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'Kuroshitsuji' belongs to Toboso Yana.
Ciel slowly made his way through the gardens of the Phantomhive estate, still slightly awed by the beauty of the jade-green leaves against the splash of plum-colored violets, the ruby-red of roses, the bright yellow of the daffodils, and the deep purple of the crocuses. Trees grew amongst the ferns: elms, alders, birches, beeches, junipers, and tall maples, each touching the sky, shading the boy like towering sentinels. The brassiness of the sun in the duck-blue sky beat warmth against his silk-clad back; the scent of gardenias wafted towards him like the most beautiful perfume.
The young boy had sought out comfort in the one place one would least expect of him: amongst the flowers and trees. The scent of the perfumed blossoms and the shade of the leaves brought him a sense of peace, of serenity he so very rarely felt. The softest of winds played with his navy-blue hair, stroking his face with the coolest of breezes.
Behind him was Sebastian, as stoic and silent as ever, red eyes ever-attentive, posture rigid, though he moved with the utmost grace. Tilting his head back, Ciel inhaled deeply, the freshness of spring oxygen delicious as it circled through his lungs. Raising a slim, white hand, he relished the cool caress of the breeze as it brushed his palms and fingers like the most fleeting of kisses.
Then, something soft landed in his hand, as unsubstantial as a feather. Frowning slightly, he cupped whatever was in his hand, bringing it to his face. It was a beautiful flower; a pallid white with the slightest of pink blushes painting along the bottom and inside of the hundred petals. Turning it in his hand, he leaned down to take a tentative sniff. It smelled like nothing.
"Is there something wrong, Young Master?" Sebastian murmured from behind.
Ciel turned to face his butler. "What is this in my hand?" His voice barely hid his irritation.
Sebastian picked the flower up from his hand, holding one of the petals between his fingers. He stared at it with scrutinizing eyes, before finally concluding. "It's a chrysanthemum, Young Master," He replied. "But from what I know of these gardens, we have never planted one before. I wonder where it came from?"
Ciel overlooked the flower, feeling slightly unnerved by the simplicity of its design, yet so elegant nonetheless. There was something malevolent and wicked about this seemingly pure flower; something that drifted around it that made it unsettling to look at. It was like it was hiding something. Frowning, Ciel looked away, once more making his way down the stone path, Sebastian following as he tossed the chrysanthemum into the bushes.
Since when were flowers more than just flowers? Ciel shook his head. He was being stupid. He was just spooked, but a simple flower couldn't be the cause of it. Yet, as his thoughts drifted back to it, he couldn't help but feel daunted at the smooth, white petal, stained red by a drop of ruby-red blood.
Charles Grey looked up at the massive establishment that loomed before him, its scarlet walls towering and imposing. Men, young and old, Chinese or English, drifted in and out of its stone moon gates, dreamy expressions adorning each of their faces, their eyes blank, mouths set in small smiles. A lavish sign above the rounded gates had the words 'The Pearl Pagoda' etched upon it, with Chinese characters underneath, each elegant stroke brisk and black.
Taking a deep breath, the young man stepped through the gates, looking around the establishment's grounds with stunned eyes. Massive cedar trees, old as time, shielded the structure from view, hiding whatever secrets lurked behind it. The building itself was of spectacular design, reminiscent of an ancient Chinese temple, with its red roofs, upswept eaves, and ornate pillars.
Crossing a stone-set bridge that spanned a crystal-blue canal, Charles caught sight of golden koi fish swimming underneath floating lilies. Swans sunbathed on the banks of the river, while ducks, their feathers bejeweled by the water, preened themselves on small rocky mounds throughout the waterway. In the distance, Charles glimpsed private pavilions through the leaves of the trees, each set in the elaborate gardens, some located by small, gurgling streams, others in the middle of grand, ornate ponds.
Upon finally reaching the entrance to the palace-like establishment, he noticed, with great wonder, a massive peony tree set upon its own plot of land. Its branches created a cool canopy, its ruby-red blossoms as large as a small tea plate. Petals scattered the floor and stone steps leading to the building's doors, and a young man, who was probably the gardener, Charles guessed, slowly swept them away. Two lions set in bronze glared at him through eyes too realistic to be fake, fiercely guarding the stairwell in which they dwelled, their mouths parted in angry roars. He slowly passed them on his way up; felt their gazes bore into his back.
I am unwelcome here. He thought with a smirk.
Standing before the doorstep, Charles tilted his head back to look up at the colossal doors of black lacquer, where thousands of gold-set knobs protruded from its flat surface. Raising his hand to knock, the doors were swiftly dragged open, and the sharp lights from within blinded him in a mere second.
"What the hell is he doing here?"
The Golden Flower rose from her seat in her offices, black eyes narrowed in her rage. Turning to glare at the trembling girl that kneeled before her, her gaze softened, and she sighed, taking another long drag of her cigarette. Exhaling slowly, she let the smoke curdle over her chin and nose, eyes closing as she tried to expel her sudden exhaustion.
"Shall I send him off, mama?" The young girl asked, looking up at the Golden Flower with terrified brown eyes.
The Golden Flower sighed once more, before tapping the end of her cigarette against the small ivory tray that held its ashes. "No, Fragrant Jasmine. Tell our guest that I will be down in a second."
The girl rose, and bowed deeply, before scurrying from the pavilion as she fast as she could. The Golden Flower frowned and turned, looking out from the screens of sandalwood that had been set between the four pillars of the pavilion, into the lake that had been crafted behind her office. Her office was located outside of the building that made up the Pearl Pagoda, set in the gardens a little ways away, right beyond the largest pond on the establishment grounds. The gurgle of the fountain soothed her slightly, but at that moment, she was nervous; something she rarely ever felt. Sliding her fan from her sleeve, she flicked it open in a sharp movement. The scarlet lacquer caught the light, glimmering like crystallized blood.
There was a soft shuffle against the pavilion floors, and the Golden Flower turned, to see Spring Jade standing there, head bowed in filial respect. The girl was dressed in a pair of silk pants and a top, the midnight blue contrasting beautifully against the milk-white of her skin. Silver patterns of peonies and chrysanthemums were etched across the silk, as though really blooming across her flat stomach and long legs. The high collar accentuated the length of her swan's neck, and beautiful slippers of exquisite embroidery donned her small feet. Her long waves of ebony hair, wet from a bath, probably, and smelling of rose petals, tumbled down her shoulders.
"Mama," She said in her quiet intonation. "You called for me?"
The Golden Flower sucked on the tip of her cigarette like a pacifier; pausing before she addressed the courtesan. "There seems to be a guest in the reception hall."
Spring Jade's emerald eyes narrowed for a moment, and she cocked her head to the side in her confusion. "But mama, there are always guests in the reception hall waiting for the touch of one of the infamous courtesans of the Pearl Pagoda. Is that not expected?" After a pause, she added, "Would you like me to attend to him?"
The Golden Flower just shook his head. "No; there's something strange about that man. It would not make me comfortable for one so young to spend the night with him. Besides, Ah-Lau is returning to see you." Surprise appeared on Spring Jade's face, and as she opened her mouth to speak, the Golden Flower turned away, cutting the girl off. Taking another long drag of her cigarette, she pondered who she could send to greet him. Somehow, she knew that he was here on certain terms; it'd be best if she did not send someone young, like Spring Jade or White Orchid or Fragrant Jasmine. Perhaps someone older, more experienced, like Ivory Blossom or Summer Lily or Silver Peony, or maybe even the infamous Sapphire Pearl? The Golden Flower pondered some more, before finally making her decision.
"Fetch Ivory Blossom," the Golden Flower demanded Spring Jade. "Tell her to go to the reception hall and greet our guest." A small smile stretched across her full lips, and she brought the jade holder once more to her lips.
"I do not know what your game is, Charles Grey," she hissed, voice drifting out of the pavilion walls into the darkening sky. "And I do not know what you are playing, but let me assure you, two can play when the dice is rolled correctly."
Spring Jade's eyes narrowed. "What was that, mama?"
"Nothing, my dear. Nothing at all."
Charles Grey checked his pocket watch with an increasing irritation. 6:24. Looking around the lavish reception hall, he caught eye of the majestic paintings and tapestries adorned over each wall, giving the room the air of Asia. Smells of jasmine and ginger wafted through the halls, delicious, he found, yet no as luscious as the rich scent of Earl Grey tea.
Suddenly, there was a tinkling as the crystal curtains opened, revealing a young woman dressed in a long, sleeveless emerald green dress. It poured down the length of her slender body, hugging every slender curve of her voluptuous figure, which moved with a lithe elegance, suggesting a feline strength. The collar fit close to her long neck, and the skirts flowed gracefully around her feet, close-fitting enough to emphasize the length of her legs, but loose enough to allow her to walk freely. A slit ran daringly high up the skirt - to her hip, almost. Her long waves of black hair were pinned loosely at the nape of her neck, and a golden cherry blossom twinkled where it had been set into the bun. She smelled of roses and some other inexplicable, intoxicating fragrance. Her pale face held the slightest blush, and her lips were painted crimson. Enticing bamboo-shaped eyes were lined with black kohl and deep red, adding a hidden luster to her overwhelming sensuality. Jade earrings winked mysteriously at Charles underneath the dimmed lights. For a moment, Charles Grey was stunned to a silence as he attempted to take in the beautiful sight before him.
"Greetings," came the young woman's voice, sultry and elegantly sly - catlike, almost - just as Charles had thought. "How may I help you?"
"Yes," Charles replied, voice becoming impatient. "I was hoping for a night of pure pleasure." His lip curled upwards in contempt as he uttered those words; they were not truly the reason for why he was here, in this building. He found this occupation disgusting, truthfully; and the men who came here were just as repulsive. Yet, he managed a broad smile for the gorgeous woman, and she returned it with a dainty one of her own.
The woman stepped closer, and Charles Grey was momentarily immobilized at her intimacy. Her white hand gently brushed his coat sleeve, and he was unable to pull away. Her scent was almost overwhelming. "Well, kind sir," she whispered, leaning forwards so that her lips almost brushed his ear. "You have come to the right place." Leaning back, she stared at him with her sharp eyes, gaze piercing. "My name is Ivory Blossom. Welcome to the Pearl Pagoda."
I was not feeling myself tonight.
I felt suddenly tired at the touch of Lau as he pressed his face into my neck, his breathing hot against my skin. I was seated on his lap, my naked leg, bared through the slit in my deep purple cheongsam, pressed against the inside of his thigh. My fingers ran through his short black hair subconsciously; an instinctive action that I would do unwittingly. Kneeled behind him was his personal assistant, Ran-Mao, her chin perched on his shoulder, her wide honeyed eyes staring straight at me, cold, unblinking. I looked away, slightly intimidated under her blank gaze.
I thought back to the afternoon, when the Golden Flower had called me to her office. She had seemed nervous; on edge. I rarely ever saw her like that; she was never worried about anything. Ever. Seeing her like that terrified me somewhat. There had to be something wrong with that client she had told me about today. But what? She knew practically ever man in England inside and out. Did this man hold some sort of secret that signified some sort of danger?
And then, when she had sent down Ivory Blossom to pleasure him… Why did she not let me greet him?
But I shook those thoughts away; it was not my place to question the Golden Flower's decisions. Fingers knotting with Lau's hair, I shuddered as his tongue flicked my skin.
"Whatever's the matter, dearest Spring Jade?" Lau whispered in my ear, his voice sultry, hoarse. His breath, stinking of opium, choked me with its sickeningly sweet scent, and I subtly tipped my head away. "Why so quiet tonight?"
I froze. "Nothing's wrong, Mister Lau," I whispered, bringing my lips to his ear. "Now, why don't we continue this night without any interruption? Come, Mister Lau. Let's have some fun."
Yea, so. That's Chapter 2. I couldn't really think of anything to write, so sorry if it sort of sucks. Sort of an intro to Ciel. What's so important about chrysanthemum's, and why's Charles Grey in this chapter? They're both pretty important; you'll see in later chapters.
On a different note, Japan, please stay strong.