CHAPTER 23 - "OMNES MALA FERENT"

Ciel listened to the clopping of the two horse's hoofs on the street cobblestones as Sebastian lead them to his next deserved destination on their way to find Lukas in London. In fact, Sebastian had a series of spots he wanted to visit in theory where Lukas might be "hiding". Sebastian had suggested Lukas "ran away" because he had defeated Ciel in their duel. But that was over with.

He was mindful again. The others talked among themselves in the cabin, but he was thinking deeply of how he could possibly foil the Fallen Reaper's plans and even that of his own demon butler so he could safeguard his brother from an almost certain death by five demonic beings who in truth hated humans. They hungered for human souls, and would do anything to get what they wanted. Even cause bloody murder.

It was then that he felt a little apprehensive as he sat with Finny, Mey-Rin and Bardroy. He looked at each of them briefly in turn, and despite their blissful ignorance of the true situation, he quickly reasoned why. He had encased himself in a false sense of security with them, surrounding himself with these servants, the same servants Sebastian had chosen to protect the mansion from all manner of threats. Sebastian had ventured throughout all of London to acquire the best help he could find among the meandering masses and then put them in servitude of the Phantomhive mansion in jobs they were not accustomed to in life.

They each had their own unique talents - Finny's super strength, which may have been chemically induced with scientific experimentation; Mey-Rin, a superior gunslinger and hired assassin; and Bardroy, a master marksman formerly of the British infantry. Despite all their ineptness and clumsiness at home in their jobs as gardener, maid and cook, when the pressure was on, they showed their true trained aptitudes.

And this is was worried him. Would Sebastian control them telepathically using his demonic powers to aid the Fallen Reapers in their plight? Even murder Lukas without mercy to safeguard the covenant?

In the end, Sebastian was a demon, orders or not, he had his own agenda, and being a butler was mere humor to get what he wanted - a dark soul to feast on for years to come.

And he did not look forward to the day when this demon was to take his soul.

But the contract had been struck and him marked with a covenant. The Inner Circle had also marked him with the Mark of the Beast, the brand of Lucifer. Why hadn't Sebastian merely taken his soul then before the Inner Circle killed him? Sebastian had said that he was tired of hallow souls and wanted to cultivate a more desirable soul to devour, but Ciel waged there was more to that explanation than Sebastian was willing to admit. Even demons got bored of repetitiveness.

It could be years, even decades, before all those who murdered his parents or all who were involved were revealed, and if they were not, how long was Sebastian intending to keep him alive? It was revenge to avenge his parents that fueled him. Sebastian knew this. So he was living on borrowed time.

Nevertheless, until the end, as Sebastian would say, he held this demon's leash, and if he failed to abide by their contract, the deal was off. And if the worse case scenario arose, and he was betrayed, he would never let Sebastian have his soul, and commit the most deplorable sin of all - all to foil his demon butler. But that would have to wait. He still had options. And until all of them ran out, he would utilize what he had.

He had feared that he had just missed his brother at the Undertaker's shop, the leg stocking in his pocket indicated such. Or, and it wasn't out of the realm of possibility, what if Lukas actually hiding from him? Did he not want to be found? Had the duel been such a dramatic experience that it caused him to seek shelter elsewhere fearing retribution?

He did embarrass me in front of all my servants, Ciel thought.

But he had put that behind him. And Lukas didn't seem like the self-conscience type. He was a Phantomhive. He had a thick skin. The fact that Lukas had challenged him to the duel proved that. But he did seem equally shocked by his own hidden skills. Perhaps he just went away to think things out?

But this is no time to be hiding like a child.

He didn't want the Fallen Reapers to find Lukas before he did and bleed his mind dry, but he was at the mercy of Sebastian, being lead around like a dog on a leash in this horse and carriage.

The master had become the dog.

After a morning of futile searching, it was decided they would return back to the mansion. Dark clouds had rolled in and were warring for a storm.

But they made on more stop. And it was at a tea shop.

"I shalt be a moment, sir," Sebastian said. "I remember we are out of Earl Grey tea."

"Be quick about it," Ciel said. It was in fact his favorite favor of tea. It had also become his brother's favorite tea as well. He always requested it.

Sebastian returned a few minutes later with a box of favored teas and returned to the upper carriage. He reigned the horses and the carriage started off again, then time back to the mansion.

Sebastian didn't appear disappointed in not finding Lukas or any clues to his whereabouts. It almost felt like he wasn't actually looking for him, as if he didn't need to know, and going about town was mere distraction, waiting for something to happen.

Ciel contemplated this for a moment. If Lukas met the Undertaker, and both he and Tanaka were part of his father's secret sect of aristocrats, and the Undertaker told him certain things about Vincent and Rachel Phantomhive, what was to stop the Undertaker from hiding Lukas? If this was the case, Ciel felt more at ease. At least he would be away from Sebastian, and the Fallen Reapers would not find him as easily. But what if Sebastian had suspected he found something in the backroom when he was snooped around and was just waiting until Lukas to make his way back home?

What ifs…

Lukas was only twelve, but he had most likely seen things Ciel would never see in his lifetime. Provisions and water had been taken, but not enough for a long period. But with his hidden skills, it was more than likely that Lukas knew how to take care of himself without the company of others. If he had been trained in survival and warfare, then he could be anyone by now.

That was good.

The carriage entered the main gates and instantly Ciel saw a surprising sight. There was another carriage in the turnabout with the driver standing next to the horses.

"Is that…" Finny started to say.

"What's she doing here?" Ciel said upset. "Lizzie always picks the most inopportune time to visit."

"She is your fiancée, sir," Sebastian said. "Does she need an invitation?"

"You know what I mean," he said curtly.

The carriage came to a stop and those inside filed out one-by-one.

"I will join you when the horses and carriage are put away in the stables," Sebastian said, from his perched seat at the front of the carriage.

Ciel looked up at him, indeed the rolls had been reserved. The symbolic nature of him perched up high and Ciel below was indicative of their association now. But ever the professional, Sebastian would not undermine Ciel in front of others. So in that respect the power was still with the master. For now.

Tanaka met them at the door. "Master Ciel? You're finally home. Lady Elizabeth is here and…"

"I know," Ciel said quickly, entering the mansion first. "When did she arrive?"

"Hours ago. She is in the Drawing Room."

Ciel started towards the room, thinking of something, hoping to persuade her to leave. He had no time for her foolishness right now. She always had some scheme up her sleeve to redecorate the mansion, or play dress up, or some other outrageous thing that he absolutely had no time to do. She was his fiancée, but this was not a good time.

"And sir, she is with -"

Ciel opened the Drawing Room and froze in his tracks. Sitting on the black leather couch on the far side of the room with Lizzie was Lukas, and they were talking and laughing.

Lizzie turned, and her face lit up with excitement when she saw him. "Ciel!" she screamed happily in her streaky, high-pitched, excited voice. "You're home!"

He had never been more speechless. Then quickly found his voice. "Lukas, where did you go?"

Lukas stood proper in the presence of a woman as Lizzie jumped up and ran towards Ciel, cradling her arm in his, nuzzling up against him like the couple they were. Ciel didn't like public affections like this from Lizzie and felt embarrassed, even in front of his own brother.

Lukas merely smiled. "You make a good couple, brother. And you're blushing."

"Lizzie, please stop. Not now."

She pouted. "But you never seem to have any time for me."

"Lukas, where did you go?" Ciel repeated the question.

"Into town. I had some thinking to do, and I wanted to follow up on some leads on the counterfeit goods' problem you have been having. I spoke to the Undertaker. He had some very interesting things to say. I met Lizzie in town and she offered me a ride home. We've been talking for hours. She has lots to say."

"Indeed," Ciel said, not feeling at all at ease. And Lizzie's affection continued. "Lizzie, please. I have some things to discuss with my brother alone. Can you please wait outside for a few minutes. This is important."

Lizzie frowned. "Aren't I important? Spend some time with me, Ciel."

Lukas put up a hand. "Please, you two should spend some quality time together. I will leave you two alone."

"No!" Ciel said strongly. "No, please," his voice normal again. "I need to speak with you. It's really quite urgent."

"None of us is going anywhere, it can wait. I will step outside. You mustn't deny a lady's request, dear brother. People will talk and frown." Lukas put a hand on Lizzie's chin, smiling. His smile seemed to brighten Lizzie's expression. "Cheer up, my lady. Your knight in shining armor is here."

Lukas produced a crooked smile at Ciel, and then walked away, towards the door.

Ciel watched his brother leave. He had a swagger about him now, and Ciel sensed something different, a new confidence perhaps. But at the moment, he had an over-affectionate fiancée to contend with.

Lukas closed the door and met Tanaka in the hall.

"They really do make a wonderful couple," he said.

"They do indeed, sir," Tanaka said.

Lukas met Tanaka's gaze, and a glint from the old man's eye, almost like a tear, told him that he knew. Lukas hadn't had time with the old man before with Lizzie, but now that they were alone, it only took an exchanged glance between them to tell the elderly butler everything. That his memory had returned.

He nodded, smiling. "Welcome back, my lord," without actually saying it.

"Thank you, Tanaka. I feel invigorated. Like a new man."

"Indeed."

Lukas snapped his attention to the new voice, and Sebastian appeared to walk into view from a darkly, dimmed lightened portion of the long hallway adjacent the Drawing Room, as if he emerged directly from a sinister darkness. Being a demon, perhaps that is exactly what he intended.

One of the light's mounted on the wall flickered and switched back on fully when Sebastian came into view full. "I really must have that fixed," Sebastian said, gazing back briefly, as if playing to the illusion that it was only a short circuit. He turned back to Lukas. "Welcome back, Master Lukas. We were worried something had happened to you."

"Nothing sinister, I assure you."

Sebastian cocked his head slightly and narrowed his eyes. Then smiled. "Of course." He turned to Tanaka. "Please have the cook prepare something light for tonight and have the maid prepare the visitor's quarters'. I believe Lady Elizabeth, her maid, and her carriage driver will be spending the night. I have already arranged accommodations for the horses and carriage in the stables. A terrible storm is coming."

Tanaka nodded. "I will see to it. Then I will retire for the night." He left.

"I am pleased you are back with us, my lord. You had your brother in quite a stir. I told you that I would protect you from your enemies. There was no reason to run away."

"Run away? You're mistake, Sebastian. Do not presume things. As I told my brother, I checked on a few leads in town about those who might be involved in counterfeit rings. You know he has been having a devil of a time with fake goods from Fantom Co. showing up on the black market."

Sebastian blinked, somewhat taken aback. "Yes, he has."

"And the most mass produced counterfeit item is Bitter Rabbit." It was a rabbit made in a multitude of colors with floppy ears and an eye patch over its left eye. "It also just happens to be my brother's most successful product and toy, sent to hundreds of different markets around the world. I have learned that a gang is running out of old London in the warehouse district making this toy with help from Chinese dissident workers. We must inform Scotland Yard as soon as possible before they relocate."

Lukas didn't know if it were true, but Sebastian seemed to buy the plausible lie.

Sebastian nodded. "I will inform them myself. I am sure your brother will appreciate this."

"I hope so. The Undertaker would not give up the information without a really good joke. He is a brokerage of so much information, wouldn't you agree? I hear that Ciel has come to him from time-to-time to ask of information on a variety of subjects as he is so verse on near everything."

Sebastian was straight-faced. "Indeed he has," he said, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Do you wish to return the pistol, sir?" Sebastian extended a hand. "Do you still have it? It's a family heirloom."

"I wish to hang onto it for a while longer. And am I not family?"

"Of course you are. I meant no disrespect, my lord."

"See it doesn't happen again."

Sebastian bowed, and Lukas went to turn away.

"May I say, you appear to have a new aura of confidence about you, sir."

Lukas didn't turn around, but he suddenly felt a chill in the air. "Really? How so?"

"Merely an observation, sir. You seem different from the boy I spoke to last night. More self-assured, and less fretted about what happened between you and your brother at the duel."

"My brother is thick-skinned, I knew he would not hold a grudge. But I left for selfless reasons, nothing more." He feared his tone may have sounded too confident and even a little bitter, so he turned and smiled. "Ciel and I will work things out. We have been seven years apart and many things have happened in that time. With your help, I am sure we will become one big, happy family, and the pride of the house of Phantomhive. He seems to look up to you for guidance, like a father-figure."

"I am merely a butler, sir."

"Of course you are." Knowing it was a lie. "Please have more tea brought to the Drawing Room. I will be returning here with Lady Elizabeth and my brother. Make it Earl Grey."

Sebastian curled an arm across his chest and bowed. "It will be done, my lord."

As Sebastian turned and disappeared down the hall like he had arrived to commence his duties, vanishing back into the darkness when the wall mounted light winked out again - short-circuit? - Lukas gazed deeply after him. He could almost feel the demon's presence still watching him from the shadows.

Had the demon seen through his façade? Did Sebastian know his amnesia was lifted? Lukas knew he could trust Tanaka, but with Sebastian's powers, it would not be long for his lie to be found out.

It was time to act.

He returned to the Drawing Room, and halted surprised when he saw Ciel and Lady Elizabeth having a quiet conversion together on the black leather couch.

In truth, he knew their relationship was a farce. Ciel was only focused on revenge, and once he had it on everyone who did his family wrong, he would die. Sebastian would devour his soul. There was no time for love in his life and even Ciel knew this. But the longer he delayed, the longer the demon went hungry. If he only knew the full-extent of what happened that night their parents died, Ciel would be absolutely enraged.

But he didn't care about his brother, what was important was his own revenge.

"Sorry to interrupt," he said with a smile. "I just asked Sebastian to bring us some more tea."

Ciel nodded, but he looked distracted, as if he was attempting very hard not to listen to Lizzie's babbling.

"It will appear Lady Elizabeth and her companions will be spending the night. Sebastian says there is a storm coming and it would be unwise for them to leave now. Mey-Rin is preparing guest quarters."

Lizzie shouted with glee and hugged Ciel. Ciel cringed, Lizzie obviously squeezing too tight. "Isn't this great, Ciel? We get to spend the night together!"

"In separate rooms," he said straightly.

Lizzie looked at him strangely. "Of course. It would be improper for a young lady to share a bed with her fiancée before they are married. Ciel, you wound me…"

Lukas reached behind him...

Lizzie's voice trailed off as she looked past Ciel shockingly at him, her eyes wide, her mouth open in a silent gasp. And Lukas smiled at her smugly.

Ciel turned and his eyes widened with shock as well. He jumped to his feet, shielding Lizzie from the pistol that was now pointed at them.

"Lukas! What is the meaning of this?!" he demanded.

"Judgment day, brother. And this time, omnes mala ferent. Latin for everyone will suffer for what our parents have wrought upon this cursed house!"

To be continued…