AN: Okay first, I am so sorry for the late update. I am notorious for these uneven update schedules and I promised myself when I started writing this I would try update as much as I could. I failed. And I am sorry. So many things happened these last few months. I got really sick and I had all these school assignments...bleh! One good thing is that I bought my flight to Japan! :D That being said, I will return to a normal schedule updates. The wait won't be as long as this one.

Also, I would like to point out that I caught up to the manga! So from this chapter on, there will be spoilers beyond Chapter 66 onward. They may or may not be big (I will put a spoiler tag at the beginning of the chapter to let you all know). Another thing, this story is canon meaning all filler episodes from the anime (including season 2) did not happen.

With that, enjoy this chapter!

Warning: May contain spoilers from chapter 66-85

Chapter III

Compromise

The echoes of thunder rolled off the manor. Rain hammered against the windows hard. All Lotte could do was stand there and look at the demon in front of her. Calm expression. Any human would've fallen on their knees in terror. But Lotte learned to not be afraid of the creatures that lurked in the shadows. She had trained herself, fought her way into the FBI even when women agents were forbidden, only to gain personal permission to kill those who pretended to live in the world full of humans. Her hand subconsciously ran over her hip to the holster…. Lotte clicked her tongue and placed her mug down, crossing her arms.

"Where's my pistol?" she demanded the demon, remembering it had not been in her bedroom earlier.

He casted a smile and Lotte narrowed her eyes at his innocent action. "I placed it in the Master's office for safe keeping." He answered.

After his answer, Lotte immediately left the room, marching quickly towards the office. Her face was fuming with anger. Her heart pumped while butterflies floated fiercely in her stomach. What the hell is wrong with him? Did he think I wouldn't notice? This is why I don't trust demons.

She arrived at the office doors, her breathing deep, and her hands hard on the door knobs. She pushed the doors open and into the office. The rain on the window shadowed itself on the carpeted floor. Everything had been cleaned. There were no cobwebs present. No speck of dust on the selves. The papers had been reorganized. Lotte sighed. Her gun could be anywhere. She started at the desk, searching the drawers. Nothing.

Then she heard footsteps enter the room. She lifted her head from behind the desk to see Sebastian standing there watching her. She stood up, locking eyes with his tall figure. "Where is it?"

His gave her a short chuckle, making his way towards the bookshelf on the left side of the room. "You are sure impatient. Just like the old Master."

He pulled an old book, shifting the shelf with a loud click, and revealing a small safe. Lotte walked over, watching him turn the dials, and opening the box in the wall. Inside laid her pistol, untouched and unscathed. She grabbed it immediately, pointing it to the demon. "Do that again, and you'll find yourself with a bullet through your head. And it won't be comfortable since its iron."

"I will keep that in mind." He bowed his head slightly.

Lotte eyes moved from the demon back to the safe momentarily to catch eye of a small, green book. She lowered the pistol to grab it, moving away from the safe with it in hand. She opened it, noticing the title "Journal" in cursive, faded ink on the first page. Her hands moved over the rough page, wondering who this belonged to.

"Ah, the Master's old journal. His maternal aunt gave it to him for his twelfth birthday," Sebastian answered.

Lotte looked at him, before bringing her eyes back to the book. "This was my grandfather's?" She sat down at the desk, flipping through the old pages of the journal. "This is wonderful. I can learn more about him now."

She gave the demon a small smile, returning her focus on the first page, and reading the first log silently.

December 14th, 1887

Madam Red thought this 'journal' would help sort my thoughts and any frustration I would have during the day. I don't understand why she thinks I need something so ridiculous such as a stupid book. I am perfectly capable at controlling my emotions. She must think I have anger issues! Damn that woman! I don't have anything of the sort! I should throw this book in her face the next time I see her. That would give her a piece of clarity of how I am feeling.

Lotte snickered at the written words on the page, shaking her head. "I wonder if he ended up doing that."

Lotte felt the demon look over her shoulder slightly. She didn't move nor do anything. "Ah yes, he was rather frustrated that day. But I don't recall him throwing the book back at Madam Red. As I recall, however; he was never himself on his birthdays."

"Why not?"

"It was the day his parents were murdered in the fire."

Lotte's eyes grew round, looking up to the smiling demon. She never knew much about her family's background. She did recall sighting some old ruined building briefly before arriving at the manor, but didn't think anything of it. "I had no idea. Who murdered them?"

"It's long story. One suited for another day."

She blinked back to the journal, realizing she wouldn't get anything out of Sebastian about her great grandparents' unfortunate demise. But her skin scrawled at the thought of her grandfather finding his parents' deceased bodies like she did with her own. I guess I do have something in common with him.

She flipped through the pages, landing on another log a dozen pages in.

May 5th, 1889

I understand why I was never interested in attending public school. This notion of sitting for hours in a stuffy classroom full of annoying brats while listening to some professor talk non-stop about a subject I can care less about is absolutely ridiculous. Although this may only be a mission, the thought of spending the next four years here makes me nauseous. I am sick and tired of that Prefect's fag ordering me around like a bloody slave. If I wasn't doing this as a favour for the Queen, I would've ordered Sebastian to get me out of this Hell hole and destroy it.

"The Queen?" I asked. "Why was he doing the Queen a favour?"

"The young lord was once Queen Victoria's Watch Dog. He would do secret missions under her orders if it involved London's underworld."

She looked at him. "Underworld? As in the supernatural underworld?"

"Yes, and he was rather good at the job."

"I didn't realize he was so young when he retrieved the mark." Lotte commented. She thought back to a book she once read. Once someone had retrieved a mark by a demon, they were automatically thrusted into the supernatural world, more involved and more vulnerable.

Lotte looked back to the book, going deeper into it. She wanted to read every single log written, finding answers to what he did, but she knew there were probably some things written in there about the demon standing over her shoulder.

January 20th, 1893

Do people not understand a simple instruction? I almost went bankrupt because some imbecile thought it would be smart to sign papers to sell my company to another. I specifically told one of the managers of my London factory to say NO to anyone with a business man look. Did he think I was stupid? He was immediately fired after I found out and made sure to never work in London again. Fucking idiot.

"That was when the young lord decided to no longer rely on my help in business matters. I was very proud of him that day," Sebastian commented.

"He's seems like he was pretty strict on the guy." I shrugged. "I probably would've done the same."

Then she read into more serious topic: ones including her grandmother.

August 20th, 1896

I'm getting married tomorrow. I'm not sure how I'm feeling about it quite yet. For months now Lizzie has been going back and forth organizing the whole thing, picking the right colour and type of flowers, finding a location, and what the 'theme' will be. She told me not to worry about anything, but I am. And not because of how the venue will look.

December 14th, 1897

Lizzie tried to throw me a surprise birthday party. I've told her hundreds of times I don't celebrate my birthday, but she never listens. This year she told me it might be my 'last free birthday' I'll have, whatever that means. It didn't work out too well for her though. I walked in while they were setting up and Finnian shouted a small 'surprise'. Lizzie wasn't all too happy about it. I gave her credit for trying and told her I would be happy with a small dinner. She's fast asleep beside me right now with a smile on her face, so I think it was a success.

March 11th, 1898

Lizzie told me she wasn't feeling well. I wasn't sure what was wrong, but I got Sebastian to call the doctor just in case. I decided to stay by my wife's bed-side today in case she needed something and I could order one of the servants to get it without her straining herself. When the doctor came by he told me that Lizzie was pregnant and it was only morning sickness. I can't see myself as a father and I'm not sure what to say to Lizzie on the matter.

April 1st, 1898

Lizzie had a miscarriage today. The doctor told us Lizzie has Endometriosis, a condition that can cause infertility. She's absolutely heartbroken and all I can do is hold her hand.

Lotte shook her head, imagining the young couple after the tragic news. A least there was hope for you two.

She continued on flipping to a page three quarters through the journal.

October 13th, 1912

Lizzie successfully gave birth to two healthy sons this morning. We named them Liam and Rhys. I never imagined I would become a father. It's a miracle. I shall protect these two boys and teach them all I know about life. They will learn about the family business. The only thing I am worried about is their future. I can't be certain what will happen when the boys are older and find out about my extra hobbies.

She paused. "When did they find out about you?"

"Your father was in his early teens when he found out, while Liam was quite in denial about it all. He never believed in the supernatural and often called the your grandfather: crazy."

"Did you show them anything?"

"Liam: no. Your uncle left home to work for the military when he turned eighteen. He never returned, not even for the young lord's passing. Your father remained, and yes, he has seen my true form." Sebastian smiled deeply.

"How well did you know my father?"

"We were never on good terms, but we respected each other all the same."

Lotte narrowed her eyes slightly at the creature. He knows something…

She turned back to the book, flipping to the final page. She needed to see what her grandfather said in his final entry. I need to know.

So she spoke out the messy cursive handwriting.

"December 14th, 1942," Lotte gasped quietly at the date. The day she was born. She kept reading ignoring the light pricking in her eyes.

"My first grandchild was born today. She is a beautiful, healthy baby girl with a perfect set of blue eyes. Her name is Charlotte. However, I am afraid I won't be able to spend much time with her. My clock is running out.

"How did he die?" she asked.

"Complications with pneumonia and other health issues. His liver had started to fail around the same time," Sebastian answered.

She continued reading the entry.

"Sebastian has come by my room multiple times a day, and every time I am reminded of what will happen when my time runs out. I can see he is getting agitated and impatient. But I don't blame him. I've learned to accept my fate over the years. This will be my last entry in this journal. I have lived my life and it is time to move on."

She glanced at the demon still looming over her shoulder.

"Did you do it?" she asked in a small voice.

"As the contract states: once the Master has fulfilled his wishes, the soul belongs to the demon," he answered.

She stood up. "That doesn't answer my question though. Did you or did you not take my grandfather's soul?"

The demon leaned down, his face inches away from hers. "You should already know the answer to that question, my Lady. You are an expert in demons."

She stood there, watching him intently, trying to read his thoughts. Demons were so difficult and Lotte shook her head, sighing. She walked around him, to the other side of the desk. "Then why are you still here? You got what you want; you're free, aren't you?"

"It's a little more difficult than that."

"What do you mean? My grandfather has been dead for over two decades. There should be no reason to stay in this world. And don't give me the bullshit of wanting to stay and serve my family, because there's none of us left but me."

Lotte watched the demon turn and watch the rain drops on the window. "Do you know why the weather here is different?"

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"There has not been a sunny day in London for over twenty years." He peered over his shoulder, showing her a smile. "You see, Lotte, London is cursed."

"Cursed?"

He turned, his smile gone. His voice more serious. "Yes, twenty years ago, a powerful demon appeared and placed London under a spell including myself. Because of that, I am unable to leave this mansion. Even after my master's end, I am trapped."

"What does this have to do with my family?"

"Because it was your father who summoned it," he answered.

All Lotte could do was stand there with her mouth slightly open. Her eyes round as the full moon. Her body was stiff, unable to move after his words. Father? No, that's impossible! Why would he do that? She thought in sudden frustration.

"What?" she gasped out. "No…that's…my father wouldn't do that!"

The demon sighed. "I understand your confusion towards it all, but it's true."

"Why?" she stepped forward, her voice turning into anger. "Tell me why!"

"It was to protect you."

She blinked, trying to understand the whole situation. "Me?" she shook her head slowly, tears forming in her eyes. "But…no…you're lying! My father was a simple man! He would never…he only wanted what was best for us. That's what my mother told me. He was killed by a demon out of…anger. So don't give me a false story!"

Lotte could no longer stand there as the tears started to stream down her face. She didn't stop to listen to Sebastian. All she needed to do was get out of there and away from the demon.

So she grabbed the journal and left.

xXx

Lotte sat on her bed watching day turn into night. The rain stopped and the moon erupted from the clouds, shining a faded glow on the landscape.

She didn't know how long she sat there for. It felt like days. The whole time she tried to figure out why. Why Sebastian told her those words about her father. And as much as she didn't want to believe him, there was something inside of her that said he was telling the truth. After thinking about it, the demon mentioned having a delivery man bring food when he could've gotten it himself. There was also the fact he could've left after the death of her grandfather, but didn't. Lotte knew he was still keeping something from her.

The green journal sat in her lap. Her hands ran over the cover, wondering what secrets where hidden inside these pages. Had Sebastian looked inside? He knew where it was hidden so there was a possibility. But her grandfather and he seemed close. Lotte wondered how much her grandfather knew about the supernatural world exactly. How much her father knew…?

"What secrets did you have, Grandfather?" she asked quietly.

She turned the table lamp on, flipping through the pages of the journal. During the next hour, she read entry after entry and most of them were about silly things. Rants, relationships, even a few angry messages towards Sebastian, but nothing else. He didn't go in depth with what he did for the Queen beyond mentioning the annoyance at doing strange tasks for her.

Lotte pushed the book off the floor in frustration, standing up, and looking outside the window at the starry sky. How was she going to get through this? How was she going to figure out what her father did and who is killer truly was. Could this demon he summoned be his murderer? And if it was, who was it? Sebastian…he would probably know. Her eyes fell back on the journal, noticing a small envelope sticking out of the back. She kneeled down, opening the book to the final entry. And glued stuck behind a hidden folder was an envelope. She peeled it back, taking the envelope out and sitting on the bed with it in hand.

On the back of the envelope her eyes widened. Written in perfect cursive was her name. She blinked, staring down at the journal on the floor.

And with shaking hands, she opened the package, revealing a letter addressed to her.

To my dearest Charlotte,

There are many things I wish to say to you, but my time on this earth is coming to a close. I am sorry I couldn't be there to give you this in person. I have ordered Sebastian to never open this letter and to get your father to give it to you directly when he thinks the time is right. There are not enough words for me to explain myself directly and what I have done.

When you read this, you will already know the contract surrounding a demon and the horrible curse I brought upon the Phantomhive name. The truth is, Charlotte; the contract with Sebastian will not end when I die. The Faustian contract I made is different. It runs through family generations, creating a never ending battle. I made an unforgiving link to the supernatural world when I was only ten and I will forever regret it.

At some point in your life, you will receive a mark indicating a contract to Sebastian. With normal Faustian contracts to lower ranked demons, the contract will end when the master's wish is fulfilled. The truth is, Charlotte, my wish was never fulfilled. Why? Because I didn't have anything I wished for. I created this contract out of greed and selfishness. I wanted power growing up - revenge towards those who wronged me. I didn't care who got hurt, all I wanted was to end them all. Because Sebastian is a higher ranked demon of Hell, he created a contract that would last generations. The greed and revenge from me fueled him. I am not certain whether or not my soul interests him, but I shall see when the time comes. The truth about this contract is: as long as the Phantomhive bloodline keeps moving forward, Sebastian will continue to serve and grow more powerful.

Charlotte, I do not expect an apology from you. I don't deserve it from what I've done. I've brought shame upon this family and any suffering you've met in your life is all on me. I am sorry this burden has befallen on you. However, you are strong. You may be only an infant, but I believe you hold a strong willpower. I believe you will help change the family curse and end it. One thing you'll need to do is find my ring buried with me. It has been passed down the Phantomhive line for many centuries and I have modified it over the years for a specific reason. It will have something inside to help you along. I'm not sure how much it will help, but I know it will slow Sebastian's power down significantly. Only you can do this. Only you can save the world from possible destruction. I do not know how much your father has told you, but I hope it will be enough.

And remember: be careful.

Again, I am sorry, Charlotte. I know you will do what is right.

Sincerely,

Your grandfather, Ciel Phantomhive

Lotte eye's remained on his name for a while, letting the inked words sink into her mind. Her grandfather had told her the truth on what the mark on her back meant. Her hand touched it, feeling the tingling sensation. She was connected to a demon that fed off her revenge towards finding her father's killer. In the meantime, he was trapped. Now she understood the demon's words. She would need to find her grandfather's grave, retrieve the ring and figure out how to stop Sebastian from…destroying the world? Lotte stood up, looking outside. Was this curse on London his work? Or was it really from what my father summoned? Either way, Sebastian was telling the truth about my father…I'm sure it. There would be no way or else Sebastian would've found me when the contract mark appeared. Damn, I hate when demons are right. But one thing for sure, Sebastian has lied about taking my grandfather's soul. I'll need to figure out how to end him.

She smirked when the plan appeared in her head.

"Time figure this out."

She marched out the room determined to find Sebastian. However, this house was huge, and not even she had learned how to navigate it. Although the demon couldn't leave the manor, he could be anywhere. Crap. Then perhaps the contract… "Well, there is only one way to find out," she said. "Sebastian, I order you to come here!"

And she waited.

"Yes, Lady Lotte?" his voice came up from behind her.

She turned. "I told you no more lady names. Just Lotte." She looked the demon over quickly, noticing how handsome he was. She shook her head. "I need to talk to you about something. And I know it'll be a huge dump on my part, and trust me I've had my fill for the day, but I need to tell you that I know about the contract. I know my family is still connected to you, and I guess I know why my father summoned something he should have and trapped you here."

"If you know that much, Lotte; why are you telling me?"

"Because I want to help you. I want you to be free from this mess because, to tell you the truth, I want to be free too. I want to be normal and no longer have to chase around demons. I want my family to be at peace."

He narrowed his eyes. "What do you suggest?"

She breathed deep. "A compromise. I'll help you, if you help me."

"You realize you can request anything from me whenever you wish. There is no compromise needed."

"You can't do much trapped in this house, can you?"

He gave a light chuckle. "I supposed you are correct."

"Exactly, I will help you escape from this place, as long as you answer me this one question and help me with it in the meantime."

He bowed down. "Whatever you need, I will answer."

And when he stood back up, she stared into red eyes and asked a question. One she had been searching for answers.

"Who killed my father?"

I really wanted to start a connection between Ciel and Charlotte. His journal entries were fun because I got to play around with how high his frustration levels were as a kid and think about how he would've matured and learned how to control it when he grew older. I decided to pair him with Lizzie because currently that is the route the manga seems to be following right now. I find Ciel and Charlotte a lot alike and I'm excited to explore it a lot more.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed, fav'd and followed! Your support means a lot to me!

Let me know how you liked it! Review! ^ ^

Thanks for reading!