.

I didn't turn to him but simply kept gazing at London. "No promises. Let's put it at that..."

"My Lady..." His tone sounded disappointed.

"Fine. But if she says something, I say something back."

"No. You keep your mouth quiet. That's rude."

"She's just another person like the rest of us, Sebastian. It's still no excuse. And for the record, stop telling me what to do."

Sebastian stayed quiet. Either he was speechless or he knew another fight would start. I think we would both agree on the fight part.

(At Buckingham Palace)

Michael led us into the throne room. The Queen was playing on the piano, the noise echoing throughout the room. As the keys were played, the piano started with a slow pace. They were played ever so quietly. The notes however, were calming. The first note would be low and then reached a more subtle and lighter pitch. They would clash beautifully with one another. It seemed time had stopped for that one little song.

I didn't even notice Michael had left when the song finished. Sebastian and I both clapped for Queen Mary as she turned to us. She raised herself from the piano bench and greeted us both.

"Your Majesty." I bowed politely. "That was a beautiful piece of music."

She came closer to us and smiled, "I suspect no sarcasm from you, Miss Aerith."

"No." I met my eyes with her dark chocolate eyes. "Not at all. I really did think it was beautiful."

"You take music very seriously, no?" She smiled. "It's so precious. Every single one can match your mood. Perhaps, you could even change it."

"It is true." I nodded.

"Erik Satie. Gymnopèdie No. 1." She said. "It is a famous French piece. Died just last year. Such a shame." She looked stricken with grief.

"It is."

"Ah, yes! So tell me...how have you been?" She asked, her dark tone fading into a cheery voice.

"Good." I smiled.

"Tell me, did you miss me?" She winked. Before I could answer, (To be honest, I was going to make a sarcastic comment) she said, "Ah! Of course you did!"

'So full of herself...it's disgusting...' I thought.

"And news! I have a new case for you."

"Already?!" It sounded more like a complaint than disbelief.

"Why, yes! Since you're back on duty and Valerie can't do it, London is never-ending with crimes! But this one...I don't know what to do."

"Well, exactly what is it?" I asked.

"Oh. It's hard to describe it." The Queen said. "It's like a...booby-trapped building."

"...A building that has been booby-trapped? With?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Traps, of course! But it's horrifying for me to even describe! Michael can give you the details. I am just an old woman." Queen Mary fanned herself using her hand.

'More like old fart.' I smirked to myself. "Alright, I will ask Michael."

"Oh, good. I can't handle it. Uh, Michael!" She called out.

The white butler came dashing in and bowed to Her Majesty. "My Lady. What can I do for you?"

"Take Miss Phantomhive on a walk outside and discuss the case. I couldn't possibly tell her. It's too much for me." The Queen ordered, still full of herself.

"As you wish." Michael nodded and smiled at me brightly. "Shall we be off?"

"Yes." I said and followed Michael out of the throne room.

"Mr. Butler." The Queen called. "Best if you stay here. You can keep me company."

'Heh, good luck.' I thought smugly.

Michael opened the front doors and led the both of us outside in the cool, sunny day. It was probably around high noon as he and I walked around the gates of the palace.

"Ah, it's so bright!" I squinted my eyes.

He laughed, "Not that bright, Aerith."

"I still can't see shit." I chuckled.

"Fair point." He snickered. "Now, about the case..."

"She mentioned...a booby-trapped building?" I asked.

"Yes. You see, we have confirmed it is a three story building. It is a old hotel. But see, every floor has traps on it. We have sent guards to investigate and none have returned. I presumed they are dead."

"Why do you say that? Have hope." I folded my arms in.

"They have not returned for days. It's logical."

"Maybe they are trapped? It is traps..." I pondered.

"Maybe. All I know is that including the guards, over 30 people are missing because of it."

"And who is doing this?"

"I don't know. Someone is doing this..."

"I'm on the case." I winked.

"Thought you would say that." He smiled. "Thank you, love."

'Oh crap. Forgot he is my fiancé.' I thought. 'Wait...I'm no longer with Sebastian...and he's supposed to be my husband. So...why do I feel so guilty?'

"Aerith? Spacing out on me." Michael waved his hand in front of me.

"Oh! Sorry, was thinking about the case." I lied.

"Already? Someone is determined." He teased.

"I am an overachiever." I smiled.

"Heh, now...this is off-topic but may I ask you a question?"

"Shoot."

"Did you know Sebastian would be coming to the court?"

I shook my head. "It was really unexpected for me."

"Psh, after all he has done, he still works for you?" Michael asked. "He is a heartless man."

"Now that's putting it lightly." I mumbled. "I know. I'm keeping an eye on him. If he proves himself in this case, I might reconsider."

"Whatever. If he screws up again, I will seriously end him."

My eyes enlarged, "Why?"

"Why? 'Cause your my fiancée, love. We support each other, no?"

"Y-Yeah." I half smiled.

'That's why I feel guilty.'

"Anyway, let's head back. I bet the Queen gave your butler an earful." Michael smiled.

"Alright." I giggled, following Michael back inside. Once in the grand palace, I said, "Now I can see shit."

Michael grinned, "Good for you. Now, time to act professional."

"Spectacular." I sighed.

Michael straightened up and opened the door to the throne room, letting me in first. "Your Majesty, we have returned."

Sebastian was next to her as the Queen turned to face us. "Oh, good!" Queen Mary smiled. "You told her everything I presume?"

"Yes. I shall send more details via letter. When did you wish to send her?"

"Soon as possible. Perhaps...three days?"

"That sounds good." I nodded.

"Then it's settled!" Queen Mary exclaimed. "Find justice, young Phantomhive."

"I'll try." I smiled lightly.

"Good."

"We should be off." I said.

"Oh, but you must stay! We could talk about you being my worthy 'Guard Dog' again. Or even Valerie."

'Oh hell no.' "Let's not talk about Valerie." I said calmly. However, my hands balled up into tight fists.

The Queen took note of my hands and gave a smug smile. "It hurts when I talk about her, doesn't it? Then again, everyone said you killed her. But this young man..." She turned her head to Sebastian. "...saved your life."

"Ma'am." Sebastian finally spoke, stepping forward. "In all due respect, we must go. You see, she was already planning the case."

"Pardon?" Queen Mary questioned.

"It has been all over the newspapers, no? She was already thinking of the case."

She blinked and gave a laugh. "Phantomhive, when will you ever cease to amaze me? First, murdering your friend and now the man who saved your life is trying to defend you even more."

"I never murdered her." I gritted my teeth. "I shouldn't have to take this damn case in the first place."

Michael grabbed onto my shoulder. "Aerith..."

"No!" I slapped his arm to get it away from me. "Why should I take it when it's clear she wants to tease me?"

"I can give reasons why you should take the case." She said.

"Let's hear it." I smirked.

"One, I support the Phantomhives. Meaning the legacy of them will crumble and would have been for nothing. Two, disobeying the Queen. I could have you on trial again and let's see what the jury thinks this time. Thirdly, your reputation will be crushed. It would seem like your sanity has withered away. Shall I go on?"

After a sharp intake of breath, I nodded, "You make a worthy statement, My Lady."

"That's better." She gave an uncomfortable smile. "You may go now if you wish. Solve the case, young Phantomhive."

"Thank you." I bowed to her and hurried out of the throne room. Sebastian followed me. Once outside and into the small carriage, I had a temper tantrum.

"Who does she think she is?! Ugh! I hate her! Saying about Valerie and I just...UGH!" I rubbed my face in frustration.

The carriage started to move as Sebastian said, "Easy. It's not worth it."

"Still! Ugh..." I blinked. "Wait. Sebastian...what did she mean when she said 'you saved my life'?"

His eyes showed hesitation and he sighed. "You said not to come to the courthouse, correct? I even told Claire I wouldn't go. Not because you told me to but...I couldn't bare to see the result. But, I did promise Claire I would go if I had to..."

"So...why did you?"

"Before I arrived and the jury was about to say their statement, they found you as guilty of all the charges on you. Even Claire knew it..."

I lowered my eyes to the floor. "I'm not surprised. I...kinda knew it. Who would believe that the girl that got away with the will could get away with murder? Claire didn't tell me because...I think she wanted me to still have some hope. At least, a glimmer of it."

"But it's true...everything I said. Then, the jury changed their mind and found you not guilty. That's why I was there. I still supported you. And...I'm sorry for being rude."

"I'm sorry too...but...you can't tell me why you betrayed me? Why you put Valerie in front of me?"

"It was for protection...and that's all."

"Still..." I held my head in confusion. "Listen...let's not make this awkward, alright? We can't go back to the way things were but...my trust in you...it's probably one-fourth of the full mark."

"I can understand that." He nodded.

"Deal?"

"Yes." He gave a faint smile. "I'm glad...we are talking again."

"Y-Yeah..." 'How long would it last? Can things go back to the way they were? I would like to hope so. But foolish hope can only make a fool dream about nonsense.'

(In the evening)

We arrived at Claire's house. She waited outside with a brown glass bottle, a photo and a candle. "You ready?"

"Yeah." I nodded. "You don't have to come." I said to Sebastian.

"I'll go." He insisted.

"Alright. Let's go." I said.

"Bit of a walk." Claire said, walking to her left.

"I remember." I smiled. "When was the last time we went together?"

"Oh, I don't remember. The less we go to that tree, the better."

"Heh, point."

After a two-minute walk on the dirt path, we had a large tree in our view. On almost every branch, a wire would hang down, dangling in the wind. Tied to the wire, different colored and shaped bottles would sway with the breeze. Inside of every bottle was a picture of the deceased and a candle.

"Here." She handed me the bottle. "Hang it on that one." She pointed to a lone wire swinging around.

"'Kay." I looped the wire around the neck of the bottle several times. "It's good."

"Okay, now put the photo of her in it." Claire handed me a photo of Valerie.

"Right." I curved the photo slightly to make it fit into the bottle. It squeezed through the neck and relaxed at the bottom of the bottle.

"Okay..." Claire lit the candle with a match she had in her pocket. "Ahem...now we wait for the wind..."

A gentle swoosh of the wind passed us and the candle went out, letting a thin strand of smoke hover in the air. The both of us stayed silent. Sebastian quietly stood and observed us.

"Go." Claire whispered.

I nodded faintly and recited a poem for the bottles.

"And I will light a candle for you.
To shatter all the darkness and bless the times we knew.
Like a beacon in the night,
The flame will burn bright
and guide us on our way."

Claire lit the candle again on cue. She held the candle tightly in her hands despite the wax dripping down. I continued the poem.

"Oh, today I light a candle for you.
The seasons come and go, and I'm weary of the change.
I keep moving on, you know it's not the same.
And when I'm walking all alone..."

Claire stepped forward, standing in front of Valerie's bottle. It looked like she was offering the candle to her.

"Do you hear me call your name?
Do you hear me sing the songs we used to sing?
You filled my life with wonder, touched me with surprise."

Claire let the flame touch the rim of the bottle's neck. She then held the candle high, on her little tippy-toes and trying not to fall.

"I always saw that something special deep within your eyes.
And through the good times and the bad,
We carried on with pride.
I hold onto the love and life we knew..."

Both of us were in deep silence, waiting for the wind. Seconds later, a harsh breeze came and blew out the candle. Claire mumbled a few words before making the thin candle fit into the brown bottle. It slid in with ease, leaning next to the picture of the deceased Valerie. Claire turned around and walked away from the tree. Sebastian and I followed her, not daring to say a word.

When arriving back at the cottage, Claire nodded. "Okay, now you can speak."

"I'm surprised I still remember the poem." I said.

"Well, you better still remember it! One day, I won't be around and you'll have to do The Bottle Tree."

I shrugged my shoulders. "Fair point." The thought of having to put Claire's photo into a bottle made me depressed. I didn't want that day to come ever.

"Alright. I suggest you get some sleep, love. Seems like you have another case for the Queen."

"I do." I nodded.

Claire smiled, "Then hop off to bed." She gave me a kiss on the forehead. "Love you."

"Love you too." I smiled.

Sebastian and I started walking back to the mansion. We were in silence for moments until he asked a question.

"Might I ask what was that?"

I nodded, "We call it The Bottle Tree. See, Claire likes to do little traditions for the dead. So, every time someone dies that we know, we hang a bottle. What you saw is what we do for everyone."

"Why bottles?"

"Claire says souls are hollow when dead but still full of life. Bottles are empty but still have noise in them. Like when you clank it against the tree or other bottles. Then, you put a photo of the dead and someone recites that poem I said."

"What was Claire doing near the end? She was holding the candle high."

"See, in the beginning, she lit the candle and waited for the wind to pass her. This lets her know that the spirits are here and ready to listen. So then, after I finish the first stanza of the poem, she lights it again. Near the end, she lets the flame touch the bottle so the hollow bottle can feel the candle's warmth. At the end, she holds the candle high so when I finish the poem, she believes the spirits blow the candle out using the wind. She then places the candle in the bottle in honor of the dead. Then we must remain silent until we are distant from the tree."

"Who thought of this?"

"Oh, Claire did. She said we should start traditions."

"Makes sense." He nodded. "One more question."

"Okay."

"Were your parents there? As in bottles?"

My eyes enlarged at his question but nodded. "Yeah, they were at the far left. They were one of the first ones to be there."

"I see."

"Why do you ask?"

"Just curious."

'So considerate...sometimes I even forget he's a creature of hell...it kinda surprises me...and scares me.'

A/N: ANNNNND! We will end here :3 I know, I know...I suck at updating ._. but more to come! I'm not stopping here! :D Next chapter contains the horror case, a surprise visit and teamwork! Lesi-be honest here...I didn't check for grammar or spelling errors. Oh well! I'll update soon again!

A: Okay. See you in September!

Shut up, ginger. -.- Anyhoo! Question, comment, concern, WOW-girl-you-are-alive-but-why-aren't-they-back-together-update-soon? Give me a review (Pretty please? :3) or send a PM! Thank you again guys for your patience. I still suck but whatevs xD See you guys!

P.S. The poem "Light A Candle" is by Paul Alexander.