Big Ben chimed in the darkness as snow fell. A man walked in the snow, arms open.
"This is gorgeous," he said. Judging by his accent and dark skin tone, the man appeared to be Indian. "It is so cold. Agni, what is this?"
"This substance is called 'snow', my prince," Agni explained. "Its falls during the winter in England."
"How odd," the prince said. He looked around at the bustling streets of London. "So this is England. It is beautiful."
~o/0\o~
"'This fellow is the child of craziness and laziness. England is the blasphemy country that had taken all and forced on us in ways its rotten culture. Retribution should befall the fool of the country that hellcat rules'." Sir Arthur snatched the paper from the hanging man's body. "That makes twenty victims so far!" He said, shaking with rage. "And you still haven't caught this criminal? Explain!"
"I haven't and I'm sorry Sir Arthur," Abberline said.
"When Jack the Ripper slipped through our hands, that brat got all the credit," he said.
"Brat, sir, who do you mean?" Abberline asked. "You're speaking of Ciel Phantomhive?" Sir Arthur turned to face Abberline. "You know, I can't help but feel he's carrying some immense burden on his shoulders. And he's still only a child." Sir Arthur glared at Abberline.
"Child?"
"So all the victims had just returned home from India then," Ciel said, appearing with Yuri and Sebastian behind him.
"Oh, you're here!"
"But the culprit hasn't killed anyone yet," Ciel assessed. Stepping forward, Ciel took the paper from Sir Arthur before reading it aloud. 'The child of craziness and laziness'. This man does have a way with words, doesn't he?" Ciel said. "I agree our country would benefit if all these nouveau riche (basically these terms mean people who didn't inherit money from family. it's a derogatory/mean name to call someone) from India disappeared." Ciel examined the bottom of the page. "Still, I don't like this mark." Sir Arthur snatched the paper from Ciel's hands.
"This is mocking the queen and all english men alike," Sir Arthur stated. "He's Indian, I'm certain of it." Sir Arthur slowly turned around, meeting gazes with Yuri. "How do I know your maid has nothing to do with this, huh?" Yuri felt offended. "She's Asian."
"Excuse me, but I am not Indian, I am Japanese. Half Japanese and half English as well! I would appreciate if you get your theories to yourself," Yuri said, her eyes narrowing in anger. 'Or up your ass like that stick.' Sebastian chuckled but rubbed her back comfortably.
"There's no harm in crossing out a suspect."
"Well, maybe you should solve a case and I'll be likely to believe you," Yuri muttered under her breath. Sebastian's hands rested at her sides.
'It's okay, he'll regret saying that in front of the young master' Yuri nodded but didn't let up her glare.
"Ah. I imagine thats the why I was called in," Ciel spoke up. "Most of the Indian's who came here illegally are staying in the criminal neighbourhoods of the East End. And Scotland Yard still doesn't know their exact number or precise location, does it?" Sir Arthur growled in response. "I cannot allow her majesty to suffer such indignation. Let's go. But first," Ciel said stopped in front of Sir Arthur. "You owe my maid, Yuri, an apology." Sir Arthur glared harder.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," he said through gritted teeth. Yuri simply raised her chin and walked away, though both boys could tell she was fuming.
"What has you so quiet?" Ciel asked Yuri.
"I'm wondering who, hypothetically, I could send to rip Sir Arthur's flesh off his body if I wanted them to." The two looked at her. "Hypothetically."
~o/0\o~
"I believe this is area is where the bulk of the Indians have settled," Sebastian said as the trio walked along the pier.
"Yes," Ciel said before he bumped into a man.
"That hurt!" The man said, groaning in agony. "You fiend! I've cracked a rib! I might die from this."
"Eh, what happened?" A man asked while a group came over. "What a terrible injury, he should pay you back for it."
"Yes," The man said, a malicious smirk on his face. "Give us all your money brat!"
"What a cliche bunch of thugs we seem to have run into," Sebastian stated.
"True, if you're gonna hassle for money, at least come up with some new ideas," Yuri said, a look of amusement on her face.
"Master, should we handle this?" Sebastian asked, cracking his knuckles.
"Yes, but make it quick," Ciel said.
"Certainly." The man reached forward, grabbing Ciel's coat.
"Listen, boy, you are outnumbered," he said. "Everyone for a mile around here hates you english dogs!" Sebastian flicked the man away as he pulled out a knife.
"Did he hurt you, young master?"
"He did not."
"Damn brat." The man noticed Yuri. "You take over our country, drag us here and throw us away like garbage." He eyes Yuri. "Have you no Asian pride?"
"I have pride for my countrymen, but you picked the fight, and are clearly in the wrong," Yuri pointed out. "Plus, I've had a bad day."
"Well, then we'll have to show all of you the humiliation is being robbed!" The man raised the sword but someone else cut them off.
"Excuse me, I am looking for this Indian woman. Perhaps you gentlemen have seen her around here?" The prince asked, holding a very cartoon picture of a woman.
"Who the hell are you? Just stay out of this!" The man said.
"Oh my, are you fellows having a duel?" He asked with interest. "mm," he said, assessing the trio. "he has a khansama and a maid with him. Are you an english nobleman?"
"What if I say I am?"
"Then I will have no choice, I must side with my countrymen," the prince said. "Come Agni."
"Yes, sir."
"Defeat the Englishmen." Agni stepped forward on order, bowing his head. He pulled his arm from his cape. It was wrapped in bandages.
"I shall use my holy weapon," Agni said. "Which I was given so I might serve my master." Agni's eyes narrowed as Sebastian pulled Ciel back. Agni took a running jump and was block by Sebastian's arm. Yuri, taking off her belt, wrapped it around his leg and pulled him down to the ground. Agni jumped up, as Sebastian managed to catch Ciel before he fell to the ground. He lent back as Agni's other foot merely brushed by his face. Sebastian rushed backwards as Agni refused to let up, repeatedly hitting Sebastian. 'he's fast.' Yuri took Ciel from Sebastian's arms before going at Agni as stepped back. She swung for his bad arm as his fast arm brushed her neck. Bending down, she wrapped his sash over his arm before lopping it around his leg. Losing balance, he swung and hit her arm. Her arms going numb, Yuri's grip dropped as she cursed in Japanese.
"We weren't doing nothing but merely walking down the street! Are you nothing more than a reckless savage who will fight anyone that walks by you!?" Ciel shouted as Sebastian moved Yuri's dead arm, glaring at Agni.
"What?" The prince asked. "Tell me, men, did you attack this child here for no good reason?" The men all halted for a moment. "Unfortunately, my countrymen are wrong here. Agni, we are on the English man's side."
"Right."
Moments later, the bodies piled high.
"It is done, Prince Soma," Agni said.
"Good," Soma responded. He stepped forward and picked up Ciel's hat. "Wel, there is someone I need to find, so I'll be going now. Goodbye." Before leaving, Agni turned to Yuri, whose hands was numb except for the buzz of pins and needles.
"I am sorry for striking you. If you bend your arm at the elbow a few times it should be fine," He said bowing.
"Apology accept. You're a good fighter, Agni." With that, the two left.
"These english streets are like a Labyrinth," Soma said
"Let's take our next left." Ciel and Sebastian stared at the pair open-mouthed, whereas Yuri marvelled as the pins and needle feeling went away.
~o/0\o~
"Well that was a waste of time," Ciel complained back in the mansion that night.
"One of those men might be the culprit we're looking for. Let us wait for Sir Arthur to contact us," Sebastian said, removing the youngers jacket.
"Master," Bard said, entering.
"Welcome home," Finny said.
"Hello," Meyrin said. Yuri smiled to the three of them, talking the earl's coat and placing it on the rack.
"I'll never get any peace and quiet if I have to go to London for every silly little thing," Ciel said. AS the words left his mouth, the door opened and Lau entered.
"Ah, my lord. How good it is to see you," Lau said.
"What is he doing here?" Ciel asked, irritated. "How many times have I told you to send a note first?" Lau laughed.
"Well, I haven't kept a tally," he responded.
"Will I bring some refreshment for our guest?" Sebastian asked. "Perhaps some tea?"
"Ah well you might as well," Ciel said gravely.
"Perhaps chai other than early grey," Lau said.
"Fine, what-"
"Wait no, that lovely blend you made me last time I was here," Lau said. "I don't remember the name..."
"Sencha," Yuri said. "I should have some left, I'll see if there's enough. Early grey for you?" Yuri asked Ciel who nodded heavily. Looking at the door, Ciel was shocked to see the prince and butler from before.
"Wha... how?" Ciel asked, pointing with wide eyes at the pair. Yuri turned from her walk to the kitchen before smiling softly. 'I had a feeling we'd see these two again.' Sebastian ground his jaw at his mate's newfound interest in the Indian butler.
"Oh them, I ran into them on the street corner. They said they wanted to speak to you," Lau said.
"So you just come barging in here?!" Ciel asked.
"Why certainly, we are acquaintances now," Soma said. "Surely you have not forgotten me."
"We met during a street brawl," Ciel said.
"And if you'll recall, I saved you."
"Saved me?! Excuse you!"
"Back home, if someone saves you, you offer them hospitality," Soma said as the trio stepped side.
"That is a traditional Asian practice," Yuri stated.
"The girl speaks the truth. Is it an english practice to leave your saviour out in the cold?" Soma asked, walking up the stairs. Ciel growled before pushing the door of the bedroom the prince entered open.
"And just who the hell do you think you are?" He asked as he and Sebastian stood at the door. Agni was lying on the bed, smirking at the earl.
"Who am I? Why I'm a prince," he said.
"A prince?" At this, the other four servants poked their heads into the door.
"This is the son of the King of Bengal," Agni said. "Would you please extend your warmest welcome to my master, Prince Soma Asan Kadar."
"Thank you for your hospitality."
"A real prince in our own home! Amazing!" Finny gushed.
"Oo, how exciting!" Meyrin said behind her hands.
"What an opportunity! I've never seen a prince up close before!" Bard said excitedly.
"It'll be nice to have another Asian here," Yuri said softly.
"You may approach, I give you permission." the trio marvelled while Yuri stayed close to the sill very shocked butler and master.
"This place Bengel sounds exotic! What's it like?"
"A holy land blessed by the goddess Kali and watered by Gandhi river.
"I see you brought your servants into town with you this time," Lau said, sipping the Japanese tea Yuri had served him.
"Yes, we were able to leave the guard dog watching the mansion," Sebastian said Yuri pictured the large demon hound watching the mansion.
"Ah, it should be alright then." The image of Pluto howling and crying because he missed Sebastian brought a soft smile to Yuri's face.
"Sebastian. Don't let them out of your sight for a moment," Ciel ordered.
"Yes, my lord," Sebastian responded. Yuri was lost in thought before it hit her.
"Oh, I know! I'll make some Asian food to make the guest feel more welcome!" Both boys were about to discourage her until they saw the glow in her eyes.
"Oh please!" Meyrin said. "We've never tried any Asian food before!"
"I could make sweets and soup and - oh please?" Ciel saw how Yuri's eyes sparkled and couldn't help but smile with her.
"Why not?"
"That sounds like a good idea," Prince Soma said. The three servants cheered as Yuri bounced on her heels, happy. Sebastian smiled, but it suddenly hit him that Yuri was sixteen, turning seventeen. She was still such a child yet she always seemed so much older. 'Smile, it might never happen.' Sebastian looked over at the girl and saw her watching his movements. He gave her a smile and she nodded, satisfied.
"Sounds like you'll need to go shopping," Ciel said.
"I can ask Ryu. He'll pick up most of the things I need, plus a lot of it is here too."
~o/0\o~
Morning came over the Phantomhive Town House. The curtains were drawn in Ciel's room.
"its time to wake up Lord Phantomhive," Agni said as Ciel rubbed his eyes.
"What's that? Whos there?" Ciel asked, sitting up. His eyes widened as Agni bent down to his level.
"Namaste-chi," Agni said. "Good morning." Ciel jumped onto the bed, hoofing at the Indian butler.
"W-why are you in my room!?" He failed to notice Prince Soma coming up behind him and taking a hold of his nightshirt, pulling him from the bed. He was put in a bridal hold.
"We're going out an about kid," Soma said. "Show us around town!"
"Why should I do that!" Ciel replied stubbornly. "And don't call me 'kid' anymore, I have a real name! it's Ciel."
"Alright Ciel, I order you to show me around!" Soma said, jumping to the doorway as Sebastian came to the door, Yuri following behind.
"Parden me, prince, I am terribly sorry-" 'You're not the slightest bit sorry' "- but my master's day is full. I'm afraid there is a great deal of work and studying he must attend to." Soma reluctantly let the young earl go as he and Agni had a few heated words with Sebastian outside the door.
"Why must he be such a pain?"
"He's just excited, Ciel. As you would be if you went to India," Yuri said, pulling up Ciel's socks as he put on his shirt. "Plus, he still retains his childhood innocence, something we do not have nor understand." There was silence as Yuri did up the last button.
"When you talk like that, you seem older than you are," Ciel said, relaxing as Yuri put on his boots.
"I'm wiser than my years," Yuri said. She gave him a big smile before brushing his hair from his face.
"Are you really going to make dinner today?" She nodded, moving his fringe from his eyes.
"I won't make it too spicy or bland, don't worry," Yuri said, helping the boy into his jacket.
"Is it a recipe from your mother?"
"Grandmother. She used to make it for our birthdays." Stepping back, Yuri turned the tie slightly crooked and winked. "But, you must start your lessons or Sebastian will feed me to Pluto," She said, making Ciel giggle at the thought. She squeezed his shoulder. "Are you feeling-" Before she could say anything else, Ciel laid his head on her shoulder, leaving it there and groaning.
"I don't want to do lessons. They always bore me," He complained. Yuri smiled softly, patting his head.
"You won't get much help from me. I wish I could go back to learning," Yuri said.
~o/0\o~
"You will need a tutor while we're in London," Sebastian said, dressed in grey jackets and brown trousers, his hair slicked back and a pair of glasses on. "I shall fill that role." He pushed his glasses up with the bow of the violin. Ciel looked down at the paper.
"Bach Chaconne in D Minor? There's no way I can play something this complex," Ciel said. Using the bow, Sebastian lifted Ciel's chin.
"As your tutor, I make the rules. Surely you have no problems with my teaching methods, master?" Ciel glared at Sebastian, pushing away the violin bow the butler held with his own. He raised the violin to his chin and began to play. He played through the piece.
"Well done, my lord," Sebastian praised but soon the sound of voices interrupted their playing.
"What are they doing?" Ciel asked.
"If I didn't know any better, I would say they are praying." The two were kneeling, their hands together as they lifted them up and down and spoke holy words to the statue in front of them. The statue depicted a woman with many hands holding up several severed heads, a necklace of severed heads around her neck. One foot was standing on a man, while snack crawled around him. (I don't mean to offend anyone by this, I'm just trying to explain this scene. If it is offensive to anyone, please let me know and I'll take it down immediately.) "Quite an odd idol they have, isn't it?" Lau said, referring to the idol of the woman with the many hands.
"It looks to me like a statue of a woman," Sebastian said. "Who seems to be carrying a severed head. And she's wearing a necklace of severed heads as well. Dancing on a man's stomach."
"It depicts one of the sacred beings of Hinduism," Agni explained. "She is the Goddess Kali."
"A goddess of India?" Ciel asked.
"Kali is the wife of the of the God Shiva. She is also the goddess of power. Here she is again," Angi said, holding up a poster with the goddess face away from the photo, her purple hair flowing down as she seemed to be attacking a group of men. "According to our faith, a demon once foolishly challenged her." He changed the photo to one of the goddesses covered in blood, holding up the heads of her enemies. "Naturally, she was victorious. However, her destructive urges were not quelled. She gave herself to construction and carnage." Dropped the photo, Angi's dark gaze met the group. "but then, in order to protect the earth, her husband Shiva threw himself at his wife's feet." Ciel shivered and Sebastian looked both intrigued and confused. "Treading upon her husband brought Kali back to her senses. And peace was again restored to the world. The statue shows her story, the Goddess Kali walking upon her husband. And in her head, the head of the vile demon she slew." Ciel looked at his butler.
"And there you have it," he said.
"I've never heard of a goddess with such power," Sebastian said. "I should have to keep that in mind if I ever go back to India."
"Alright," Soma said, standing up. "We are done praying now! Let us go out!" Dragging Ciel by putting the boy in a headlock, Soma made it to the door.
"I'm too busy, I already told you that!"
~o/0\o~
"Don't strain your back," Yuri said as Ryu placed the last two boxes on the floor.
"This is nothing," Ryu said, laughing. Yuri stirred the pot, adding in the meat on the bone that would slowly melt off till it could melt in your mouth to eat. She placed in the thinly chopped carrots and cabbages and Ryu cut the potatoes. He mixed the herbs in with the boiling water, listening to his sister hum the tune that brought them both back to the time they would hold on their grandmother's apron, barely tall enough to reach her hip, as the birthday cake stood hidden in the press. The smell sent them both reeling into the past. Yuri rests her head on her brother's shoulder, putting the lid on the food. "You should cook more often," Ryu said. You should cook this more often, is what he meant.
"I should," her voice was soft. The sound of approaching footsteps did not bother them and when the door opened to reveal the trio, they smiled at the two. Yuri smiled back and kicked her brother when he scowled. A warning look of eyes. Behave. A shift in his shoulders and his head coaxed to the side. Is this a challenge? Her hands balled in fists dangling by her side. Don't push. A small smirk and a mischievous glance at the door. Good luck.
~o/0\o~
Lying on a mat on the floor, Prince Soma complained.
"Honestly, when are you going to be done with all of this?" The sound of fencing swords was the background to his complaining. "Yawn. What are you even doing anyway? You look like an idiot."
"Be quiet! You're distracting!" Ciel shouted, continuing his game with Sebastian.
"Are all the english this short-tempered?"
"You're not going to stay quiet, are you? If you need attention so badly why not give fencing a try?" Ciel asked, taking Sebastian's sword and throwing it to the prince.
"Ah, and if I win, you will go out on the town with me."
"If you can beat me."
"Ryu, I swear to god if you don't stop I will-" The door burst open and a red-faced Ryu burst into the door.
"Yo, this shit is massive!" Yuri faced palmed. "How can one elf live in this entire house?" Yuri grabbed her brother's ear.
"Sorry about him. His brain cells left years ago." She threw him out of the room. "he's helping with dinner." Yuri stepped into the room and closed the door after her.
"Dinner ready?" Sebastian asked
"Nope. It needs to boil and stew for about four hours."
"What are you making?"
"My Sobo's Subete (everything) stew. When it was our birthdays or when we came home late, she would always have it ready for us," Yuri explained. "What are they doing now?"
"Dueling. What is your brother doing here?" Yuri chuckled.
"Could you at least pretend to like him? Around me at least?" Sebastian said nothing. "He knows the recipe as well as I do. Plus, I needed someone to buy everything."
"Did we not?"
"Some herbs and some vegetables. Now, shush! I want to see this."
"Good luck, my prince," Agni said, pouring tea. Sebastian stepped in between the two.
"Now, let the fight begin!" Soma pounced before striking Ciel by his ankle.
"Hey, what the-"
"A strike like that will accomplish nothing for you." Ciel pounced.
"Hey, this isn't fair! I don't know the rules as well as you do!"
"A fight is a fight. It's not my fault if you don't know." Ciel pounced again, causing the prince to retreat.
"Highness! Look out!" Agni stepped forward, catching the sword in the cup and hitting Ciel's pressure point. Ciel's sword fell to the ground as he dropped to his knees. Agni, now realising her had hurt Ciel, rushed to his side. Yuri was knelt before him holding his arm cautiously in her hands. "Sir! I am sorry when I saw the prince losing, my reflexes took over. Forgive me." Prince Soma burst into laughter, causing Yuri to shoot him a glare.
"You protected your master well Agni. So, that is it, kid. Agni is my servant, an extension of myself, which means this fight goes to me."
"Wait, thats not fair!" Behind them, Lau had picked up the fencing sword and was bending it.
"How interesting. Sebastian, Yuri, looks like one of you will have to avenge your master." 'Is it too late to sneak back down to the kitchens'
'Yes.' Yuri sighed, causing Sebastian to smile a little.
"Here you go." Lau let the sword go and it flew into Sebastian's waiting hand.
"For heaven's sake. Master, why did you ever have to provoke the bratty little prince." Ciel fumed from the floor. "However, as a Phantomhive butler, I cannot sit idly by while somebody harms my master. It would be an absolute disgrace to my position. Besides, we're a full ten minutes behind schedule now."
"The time, thats what you care about," Ciel said, sulking. Yuri carefully bent his arm up and down, hoping to held regain the feeling in it.
"I am curious. Very well, I will allow you to duel. Agni, fight him. And in the name of Kali, make sure you do not lose."
"Sebastian, I order you. Shut the brats mouth now." Sebastian got into a stance as the two butlers exchanged heated glares.
~/Intermission\~
The only sounds in the room where those of the metal swords clanking together and the footprints of those who wielded them, as well as an occasional grunt. The two dodged the other's attacks, before settling a concentrated glare at one another. They both took a step forward, aiming the sword at the other. Agni crouched to avoid Sebastian's sword and Sebastian deflected Agni's sword. Sebastian aimed downwards but Agni locked their swords and deflected the hit. Both placed equally intimidated glares at the other. Both took a step forward and kept their sword straight. To avoid the point of the others sword, they leaned their heads back, ending up in a very graceful opinion that amused Yuri as she watched on. The audience gasped as both butlers took a step back. Agni moved forward as Sebastian waited before pouncing as well. The point of each sword met but neither male relented their strength, resulting in the sword bending and breaking, much to the surprise of their audience.
"My, how lovely, it seems as if the swords have broken," Sebastian said calmly, holding the tip with a smile on his face.
"Thats mean its a draw, doesn't it?"
"That servant of yours is indeed impressive Ciel," Som said but Ciel could not hear him. He blinked, his eyes wide. 'How is it a draw? He was fighting Sebastian?' "Agni is, by far, the best fighter in my palace," Soma continued, unaware Ciel was not listening. The young boy walked towards the duo "I have never met anyone who could keep up with him before." 'he was a match for a demon.' Yuri, however, remained still, her mind clear. After reaching the duo, Agni returned to his master as Ciel spoke to Sebastian, Yuri having walked up to them.
"What happened? Agni is no ordinary human, is her? Don't tell me he's another- deadly efficient butler." the voice of Grell came to mind.
"No, My Lord. He is deadly, but he's human enough."
"Humans are able to beat Sebastian."
"Like who?" Ciel asked.
"I'm confident my brother could. Maybe no easily but he could do it." Neither male chose to speak as Yuri consulted her watch. "And speaking of my idiot of a brother, I am going to make sure he hasn't killed someone or himself."
~o/0\o~
"Yuri! This stew looks amazing!" Yuri smiled at Bard's compliment.
"Anything we can do to help?" Finny asked hopefully. Yuri opened her mouth but Sebastian arrived
"I doubt she does-"
"She has her own voice," Yuri said quickly. "And, yes, I would love the help. Bard, can you dice these potatoes for me?" The cook nodded, taking the knife and the potatoes. "Meyrin, can you make sure the wine is decanted and that all the wine jugs are clean?"
"The silver ones or the glass?" Yuri paused.
"Check the glass ones first, but if they aren't clean, don't bother. Use the silver. That way, you can't break it." Yuri said but Meyrin noticed how Yuri did not sound condescending. The maid nodded. "And Finny, can you find some flowers for the centrepiece? I know its winter but we just need some simple white flowers. Oh, and if you find something yellow or orange that isn't poisonous, then bring it in please!" The gardener nodded, heading off excitedly to complete his job. Yuri nodded. "You get my flys with honey than vinegar." Sebastian chuckled.
"I'll give you this, you're good and controlling them. Now, miss master chef, what do you need me to do?"
"kiss me?" Sebastian chuckled.
"If you insist." leaning down, he brushed his lips against hers before placing them firmly together.
"Sebastian?" Sebastian groaned as the voice of the Indian butler came into view. Upon noticing the pair, Agni turned red before bowing. "I am so sorry, I- Didn't mean to-"
"It's fine. It's my fault, I should've remembered we had guests," Yuri said smoothly.
"I was simply coming down to inquire whether you needed help with the preparation of dinner."
"As of right now, no. My brother went out to go get some herbs. Oh, wait, yes, I do need help. This meat-" Yuri pointed to the slab of meat on the chopping board, "Needs to be cut but it's quite thick and stiff. Can you cut that for me? And, Sebastian? Can you please dice these peppers for me? They don't need to be added for a while but we might as well get them done."
~o/0\o~
The five of them worked efficiently, Yuri captioning the ship.
"Its smells so nice!" Meyrin said.
"With everyone's help, it's sure to be delicious!" Agni said.
"It's incredible how she managed to get them all to help out without destroying anything," Sebastian spoke to the other butler.
"everyone is born with his or her own talent. We all have our own paths and duties set out by the gods, as children of the divine mother, we need only listen and perform our tasks," Agni said wisely.
"You seem to be a man of impeccable character, Agni."
"Well said," Yuri said, joining the conversation.
"Not at all," Agni said. "I am just a student of the gods. Indeed I was a hopeless fool before I met the prince. I owe prince Soma more than I could ever hope to repay. I hurt many people, blasphemed against the gods, committed crime after crime. And then, the day of my judgement finally came."
Agni remembers the day he was set to be hanged for his crimes. His head was bent down as they placed the noose around his neck.
"I was alone and adrift in the world."
"You there, they say you are a man with the strength of a beast! I am intrigued!" The man hopped up onto the stand and cut both the noose and Agni's hair. "The man you were is dead now. You will be reborn with a new name and a new life!"
"I had abandoned the gods of my homeland, I had forsaken everything."
"Now, you are Agni."
"they sent a god to me! That day, I saw something in hi so divine. To my sinner soul, his radiance was transcendent!"
"Careful, your pots boiling over," Sebastian said as Yuri rolled her eyes.
"The prince soma is my covenant and my god. He took pity on me and gave me a new life so I will protect him with mine. I will do anything I can for my prince. My desire is that his dreams come true."
"If you ask me, the gods are a bunch of good for nothing we should leave behind," Sebastian mumbled.
"I'm Sorry, what was that?" Agni asked.
"Oh, it was nothing."
"You should be proud," Ryu's deep voice drew the attention of both men. "It's very difficult to leave your old life behind." Yuri nodded. "It's especially difficult to not find yourself falling back in time."
~o/0\o~
Sebastian cleared the first course from the table before placing the main course down. The two maids stood behind Lau, who sat on either side while the ear and prince sat on either end, their butler's behind them.
"How long do you intend to stay here?" Ciel asked, staring cautiously at his bowl in front of him. He met Yuri's hopefully eyes as she gave him a smile. Ciel slowly picked up his spoon.
"We will leave when our business is done," Soma replied.
"Thats right, you're searching for someone," Lau said.
"And you," Ciel said, the politeness dropped from his voice. "How long are you intended to stay?"
"Now my lord, play nice."
"I am searching for a woman," Soma said, reaching into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. he opened the folded paper to reveal the mediocre drawing of an Indian woman. "Mina. She was a servant at my palace."
"Well, Sebastian, can you find her?" Sebastian took a step forward and examined the picture.
"Even I can't do much with that," Sebastian said. "But I'll try."
"So, tell me, what is this Mina doing here?" Ciel asked
"I have known Mina my entire life. She was basically my nursemaid. The only person who ever really took care of me. My mother and father barely paid attention to me. It was a lonely life. But I had Mina. She was always there for me. Then. An english nobleman who had his eyes on her kidnapped her and took her back to England."
"In other words, you're here to bring this woman back to India with you?"
"That is right. I will stop at nothing to bring her back."
"Seems like a lot of fuss to make over a servant." A slight pang hits Yuri as she notices Ciel hadn't eaten much.
"No, it isn't!" Soma said, standing up and grabbing the ear from his chair. "You cannot understand my despair at being separated from her! You do not understand-"
"No, I don't. Something as trivial as that causes you great despair? You're right, I don't understand and I don't care to," Ciel said, his voice chilling as Soma only looked on. He slapped the prince's hands and moved away towards the door. With his hand on the doorknob, he stopped for a moment. "There are greater things in this world you can never get back, no matter how hard you try." he opened the door to the dark hallway, not even sparing a glance at the other. "But maybe you're too still young to understand that, Prince Soma. The door closed and the prince's head fell downwards.
"Too young? I am old enough to know what I want and I do not want to be alone." Ciel outside the door stood in the silence. 'Never. No matter how hard you struggle.'
Later that night, Soma sat at his table, sulking by candlelight, Agni standing close by. Ciel approached, throwing a deck of cards on the table before taking a seat.
"Good evening, Prince. Even you should know how to play old maid," Ciel said. Soma sat up as Ciel slid the cards from their pocket and began to shuffle them. "I have finished my work for the day so we can play cards until I am ready to retire."
"Really?" Soma asked.
"Please don't think it is for your sake, I am only here because I am bored and I have nothing better to do." Soma watched for a moment before extending his hands.
"Very sorry, I already have plans." Ciel froze and sat there dumbly. "Unlike you, I am a very busy man. Come Agni, we are going out now."
"Yes, my prince," Agni said, chasing after the prince with a shawl. The prince laughed from the door as Ciel turned to look.
"If you do not get the proper amount of sleep you will not grow up, kid. Goodnight." They both left, Agni turned to bow before closing the door, leaving a still dumbstruck Ciel sitting alone in the room.
"Ah, there you are sir. Excuse me but may I ask," Ciel turned around, a vein appearing in his forehead as he crushed a card.
~o/0\o~
"No look again today huh?"
"We'll search again tomorrow, highness." The two spoke while the fire roared.
Meanwhile, Ciel played cards with Lau, Yuri now acting as peacemaker, occasionally showing Ciel the best card to play.
"So they're back."
"I have to say, those two seem very suspicious to me," Lau stated.
"Yes, they are odd but I don't see how the recent strings of crime would benefit them," Ciel said. Soma lay asleep as Agni tucked him in. "They don't seem to bear much of grudge against anyone's commodious rule." Ciel sighed, continue to let Yuri guide him. "Even if they were, why would they let themselves willing cross my path without a second thought. Thats just beginning me to suspect them."
"Good point. Maybe they just really are looking for someone."
"It's still too soon to know that for sure," Ciel said, looking out the window.
"Also, Yuri isn't it?" The maid nodded. "You're stew was quite delicious. I thought I should mention."
"Thank you, sir."
Agni stepped out of the house, leaving a trail as he rushed for the gate. Unknowing to him, Sebastian sat perched at the top of the roof.
"I was waiting for you to make your move."
~o/0\o~
"Yuri?" The soft voice causes the maid to stop her actions and turn to face the boy. He was in his nightshirt, a blanket lazily was thrown over his shoulder. "I'm hungry."
"I'll see if I can make-"
"No." Yuri paused, her eyebrow-raising. "I want your stew." Yuri gasped slightly.
"I thought you didn't like it."
"I did but..." Ciel looked down and sniffled and in a moment he was wrapped in Yuri's arms. Though he did not cry, he took comfort in her arms. Sebastian stepped into the room, looking to the pair.
"Can you please get me a bowl of stew?" Yuri asked. Sebastian nodded and was back in a moment. In the silence of the room, Ciel ate the stew while Sebastian stood in the doorway and Yuri cleaned her room. Slowly, Ciel put down the bowl.
"Thank you." Yuri smiled.
"Come down, I'll tuck you back in." The two left, leaving Sebastian to watch Yuri as she led the boy down the hall before leading him back to his room. Tucking him in, Yuri slowly sat down till the boy fell asleep. Exiting the room, Yuri made her way back to her own room. Slowly crawling into the bed, a soft smile took over her face as she closed her eyes.
Yo yo yo. so i'm back
I can't even promise a Christmas chapter. I've written it but I can't put out till I finish this ark. and I thought to start it would make sense :)
So yeah, I'm an idiot.
Fairy OUT!