Lol after 4 years, one college degree, a new job, and forever crumbling mental health. I have decided to pick up some old hobbies and finish what i started. I apologize for leaving you guys hanging, if you're still interested I hope you guys enjoy this story. I WILL FINISH IT THIS TIME. Thank you for the story, lets get back to it! (Also I plan to upload this to Archive of Our Own, as well. I will continue to update both of course.)
Sebastian's POV
Well, if it isn't one inconvenience after another. As soon as Claude and I kiss and make up, we're met with another obstacle. I didn't even get the chance to consider Claude's offer of abandoning my master. Which at my point of exhaustion from this night and my constant state of irritation within the last few hours the thought was inviting. However, it doesn't look like our friend behind us will give Claude and I the option of turning in our resignation letters.
"Canterburry, what do you want? We technically still have a little under an hour to reach the meeting point." Claude said, adjusting his coat.
"Master was concerned that you two might lose focus. It seems that he was right. Plans of running away and deserting your responsibilities? I never imagined you were this kind of man, Faustus." Canterbury said, with heavy disgust.
"That's because you never knew me at all. You and your siblings are beneath me; you couldn't possibly begin to understand anything about me. Your small mind simply won't allow it." Claude said, without even directly looking at Canterbury.
Well, it's nice to know that I'm not the only one Claude is rude to. It seems that Claude doesn't believe in interpersonal relationships in the workplace. I could see Canterbury stiffen in anger. I'm sure despite the mind control, Canterbury, and the rest of the Trancy servants all held contempt for each other, especially for Claude and Alois.
"I will follow you until you reach the meeting point. If you attempt to run or fail to make it in the allotted time, I will kill you both." Canterbury said, as calmly as he could. I'm sure he was hoping he would have a chance to end us both.
"Please excuse my dear friend's rudeness, we've had a stressful night. Do you think you could at least tell us the location of the meeting point? We wouldn't want to keep your master waiting." I said hoping we could at least have one thing come easy to us.
Canterbury stared blankly at the back of the train seat in front of him, saying nothing.
"As we were discussing, Sebastian, what do you intend to do? I feel as though I have made my stance very clear." Claude said, returning to the novel he was reading when I first arrived.
I could almost feel Canterbury's gaze burning a hole in the back of my seat.
"Listen Claude, I understand your anger. I really do. Working with Alois would have driven me to commit homicide long ago. However, are you really ready to walk away from all that you have worked for in these last three years. You have certainly earned the right to devour that small whining creature, and you should not allow some mystery villain to steal that right away from you." I said pleading with Claude. I feel as though this "master" is the all or nothing type. I probably won't be allowed to show up and retrieve my master without Claude, and I can not allow my efforts over the years to be squandered.
"3 years of my life is hardly worth crying over. The only troublesome part of walking away from that blue eyed piss stain, is the repercussions of breaking my contract. But at this point I wholeheartedly would rather accept the consequences and suffering that come with my decision, than continue this hellish predicament." Claude said, without looking up at me.
My patience was running thin, and my composure was slipping.
"And how do you plan to deal with our adversaries, who plan to kill us if we deny their requests?" I said, hoping to talk some sense into my stubborn companion.
"I have recovered my full strength, and I'm smelling faint traces of Ms. Annafellows' blood on your person. So, I don't believe we will have a hard time killing them all." Claude said, turning the page of his book.
I snatched the book out of Claude's hand, throwing it to the ground. I was out of patience with him.
"Listen closely, Faustus. I don't give a damn what you do after all this is said and done. But please understand you will not jeopardize my plans for my master and I. You will aid me in complying with whatever ridiculous request this bastard sends our way, or so help me God you and Hannah will have a private staff meeting." I said, trying my best to keep myself from bashing Claude's skull in.
"The empty threats are losing their charm, Sebastian. You're going to have to do better than that to force my hand. What do I have to gain from participating in this idiocy?" Claude said, finally meeting my gaze.
Claude was right. I couldn't kill him at this moment because I need him, and every moment we spend fighting is time we waste not getting any closer to our masters. Claude finally had me at his mercy.
"What do you want, Claude?" I said, defeated. Whatever Claude wanted I would have to swallow my pride and make it happen.
"For my time and effort, and the torment you have put me through, you will enter into a contract with me." Claude said, with the sliest expression.
"Have you lost your mind?" I asked Claude, completely dumbfounded. Was he serious?
"In order for me to assist you in saving your master, you will grant me 3 wishes. These are the terms of my contract. Accept it or get out of my sight." Claude said firmly.
I could tell by the look in Claude's eyes that there was no negotiating with him at this point. I had a choice to make. I stared back into those cold golden eyes of his, wishing that he would somehow turn back into that quivering little creature that was begging for my warm embrace.
"...Fine…." I said quietly.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you." Claude said, with a smile widening on his face. Bastard.
"I accept your terms, you asshole." I've had my most humiliating moments as a Phantomhive butler. Perhaps I should have thought longer about Claude's ideologies.
"Of course you do, let us solidify our agreement shall we." Claude said, removing a blade from his coat pocket.
I removed my right glove, already knowing what was to come. Claude sliced the palm of his right hand, as a red pool began to form in his hand, he passed the blade to me. I reluctantly took it from him and paused just before cutting myself. A demon contract was much more unforgiving than a human contract. Humans are so frivolous, and their contracts are so flexible because they ask for so little, accepting unclear terms from supernatural beings that we purposely sway in our favor. They are usually fulfilled within a week to a month at most, with mild consequences for any breaches on the demon's part. Claude and I's extended contracts with the young earls are extremely rare. Contracts between demons however carry much more weight. They are usually only formed when one demon is at the mercy of another, and the superior demon wants to extort the weaker one in some way. A breach in contract for either party is a slow and agonizing death. I was completely at Claude mercy, and I did not like it.
"Don't waste my blood, Michaelis. It's very precious." Claude said, growing impatient.
"You have 23 minutes left." Canterbury spoke suddenly. I had forgotten he was even there.
I pushed my doubts aside and sliced into my palm. As blood began to ooze from my hand, Claude and I clasped hands, interlocking fingers. Our blood began to mix.
"You will fulfill three wishes of my heart's desire without fail, for my assistance in the retrieval of your master. Do you accept these terms, Sebastian Michaelis?" as Claude spoke his eyes switched from golden to crimson.
"I will fulfill three wishes of your heart's desire without fail, for your assistance in the retrieval of my master, if he is able to return to his manor alive and well." I replied as my eyes began to glow as well.
"I accept your terms, Sebastian Michaelis." Claude said.
"I accept your terms, Claude Faustus." I replied.
And just like that I have put my fate in Claude's hands. Now we had 15 minutes to get to the "stomach of London '' wherever the hell that is, and face whatever meets us there.
Suddenly our train had come to a stop. I didn't even know where we were going when I entered the train, I was just tracking Claude. Claude gathered his things and stood up.
"Where are we?" I asked.
"The stomach of London." Claude said, walking past me. I followed him off the train, Canterbury closely behind. Claude walked a few feet toward a rundown, abandoned, factory.
"I'll repeat myself once more, where are we?" I asked confused and growing agitated.
"This is Howard T. Anthony's meat packing and supply factory, or what's left of it anyway. Eight years ago, it was one of the largest and most efficient meat facilities in all of London. Unfortunately, Howard was shot and killed in a robbery, and his business died alongside him. Locals used to say his business was the stomach of London." Claude said, stopping in front of the gate.
"You were headed this way all along weren't you, you never intended to abandon the mission." I said.
"And here I thought there was nothing but air in that hollow head of yours." Claude said, winking at me.
If I wasn't on the receiving end of this deceit, I would applaud Claude for his skills. The Bastard finally bested me.
Joker11315: Our favorite spider demon finally put Sebastian in his place. I wonder what three wishes Claude has in mind. What's inside the factory? Who's inside the factory? I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please read a comment and expect the next chapter soon :)