One hell of an adventure

by Ebony'n'Ivory Angel

From street rat to noble to maid. Alice has lost her sister and friends in the blink of an eye. Then she is adopted by a noble woman whose nephew happens to be Earl Ciel Phantomhive. His butler, Sebastian is dark, flirtatious and frightening. When disaster strikes, she is taken under the wing of the Phantomhive family as a maid. Alice is about to head onto one hell of an adventure!

27. Chapter 26

Chapter 26 – Phase 1 begin

Yes, it's been a very long time since I've written anything, and I sincerely apologise. Without further ado, let's do this. Also, from now own, our favourite kiddo is going to be called "Younger Ciel" instead of "Not Ciel".

I DO NOT OWN BLACK BUTLER.

Sebastian, with his usual smile, bowed and got up from his seat and made his way over to the young boy.

"Excellent. Well, we have established our main objective so may I have a word with you My Lord?"

Younger Ciel glanced over to Sebastian who abruptly grabbed him roughly by the cheeks and pulled his face to look into Sebastian's eyes.

"Those were some very poor manners Young Master. I have taught you better than this."

"Let go of me Sebastian!"

Sebastian let go but that snide grin still remained on his face as Younger Ciel rubbed at his now red cheeks that were tingling with a numbing pain.

"Apologise Young Master but I had to reprimand you for such poor manners."

Younger Ciel huffed and sat down in his seat as Ran Mau fed him the dumpling. Alice had fallen in love with the Asian cuisine. It was so different to the usual French and European cuisine cooked by Sebastian and she took advantage of the fact that she could freely eat knowing Sebastian and her adoptive cousin would pay for it later.

"You like the food?"

"It's sublime Ran Mau. It's a nice change from Sebastian and Bard's food."

Ran Mau nodded with a faint smile as Alice inhaled the wonton. Moments later, everyone had their fill of the food and proceeded to discuss plans for the future.

"Well then, now then for payment. Let's see…Oh I have a splendid idea. Earl and group, let's see how well you can work here."

~Moments later~

"Welcome Madam. Oh, come now, don't be shy. Take a puff of this pipe and watch as your troubles float away. Now come, entrust yourself to me."

Alice groaned as she walked past Sebastian who was lounging on the couch, pipe in hand and seductive prowess on maximum. Disturbing… Alice arrived at a booth where an older man with greying hair and excess skin had one of the female workers sitting on his lap.

"Thank you for waiting Sir. I have your drinks."

She quickly placed the tray on the small ornate table and hastily backed away before the man could speak. No way was she staying around to see things progress any further. She coughed at the smokey, drug-filled air which had travelled into her lungs and watch poor little Second Ciel awkwardly approach another booth.

"My word Mr. Butler, your skills are practically professional. This task seems to suit you perfectly. Are you sure you won't change your mind and come work for me here?"

"Thank you for the praise but I am simply one hell of a butler. My loyalties lie with my young master."

"Of course! But the Young Earl…he's so adorable but completely useless. My, you wouldn't even wear girl's clothes and wear makeup. So prideful…"

"OF COURSE I AM! Besides, I don't plan on staying in this cave for long."

Sebastian got up from his couch and walked over to his young master.

"Indeed, an opium den is no place for an Earl."

"How mean. But I am honestly looking forward to having the young earl return to his position of power. My business would suffer otherwise. Also, Miss Maid, you can take a break now."

Alice nodded and returned the empty tray before hurrying over to Younger Ciel with a grin. The group followed Lau into a room in the back. It was adorned with chandeliers and Asian styled furniture. The room glowed with candle light giving it an orange hue.

"So, what's the plan?"

Younger Ciel sighed as he sat himself down on the gold furnished couch.

"Since the Scotland Yard is after us, we cannot make any big movements. Do you know what the public view on us is at the moment?"

Lau brought out a stack of the recent newspapers and all over the front page were pictures of Younger Ciel and the group, the manor and other images of their activities with huge bold writing above highlighting the murders that were ''committed'' by the younger twin and revealed that he was an imposter.

"Oh yikes, you've been turned into a serial killer."

"Why don't you just burst into the manor and take care of your brother and get it over and done with?"

Younger Ciel sighed and tossed the newspapers back onto the table. It was interesting to see how calm he was despite being labelled and framed as a serial killer and hunted.

"Unfortunately, my brother has hired a troublesome bodyguard. But there's something else that's been bothering me. I don't think my brother has overcome death entirely. If anything, he is probably just another of Undertaker's bizarre dolls."

Alice nodded in agreement. It wouldn't have made sense that he survived especially when the place where they were sacrificed had been completely destroyed. Even if Undertaker had managed to get his body out, he surely would have been dead since he bled to death and crushed underneath all the rubble. Sebastian cupped his chin in a thinking position as he thought about what their investigation had led them to so far.

"That line of reasoning wouldn't be wrong. He most likely used the Sphere Music Hall as a means to obtain blood that he requires to keep the corpses maintained. But since it was revealed that the deaths and the hall were linked, it has been closed down and treated like a cult organisation."

Younger Ciel leaned forward with conviction, in his eyes you could see the gears in his head working and his plan of action was forming as the seconds passed by. Alice was honestly afraid of how the brothers' minds worked. A lot of the things that they come up with never even crossed her mind.

"But that is where it doesn't make sense. If a constant supply of blood is needed, then I'm assuming that the Sphere Music Hall wasn't his only means of obtaining blood. Which means that there are other suppliers in which he can obtain blood. This means that we cannot just rush in and strike them head on because this is the way Scotland Yard can pounce and deal us the final blow while my brother and Undertaker escape. So, our next plan of action is to search for their sources and sever their lifeline."

Alice begun to see where this was heading, and it would be the most difficult thing she would ever do. Unlike the other events that involved people, well, humans…they were up against the undead and a god-like grim reaper.

"So, where to start?"

"I need information. Lau, I want information on human trafficking and missing persons cases just like the cases involved with the Campania. Sebastian, get me information on new trends and facilities, things like the Sphere Music Hall."

"Yes, my Lord."

Everyone's attention turned to Lau who was kneeling. There was an awkward silence as they wondered if they heard two voices or if it was their minds playing tricks on them. And then Lau stood up with a laugh.

"AHAHAHA I've always wanted to say that."

Younger Ciel leapt up in flustered anger and the mood lightened up with laughter filling the air. Alice smiled gently seeing that the younger brother wasn't too upset about the situation. She knew it wasn't in his nature to stay depressed but a little part of her worried for him. It was really unfortunate that, at a young age, he lost everything and had to build it from scratch alone with just a demonic butler. And then when things were going well, a ghost from his past took everything away from under his feet and left him as a fugitive.

Alice left them to plan while she headed off to bed. Mey Rin was changing into her night gown when she heard the doors open and she shrieked.

"AH Oh Miss Alice, you scared me."

Alice chuckled and apologised as she started to get undressed too. Mey Rin couldn't help but stare at Alice. When she first arrived at the manor, she was just skin and bones, making her look like a child, but now, she was filled in. Her arms and legs were toned and full, her body developed, and she looked like a young woman. But the most noticeable change was her hair which was now almost completely white and her skin which was marred with scars from her adventures with Sebastian and Younger Ciel. On her stomach was a large bullet wound from Germany, multiple large scars from sharp blades all over her body, on her arms and legs were bite wounds and scars from deep gouges from the bizarre dolls on the Campania and at the school and more.

"How are you feeling Miss Alice? I know I asked you before, but I can see that you're worried about the young master."

"Hmmm, I guess I am pretty worried especially since our opponents are very strong. This is unlike anything we have faced before. There are things that I thought about in the past couple of days and I wonder if it would be easier to just start again. But you know our Ciel, he isn't going to back down without a fight and he isn't going to stop without winning. He hates to lose and I'm grateful to this household for letting me in and saving me. I owe him."

"I am the same. If it wasn't for Mr Sebastian and the Young Master, I would be just an assassin who travelled around and did the dirty work for people I don't know. Finny and Bard are the same too. We're grateful to the young master for giving us a better life."

Alice hung up her clothes and jumped onto the bed. It was such a glorious change from the old beds that they had at the manor.

"It's been a tiring day. The recent events reminded me of being on the streets again, you know, constantly on the run from shop owners and the police and just trying to get by. Its nostalgic. But I'm going to bed now. Have a good night Mey Rin."

"Good night Miss Alice."

The next few days flew by as Alice and the group worked at the opium den while Lau and Sebastian collected information. Strangely, Alice had gotten used to the nature of this place and she thanked her ability to adapt to new situations.

"Young Master, I have got information about people who were heavily involved with the Aurora Society."

Ah, that's right. It's the company that we came across on the Campania. Alice stood behind the couch and did the Phoenix position which earned her a dirty glare from Younger Ciel.

"There are four main groups that I found to have a major involvement. Baron Heathfield's residence in North Yorkshire are currently hiring maids. In fact, they are constantly hiring maids with over 100 currently working at their residence. Several of the maids are former nurses from the Karnstein Hospital. Then, there's the Norfolk's institution for children. They gather orphans from all across London and give them a high level of education and are funded by noblemen from the Aurora Society. Wiltshire's sanatorium for ex-servicemen has a nurse working there who is referred to as The Miracle Healing Hand. It is said that many of the soldiers who suffered from mental and physical trauma from the wars have been successfully healed and rehabilitated by this nurse. Many of the doctors working here are part of the Aurora Society. Finally, Brighton's New Resort and Hotel has phenomenal hospitality despite being reasonably priced. Many visitors who stay here often extend their stay and even wish to obtain a permanent residence there. A nobleman is working there as the executive in charge and he is a part of the Aurora Society as well."

"So, these four places are our best bet of finding something that will help us uproot my brother from his position. Alright Sebastian, gather the servants."

With everyone gathered, Younger Ciel split them into groups to investigate each place.

"Alright, so Mey Rin, Ran Mau and Alice will investigate Baron Heathfield's Residence, Finny and Snake will investigate the Children's institution, Bard and Lau will investigate the Sanatorium while Sebastian and I will go to the resort hotel in Brighton. If there is no blood collection in the places you have been assigned, withdraw and return here immediately. But if there is evidence, annihilate the entire organisation entirely, exterminate it from existence."

"Yes, My Lord!"

Everyone split as they proceeded to pack and prepare for their mission. Before going to her room, Alice went up to Younger Ciel and Sebastian who were discussing their plan of action.

"I'm not underestimating Sebastian's ability or anything but the last time you two went off on your own, you got poisoned by gas and almost died. I can't help but feel like I should go along with you two."

"Such little faith Alice~ I am one hell of a butler, something like this wouldn't be any trouble. I won't let anything happen to the Young Master, after all…he's mine."

Alice gave him a I-don't-believe-you look but she knew that Younger Ciel would tell her to focus on her mission.

"Alice, this is the best plan for now. Make sure to take it seriously and keep a close eye out for anything suspicious. I will be fine."

"Fine. This is the last time I say this Sebastian but make sure you keep him safe. Don't let the same thing happen again or else. Take care."

Then Alice spun around and headed to her room. She was greeted by Mey Rin who was in the middle of packing and dressed in her casual clothes.

"You ready for this?"

"Yes. This is an important job and I will make sure to do it well."

Alice smiled as Mey Rin adjusted her glasses, the aloof look in her eyes had been replaced by a serious and focused gaze. The three girls finished packing and headed to the train station where they boarded the train to North Yorkshire.

"Have I mentioned I hate transportation? Damn my motion sickness."

Ran Mau patted Alice's head as they stepped off the train, greeted by the cool misty air.

"There should be a carriage arriving to pick us up."

"Excuse me! Young ladies!"

The girls spun around as a middle-aged man with a bald head greeted them. Behind him was a carriage which was most likely their ride to the residence.

"Are you the three young maids who came for the advertisement?"

"Yes, are you here to take us to Baron Heathfield's Residence?"

"Yes I am. Right this way."

We hopped onto the simple carriage which took off to the residence. A few hours later, they arrived at a huge manor on top of a hill surrounded by dense trees and stone walls. They were led through the mansion to an old room where an older woman with a stern face sat at the desk. Alice handed over their identification papers to the woman and stepped back in line with the other two.

"So, your names are Mey, Ran and Xue. You three are of Chinese descent and are sisters? How long have you been in England?"

Ran Mau and Lau had come up with that name before they left for North Yorkshire. Apparently Xue meant snow in Chinese which suited Alice due to her almost white hair. It was still taking Alice a while to get used to being called Xue. Mey Rin, being the oldest of the three, spoke for them.

"Since we were children. Our father worked for the tea trade and he brought us with him to England."

"And where is he now?"

"He has passed away during an epidemic and due to the connections he had, we travelled to London to work as servants for a trader's family town-house."

The old woman nodded and looked down at the papers, so Alice took this opportunity to take a glance at the other two people in the room. An older man whom she assumed was a butler and a young woman who was a maid. The maid was very beautiful, her hair was slightly curled and created a halo around her head. But all three staff had kept a straight face as they stared at the three strangers, trying to spot if they were suspicious or not. Alice paid extra attention to the maid who was giving her a strange look.

"You don't have a letter of introduction so may I ask why you resigned from your position?"

"The trader's business went bankrupt and the family fled in the night. The servants were left behind."

"I am sure there are many other job opportunities in London, so why did you come here?"

"This job specified that as long as you were under thirty years old, your race did not matter and being from Chinese descent, we thought it would be a better place to work at since I am 24, me sisters Xue and Ran are 20 and 18."

"Me?"

Mey Rin became flustered as her usual speaking manner slipped out and Alice tried very, very hard to not burst into laughter.

"I suppose since you were servants of a middle-class family, your speech was never reprimanded or corrected by anyone. Well, no matter."

Well, Sebastian couldn't care less of how we spoke, especially Snake as long as we did our jobs properly.

"Can the three of you read?"

"Yes, an average amount."

"Very well, we shall hire you."

The three girls bowed and thanked the woman.

"You can never have too many hands."

Mey Rin grinned as she turned to Alice who gave her a knowing look. Mey Rin's eyes shone with acknowledgement as the woman instructed Jane, the maid, to take the girls to their rooms. The manor was huge in comparison to the Phantomhive Manor and there were so many people dashing about. It was a big change from home since there were only 7 servants including Alice. She was shocked to see this many people.

"This manor is very big."

"Yes, much larger than a town house which makes cleaning dreadful, which is why we are always under staffed."

"How many servants work here?"

"35, but maids count for less than 20."

Jane led the girls up to a small room, slightly bigger than the one at home, with a single window that let in enough sunlight to light up the entire room. Three beds placed right beside each other and a small dresser for clothes sat in the corner of the room. Beside it was a table with a large bowl and mirror attached to the wall for them to wash their faces.

"Later on, collect a few candles from the housekeeper Mrs Abbie and the manor's curfew is 10 o'clock. Don't forget that."

"That's a very early curfew. We get to rest that early? Seriously?"

Jane's eyebrow raised at Alice's tone, but she didn't pay any further attention since she assumed it was just due to her poor manners from working for a middle-class family.

"Yes, the Baron has set that rule himself so that the servants can get enough rest. Furthermore, you must eat all three meals of the day and take a bath at least once every two days. And if you want to go to town on your rest days, just take the servants' carriages, they'll take you there."

Mey Rin's eyes went wide at how generous the rules were here at the manor. Compared to Sebastian's rules, this was considered luxurious.

"This is unbelievably generous!"

"Yes, you can thank the Baron for that."

"This is fantastic! Don't you think so Ran? Xue? Aren't you glad we came to Yorkshire?!"

Ran Mau nodded while Alice gave her a smile and thanked Jane, but she didn't fail to notice the look of suspicion that flashed across Jane's face.

"Well, did you bring your own uniforms?"

"Yes, from our old jobs."

Jane closed the door behind her and told the girls to get changed. Mey Rin's face flushed bright red as Jane's lips slightly curled up in a teasing grin. Alice had to admit that it was strange to change in front of a stranger, even if it was another girl. But she got changed anyway, ignoring the fact that Jane could see all of the scars that adorned her skin and quietly buttoned up her uniform.

"You guys done?"

The other two nodded as we turned to face Jane who nodded in approval before coming over to Mey Rin and flipping up her skirt. Mey Rin squealed in surprise and her face burned hotter.

"What are those? They look like boots for men?"

"Oh, they were given to me by our previous employer since my feet are unusually large for a woman."

Jane seemed content with the answer as she let go of Mey Rin's skirt and backed off.

"In this manor, the elder sisters will work as house maids and the youngest sister will be a laundry maid. Now, I'll show you around the grounds, follow me."

"Yes, come Ran, Xue."

"Okay sister."

As Alice trailed behind Jane and Mey Rin, she took a glance at the extensive manor, taking in every room and detail and submitting it to memory. This place was so big, it would be easy to get lost but also hard to find anything. She could tell that this was going to be challenging but then again, she liked a little challenge.

"Xue are you coming?"

Alice hadn't realised that she had stopped walking to admire the manor's size.

"Oh sorry. I'm coming."

Jane stared at her for a little before turning around and continuing to walk. If this manor was this big, then the other places must have been huge but then again, everyone else was so much more capable.

I hope things are going well for the others too. I'm sure they'll be fine…right?

End of Chapter

I love that things are progressing again. Like I miss this sort of thing from Black Butler. Also, is it just me or do I feel like this may be the last arc for black butler. Like if younger Ciel manages to enact his revenge, then that would mean everything is over right? Or will there be another plot twist which reveals that there was another party responsible for what happened to his family? I really hope black butler doesn't end soon. But yeah, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!