Dramatis Personae:

Ciel Phantomhive (Main Protagonist)

Lukas Phantomhive (Fraternal brother of Ciel)

Renfrew Phantomhive (Three times removed cousin)

Sebastian Michaelis (Demon Phantomhive Butler)

Braydon and Brandon Smythe (Twin sons of Sebastian)

Tanaka (Elder Phantomhive Butler)

Vincent, the ghost cat

Samuel and Sasha Ironstadt (twin murderers; Fallen Reapers)

SUMMARY:

Jealousy sometimes runs deep with brothers and when Ciel challenges Lukas to a fencing match, Lukas has no choice but to accept out of pride and to shut Ciel Up. Meanwhile, Sebastian's twin sons, Braydon and Brandon, visit and enter into a bet with their father on the victor. But when Samuel and Sasha Ironstadt return, all will be in jeopardy!

BLACK BUTLER: BROTHERHOOD - PART 1

Ciel Phantomhive found himself grinning at the misfortune that his fraternal twin Lukas was having not knowing much about the art of fencing despite all his sword training as one of Byron Kelvin's 'little assassin's' in a past life.

Lukas had the skills of a master swordsman and had had been trained in many areas of warfare and espionage, self-defense, including an array of weapons training, and specialized with a Tonto, a Japanese small sword. But when it came to the artful grace of fencing, Lukas floundered.

While Ciel should not have been happy to see his brother fail at something, it only gave him a oneupmanship on his brother. His brother, who was a well-trained killer. And this he did enjoy.

As he, Lukas, Renfrew and Sebastian resided in the Games Room of the Phantomhive Manor, Ciel watched with silent glee as his brother failed over the simple mechanics of what Sebastian attempted to teach him.

Apart from being a butler Sebastian was a teacher of many attributes with great knowledge at his deposal. His intelligence was boundless. For a demon, Sebastian wished the best for those he served. Since Lukas and Renfrew had come to live with Ciel, Sebastian's duties had tripled, but the demon didn't seem to mind and he almost relished the extra work.

Lukas's training as an assassin should have been an asset to learn the art of fencing, but in this instance it was a crutch. Lukas kept on falling back to his programming and skills as a killer. Fencing was more graceful with a less warfare. Lukas had wanted to learn to fence because they had went to a competition held in town last week and he enjoyed it. He thought it would be easy with his skills. But it was not.

Lukas held the foil in his right hand and performed a few jabbing moves. Sebastian had to correct Lukas's stance a couple of times for proper form, because without proper form it was an insult.

The foil was a light beginner's tool for amateurs. It had a small circular hand guard to protect its user's hand from direct stabs. Scores were made in fencing only with the tip, hits with the side of the blade did not count and touches that landed outside the targeted areas, such as the neck, torso and groin, did not count.

And this appeared to be Lukas's main issue, because a Tonto was much different than a foil.

When someone advanced their training, they were elevated to an Epee, a thrusting weapon like a foil, but it was much heavier, and at this stage the entire body was a valued target. The hard guard is enlarged to extend towards the pommel effectively covering the hand.

Experts use a Sabre. This weapon is a light cutting and thrusting weapon. The hard guard extends further and the guard is used to protect the fencer's hand from direct stabs and attacks. The edges of the blade are valid and rules involve the "right of way" regulation, so whoever hits first, wins the point.

Ciel held a Sabre in hand and watched his brother perform his lessons. Both he and Lukas wore the standard white fencing attire, including protective jacket, breeches, socks, footwear and gloves, and mesh masks were sitting near-by used in battle-mode.

Renfrew sat away from the action with Vincent in his lap watching.

"Thrust…and now repose…and now thrust again…and now repose…" Sebastian taught, trying to drill it into Lukas's mind. They were basic techniques of both hand and footwork of attack and defense.

Lukas performed well. "Very good, Master Lukas. You appeared to have trouble at first, but I believe you are improving. But more work is necessary for proper form."

Ciel snorted. "It will take more than that to match me," he said amused.

Lukas eyed him. "Don't be so smug, brother. You've been doing this longer and I. But I am a fast learner. In a real fight I would certainly out-match you."

Ciel's left eye narrowed, the other was covered by an eye-patch that held the demonic covenant between he and Sebastian. "And what do you mean by 'real fight'? I admit, you bested me in 10 paces because I underestimated you. But fencing is far different! It's mechanics are compared to the grace of a swan, if done correctly. not that of a hampered thug."

Lukas blinked. "If I am not mistaken, I believe I've just been insulted. But knowing your honest nature, I'll let it slide. My skills with a Tonto are unmatched!"

Sebastian put up his hands to silence them. "Now, now, my lords," he said, wanting to quickly squash another argument between the brothers that would eventually lead to an unwarranted challenge he saw coming. And he wanted to nip it in the bud quickly. "Both weapons in the right hands are equally versatile and each have their own unique qualities."

Ciel smirked. "Let us put that theory to a test. My Sabre versus your Tonto. Within six months of you residing here Lukas, you purchased a Tanto from a high quality craftsman, a perfect representation, you said from what you could recall from your past, used in your killings."

"But I have never used it. It is merely a remembrance from my past. Some things die hard. I remember I used my Tonto quite often during my missions for Bryon Kelvin as one of his assassins."

"You have proven your skill with a gun, prove your skill with a blade!"

"I need not have to proven anything to you, brother!"

Sebastian put a hand to his face. This was exactly what he didn't wish for. But he knew Ciel had to prove something to Lukas. Namely his authority and superiority as head of the family. The boy was jealous, something Ciel would never admit to, but Sebastian could clearly see it. Their arguments was sibling rivalry at its core.

"Honestly, I would like see that," Renfrew spoke up, petting Vincent. He had been sitting quietly watching and listening everything unfold. "But I don't want to see anyone get hurt. I just found a new family."

"No one is going to get hurt, Master Renfrew," Sebastian said. "As there will be no match. The mere idea is ludicrous to say the least!"

"Trust me when I say, I would not be the one to get hurt," Ciel retorted, completely ignoring Sebastian's No-Fighting-Rule. "I am unmatched with my Sabre!"

"Have you been in many matches, cousin Ciel?" Renfrew asked curiously. "Are you really that good?"

Lukas smirked. "He has not," answering instead. "Ciel hasn't been in any contests of skill. His education in fencing is purely home taught."

"Hold your tongue, Lukas!" Ciel chided. "Sebastian has taught me extremely well and I would not hold this Sabre if I was not worthy of it!"

Sebastian nodded. "That is true. Your mechanics are excellent, my lord. But alas, you have not been in any contests. You have had matches with me, but I am but one opponent and I am your servant."

Ciel's face filled with rage. "Are you telling me, you let me win?"

"I am not saying anything of the sort, my lord. But with all due respect, I must admit, you do have quite a ways to go."

Ciel growled. And Lukas smirked.

"Regardless, this challenge can not happen," Sebastian said conclusively. "My lord," he said to Ciel. "A Tonto is a formidable weapon and Master Lukas does have the skills to wield it masterfully. I have seen so when I watch his dreams."

Since Lukas entered into the Phantomhive fold, Lukas had asked Sebastian to 'reawaken' his past through his dreams. Bryon Kelvin had used powerful programming to induce amnesia, that to this day created large gaps in Lukas's memory. But even though certain memories were gone, his survival skills and instinctive training drummed into him by Kelvin's educators as of his 'little assassins' remained frontrunner.

"If he can not hit me, his Tonto is worthless," Ciel said confident.

"You seem determined to have this match, brother. I do not wish to harm you."

"Believe me, Lukas. You would not even touch me!" Ciel grinned.

A sudden interruption caused the moment to defuse as Tanaka, quite mysteriously, stood at the threshold of the Games Room in his usual dapper manner and butler attire. He cleared his throat before speaking. "We have visitors, my lords'," he said in his rich, gentlemanly voice.

A slight smile beamed on Sebastian's face as he suddenly sensed the mysterious visitors.

Ciel turned to Tanaka. "Whom? I am not expecting anyone today."

"They just arrived, Master Ciel. And they are waiting in the Drawing Room. I informed them that you were engaged at the moment and I would inquire if you were free, as it is proper to do so. Notwithstanding, the two gentlemen are not here to visit you, my lord."

Tanaka looked to Sebastian and Sebastian nodded. "Ask them to come here, Tanaka. I believe we are finished for the lessons for today."

Tanaka went to leave and then stopped. He smiled. "I believe they already knew your answer, Sebastian," the old butler said, and suddenly Braydon and Brandon, Sebastian's twin sons, appeared at the door. Tanaka left.

Despite his remote covenant with Ciel Phantomhive, Sebastian had led a previous life that resulted in matrimony to a human woman and three sons. Braydon and Brandon were his first-borns. He had third son, but he later had to destroy him because of Decco's sadistic, demonic ways.

Decco wanted to destroy Heaven and Earth and reign in Hell over Lucifer, but Sebastian couldn't allow that to happen. Therefore, he used his powers to send Decco back through time to Pompeii and at the time when Mount Vesuvius was erupting, removed his powers, and left him to die. He would also no longer be a threat to his new masters', the Phantomhive's. With aid from the First Prime of the Reaper High Council, an old friend, Braydon and Brandon then became Reapers, finding their place in the universe, despite their quarter-demon ancestry.

"Father," they said in unison, and greetings were had all around. Sebastian did not hug his sons, he felt to do so in front of the others would not be proper. So he merely shook his sons' hands.

"It is always nice to see you," Sebastian said. "Your visits are rare."

"We are quite busy," Braydon said. "William Spears, Head of Reaper Affairs, sends us out on missions frequently. And Uncle Altima has us doing administrative work after he was appointed First Prime. It is good we don't need sleep, for we couldn't afford the backlog."

Sebastian chuckled.

Ciel snorted, putting his hands on his hips apparently annoyed that all attention was directed away from him. Sebastian knew Ciel could be a spoiled little brat when he didn't get his way.

"Well?" he demanded. All eyes turned to him. Ciel eyed Lukas. "Accept or withdraw?! You answer, now!"

"You never back down, brother!" Lukas retorted.

"What's happening?" Brandon asked. There was a tension in the air. Sebastian explained everything about Ciel's challenge. "Excellent! After all our hard work, I could use a little light entertainment!"

Ciel sneered. "It will not be 'light entertainment'! It will be a duel of honor between opponents and to the victor the spoils!"

Lukas's brow furrowed. "What spoils?" he demanded.

Ciel curled a smile. "Quite simply, the privilege of calling oneself Lord of the Manor."

Lukas narrowed his gaze. "You must be joking, Ciel. You already have that distinction. I have no desire to take it away from you. Don't be so jealous of me!"

"I am not jealous of you, Lukas; far from it, in fact. But we need a final judgment. It is the first born who rules the family. We do not know who was born first, despite we are fraternal twins."

"You're acting foolish, Ciel. If you want that title, it's yours!"

"It must be earned. Accept or withdraw to my challenge? It will be my Sabre versus your Tanto, in a battle to see who is best with their sword."

Lukas shook his head. "You give me no recourse, brother. I must accept. But even when I win, it will not change things. You will still be head of the family."

"We shall see who is the better, Lukas. And I don't intend to lose, either!"

When all departed the Games Room, respectfully, to allow Sebastian and his sons to catch up, the three stood talking, firstly, about what each had been doing while apart, and then to the current issue - that involving the young Phantomhive lords.

"Why is Ciel Phantomhive so competitive?" Braydon inquired. "He has everything a young boy would want at this age - privilege, status and wealth. But he always wants more."

"That is his nature, son," Sebastian spoke, "it is inbred in him. Much like his parents, I'm afraid. Only recently has Ciel found lost family and he feels he must prove he is better. Lukas is his twin and brother's often fight."

"So it all drums down to sibling rivalry," Brandon said.

Sebastian nodded. "One-sided, you see. Lukas has no interest in power. Ciel has yet to come to grips with no longer being alone in the world. Perhaps this is what drove him prior, for it was the anger that resided in him before that deep hatred that originally drew me to him that gave him unwavering strength. Now he realizes that his actions may have dire consequences for his family if he lashes out. This scares him, I know."

Brandon folded his arms across his chest. "Braydon, have I ever given you just cause to act in a similar fashion towards me?"

"No," he answered. "We are equal. And we have no throne to claim."

"Our brother Decco was misguided."

Sebastian signed, he looked reflective.

"Do you regret your decision to destroy our brother, father?" Braydon asked. "I feel it was a just punishment."

Brandon agreed, nodded. "He was dangerous."

"I do not regret it; it had to be done for the sake of others' safety, and all that is concurrent. He also attempted to kill you. I could not allow this. Morning Star, or someone else, manipulated Decco, even before he was born. I sensed an evil influence in your Mother's womb as he developed. Decco murdered your Mother. I knew he had to be destroyed before his power grew. In retrospect, I believe Morning Star was naïve to have Belial educate and train Decco, but he will not admit so."

"He deserved what he got!" Brandon said with a hint of bitterness.

Even though he was a demon, Brandon still had feelings. And Sebastian understood that still residing hostility that resided in his sons, more so with Brandon, in what Decco had done to Kassandra Smythe, their mother. And he knew there would always been animosity there. But Decco was dead. And there lay the problem, there was a hole inside his son's hearts. Every boy loved his mother and wanted to protect her. Brandon had once said he wished he could have been the one that killed Decco.

"Anger is only natural. You are two-thirds human, son. But do not let it fester inside. I'll do not good." Sebastian smiled inwardly. "Ironic, do you not think? A demon saying such a thing?"

Brandon put a hand on Sebastian's right shoulder and smiled. "There's an exception to every rule, and a change in every heart, father. People, like history, change over time. Be them human or demon."

Sebastian was glad Ciel Phantomhive wasn't here to hear that. While his son was right, he didn't want to appear soft in front of his master. Especially when the boy's soul was to belong to him after every one of Ciel's enemies were rid of. And he did not have regrets about it.

"Unlike you two, I do not have the luxury of negating human souls for food," Sebastian said. "I must still feed on them. I have nibbled on a soul here and there since I have made my covenant with Ciel Phantomhive, but his is soul is as tasty as a full-course dinner."

"You mean the darkness that resides within because of all the bitterness and hatred he has towards those who murdered his parents," Braydon murmured. "It is quite a shame that eventually the boy will have nothing for his efforts. It was not his fault."

Sebastian nodded. "It was Ciel's will that summoned me when the Inner Circle attempted to kill him. Ciel Phantomhive ordered me to kill them and their blood was our bond for the covenant. The Inner Circle did not foresee their flaw; no one can control a demon."

Braydon looked at Brandon, and Brandon reached into his pocket for a small paper bag. "We're not supposed to do this, but hopefully this will quiet your hunger for the time being."

He gave the bag to Sebastian. Sebastian reached in and pulled out a small piece of fruit that looked like an apricot. Sebastian smiled. "Thank you; with every visit, you bring a piece of fruit, Ambrosia. And it does help." Ambrosia only grew on trees in Reaperdum, a world between the living and dead.

Sebastian devoured the fruit and licked his lips. And instantly his hunger diminished. His sons' desires were completely eliminated by eating this fruit, but Ambrosia only worked on Sebastian for a short time.

"Thank you, I do feel better," Sebastian said.

"Ambrosia would never have worked on Decco," Braydon said. "He had too much bloodlust and hatred for everyone. I wonder why he was this way?"

"Some children are just different. You two are special."

Braydon and Brandon blinked shocked. It was very much out of character for their father to say that. However, Sebastian said it so nonchalantly that it appeared to not register on an emotional level with him. He was a man of such proper edict and refinement.

No words were spoken about it.

"A wager," he said, breaking the air. "Who would you choose? Ciel Phantomhive or Lukas Phantomhive?"

The twins looked at each curious and surprised. "A bet, father?" Brandon asked and smiled. "Are you wagering on who would win the duel?"

"Indeed. Who do you think is the stronger? Lukas: with his skill and tactics as an assassin for Bryon Kelvin? Or Ciel: with his fortitude and cunning nature?"

"Hard choice," Braydon said. He put a hand to his chin in thought. "I would say Lukas because of his history and the Tanto, the small Japanese sword. Ciel's Sabre will be no match for such a weapon. It's weak against such a strong weapon, feeble and thin."

Brandon agreed.

"Then I shall choose Ciel Phantomhive," Sebastian said.

Brandon eyed his father curiously. "You were going to choose the opposite of whomever we chose no matter what, weren't you?"

"How would a wager be made if we both bet on the same?" Sebastian smirked thinly. "It will be a Gentleman's bet for a pound."

The twins smiled. "Agreed," they said in unison.

"Then may the best Phantomhive win."

To be continued...