Chapter 10

The Ecclestone mansion

The flowers by his window sill were dying, everything in this mansion has been recently dying off slowly.

Michael pushed his face closer and touched the petals softly with that pads of his fingers, not wanting to cause them any more harm. The flower itself was a simple orchid, nothing too special or rare, but still. The flower had been healthy and thriving but a few days ago, and now it looked as if it was at death's door, it made no sense. But then again nothing made sense this past couple of days, not since that thing started to-

A nock emanated from the door, snapping him out of his thoughts and causing him to jerk jump a little on the spot. He really has been too skittish lately.

"May I come in sir?" the familiar voice of Frederick asked from behind the door.

Michael looked down on himself and fixed his cravat, and gave the room a brief glance to see if anything was out of place. Frederick is a neat freak, and for a butler, he sure scolded him when his living space didn't meet his standards.

Once he was satisfied that everything was as clean as can be, he turned to face the door once more.

"Of course, you may come in," he answered.

The doorknob jiggled a bit, and the door swung open and in came Frederick.

Frederick is an older fellow walked in through the door, and Michael looked straight at him. Most of the man's hair has already turned white, with the exception of a few brown streaks, and his small beard that was also completely white. He wore his usual suit and tie with white gloves, and pocket watch chain was pinned to his vest with the watch itself tucked safely in his pocket. He wore black suede shoes with long red socks that were barely visible. Overall he is a well-kept, but also a rugged man that seemed really welcoming to his guests but frightening to the staff working under him., but to him, he'll always be the closest thing he ever had to a father.

"Well, it's good to see you're already up sir. As you know Mr. Jonathan will be here at twelve six as always, and before he arrives I would suggest you have your breakfast, and then take care of business first." Frederick suggested, but really it sounded more like an order.

Michael nodded with a sighed, there was no point with arguing with the old man.

"I didn't notice that I hadI'd slept in, sorry about that." he apologized and grabbed his chosen vest for the day and put slipped it on.

"That's alright sir, it's been a tough few days, but no matter. The day awaits, and I'm sure a training session with Mr. Jonathan will benefit you, or at least it'll get you on your feet." he declared, and Michael smiled in return.

"I suppose you're right but at the same time… well, there really isn't anything Johnathan can teach me anymore is there? And truthfully the only reason why I haven't dismissed him is that I just can't bring myself to do it." He admitted.

Frederick hummed thoughtfully and walked to the dresser and took out his pocket watch, which he handed to him.

"Mr. Johnathan may have nothing more to teach your sir, but at least he's a good training partner, and if you let him go who will you have to fence with you? Me?"

Michael gave out a deep chuckle and shook his head. He could practically envision the old butler fencing against him.

"You're right." he conceded and walked to his mirror to fix his messy hair.

"Though you gotta admit that would be hilarious." he chuckled, and Frederick huffed softly his indignation.

"For you perhaps, but I rather not put myself on the other side of a sword unless I can help it."

Michael nodded and grabbed a comb from the table near him, and began to tidy up his messy hair.

"But anyway, I'll go get breakfast ready for you," Frederick said, and with that, he left and left Michael by himself.

Alone once more, Michael turned back to the mirror and continued to fix his hair, and looked at himself. His appearance wasn't anything out of the ordinary, at least he would say so. His hair was blond and was medium-sized, and the bangs flopped down neatly on the right side of his eye, partially covering it. His eyes were blue in colour, and his face was a smooth angular shape. People would often tell him he had an innocence about him, especially due to his childlike face. He is nineteen years of age, but he doesn't feel nineteen, he feels much older than that and it showed through his weary-looking eyes.

With his hand, he smoothed down his hair, and with that, he gave himself one last look in the mirror and then proceeded to make his way out the room.

The hallways he walked through were quite lavished, its wall filled with expensive paintings, as well as knight suits, and furniture. This is the Ecclestone mansion and old and quite expensive piece of property that has been with his family for many, many years. He was even born and raised at this mansion.

Michael walked through an archway and made his way to the large, lavished table set up in the middle of the room. He sat on the chair at the head of the table, where his plate of food was set up for him.

Without much thought, he began eating, not at all minding that he was on his own in such a large room.

"Tiered?" A deep voice asked.

Michael grinned and took in several deep breaths through his mouth. Sweat was dripping down his forehead, causing his hair to cling to his skin, as well as his fencing clothes.

In Front of him stood Jonathan., He was a man of around thirty years of age, with short hair and a long curly moustache covered his lips. He wore identical fencing clothes as Michael, and upon his hand, he held a foil which was pointing down to the floor. He was well built, and quite tall as well. Much like Michael, he was sweating profoundly, and his breathing came out harshly.

"Are you?" He asked in return.

Jonathan grinned, his lips barely showing under his mustache.

"A bit, though I was hoping to practice with the rapier before we conclude your training sir."

"The rapier, why would we train with that?" Michael Asked, walking to the table set up near the wall. Once in front of it, he put his foil down on it, and grabbed one of the towels and wiped his sweat with it.

"Well, rapiers are a real combat sword for one. I thought since there's not much I can teach you about fencing, and handling a foil, maybe we could move on to real other swords. Learn to defend yourself" He said, walking to the table and grabbing another towel as well as a cup of water which he drank in a few unsophisticated gulps.

Usually, Jonathan's lack of manners would annoy most people of his standards, but he was completely fine with it. He'd known Jonathan he since he was a small boy, in fact, it had been his father who hired him. He still remembered the first time he met him and how frightened he had been when he met the large man, only to learn that he's what they would call a gentle giant.

Michael turned to look at his mentor.

"I think I can hold my own with the skills I got." He responded. He didn't really want to learn to use the rapier at the moment, he didn't want to do much of anything lately.

Jonathan gulped the last remains of his water and put the cup down on the table a little bit too harshly.

"Perhaps, but real sword fights are different from fencing. In a real fight, you'll have to worry about your life rather than points."

Michael hummed, and put his cup down gently and crossed his arms.

"That's true, but why would I need to know how to fight with a sword?" he asked, sounding a little too arrogant.

Jonathan copied his posture, as he crossed his arms and looked at him with amusement, but with a bit of concern.

"Well, what if you're in danger, sir? After your parents, I would..." Frederick'sJonathan's voice drifted silent, as he looked at the no longer amused face of Michael.

For a brief, while the atmosphere seemed to tense as Jonathan look at him with sadness, and Michael turned his attention away from his mentor and looked down at the foil on the table. He'd learn to wield a sword ever since he was quite young because his father would often tell him that a man needed to know how to defend himself in this world. All his life he lived with those words, trying to train himself to protect himself but what good did that to him?

Still looking down at the table he let out a sigh.

"Jonathan, nobody uses swords anymore. You and I are some of the few people left in this world who seek to follow the ways of the sword. A few years ago you might have been right, but nowadays everything's just modern, much simpler. Now you just need to be able to aim and pull a trigger in order to kill a man." he said, his voice sounding far away.

For a little while, both Frederick and Michael remained quiet, neither one wanting to say anything. It was a few minutes later that Jonathan sighed, and opened his mouth but before he could say anything he was interrupted.

"Master Michael, Sir Frederick Jonathan sorry to interrupt you both but we have a guest. Two exorcists that go by the name of Allen, and Lenalee. They request to come inside to inspect the mansion." Frederick announced as he made his way inside the training room.

Michael frowned, and turned on the spot, giving Frederick his full attention. They rarely ever got visitors, and never from the church. Could it be that they knew?

"Exorcists?" He asked both confused and intrigued.

Like Michael, Jonathan frowned and took a step towards Frederick, his body towering over both of them.

"What would people of the church be doing here?" He asked looking from one to another.

Jonathan shrugged and put the towel he was holding down on the table.

"No idea." He responded and looked at Frederick for a brief moment, but just as he was about to turn his head he saw something he had never seen before causing his gaze to remain glued on the older man.

He didn't know how to put it but Frederick looked almost nervous, and afraid, it wasn't too obvious, but he could tell. His pupils were blown out, and his hand seemed to shake ever so slightly, not to mention that his chest was rising up and down oddly faster. Frederick turned his head, and their eyes met for a brief moment.

Michael furrowed his brows, and Frederick simply gave him a reassuring nod, and hastily looked away from him.

Michael's grown deepened as he looked at Frederick, now incredibly concerned. In all of his life, he had never seen the man nervous, much less afraid. Whoever, these said exorcists were are bad news.

Jonathan looked from Frederick to Michael with confusion and concern.

"So is anyone going to be welcoming the guests?" Asked Jonathan, and that seemed to snap Michael out of his thoughts.

"Yea, I'll go. You and Frederick can stay here, while I greet our guests. They're men and women of the church, they should be treated with respect." He declared, his words filled with half-truths.

Yes, he was going to welcome them, but not because he didn't want to be rude. He didn't care one bit if the church for offended or not, what he wanted to know is who these people were and how they manage to elicit such a reaction from a man such a Frederick.

Michael turned on the spot, fully meaning to go greet their guest, however before he could Frederick grabbed his arm a little harder than he needed to. Michael turned sharply on the spot to look at the Butler and looked confused at the man's frightened expression.

"Master Michael you cannot open the door to your own house, it would offend me if you do. So please go to the seating area, and I'll bring our guest to you." He proposed, his voice sounding not nearly as sure as he usually sounded.

For a brief second, he considered Frederick. He wanted to say no and go see who these people were, clearly, they weren't people of the church, not to mention that the disrespect their brought upon his home for lying at his very butler. However, at the same time, it would be incredibly disrespectful to pull Frederick form his duty as well, the Butler wouldn't take it well and he would never hear the end of it.

Noticing that he hadn't said anything for a while, he cleared his throat and Frederick let go of his arm.

"Very well, I'll wait at the seating room." He conceded, and Frederick seemed to deflate as he nodded and left, Michael looked at him leave with worry.

"I should leave unless you want me to stay. Something tells me there's something odd about this so-called men and women of God." Jonathan grumbled, and Frederick turned to look at him.

He considered Frederick's proposition to stay for a brief while, but ultimately he shook his head.

"No it's fine, we'll be alright there's no need to worry. Thank you though."

Jonathan bowed his head.

"No need to mention it. I'll take my leave now though, but if you do need me don't hesitate to send someone to get me." He said, and Michael nodded.

With that Jonathan nodded in return and left, taking his foil and putting it inside an old wooden case.

Once Jonathan was gone, Michael turned. He was supposed to go greet his guest, but before he made his way there he took the time to get changed and to clean himself.

Once done he made his way to the seating room. On his way there he couldn't help but think of who he would meet there. Clearly, someone that could bring such fear to Frederick had to be someone visually frightening. However, when he got there he was shocked to see that he had been wrong.

As he made his way to the room, he could hear the soft voice of a woman, and the oddly musical voice of a man.

Michael stopped, and listened to what they were saying before he walked inside the room.

"What brings you here Sir Allen?" Asked Frederick, once more sounding unsure.

A brief moment of silence passed, as he heard someone take a sip of their tea, and proceeded to put the cup down.

"A few town folks expressed concern on the recent events happening in the town. Apparently, there's been a few strange disappearances, as well as murders. We were sent here to check, and deal with whatever it's causing this disturbance." Said a female voice, even though Frederick had asked the man Allen.

Michael continued to stand by the doorway both confused, and skeptical. Why would the church send exorcist to deal with disappearances and murders? These things were left to the authority, not the church. Clearly, there was something odd ongoing on here, and he was going to find out what that was.

Straightening up his back he fixed his cravat and stored inside the room.

"Shouldn't such things be left to the authorities?" Boomed Michael's voice, sounding almost authoritative as he made his way inside the seating room.

Everyone in the room stopped what they were doing as they turned their heads to look at him, their eyes glued on him as he made his way to his large lavished chair opposite them. Before he took his seat he looked at both exorcist, almost inspecting them as he looked at the confused.

They were nothing how he expected them to look. The man wasn't even a man, but a young man probably around the same age as he. His hair -oddly enough- was white as snow, and his eyes were a clear gray completing his odd look. He also had a strange pentagram like scar on his forehead, a strange thing to see on an exorcist. As for his clothes, he wore a black and red uniform, odd for an exorcist.

As for the girl, she had pigtails and her hair black, a complete contrast to the other exorcist. She was quite cute he couldn't deny it despite the red and black uniform.

Overall both of them didn't look at all like exorcists, he would have even called them bounty hunters if anything. What were these two doing here?

"Not that the church shouldn't concern themselves for our town's safety." He continued as he sat down on his chair, and as he did Frederick quickly made his way to him and handed him a cup of tea.

The three of them looked at each other, none of them drinking their tea. Michael took his time to look at both of them closely

The girl was looking at him, looking almost sheepish as she but the inside of her cheek. Meanwhile, the white-haired boy looked at him with an almost critical eye, as if he was gauging him.

Michael looked form one to the other and shook his head.

"Sorry, where are my manners. I'm Michael Ecclestone, the owner of most of this town's shipping ports and of this estate state." He presented himself with a fake wide smile, extending his hand to the girl first.

His father always used to say that one caught more bees with honey than vinegar, and he was right. Whoever these people were they didn't seem to be a threat to him, but he knew that as soon as they realized he knew they were lying they would bolt. Especially the girl who kept looking out of place.

The girl Lenalee extended her hand and shook his hand more firmly than he would expect from a woman.

"It's very nice to meet the master of this mansion. My name is Lenalee Lee, and this is my associate Allen Walker." She said cheerfully, as she kept shaking his hand.

Michael grinned and nodded as he looked from Lenalee to Allen who still hadn't said anything since he arrived.

"Very nice to meet you Miss Lenalee, and you as well Sir Allen." He said, looking straight at Allen as he spoke, but Allen barely even blinked, and he almost frowned.

There was something odd about him, he didn't know what but there was something in his gut telling him to stay as far away from this exorcist as possible.

An awkward silence dominated the room as Michael continued to stare at Allen until finally, he chose to break it.

He turned his head and looked at Lenalee.

"So I overheard what you said before. You're here to investigate what's been going on in town? Seems a bit strange don't it, why would the church send you?" He asked genuinely intrigued.

He looked at her with a smile on his face as she looked at the boy named Allen, as if hoping he would help her out, but he didn't so much as turn to look at her. However, after a few seconds of her almost imploring him to say something she gave out a sigh and turned to look at him.

"It would be if we were normal exorcist, but were not. Were from a different branch of the church. Our job is to investigate and deal with strange activities around the world. We got the news that strange things have been happening in this town lately, and the authorities don't know what it is so it's up to us to find out." she explained.

She paused for a second and leaned closer looking at him with a concerned expression.

"Have you seen anything strange lately?" She asked, her voice more serious and lacking that singsong element to it.

From beside her Allen put his cup of tea down and gave him his full attention, and Michael did the same. As he looked at the White haired boy's eyes he could see a coldness in then he hadn't notice. He blinked and his eyes drifted to Frederick and both their gazes met. He saw in them what he expected, worry. Strange things had been happening indeed.

Michael shook his head and turned his head to look at Lenalee once more.

"Not really, I rarely leave this house." He told her, and her face fell. She clearly thought he knew something, and she wouldn't be wrong either.

He did know more than he let on, a lot more but he didn't trust them enough to tell them. The odd things that have been happening, even though he needed help he would face it alone, as he always did.

Michael grabbed the cup of tea Frederick put on the coffee table in front of him and took a sip. His gaze turned to Allen once more, and as expected gray untrusting eyes met his. Unlike her, he clearly didn't believe him.

'Smart' he thought to himself.

The silence in the room remained for an awkward few seconds, as Lenalee stirred her tea with a small silver spoon.

"That's unfortunate. We can't leave this town until we find out what's happening, we thought you might know something." She huffed, sounding regretful as she slumped back on her chair.

As he looked at her he felt a little sorry, he could tell she didn't have any bad intentions, nor is she a bad person, he was a good judge of character after all. However, her associate, well he just knew he was trouble.

Michael leaned back on his chair and let out a deep sigh.

"I can let you stay at the mansion until your mission is over, but you'll have to leave after." he conceded.

Lenalee straightened up and beamed at him which he couldn't help but smile in return. She maybe we weird for an exorcist, but she had good intentions. He didn't know her but by the concern, he could see in her eyes he knew she really did care for the town's safety.

"That would be very helpful." she smiled, and Michael nodded.

Both of them took a sip from their own cups and softly put it down, and he notices that Allen hasn't even been following the conversation.

His eyes drifted from his cup of tea to look at the white-haired boy, and so did Lenalee. As he thought Allen wasn't looking at them, or even acknowledging what was being said, he was instead looking straight a Frederick.

Michael furrowed his brows and looked at the old man. He -very unlike himself- was looking everywhere else but at the exorcists that was looking at him. Michael looked closer as he noticed that sweat was beading down his forehead even though it was quite cold, as well as the way his hands shook ever so slightly. Something was clearly not right.

Michael turned his eyes back to Allen.

"Alright there Allen?" He asked, and the white-haired boy snapped his eyes away from Frederick and looked at him, his face almost comical as he looked at him confused.

"Ugh?" he asked unsure for a second, his eyes shifting from Lenalee to him until he seemed to understand the question, and nodded.

"Yea I'm fine" he assured him.

At hearing his voice he was shocked to hear how strangely musical it was. His pitch wasn't deep, nor was it too high either, which was odd.

A moment of silence passed between them, as Allen shifted on his spot until he was facing him, his expression one of curiosity.

"Actually, if you don't mind me asking. How long have you known Frederick?" He asked curiously.

Michael's frown deepened. He was expecting Allen to ask anything but he wasn't expecting that. Out of habit, his eyes shift to Frederick just like he used to do when he was younger and an adult asked him a question. However, unlike before Frederick wasn't mouthing the words at him but rather stood still, his muscles tensing.

A feeling of foreboding overcame him, he really didn't like this.

"Since I can remember really. He's been with my family before I was even born," he answered, turning to look back at Allen once more.

Allen gave him a curt nod and took a sip of his tea, and gently put his cup down on the table with great sophistication.

His eyes shoot to the cup of tea and narrowed ever so slightly. It wasn't that noticeable, but for someone who spent all his life in ballrooms and among the influential side of society he could tell that Allen was no mere street boy, he could the moment he stepped foot in the sitting room. The way he carried himself, the way he looked around the house, not at all impressed, as well as the elegant way he sat with one leg crossed over the other, and lastly the least noticeable of all, the way he almost seemed to look down on people. From the few minutes he's known him he only caught him doing that twice. To him, and then Frederick.

His grip on his teacup tightened at the thought that he was looking down on him. He didn't know who he was and what he really came here to do, but he wasn't just going to sit here and let him judge him or Frederick.

Michael, gently put his own cup down beside Allen's and gave him his full attention.

"And how about you Allen," he asked, his voice cold.

"What about me?" Allen shot back with a smile that only served to annoy him further.

"Well since we're in the topic of personal questions, tell me. Which aristocratic family do you belong to? Your face seems familiar but I can't seem to place where I've seen it before." He mused, and for the first time, Allen's smile wavers a bit but only to come at a full vengeance.

"You must have me confused with someone else." he sang, leaning forward on his seat.

Michael gave him an amused smile in return, and he leaned forward as well, copying his posture. If he was going to mock him in his own house then so was he.

"You must be right of course. I just thought it was odd how well a man of the church carries himself is all."

"You mustn't frequent the church to think that way then." Allen shot back, taking a sip of his tea.

He let out a low chuckle, and nodded his head not denying his claim, he really did not go to the church often. In fact, the last time he did was years ago when Frederick insisted he go, saying that the town's folk would think it weird if he didn't. What was the point of going to church in the first place?

"I'll admit I don't, I've never been blessed with strong faith. However, I do know that scar you bear is not common for an exorcist. So tell me where did an exorcistt get such as yourself get a scar like that?"

He looked straight at the clear blue eyes in amusement as they twitched ever so slightly. For a brief moment, they remained looking at each other, Allen's expression one of amusement but his eyes gave away what he was really thinking. They were cold and calculating, a complete opposite to how innocently he appeared.

Allen tore his gaze away from his, and reached for the cup of tea on the table and took a sip from it.

"I was too young to remember, but probably from someone that wasn't very nice. Now you tell me, with such a large mansion why are you living alone? Surely someone as wealthy as you should already be married." he asked, switching topics quickly and with ease.

From where she sat beside him Lenalee shifted on her chair almost uncomfortably, as she looked at Allen with slightly narrowed eyes.

"Allen," she warned, but Allen didn't as much as look at her.

Michael chuckle, gaining Lenalee's attention once more.

"I guess I never met anyone worth my while. Now, you tell me why someone as young as you be an exorcist would?. Most exorcist I've ever met are usually old, no offence." he asked, gaining a smile from Allen who took another sip from his tea.

It was an odd game they were playing, asking personal questions and he didn't understand how it began but he thought it was amusing, especially at seeing how it seemed to annoy him.

"As my associate explained to you, we're not like the regular exorcists you've no doubt met before. I was taught to be an exorcist from a very young age," he explained, the amusement slowly draining out of his voice.

At the mention of being taken in by the church at a young age, Michael's eyes flew to Allen's to look at him with shock.

He was an orphan, how? It didn't at all make sense with the way he carried himself, nor the way he moved and behaved like he was brought up in a life of luxury. He could be lying of course, but the way he said it he knew he wasn't, not to mention that he also, knew from experience.

Silence dominated the room, as Michael looked at straight at the white-haired boy's eyes.

Allen leaned forward on his chair and looked straight at him.

"Tell me, how did your parents die?" He asked, his voice sounding louder than it was due to the silence.

"Allen!" the girl Lenalee scolded, as she looked at him with disbelief.

For a brief moment, Allen's eyes remained on his, as the corners of his lips twitched, on the other hand, Michael couldn't help but look at him with both shock and anger.

Lenalee stood up, snapping both Allen and Michael from their staring contest as they looked up at her.

"I'm so sorry for our manners sir Michael, and if your offer still stands we would like to retire for the night," she said, bowing her slightly.

Michael's eyes shifted to Allen who was no longer looking at him but at the raven-haired girl. He wanted to say no, one because he didn't trust him, and two because he didn't like him at all, but at the same time he wanted to help her. He didn't think she was a danger, and he truly believes that she actually wants to help, so even though her companion is an ass he would help her out.

Letting out a deep sigh he sat back on his chair.

"It's quite alright, I'm not easily offended and besides, what kind of host would I be if I send you out at this hour?" he asked and waved Frederick to him.

"Will you take our guest to their rooms? Oh, and make sure they're well fed as well," he ordered, and the older man gave him a curt bow.

"Of course sir, shall I set a spot for you at the table?" he asked.

Michael shook his head and stood, followed by Allen who he realized was slightly shorter than him.

"No, I'll retire for the night."

Frederick bowed and gestured for Lenalee, and Allen to follow him, however, before they did Lenalee gave him a wide smile.

"Good evening sir Michael," she said brightly and followed Frederick out the room, with Allen in tow who didn't so much as turn to look at him.

"Good night Lenalee, and to you too Allen." He said, but once again the white-haired boy didn't turn to look at him. say anything, and instead, he looked back with the same cold eyes.

He watched as their figures exited the room, his friendly smile falling as they did.

Sorry, this chapter took a while, but I've been really busy with exams and the likes so i didn't have time to write. Hopefully, now that I'm done I can update a lot more.

This is a bit of a slow chapter, but it needed to be written in order to set up the action. next chapter will be a lot more interesting believe me.