I do not own the characters of Black Butler or Demon Slayer. All rights go to their respective manga authors and anime adaptations to their studios.
Author's Note: I deeply apologize for this late update, readers. This year has been..well, crazy. After I finished the Spring semester of school, I honestly planned on writing the next chapter during the summer. I was writing and re-watching episodes of Demon Slayer and Black Butler to gain inspiration. I got stuck, but then I gained inspiration again. I made this chapter extra long. I'm honestly trying very hard to get to the time travel aspect, cause I know all of you want to see Ciel come into the story! Please bear with me! This is an ongoing fan fic!
Please comment on your overall thoughts on the chapter, predictions of what will happen next, what characters do you want to see interacting and fav character so far! It helps me with the plot planning!
Happy Reading & stay safe! Remember to wear a mask and wash your hands frequently when coming home from stores etc :)
His Descendant; Successor Pt. 3
Èlaine POV
"It's time to wake up, Lady Èlaine." A soft voice said, following a scraping sound that rang in my ears like bells. A beam of sunlight abruptly hit my face, telling me to wake the hell up. I may be a sun breather user but that doesn't mean I'm an early riser.
Groaning, I turned away to my side. "Five more minutes." I said, pulling the blankets over my pounding head.
"Get up. It's nearly noon." A harsh voice said, blocking the sunlight. Peeling my crusty eyelids open, my vision blurred at the figure beside my bed.
"Otousan (Father)?" I blinked until my vision focused. He was wearing a dark blue suit over a white lab coat. I glanced at the maid standing by his side, then towards the ceiling, the window, and back at my father. "Oh, I get it. I must be having a nightmare. I'll wake myself up."
I slammed my palms against my cheek and squeezed my eyes shut. Counting to five, I opened them and waited for the scene to change. When nothing happened, I realized that I wasn't dreaming. My father was here, and I was-am awake.
He frowned. "I know my presence is unusual, but I want to do another check up and make sure you did not concuss."
"Concuss?" I said, blinking in confusion.
"Last night. I was told you fell in the kitchen and hit your head, whilst attempting to make a sandwich in the dark."
I froze.
Last Night.
Images flashed in the mind: Wisteria flowers. A metal cage. Alastair's assistant Ted in front of him, beating my older brother who was chained in a chair, urging me to run away. I jolted upwards, increasing the pressure of my headache.
"Alastair-nii-Ah!" I winced, placing a hand against my forehead. It ached as if an invisible hand was squeezing my head.
Why did my head hurt? I did not fall in the kitchen. What happened to me?
"Look at me and follow my hand. " Father sighed, reaching for his front coat pocket. He pulled out a small flashlight and clicked it on. As the light glazed over my eyes, I was reminded of my father's forgotten past. Before he became a Lord/head of the Phantomhive household, he was a certified doctor. Mom told me he graduated medical school at 26, ready to obtain another doctorate in Tokyo. He met and fell in love with her during his senior year of college. Grandpa told me they dated for many years until he asked Grandpa for his blessing one day. The night he proposed to her, his elder brother died of a heart attack, making him next in line for succession. Thus, he never got the chance to fulfill his true passion. Mom said it left him heartbroken to leave his dream. However, to keep the Funtom company and other imports within the family; he had no choice but to pick up the pieces of broken legacy.
It was quite disarming, seeing my father in a healing manner. The hairs in the back of my neck rose uncomfortably at this display of paternal love? Is that what I'm calling it? I almost wanted him to yell at me or something. It was very unnatural, especially after ten years of rarely speaking to each other.
Still, it felt comforting knowing he does care about me.
"Your eye pupils are dilating. A good sign, and," He said, clicking the flashlight off and placing it back into his white coat pocket. "Your hearing and speech are fine. However, your memory concerns me. Your head still hurts, yes?"
"Just a bit." I replied, patting my disheveled black locks with my hands.
"I suspect a small concussion after all." He said, standing up straight. He turned to the maid, "Light meals for her for the rest of the day and make sure she stays in bed."
"Yes, sir." She said.
"No need to be dramatic. I'm fine." I said, throwing the sheets away from my body and rising to my feet. "My memory isn't damaged. I know it was stupid of me to make a sandwich in the dark, but I was hungry. I'll take some medicine for the headache. Please don't confine me in my room. I- I promise I will attend meals while I'm here…Without lip."
Will you know? The nagging voice in the back of my head said curiously.
My father blinked in shock at my response. After yesterday's confrontation, my attempts to act like "a lady" was probably the last thing he expected. I was surprised myself but given the circumstances of the mystery behind my brother's absence. I must be able to investigate without a maid or butler, checking and reporting me every hour. For Alastair's sake, I must swallow my pride, anger, and play the role of the obedient and ignorant girl. What felt like an eternity later, my father turned his back and sighed.
"Very well. I'll grant your request but if I see or hear you doing one strenuous activity-"
"I know, I know," I said, conjuring up the most innocent looking smile. "I'll go back to bed, preferably with a good bowl of ramen."
"Good." He said, firmly and headed straight for the door. As the maid opened it for him, he stopped at the threshold. "Do you have a dress for Friday?"
I shook my head. "Um, define dress? I thought the succession ball was just a fancy costume party with important people."
The corner of my father's lip rose to what I thought was a smirk. Is he trying to hide his smile? Did I say something funny?
The smirk vanished and was replaced with his cold nonchalant manner. "The Succession ceremony and afterparty is-was always a black tie affair. However, this year, Alastair requested it to be on Halloween. Now, I expected this non-traditional approach from Alexander but never Alastair. Much like Usagi's ancestors, the Phantomhives' have their own ancient family traditions. When an heir is ready to be head of the family, we honor our founding ancestors Lord Ceil and Lady Elizabeth by hosting the succession itself in the ways of the Victorian Era."
Blinking, I sucked in a deep breath and glanced up at the ceiling. "Please tell me you're joking." My father raised an eyebrow as if to say does-it-look-like-I'm-kidding? I turned around and began to walk towards my unpacked suitcase. "If it's Victorian, I'll have to wear a corset! I don't want to wear one! Wait, I do have one cosplay outfit that may pull off the style without the corset-"
"I will not tolerate you wearing your silly attire at your brother's ascension." He said harshly.
"It's not silly! It's cosplay!"
"I don't care what it is."
"Then, I'm not going. It's so unfair that other people get to dress up as whatever they desire, and I have to wear a stupid corest!" I said, crossing my arms. A light bulb flickered in the back of my mind. If I didn't have an outfit, I couldn't go to the party. Therefore, it would give me more time for some extensive investigation work.
"Yes, you are." He said firmly. "I was going to have some maids pick suitable dresses from the attic-"
"There's an attic?"
"Your lack of knowledge on Phantomhive history is truly disconcerting." He said, pressing his lips in a thin line. "Before Lord Ciel and Lady Elizabeth's passing, their son, my grandfather, saved important heirlooms from their time and beyond and stored them in the attic. A few of those heirlooms were some clothing and jewelry. Why bother having Victorian clothing made for each of us when we have the authentic pieces."
"You make a good point. Alright, I'll pick out something to wear to honor our great ancestor. In fact, I'll go do that now."
Time for some snooping! An excited voice said in my mind.
"After breakfast." He stressed.
I began to grunt but stopped once he raised an eyebrow. He shook his head slowly as he sighed.
Before he walked away, I had to ask the burning question that's plagued my mind all night. "Is it true what Alex said? Mom put in her will that they share custody as my guardians? I tried calling Alastair, but he's not answering my phone calls. Grandpa had no answers, and I have so many questions. Do you know where Alastair is? I want to talk to him."
My father did not turn around. "Your brother is a busy man now. All questions will be answered when you see him tomorrow."
When I said okay, he and the maid walked out of my room. As the door closed, I locked it and staggered to the connecting bathroom in utter defeat, thinking carefully of his reply. It wasn't much to go off of. His back was towards me, concealing his expression. However, his scent and tone told me otherwise.
He was remorseful as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.
Could that even be possible? Father sorry? I wondered as I tugged off my clothes from yesterday and turned on the shower. He was right too; Alastair would never miss his own ascension gala. He would want everyone to see and know that he is the new Earl of Phantomhive; heir to the multi-billion dollar fortune of the Funtom Company and so much more. Unless, he forfeits the title tomorrow.
"What I'm I even-wait-," I muttered, scrubbing my scalp with orange blossom shampoo. " Or, maybe, maybe someone wants him too?"
The rules are if the successor does not appear at his or her own succession; it's a forfeit and will go to the next child. If Alastair forfeits, Alexander would be next; if Alexander does then I'm next. I can't picture Alex being an Earl. He's too much of a goofball and has anger issues to take the role seriously. Nor is he business savvy. On top of that, he's getting married to that strange beautiful woman. Kibutsuji's voice lingered in the back of my mind, whispering my mother's maiden name like a phantom in the wind. At the very sound of his voice, I froze and placed a hand against the glass door of the shower. My chest went tight as all the heat left my body despite the warm trickle of water from the showerhead.
Why am I so afraid-terrified of a demon who has been dead for over a century? Is this all part of inherited memories?
As I raised my head, Great-grandfather Tanjiro's face appeared in the reflection of the shower glass panel:
"You're the only one who can stop the evil from spreading!" He shouted. I swiped my hand over the glass to wipe his reflection away along with the lingering feelings of fear and anxiety.
Whatever was happening in this house; whatever was happening to me, there was no doubt that a greater force was urging me to get to the bottom of it quickly, or else… there will be great death.
An hour and a half later, I exited my room, dressed for battle. I wore my most inconspicuous outfit: a SID T-shirt (readers, this is the band that sings the 1st opening of Black Butler "Monochrome No Kiss"), a pair of black jeans, chained boots, and the hanafuda earrings which were hidden behind my hair. I know it didn't go with my punk rock outfit, but I couldn't seem to part with them. If anyone asks why I'm snooping around with my camera phone, I'm recording a music video for my Youtube channel.
As the door clicked behind me, sending an echo down the empty hall. I took a moment to appreciate the privacy and quietness of my bedroom's location. The last twenty four hours were still processing in my mind. I probably would have gone mad if my room were next to Alexander's or Kode's. They're more prone to hovering like mother's hens and that is something I don't need right now. Given their nature, I'm surprised no one but father has checked up on me.
Curiouser and Curiouser. A voice chimed in the back of my head.
Yeah. This is suspicious. I replied, making my way down the hallway.
I made a left turn that led me to the main staircase, which was the front of the mansion. It was the quickest way to the dining hall. Crossing the descending staircase, I took a quick stop and glanced to my left. Tipping my head backwards, I saw an enormous painting of my ancestors-Ciel and Elizabeth Phantomhive. They both looked about twenty year of age in this portrait. Elizabeth sat on a couch, wearing an exquisite midnight blue gown that draped like a waterfall. A pair droplet sapphire earrings dangled from her earlobes as two blonde curls framed her heart shaped face. Much like every lady in high society at the time, her hair was in a complex curled up do style. Her green eyes- the same hue as my brothers and father- shone with glee, especially when Ciel stood proud beside her.
He wore the standard black coat (or tails as they called them) with a midnight blue with black paisley patterns vest, long black pants, and shiny shoes to match. His black blue hair was neatly combed. He placed a gentle hand on Elizabeth's shoulder, showing off an emerald cut deep-blue sapphire ring. I've seen it before in many family portraits worn by the men in the family—it was the Earl's ring. The ring my brother will be given tomorrow evening. Rumor has it that there was another ring cut from the same stone, but it was converted into another piece of jewelry. Looking at the pair of them, it's hard to believe I'm related to people who look so-
"Regal, aren't they, milady?" A voice said next to me.
I turned, nearly jumping from fright and saw Sebastain right next to me.
How come I didn't smell him coming? Let alone hear him walk up the staircase?
I clear my throat. "Yes. Very elegant, especially Ciel," I said, stuffing my hands in my jean pockets to regain composure. "No one can make an eyepatch look so badass."
Sebastian laughed, raising a clenched hand to his mouth. "Indeed."
"He's not my only ancestor who lost sight at a young age." I said, recalling the stories my mother and grandfather had told me. "My great-grandfather Tanjiro and his wife both lost their right eye at fifteen, but they never wore an eyepatch."
"How did they lose their sight?" Sebastian said intrigued.
"Some illness." I said, shrugging my shoulders to hide the lie. I knew exactly how they lost their sight. They bore their losses against Muzan with honor.
We both stared at the Phantomhive portrait in silence for another brief moment. From the corner of my eye, I could see Sebastian's gaze. His eyes were full of sorrow and longing. It was the kind of look one gives to a photograph of a lost relative. Shifting my eyes back to the painting, I dare begin my investigation.
"If you're here, it must mean more guests have arrived." I said, not taking my eyes off the painting.
"Yes. A lively group of guests arrived twenty minutes ago. I finished bringing their luggage to their suites moments ago."
I turned to face him. "No offense, Sebastian, but I thought you were just a chauffeur."
He smiled. "I am more than just a mere chauffeur. I am a butler, cook, armed security man.. I am whatever the household requires."
I blinked, shocked at the various jobs. "I hope my father is giving you a high wage. You are one hell of an employee."
Sebastian laughed once more. "I assure you, milady. I am fairly compensated."
I frowned. "Sebastian-san, I thought we were friends. There is no need to be formal around me."
"Apologies. Old habits."
I shook my head. "It's okay." I said, sighing heavily. "I'm just going to have to get used to the formalities now."
I wish I could just go hom-.
"Lady Èlaine!" Said an utterly, annoying familiar voice. I turned to see Claude standing on top of the right staircase, glaring down at Sebastian and I. "Lord Phantomhive, Master Alexander, and Young Master Kode are waiting for you in the dining hall. Not to mention, the guests who arrived."
"This guy." I muttered in Japanese as I rubbed my neck.
"You're ten minutes late, milady." Claude continued with a harsh tone. He closed his pocket watch and carefully slipped it back into his vest pocket. "Everyone was beginning to worry if you got lost or fell ill again. However, I find you in the hallway talking to the chauffeur."
I always knew Claude disliked me. I've always wondered why, but the way he glared at Sebastian? Behind his squared glasses, his golden eyes glowed purple. I blinked several times to make sure I wasn't imagining it. The glow was gone but the murderous intent to kill Sebastain remained. I inhaled sharply and smelt the seething rage that radiated from the both of them. It permeated the air, causing all the warmth to leave the room. What felt like decades later, Sebastian cleared his throat and turned to me,
"Apologies for making you late, Lady Èlaine." He gave a solemn bow.
"Oh, no need to apologize." I said, waving my hands frankly. "It was a pleasure talking to you Sebastain."
"The pleasure is always mine, milady." He said grinning.
"I'll see you later."
I could feel both their stares on me as I walked towards Claude. When I reached the top, Claude did say a word to me. He only tapped the side of glasses and turned, expecting me to follow him. I had no choice to obey. We turned right into another corridor, continuing our moment together in utter silence. I wanted to take this chance to ask him why he disliked me. As I opened my mouth, I was cut off by the shouts coming from two double doors a few feet ahead. Claude and I shared a glance, then dashed to the dining room.
"Stand behind me, milady." He said with caution, before opening both doors. I did no such thing and walked right in.
"What the hell is going on-" I said. I felt someone run into me. The scent of wisteria perfume hit me like a train, reminding me of who exactly was hugging me.
"Yuki-san." I said, pulling her away from me. Yuki's plum eyes quickly glanced over me before smiling. "What are you doing here?"
She flipped her long white hair over her shoulder, "Èlaine-chan, tell this fool that you're marrying, Kaname-niisan."
"Enough with the fanatics, Yuki." A teenage male voice said in Japanese. "You're embarrassing the Ubuyashiki clan. Sit down."
"Not until grandpa tells this lunatic that you're marrying, Èlaine-chan!" She whined. She grabbed my arm and held on to me like a child.
I looked beyond Yuki and saw her older twin brother Kaname. Next to him, an elderly man grinned, totally unsure what is going on.
"Ubuyashiki-sama!" I said, moving away from Yuki to give my formal greetings. I bowed immediately, "What an honor to have you with us at Phantomhive Manor!"
Okay, something definitely is going on. I screamed internally. What the hell is the 98th Master of the Demon Slayer Corp doing here?!