Hey guys, it's me! Sorry to make you guys wait, typing up the story from on paper is hard when your handwriting is small. I have a question to ask you guys: do you like the way this is heading? I mean, I'm happy with how the story is turning out, but lately I've begun to doubt myself thinking that no one likes how the story is going. I know I shouldn't be worrying but I can't help it, you guys are the only ones to actually read the stories I write. I guess I'm a bit insecure. Wow, enough of my personal life, on with the story.
Oh and before I forget, there will be another question of you guys in the author's note at the end of this chapter. Sorry if there is any misspelled words.
Warnings: possible swearing, possible fluff, and other... things?
Ciel's point of view
"Mind telling us where we're going?" I said, clearly irritated.
"I am taking you to the Jundo no Haru, spring of purity," Jeido said calmly, her fox ears twitching.
"What for?"
"When we reach the spring, there you will step into its water and prove your worth."
"Clearly, that sentence made no sense," I sighed. "Why do I need to prove my 'worth'?"
"To see if you are worthy of obtaining the paru."
"The what?"
"What pearl are you talking about?" Sango asked.
"The one you need to continue your quest."
"And how do I obtain this said pearl?" I said, crossing my arms over my chest as we continued to walk.
"When we arrive at the spring, you and your mate are to step into the spring, there your test will begin."
"Test? What test? You keep going on about some type of test."
"You will find out once we've arrived."
"Some help you are," I mumbled to myself."
"Ciel, I think I know what she is saying," Sango said.
"Oh, care to enlighten me on the subject?"
"What I'm thinking is that the spring she is talking about is the one Kasai is at," She explained. "I believe Kaede told us that we need to give something to his sister to let her know he trusts us, that being the pearl. The test is something he'll give you to see if whether or not he can trust you."
"Seems tedious and a complete waste of time if you ask me," I bluntly stated.
"Tedious yet affective."
"It would seem so."
"We have arrived," Jeido said, stepping into an opening. As we neared it, I started to hear a very faint splashing as the clearing came into picture, a giant spring laid in the middle of the cave and a small waterfall was at the back of the spring, flowing fresh water into it.
"Wow," Sango said, walking towards the spring.
"I'm surprised such a large spring is able to be down here," I said before feeling a very familiar presence behind me. "Took you long enough," I leaned back onto the solid body. "Sebastian," I smirked, tilting my head back, looking up behind me as a pair of arms wrapped around me almost possessively.
"I am sorry for my tardiness, Bocchan, but I did need to find a way to meet you here," Sebastian said. "Glad to see you unharmed, my lord," He leaned down, placing his lips on mine in an upside-down kiss.
"There is a time and place for everything, Sebastian, right now we need to focus on getting that pearl," I said as the rest of the group arrived.
"May I request what you are referring to?"
"The object we need to give Kasai's sister."
"Ciel Phantomhive, Sebastian Michaelis," Jeido said as she walked up to the spring. "Please step into the water," She pointed her bow towards the water. "One on the right the other on the left."
"How do we know it's not a trap?" Kagome asked, concerned about what might happen.
"You don't, but assure you this is no trap," Jeido said in her robotic-like voice. "This is Lord Kasai has made required for Ciel Phantomhive and Sebastian Michaelis to take in order to prove their worth and trust."
"What do you mean?" Miroku asked.
"We just went over this," I mumbled, sighing.
"Lord Kasai wishes to see if they are worthy to obtain the paru, it is a symbol of his trust."
"I see."
"Ciel Phantomhive, please stand over here in the water," Jeido pointed at the knee deep water on the right. "Sebastian Michaelis, please stand here arms length away from your mate," She pointed to the spot closest to her. "Enter the water at the same time."
"This is ridiculous," I growled, walking into the spring with Sebastian.
"Agreed, but we must comply if we wish to return to London," Sebastian smirked as we stopped walking. "Though, given the current situation, I believe it is wise to be more concerned about the type of test we are about to take."
"Yes, what kind of test requires water?" I mumbled, thinking of possible scenarios. "I can't think of anything that would involve water as part of a test-" I was suddenly cut off as water engulfed me completely, dragging me under the water, Sebastian so followed.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes though I do find it strange that we are able to breathe here," I said as we continued to float in the water. "How is it possible?"
"I made it possible," A voice called out. "If I wanted you dead I would have killed you when you first arrived."
"Yet you didn't, is it possible you are the demon of this mountain? Lord Kasai?" Sebastian asked.
"That I am," Kasai said appearing in front if us. "It has come to my attention that you wish to return home but you have no way to do so. I can tell by your auras you are not demons of this time thus you don't belong here, you in particular, Ciel Phantomhive, you are carrying a child."
"What of it?" I said harshly, crossing my arms over my chest.
"I didn't mean to offend," He said apologetically, looking at me with his bright orange eyes. "I was merely stating a fact and I wish to give you some advice."
"Do share."
"Protect yourself well, think before you act and reflect on what you are about to do in the future, not only will your actions affect you but your unborn child as well. You need to be strong, don't let your emotions take over you completely for you might be blinded by them and driven to decisions you will soon regret. This will be difficult for you to understand right now and carrying that child heals heightened your emotions, but you must remember that not everything is as it seems. I know in the past things have been grim for you and I am sorry for what had happened but your first priority is not your Queen anymore. Your priority is to your mate and your child, do you understand what I am telling you?"
"I do," I nodded.
"Good, now Michaelis," Kasai said, turning towards him, his dark crimson spiky hair swaying slightly in the water. "I understand you are the mate to this child and the father of the child he is carrying, is this correct?"
"That I can never deny," Sebastian said, looking over at me with a loving smile.
"I can see the bond you two share is a strong one, but that doesn't mean one doesn't doubt it's strength. Protect your mate and child well but remember, some decisions will have to be made to protect the ones you love even if the decisions hurt them. You must stay strong even when things look grim, beware of your surroundings for there are enemies wishing to strike when you least expect it and when your back turned. Make the optimum choices despite the consequences that might occur, don't let your eyes trick you into believing what isn't real, not everything is you see is real. Do you understand my words?"
"Yes," Sebastian nodded.
"The path ahead of you will be hard and challenging filled with sadness, loss, and despair. The trials that you will go through will test the strength of your bond and the love you share, you might lose your life protecting each other. The test each of you will take will see how strong that is and everything I just told you, you will be tested separately. Are you ready for this?"
"Let's get going," I smirked and suddenly everything became dark. As everything came into light...
I was reliving a nightmare...The manor was set ablaze, burning down, the black smoke was thick and heavy making it very hard to breathe. I ran out of my bedroom and down the hall in search of Sebastian, I made my way towards the study and slammed the doors open.
"Sebastian!" I yelled. I froze in my place as I stared at the scene in front of me. My mother's body was hanging in the air by her throat, blood dripped off of her and on to the floor from the blade that was stuck in her side. As her body hit the floor with a loud thud, I saw Sebastian holding a bloodied dagger in his hand, and blood was splattered on his face and suit. "It-it's a lie," I said shakily, taking a step back as he smirked, looking at me with this murderous look in his eyes before slowly walking towards me.
I turned around and ran, even though I knew I could never out run a demon, but I wanted to put enough space between us especially since Sebastian is acting this way. Suddenly the burning manor was gone, the warmth, the flames, the smoke, everything was gone and replaced with a field of purple and white wild flowers. Standing in the distance, with his back turned towards me, was Sebastian, his butler suit replaced with the robes we were given to wear when we arrived in the feudal era, his sword was drawn and was to his side. As a strong gust of wind came, I soon realized my sword was drawn as well while my regular clothes changed back to what I was wearing before this happened.
"Sebastian?" I said softly, unsure of what would happen. As Sebastian heard me say his name, he turned around and faced me, the look in his eyes frightened me slightly.
He took a step towards me and I took one step backwards, not trusting the murderous look he was currently giving me as every step he took forward, I took one backwards. Suddenly, he started to charge at me, his arm to the side ready to strike me and kill me. I gripped the handle of my sword with both hands and raised it up in front of me for defense as his sword clashed against mine. Sebastian kept attacking me, my sword clashing roughly against his as I was being slightly pushed backwards, trying to get away from this while he continued to move towards me.
"What the hell is wrong with you, Sebastian?" I yelled, fighting back. "Why are you acting like this!?" I was starting to get really irked as I got no response. "Sebastian!" I screamed angrily as our swords met again at an X, forming a temporary wall between us. "What is going through that demonic head of yours to make you think this kind of behavior is an acceptable thing to do? It's as if your incentive right now is to kill me!" Still no response from the demon. "Answer me, damn it!" I yelled angrily as I shoved him backwards and swung at him causing him to jump backwards, dodging my blade.
"I'm tired of following your orders," Sebastian growled, charging at me again. "I refuse to follow such an immature child like you any longer."
"What are you saying?" I asked shocked at what he had just said as I continued to block his attacks.
"I'm breaking the contract," My eyes widened. "I believed it was worth it, making a contract with you to get your soul, it seems that I was entirely wrong. Constantly, you get kidnapped and put into danger, whether or not you put yourself there in danger purposely. After awhile, I admit it was entertaining to see you struggle so much like a rat caught in a snake's vise, it wasn't long after that I grew bored of the contract and serving you," He said harshly, shoving me backwards before swinging his sword at me, the blade cutting my shoulder as it grazed my arm making me hiss in pain.
"W-why?" I said, ignoring the pain.
"I refuse to serve under a spoiled brat," Sebastian said, knocking me to the ground as I tried to dodge his attack. "You are rude and ignorant, a helpless lonely child whose parents died in a fire when he was young, you believe their deaths weren't your fault when in reality it was entirely your fault they are no longer apart of this world."
"If you are going to kill me, just do it already, coward!" I growled, pushing myself up off the ground and on my feet, placing my hand over the wound on my left arm and abandoning my weapon. "If you wish to kill me so badly then get it over with," I yelled. "Yes, what you said is true, I'm a brat, a mere child whose parents weren't alive long enough to raise their child correctly, I know that already but that doesn't mean I am helpless!" I continued, standing firm on my ground. "Yes I get kidnapped a lot, I don't have your fahking experienced demonic abilities, I put myself in danger because sometimes it's the only damn option I have left! If you want to kill me, why didn't you do it sooner instead of bringing my dead parents into this!? If you had gotten bored with me, you could have just killed me and move on with your fahking life!"
"I plan to," Sebastian smirked.
"It doesn't look like it!" I retorted. "I wouldn't mind if it was you who killed me because I love you but I won't kill you like you want to kill me, you're acting like a complete coward!" Suddenly, I felt a sharp intense pain in my chest.
"So sorry," Sebastian said, shoving the blade deeper in my chest as I involuntarily coughed up blood. "I won't be able to to return those feelings," He pulled the sword out of my chest and I fell backwards on to the ground.
"C-coward..." I said before hitting the ground. As I hit the ground, I jolted back to reality with a scream, breathing heavily as I realized where I was.
"Young demon," Kasai said smiling. "You did not give into your emotions and stood strong even when the one you loved betrayed you. As I said before, your bond is strong and filled with love and from what I saw, you have passed my test thus earning my trust, much like your mate," I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist, pulling me into a tight embrace.
"Slow deep breathes, Bocchan," Sebastian said softly, holding me close. "We don't want you to have an asthma attack."
"I'm fine," I said shakily, trying to calm myself down, the pain from the dream felt a little too real.
"Sebastian," Kasai said as Sebastian looked at him. "Remember my words."
"There's no need to worry," Sebastian smirked. "I'll remember."
"I hope so," Kasai said before we resurfaced, our clothes untouched by the water.
"Are you guys alright?" Kagome said, her voice laced with concern as she ran over to us. "You've been under there for an hour."
"Thank you for your concern but we are perfectly fine, just a little shaken up," Sebastian said gesturing to me.
"I'm fine," I said regaining my posture.
"Aurora," Kasai said walking up to Jeido. "It's time to take off that facade."
"Yes, it would seem so," She said before a bright light surrounded her, when the light disappeared, Aurora was standing where Jeido was.
"So let me get this straight, you are the priestess that led us here? Well that's not the first time I've seen someone able to do that," I sighed, shaking my head. "Though this place keeps getting stranger by the minute."
"You needed some guidance and you seemed to trust 'Jeido' more than me," Aurora chuckled.
"It would seem so."
"Aurora, where is your ignorant brother?" Kasai asked.
"Probably cooling down from earlier."
"When you see him, tell him to come here, I need to justify the correct punishment for his actions," He said harshly. "Now, Ciel and Sebastian, take this," He reached into the sleeve of his robe and pulled out three items. "This is the Seishin-tekina Shinju, spiritual pearl," Kasai held out a golf ball sized pearl that was bright vibrant green that swirled around in the center. "My sister, Mizu, lives in the valley on mount Kong, though the valley is shielded by a barrier and it rests inside the mountain," He explained, handing me the pearl. "The journey to mount Kong will be rigorous, you must continue on with caution for there will be demons and bandits that will try to attack you. Between this mountain and mount Kong there is a forest, in the middle of this said forest is a hot spring with a waterfall in the back, you will be half way to mount Kong when you reach it. When you do, it would be wise to rest there and regain your strength before continuing."
"How will we know when we've reached the mountain?" Shippo asked, jumping up on to Miroku's shoulder.
"After you reach the end of the forest there will be a bridge hanging over a large cliff connecting one side to the other," Kasai continued. "You must cross the bridge to continue your quest, once on the other side there will be two paths when you reach a giant willow tree. One path leads to nowhere while the other one leads to the mountain."
"How do we know which path to take?" I asked.
"Follow the sea of blue and not the one of red," He smirked. "It will take about two days to reach the mountain traveling by day."
"Yes, that's very helpful," I mumbled sarcastically.
"Well, let's get going we don't want to waste anymore time." Inuyasha said.
"I'm not finished yet," Kasai announced calmly. "My sister, Mizu, isn't easily persuaded," He sighed. "The test she'll have for you will be harder and much more tedious than the one I provided you with, Mizu can be a bit difficult at times but she means well," Kasai smiled. "I would like to give you two something to remember how strong your bond is."
"What is it?" I curiously asked as he walked up to Sebastian and me. Opening his hand, Kasai revealed two diamond like jewels on two separate strings, one a deep yet vibrant crimson red, the other a deep vibrant cerulean blue with a purple shine to it. It sort of looked like the color of our eyes. "What are those, some sort of diamond?"
"Yes, these diamonds together are called Kage de Hakken Tsukiakari, moonlight found in the shadows, but when separate they mean two completely different things," Kasai explained, lifting up the necklace with the red diamond. "This one is called Ai it means love, this symbolizes the love that creates the bond between you two," He placed the necklace around my neck before holding up the blue one. "This one is called Chusei Kokoro meaning loyalty, this loyalty strengthens to bond and secures it making the bond almost unbreakable," He place the necklace around Sebastian's neck before putting his hands back in his sleeves. "Do take care of them since they are now yours," Kasai smiled. "Now as the young inu over there said, it is time for you to get going, you don't want to waste anymore time since you are so eager to return home. I wish you a safe journey."
"Thank you for being so kind to strangers like us," Sebastian said, bowing.
"Raise your head, young demon, you are no stranger to me I have lived seven centuries with my mate Aurora by my side and no one I've met has been a stranger in my eyes."
"Wait, you two are mates?" Sango asked as Kasai wrapped his arms around Aurora's waist, pulling her in his arms and rested his head on hers as she wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on his chest.
"Yes," Aurora smiled. "We've known each other for a long time and we grew up together, Kasai is only one year older than me," She said tilting her head to the side as she pulled down part of the collar of her dress that reminded me of the top part of Ran-Mao's clothes. "I was fifteen when he marked me as his mate," The mark on her neck was a series of complex swirls.
"Alright, I'm genuinely confused, what is the significance behind the mark?" I asked.
"Think of it as marriage, Ciel," Kagome explained.
"It's basically the way a demon claims the one they love as theirs," Sango continued explaining. "It shows that you are taken thus no other demon or creature can try and make you theirs. Demons mark the one they want to be with for the rest of their lives as their way of marriage, but the mark changes for the kind of demon they are."
"Has Sebastian done it?" Aurora asked, fixing her collar.
"Done what?"
"Has he marked you yet?" Sebastian smirked while I blushed furiously.
"I-I... W-we... H-he..." I stuttered, trying to find my words. Suddenly, I felt Sebastian intertwine his hand in mine, pulling my arm so it was above his shoulder and making me collided in to his chest while he wrapped his other arm firmly around my waist.
"I believe what my master is trying to say is that in a way, I have marked him as mine," Sebastian said kissing my hand making my blush deepen.
"S-stop it, you git," I said weakly, trying to get out of his hold, this was so embarrassing.
"Let's show everyone where I claimed you," He whispered in my ear, he really wasn't helping the situation at all. He let go of my hand, moving it to the back of my head and untied the bandage around my head that was covering my right eye. Smirking, Sebastian removed the bandage from my eye, sending it gracefully to the ground behind me. "Now was that so hard, Ciel?"
"S-shut up," I said looking away from him.
"Come now, my lord," He said grabbing my chin with his left hand and turning my head back towards his. "Don't act so shy," Sebastian leaned down and placed his lips on mine in a quick kiss. "Show everyone your adorable face."
"B-bastard," I stuttered while he turned my head towards everyone.
"Yes, but I'm your bastard, Bocchan," Sebastian whispered in my ear, I could practically hear the smirk appear on his face.
"Your eyes are very beautiful, Ciel," Aurora smiled. "I can also see you two share the same mark, the same symbol is on Sebastian's hand."
"Enough of this nonsense!" I yelled trying to get out of Sebastian's hold, this was truly embarrassing. "We need to leave for mount Kong."
"Bocchan, your cheeks look a bit rosy and are quite flushed, do you have a fever?" Sebastian teased, placing the back of his hand to my forehead.
"Stop it," I slapped his hand away while my blush become more prominent.
"Enough you two love birds," Aurora giggled. "It's time for you guys to continue your quest home, come visit us in the future," She said as we started to leave.
"Sebastian," Kasai called.
"Yes?" Sebastian stopped walking and turned around to face Kasai.
"Keep your guard up and protect your mate with your life," Kasai said, his voice was serious. "Keep in mind that my words of wisdom will soon come clear on your way to mount Kong, there is nothing that can stop this fate from happening."
"I know," Sebastian nodded. "I only wish there could be another way," He sighed.
"There isn't."
"I had already figured you'd say that."
"I'm sorry it has to be like this."
"There is nothing to be sorry for, it is inevitable."
"All I can tell you now is that at the base of the mountain awaits a good friend of the family after you have received the test. Though I must tell you, my sister can see what you are doing so if she believes the path ahead of you is enough, she won't give you another hardship, Mizu maybe difficult but she isn't cold hearted."
"I'll keep that in mind, thank you for your help," Sebastian bowed.
"Sebastian!" I yelled from down the tunnel.
"Go to him," Kasai gestured to me. "And don't forget to heed my warnings, it is crucial that you mustn't forget my words."
"There's nothing to fear, I will remember," Sebastian smirked before turning around and returning to my side.
"What were you two talking about?" I asked while he wrapped his arm around my waist as we started to walk forward again.
"Nothing we should be concerned about at the moment, bocchan," I knew he was telling the truth but I could tell something is bothering him.
'Yes, it truly is inevitable,' Sebastian thought.
Flashback! No ones point of view.
"Sebastian," Kasai said. "I need you to listen well, no one is to know what I'm about to tell you, not even your mate can know, do you understand?"
"Yes," Sebastian replied.
"There is a great evil in this land and wishes to rule this land by force," Kasai said calmly. "This evil has brought much sorrow and despair to the people who live on the land, humans and demons a like have been victims of his tactics. It would seem that this said evil has been watching you since the day you left the village to come here, you and your mate are in great danger," He continued. "This man only wishes to bring you pain much like the ones before you, but his heart is in another place only he knows thus meaning he can not be killed. The fate ahead of you can not be changed and one of you will die."
"I won't let him die," Sebastian stated strongly as he looked over at his young mate while the boy floated in the water, unconscious.
"Then you are willing to have him suffer?"
"No, I am anything but willing, he has already suffered greatly," Sebastian said as he moved a piece of Ciel's bangs out of his face before cupping the small boy's face with his hand. "But if that was the only way, I would do it."
"Even if he hates you afterwards?"
"Yes, as long as he is alive I will take that risk," He said firmly, rubbing Ciel's cheek gently with his thumb. "Even though it will cause him pain, when the time comes, he will understand and in time he'll forgive me for my actions."
"You must love that young demon a lot to give up your life to save his."
"That I can not deny," Sebastian smirked.
End of the flashback
'I just wish there was another way even though the path ahead of us only has one road,' Sebastian thought. 'This shall be an interesting event.'
I am done with this chapter! Oh my gawd! You wouldn't believe how long that took me to type up and it's over four thousand words, someone please be proud of me(you don't it's just something I say when I accomplished something I think is awesome). Sorry it took so long but I was very busy, I have to practice three different dances and one song before February seventh. It's a pain :( but I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, review if you'd like more and I'll post another chapter next month.
Annnnddddd now for the question I wanted to ask you guys: What do you think will happen next? I want to know what you guys think is going to happen next in the story. I know such a stupid request, but hey! I put a lot of effort in to making these and I thought it would be a good idea to know what my readers believe what will happen. :)