A/N: There is a slight mention of sexual content. There will be a line where it starts and ends.
Chapter Twenty-Nine: His Butler, Fluent, His Bodyguard, Protective 'Til the End
Sebastian commandeered a boat. He placed the Young Master within and grabbed the oar.
"This will joggle you for a moment, Young Master." He said, pushing off and sailing to the incomplete bridge.
Ciel looked at the burnt bodies that littered the side of the river. His eye widened when he saw a white feather. He voiced his question.
"Where are we going?"
"Here in England, there are several bridges named "Devil's Bridge", so called because legend has it they were made by demons. In contrast, the Tower Bridge is a holy bridge which I surmise that the angel instructed Her Majesty to build." Sebastian explained.
They continued under several bridges, coming to the incomplete Tower Bridge. Ciel's eye widened as he saw the faces and heard the cries and moans of the deceased in the base of the Tower.
"Human sacrifices?! This is meant to be a holy bridge?!" Ciel asked, incredulously.
"Taken too far, saintliness is far beastlier than evil." Sebastian stated, staring at the faces in the wall.
He docked the boat, tightening the rope so they could use it once their task was finished.
"Please wait here, Young Master."
Ciel turned to him. Determination in his eye.
"I'm coming along!"
"Let me put this plainly. You would drag me down." The demon said, sternly.
"I see. In other words, you're no match for him if you're fettered down." Ciel taunted.
*…Clearly, he's been taking lessons from Frances…* Sebastian thought, a smirk growing upon his lips.
"Very well, then." He said, placing a hand upon his chest and bowing slightly, "You shall have a prime view, my lord."
He gathered the Young Master into his arms and made his way to the ladder. He began to climb.
On the Mad Streets of London
Frances had finished taking another person to the building. As she ran, she noticed the small wisps of smoke were now merging together with the other black smoke coming from the burnt bodies on the ground. She ran through an alleyway and bypassed a familiar man in black ropes with silvery-grey hair. She did also note the rather large death scythe in his hands. She paused in her step and turned towards him with her eyebrows scrunched together. He waved at her.
"Hiiiii." He said, cheerfully.
"Undertaker?" She asked.
She walked up to him. Her eyes looked over the death scythe. It was amazing! A long stick that formed into a skeleton before curving into a sharp blade, wide at the base curving into a thin yet undoubtedly sharp point.
"Wow." She whispered.
Her eyes looked up to see him smirking proudly.
"Waiting for Will I take it?" She asked.
Undertaker's smirk widened.
"Yes." He said.
She smiled and nodded.
"Do you know what this black smoke is?" She asked.
"Hmmm." He hummed, placing a fingernail to his chin thinking, "I suppose since this night is busy, I'll let you pass on paying my fee. It's the hearts of the people."
Frances frowned, looking away from him.
"I see. So, they're sacrificing them to gain more power…" She whispered, horrified.
...There was nothing she could do, but continue to help those she could. She looked up at Undertaker who she could feel was watching her. She gave him a small smile.
"Thank you, Undertaker. Please, excuse me."
She made to leave when…
"Off to help more people?" He asked.
She stopped and turned back to him.
"Yes, I am." She answered.
Undertaker stood up and approached her. He stopped directly in front of her. She looked up at him since he was about half a head taller than her.
"You and I have known each other for quite a long time, Frances. I feel it fair to warn you…" He trailed off.
She tilted her head, "Yes?" She asked, waiting for him to finish.
"You're going to die tonight." He said, placing two of his fingernails upon his lips, smiling coyly at her.
Frances looked at him startled. She took a step back and looked at the ground as a jolt of fear raced through her. She took a moment to collect her thoughts.
*Bridgett, Irene, and Marcelo know I love them as I write them that all the time and I've already said I love you and my goodbyes to my friends, Ciel, and Sebastian... I'll be all right.*
She thought about when she hugged Bridgett, Irene, and Marcelo and cried with them after she told them about the death of their parents, the conversation about her love for Sebastian with Bridgett, hers and Sebastian's confession of feelings after she had returned, hers and Sebastian's endless conversations and his patience and amusement towards her endless questions, the first time they said I love you to each other, the times she enjoyed the weather, her conversations with Finny, Bard, Mey-rin, and Tanaka, the tender moments Ciel and her shared when he was emotional, cuddling with the kitties, getting tackled by Pluto, each tender kiss and touch shared between her and Sebastian, the days they spent together with her family, their ice skating dance in the snow, the days she spent with Will, Grell, and Undertaker including the time they did the show and spent time with her at the party, Sebastian's birthday celebration, her birthday celebration, each moment the two of them shared together, including when he let her go to be herself.
She looked back up at Undertaker who was watching her closely. A small smile appeared upon her lips. She opened her arms and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. He hugged her back just as tightly. She looked up at him as he looked at her, the two still smiling.
"Thank you for the warning, Undertaker. But, I've never really been afraid of death."
*After all, I've been close to death several times…*
The Grim Reaper smiled wider at her.
"You truly do have a one of a kind soul, Frances."
She smiled brightly at him.
"Thank you for all you have done, Undertaker. For answering my endless questions, helping me, and simply chatting about life… and death. You're a great friend, Undertaker."
"As are you, Frances." He said, squeezing her.
She squeezed him back. He released her shortly after. She smiled and waved as she ran off.
"See you, Undertaker!" She waved.
"Enjoy your eternal nap, Frances." Undertaker waved.
Tower Bridge
The angel watched from his perch on Tower Bridge. A crazed smile upon his lips, tears flowing down his cheeks.
"They're burning down… Her Majesty's dream and the human world. Ah, at last, the great and notable day of our Father cometh! The signs shall be blood, fire, and vapor of smoke. Isn't that right, demon?"
Sebastian appeared on the other side of the bridge with the Young Master in his left arm.
"Why did you kill the Queen, too?" Ciel demanded.
"Her clouded fish-eyes." The angel retorted.
"Fish-eyes?"
"Her eyes should have been fixed on the future, but they were captivated by the past, and they dulled and rotted. There was nothing for me to do but cleanse her."
Sebastian turned away from Ash and walked over to some steel plated materials. He set the boy down upon them as he spoke.
"This seat is a bit uncomfortable, but I believe it has the best view in the house."
He stood back up to his full height.
"I agree." The Young Master said.
"Your orders, my lord?"
Ciel placed a hand to his eye patch. He took it off, tossing it off the bridge.
"Kill him… Kill the angel!" Ciel ordered, his contract glowing brilliantly.
Sebastian's fuchsia eyes swirled with energy. He bowed to one knee, a hand upon his chest, his head bowed.
"Yes, my lord."
"When the bridge is complete it will seal eastern London from uncleanliness. (Sebastian walked towards the edge of the gap of the incomplete bridge.) As an angel, I have no choice but to purge any demon who alight upon this gate. (Ash slowly unsheathed his sword.) Purge them into pure-white beings… (He pointed his sword to the right.) Without stain, without heart, without life."
The angel pushed off. Sebastian followed suit with three knives in between his fingers. They merely deflected off each other. They landed on each other's side of the bridge they were previously standing on. Ash turned while Sebastian did a backflip. His knives scraped the sword between two of his knives. Sebastian sent a kick to the angel who avoided it. They landed on opposite sides of the bridge again. Sebastian felt something grab onto his legs. He faltered for a moment and looked down to see the souls of the bridge latching onto him.
"Sebastian!" Ciel cried out.
The souls surrounded his body.
On the Mad Streets of London
Frances halted in her step. A feeling that something very, very bad was going to happen to Sebastian filled her. Her eyes trailed to the black soul smoke converging to the bridge she looked at earlier.
"Sebastian." She whispered.
She ran towards it, not taking her eyes off the bridge for even a second. She finally looked down once she was at the edge of the Thames, nearly falling in. However, she caught herself. She noticed a small rowboat. She untied it, hopped into it, and began to row herself as quickly as she could to the bridge. She watched as the black smoke seemed to be going faster towards the bridge. She rowed a bit faster.
Sebastian struggled against the black soul smoke as they clung to him.
"This mist…" He stated.
"Yes, it feels wonderful." Ash said, his voice and being turning into Angela, "This feels wonderful… They're so warm and slimy. Nicer to the touch than the finest furs."
Sebastian's eyes narrowed slightly.
"An angel clothed in uncleanliness? How the mighty have fallen."
"The pleasures of uncleanliness are unpleasant and unbearable to me." Ash's voice rang out, "However… (Angel feathers shot out at him. He barely managed to move from them.)
Frances' heart squeezed as the feeling grew stronger. There were little cracks forming between the soul smoke. She could just barely see the back of Sebastian's tailcoat. She rowed faster, keeping her eyes on him.
Ash's voice turned back to Angela's, "The despair of uncleanliness gives me power."
Suddenly, Frances felt Ciel's fear spike slightly.
Ash's voice returned, "I grow stronger and stronger. (His wings were on full display.) Oh, what to do? (He chuckled.) I still…"
Sebastian tilted his head when he heard Angela's voice behind him.
"…haven't given up on you, you know."
Sebastian glared.
"I believe I have told you, I already have Frances. I desire no one else, especially someone who fornicates with dogs."
Frances' eyes narrowed as she noticed white wings behind Sebastian.
"If you won't embrace me, a woman…"
Sebastian moved his head forward to see Ash once again.
"I will stay in this man's form, as the Sun… (Ash's face transformed slightly to Angela who stuck their tongue out and moved it near the blade sensually.) … and sink my shaft into you all the way to the hilt."
Sebastian's eyes held his clear disgust.
"Your taste really couldn't get any worse." He muttered.
Frances saw a brilliant white light shining in the midst of the soul smoke. She was a little more than halfway to the bridge.
"The Final Judgment approaches. Hear me, demon. Your chest shall be the sheath to my sword." Ash said, pointing his sword to the sky before suddenly running forward, "Take it into yourself!"
Frances' eyes widened as she saw Ash running towards Sebastian. His face held a crazed look.
"NO!" She shrieked, raising her hand to send a sword to block Ash's attack.
A silver handled sword appeared out of nowhere, blocking Ash's sword so ferociously that it sent Ash's sword out of his hand.
"Sebastian!" Ciel cried out in alarm.
All three of their eyes widened in surprise before Sebastian's and Ciel's lips turned into smirks, instantly knowing exactly who blocked Ash's attack. Both swords sailed through the air. Frances' sword embedded itself upright in the steel structure while Ash's clashed nosily to the ground. The soul smoke that held Sebastian, let go of him as Ash looked around frantically when he spotted Frances nearing the bridge. He gritted his teeth in disgust.
"That unclean, strange human!" He snarled, he side-eyed Sebastian, "She would even go so low to protect a demon. She is beyond help. I will destroy her."
Sebastian's eyes turned fuchsia as he glared and growled ferociously at the angel. He lunged at the angel who morphed back into Angela who gave a cry in pain. She looked down to see three silver knives embedded into her stomach. She glared at the demon butler who smirked as he landed perfectly on his feet once again.
"I shall get rid of you as well." Angela said, morphing back into Ash.
Ash had a crazed look upon his face as he grabbed his sword, taking the silver knives out of his stomach. He spun quickly, throwing the knives aside, lunging forward with the sword pointed at Sebastian. Sebastian jumped back. Immediately more souls converged on his and Ciel's being.
"Sebastian!" The boy cried out.
Sebastian glanced back. His eyes widened.
*Oh, Young Master…* He sighed, mentally.
He could see all the dead bodies that the boy had used except for Frances who would always remain at his side. They surrounded the boy as he sat in a throne with a crown upon his head.
*That's right. The enemy's only lost its Queen. The game isn't over yet. (He imagined a pile of chess pieces. The King falling into said pile from his very hands. His beautiful Frances standing beside him with her head leaning on his shoulder, arms around his waist.) Until I hear the final call…*
Ash took him out of his thoughts.
"How dare you take your eyes off me in the midst of our glorious battle! You spoil my mood."
Ash's eyes suddenly widened as he noticed the soul smoke disappearing. He wasn't the only one.
Frances smiled.
"Thank you, Grim Reapers." She said, out loud.
She felt Sebastian smile. She was finally at the bridge. She docked the boat next to the other boat and made her way to the ladder. She began to climb it as quickly as she could. About a quarter of the way up, she slipped due to how fast she was going. Her hands gripped tightly to the railing as her body banged into the ladder roughly. She winced slightly. Her breathing heavy as her heart hammered in her chest. She got her feet back on before continuing the climb.
"Those blasted Reapers dare interfere with this noble and hallowed ceremony?!" Ash snarled.
The smoke cleared completely. Sebastian smirked.
"What a pity." He said, "It doesn't look as though we'll be able to greet this zenith. Shall I make my counterattack?"
"I'd hoped to have more fun with you, but there's no help for it…"
Frances was almost to the top when she heard his loud whistle calling for Pluto. After the second whistle, she could feel Sebastian's and Ciel's smugness. She knew her friends killed off Pluto. A sad smile appeared upon her lips before determination crossed her features.
Suddenly, she felt a shift of overwhelming power. She was finally at the top of the bridge to see Sebastian standing on one side of the incomplete bridge with Ash on the other side, his head bowed.
"Useless… Useless… Useless… They're all useless!"
Slowly, the angel floated into the air Ash/Angela fighting for control of their face. Her eyes widened at the sight. She started running towards them as Sebastian turned, running towards the Young Master and reaching for him. The angel floated further into the air, their flickering face steadily growing still screaming, "Useless!" over and over.
"Young Master!" Sebastian shouted.
"Taste the flames of Hell!" The angel screamed.
"CIEL! SEBASTIAN!" Frances screamed.
Sebastian gathered the boy into his arms and moved back just as feathers shot out like bullets. They crashed through the structure causing smoke to erupt wherever they struck. Frances barely made it to them. She threw her arms out, shielding them. Eight feathers struck her upper body ranging from above her breasts to the center of her stomach. She grunted as unbearable pain shot through her. Tears filled her eyes as she fell onto Sebastian's back. Her blood leaking onto his tailcoat.
"Sebastian…" She heard the Young Master say.
Suddenly, she heard both of them gasp sharply.
"Frances!" They both called out.
Sebastian moved her into his arms. His red eyes didn't repress his anger, worry, and… fear. She felt a smaller hand on her shoulder. She glanced to her right to see Ciel's eyes were wide with worry. She gently placed her hand on his, giving it a little squeeze.
Ash's eyes widened when he saw her in front of the demon and child before a smirk spread across his face.
"Well, well, you would even let a human go so far to protect you." Ash stated, walking towards them.
Sebastian's head snapped towards Ash. He snarled darkly and three knives appeared in his hand. Frances let go of Ciel and placed her hand onto Sebastian's hand holding the knives. He turned to her. His sharp teeth were showing and his eyes were glowing with thin slits. His teeth instantly reverted back, his eyes turning back to red as he saw the determined look in her eyes. He understood her without words. He assisted her, placing her into a better position, blocking the Young Master from the angel. He wasn't pleased about letting her protect him, however, because she was his strong human, he would let her. Ash smirked as he walked towards them.
"You're letting a human fight your battles? (Ash let out a short bark of laughter.) I thought humans meant nothing to demons. (He knelt down in front of her.) Tell me, my dear, (He tried to grab her face, but she moved her head away, eyes glaring at the angel as Sebastian let out a snarl. His hand shaking as he prevented himself from grabbing the angel and ripping him in half.) was it worth it?"
"Yes, he is." She stated before opening her hand.
A bright white light came out of her hand as well as a ferocious wind that sent the angel flying backwards with a cry. At the same time, Sebastian threw a knife. Ash tried to block the light, but it was too late. He was momentarily blinded. He also felt pain as a silver knife was embedded into his chest. The wind blast sent him about halfway between the town and the bridge. She fell into Sebastian's awaiting arms, breathing heavily.
"Why did you do that, Frances?! You know I can handle things like that!" He growled, his fuchsia eyes shining ever so brightly, his pupils slitted.
She reached up with a shaking hand and caressed his cheek, a smile upon her lips.
"Because I love you." She said, simply.
He gasped slightly. She turned her head to the right, seeing Ciel staring at her with even wider eyes. She reached out with her other hand. Ciel took it, gripping on it tightly.
"Ciel, thank you for putting your trust in me, allowing me to live my life by being true to me, for giving me a second chance, and not using my loved ones against me. (A tear slid down her cheek, too weak to care to stop it. Ciel's grip on her tightened.) Please don't be too distraught over this, we make our own decisions and it is mine and Abberline's decision to protect you (Ciel took a sharp breath at Abberline's name.). It has been an honor serving you. Now that your game is almost over, I hope your victory feels triumphant." She said, smiling despite the pain.
"Frances." Ciel said, softly, closing his eyes and gritting his teeth.
He wasn't going to cry. Not now! Not when he's this close! He wasn't going to let her die neither.
"Sebastian, I…"
Frances shook her head, squeezing his hand tighter.
"This is meant to be. Undertaker… told me as such."
Ciel's eyes widened as another sharp gasp escaped him.
She turned to Sebastian who was watching the exchange in silence. She took her hand from Ciel's and took Sebastian's gloved hand into hers, intertwining their fingers as she looked into his fuchsia slitted pupils. His body trembled ever so slightly.
"There is so much I wish to say, but I don't think I'll have time to say everything." She said, feeling her body slowing down, the smile upon her lips never fading, "First, will you check on my siblings from time to time after you tell them how I died protecting the people I love please?"
"Of course, Frances." He said, inclining his head a little.
She smiled.
"Thank you. For doing that. And for being you. Thank you for allowing me to be vulnerable to you. For allowing me to be my complete self: childish, adult-like. You accept me for me. Thank you for continuing to push me, for catching me when I fall, for punishing me when I deserve it (the demon chuckled slightly at that while Ciel made a horrified face.). Thank you for not hiding your feelings for me, for making my family yours. (She turned her head to the left; a cough escaped her lips. She turned back to him; blood dribbled down her chin.) Thank you for every memory, every moment, everything. I love you, Malphas."
Sebastian gasped.
Ciel looked confused. She barely said that last word, so he didn't hear what she had said. Nor did he understand why Sebastian reacted the way he did.
The demon wondered how on Earth she knew his true name. Though, if she was able to play his demon song, it was only a matter of time before she learned his true name. He recovered and pulled her tighter to him. The action caused her to tighten her grip on his hand, the other still holding his cheek.
"I want you… to take my soul."
Both Ciel and the newly discovered Malphas gasped in shock once again. Completely stunned.
"It has and always will be yours."
Not for the first time, this human surprised him. Made him speechless.
"Please." She whispered.
His demon eyes softened. His hands moved to her cheeks, gently caressing her left cheek as he carefully balanced her between his raised knee and his upper body. He nodded slowly.
"Yes, Frances. You are mine as I am yours." He said, softly in his demonic voice.
A chill raced through her, causing her to cough and smile even wider. She reached up with her other hand and took his head in both her hands.
"Will you take my breath away, one last time, please?" She asked, her brown eyes looking tired and yet they still held determination.
*This… Like you need to ask.* The demon thought.
He leaned closer to her lips until he was nearly touching them.
"Frances, I love you." He whispered, his eyes showing everything.
He attacked her lips, his hands gripping her face tightly. She held his face as tightly as she could, however, she could feel herself slipping away. Her smile stayed upon her face as she fell limp in Malphas' arms. Her hand that continuously caressed his face started falling, the other fell between the two of them. He caught the other before it could fall completely. He released her lips and looked into her beautiful face.
He gently laid her upon the ground, placing her hands upon her stomach. He moved back from her; his eyes covered in shadow. After a moment, he turned to the Young Master who looked at him in surprise at the forlorn expression upon his face.
"Sebastian?"
"Young Master, I'd like to ask a favor. (He lowered his head to his ear.) Please close your eyes."
Ciel turned his head towards him.
"Sebastian…"
"I am a butler. I cannot damage my Master's impression of me by looking unsightly. (Their eyes met.) Please don't open your eyes until I say so."
Ciel could see the seriousness of his request. His gaze hardened.
"All right." He said, closing his eyes.
Sebastian leaned up. He watched as the boy closed his eyes. He smiled. He slowly stood up. He turned to the angel as he landed back on the bridge. A dark smile spread across his lips, his eyes burning a hellish fuchsia as they swirled with energy.
"Now I can show you my true self." Said the demon in his demonic voice, black crow feathers surrounded his form, "My unsightly, disgusting, repulsive… (With each word, he transformed, feathers and inky black smoke swirling around him. His stiletto heels clicked against the steel structure as he made his way towards the vile angel.) true form."
The angel's eyes widened. His body shuddered in disgust.
"A-A demon…" He muttered, fearfully.
Malphas smiled a sharp toothy, sadistic grin. The angel continued to tremble in fear. The demon moved closer. He latched onto the angel's throat with his claws and squeezed ever so slightly. He merely held the angel steady as he ripped into his abdomen. After all, there would be time to squeeze their throat later. His claws moved so fast as they sliced through the angel. The force of his demonic aura sent parts of the structure falling. He heard the Young Master cry out. He saw him grab onto a bar attached to the structure. As he continued delivering punches and slashes to the angel, he spoke.
"Young Master, can you survive long enough for me to count down from ten?"
"Yes!" Ciel cried.
The demon smirked.
"Then here we go. Ten!"
His pupils became the thinnest of slits as his claws burst through the angel's stomach causing them to gag.
"Nine!"
He released the angel's throat as he kneed the angel in the stomach sending them backwards.
"Revolting!" They cried out using Ash's voice.
Malphas surged forward after them. The angel's feathers floating and intermingled with his own.
"Eight!"
"Unclean, unfruitful…" The angel cried, blood flying onto his face as the demon tore into his stomach again.
Malphas' heel slammed into the angel's foot, clicking sharply against the steel structure causing the structure to shake rather violently.
"Unnecessary, unfertile!"
"Six!"
His clawed hand held the wing that Frances nearly cut off, rebreaking it about halfway.
"Unprofitable! Unlawful!"
"Five!"
His other hand burst through their other wing, blood covering everything in sight.
"Four!"
He broke the angel's legs.
"Three!"
"Filth, filth, filth, filth, filth…" The angel screamed, going louder and more chaotic with each word, his face one of horror causing Malphas' sadistic grin to grow wider, showing his sharp teeth.
"Two!"
His fuchsia/orange eyes stared straight into the angel's eyes. He grabbed their throat in a choking grip causing a choking noise to occur from the angel's throat that filled him with sadistic pleasure. He brought the angel's face close to him. He leaned towards his ear. The angel squirmed slightly in his hold, but was unable to break away.
"I will tell you a secret, you vile angel. Contrary to popular belief, demons do feel love. A good majority just don't want to believe that its possible. My Frances understood that and allowed me to come to the conclusion that demons are capable of feeling such things as love. I love Frances with all my black heart and all my black soul and all my dark being."
He leaned away to watch their face. Their eyes were tiny, mouth agape as the demon squeezed his clawed hands tighter and tighter, crushing the angel's windpipe. The angel gave one last gurgle before falling limp in the demon's hands.
"One."
A brilliant blue and white light pulsed out. The souls in the walls of the bridge faded away until it was a plain wall once again. He dropped the angel. Its body embedded in between the two sides of the bridge.
Malphas' heels clicked as he approached his love. His shadowed and crow feathered form knelt down beside her. His clawed hand gently caressed her face. He placed his other hand upon her shoulder. His hand caressing her cheek, trailed down to the feathers in her chest. He took them out carefully. He summoned bandages to his hand. He quickly tugged off her dress and bandaged her wounds. He redressed her. He placed his hands upon her cheeks, a small smile appeared upon his face.
"I shall return soon, Frances."
He placed a gentle kiss upon her forehead. He stood slowly, letting his hands trail off her cheeks. He moved backwards. He raised a hand and waved it over her body. A black barrier surrounded her. He watched as a bluish-white orb flowed from her lips. The smell of sweet peaches freshly picked from a tree entered his nostrils. His smile grew slightly. He slowly turned, morphing back into his human form, though he kept his stilettos which clicked against the structure as he walked towards his Young Master.
"It's over, Young Master." Sebastian said, smiling slightly.
Ciel opened his eyes. He looked over Sebastian. His eyes noticed his damaged tailcoat, a bit of blood on his gloves, a few scratches on his face, and a small smile upon his lips. Ciel couldn't help, but smile back. He let go of the structure. The look on Sebastian's face was enough to make him laugh, however, he simply felt at peace. As he fell towards the water, a slightly bigger smile appeared upon his lips.
*My revenge does feel triumphant. Thank you, Frances. Thank you, Sebastian.* He thought.
A strange film escaped his body, but he didn't care. His end was near. His body landed in the water.
After getting over his initial shock, Sebastian charged after the boy. As the boy's body sank deeper, he swam faster, going past him.
*You're a liar, my lord. You promised me you'd live until I got to zero.* He sent to the boy through their connection.
He swam back up, gathering the boy into his arms.
*I lied.* Ciel answered.
Sebastian began swimming up to the surface.
*I won't let you die yet.*
*That's right. You don't lie. (He paused a moment.) There's something I want to ask you.*
*Yes, my lord?*
*Who are you, right now?*
*What a silly question. (His voice sounded amused.) When I stand before you, I am ever and always one hell of a butler.*
He broke the surface with his Young Master in his arms. A smile graced his lips at the scene in front of him. The sun was starting to rise, casting its bright light unto those below with the angel, its wings spread out caught between the bridge.
"Oh. So, a genuine angel completes it… It truly is a holy gate."
Sebastian swam to the docks nearby. He commandeered a long thin boat, similar to a gondola. He placed his Young Master gently inside. He began rowing them towards the bright light.
Sebastian rowed the boat all night and well into the following day. Currently, they were rowing through thick fog and dark waters. He had redressed his Young Master in a handsome suit with a white shirt, black tie, his black eye patch covering his right eye, and an elegant white rose in his breast pocket. His Young Master opened his eyes at last.
"You're awake, Young Master?" Sebastian asked.
Ciel sat up, feeling slightly groggy. He rubbed the sleep from his eye.
"Where are we?" He asked.
"Do you want to know?"
"That's why I asked. No, on second thought… I have a feeling I don't need to know. (He placed a hand to his covered eye.) I seem to have slept for quite a while. (He looked down to see images of his life in the water.) What's this?"
"Your Cinematic Record. Apparently, it's drifted all the way here." Sebastian explained.
"I see." He said, sullenly, "So, this is… the life I've lived. I'm… dead now."
He watched as scenes of Sebastian and Frances and him passed before his eyes.
"Not yet, my lord. I will be delivering your death presently. (He placed a hand on his chest.) I'll take full responsibility for you until the end… as your loyal butler."
"Huh." He hummed, watching as Lizzie's teary-eyed face from when she redecorated his manor was shown to him, "Elizabeth is sure to cry like a baby…"
Various images of Elizabeth flashed before him: when she almost became a doll, when he helped her learn chess, the birthday party she asked him to allow, and so on.
"Yes. Lady Elizabeth's love for you runs very deep." Sebastian agreed.
Madame Red's funeral was shown.
"She was a sobbing mess when Madame Red died, too."
"That's because she cried your tears and hers, since you were being mulish."
Images of Frances' smiling and cheerful face was shown. More images of her passed by: when she protected him, when she killed the man her parents sent after her, when she set down her trays of oils and potions, her notes written on things to assist the servants, the presents she gave him, all the times she hugged him or held his hand, her last moments when she thanked him and asked Sebastian to let her siblings know that she died protecting the people she loved.
"And Frances,… died protecting us."
A small smirk formed on the butler's face.
Images of the servant trio was shown. Their mishaps and when they got their act together thanks to… Frances' help and gentle care.
"Are those three dead?"
"I couldn't say, my lord. The last I saw them, they appeared to be breathing."
"Well, they are uncommonly stubborn, at least."
The last moments he saw of Pluto were shown to him, since he truly did not spend much time with the demon hound.
"And Pluto?"
"Shall I collect his bones later and bury them?"
"His bones?" Ciel thought for a moment, "No. What meanings could bones have? Everything is…"
"Everything is what?" Sebastian asked, confused.
"Never mind." He said, closing his eye, "I imagine it's still a bit too soon to speak of everything."
Ciel reopened his eye seeing flecks of greenish balls of light.
"What is this light?" He asked.
"The feelings held for you by the people who've passed through your life." Sebastian explained.
"Feelings for me, eh? (He felt a rather warm one brush up against his cheek, he closed his eye, sure it was Frances' love for him.) They're very pretty.
Sebastian smiled.
"They are rather pretty." He admitted.
"Yes. Parting with everyone doesn't make me feel any loneliness or sadness. But I do think these are pretty."
Sebastian went over to him and held out a dark green book with the word "DIARY" written on the top of the book.
"What's this?" Ciel asked, curiously.
"Something I brought to keep you occupied on the long journey, my lord. (Ciel took the offered book into his hands, looking it over.) It's a diary Tanaka left behind before fleeing the mansion." Sebastian explained, walking back to the oar.
"Tanaka?" Ciel asked, opening the diary and reading it.
*The truth that I can tell you, Young Master…
"That can't be!" Tanaka exclaimed.
Earl Vincent Phantomhive stood at the window with his back to his butler.
"Her Majesty is about to obliterate me, the Earl Phantomhive."
"My lord…"
"I bear no grudge against her. This is just the tide of the times. (He turned to his butler.) But I'd like you to keep it a secret from Ciel. Even if I'm killed, he should remain loyal to the Queen."
"But my lord…" Tanaka started again, trying to get the man to see reason.
A small smile crossed Vincent Phantomhive's features.
"Hatred achieves nothing."*
Ciel closed the book.
"So that angel wasn't entirely off the mark with the fraud she showed me."
"What now, Young Master?"
An island was slowly appearing through the fog.
"Nothing. All my targets for revenge are gone. And… even I'm gone now."
He noticed a blue flower floating towards them. He scooped it out of the water and held it in his hand. Sebastian walked up and knelt beside him.
"A ring." Ciel said.
"A blue one. Allow me…" Sebastian said.
Ciel handed him the flower ring. Sebastian gently took his left hand and slipped the ring onto his thumb, where his family ring used to sit.
"That suits you very well, Young Master." Sebastian commented with a gentle smile.
Ciel held his hand with the ring towards the waxing crescent moon, staring at the flower ring.
"I am Ciel Phantomhive. Yes. Just Ciel Phantomhive."
After a while, the boy put down his arm.
Soon enough, they arrived at the island filled with trees, a sandy beach, and ruins. After docking the boat, Sebastian picked up the boy into his right arm. He made footprints in the sand as he walked through the island. They arrived at some ruins. A crow was perched above them, silently watching them.
"Here, Young Master." Sebastian said, placing the boy on a bench.
"So, this is where it ends?"
"Yes."
Ciel looked back at the bird.
"That bird is eyeing me."
"Yes." Sebastian agreed.
"After you've taken my soul, give it what's left."
"You're as kind as ever, Young Master."
The bird bowed its head in acknowledgement and gratitude.
Ciel placed a hand to his eyepatch.
"Will it hurt?" He asked, not meeting Sebastian's eyes.
Sebastian's eyes softened.
"It will, a bit. I will make it as gentle as I can, though."
"No, go ahead and be brutal." Ciel said, looking him in the eyes.
The demon made a quiet noise of surprise. They stared at one another in silence. Sebastian stunned. Ciel unwavering and absolutely sure of himself and what he wanted.
"Etch the pain deep into my soul as proof that I lived." He ordered.
Sebastian gasped softly in surprise.
*These humans this time, have truly piqued my interest. Such strong souls. Such strong wills. Frances Marlino. Ciel Phantomhive.*
A smile crossed his lips. He bent his knee, head bowed, and hand on his chest.
"Yes, my lord."
There was silence. Sebastian reveled in his Young Master's strength and despair. Ciel felt his resolve deep inside.
After a few seconds, Sebastian stood up. Ciel leaned back against the bench. Sebastian took off his gloves with his teeth, letting them fall to the floor with a quiet thud. He walked over to the Young Master and bent down. He removed the eyepatch covering his eye, running his other hand through his hair. The eyepatch fell to the floor. His eyes glowed fuchsia. He watched his Young Master's eyes shake with flickering resolve and slight fear. He leaned closer to the boy, his mouth opening to taste his delicious smelling soul that he cultivated.
"Now then, Young Master…" He said in his demonic voice, closing in for the Last Supper.
