Let's not pretend I have my shit in order. I'm so far behind on everything, that updating is no short of a miracle.
The snow came down heavily on the city of London. The white of the snow contrasted the dark night as figures were seen dashing through the snow, panting. A man ran as fast as he could, a gun in one hand and something in his enclosed fist. His eyes were clouded as he ran faster. He looked back before picking up the pace, three men not too far behind him.
"Run faster, dammit! We can't let him get away!" The man's thick Irish accent came out as he called to the two behind him. "Does Tim even know how hard we worked to steal that thing, let's go get it back!" They picked up their pace, narrowing in on the man. The man, Tim, ran up to the bridge before stopping and when he saw no one behind him, he looked at his closed fist before opening up his hand. A ring glistened back at him as his panting laughs echoed the silent, snowy night. The bluey purple gem glistened in its gold handle as his laughs grew stronger. The mad man's Cheshire cat's smile was evident on his face.
"No one will have it." The look of insanity bled from his eyes, covering his face. "This is my ring now."
"No, I don't think so." A voice rippled through the silence. It was cold but emotionless. "You do not deserve that ring." Thin string shot out at the man before he even had a chance to turn around. They locked around his wrist, drawing blood, which then dropped to the ground. "The Hope Piece is in search of a worthy master, you see." The being's head fell to an inhuman angle. His hand jerked back the strings as more blood was drawn, now a scream accompanying it. The man jerked forward before falling over the railings and into the frozen Thames. The three gangsters look as the man fell into the water.
"H-he jumped off the bridge!" The smaller one said, shocked.
"That fool," The leader said, his Irish accent still coming through.
"Are we gonna have a problem?" The three men turned around to Yuri and Ryu holding guns up. The three men gulped, shaking their heads. "Good," Yuri continued. "Cause, last I check, this area of the Thames belonged to me and my brother."
"And we don't like to share." The three men who pursued the ring could outnumber the twins. "Don't try anything. See, my sister over here, she's not been on a killing spree for a while."
"My trigger finger tends to slip from time to time," Yuri said an insane smirk on her lips.
"So why don't you three go on, and hope we don't pull your fallen friend's body out of the Thames and mail it to you." Without another word, the three men turned and left. The twins were left alone, guns lowered, looking at the Thames. "You saw it too, didn't you?" Yuri only nodded. A question lingered on Ryu's mind and Yuri didn't have to turn to find out what it was. 'Do you know what that was?' The silence lingered before Yuri took a deep breath.
"No, but I have a feeling I know someone who does." With that, Yuri turned her back to the frozen river.
"The Lord Phantomhive?" he was met by silence as he jogged up to his sister.
~o/0o~
"Ladies and gentleman! Gather around!" The fair was in full swing as the trio browsed the countless stalls and items. Games were played, food was roasted and young children skated on the ice.
"Impressive. Frost fair certainly is an apt title for this," Sebastian said.
"Don't be a pessimist," Yuri said. "I think this fair is nice." Yuri walked behind Ciel and she wore a soft grey jacket over her uniform
"A large gathering held at the foot of the London Bridge when the Thames freezes over," Ciel said. The three looked around at the frozen lake. "For what I'm told, it hasn't been held for several decades now. Not since 1914, apparently."
~o/0o~
Through the clatter of voices, Elizabeth and her maid travelled through the stalls.
"My Lady, please, slow down a bit!" Her maid, Paula, called, struggling to keep up with the girl.
"Careful, you're going to crack the ice if you keep stomping around like that." Paula came to a hold with a scream before treading on the ice carefully, causing Elizabeth to giggle.
"Please understand, My Lady, if your parents learn we took a detour, they'll be terribly angry. I'll be in a lot of trouble." Elizabeth huffed, a pout on her lips.
"But Harrold and Liberty had nothing to over, they were utterly useless," She said, turning back to Paula. Elizabeth jumped up before slamming on the ice. Paula covered her face, only moving her hands away at the sound of Elizabeth's giggles. "I was joking, it won't crack." Paula let out a sigh of relief.
"Excuse me, my lady, but there seems to be something specific you've been searching for," Paula said softly. "Might I ask what?" A light blush set on Elizabeth's cheeks.
"Something special," Elizabeth said, looking away. "I need a present for Ciel, it's almost his birthday! The perfect present, one that'll make him happy!" Elizabeth looked over at Paula, a determined look on her face. "I mean very very happy!" Paula's eyes sparked at Elizabeth.
"OH! Oh, lady Elizabeth! That is... That is absolutely adorable!" Paula grabbed the girls hands. "I understand. You have my word, I pledge to help you in whatever way I can in this endeavour."
"Thanks, Paula!" The smile on Elizabeth's face lit up Paula's eyes.
~o/0o~
"Well, any word on Tim?" The three men looked at the day's festivities from the bridge.
"They found his body in the ice. It appears the ring wasn't on him."
"Which means one thing."
"Aye, the ring is in the Thames." The three looked back down as one of them, their leader, made eye contact with Yuri. She tapped her nose as a warning. 'mind your own business' it said. She turned away, her fingers in a gun shape.
~o/0o~
"Step on up, ladies and gents," A man outside a stall said as Yuri, Sebastian and Ciel walked around. "I've got bargains that would blow even JackFrost away!" The three came to a stop. "Come and buy something for someone special." Ciel snickered.
"Is there something amusing?" Sebastian asked.
"Those goods are all of dubious quality. Funtom should set up a stall, it would be better than what that man is selling.
"What stopping them?" Yuri asked. "Surely the more people that know about Funtom, the better?"
"Yes, but there are a lot of pickpockets around this area." He smirked and looked at Yuri from the corner of her eyes. She only smirked in response, pulling out several watches and wallets.
"Not my fault you noblemen leave yourselves completely defenceless." Ciel opened his mouth to speak but Yuri signalled behind them and a boy came up and took the goods before disappearing from their sight. "Out of sight, out of mind." She smirked. "About these dubious goods?" Ciel was silent, looking at Yuri.
"That one." He pointed to the wooden boat.
"Ah, hello there noble lad! You have a good eye, that piece is one of a kind!" The man pointed to the toy. "It was manufactured by the Funtom company, years ago, back when it was only a small craft studio." Sebastion and Ciel gave the man defaced looks. Yuri let out a low chuckle. 'Judging by the looks on their faces, this piece looks about as real as Sting's first wife. That woman had more needles in her than I have hairs on my head.'
"No, that is a blatant fake," Ciel said. "The Funtom Arks were rare, only three were ever made. My predecessor hired an artist incredibly skilled in his art. Since our estate burnt down, even we no longer possess one." Memories of him playing with Elizabeth came washing up, the Noah's Ark in all its glory. "One most certainly turn up here." Yuri placed a reassuring hand on Ciel's shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze before sliding off. 'I don't want to baby him. He's not a child, Yuri.' Still, Ciel was grateful.
"Noah's Ark." Sebastian's voice brought the two out of their daze. "You know, it reminds me a lot of this country."
"Why's that?"
"Think about it," Sebastian said. "It a country captioned by a single person."
"I would have said that England only let, what they view, as the best of the best in, but I suppose that's just the view of an immigrant." It was under her breath but it was intended for the two others to hear it. They both cracked a smirk as Yuri innocently looked at the stall.
"Is that...?" Abberline stood before thing, shocked.
"A Scotland Yard inspector has time to attend the fair? London must be very peaceful," Ciel said coyly. Yuri smirked at the boy. "Today, anyway."
"It's not, I'm on duty right now!" Abberline defended. 'If only he knew he was playing right into Ciel's hands...' Yuri let out a small sigh.
"Oh, well then I'll leave you to earn your wages in faithful service to the queen and Country. Good day inspector." The three began to move away.
"Wait! Come back! I have some questions I want to ask you!" He shouted after them, near them. "Ciel!" His hand reached out to touch the noble but Yuri slapped it away before Sebastian had a chance. Sebastian also saw a hand reach in Abberline's jacket.
"Pardon me, my master is a touch fragile at the moment, no, I mean sensitive," Sebastian said, much to Ciel's disgust. "Perhaps you could be a trifle more gentle when you're approaching him." Abberline scowled.
"Oh, and Officer, I'd watch your pockets. There are a lot of pickpockets around," Yuri said. Abberline checked his pockets but found his wallet missing. Sebastian swears he saw Yuri high five the same hand that was Pickpocketing Abberline but he said nothing.
~o/0o~
Ciel sipped his herbal tea as Abberline sat in front of him. A waiter placed Abberline's drink and a plate on the table. Ciel picked up the biscuit from the plate.
"Whats an inspector from the Yard doing here?" Abberline looked shocked at Ciel's voice. "Whats your business, Abberline." Looking down, Abberline put down his cup. His gaze hardened.
"Murder." Images on the body from being found came to Abberline's mind. "A corpse was found on the ice this morning, trapped under the ice of the Thames." Ciel took a bite of his biscuit. "We learned he was a member of a certain criminal organisation. I'm here because Scotland Yard wants to hunt down that man's killer and we also want to recover a ring he stole. A blue diamond, one supposedly worth two thousand quid."
"The diamond..." Abberline turned to the source of the voice, unaware of Lau's presence until now. "The ultimate symbol of eternal radiance. A stone that bewitches all those who see it sparkle, what man wouldn't be inspired to pursue such an exquisite prize, even knowing all that awaits him is total destruction."
"Impossible!" Abberline exclaimed, getting up out of his seat. "How do you know about the Hope Piece?" Ciel's eyes widened.
"So, you're after the Hope Piece?" He asked as Lau had that stupid grin on his face, Rin Mau pressed up against his body.
"Oh, interesting, such a gem really does exist? Oh my... Ah." Abberline looked shocked while Ciel looked mildly disappointed.
"Hold on... but you were saying-"
"It's best to ignore him," Ciel interrupted. "He was blathering. Anyway, Lau, what in the world are you doing here?"
The group sat in the small Chinese hut.
"I own this place, My Lord. Nice, eh?" The three waitress stood smiling in dresses that seemed to short to be functional.
"Yes, of course you do." Ciel turned back in his seat. As Abberline sat down, a blush on his cheeks.
"This Hope Piece you were talking about seems fascinating, my Lord," Lau said. "Perhaps you could tell me more about it." Abberline finally returned his attention to the conversation, and away from the waitresses. He gasped.
"Have you never heard of it?" Ciel asked. Rin Mau draped herself on his lap. "A Blue diamond named after the man whose collection it had been part of. Henry Phillip Hope."
"Still don't know it."
"it passed to Louis XVI (16th) and Marie Antoinette, we know how they ended. The diamond is said to be a cursed stone to all those who possess it. At one point it was stolen and cut into smaller pieces to disguise it. Rumor has it that two such pieces still exist." He looked down at his own ring before back up to the group. "Though shards of diamonds would certainly be valuable." Abberline kept his strong gaze down. "Tell me, Abberline, is that what you're looking for?"
"The diamond was being moved as evidence," Abberline said. "Its carriage was attacked. It was stolen."
"Intriguing," Ciel said, a playful smirk on his lips as he leaned over the table. "Give me details. I would like to lend you a hand with this case. Of course, I can't force you." Ciel's expression darkened. "But then, if you do dare to refuse me, I can see to it that Sir Arther finds himself in an... awkward position."
~o/0o~
"Oo, look!" Paula said, looking down at the stall. "Look at these, aren't they simply wonderful!" Elizabeth looked over in the direction of her maid. Paula was facing her, bells on her hands.
"No!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Those won't do at all!" Paula's face dropped.
"Oh," She said simply. "You... you don't think so?" Her smile picked back up as she shook them. "I thought they'd be an adorable gift. Jingle, jingle, jingle!"
"No! You don't understand at all!" Elizabeth huffed. "Very well, I find one on my own." She walked off as Paula looked down at the bells then back up to Elizabeth, worried.
"Please, Lady Elizabeth! Give me another chance!" The tune to London's bridge played ominously in the background as Paula chased Elizabeth. The man tuning the music box looked back at the two. His head making a full 180-degree turn.
"Hmmm."
Yuri looked around at the stalls before she felt a hand on her waist. She spun around and found Sebastian's smirk in front of her face before his lips brushed up against hers. She smiled into the kiss, wrapping both her arms around his neck. He pulled out, pushing her fringe out of her eyes.
"You seem off, did something happen? You never came back last night," Sebastian said, running his hands through her hair. She leaned against his hand, closing his eye.
"Just some territorial stuff." Sebastian kissed her forehead.
"What were you looking at?" He saw the necklaces bracelets that were sitting on the table. "Which one do you like?" Yuri raised her eyebrow. "Tell me." She pointed to a small necklace, a small dark blue pendant hanging from it.
"Excellent choice, ma'am. Real sapphire gem, and at this price, it's-"
"Not a real sapphire," Yuri said, looking the man dead in the eye. "Its glass with some blue paper around it." The man went silent. "Thanks, but no thank you." The pair walked away.
"How did you know it was fake?" Sebastian asked. "It was a very good fake. If I was a normal human, I wouldn't have known."
"My mother had a sapphire ring, her engagement ring. My father stole it from his family and used to propose to her. My grandmother found the ring and kept it for us," Yuri explained. "Khun took my mother's golden pendant and Ryu took my father's pocket watch, so I got the ring. Well, that and my father's other pocket watch." Sebastian took Yuri's freezing hand in his own. "I spent most of my childhood staring at it, so it's not difficult to spot a fake."
"When did your grandmother send it to you?"
"About a year ago."
"She's still alive?"
"She had my mother young. That's why Ryu and I travel back to Japan," Yuri said. "Why?"
"Oh, just curious."
"You know what they say about curiosity," Yuri teased. "It killed the cat."
"Oh, but my dearest, satisfaction brought it back."
~o/0o~
Ciel looked upset, Yuri, Sebastian and Lau standing behind him.
"You're sure this is the right place-"
"Yes," Abberline interrupted Ciel. "It is. He set up shop here because so many people have been freezing to death here in the Frost Fair." Ciel looked pale, Sebastian had a frown on his face, Lau looked disgusted and Yuri looked amused.
"Inspector, you can be serious," Lau said. "Not him." The Undertaker's shop stood in its full glory.
"Yes, him, and you lot can wait right out here. You're lucky I let you accompany me at all," Abberline said. He fell in through the false door.
"Scotland Yard's finest," Yuri muttered under her breath. "The only reason we accompanied you is because you can barely handle this yourself."
"What a hopeless fool," Ciel said, unamused.
"One of the privileges of youth, my Lord," Lau said. The three were silent before Lau turned to Ciel. "What is this place again?"
"Its the Undertaker's Parlor!" Ciel said, a vein in his forehead. 'The dimbwit strikes again!' Yuri thought to herself. "You met him during the Jack The Ripper case, remember?"
"Oh right."
"Abberline won't last one minute in there. Sebastian, prepare to-" As the word left Ciel's mouth, the whole tent shook with laughter. Ciel looked appalled at how quickly Abberline made the Undertaker laugh. The group stepped inside to find the Undertaker twitching in laughter, Abberline looking at the man confused.
"I assure you man, you're a real professional! That was hysterical," the Undertaker said, standing up, drool down his face. "You could be a world-renowned comedian."
What did you say to him?" Ciel asked.
"I have no idea," Abberline asked. "I was just talking to him normally." The pair looked over at the Undertaker. "He became laughing like a madman." The Undertaker's giggled were heard as Ciel scowled.
"How unexpected." Yuri's hand squeezed the young boy's shoulder before resting there. Sebastian glared daggers at the inspector, stepping closer to his mate and master.
"It seems you are a force to be reckoned with," Sebastian said. "Interesting." Abberline was confused as he met Sebastian's glare with a confused look.
"But, I didn't do anything!" Abberline defended. It did little to convince the demon, whose glare cause the room to heat up. The slamming of Ciel's hands on the table brought the attention back to the task at hand.
"Tell me more about the ring," Ciel demanded. "I want to know it all. The man you pulled out of the river was the last they have it." The Undertaker was giggling again, not quite turned to meet the group that had gathered.
"Perhaps it was frozen in the ice, near where the body was found?" Abberline suggested. "You are a citizen of our great country, Mister Undertaker, please, give us you help in this matter." Yuri rolled her eyes.
"As I said before," The Undertaker began. "I'm profoundly impressed with you, inspector. I'll tell you everything." the room was on edge, waiting for the truth. 'This can't end well...' Yuri thought to herself. "Where is the ring, you ask."
The group had moved, standing in front of a large ice sculpture.
"You see, right there." The statue had a gleaming gem on ones of its fingers. Abberline had his hand on both sides of his face in shock, as everyone else looked completely unfazed.
"Ah, it seems a sculptor happened upon the ring and built a lovely sculptor around it," Lau said. "Mystery solved."
"Collect the ring right now!" Abberline shouted. Two policemen came running up. Yuri hid behind Sebastian, her hand slipped off Ciel's shoulder.
"Friend of yours?" The policemen looked back at Sebastian and he only smiled. Abberline looked back at them, noticing Yuri's absence.
"Wait-"
"What do you think you're doing?!" A voice caused everyone to stop moving. Four people stood in front of them. Two men, one was quite round, with a long white beard and a top hat, and the other was a thin man with a brown moustache. Two women, one quite round, wearing gloves, and the other, thinner one whose eyes were hidden behind her glasses. And the Vicount Druitt, who held a white rose in his hands. Yuri, who had peeked out momentarily almost sank in the ice. She gripped Sebastian's coat from behind and buried her face into his back. There were rare times she felt like hiding, and this was probably the worst time.
"That dear lady will be awarded to the competition's victor," Lord Druitt said, kissing the rose. "You wouldn't want to defile her, would you?"
~o/Intermissiono~
"They're... holding some contest," Ciel said, coming to terms with it. "Why is he a judge?"
"Yes, wasn't he just arrested for human trafficking?" Lau asked aloud. Sebastian felt it hard to contain his rage as Yuri trembled lightly behind him. Flashes of different memories were coming to her. She found it hard to distinguish what was from her night with Lord Druitt and what was from her childhood.
'get her!' 'kill her!' 'what a price!' 'she will be our sacrifice' 'in the name of our Lord!' 'to our lord' 'her eyes don't match' 'enhance her beauty'
She clutched her head, trying to lessen the pounding. 'Stop... please... get a grip...' Through the darkness of her mind, a light came blinding in as Sebastian accessed her mind. He promised he would never do this without her permission but he couldn't turn around and give her away to the police that stood close by. He went into her mind and found her shaking before wrapping his arms around her. He waited until her mind was calm before slipping back out. Her breathing was evening out again but she still had a deadly grip on the back of his jacket, her knuckles turning white.
"What a naughty man," Lau said. No one else seemed to be aware of Yuri's break down.
"He was released a few days ago," Abberline said and his voice told how he wasn't happy with it.
"Must've paid well," Ciel muttered under his breath. He looked back, mentally asking Sebastian where Yuri was. Sebastian moved aside only an inch. Yuri came into view, her eyes close and face pale. Sebastian clicked his tongue, telling Ciel not to draw attention to her.
"Excuse me, but this statue is now under the charge of Scotland Yard," Abberline said, stepping forward.
"Oh no!" The round man said. "I don't care if you are from Scotland Yard, sir. The Frost Fair is an event for our citizens! I will not let you distribute it."
"Just look at her beauty!" Lord Druitt said. "Such an exquisite young lady! We could never allow her to be violated by anybody."
"You're one to talk," Ciel snapped back. He was mad at how Lord Druitt had put someone he considered a role model in such a state.
"If you insist on possing this lady, you should offer something of equal beauty," The Lord Druitt challenged.
"What true words were spoken by a true lover of art and beauty," The round man said again. "As he says, if you want the statue, win the contest." Ciel smiled.
"There is merit to your argument, the ring belongs to whoever is the winner of the contest," he repeated. "Nice and simple." Abberline turned around to the boy.
"Really, Ciel?"
"Don't worry, Inspector, I'll get the ring," Ciel said, looking up at the man. Abberline looked insulted.
"But its stolen property! Not to mention it's our key evidence in the kidnapping of young girls- oh!" Abberline covered his mouth. Ciel smiled again.
"I see. That's why the Yard is so frantic to find it," Ciel said, his own personal case clicking into place.
"The legend is true. Every person who has owned the ring has met a horrible end," Abberline defended. 'it is not legends and folklore that determine how we die. It's fate. Anyone who believes those stories shouldn't be involved in such a logical driven job.' Yuri forced herself to step out from behind Sebastian, resuming her stance behind Ciel. Abberline who too in-the-moment to notice her return. "It's a cursed stone, and you'd still want to win it?"
"Cursed, aye?" Ciel looked down at his own ring as he felt the reassuring hand resume its place on his shoulder. "Then it sounds like the perfect ring for me."
"Come to think of it," the Undertaker chimed in. "Isn't that family ring you wear set with a pretty blue stone as well, Lord?" Yuri marvelled at how long it took the group to put two and two together.
"Yes."
"Perhaps you should be careful," The Undertaker warned. "Diamonds are quite hard, but because they're hard, they are also... brittle." He leaned forward. "If you go too far you may be shattered as well." Yuri's grip tightened slightly in a protective manner.
"I'm not concerned," Ciel replied simply. "My body, along with my family ring-" he kissed the ring "- both have already been shattered and re-born." Sebastian and Yuri kept their gazes tied to the boy. "I've been broken too much to worry about that anymore." A smirk took over Sebastian's lips. Ciel turned back, his gaze matching with Sebastian's. "Win the contest. That's an order."
"Indeed, Young master," Sebastian said, a hand on his heart.
~o/0o~
Two policemen guarded the statue at the participants readied their designs. The three men from the night before stood slightly away from the statue.
"It's settled then, go fill out an entry form," Their leader said, arms crossed.
"Seriously?!" The smallest exclaimed.
"Are you an Irishman, or aren't you?!" The leader asked. "We know more than the bloody english about ice and snow!"
"Right!" The other men agreed.
"And, if all else should fail," He said, pointing to the two barrels of explosives.
~o/0o~
"Welcome, one and all, to the Thames Frost Fair," The thin man announced, addressing the crowd as the participants stood behind him. "It is time for the traditional ice sculptor contest. "You have until three pm, alright?" Abberline looked ahead, determination crowning his face. Sebastian smirked at the crowd, his auburn eyes all but sparkling. "You may begin sculpting!" The crowd roared as Paula jingled her bells.
"Oh look, something is happening there!" She said as Elizabeth searched through stalls, still looking for the perfect gift. "it sounds exciting." A frown took over Elizabeth's features as hopelessness began to set in.
'Ciel...' Memories came flooding back into the girl's mind.
"I hate this ring!" Hand raised, Elizabeth threw the ring to the ground as it smashed into pieces.
"Forgive my master, Lady Elizabeth," Sebastian's sweet voice rang out to her. "But that ring was something very important to him. Its a precious heirloom passed on to the head of the Phantomhive family. He's grown quite attached to it, it's truly one of a kind."
Elizabeth returned from her mind, her sadness deepening.
"I'm sorry Ciel, I'm so sorry..." She thought before opening her eyes, her face showing determination. "But I'll make it up to you. I'll find you an amazing present." Something on a stall caught the girl's attention. Her gaze stayed transfixed on the Noah's Ark toy. Memories of a different time. A time when Ciel and she used to play together, a time when he used to smile.
"That ark! I want it!"
~o/0o~
The chime of Big Ben brought the attention back to the competition.
"And now, folks, the judging will commence," The announcer said. The three men were panting, as Sebastian stood beside them, not a trace of sweat on him. His gaze was still on Yuri, whose skin had resumed its colour once again as her shoulders were tall. She had both of her hands on Ciel's shoulders. "First up we have Scotland Yard Merrymen, with their sculpture 'Guardian of London'!" The unimpressive statue of Sir Arthur stood between the two men. They saluted as Lord Druitt shook his head. "Judges scores are; one, two, one, one and zero. A total of five points." The head fell off the statue as Yuri let out a chuckle. "Next team, whose name is 'All Woman's Dresses Should be Tiny', and their entry." Yuri covered Ciel's eyes even with the two men covering the naked sculpture of Rin Mau. "For obvious reasons, this statue has been disqualified." Lau looked confused.
"But why?"
"How could you possibly think that was proper to display?!" Ciel snapped.
"You know when they hide bits like that I think it only makes it more erotic," Lau said. The judges held up X's, all except Lord Druitt, who held us a ten (which Yuri was in no way surprised of), as Yuri rubbed the boys' shoulders softly, working out the tension. Ciel relaxed at her touch.
"Win this," he said, looking up at Sebastian. "You can, right?"
"Of course I can," Sebastian said. His hand was rested on Yuri lower back and the girl welcomed the touch. "You explicitly ordered me to do so, and I exist only so to fulfil your orders, my lord." Sebastian looked ahead.
"And next, front the team known as 'Queen's Puppy' -" the name was picked by Yuri, believe it or not "-we have, The Ark Of Noah." The man gestured to a curtain, which fell, revealing a beautifully detailed Noah's Ark. There was an audible gasp from both the ground and the judges.
"What a sculpture! I've never seen anything like it!" The judges exclaimed, admiring the glittered ice.
"An amazing pieces, let's see the total scores," The announcer said.
"One moment," Sebastian's voice rippled through the crowd. "My apologies but you haven't seen all of the sculpture yet." Sebastian clicked his fingers and the roof of the ark cracked in half, both sides falling to the ice-covered river Thames. Inside the ark were beautifully carven animals, each representing the pairs Noah was asked by God to bring to the new land. Yuri wasn't sure if she believed it all, but she presumed, if hell was real, would heaven be as well? Was there a God? The crowd were opened mouthed, marvelled at the sculpture Sebastian had created. Even Ciel cracked a smile.
"Brillant!" The judge said. "He deliberately made the seam of the roof weak so that it was would melt and break in half in time." Lord Druitt's mouth hung open in amazement.
"Amazing!" He said. "Our ancestor! The brave man who stood fearlessly against the flood of God's wrath, Noah! He depicted here with the pairs of animals he was ordered to rescue awaiting rebirth from the sea!" The images of Sebastian in robes, his dark hair blowing in the wind with Noah's ark behind him seemed all too real to be imagination.
"Astounding work, young man, its high art!" The judge said to Sebastian. "I declared you an ice sculptor of the highest honour."
"No, sir," Sebastian said politely. "You're too kind, I am simply one hell of a butler." Yuri rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.
"So, I don't think we're going to beat that," The small Irish man said, standing by their bizarre statue {I'm not even gonna try to explain this sculpture to you}.
"Damn!" The leader said, closing his fist tightly. "Then on to plan B."
"Is everyone ready for the final scores-"
"Hold it right there!" The three Irish gangsters interrupted the announcer, guns pointed to the crowd. "Hate to break up the party but this ring is ours. We're taking what belongs to us!"
"Hold on, that means you're the..."
"That's right, we're the team of thieves all of London had been talking about. Maybe you recognise these?" He said, pulling back his jacket to reveal a belt of bombs. Just like that, Ciel felt the hands slide away from his shoulders and when he turned back, Yuri was already gone from sight. The other two gangsters kicked down a barrel contained more explosives. "You have ten seconds" The man lit his lighter, addressing the crowd. "Anyone who doesn't want to die should get the hell out of here." The crowd didn't move for a second before panic set in. Before anyone could move, a gunshot was heard and one of the three men fell to the ground. The crowd dispersed as Ciel and Sebastian looked up above the ledge. Behind the trigger, a girl stood. Her long blonde hair stayed flowing in the wind as she wore simple dark brown bottoms, a white shirt and a dark red coat. She wore a grey scarf, covering her face. Sebastian smiled at Yuri's appearance. She saw his smile and matched it, hidden behind her scarf. "10..."
"Master?" Sebastian asked as Yuri jumped down onto the ice, barely making a sound.
"9..."
"My orders remain the same. Do it now, Sebastian," Ciel ordered. Sebastian smirk grew.
"8..."
"What are you doing?!" Abberline shouted. "There are four gangsters on this ice with guns! We need to get out of here!"
"7..."
"You can go if you want to, don't worry, I'll be fine." Ciel turned away from the inspector.
"6..."
"I can't leave you here!" This shocked Ciel enough to make him turn back around.
"5..."
"I joined Scotland Yard to protect our citizen's. That includes noblemen like you, Ciel!" Abberline ran towards the boy.
"4..."
"What a fool," Ciel said, a smirk on his lips. A gunshot brought the inspectors footsteps to a halt.
"No further, inspector." The gangster aimed his gun in the direction of Ciel. "You only have three seconds left. A sweet little boy like you, shouldn't you be-" His words stopped as he felt the end of a gold gun hit his temple, the masked Yuri behind him.
"I'd chose your next words carefully, scum." The man shivered and even Ciel was surprised by the coldness in her voice, and the sharp look in her eyes.
"I have no need for running away." Ciel only smirked as the man's face coated with fear. Yuri wanted nothing more to pulled the trigger, but instead, she turned around, aiming her gun at the last member of the small gang. Abberline looked at the girl.
"Stop!" He shouted. "You're under-" Yuri met his gaze dead on and shot anyway.
"Oops." Abberline, who didn't recognise Yuri with the mask, on paled. Before anyone else could move, Sebastian kicked the gun away from the last remaining gangster besides Yuri, who was having a heated staring competition with Abberline. Granted, he was blinking so much out of fear, but Yuri still considered this a serious competition. She didn't so much as break a sweat. Sebastian skated around the ice as the final gangster noticed his falling friend. Sebastian jumped into the air.
"Impossible! he completed four spins in the air!"
"A noble swan flying through a world of silvery white snow!" Lord Druitt exclaimed, the image of Sebastian with dark wings flying in the air. "Lured by his devilish smirk, the maiden in infolded in his midnight black wings." Yuri shivered at the memory of her night with Lord Druitt. She resisted shooting him. Sebastian glided along the ice as the judges all held up ten scores.
"Damn you, little brat!" In anger and desperation, the Irish gangster began lighting the fuses. He flung them around, missing Sebastian and Yuri, who carefully jumped out of the way. Sebastian picked Ciel up, gliding along the ice with Ciel overhead. As the bombs exploded, the peril memory of this ground being nothing more than frozen ice was brought back into the gangster's mind. The ice cracked as Sebastian flung Ciel up. Yuri used his hand to propel her self onto the ledge behind the crowd. The rover collapsed. In the mess, Abberline looked for the masked Yuri and Ciel.
"Where are they..." He wondered allowed. As the mess cleared, Master and butler came into view. Ciel and Sebastian stood on the Noah's Ark sculpture as the other's floated to the bottom of the ocean. The whispering crowd were amazed by the events of the day.
"The ship sails on!" The Lord Druitt said. "Leaving human despair behind. The ship sails on!" Yuri rolled her eyes as she pulled off the clothes and quickly changed back into the uniform. She threw the clothes down a large drain pipe, knowing they would land straight into her den. She tucked the gun into her waistband as she took a deep breath and jumped. As quick as a flash, Sebastian jumped forward, grabbed the girl's waist and set her down beside Ciel.
"You're not hurt?" She asked the boy, checking him over. She noticed he'd lost his coat.
"I had you to protect me," Ciel said sheepishly.
"I told you, didn't I? I will always protect you." Ciel blushed. "But the ring?" She asked.
"The Hope Diamond will be at rest at the bottom of the Thames. Not a bad end," Ciel answered.
"Won't it curse all of London, My lord?" Sebastian asked.
"Somehow, I doubt that will happen. Besides, if a ring can destroy the city, it wasn't mean to survive," Ciel said, looking down at his own ring. "After all, we Phantomhives have lived on." Abberline stood at the shore, helping the final man out of the water. Without hesitation, a gunshot was heard. The gun was thrown into the river before anyone could even move. Straight through the skull. Yuri's eyes clouded with something dark as the two looked back at her, but she kept her eyes stuck to the dead body as it sunk lower and lower into the Thames.
"I did warn him. Twice." A smile was curling up on Yuri's face. Abberline looked over, assessing the gunshot must have come from that direction. He could only meet Yuri's eyes, which were now clouded in innocence. Yuri replaced her hand on Ciel's shoulder as Abberline struggled to remember when she had gotten there.
"Tell me something, earlier, you accused Noah of being arrogant. but he was only trying to save a few, wouldn't the desire to protect everyone be more arrogant?" Ciel asked and Sebastian smirked.
"Yes, it would seem so."
"Ah well, an arrogant fool like that every once in a while might not be that bad," Ciel said, smiling. Yuri squeezed his shoulder, a soft smile on her lips. Abberline stood up, looking at the trio from across the water.
"Ciel. Who exactly are you?"
~o/0o~
In frustration, Elizabeth flung the Noah's Ark to the ground, tears in her eyes.
"My lady, whats wrong?" Paula asked.
"My father said it has to be a fake!" Elizabeth said through tears. "It's awful... I thought I'd found something to make Ciel happy!" Paula put on a reassuring smile.
"Please don't be sad, my lady. I still have these!" She pulled out the bells. "Jingle, jingle, jingle!"
"Leave me alone!" Elizabeth asked. Paula nodded sadly before leaving the room. Elizabeth sunk to her knees. "Ciel, I'm sorry... I just wanted to give you a wonderful gift..." her eyes picked up the shinning stone that lay in the ruin of the fake Noah's Ark. She picked it up, the Hope Diamond staring back up at her.
"And so I thought, why not let the Hope Diamond find its own master." The eerie voice from the night at the bridge stood in the setting of a dark old room. "Aye, ma-ster." London's Bridge played in the background as someone hummed along, the only thing viewable being an arm that sat rested.
~o/0o~
Yuri tucked the young boy in before turning to leave. A hand shot out, stopping her.
"Stay... until I fall asleep..." She smiled at nodded at Ciel requested. She sat down on the bed, running her hands through his hair, humming softly.
"Hush little baby, don't say a word..." her voice filled his ears as sleep overcame him.
Carefully and quietly, Yuri closed his bedroom door. Sebastian stood outside with a candle to help her back to his room. They walked in a comfortable silence before Yuri entered, got changed into her nightgown, Sebastian then entering the room. She snuggled down as Sebastian bent down and kissed her forehead.
"I love you," he said softly He blew out the candle but Yuri's mind flung awake.
'Love...? I know he loves me... but why am I so scared? Do I love him back? Why am I so nervous. I care about him... Whats wrong with me...?'
The door closed softly as Yuri's mind formed a plan.
'I need... I need to go... To go back...'
She took a deep breath.
'In the morning, I'm going back. I'm going back to Japan. I need to figure myself out.'
FAM! AYE! I updated. Long time no see tbh. God, it's late here.
I'm tired and I have school tomorrow.
Fml.
Well, goodbye,
Fairy OUT!