She watched him leave then looked out the window, she saw the massive backyard, covered in the silver light of the moon, casting an eerie glow in the dark, there was a white gazebo in the middle of the yard, so lonely, it looked. There was also a tree with leaves that looked almost black, and a wooden swing hanging from it. It was all too tempting and Arachne slipped away into the back yard, the cool night air refreshing her skin. It was so quiet, and peaceful. Utterly beautiful.
She walked over to the swing and sat down carefully, making sure not to damage her dress. She closed her eyes as she flew swiftly through the air.
She then heard laughing, giggling, that of a little girls, her own. The sky lightened up to show the sun and a yard she recognized, pink petals from the blossoms of a cherry tree blew gracefully around her, as she was being pushed by her father. She felt emotions she hadn't felt in so long, peacefulness. She felt safe, as if there was nothing in life she had to fear. She would never be alone.
That was before it had all got taken away from her, everything was ruined... She was left so broken, isolated. The great massacre, her parents being killed, even she being killed... At that time she'd been turned into the demon she was now... The only living relative of hers was her sister. Her poor sister who'd been shipped to France when she got sick. She was the reason for it all, Arachne needed to take her out of this pain, that's what she lived for.
The sky darkened once again as she was back in the backyard of the Phantomhive manor, only she wasn't alone. Sebastian had joined her, he was standing near the tree, watching her.
She slowed to a stop, "How long have you been out here?"
He gave her a smug smile, "Not long. You were talking just now, barely audible. You were talking about your family... You said you missed your father and your mother..."
She stared at him, "I-I was?"
He nodded, "You were. It was interesting, and somewhat depressing. It makes me wonder, would you be willing to share your story with me, miss Arachne?"
She gasped inwardly, and trembled slightly, "If you are willing to listen."
He held out his hand, and smiled, "Of course I am."
She took his hand as he helped her up, and brought her to the base of a tree, sitting with their backs to the trunk.
"Hm, I was born in Loughton and I lived in a large mansion much like this one with my mother, father, and sister. My family was everything to me... I was such a happy little girl... Then everything got taken away. On my fourteenth birthday, we'd learned that my sister was sick with scarlet fever, and had to be shipped to France for proper care. It was heartbreaking, my sister was my hero... And she was gone. About two years later, a massacre took place while I was away visiting my aunt in Wolverhampton." She paused when she had to lie about her becoming a demon, "The massacre exterminated much of Loughton's population..." She choked on the knot in her stomach, as tears fought to be released, by this time, she had laid in the grass, her head in Sebastians lap. "My family included," she continued, "I had returned to find my parents dead in their rooms... It killed me, it did. I didn't know what to do. I had everything cleansed, and after I attended their funeral, I had to live in that empty mansion alone... I was so hopelessly depressed and I vowed to find my sister and help her, because she was all I had left. I was on my way to her when I showed up here." Her tears had won their fight as they streamed down her face.
Sebastian looked down at her and wiped away her tears. "That is terrible. How unfortunate to hear, my deepest condolences go out to you, Miss Arachne. I thank you for sharing with me though."
She remained silent as she fought back memories and images she never wanted to see again, she stared up at the glowing moon, finding odd comfort in Sebastian's presence.
"May I show you something?" Sebastian asked her.
She looked up at him in surprise, "Yes."
He rose, helping her up, and walking to white gazebo. There was a white grand piano, shining beautifully in the night, he walked over and sat down, gesturing for her to sit next to him.
He smiled at her, and placed his fingers on the keys.
He then produced a beautiful sound, a melody which was eerie, almost cryptic, but alluring. He moved his fingers gracefully, and with every key brought forth a new feeling or emotion, it was truly amazing.
Arachne watched him intently, he had his eyes closed and she could tell he was focused solely on the music.
He finished after a while of bliss, and she then noticed it had begun raining.
"Th-That was so beautiful..." She was almost at loss for words.
"I thought you would like it, and I am glad you do. I will play for you whenever you like." He smiled at her, a genuine smile.
"Thank you so much..." She couldn't hold it any longer, she threw her arms around him and embraced him.
He was surprised at this, but he hugged her back nonetheless.
They stayed that way for quite some time, and the melody played over and over in her head.
Sebastian was the one who pulled away, emotions flooded forth that he preferred to avoid, so he ended it before it got too strong, "It is raining, Miss Arachne. You must be cold, lets get you inside. Would you like me to run you a bath?"
She sighed inaudibly at the broken contact, but she had grown rather cold. Although she favored the rain, she loved the way it felt on her skin, "That would be lovely, thank you."
He helped her inside before she got too soaked, and ran her a bath.
Once in the water, she couldn't get that hypnotizing melody out of her head, it was like a trance.
She returned to her room, where her bed was already prepared. When she was comfortable, she became lost in thought. She had to create the opportunity to kill Sebastian... But she didn't want to. Why would she have to? What did Ash want with him? But then she did have to. She needed to help her sister. This was proving harder than she'd hoped. She eventually tamed her mind and fell asleep.
"Lady Arachne, it is time to wake up."
A flood of sunlight crept upon the walls of her room. She groaned inwardly, "Okay, Sebastian."
"My master requested I let you know that we will be attending a masquerade tonight at 7:30. He made arrangements with Nina to have a dress and mask made, they should be coming in shortly. Shall I run you a bath?" He stood at the foot of her bed.
"Yes, please. Thank you." She yawned as he walked away.
She got out of bed and walked to the window. The sun was shining brightly and a slight breeze sent the trees unto a subtle waltz.
A soft knock startled her, "Come in."
Sebastian appeared, "Your bath is ready, my lady."
"Oh, thank you." She walked out of her room and into the large bathroom, the water was comfortably hot and relaxing. She heard voices outside the door.
"I don't think those colors will fit her well, master."
"Keep quiet, Sebastian. I told Nina to choose the colors. I think they'll do just fine."
"As you wish, my lord."
Silence.
Arachne wondered what color it was and what was so bad about it.
Sebastian came in with her dress, which was dark green, and quite beautiful.
After Sebastian was gone, she got dressed. The dress fit tightly. Her long wet hair brushed her bare back which somewhat tickled.
She emerged from the bathroom and retreated down the grand staircase to the dining room. Ciel and Sebastian were there, Ciel was eating what looked like French toast.
"Morning, Arachne. I do hope you enjoy the dress Nina made for you. You will find the mask up in your room." Ciel said to her.
"Oh, I love it. It's marvelous. Thank you, you really shouldn't have." She smiled.
"Nonsense, you will be attending with me. You must look your best." He said.
She nodded, sitting down at the table as Sebastian served to her.
"Do you have any hobbies, Arachne?" Asked Ciel.
"I um, I draw... And I play violin..." She looked at him.
"Wonderful, you shall have full access to the drawing room and music room." Ciel granted.
She smiled at him, "You're too kind."
After breakfast, she retreated to the music room to find an array of different instruments, including the violin. She so passionately loved to play the violin. It was something she'd always liked, she remembered her parents loved to hear her play. They would listen with warm smiles on their face and they would applaud when she was finished. She felt appreciated, she never gave up on the violin... It was something that kept her from going utterly insane.
She played that violin with all the passion she had before. She closed her eyes and lost herself, only when Sebastian appeared did she jump back to reality.
"You're very wonderful at that, my lady."
She stopped abruptly, "Do you show up unexpected often?"
"I apologize, I just heard when I was walking by. Here, lets try this." He walked over to the piano and sat, his eyes roaming the keys before he finally began to play, she caught what he was doing, and she joined in with the violin.
Ciel walked by the music room, hearing music from within, he stood close to the door to listen. It was beautiful, cryptic... Sad but marvelous. He looked inside, Sebastian sat at the piano with Arachne at his side playing violin. They looked so taken away, their eyes closed, their movements strong. It pulled him in, it was beautiful.
They both cut off, sensing his presence, Sebastian spoke first, while a soft flush of pink flooded Arachne's cheeks.
"Hello, young master. Did you enjoy what you heard?"
"It was pleasant. But we should be leaving for the ball soon. Arachne, fetch your mask and meet me in the carriage." He bowed his head and walked away.
"Thank you for playing with me, lady Arachne. It was quite enjoyable." Sebastian smiled, and left as well.
Arachne set the violin down, missing it the second it was out of her grasp. She so deeply enjoyed it, and playing with Sebastian made it all the more enjoyable. She sighed audibly, and walked up to her room.
On her bed there was a black mask, covered in feathers, and very elegant. It matched her dress well. She put it on and smiled, she liked the idea of hiding without consequence.
She found her way to the carriage out front, Ciel was already inside, Sebastian holding the horses reigns, "The mask looks lovely on you." Ciel said.
"Thank you very much, I do quite enjoy it." She smiled.
The carriage began moving, and they stayed silent.
They arrived at a large manor, much like the Phantomhive estate. Only this one was illuminated with lights and lanterns and was swarming with masked citizens in elaborate dresses and neat suits.
Sebastian helped both Ciel and Arachne out of the carriage and Ciel escorted her inside, there were couples dancing to the orchestra and nobody could recognize anybody because it was a masquerade. It was such a wonderful environment.
Shortly after she arrived, she was swept away by a mysterious man dressed in all white, much like Ash. His eyes were purple beyond his mask, they were burning into her. He danced with her until he pulled her into a room alone, removing his mask. It was Ash.
"Oh, hello." She spoke nervously.
"Hello, Arachne. Enjoying yourself?" His voice was filled with cyanide.
"... Yes." She hesitated.
"Wonderful. You know, I did not assign you to make friends with Ciel Phantomhive. Nor did I assign you to find a new home. I assigned you to kill Sebastian Michaelis. If you won't do it, the offer no longer stands. You're running out of time." He stepped close to her.
"I am aware, Ash. But you know just as well as I do how ineffective it would be to show up at a mansion and attempt to kill their butler. I have to strategize. If I make them believe they're close with me, that they can trust me... This will be easier, I can get Sebastian alone." She said certainly, even though she wasn't quite certain with herself.
He stepped even closer, she could feel his breath, he grabbed her wrists, "I need you to do this, you're the only one who can, I need you, demon."
"Why? Why on earth can't you get anybody to do it? He's a butler." She didn't like him being so close.
He squeezed her wrists, summoning sharp pain, "Do not act like you don't know you foolish girl. You know damn well what he is. You n-" his grip tightened as he abruptly stopped talking, "He's coming."
"Who's coming...? Let go of me!" She tried pulling away.
He lifted one hand to her face, covering her mouth as she squirmed.
Then the door opened, and Sebastian emerged, staring at the scene, "Might I ask what you are doing with lady Arachne?"
Ash let go of her, and turned around, "Nothing at all."
"Ah, then I suppose it wouldn't be a problem for me to take Arachne to dance?" Sebastian smirked.
Ash cursed under his breath, letting her go, "No problem at all..." He uttered through clenched teeth.
Arachne quickly followed Sebastian out, her wrists had bruised.
"Who was that man, and why was he handling you so roughly? I didn't get to see his face." Sebastian inquired.
"Oh no one. Forget about it, it doesn't matter." She brushed it off.
"As long as you're okay, shall we dance?" He held out his hand.
She took it and began a slow dance with him.