Chapter 10: The Final Match
I couldn't believe it. The game had ended in a tie. I couldn't recall any times Ciel had been involved in a stalemate. It must have been just as much of shock to him as it was to me.
After a long moment of silence, he said, ''This game was supposed to end everything. But instead it put us at more of a controversy than ever.''
For once I found myself agreeing with him. ''So…what does this mean?''
''I would suggest another game,'' he started, ''but I don't feel like playing anymore.'' Then he stood up, clenching his fits. ''It's quite remarkable how you've somehow overcome all the challenges placed in your way. And I'm still here…trying to figure out a way to get you to comply with me.'' He let out a low chuckle. ''How pathetic for a creature such as myself.''
Just then, the parlor door opened up. Sebastian walked in, wheeling a tray of sweets with him. Ciel and I both looked at him, but didn't say anything.
''I hope I'm not interrupting the game,'' Sebastian started, pausing by the side of the table, ''but I thought our guest might like something sweet.''
Ciel crossed his arms. ''Our game is over.''
Sebastian looked down at the board. ''A stalemate, I see?'' A small smirk spread across his face. ''My, what are you two going to do about this?''
''We haven't decided yet,'' I muttered.
Sebastian placed a hand by his chin, looking thoughtfully at the chess pieces. ''One hasn't matched up with my young master like this for quite some time. It appears you two played an even match.''
''What are you getting at?'' Ciel asked, impatiently.
''Perhaps it's time you play a game where there cannot be a draw.''
Ciel raised an eyebrow. "Such as?''
Sebastian smiled. ''Follow me, and I'll show you.''
The butler led us into the drawing room. I recognized it as the one where Ciel practiced things, such as dancing and violin. I bet he hasn't gone in here in a while, I thought glumly, as we passed by the untouched instrument.
To my surprise, Sebastian walked over towards one of the walls where there was some armor on display. Then he reached forward and unfastened two swords from the hooks that were holding them up. I recognized them as ones used in fencing. However, soon as I realized what they were, one single emotion began to fill me: fear.
Ciel's expression soured. ''Are you suggesting that we duel?''
''Precisely,'' came the reply.
''But I don't know how to use a sword!'' I cried. '' I-I've never even held one before!''
Sebastian handed a sword to Ciel and the other one to myself. ''You're most certainly at a disadvantage,'' he exclaimed, turning towards me. ''However, if you don't duel, then your plan is to simply stay here?''
I looked from Sebastian to Ciel. Sebastian's giving me one last chance to save myself. But why in the world would he suggest this activity when he knows there's no way I can beat Ciel at it?
''This is pointless," the Earl spat. "I've been trained, and she hasn't. There's no way I could lose.''
''It is entirely up to the both of you to decide whether you want to go through with this not, '' Sebastian exclaimed, ''I merely made the suggestion.''
''It is,'' Ciel murmured, eyeing the sword. He glanced at Sebastian again, his grip around the sword tightening. ''Then, my decision is that you fight her.'' Ciel tossed his sword to Sebastian, who managed to catch it with just one hand.
Sebastian looked down at his master with surprise. ''Are you sure, young master?''
''Yes,'' Ciel spat, ''I already told you, I'm tired of playing these games.''
''Very well,'' Sebastian replied, holding the sword up in front of him.
My mouth dropped open in disbelief. There's not a chance in hell I can beat Sebastian, let alone leave the duel without an injury!
"Do not lose, Sebastian," the boy ordered his butler.
''Of course."
''No!'' I shouted. ''No, wait!"
''Ready?'' Ciel called.
I held my hand out. ''Ciel, please-''
''Begin!''