Chapter Six: His Butler, Celebrating
Maylene sighed, and walked into the kitchen, which was pitch black, and she turned on the lights, jumping as Bard and Finny shot off firecrackers, and shouted 'Happy birthday, Maylene!"
Maylene jumped as they shouted this. She didn't even know that they knew when her birthday was. She had never celebrated it in the past. In fact, she never really liked her birthday. It only ever reminded her that she was 21, still single, still a virgin, and not likely ever to be married. After all… She would say, looking down at herself, she wasn't very presentable. She had an ugly Cockney accent, and she was dreadfully clumsy when she wasn't fighting…
In fact, fighting was one of the few things she really could do. Perhaps, she thought, she should just go back to being an assassin. She could forget her qualms about murdering people. Become the perfect killer, able to kill from far away with nobody being the wiser. But she liked her job as a maid. She liked her dress, and she respected Ciel. He was good to her, and to her friends. Even if Sebastian was brutally unkind, that didn't matter so much.
She still hadn't given Bard her answer. He had confessed to her, and she had left him hanging, thus far. She didn't know what to say, though. He was kinder perhaps than she deserved. She had never even taken the time to notice that he was in love with her, let alone respond to his feelings. The woman sighed, and glanced away unhappily.
"Th-thank you. I-I didn't even know you knew when my birthday was… H-how did you find out?" She muttered, not really wanting to celebrate anything.
"Well… Mr. One Hell of a Butler may be a super jerk, but he told us that your birthday was coming up, and gave us the day off to celebrate it… I honestly think he just didn't want us destroying anything today. But the day is ours. We can do whatever we want…" Bard said happily. Maylene looked over at the cake sitting on the table, and sighed. Finny was the first to notice that something was wrong.
"Maylene… What's wrong? You should be happy. You don't turn 21 every day. It's a happy occasion… S-so…" Bard stopped and walked over, sitting down next to Maylene and putting a hand on her arm.
"So why do you look so sad?" He asked gently, looking directly into those amazing amber eyes of hers that seemed to swim and sometimes sparkle in the light.
"I've never liked my birthday. It never brought me any joy to have grown another year older. To me, it only meant that I was one year closer to death. My family as it were never celebrated my birthday. They weren't important, really.
After all, what present could you possibly give to an assassin? A box of bullets? A new gun? A knife? Not very flattering gifts. The only gift I got on my birthday was the promise that I didn't have to train that day… I usually did, anyway. But that's not a very happy story. Thank you for the cake… I am hungry, anyhow. Let's eat…"
"Wait. You can't eat cake yet…" Bard said, putting an arm around Maylene's shoulder, and guiding her over to the table.
"Why? It looks and smells delicious. It's ice cream cake, right? It's my favorite…"
"Well… You haven't opened your gifts yet…"
"G-g-gifts? Y-you got something for me? Why?"
"Why wouldn't we? You're our friend, and it's your birthday…" Finny said with a grin. Maylene could feel tears coming to her eyes as she sat down and took a heavy package.
"That one's from Lau and Ran Mao…" Bard said with a laugh, surprised that Lau would think to get a gift for Ciel's maid.
Maylene opened the present and gasped. It was an amazingly ornate, and extraordinarily gorgeous katana. She put on a cotton glove, and felt along the side of the blade, sighing in happiness as she did so. She was proficient with a katana, but she hadn't used one in years, given the fact that she couldn't take any weapons from the guild, and frankly, even the katanas that belonged to the guild weren't this fine. This one was made by an exceptionally skillful sword smith.
She had always had an exceedingly acute sense of touch, owing to overactive nerves in her hands. It was only her hands that 'suffered' from this, but it allowed her to feel each and every fold that the steel had gone through to make the sword… Wait… Weren't Lau and Ran Mao Chinese?
They weren't Japanese, and so, having a katana, especially one of such quality was slightly odd. She then picked up the card, and opened it. It was written in Chinese on top, but Maylene looked down and saw that it was translated into English at the bottom.
My dearest Maylene… (How like Lau. He was always so flirtatious, even with his so called sister, Ran Mao.)
Ran Mao and I would like to wish you the happiest of birthdays, and pray for many more for you. We know that you were an assassin in your previous life, and so, we decided that a weapon would be an ironically appropriate gift.
We got it from some Japanese people with whom we trade occasionally. On a slightly different note, would you maybe consider coming to work for me, instead? I can guarantee that you'll be paid just as well as by Ciel… Just consider it… Happy Birthday…
Lau and Ran Mao.
Maylene rolled her eyes. Did Lau write a letter asking her to become a prostitute? It actually seemed the sort of thing he might do. She would have to write him back with a thank you very much for the sword, and that she would NEVER work for him. It was an extraordinarily generous gift he gave her. But that didn't mean she would work for him.
"Here, Maylene… This one is from the Young Master."
"Y-Young Master got me a gift, too? I always knew that he was a kind person, even if he pretends not to be." Maylene said, caught up in her birthday, now, too distracted to notice that Ciel and Sebastian were watching from just outside the kitchen. She took the wrapping off the gift, and read the card first.
Maylene,
Perhaps it is unorthodox for a master to give his servant a gift for her birthday, but you have served me well over the years, and I wish also to apologize for Sebastian's rather unacceptable behavior.
Ciel
P.S: Please stop sneaking my camera out and taking pictures with it. Even you should realize that I will see the film.
Maylene blanched at this last comment. She hadn't realized that she didn't replace the film all those times. She did like photography. She had been pretty good at taking pictures before she became Ciel's maid. She looked in the wrapping, and gasped at what she saw. It was a photograph that Sebastian had taken back when the three servants were still fairly new.
He had used the oddest camera. It was one that was unlike any she had ever seen, beyond description. Sebastian had described it, but it all passed over Maylene's head. The picture had included Ciel and Lizzie, Sebastian, Finny, Bard, and herself. They all looked so happy… Even Ciel was smiling.
She remembered that day. Ciel had some time off, as he had finished with one job from the Queen, but had not yet gotten his next job. They spent the day outside, and didn't go back in until well after the sun had gone down. It was a warm day in early summer. The fireflies were out, and lit up the background of the photograph, and the sky was truly alight with a full moon.
When Maylene concentrated carefully, she could see Venus low in the sky… The Evening Star. The photograph was beautifully taken, almost as if done by an expert, and was put in an intricate and ornate silver frame. Maylene was floored at the gifts she was getting.
"Now, this last one is from the both of us… Unfortunately… We aren't as rich as Young Master, or Mr. One Hell of a Butler…" Bard said, snorting. But he handed her a package. It had no card on it, but Maylene opened it, and smiled.
It was Saint Brendan's Irish Cream. She laughed. It was so like them to buy her alcohol. She looked back and saw Ciel and Sebastian. She was surprised for a moment, but then, she called them in. Ciel sat down on his own, and Sebastian waited until Ciel had seated, and then sat down.
"Happy birthday, Maylene… You're 21 years, today, right?" Ciel asked. Suddenly, Lizzie ran in as well, and hugged Maylene tightly.
"I just heard that it's your birthday, Maylene! I'm so sorry I don't have a gift for you! I can't believe I came to your party without a present!"
"N-no… I-it's just nice to see you, Milady… It's so nice that you all thought of me, today… But… Did the young master tell you that it was my birthday?" Maylene asked, still slightly in shock that she was receiving such a kind gesture.
She hadn't told anyone that her birthday was on the 9th of May. Yes. She was a May baby. Her birthstone was emerald, and her astrological sign was Taurus. She was personally fond of her birthstone. But she hadn't, to her memory, told anyone her birthday… How did Sebastian know?
"How do I know when your birthday is…? Is probably what you are thinking. How could I possibly be the Phantomhive's butler if I could not even find that out?" Sebastian asked. Maylene looked at him shyly.
"But… I-I was under the impression that you didn't like me because of … Well… That…"
"Yes… Why, oh, why would I do something like this for you?" Sebastian asked with a nearly mocking smile on his face.
"Well, either way, let's down this liquor before the sun comes up!" Bard shouted, taking out glasses, and pouring the amber liquid into each glass and handed them out, even to Ciel and Lizzie. Lizzie was the only one who protested.
"But, I'm too young to drink! So is Ciel… He's even younger than I am by a year."
"Well, Milady… Young Master could probably drink the entire bottle by himself and feel nothing. As for you, I do not think that a single glass would do anything to you. Bardroy… Take her glass back and give her a little bit less. She is young still, and does not need to be getting drunk. Besides, I fear what her mother would do to Young Master and me if she came back hung over."
At this, the three servants shivered, knowing how true Sebastian's words were.
"Now… I am also expected to offer a gift. So, please tell me what you would like for your birthday. Please do not be shy.
You may ask for anything you like." Sebastian said. Maylene gasped. This was such short notice. If she wanted, she could ask to go on a date with Sebastian. But she found that she had no desire to do so. First of all, it seemed to smack of impropriety, given the fact that he had turned her down last time she confessed to him.
"Um… C-could the three of us have the day off?" Maylene asked in her thick Cockney accent. Sebastian smiled, and nodded. It was a simple gift, though not at all what he had expected her to ask of him.
"Very well. You three may have the day off. Tanaka may also have the day off if he wishes. I am no doubt enough to keep the manor ship shape for the day. That is usually my job, anyhow." Well, have an enjoyable day.
"Wait! Young Master!" Maylene shouted. Ciel stopped, shocked at the way she had called him. She had used polite language, but the tone of voice she had taken was quite startling, and she seemed to notice this, because she clamped her hands over her mouth, and muttered an embarrassed apology.
"No need to apologize. What is it you would like, Maylene?" Ciel asked, actually smiling.
"Um… I-I've decided to become one of your Culled It would give me no greater satisfaction than to serve you as long as I may live…" She said, bowing. The other two started, realizing what she was talking about, and also knelt before Ciel, and nodded their assent to being Culled as well.
"Very well. I can do it today, if you like. Or I can do it on another day. Perhaps a day that is not your birthday, Maylene…"
"Any day is fine, Young Master." Maylene said. She didn't really want to make the decision for herself, though, she did want to do it as soon as possible, in case it was painful.
"Very well. Somebody get me some chalk, or something else that can write on the ground outside. We also will need four candles minimum, and a knife. It could be inside. But it is much harder to clean this up inside.
Sebastian could do it, but there is no need to add to his work. Hurry up, and gather the supplies!" Ciel yelled, clapping his hands twice, scattering the three servants, who, one by one came back with the materials and followed Ciel outside.
Ciel looked for a flat piece of stone that was large enough to draw his Contract Mark on. A demon could form a Culling Contract without doing the ritual. But it was more powerful if the demon did the ritual with it, and Ciel wasn't certain that he could fully cement the contract without it.
He wasn't an experienced demon, yet, and though he theoretically had all of Hannah Annafellows' power, that was just supposition, and there was still doubt as to just how much he inherited, or if he would have to work hard at becoming powerful just like any other demon. He finally found a large slab of rock, and started drawing out the Contract Circle, doing all the intricate symbols, surprising Sebastian with his proficiency.
"There is nothing surprising about it, Sebastian. I as a demon should know my own Contract Mark. Tell me, though… Does their contract with me work the same way as mine does with you… Rather, that the closer it is to the eye, the easier it is for me to find them?"
"Well… Yes. However, it usually is not necessary for a demon to seek out his Culled. They usually serve him or her willingly, and would not run even if they did have the chance, assuming the demonic master is relatively good to his or her servants.
It happens so rarely that it is hard to say. It would be best to put it somewhere near the eye, and at least on the head or neck. Yours is on your eye, and you wear an eye patch to cover it. Your servants could do the same, though I would recommend you choose a different place for each, given the suspicion it would raise if all three servants had an eye patch."
"Alright, Young Master!" Bard yelled, running out with candles and matches. This time, he didn't fall. Maylene came out with a knife, and also didn't fall (thank God, Ciel thought to himself. Ciel finished the circle, and Sebastian admired Ciel's work. Sebastian was surprised to note that it was exactly the same as Hannah's had been. He had seen hers only briefly, but recognized it instantly.
Ciel set up the candles in the moonlight, and lit them, causing the circle to glow slightly in the weak light. It was sort of an eerie sight, especially since the flames were burning blue, and the circle was glowing a light teal color.
The boy then ordered the servants to line up, and he stood in the circle. Maylene walked in first, and knelt down before him.
"Do you, Maylene Wierwille, swear to serve your demonic master, Ciel Phantomhive for all eternity, and remain by his side through safety and danger?"
"I do."
"Do you swear also never to act in a way that would threaten him directly, or indirectly put him at threat by another?"
"I do."
"Then I, Ciel Phantomhive, share my Blood with you, Maylene Wierwille and mark you as my own. Remove your gloves."
Maylene removed her white cotton gloves, and put them carefully on the ground. Ciel then sliced his wrist, and held it out for Maylene to drink. Maylene put her lips up to Ciel's wrist, and sucked the Blood out.
The sensation was ecstatic, like a thousand Acid trips mixed with the greatest Opium high. After a moment, Ciel pulled his hand away, and focused, putting his hand on Maylene's left hand, causing his Contract Mark to appear. It wasn't the most effective way to mark her. But she could easily hide the mark by wearing her gloves.
Bard was next. He also knelt down, and Ciel went through the same process.
"Do you, Bardroy Abbott, swear to serve your demonic master, Ciel Phantomhive for all eternity, and remain by his side through safety and danger?"
"I do…"
And after he was done with his whole speech, he held his wrist out again, and Bard drank. When Ciel was finished feeding him, he spoke.
"Which eye is your better eye? Which eye do you use to aim your gun?"
"My left."
Ciel put his hand over Bard's right eye, and the demonic contract appeared.
"I will get you an eye patch to wear over your right eye. You will have to learn to use one eye."
Next…
"Do you, Finnian Iarnuuocon, swear to serve your demonic master Ciel Phantomhive for all of eternity and remain by his side through safety and danger?"
"I do."
"And do you swear also never to act in a way that would threaten him directly, or indirectly put him at threat by another?"
"I do." Finny said seriously. Ciel then gave Finny his blood, and gave one last command.
"Remove your hat. Do not give me that look. I have a reason. Turn around and lower your head." Ciel said. Finny was very unsure, but he did as directed, and turned around and bent his neck. Ciel put his hand on Finny's neck, covering his research tattoo with his own Contract Mark.
Now, it looked more like he just had a tattoo, rather than a serial number, and if anyone accidentally saw it, it wasn't such a big deal. Finny suddenly lurched forward and hugged Ciel tightly in a bone crushing hug…
Well, it would have been bone crushing for a human. For Ciel, who was now a demon, it wasn't so painful, although it did restrict his breathing a bit.
"Finnian… Relase me, now. It is beyond improper for a servant to hug his master. Beyond that, you are hurting me."
Finny dropped Ciel, and dropped to one knee in apology.
"I'm so sorry, Young Master! Please forgive me!" He pleaded. Ciel merely smiled.
"There is nothing for which to apologize. Merely keep it in mind for next time. Now, you have the night off, and tomorrow. Do with it as you will." Ciel said sternly. He then turned to Tanaka, and his eyes flashed crimson.
"Tanaka. Do you wish to become a Culled like them?"
Tanaka thought for a moment, then shook his head. "I'm too old to become eternal. I would just as soon pass away like a human."