AUTHOR'S NOTE: DON'T FORGET, NEW MATERIAL HAS BEEN ADDED TO CHAPTER 11, SO PLEASE READ THAT BEFORE GOING ON...
CHAPTER 12 - "A NEW BEGINNING"
The remaining members of the Inner Circle convened in the secret amphitheatre. Retrieval of Lukas Phantomhive had failed and the twins Sasha and Samuel took great loses. Oddly enough, the twins also did not report back after the loss at the mansion.
A week had passed. Metcalf was angry. And he could see the irate faces of his follow members on the matter. The twins had been paid to retrieve the boy and return him back to his cage with the Doctor. Equally strange, the doctor had also vanished without a trace. His laboratory was cleaned out, and all research had disappeared with him without word to the Inner Circle. This did not bode well with the members. Tensions were high, and their plans were falling by the wayside with these constant string of failures.
"We paid them to do a job and they failed miserably!" Firo said. He gazed at Metcalf. "And now we seem to be missing the doctor too. Can you explain this, Metcalf?"
Metcalf opened his mouth to say something, but Valen spoke up, and he held up the morning's newspaper. "Forget the doctor! Have you read this article Ciel Phantomhive issued to the press? The boy has his memory back! We were told this wouldn't happen!"
"Calm yourself, Valen," Metcalf said. "It's a ploy to expose ourselves, trust me."
But Metcalf had to admit he had not foreseen this. The Doctor had indeed assured him that Lukas Phantomhive would never get his memory back. Lukas Phantomhive was gone. He had been lied to. He knew he had to remain calm. The other members were beginning to panic, and they needed to be reassured, or they might do something stupid. He could not let all they worked for these last few years, even after the Great Death, to be destroyed by one act of frightened stupidity.
The article headline read: "Long Lost Brother of Ciel Phantomhive Found; Secret Sect Involved in Disappearance; Kidnapped Children Connection."
Metcalf had read the article in full this morning.
Ciel Phantomhive was never one for subtly, he was always blunt and to the point. Only twelve years old, he acted much like his father. And when he wanted something done, nothing stopped him, even if that meant solving a mystery.
And Ciel Phantomhive was equally dangerous like his father.
Vincent Phantomhive had been silenced because he swore to expose the Inner Circle and their plans, using his own secret group he formed to vanquish his enemies - called the "Aristocrats of Evil" with their own agenda. Vincent was loyal to the queen, but at the same time ruled the underworld with an iron fist.
After the Phantomhive's deaths, things were to have gone easy to remove Queen Victoria from the throne, and Ciel's kidnapped brother to be her murderer, soiling the Phantomhive name forever, told that the Queen had ordered the death of her royal guard dog. But when Ciel Phantomhive turned up, things went arye, and Lukas Phantomhive was to have a new mission. Which unfortunately appeared it too had gone bad.
Ciel Phatomhive had to be eliminated, there were no question about that. He was too much trouble. The plan to alter his brother with plastic surgery and replace Ciel was a brilliant plan, or was until Lukas escaped. Too many things had gone wrong, and he didn't know why.
Recalling the article, the headline was blunt but the details were vague. Ciel Phantomhive did not mention anyone specific by name, but cataloged a lot of hypothesis of his brother's disappearance corresponding his kidnapping with the children's disappearance years before and now. Scotland Yard was now vigilantly on the case to solve the kidnapping children cases.
Bryon Kelvin had been involved in the children's disappearances years ago, Metcalf recalled, along with the twins. But Byron Kelvin had not been seen in years. Rumor had it he died from a staff infection from undergoing plastic surgery to correct and imperfection, as he called it. Bryon Kelvin never liked how he looked, this imperfection was to make him more handsome. But Metcalf knew plastic surgery can only do so much. People were who they were. Sometimes beautification could not be achieved. A person had to accept who they were, no matter what they looked like. That was life.
However, Metcalf suspected Bryon Kelvin may still alive. Children were disappearing again, and their disappearances now hallmarked similarities to the kidnappings years before.
Byron Kelvin had a good heart, or he had had a good heart.
Kelvin had opened an orphanage years back to help under privileged children. But only two years after, the orphanage burned down and all the kids disappeared. Kelvin was most comfortable around children. Never a member of the Inner Circle but a known affiliate, Kelvin always had a soft spot for children who had a difficult time in time, and often referred to those in his orphanage as his children. This was a bit disturbing, but he was the chairman of the board of the orphanage, so it was not out of the realm of his liking of them.
But then something happened that changed in the man and he started to become obsessive about his children. And soon after, the kidnappings started. Some children were returned, but never alive. And their deaths were always horrible, but it was never confirmed Kelvin had anything to do with the children's deaths. Metcalf had no children so he didn't have to worry about the kidnappings, but some of the Inner Circle did, including Vincent Phantomhive, and as the Queen's guard dog, he was ordered to stop it by the Queen's decree. Vincent had told this much to the rest of the Inner Circle, and said he would stop at nothing to catch this psychopath. But he had no idea it was Bryon Kelvin, even to his death.
The plan to kidnap Lukas Phantomhive and brainwash him was to work to the Inner Circle favor, as long as Kelvin's secret obsession was kept hidden. The Inner Circle and Kelvin formed a pact to do this, and eventually it would lead to a greater good. But Kelvin wanted Vincent Phantomhive dead, and a plan was forged to do such. The Great Death was not foreseen, however, and neither was Ciel Phantomhive's "resurrection" to oversee his family's estate. Although Metcalf and the other remaining members, albeit no able to attend, knew what were to be the events of that fateful evening.
But no one could have seen the eventual outcome that would lead to the almost demise of the Inner Circle. Thus, after it was learned what had happened, Lukas Phantomhive would be used in a plan to replace Ciel Phantomhive, take the family estate, and join with the Inner Circle to rebuild it with help from the Doctor. With power, wealth and influence, the Inner Circle would grow again and span the globe, much like the supposed secret sect of the America's, the Masons, that only recently expanded their influence into the British Commonwealth, despite some of its founders in America were immigrants from England over a hundred years ago.
In fact, some of the founding members of the Inner Circle were Masons. None survived the Great Death, however. What remained were five of the elite of the British Commonwealth's industrial trades and commerce. The youngest of the group who was a crown attorney. He joined the Inner Circle by way of a former member who offered him acceptance into the Inner Circle for certain legal favors. Luckily, the man was ambitious, and for power and money, the man was very obliging.
But the issue of this gathering was not the past, but the present, and the callous attempt by Ciel Phantomhive to lure the Inner Circle into revealing themselves in the kidnapping of Lukas Phantomhive by way of a newspaper article uttering rhetoric and suppositions to the public, only to gain sympathy with Englanders.
"You're jumping to conclusions," Metcalf continued, speaking calmly. "The twins may have failed to retrieve the boy, but this does not endanger the Inner Circle. The article says nothing about us. Ciel Phantomhive lives with the belief, however supposedly supernatural it may seem, that those who kidnapped him, then tortured him that night in an attempt to kill him much like his parents, are all dead. If Ciel Phantomhive really knew all there was to know about what really happened to his brother, we would not be standing here now."
The others seemed to agree to this.
"So how do we handle this situation?" William said.
Metcalf smiled thinly. "We do nothing. The fanfare of Lukas Phantomhive's return was celerbratorial, but the article is nothing more than a pathetic way to fish the kidnappers out of hiding."
"The boy knows his real name," Valen said. "We were told he would not recover this. We were told he was brainwashed with only the information he was given."
"You forget, Valen, that the brainwashing wasn't finished. The boy escaped before it was complete. Therefore, initially he was calling himself Liec, the backwards version of Ciel, because he was to become his brother at a later date. But the Doctor assured me that that was not a problem."
"That is another issue," the member with the sunder eyes said. "It seems the Doctor and the twins have disappeared without a trace. And it just happened to coincide with the article coming out."
"Sasha and Samuel Ironstadt were mentioned in the article, but only because they were supposedly connected to the children kidnappings years prior when Vincent Phantomhive was alive, and were at the mansion during the attack on the mansion, also mentioned in the article. They are well known as notorious killers, but there is no connection to us."
"I think we should silence them, just to make sure," Firo said straightly. "The twins sudden disappearance, along with the Doctor is worrisome. I do not want to end up like the rest of the Inner Circle." He then looked around the torch lit room. "There is an eeriness about this place I can't explain. A demonic aura still remains infused in this amphitheater from the Great Death more than two years ago. Things have not gone right for us since the beginning of this devised plot with Lukas Phantomhive since his escape."
"Keep your superstitions to yourself," Valen spat. "There was nothing ghostly about the Great Death. They were murdered by someone or a group of unknown people. Perhaps even the remains of Vincent Phantomhive secret group who sought revenge for his death. We all knew that he had decided to part ways with the Inner Circle due to differences of opinion. He wanted nothing to do with removing the Queen and to insert the Inner Circle into power. He was loyal to the Queen. He was killed for that, along with his wife. And we were to eliminate all the Phantomhive's, until his son Ciel somehow escaped during the Great Death, which has still remained a mystery. The twins have recently rounded up Vincent Phantomhive's sect and killed them all. Now all that stands in our way is Ciel Phantomhive. He has now become a threat to us!"
"I agree," Metcalf said. "And remember, with a single phrase, Lukas Phantomhive's programming can be activated. Then he will eliminate Ciel Phantomhive for us and take his place. The plan is still working, gentleman. Do not fret."
"I've been thinking," William said, putting a hand to his chin in contemplation and looking thoughtful, his voice echoing in the near empty amphitheatre. "We must do something about this new rash of children kidnappings. Bryon Kelvin was behind the children kidnappings before, but he's dead. This is a new deviant. And he's more devious. Vincent Phantomhive and I may have had our differences on certain issues, but we both agreed safeguarding the children of London was important, and as the Queen's guard dog he went after Byron, or the person he thought were behind the acts. I have two boys, I do not want them taken by some sick psychopath for his own perverse child fantasy or find them dead somewhere in a ditch by self-inflicted wounds like other children that have been found."
Metcalf agreed.
"Be mindful of what you say, gentlemen," a young voice echoed the amphitheatre. The Inner Circle members turned, looked up, and found a young man leaning casually against the wall adjacent to a half-moon aperture. He had thick black hair pulled back into a ponytail. He wore octagonal, tinted glasses - something new young elite gentleman were sporting these days like a fad, tipped slightly down the bridge of his nose. "Some of what you speak can be construed as treacherous." He chuckled slightly.
Metcalf knew him. He was a brash, ambitious, and wealthy young aristocrat with money to burn. His family was so wealthy in fact that they secretly owned most of London. But he was also a notorious gambler. He was also known in the underworld, supporting various secret affiliations including the Inner Circle. He dressed like an aristocrat and was highly intelligent, but he was no gentleman and did not act like a scholar.
He was also known for one other thing…
"Mathu, you crazed sycophant," Metcalf said with distain. "If you're here, I assume she's here too."
Mathu cocked his head slightly and grinned. "I love you, too, Wiberforthe Nottingham." He laughed. The young man looked down at each member of the Inner Circle, and eyed each individual momentarily, as if to mentally telling them he knew each of their real identities. Which in fact Metcalf knew he did. "And yes, she is here. And she's quite unhappy with the circumstances. You were told to retrieve the brat," he said, moving away from the wall. He looked down at them all like some sort of godly being. "And you failed."
"We didn't fail," Metcalf retorted. "It was Sasha and Samuel who failed to acquire the prize. Because of their incompetence, the boy has now recovered a part of his identity, which we were told would not happen due to his programming, by the Doctor." He wasn't afraid of Mathu. The young man didn't intimidate him for a moment. "And now each have gone into hiding. What have you and that she-devil done with them?"
Mathu took a few steps down the flight of steps leading to he centre of the amphitheatre where the members of the Inner Circle stood, but stopped one step short facing Metcalf as if challenge.
Metcalf knew the young man was nothing but a cog in a machine of sorts, and if he was as smart as his schooling taught him, he'd realize this as well. Either that, or he didn't care, which made him very dangerous.
Mathu Kelvin, son of John Kelvin and nephew of Bryon Kelvin. If anyone was a brat, he was. Most children born to privilege and wealth arrogant, thinking they ruled over others just because they had money, and in essence, Mathu and Ciel Phantomhive shared this in common.
Mathu leveled himself with Metcalf. He wasn't particularly tall, about 5'9", and yet he considered himself on a higher level than the Inner Circle because he worked for her. But Metcalf stood firm, unfazed by the confrontational nature of this supercilious "child".
Mathu gazed at Metcalf ."You're not a religious man, Metcalf, but you're the kind of person who sees himself above others, notwithstanding, a overseer of all things. I'm here to tell you, all 'gods' can be killed." He smirked. "The Inner Circle has fallen. The Great Death was much more than you think it was, and Vincent Phantomhive and his secret little sect - the 'Aristocrats of Evil' - had nothing to do with it."
Metcalf narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, you fail to see the truth even if it stares you the face," Mathu said. "You may have cleaned the surface of this place, but the evil seen here two years ago still remains." He extended his arms, as in glorious tribute, gazing around at the perfectly circular amphitheatre constructed of white brick, with dancing shadows cast by torch light. "Don't you feel it, Metcalf. This devil's cauldron is a ventricle of the Beast. This is a gate way to Hell itself, and is how He passed through to kill your allies when summoned. Within these walls are the bones of the workers who made it over two centuries ago, filled with the hate of betrayal, or loathing and of hate. Ancient Greece wasn't the only one's with advanced building craftsmanship. Who do you think built Stonehenge? The Druids?"
"I don't understand," Metcalf said, his confidence wavering slightly with confusion. "What does Stonehenge have to do with this amphitheatre?"
"Like I said," Mathu said. "The truth eludes you like so many things. You're blind to the clues set before you. Blinded by the amplitude of what it all truly means to be standing here. The other members of the Inner Circle before the Great Death hadn't a clue either. It's opulence cast its golden eyes on you like an idol. The true power of this place only accepts those who desire it."
"You're mad," Metcalf said.
"Madness coupled with knowledge equals understanding, my friend. Sometimes you must believe the world is insane to truly believe what the truth of it all really means. Over two thousand years ago, fools believed a savior would rescue them from an evil so entrechat that they were willing to lay down their lives for him, and over the centuries millions have died believing in a false idol. I'm here to tell you the truth." Mathu smiled. "The greatest trick the He ever pulled was to convince the world he didn't exist."
Firo said: "'And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.' 2 Corinthians paragraph 4, lines 3 to 6."
Mathu's smiled, and Metcalf looked at him in disbelief. He didn't know Firo was a religious man.
Mathu laughed short. "Well, how unexpected. It appears we have a divine fanatic in this house of devil worship," he said. "An oxymoron, indeed." The young man ventured down to Firo and stood face-to-face with him in the centre of the amphitheatre. He and Firo were the same height. "I admire a man who displays his beliefs openly. When I was younger, I quoted biblical quotes too. Now I know better."
"Okay, Mathu, enough of this rhetoric," Metcalf said. "We have more pressing matters of concern. We must retrieve the Lukas boy and make him ours again - "
"Nonsense; he is exactly where we want him to be," Mathu said. "The Doctor did exactly what he we told him to do. You see, Lukas Phantomhive's programming is complete, unlike what the Doctor told you, and his amnesia is a part of it. And he was lead to the Phantomhive mansion by your men on horseback."
"But they were killed by Sasha and Samuel for their failure, along with the man who hired them, to retrieve the boy after he escaped the laboratory."
"A lie. Oh, the men were killed, but that was to keep the lie.
"You wanted Lukas Phantomhive to fall back into the hands of his brother Ciel? Why?"
Before Mathu could speak, another voice did.
"They are family, and family should be together. And die together."
A striking, beautiful woman emerged from an alcove above. She wore a long flowing black dress embroiled with diamonds flecks. Around her neck was a sparkling, blue, emerald necklace. Her hair was as bright and golden as a dawn sun. Metcalf knew her instantly. She was also a gypsy, who could supposedly see the future. And the woman who Mathu "followed", and who had great power and influence in the underworld. Few had seen her, but almost all knew her by name: Savannah.
Suddenly, both Sasha and Samuel exited from opposite alcoves of the amphitheatre on the upper tiers, each holding an automatic rifle, pointing them at the Inner Circle members.
So they had joined with Mathu and Savannah. Was this planned? he wondered.
"Savannah? What's the meaning of this? We are partners! Tell those fools to lower their weapons!"
Mathu shook his head. "Like I said, Metcalf, you fail to see the whole picture," he said. Mathu looked sharply at the court attorney, and the man quickly ran away from the others. Mathu back away.
Metcalf watched the man run, and suddenly the truth came to light. The man had been brought into the Inner Circle, sponsored by Bryon Kelvin, and was "bought" by Kelvin, and paid to sweep any suspicious activities Kelvin was involved in under the rug in legality. Metcalf knew the man reported back everything discussed by the Inner Circle. But with Kelvin dead, the man had no more ties with…
No, Bryon Kelvin is still alive?
"We have been betrayed!" he shouted.
Metcalf went for a pistol he hid under his white robe, but it was too late. Sasha and Samuel fired, killing the other members of the Inner Circle, quickly slaughtering them like cattle, with Metcalf being hit several times. He dropped.
Mathu came to stand next to him, quickly and excitedly running down. "You've ruined everything!" Metcalf said, his mouth seething with blood, coughing to annex breath. "This is the end!"
Mathu shook his head, leaning down with a gun pressing against Metcalf's skull. "You're wrong, Wiberforthe. This is a new beginning."
And with a fatal shot, the Inner Circle died.
To be continued...