Brisk footsteps echoed through the halls of Phantomhive manor on this otherwise almost disturbingly calm day. On a tray in the butler's hand was an envelope set apart from the rest of the mail. It was a rather large envelope, but as far as Sebastian could tell, contained nothing immediately dangerous, either in substance or in technology, but having read the name on the return address, he found it pertinent that he must present it to his master at once.

The office was dead silent as it was presented to the Watchdog. He stared at the envelope for a long while with his brow furrowed, his fingers twitching each time he was on the cusp of mustering up the courage to open it. With other eyes on him, however, he knew that he must for the sake of saving face, but was finding it far more difficult than he ever could have foreseen.

"Ciel..." his husband finally piped up, only to be gently shut back down.

"I know." the bluenette stated, forcing his fingers to grip the flap. Sighing, he couldn't quite take the plunge just yet.

"Sir, it could be of dire circumstance." the butler chimed in, causing his master's eyebrow to twitch.

"I know."

"Then why don't you open it?" Sebastian knew how to push the younger demon's buttons in ways that his husband was perhaps to gentle to actually dare to, giving Ciel an ultimatum without explicitly saying so outright. If Ciel does not open it, he is running away from that which he must confront eventually. A weaker man would lack the resolve to get it over with as quickly as possible and Ciel was no such man. He simply needed a small push, as he was a bit out of practise.

When he opened the envelope, he stared at the contents before regret immediately overtook him. He tossed it all on the table before reaching up to clasp a hand over his mouth. The man stood up as a wave of nausea threatened to overtake him, prompting his husband to grab the small wastebasket underneath the desk and present him with it. Clutching it to his chest with one hand, Ciel did his utmost best to resist the urge to vomit before seemingly overcoming it and sitting back down with the basket in his lap and a groan. With the crisis averted, Alois turned his attention to the contents of the envelope.

It was photographs. Alois picked one up, brow furrowed in confusion. At first, he wasn't sure what exactly it was that he was looking at, but it dawned on him quickly. It was a picture of a head floating in a tank of some unknown liquid, but it wasn't a complete one. It was a lower jaw covered in exposed muscle, with a very partially formed skull connected to it by threads of flesh. Without a conscious thought provoking it, Alois' mouth hung opened and his eyes widened. Turning back to the Watchdog, he joined the butler in searching for an indication as to what was going to be done next.

Ciel sat there, silent as he stared down into the trash can in his lap. Slowly, the life seemed to return to him and his brows furrowed. Gently, he set the bin down on the floor next to his chair before standing. He took a deep breath, regaining his composure before proceeding, letting it out in a long sigh as he leaned forward with his palms resting on the desk's surface.

"Alright." he said. "Now I'm mad."

"Ciel..." began the menace, preparing to make an attempt to console his spouse, but the Watchdog only shook his head.

"I refuse to be harassed any further by some fool throwing a childish tantrum." the bluenette informed. "He has attacked my home, attacked my family, attacked me, and stolen the remains of my kin. My patience has worn as thin as possible and I draw the line at attempting to make a copy of my father without my permission. I refuse to endure." Pausing, he looked to his spouse and added:

"I have no intention of pursuing him for the sake of revenge. It isn't my intention to make him suffer a similar fate or punish him, this is merely to remove a problem and retrieve what he's stolen from my father and I. Nothing more, nothing less."

"I don't mind that." Alois stated calmly. "I just wanted to double-check. I understand what you mean, completely."

Truly, the menace did. He had similar intentions when pursuing the Pomeroy family, although he never quite completed his mission. A few of them had gotten away, but considering that they were apparently in the hands of the Philosophers, so he didn't particularly need to worry about them unless he met them again on the battlefield. Killing them for the sins of their kin was meaningless. Killing them for their crimes against others who are unrelated to him was not revenge. There was never the intention of avenging anyone. It was merely to ensure that they were unable to victimise anyone else ever again. Alois trusted his husband and trusted that he held a similar sentiment in this case, choosing to take him at his word.

"What's the plan?"

"He sent us a note." Ciel stated, turning the photos over until he found the one with a message scrawled on the back. "Rather, an address with a date. It's an inviatation. He wants our show-down right then and there. See if you can spot the problem with that."

Handing over the photo, Alois read the back. "The thirteenth?!"

"He knows I'll want to go, and is collaborating with Abhartach. It's only to be expected. He's trying to divide us." the bluenette stated, straightening his back. "I'm going to give him exactly what he wants, but on my terms."

"What about the invasion?"

"Oh, I'll be there. He didn't give me a time. If I show up one minute past eleven-fifty-nine on the night of the twelfth, he can't complain. That said, I want you here, making sure everything is in order for the full moon. I can handle Johnathan."

"Ciel, you know I love you, but I think that's a terrible idea." the menace bluntly stated. It took neither the Watchdog nor the butler by surprise in the slightest, as they were accustomed to the blonde speaking his mind without care for offense. Yet, the phrasing was off. Instead of a simple "that's stupid," he did make some attempt to cushion the blow for his spouse. "Remember last time? No way. You're not going in by yourself."

"Then what exactly do you propose?"

"Ahem..." came a voice from behind the slightly ajar office door. Stepping out from behind it was Finnian, who seemed to be the only one who was shocked by the menace's words. "Uhm… I'm would like to go with the master, if no one else is."

That surprised the group. Suddenly, Finnian was being stared at like he was some sort of outsider, but he did not shrink in the slightest. He had accompanied the Watchdog on missions a handful of times, but never one like this, and certainly not recently. There was no telling how this was going to go. It made Ciel feel conflicted. On the one hand, it worked out perfectly, manpower-wise, but he did not like the unpredictability. Furthermore, while Finnian was far stronger and more durable than any human being any of the demons knew of, he was still human.

"Are you well enough?" Ciel questioned, his expression grave. "Are your legs still giving you trouble?"

"I'm perfectly well enough." the demon's employee answered. "I can do everything that I need to do. I can walk, I can run, I can still hit things really hard and lift things that I shouldn't be able to. I am able to support you in ways that I haven't been able to before."

"Perhaps, but you aren't able to regenerate." the bluenette reminded. "You are strong, but you aren't invincible."

"That's true, but this is what I was always meant to do."

"Finny-"

"I decided all those years ago to stay at your side and serve you until the end. I'm finally back where I belong. I'm home again. With you, my master."

"Stop!" barked the Watchdog, startling the room and rendering it deathly silent. No one dared breathe a word as the bluenette slammed his hands down on the desk. Sensing the recoil his actions caused, Ciel took a deep breath and let out a sigh. "You are a person, not property. Your life, although it is longer than most and although it has been extended, it is still comparatively short. Although being a part of this family demands a certain degree of loyalty, I do not want that kind of devotion from you. Don't throw away your life for me. The best thing you can do for me is continue to live. We've only just met again. I would be devastated if you parted so soon, especially like this- because of me… Please just… Live your life. It's yours. Keep it safe… Promise me this, Finny… Please..."

Blinking, Finnian seemed genuinely surprised. This was a sincerity that he was not accustomed to receiving from the master. Although it was shocking and although those were not the words that he wanted to hear. "You really have changed, haven't you, master?" he noted with a smile, It was just as bright as it always was. "But so have I. It's my life, and I will live it as I see fit. It is my only wish to assist you. Nothing more, nothing less. I don't want to be a mutt of the Watchdog, following you around while wagging my tail without a single thought. This time around, I want to help you as someone who is no longer ignorant. I won't idolise you, but I won't judge you, either. I want to do this because I want to. It's what I think is right. I won't go with you if that's really what you want me to do, but still… I want to help you, Ciel."

The Phantomhive hesitated profusely. He didn't want to agree. He didn't want to let Finnian go. It was selfish of him, in a way. He wanted to protect Finnian so that he could avoid the pain of losing him again. Finnian wanted to go, however. He wanted to assist Ciel more than anything. The last time they were on the same team, Finnian didn't know enough in order to assist Ciel to the fullest. This time, however, things were different. The divisions had changed. Finnian knew everything, now. He was not the ignorant, starry-eyed teen that he once was. He knew that his master was complicated, but still could see good in him. He had to go with the Phantomhive at this critical time. It was essential that he do so.

With a sigh, Ciel finally gave his answer: "Alright. Fine. Do what you must." he said. "But know this: We are up against a demon. We cannot just barge in there without some sort of plan in case. The worst-case scenario must be considered."

"Understood." Finnian replied with a slight bow of his head.

"Welcome to inner circle." Alois grinned, "Where we come up with all of our dastardly plans before going off to do something extremely dangerous and/or very stupid."

The menace was right. In this household, there were oddities. On the one hand, the folks who lived there were, for the most part, a warm, happy family. On the other, they were scoundrels who carried out all sorts of shady business. For once, however, there wasn't a particularly nefarious plan in sight. Death was imminent, yes, but was it justified? Was it permissible? It is difficult to answer those questions with certainty, even for the ones committing the murders, at times. This time, they were completely certain that they were in the right. This was about defense. This was about stopping those who could hurt them, the people they care about, or innocent people who don't deserve to be apart of these affairs. This was the side of Phantomhive that Finnian would have to acquaint himself with. No more was his master simply a grumpy, guarded boy who had suffered tragedy, giving out of the goodness of his heart. Now there was a wounded man who was healing, all the while doing the dirty work of a higher power and defending his own by any means necessary. The plan was simple and the plan was set into motion on the night of January the twelfth.

Ciel knew that they would most likely be sensed as soon as they arrived, unless Johnathan's abilities were significantly dull. He couldn't count on that for a surprise attack, so he took a rather unorthodox approach to things. The Watchdog was completely transparent, walking right up to building indicated in Johnathan's instructions- an old warehouse in the East end.

From the look of it, there didn't appear to be anyone significant there. The only vehicle nearby was an old, beat-up car that Mister Beattie had obviously purchased simply because there were few hoops for him to jump through in order to obtain it. Truly, it was a miracle that he hadn't been pulled over, as every single maintenance and licensing sticker was out of date. Perhaps he simply bewitched the officers if he was pulled over. Ciel didn't know, but it was certainly a possibility that he would have to watch out for.

He and Finnian were walking in alone. They had communications open so that they could call for backup if necessary, but they didn't want to put Johnathan on edge. The more antsy he became, the more dangerously he would react, Ciel figured. It was safer this way. Although his spouse repeatedly offered his assistance, the Watchdog insisted that he stay behind in order to prepare for the attack the following evening.

The pair stepped through the snow that had been collecting for a while, breaking tiretracks that had been partially concealed back open with their boots and avoiding patches that concealed ice. They had a rather grim backdrop to their adventure as well, with the sky black as pitch and the moon covered by winter clouds. They could see the lights of the city just beyond the fence surrounding the property, however. Every single one of them represented a dwelling of people. People living alone, in pairs, as roommates, or even as entire familes were out there, just beyond the border. Ciel had long since learned to ignore them, but sometimes, they served as reminders as to what was at stake.

Just beyond the fence, in their homes, safe and sound, were people whose thoughts seldom dwelled on what was just out of sight. Sometimes, they might, but most dismissed it as an irrational fear or a childlike imagination running wild. Many simply didn't have the capacity to entertain such thoughts. It is impossible to be afraid of something that one can't even conceptualise, but it didn't take much to learn. They were on the other side of the fence, looking outward, unable to know just what kind of danger dwelled just beyond their sight. Those who could not conceptualise it did not worry, nor did those who could but felt as though "that sort of thing could never happen here." Ciel knew better, however. He was able to climb that fence and see in the dark. He knew just what kind of monsters were out there. He also knew just how flimsy the border really was and how easily those monsters could make their way into the home of otherwise peaceful families. There was a certain kind of bliss in that sort of ignorance and while Ciel was glad they could experience that, he did not envy them. He liked knowing what was out there because in knowing, he has the capacity to do something about it.

That is the sentiment that he hoped his comrade, Finnian, was taking in. Finnian was not at all ignorant to the kinds of things that human beings were capable of. When they first met, it was Ciel who was helping him learn about the joys of living life out in the open. Yet, now the same Watchdog was exposing him to that darkness yet again. This time, he wasn't a prisoner, however. This time, he was the one who removed the bars.

Or rather, whatever container Vincent Phantomhive's jaw was currently floating in. It was a lot for the blond to wrap his head around, but he was keeping up remarkably well. After all, he had seen the cloning process before and was involved in it extensively. He knew the drill. He knew how the Philosophers operated. He also knew that this was out of the ordinary. This was not at all in the cloning program, so something very strange indeed was going on.

Still, his employer trekked onward, moving headfirst into enemy territory. Quietly, they approached the heavy doors that lead inside. They were twice as tall as either of them, and ten times as wide. Ciel put his palm against one of them.

"Let me-" Finnian offered, stepping forward with a hand on his chest, but before he could finish, Ciel clenched his fingers, digging them into the metal before pulling the door to the side. All the gardener could do was stand there, blinking. "Oh. Well… I suppose that was an option."

"Yeah. One of many changes." Ciel replied with a light smile as the two stepped inside.

"So you've finally taken to finishing your vegetables?"

The inside of the building was refashioned into a maze. It was much warmer than it was outside, and also much more humid. Finnian's eyes strained to see in the dimly lit corridors, but his master had no problems with his senses. No problems at all. That is why Ciel was concerned, however, as he couldn't sense any hostile forces nearby.

"Maybe he really meant to come at night time?" the blond questioned.

"It's January thirteenth, just as he said. If he didn't want us to come as soon as the clock stroked midnight, then he should have specified. The very least he could do is keep his word." answered the Phantomhive.

"...Are you joking?"

"Yes, Finny, I am."

"Oh… Oh!"

"Am I not allowed to joke?"

"Of course, you are! I'm just not used to it, so it was a little hard to tell."

At that, the bluenette actually paused. "Good God, I was a miserable sod..."

Strange revelations or no, Ciel was still glad that Finnian was there to break the tension. He needed to occupy the parts of his mind that would start to worry the moment he left them in order to focus, or else he might work himself up into an anxious mess. This wasn't like him. He was usually much calmer than this. He didn't know if it was because of Finnian being there, because of Johnathan, or because of both. Perhaps it was simply what was at stake that caused his mind to wander dangerously. He couldn't be allowed to think about what could happen if he failed or even about the family matters that provoked him into turning up that early morning. He had to consider this to be a mission like any other. A mistake like the one made in the graveyard would prove to be disastrous.

"I sense him." the bluenette noted, pulling out his gun. "He's nearby."

"Got it." Finnian nodded, pulling out his own pistol. He was surprised at how he was able to slip his finger into the trigger guard, even while wearing Jim's old gauntlets.

They walked into a large room with what appeared to be a large, glass box with tubes attached to it, reaching into the ceiling. Extension chords ran along the floor, and in the box was a rather unnerving, cross-shaped restraint system inside. Finnian looked over at the bluenette, knowing that it was meant for him, but he did not react in the slightest. For the first time since reuniting, Ciel seemed to be his usual, stoic self. Both of them knew that the Phantomhive was in store for suffering, but the demon readily accepted the risk.

He didn't even blink as life grew closer to the pair's location. The sound of shoes lightly hitting the concrete floor sent a chill down Finnian's spine as both of them anticipated Johnathan's arrival. Swallowing, the gardener anticipated being on the wrong end of what he assumed to be the Philosophers' trump card.

Johnathan did not seem like a good man, nor did he appear like he was a particularly pleasant one, either. Yet, he had a calmness about him that made him feel as though he belonged in the still room. He was part of it. He was everywhere. There was no warmth in his smile, although it looked like there should be. The way he greeted the Phantomhive wasn't like an enemy, but rather, an old friend.

"Ciel!" he said, stepping further into the room. Ciel and Finnian could see him through the glass box as he made his way to the other side. "You're early! Were you eager to see me?"

"Not particularly." the Watchdog stated, walking forward as well. "You didn't specify the time, so I thought I would come early, just to be on the safe side."

"How courteous! I'm glad that you're still so kind to me, considering our little 'spat' last time we saw each other." Finally stopping, he raised his chin in the air so that he was looking down at Ciel. "No, uh... hard feelings, right?"

"On the contrary, it was a bit of a wake-up call." Raising his gun, Ciel aimed it straight at Johnathan, making sure to line the barrel up with the other demon's head. "You reminded me of a thing or two that I had so pleasantly forgotten."

Despite having him directly in his sights, Johnathan did not express any kind of concern for the bluenette. A chuckle bubbled up from within Mister Beattie's throat. "Mummy and daddy dearest, you mean? I tried to do a little research on the last Earl, you know. I wanted to know what kind of person I was recreating in my little hangout, here. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that there was hardly anything on him, given the… nature of you lot. Fortunately, I was able to find one source..."

"Is that so?"

"Indeed. I hear he was a wonderful man. Very well-respected, very well-liked. Admirable sort. A man of principles. Popular with the ladies, and the envy of all of the gentlemen… Shame that he was the last of the greats… Poor man, having the legacy end like that. If only he could see how his son turned out..." Johnathan scoffed. "I'm sure he'd be… rolling in his grave."

"You keep the Phantomhive name out of your filthy mouth..." Ciel growled, his nose wrinkling in a snarl.

"A fascinating family, yours is. Not sure why you decided to just end the line, here. Hundreds of years of history and prestige, just right down the shitter! Or should I say up it, given your man back home, right? Ha!"

With that, Ciel pulled the trigger, firing a warning shot at the other demon. It grazed Johnathan's cheek, causing blood to pour out from the cut, only for it to heal almost instantaneously. Shaking his head, Johnathan tsked.

"I've heard quite the things about your relationship with Mister Phantomhive… He was a sex slave, right? I mean, I knew nobles were mostly kinky fuckers, looking at some of the Philosophers, but… I didn't know you had it in you, Ciel. Bit shocking you'd give him the family name, though. I mean… way to give up on the family values, huh? How would you tell your father that you've married a mentally unstable, gay, prostitute? Even if I brought him back, he might die on the spot!"

"You-!" The Phantomhive's voice came out in a thunderous roar, building until he was going to explode into whatever bout of anger he was going to unleash next. It never came, though. The man was cut of before he could unleash another word by the feeling of metal against the back of his head. He wasn't new to this. He recognised the barrel of a gun when he felt one. More pressingly, however, he couldn't sense anyone sneak up behind him. As far as he could tell, the only people in that room were Johnathan, himself, and Finnian.

"No..." the Phantomhive let out.

"'No?'" Johnathan echoed with a sickening smirk on his face. "The facts are the facts, Ciel, even if you don't like them. Where did you think I got my information from? Who is the only one you'd invite in close enough to tell? Someone who you would invite into your home and feel comfortable around, like family?"

"Finny..." Ciel said, turning his head very slightly in order to look back at his friend. He did not raise his voice, but tension was apparent. "What are you doing?"

"I'm sorry, master." the blond replied, shaking his head. "It's been too long- too bloody long… Honestly, I'm not sure how you could have thought that everything would be alright after all of this. Do you know what it was like after you left? We waited for you. We waited for you to come back for so long, because we just knew somehow, that you'd come back for either us or the mansion or both… But you didn't. You just, left us behind as soon as we were inconvenient, leaving us with a house that was impossible to upkeep and even harder to keep warm. We cut down so many of the trees around the place, just keeping the homefires lit for you to come back to."

He paused to let out a laugh and roll his eyes. "And for what? For a master that didn't care about us? Somehow, we thought that we might matter more than that… more than employees… To us, you were family. We were all a family and we worried about you. Whatever it is you were running from, we wanted to work through it together. You had other ideas, though."

"Finny… It wasn't like that. I didn't want to leave you." the bluenette answered. "I didn't- I didn't mean to..."

"Well, you had plenty of time to figure that out. Too bad it's too late." the blond stated. "This time, I've got a master who has use for me. When I was trapped in that chair with nothing left to lose, who was there? It wasn't you. It was Abhartach. He gave me a new purpose. He made me useful and didn't just use me to pick his weeds. I'm somebody, now. I'm somebody who matters. You, on the other hand, are in the way of all that. Not only that, you really piss me off."

"Put down the gun, Fi-"

BANG! Ciel fell in a heap on the ground in front of the gardener. Finnian looked down at his former master with an unpleasant expression as he lowered his weapon, lifting his gaze only when he heard yelling.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!" Johnathan demanded, walking toward him. "He's not good to me, dead!"

"Good thing these aren't anti-freak bullets, then." answered the blond. "He'll get up after he regenerates. I also figured that he'll be pretty difficult to restrain if he's jumping around, trying to kill you. I know you're young, but that seemed kind of obvious."

"You're a lot snarkier, now that you can talk, old man..."

"I can do a lot of things, now. I'm back in my prime." Bending down, the blond picked up his former master and slung him over his shoulder. "Where do you want him?"

"Over here." Johnathan informed, prompting the other to follow him. "I think this may be the beginning of a beautiful friendship, Mister Gardener."

Repositioning the Watchdog on his shoulder, Finnian simply answered affirmatively. "Indeed."


A/N: It took me longer to recover from my grandparents' house than I thought it would, but I'm back~! I meant to just be pumping out chapters left and right over break, but that hasn't been happening, sadly... So, I'm jumping right in!

Also I ran out of material to stall with...

Thanks for being patient with me! I hope to have the next chapter out soon!

Until the next chapter, my duckies~!