England Arrives in France

Moving on.

xxx

Time itself stopped. Phoebus, Alliahnna, and Maximilian just stood their. Frozen. Their minds crashing to an abrupt halt. Scars from previous struggles maring an almost doll like face. Bruises scaling shoulder to torso, and possibly to the legs. As much as they would like for it to be, there was no mistake. The boy sitting with the six other vandals...was Robin Smith. The youngest son of the late Marla and Commander Rob Smith and victim of the underground fights hosted by Mooska and Sumano.

"Robin…!" Alliahnna shrieked in disbelief. He flinched at his name. Phoebus and Maximilian felt their hearts snap in two. Alliahnna was breathless with no words. "Robin…? Why...I don't…" She lifted her palms, weighing her confusion against the overwhelming facts sitting at her feet. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?! ROBIN?!"

Oliver, Myers, and Rays exchanged bewildered looks. "You know him?!" Myers snapped.

"We all do!" Maximilian answered, setting a hand to Phoebus's shoulder. "He was a victim in the underground fighting case from a year ago!" By all accounts, the boy was reportedly turning his life around. He returned for another year of school and was even said to have a job. Yet...here he sits on his knees. He was involved in the vandalisms. "We were under the impression he'd traveled the straight and narrow!"

"Or so Mark and John testified." Phoebus added grudgingly. John and Mark are Robin's elder brothers. The offspring of Marla's previous husband's. His sister, Sasha, who should still be a baby, was the last product of Marla's last husband before she died. "I wonder if they even know what you're doing." Robin's silence was another form of acknowledgement. A punch to his head startled everyone, including Robin.

"ROBIN?!" Alliahnna's throbbing shook. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING?!" Her voice broke. "After all we've done to tear you from Mooska's grasp, why would be taken in by...THIS?!" These kids...The Fours boys and three girls, dirtied and matted from their escapade. No I.D's were carried on their person. Reporting to their parents wasn't an option at the moment.

"He wasn't! That's that problem!" Myers blurted. He marched to Robin, towering over him with that smug grin. "I've had dealings with this riffraff before!" He clamped a hand to the whole of Robin's head, digging his nails into his scalp. "He loves to fight and break anyone or anything in his way! Trash just like his Moth-" A palm swatted Myers across the face, leaving him aghast. The flamboyant strike widened Phoebus and Robin's eyes. Alliahnna, her brow knit heatedly, left her stinging palm extended, watching the blow sink in to Myers' throbbing cheek. He flinched when he touched the sore spot. He shook in swelling rage glaring at the insolent wench who dared to touch him.

"I've had just about enough when it comes to your mouth." Alliahnna proclaimed. No voice raised, no trace of rancor. Just a mile reprimand. "While I put your name up for nomination, it insults me to know someone like you was chosen for Phoebus's old position. But the fact YOU were chosen over everyone else means he see's something in you." Myers shot a stunned glance to Phoebus who nodded in confirmation to Alliahnna's decree. "I trust Phoebus. Unconditionally." Myers flinched at how close Alliahnna drew. A sharp gleam brought sweat to his brow. "Make him a liar and I will subject you to such heinous nightmares your mind will collapse. DO NOT test my capabilities!" She forewarned as a protest gathered to his closing lips. Alliahnna threw him into Rays' hands. She was finished with him. "As for them…" The seven tensed, expecting her to strike them as well. "I'll deal with you in the morning!" The you pierced Robin square in the heart. For now, Alliahnna was going to head home.

The prison transport arrived. The black horses neighed to the night. Alliahnna rounded a corner, planning to walk the three miles to the Manor. "Oliver, Rays, Myers!" Phoebus bellowed. "Secure them in the transport. Learn their names and addresses!"

"Sir!" They saluted.

"Oliver, Maximilian," The two saluted, "Report to Lord Schneizel with our findings."

"Sir!" Everyone went to their respective jobs. Maximilian and Oliver used the horses they borrowed from the stables and rode as fast as they horses would run to report to Schneizel.

"Commander?" Myers called at Phoebus who was exiting the alley. "What will you be doing?" His question was answered when he rounded the same corner as Alliahnna. He jogged a bit and joined her a ways up the street. Myers ground his teeth, growling rabidly. "Why is she still the special one?!"

xxx

The rousing grey morning sky rolled a thin fog bank across the calm ocean. The ship pulled to the dock. Ropes tied to the posts, anchoring the ship in place. Ciel and Sebastian were the first to exit the ship, ignoring the shallow bows of the captain and quartermaster. A coach was haled by Sebastian. The coachman all too happy to oblige for a visiting noble. Helps his reputation to curry rides for those higher up the foodchain.

"Where to, My Lord?"

"Lord Schneizel's Manor!" Ciel answered curtly. "Get us there posthaste!"

"With due diligence, My Lord!" The coachman snapped the reins with a HYA! The horses neighed excitedly and bolted into a run.

Ciell was jostled by the ride but quickly regained his balance. He can handle a rough ride. Nothing else mattered. He wasted enough time on the ship. He needs to reach Alliahnna before she chooses Paris above England all over again.

xxx

Alisa Marks - Shoulder length red hair, lightly tanned skin, and green eyes. Her mother is Nerissa, and her father is Nester.

Harrison York - Shaved head, tattoos, and piercing hazel eyes. Son to Mary and Arnold.

Madison Nashton - Cut to the ear brown hair, a scar over one of her golden eyes, and a piercing in her nose. Daughter of Nyra and Clovis.

Lars Telfan - Unruly dark grey hair partially covering his empty brown eyes. Son to Michelle and Michael.

Yuri Claus - Long blond hair in a tie, and stunning blue eyes. Daughter to Hera and Roman.

Maxwell Claus - Short blond hair, stunning blue eyes, and twin to Yuri.

Robin Smith - well known by Schneizel and the rest of Schneizel's guard.

Minor information was gathered on the youths. The exception of Robin, Yuri, and Harrison, none of these children have been in trouble with the law before. Their families are middle class with standard jobs. Seem to live standards lives. Better than most in their class. The method to this branch of madness was a grand mystery. What prompted it? Why marr perfect, stainless records with this level of immaturity? Risk jail? And how on earth did their parents not know what they were up to? None of this was making sense. It probably is one of those cases where there is no sense. Just wanton destruction. A trigger event for any random reason. The evidence was in their hands and it is enough to convict them. The trigger will not be a priority. But it will ease Phoebus when slapping cuffs on these youths.

"I understand why you chose to walk home last night." Phoebus muttered, meandering beside Alliahnna to the grand hall. "The night air helped my mind clear and try to fathom these strange events. But still..."

"Still nothing!" Alliahnna snapped. Phoebus winced at the gruff response. She wasn't happy. "For one reason or another Robin decided to take the low road and be a felon again! I want to know why?!"

"Knowing why really matters to you, doesn't it?"

"For too long I've been faced by enemies with no rhyme or reason behind their assaults! I want one from these kids!" Alois is one such cause with no rhyme or reason. Her tolerance for the insane is wearing thin. "They don't want to give one, then I deem them a lost cause!"

"That decision falls to me ultimately." Phoebus passively reminded.

"Nevertheless," Alliahnna ground her fangs together, "After this..." She recalled the number of times by friend and acquaintance she has been stabbed in the back, "I'm done sticking my neck out for those who don't deserve it!"

xxx

The Grand Hall door opened with a foreboding creak. Myers and Schneizel stood guard over their seven criminals with Oliver, Maximilian, and Rays. Robin and the others put on their bravest and most defiant faces. The closer Alliahnna strode, the darker her grim expression became. A coldness filled the air. Even Schneizel was scared. And Alliahnna is the least frightening person to him.

"Shouldn't we have representation?" Madison muttered.

"That is your right!" Alliahnna gruffly answered.

"Then that means we don't have to say a word to you." Yuri snickered haughtily.

"Fine with me. Your voices are irritating anyway." Yuri and the others were stunned by the blunt remark. They heard officers are supposed to be courteous and always polite. She's talking to them like dirt. "Rays! See to it a defender arrives!"

"Ma'am!" Rays raced out of the room.

"Have they been told the charges?"

"Indeed they have." Myers flipped through his notes. "Ten counts of vandalism, two counts of trespassing on private property, and several counts of disturbing the peace."

"All together, we have enough to throw the lot of you in prison for 90 days!" The seven tried to be unfazed. The idea of prison terrified them to the core. "The first hour it will be known you viciously attacked homes occupied by children! Foster kids or not, the inmates will tear you apart!"

"WHAT?!" Lars trembled. The grim expressions of the other officers confirmed her threat. "You...you can't do that! You can't knowingly-"

"I won't do a damn thing!" Alliahnna sniggered evilly. "The Guards, police, or even soldiers - the atmosphere is that of a school. Rumors spread like wildfire. Even we can't stop it."

"No way!" Harrison protested.

"You're lying!" Alisa barked.

"We'll have you arrested!" Maxwell threatened.

"THEN TALK!" Myers roared. "The first one that talks gets the better deal!"

Robin remained stoic. Or at least tried to. He couldn't look Alliahnna in the eye. "Robin!" He flinched. Alliahnna's eyes bore the harshest into him. "Why don't you explain to me why you vandalized these houses? MY HOUSE!" Her face twisted in rage. "After all Phoebus and I went through to help you, you repay us with this!" She threw a towel at his feet. He grit his teeth. "Explain now! And maybe I can help you escape prison. AGAIN!"

"Why should we believe a word you say, PRINCESS?!" Yuri barked. "Fed through the money of the tax payers your whole life! Never having to work your fingers to the bone for scraps! Always cared for, and having a plush bed to come back to!" Tears streamed down her face. She trembled uncontrollably to control her welling rage. She shook her head violently. "YOU'VE NO IDEA WHAT IT'S LIKE TO NOT HAVE NOTHING! THE SYSTEM TAKING CARE OF MIX MATCHED FAMILIES AND LEAVING THE REST TO DIE! YOU KNOW NOTHING OF STRUGGLING!"

The girl's collar was grasped. She was viciously ripped off the chair, brought mere inches before Alliahnna. The sinister glare made her sweat profusely. "In a blaze and via a third party - since my 10th birthday I've been forced to fight for what I have." The low growl in her voice reverberated the girl's body. Myers and the others trembled. An entirely different person stood before them. Phoebus, however, kept his head turned to the ground. Sorrow gripped his heart. "Nothing for me is secure. Anyone at any time can take it away. So I fight! But never have I taken my rage out on those who don't deserve it! That's petty coward's motive!"

"I'M NOT A COWARD!"

"YES YOU ARE! ALL OF YOU ARE!" Alliahnna shoved her back to her seat. "Targeting homes with children who already lost everything? Only a coward seeks to ruin what they've been given!" Robin and his crew cringed, curling like worms being baked in the sun. Alliahnna spat at the floor, unable to look any of them in the eye. "WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE TO VANDALIZE LOVING HOMES? TO MAKE THE PARENTS AND CHILDREN SCARED?!"

"WHY SHOULD SURROGATES BE GIVEN FREE MONEY FOR TAKING IN STRAYS?!" The eldest boy roared back. "What makes them so special?! Why should we who can barely support our own families not receive that support?"

"You want to know why?" Myers rumbled rancorously. "You want to know why foster families are so well cared for?" He bent forward, bringing his mouth the the ignorant boy's ear. "Because you still have everything, whilst every foster family has absolutely nothing." The eldest boy's eyes widened. "Your mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, cousins and pets - monetarily you have nothing. But in the end you still have everything." Myers pulled away, twisting the boy's chin to force him to look him in the eye. "Children robbed of everything from birth until their recent age - second chances at life are granted. Money given to support them and show someone cares."

"And the more that are fostered, the more money they get. They defraud the system so they can purchase huge homes! " The blond girl hissed. "The kids nothing but a payout! So they should be made to understand true turmoil!"

"And that, dear girl," Myers grinned triumphantly, "Is the justification behind your brash actions." Robin and the crew gasped. The blond girl blushed shamefully. "You struck foster homes for receiving what you think you deserve. Truthfully, they have to work equally as hard. But there's no sense in explaining it to riffraff like you."

"HOLD ON-"

"SILENCE! ROBIN!" Robin bit his tongue. Alliahnna stamped a foot on the table. "Were it I still had the authority, I would let you all rot in the Bastille for ruining a child's life for a second time! But seeing as I'm not, I'll leave your punishment to Phoebus!" Alliahnna turned on her heels, storming for the door. "John and Mark - they have a home near Istana Park, correct?"

"How…" Robin trailed off shocked, "How do you know that?"

"I keep in touch with everyone from Paris. Including your brothers." She paused at the open door, staring woefully back at the blond haired boy. "I'm sad that our second visit is a result of your misdeeds. In fact," She locked her glare to the others, "All of your parents will be informed of what you've done!"

"W-WAIT! ALLI-" The door slammed, silencing Robin. The other six trembled, dreading their parents finding them like this. Guilty and criminals.

"Alright then," Myers clapped. He propped open a small handbook. "As per your rights…"

"You can't do anything! We demanded a lawyer!" Alisa testified strongly.

"And you will have one!" Myers spat. "But we are still charging you, and we are going to hold you for as long as we wish!"

xxx

Alliahnna lavished in the fresh air brushing over her. Those idiots were too full of hot air. Myers and Robin especially. She pounded at her stiff shoulders, stretching and cracking her neck. Her head was pounding like an orchestra of drums.

The front door steps quaked as she stormed down them. Her legs had the urge to kick one of the gargoyles several cricket fields. She doubted it would make her feel better. As she made it to the last step, a coach drove into the courtyard, coming to an abrupt halt. Alliahnna heard nothing about Schneizel receiving visitors. And it couldn't be Rays back with the lawyer. The nearest firm was 15 minutes from Schneizel's home.

The door opened. Alliahnna was shocked. Sebastian down from the coach, freezing when he met Alliahnna's gaze. Ciel poked his head out, equally shocked by Alliahnna on the steps. For a while they stood in a stifling silence. Thick ice forming at their feet, and either one fearful of breaking it incorrectly. A greeting? An apology? An apology and greeting? What do they say at this juncture.

Alliahnna was the first to move. Narrowing her brow, she placed a hand on her hip, "Hmph! Guess I shouldn't be surprised!" She hissed. "Lao was weak spined from the beginning!"

"Alliahnna…" Ciel moaned, leaving the coach.

Alliahnna raised her head, casting a malevolent gaze upon her brother and ex-lover. "Though I suppose I should be pleased you decided to chase after me! I was worried you'd take the easy route and ignore me for two years again!"

Ciel timidly glanced to the ground. It crossed his mind for a brief second. "I couldn't make the same mistake twice. Not when I nearly lost you forever." It would be far too callous for Alliahnna to laugh at that. "How...how are you doing?" He managed a weak smile.

"I'm still rather infuriated for an unknown reason." She growled in the back of her throat. "No. That's not true. I'm infuriated because...things are being allowed to progress on its side."

"What do you mean?" Ciel pleaded to understand. "What's sideways?"

"Everything! Everything is on its side! And we've allowed it to blossom so!"

"Then how can we fix it?" Ciel desired nothing more than to fix things "The issues started when you forbade me from killing Alois?!" Alliahnna will not deny it was her interference that caused this mess. However, Sebastian and Ciel are not without blame. It just may be less than hers. "Why?! What about that situation brought this on?"

"I'm in the middle of a case!" Alliahnna suddenly digressed. Her bangs hid her uncertainty as she meandered to the coach. "Our personal problems have to wait. Sebastian, do you remember the Smiths?"

"The Smiths?" He was caught off guard by the familiar name.

xxx

A bouncing baby girl found her way into Alliahnna's arm. Her bubbly cheeks rosy with glee as she was rocked in her arms. "Mark! John! She's gotten so big!" Alliahnna spun, holding Sascha in the air. "Sascha! You're going to be so beautiful!" Sascha waved her arms, cheering as she was flying. "And you two," She blushed at the brunette, and blond men, "You look as handsome as the day I left you!"

"You look beautiful as well, Lady Alliahnna." Mark gushed, hugging her. He was careful to not squash Sascha. "Sebastian! You're looking well also!" Mark beamed, shaking the butler's hand.

"Thank you. I am pleased to see you both in good health." Sebastian bowed his head, giving him a firm handshake.

"This is my brother, Ciel Phantomhive." Alliahnna shifted to the awkwardly standing boy. "As you can see, I'm the better looking twin." She winked. Ciel puffed his cheeks angrily.

"The pleasure is ours, Lord Phantomhive." John carried on, shaking Ciel's hand.

"Yes. A pleasure." Ciel stammered on recovery.

John and Mark offered them seats in the living room. Snacks and refreshments were arranged as per etiquette. The warm atmosphere drastically changed to gloom. As much as it displeased Alliahnna to do so, she informed John and Mark the reason behind her visit. Needless to say, John and Mark did not take well to the dour news. Sebastian was surprised to hear Robin returned to his life of crime. Though he supposes it should have been expected. The boy was a time bomb of rage waiting to unleash on the unsuspecting world. As Alliahnna concluded her report, she left it to Mark and John on what the next move will be.

"While we are happy to see you…" Mark cleared his throat to take the edge off, "We cannot help holding a small disdain." Alliahnna seemed pleased to hear him say so. She doesn't want him standing on ceremony and holding his feelings in. It's not healthy. "Are you sure Robin is part of the vandalisms?"

"I am." She contritely replied. "He all but admitted it a couple of hours ago."

John and Mark released defeated breaths. Somehow...they weren't at all too taken aback by the news. Robin's been acting out lately. What triggered this spree this time around was beyond them. Three months ago he is stealing. A month before that he pulled pranks on the police. And several months before that he was causing all sorts of problems for everyone. His reason are baseless, and he never tires to save himself. He just says, "I'm a tool for trouble!"

"What will happen to him?" John closed his hands together, fearing the worst.

"Right now he is being read his he is 16, he is legally an adult." Doom grasped Mark and John. Ciel and Sebastian silently remarked on where this was heading. Alliahnna folded her arms and legs, leaning back solemnly. "While this can be listed as a prank - as any good defense will argue - damage was caused that consumed funding by the families wronged." As much as it pained her, the dire reality must be laid bare. "If probation is deemed their punishment, the families will learn who is behind the attacks and seek reparations. Meaning you two will ultimately pay."

Ciel was both impressed and unnerved by her jaded response. Alliahnna maintained a stone expression, reading the body language of her quarry. She watched closely. Listened intensely. She gave no quarter in her statements. He was certain this was just the tip of the iceberg. But Ciel is witnessing first hand what Paris helped to cultivate.

"Is there nothing we can do?" Mark begged.

Alliahnna touched her chin, humming pensively. Ciel, Mark, and John leaned in. Sebastian smirked to himself. The twinkle in Alliahnna's eye confirmed she had a plan. "There might be." John and Mark saw hope for their brother. "But that requires all guardians to be present."

"Uhh...guardians?"

xxx

Roughly two hours later, Alliahnna returned to Schneizel's manor with Sebastian and Ciel in tow. While the Count and Phoebus were happy to see them, John and Mark's presence perturbed them. Crowding around them were angry parents and legal guardians. All of whom, Schneizel and Phoebus assumed, were related to the seven they have in custody in the Grand Hall. The next bunch of people were the complainants in the vandalism cases. Schneizel and Phoebus feared what Alliahnna had planned. That confident expression unnerved them more. Once again she's playing with fire. She'll take the burns like she does with everything else. With pride and bite back the pain.

Rays arrived moments earlier with the lawyer who instructed them to not speak further. No need. There's enough evidence to pass judgement. There was just one last ditch effort to save them from having jail bird on their records. It's just a matter of appealing to their sense of self-preservation.

xxx

"HUUUH?!" The seven dropped their jaws to the floor.

"YOU WANT US TO DO WHAT?!" Maxwell roared.

"I don't believe we stuttered!" Myers huffed angrily. He hates nothing more than repeating himself. The stern parents, legal guardians, and the defense lawyer supervising the meeting glared on appalled. At the same time, they held mild consideration. "No judge in the world will permit something like this to go to court! A waste of taxpayer's money, they will call it!" The foster parents subjected the wanton assaults wrinkled their brows. The truth in his words made their hearts pump. A waste of money to help clean and mend the homes these seven ruined for no reason. "However, what the judge will allow is a plea to no contest!"

"NO CONTEST?!" The father of the eldest boy roared. "Meaning they should plead guilty and be sent to prison for a prank?!"

"A prank?!" Amber Calista hissed. "You call scaring our children and desecrating our homes with fecal matter a prank?!"

"People like you have no sense of humor!" A mother on the teens' side roared. "You're given enough money by Paris! Clean it yourselves and move on!"

"Like everyone else has moved on in regards to our family?" Richard challenged. The opposing group ground their teeth. "I have been forcefully held to account for Melony's transgressions! On my own I try to make amends and my work is constantly thrown in the trash!"

"Trash belongs in the trash!" A second father roared.

"SILENCE!" Alliahnna bellowed, piercing the ears of everyone in the grand hall. No one in the room was spared her murderous glare. "Since you are all dead set on seeing justice done, why don't I make it simple?!" She spun and stamped a foot. The parents stiffened like boards. "Two noble homes were damaged! Therefore your children either plead no contest, or are simply thrown in prison with no trial for 90 days - AS IS MANDATORY!" The parents retreated, shaking with anger. Vandalism in Paris carries a mandatory sentence of 90 days. After which a hearing is called to determine the severity of the damage and a secondary punishment is decided.

"What do they get when they plead no contest?" John decided to take the high road. Robin has caused for too much trouble for his own good. Jail might turn him, or harm him. Unfortunately, John can't bear sending him to prison. Not while he has so much to live for.

"The tribunal will agree to a year probation." Phoebus announced, dissatisfying the parents greatly. The foster parents were fine with that. "For three months of the probation," Phoebus put his hands to his hips, glaring at the cringing teens, "These seven will earn marks for community service by helping the ten homes they struck."

"WHAT?!" The teens roared.

"Cleaning, gardening - whatever chore the families deem, they will carry it out." Phoebus progressed, ignoring the heated protests. "Depending the their work, their probation may be reduced."

"This is child labor!" Another mom bellowed. "You can't expect my daughter-"

"16!" Alliahnna snapped. "17, 17, 18, 19, 16, and 20!" She shot an impatient stare at the parents with no pedestal to argue from. "All adults under the law, therefore deemed old enough to clean their own messes!" One of the fathers was about to protest again. "DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND! We don't require your permission to charge these seven, nor did we have to bring you! You're only here as a courtesy! A glorified audience!"

"How dare you?!" The next mother spewed. "You cannot speak to us this way!"

Alliahnna's expression twisted demonically. "You're in my house! I will address you however I please!" Ciel jumped back like the others. Alliahnna was scary when strangers stepped on her toes. "Especially when you stand by your children in their biased attacks on people taking in orphans!" The parents and the lawyer couldn't' argue on that account. While reservations force them to side with their children, and a rancor for the Calista bolsters their contempt, the foster parents across from them have done virtually nothing to deserve this treatment. In all honesty, they should be awarded medals for caring for children with nothing. "The seven of you now have a choice to make!" Robin and friends quivered like leaves in a cold breeze. "90 days in the county jail, or a one year probation with three months of community service!" Alliahnna stormed for the door, unable to remain in the stuffy room any longer.

"OYE! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!" Mark cried. She can't leave when Robin's freedom hangs in the balance. She has to stand by him like before. "Don't you want to hear their response?"

Alliahnna held the door open, lingering for a moment to ponder the strange question. "The guilty will automatically choose prison to avoid facing the crime." Her declaration gave the accused teens pause for thought. Their parents and guardian gazed nervously upon them. "When they walk from this room in shackles, I'll know their decision." Was all Alliahnna said as she left the room. Ciel and Sebastian stared in awe of her. Sharing nods the two headed for the door, leaving everyone else to deliberate.

xxx

Alliahnna was a ways down the hallway, sitting at a window overlooking a view of the streets. Carriages passing by, couples and families strolling along with not a care in the world. Alliahnna envied them. One couple she replaced with her and Sebastian. Holding hands, laughing as they ate some ice cream. Good times. She wanted to rekindle them.

"That was intense." Ciel praised. Alliahnna was impassive toward him and Sebastian walking up to her. "I don't recall a time you were so scary."

"Sure you do, Ciel." She remarked in a high voice, keeping her attention trained to the outside. "The problem is you choose to block those memories. Keep them at bay for your own purposes."

The comment stabbed Ciel. Sebastian took a step back. "Where the Hell did that come from?!" Ciel understands she's upset. She has a right to be. But he can't accept this unwarranted contempt constantly radiating off her. "I'm the one who should be furious with you! Especially after what you did!" Alliahnna's cheeks reddened angrily. He was right. Her reasons for being upset are meant for Sebastian. Ciel isn't the one at fault. "What's your problem with me?!"

"My problem, Ciel, is you killing a boy wailing on his knees!" Ciel and Sebastian gaped taken aback. Alliahnna sensed she was contradicting herself given her display from before. There are a number of reasons she stayed Alois execution. Number one on her list, "The recluse man, Mrs. Turner, culprits from Paris - I was fine with their deaths. The death of twisted people weighs nothing on my conscience!"

"Then why Alois?"

"Because…" 'You're being tricked by a demon.' Alois whimpered in her mind. Ciel and Alois must never learn how the depth of the truth carried in his accusation. "Because he was a young boy sobbing on his knees. Begging for his life." Alliahnna somberly shook her head, hanging it with a shame she should rightfully bear. "I may be equally wounded by grief. But my honor forbade me from killing anyone on their knees. I will not allow you to do the same."

"Then when will you let me kill him?" If nothing else, Ciel can commit to this. He'd rather be denied his revenge than lose Alliahnna twice. "When will I be allowed to claim revenge for what he has stolen?"

For what he has stolen? A stunted list when Alliahnna thought about it. Alois, for reason solely virtuous to him, sought to claim Ciel for himself and usher an agony worse than death upon Sebastian. The means by which he can achieve his goal is by shattering Ciel's soul into pieces right before his eyes. Rob him of a deliciously rare soul that he has long hungered for. What's driven him to such a hatred, or how Alois came to the conclusion of harming Ciel or Sebastian was beyond her. One thing she is certain of though, Claude and his demon entourage are responsible. The end game is a mystery.

"Soon, Ciel." Alliahnna rasped. "My anger towards you is misdirected." She admitted with a hint of disgrace. "I am angry with myself for breaking my word to you. Yes, I want Alois dead. I want that monstrous boy dead." More than anything, she wants the entire Trancy household wiped off the face of the world. Flashes of Alois bawling like a babe, blood spewing from his mouth as he pleaded for Ciel's ear. "But the boy I saw...how he wept and pleaded...that is the result of a porcelain doll, crafted by grief and molded together by anguish, cracking. The box in which he has surrounded himself giving, letting the harsh elements bring the world he's tried to bar come bearing down on him." She shot up to her feet, staring Ciel straight in the eye. "When you kill Alois, I want him on his feet. Facing you like a man." She bore her teeth, encroaching on him. "I want YOU facing him like the man I've helped you to become!"

Ciel felt a fire reignite in his stomach and light his heart up in a blaze. "Very well." He smirked. "You have my word."

Alliahnna returned the smile. "Then you have mine." They bumped their forearms together. The Phantomhive Twins are going to reclaim England when they go home. Sebastian was warmed by their making up. The storm was brewing on the horizon.

The grand hall door opened. Myers emerged with a proud grin on his face. "Paris earned itself seven little helpers for the next three months." He snorted. "Kudos to them! They would be lunch meat for the inmates!"

"Their probation?"

"Will be initiated when they sign their confessions and are sent in for processing."

"Good. Then my work here is done." Alliahnna declared. The trip was short. But she has a previous engagement she promised to be home for.

"Good to here!" Myers snorted. "While you were of menial help, it'll be nice to have REAL officers in this building again." Ciel was horrified by Myers' heartless remark. Sebastian, however, wasn't too surprised. He remembers Myers very well. Talented, yes. Tactful, hardly. "Go back to England and play ornament to your brother! The TRASH will be dealt with as they should be."

"Hold it!" Ciel barked.

Alliahnna extended a hand, silencing him. "Phoebus!" On cue Phoebus appeared from the grand hall. "Seven months. That's the trial period, correct?" Myers flinched. That's how long he's been Phoebus's second.

"Correct." Phoebus looked to Myers. To be made an official lieutenant to the commander, the nominee must go through a trial period. Seven months was the limit. No one knows why. It just is. Afterward, the Commander is to give an evaluation and make a choice as to whether or not he will keep his lieutenant. "And in the course of those seven months...I've deemed Francois myers unfit for the position." Myers shattered like the fragile glass doll he was. He crumbled to his knees, staring lost at the floor.

"Good to know." Alliahnna inwardly smiled. She glanced to Myers. "As you said, Myers, the trash will be dealt with as it should be." Myers shot a frothed glare at her. Ciel and Sebastian were sure entertained. "For the next five months I want you to vet Oliver." She ordered Phoebus.

"OLIVER?!" Myers scoffed. "THAT OLD FART?!"

"As you will, Lady Alliahnna." Phoebus bowed, ignoring Myers.

"HOLD ON!" Myers stood between them, falling apart at the seams with humiliation. "SHE HOLD NO AUTHORITY HERE! SHE'S NOTHING IN THIS WORLD OF MEN!" He swiped a hand. "Why do you keep picking this pretentious brat over me?!"

"Precisely the reason there!" Phoebus barked, folding his hands behind his back. "Everyone is beneath you! Nothing is worth while! And you treat allies like dirt!" He gestured to Alliahnna. Ever since she arrived he's been unnecessarily violent towards her. He hadn't realized Myers possessed a distaste towards women. Ironic given it was Alliahnna who nominated him. "I was just so with Alliahnna when she first started! But I changed! You, Francois, will never change!" Phoebus broke the boy again. He needed to be careful. There isn't much left of him. "Francois Myers. As of this moment, you are dismissed from duty! You will return to the ranks as a trainee until further notice!"

"But-"

"THAT'S AN ORDER!" Phoebus roared.

Myers shrank in himself. "Y...yes...sir!" Myers sluggishly turned. He gave Alliahnna one more vengeful glare, declaring war on her for this outrage. Alliahnna let the boy pass without so much as a sideways glance.

Phoebus released a pleased breath. "I suddenly feel lighter!" He chuckled. "Though I'll be pulling double duty until Oliver is fully vetted."

"You can handle it." Alliahnna cupped her hands to her heart. "If I have absolute faith in anyone's abilities it's yours." Phoebus broke out in a cherry blush. Alliahnna knew how to embarrass him.

xxx

A couple of hours - and raging arguments from infuriated parents - later, Robin and his vandalizing cohorts were arrested and filed into a prison transport. They would be escorted to the courthouse where they will be processed, and their punishments will be distributed. Their lawyer and parents will planned to twist the judge's ear. The prosecutor will ensure it all falls on deaf ears before it is over. Myers decided to oversee the process. Something about wanting to regain his stomach away from the sickness. If that was meant to be an insult.

Meanwhile, Phoebus and Schneizel groaned sadly at the next bit of bad news. "You're going to be leaving in a couple of days?!" Schneizel glomped Alliahnna in a strangling hug, burying her face into his chest. "You can't leave so soon! I won't allow you! You have to stay! Another month! Or more!" Sebastian, Phoebus, and Ciel found this embarrassing to watch. Schneizel is the epitome of a doting father.

"I CAN'T BREATHE!" Alliahnna pushed her face free. Sweet air filled her lungs. "Okay! Oh gosh!" She panted. "I can't stay a month. Ciel and I have a lot of work to do back in England." Though nothing would make her happier than staying in Paris. Perhaps when everything is over with the Trancy's. "For now, we can spend a couple of extra days here. Elizabeth needs us back for a friend's birthday that's coming up soon."

"And besides, Schneizel,we wouldn't want our Allie to put off her duties for personal reasons." Phoebus patted Schneizel on the back. "That's not how we raised her."

"I know. But…" Schneizel sniffled, then he burst into tears. "I miss my little girl! It's not fair England gets to keep her!"

"No one keeps me anywhere, Schneizel. You know that!" She boasted confidently. "Once I'm finished in England - who knows - I might come here for a month or two."

"And we'll be certain to join her." Ciel affirmed. "Paris is a far more beautiful place than I imagined. I must return in the near future."

"Then allow us to treat you to some Paris cuisine while you are here." Schneizel placed a hand at Ciel's back, escorting him inside the manor. "Until the day you depart, please make my home yours."

"Thank you, Lord Schneizel." He bowed his head, happily following him and Phoebus inside. "I'd be honored."

Alliahnna was happy to see them getting along. She was especially glad she and Ciel were back on solid ground. Well, not solid. But definitely stronger than earlier.

"You have my praise." Sebastian's voice killed her mood. Razor blades turned her insides to ribbons. "Today appears to be breeding positive outcomes. Thank goodness." He strolled up behind her, wearing his most tender smile. "I feared you and the young master would remain at odds. It would seem my fears were unwarranted." Alliahnna flinched as his hand snaked up her back. Fingers interlacing with her long hair. Unbearable tingles webbed across her back. "The love between a brother and sister - I must confess my envy." His hand slipped to her head, cupping the side of her quivering jaw. "Perhaps you and I can…rekindle our own love..." He moved his head closer, bringing his lips to her ear. Alliahnna whipped around suddenly. SLAP! Sebastian froze aghast. A stinging red mark swelled to his cheek. Unbridled rage burned in Alliahnna's glossy eyes. Sebastian touched the cheek with confusion. "Why?" He moaned.

"Do not imagine you are in the same boat as him, Sebastian! My fury with you burns hotter!" Sebastian's teeth bit the inside of his lip to stop him from protesting. Today will mark the second time Alliahnna has locked hateful demon eyes onto him. Eyes begging to peel his skin off his bones. "My empathy for your contract stands! Albeit your reluctance at times, you cannot disobey whoever where's your mark!" And because of those orders, Sebastian's arrangement - his contract - with Ciel was voided. So here they are. Trying to fix a broken boy by pitting him against another broken boy. Her hand subconsciously touched where Sebastian's mark transformed into her own. "Ciel is the prize! Ciel is the coveted! CIEL IS THE ONE YOU AND CLAUDE WILL FIGHT OVER LIKE RABID DOGS FIGHTING OVER A BONE!" She was unable to control her angry treble in her throat. The rupturing in her chest roared in her fiery words. "As long as you get his soul, nothing else matters! Even if an innocent boy pays the price!"

"You were all for this plan when it was initiated!" Sebastian shot back. Alliahnna agreed hands down, no arguments, and with a smile. She sipped his blood while it pumped in his veins. "Now here you stand, pretending to be holier than thou, and naming me as sole conspirator!"

"I know what I did! And I regret it!"

"BUT WHY?!"

"BECAUSE I CAN'T LET CIEL KILL SOMEONE FOR NOTHING!" She ripped the Count's seal off and dangled it to Sebastian. Seeing the purple seal bearing gold crosswords after all this time marshaled a wave of nostalgia. The pride he felt when she earned Schneizel's seal and trust of his city came flooding back. "The day I accepted this seal...I gave an oath! Do you remember it?"

"Word for word." Sebastian closed his eyes. The inauguration - as auspicious as the Autumn night glistening around it - Alliahnna bowed to one knee before Schneizel. In response to Count Schneizel, Alliahnna announced, "I so swear to the protectorate Paris, that I, Alliahnna P. Britannia, shall serve as its protector, and safeguard the innocent from the guilty, and bring justice to those who cannot acquire it."

"I was worried you'd forgotten."

"The conviction and passion in which you proclaimed your duty was moving." Sebastian's heart fluttered in the nostalgia. Not a day has passed since she hasn't put that same level of passion in her work. It made him fall in love with her over and over again. "I will never forget what you swore to uphold." The haze surrounding Alliahnna's strange behavior gradually cleared. Sebastian's eyes widened in a gleam. Alliahnna blew through pursed lips, letting her anger flow. "Your vow…"

Alliahnna lowered her head. Her bangs obscured her guilt. "At the worst possible moment...I remembered my vow." She clenched her fingers into tight fists. It was wrong. It was all wrong. "I couldn't let Ciel kill Alois for our parents deaths...because Ash and Angela already paid for that!" The lies. All of these lies! She doesn't care if Ciel's memories ever recover. She just wants the lies to stop. She's willing to deal with the outcome should the truth be presented. I'd shatter his soul to see the pain in his eyes dissipate.

"Alliahnna…" Sebastian reached his hands out to her. He wanted to hold her. Keep her safe in his arms and promise her all will be well. Just as he always has.

Alliahnna backed away just as his arms closed. The motion hurt him. Worse than he thought it would. She didn't look at him. She didn't see the grief in his eyes. She didn't want to see those misleading arms hovering open for the embrace that would never come. "Please, Sebastian." Her voice broke. His name...hurt to leave her lips. "Please don't...apologize, explain, perform turn about - nothing." She shook her head. She can't bear to hear his lies anymore. "Just...leave me alone...please."

An arrow struck Sebastian in the pits of his soul. He staggered as he edged away from her. She can't be serious, his mind wanted to tell him. She's just in one of her moods. If he stands there long enough she'll come around. Like she always does. He must have waited a minute or five. She never moved or spoke. Sebastian wanted to plead to her better nature again. He couldn't see her eyes, but the lone tear trailing down her cheek spoke in volumes. She wasn't going to hear him.

"Of course." He lowered his head resignedly. "Pardon me, My Lady. I'll wait for you inside." He sauntered around her. As he passed by her, he paused and whispered, "Forever and Always." Alliahnna's eyes flew wide. Those words - the words they swore upon when they shared their first kiss - hit her directly. Sebastian heard her drop to her knees, soon followed by the sobs she failed to muffle.

To be continued.

Not really much, I know.