"Are we clear on the plan?" asked Alois from his place pinned down on the altar. The only other person with him on the roof nodded.
"I'll pass it on to the others." answered Bonnie.
"Good. Just know that this is gonna get ugly. You can mentally prepare yourself all you like, but you still might freeze up when the time comes. We can't afford that." the blonde stated.
Already, the blonde was discussing the turncoat's plan of action with them and planning his escape. Thing were sounding good to him so far and although he was tired and wasn't sure if he could jump around and such after getting free, he was sure that he could hold a gun and shoot people from the rooftops while H.E.L.L.S.I.N.G. did their thing. The roof was a perfect point of attack, as the fort was made for that purpose. Walls surrounded the rooftop from all sides and it was easy to stick guns through the slits in the barrier. As long as the crew kept no one from getting through the door, they would be safe until it was time for pickup. Alois couldn't wait.
His body ached to move, but when he tried to stretch and flex his muscles, the spears in his back hurt even worse. He knew that his wounds were going to take a long time to heal and he was most likely going to have scars for a while. He was going to make the order pay for putting him in such a position. But then again, he was grateful that his nemesis hadn't seen him.
Alois wasn't sure what was going on with Araneus. He didn't know if the other demon was under orders to leave him be, or if he was up to something. He knew that he was still on the base, as he could sense him, but he was always several buildings away across the water. Alois prayed to whatever higher power that existed to please be merciful for once and ensure that he would escape without seeing him while bound. As long as he was able to fight the man freely, he would be fine. In this state however, he was disappointed that he wouldn't be the one to kill Araneus once and for all. At least he could be certain of who it was going to be instead. Ciel was going to beat the Trancy Earl to a pulp and ensure that he suffered before he died.
The menace knew that he shouldn't have let him live. There was no point in it. It wasn't as though Alois ever thought that making the man suffer just as he had would somehow change him. That kind of monster cannot be changed. Even if he could, Alois didn't want himself to. He wanted Araneus to rot forever and feel unending agony, but it could never be. Araneus had to die. There was no way around that. Somehow, someway, the Trancy would perish, and should he ever return, he would be killed once again and a thousand times over.
Suddenly, Alois froze and his eyes stared in the direction of the other tower despite not being able to see through the wall. He could sense Araneus and that he was on the move. Since arriving, the demon hadn't left that building, but now he moved on to the next, and then the next. Alois was hoping that he would stop at some point as sweat began seeping from his pores. The lion's hands curled into fists and he twisted his body in hopes of finding a way to defend himself.
"What's wrong?" asked the turncoat beside him. "Alois?"
"He's getting closer..." Alois said with a slight tremor in his voice. "He's too close. Loosen the cuffs!"
"But Alois… The plan? We need to make sure that nobody notices anything..."
"Keep him away from me!" the menace warned. There was no way that Araneus could see him in this state, weakened and defenseless.
"Who?!" demanded Bonnie. "Who is coming?!"
Now, the blonde was shaking violently, worsening his wounds. He lost a lot of blood this way as the holes through his body were disturbed and allowed to leak onto the floor. Loudly, the metal steps beyond the door were stepped upon, the sound growing closer and closer. With every step that was taken, Alois grew more afraid.
Of course Araneus was going to seek him out. He always did. He did when he knew that Alois was alive. He did when Alois was undercover as BlackJack, but back then he could fight back. Now, he was anchored in place against his will with nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no way to defend himself from his life-long nemesis. The only thing that he was able to shake was his head and he snarled like a wild animal caught in a trap, gnashing his teeth and puffing himself up the best he could. All the while, his eyes never strayed from the door in front of him.
Slowly, it creaked open, causing him to thrash even more and the witch next to him to freeze as she too feared whatever it was that frightened the demon so. The surprise at the hand the gripped the door through the crack didn't register with Alois right away. Araneus was definitely on the other side, but there was no way that the delicate hand belonged to him. It was soft and smooth with long, blackened fingernails, and it was a person suiting of such a style that finally revealed themselves.
It was a woman with long, flaxen hair and pale blue eyes. She was dressed like any other female crew member in practical clothing, but she walked like a supermodel. Red lipstick stained her lips as the corners turned upwards into a smile. As Alois gathered his thoughts, he realised that he recognised this woman. He didn't know her personally, but he certainly saw her picture around the Trancy estate. She was always in pictures with the Earl, holding a child. At the time, Alois knew her to be the wife of the vulgar Earl, and he was never surprised by the knowledge that she ended her own life after the loss of their child.
Now, her face was worn. It was definitely Araneus before the menace, but not in his usual form. Seeing this, Alois was able to relax somewhat, but knew that there was still a cause for concern. His brow was still furrowed and his teeth were still grit as he tried to kill the other demon with his eyes. The creature before him only chuckled.
"That's not a good look for you." Araneus said finally. "You were much cuter when you were young and sweet."
"Like I give a fuck about what you find appealing." the menace spat. "What's with the stupid getup?"
"You used to care." the other replied. "You were just using me the whole time, weren't you?"
"Oh, no, you were being used for your personal assets and not regarded as a real person? Gosh golly gee willikers, mister, I can't possibly even begin imagine what that must feel like!"
"But you still have a mouth on you..." The older demon said with a slight frown. "Bet your husband loves it, doesn't he?"
"Choke on shit." retorted the menace, winceing as he was grabbed my the hair. Tightly, Araneus gripped the man's locks, towering over him with ease as he slammed Alois' head down on the table. The Phantomhive's world was spinning from just that as it brought back a lot of memories that he would rather be destroyed.
"You." Araneus called out, addressing the witch guard. "Leave."
"But… I'm not supposed to leave him unatten-" Bonnibel began before being cut off.
"Out!" the demon roared, startling the poor girl. Quickly, she fled, looking back at the menace as he laid there and regretting her weakness. With that, Araneus turned back to the menace with a wicked grin.
"Alone at last." the older demon said with a wicked grin. "I've got some exciting news for you."
"Are you dying of supernatural testicular cancer?" asked Alois, prompting the other to slam his head down once again.
"You watch your pretty little mouth, son." said his foe. "Or I'll do it for you."
"Probably a good idea, since I spat on Preston's face a few days ago."
"Laugh it up now, boy. It's not going to last very long." Araneus said with a snarl before regaining his smile once more. "I still haven't explained why I look like this yet, have I? I've had a little work done."
"I really don't care as long as you stay far away from me and other people. Preferably in a hole in the ground. Or eaten my sharks."
"Are you sure about that? Considering what I'm carrying and all."
"Do I want to know?"
"Probably, since it concerns your husband." Araneus said, letting go of the blonde's hair and crouching down so that he was on the menace's level. "Did you know that genetic samples taken from demons can last ages? In all kind of environments, too. It's kind of amazing how it's lasted this long."
"You mean the DNA samples we took back?" scoffed Alois, appearing haughty, but still not quite looking his foe directly in the eyes.
"No, the sample that you missed when cleaning up."
Suddenly, the Phantomhive's smirk faded. A look of confusion washed over his face as he appeared baffled. He wasn't quite able to piece together what Araneus was implying; or rather, he didn't want to.
"The fuck are you talking about?" the menace asked.
"Hobbs is an interesting guy. Seems like he tested this on several women, but it failed every time. Now that it's with a demon, it looks like it's sure to be successful. That is: the natural creation of a living, breathing demon through biological means. Not only that, it's going to be a blue-blood. Isn't that lucky?"
"What are you saying?!" demanded Alois, tugging at his restraints and baring his teeth. He didn't want to accept it. There is no way that he would.
"The creation of an heir. Both Phantomhive and Trancy combining. Did you know that demonic fetuses develop faster than humans? It's quite amazing, really. Isn't it wonderful? Your husband will finally receive an heir, and not only that, it will be of noble blood. Isn't that marvelous?"
"You're lying!" barked the menace, his blood beginning to boil. Right now, he was the warmest he had been in a week and it was from anger; sheer, unbridled anger. "You're just messing with me! Stay outta my head!"
"The whole reason I did this was to mess with you." Araneus replied sweetly. "The thought of you failing so greatly… It brings me such joy. You know that your husband wants a child. It's what every noble of our time ever wanted. Do you think that this need that has been drilled into our skulls from our own birth simply goes away?" Standing up, Araneus bend forward so that he was still directly in Alois' face, locking eyes with the man.
"Do you think he will simply give up what is his? This child is of Phantomhive blood! No longer will he be the last of his kind!" the older demon continued. "If it weren't for you, it would have been much sooner. I will succeed where you have failed." Pausing, Araneus straightened his back and rubbed his chin in thought.
"You know, having a kid wouldn't be so bad for me, either." he said. "It'll be just like old times."
Alois' body jerked, causing metal to creak. The loud noise sparked the older demon's attention as the menace fumed. Araneus' eyes couldn't help but widen at the sight of the Lion. Veins protruded from Alois' forehead, his nostrils flared, and his fangs were exposed as he grit his teeth in a snarl. Steam hissed from the small gaps as he breathed out heavily, while blood dripped rapidly from his wounds. The thing that frightened the older demon the most, however, was the fact that the metal was bent.
"You bastard…" Alois accused in a distorted growl. "I'll kill you..."
Muscles flexed and unflexed as Alois tried to move. With a swift movement, more metal complained as it warped, and the lion was growing more wild by the second. These restraints were designed with demons in mind, but they were not tested on them beforehand. They were effective, but only up to a certain point. Now, it would appear that this moment has passed, as the demon it was housing was breaking free.
Crimson eyes burning with hatred stayed transfixed on Araneus as the man backed away. With another motion, the cuff on Alois' right hand had broken off and fell to the side, hitting the ground with a loud thud. With one hand free, he grabbed the other cuff and tore it off before discarding it as well. The table was positioned at a sharp angle so that Alois was crouching and sitting on his legs, so to remove the two spears, he leaned back slightly, scrunching his face in acute pain and uttering a sound of agony. With both hands, he reached between the space between the table and his body and pulled on the spear, easing it out. Once that was done, he paused to draw in ragged, laboured breaths before working on the other. The barbed wire cut into his back the entire time, but it was nothing compared to those spears.
All the older demon could do was stand there and watch in horrified awe. The power that was displayed before him was, in a word: ungodly. In a few more moments, the menace's ankles were free and wire was torn, and there stood the Lion in all of his glory as he leaned against what remained of his prison to right himself and catch his breath.
Now there was nothing between them. Araneus knew. He knew and it scared him. This man before him whom he had wronged as a boy hated him with every fibre of his being. He hated everything about him. Araneus stood for everything Alois was opposed to and has caused him suffering long enough. Now, he must die, and Araneus knew. There was nothing there to save the older demon.
"N-now, Alois..." the older demon began. "Let's be reasonable! If I die, then Phantomhive might never have a child? Could you live with depriving your husband of that?"
"I couldn't live..." began Alois, taking his first step forward in an entire week, "I couldn't live with myself… If I allowed you to continue to exist… I made that mistake once. It'll only happen once. I'm never going to let that happen ever again."
"But what about Phantomhive?!" pleaded Araneus. "Think of him!"
"I AM PHANTOMHIVE!" Roared the lion, baring his teeth and claws. With all of his strength, the beast attacked his prey with all that he could offer.
Araneus pulled out a pistol, but Alois' teeth latched into his arm. The menace didn't care about the state of Araneus' body. He only cared that it was destroyed. With Araneus' arm in his teeth, Alois used his hand to form a fist, and struck the older demon repeatedly whereever he could hit. Without even thinking, his attention was focused on Araneus' stomach, but the menace finally bit through the flesh of the other's arm, tearing out a large piece. He was disgusted and spit it to the side.
Now the lion was above the spider, and brought his hands to Araneus' head. Holding it steady with both sides, the menace took his thumbs and placed them over the older demon's eyes before boring them into the sockets, putting all of his weight into it. Oh, how Araneus screamed and flailed, kicking his legs and fingers desperately prying at the blonde's hands. Claw marks appeared on Alois' flesh, but he paid no notice. All that mattered was that Araneus must die, and once he was satisfied with blinding the monster, he picked up his head before forcing it back down onto the ground roughly.
"It's dark, isn't it?" mockingly asked the menace. "You're trapped, aren't you? You're helpless, aren't you? How does it feel? Huh?! How does it feel, Araneus Trancy?! How does it feel?!"
"STOOOP!" Araneus screamed. Blood trickled from the sockets in place of tears as he begged. "PLEASE! PLEASE STOP!"
"Die." Alois said. "Die and don't come back. If you ever even think about it, remember who killed you. Remember who made you suffer. Remember who hates you like no one else has hated before! Remember the man who killed you! Say my name!"
"A-ALOIS!"
"Wrong!" The lion bellowed, digging his thumbs deeper.
"JIM! JIM MACKEN!" sobbed the older demon. "JIM MACKEENN!"
"Wrong!" The lion roared. "What is my name?!"
"PHA-PHANTOMHIVE! JIM! JI-! JIM PHA-ANTOMHIVE!"
"Very good!" answered the menace, finally removing his hands and allowing his nemesis to clutch at his injuries. With that, the Phantomhive stood, and black fire appeared in his hand before brandishing the gun known as "Poena".
"Here is your reward." he said before promptly pulling the trigger.
He unloaded the entire weapon into the Trancy's body, and even reloaded to shoot it some more. The torso was filled with bullet wounds, and the face was torn. This creature was hardly recognisable as the terrifying Araneus Trancy, but it certainly was as true as the sky was blue.
When at last the gun clicked and proved empty, Jim froze for a moment and took in a shaky breath. His arm then dropped to the side, and his strength seemed to fade. Where he stood sure before, he now wobbled over to the wall and leaned with his back against it, staring at the body before him. As time passed, he slid down the wall and finally landed on the floor of the rooftop and sat there for a long while, trying to take it all in.
He wasn't sure how to feel, in truth. There was relief. There were the aftershocks of rage. There was fear, too. Most of all, however, there was the feeling that an important, yet excruciatingly long chapter in the man's life had ended, leaving him open for another. The blonde's breath was still uneven as he tried to calm down, but part of him wanted to savour this feeling; to seer it into his mind and never let go. Jim Phantomhive, formerly Macken, had finally gotten justice.
Old wounds would still remain as scars, but knowing that this monstrosity was dead gave him peace of mind. He felt serene, almost. There was calm. For the first time in his life, however, the man finally seemed to understand what the concept of "honour" meant.
The wind picked up, whipping flaxen locks around as the helicopters approached. Slowly, a smile crept upon the menace's face as he sensed an all-too-familiar presence drawing near. He heard people shouting, and more gunshots rang out. The champions had arrived to free the prince and the man was happy with this.
"So you finally decided to show up, huh, darling?"
A/N: I already wrote the damn A/N for this chapter, but something fucked up and it got deleted. I'm not typing it again word for word...
I need to write my essay... I prepared this chapter beforehand so that I could update today and not feel compelled to write fanfic instead of actual shit I need to be doing.
Should only take me about two or three hours, tho... Kind of a bullshit essay, tbh. They don't even care if I follow actual writing rules as long as I get the shit in and it doesn't look like ass.
Wish me luck, duckies...
But how about that Araneus, though, eh?
No Character Shet again because I'm out of questions. I am enjoying all of the Preston hate, though. It fuels me.
Until the next chapter, my duckies~!
