Author's note: I'm onna roll again! Woohoo! Ciel and co are on the move to school at last! What will await them when they get there? Just how does Ciel plan to investigate without Sebastian's help?
Also any French being spoken will be written in italics:
"Like this"
Please forgive my awful French spelling as well!
Warnings: Sebaciel (implied), gore, swearing and nuzzles
That Butler, Arrived
The coach trundled over the paved streets of Paris, giving the occupants a glimpse into the hectic lives of those who called this cultural metropolis their home.
The cosmopolitan heart of France was beating now and everything seemed more alive, showing just why France was so famous for culture and arts. The boutiques' windows displayed the latest fashions, patisseries and boulangeries showed off their wares in hopes the tantalising smells would pull in customers, artists staked out their prime spots along the riverside to paint the iconic location from all angles, and even the people strolling down the streets about their business seemed more elegant. Nothing like the shouting and heaving mass that was a morning in London; here, everything seemed to take its own pace and look fabulous whilst doing it. Had this been any other time, Ciel would have liked nothing more than to stroll down the pavement, perhaps enjoy a coffee and continue to watch the scene. But as it was…
"Will you leave that alone?!" he snapped, glaring at the black haired man who was playing with Sebastian's pocket watch. Sitri froze momentarily in his dismantling and looked up at the boy,
"But this thing is so fascinating! Humans have progressed so far since I was last here that they can even carry the time with them in their pocket!" he exclaimed, gesturing widely despite there being so little room in the coach for such actions. The demon was so enthralled, his tail sprung up to wag happily before he refocused his attention on the trinket, much to Sebastian's dismay. Ciel sighed in irritation and scowled at Rachel, who shifted uncomfortably under the heat of the glare her young master was giving her. She made an apologetic expression before turning to the demon next to her,
"Sitri, as fascinating as you find it, you shouldn't take apart things that aren't yours. Sebastian needs his pocket watch" the girl spoke reproachfully, as if speaking to a naughty child. "Please put it back together and give it back now" This request gained much complaining but resulted in the watch being restored and given back to its owner. Sebastian, also looking irritated, accepted it,
"You would do well to also be mindful of your form whilst you are here, Sitri. Humans have changed a great deal, the majority no longer believe angels or demons truly exist. They no longer worship or fear us as they used to either. Seeing a man with a wagging tail would no doubt cause a scene and we'd very much like to avoid bringing attention to ourselves." Sebastian said primly. He looked over at said demon and felt the blood vessels pulse in his temple; Sitri was now leaning out the carriage door and waving at the gasping people as they passed by. A herd of children had also started to chase the coach, laughing at the strange man who was waving at them. Sebastian grabbed the back of Sitri's shirt and yanked him back in, slamming the door shut. "Now what did I just say?" he snapped, glaring at the demon who was pointedly ignoring him and had started toying with a pen he had picked up from the hotel.
It was Sebastian's turn to scowl at Rachel, demanding her intervention. She laughed nervously; sweat accumulating on the back of her head under the fierce double glare she was receiving. Regaining her composure, Rachel sighed in exasperation and looked over at her companion,
"Sitri…" she said quietly. Hearing this, Sitri's ears perked up and he looked up at her,
"Something wrong?" he asked, an oblivious look on his face that enraged the master and demon further. Rachel gave him a pointed look and he shifted slightly in his seat, putting the pen away. He looked over at her again, lower lip slightly pouty. "I'm just excited! It's been so long since I've been up on this plane! I can't help wanting to study everything I can find!"
"Well you're causing us problems!" snapped Ciel, losing his temper. If this was heard, Sitri chose not to show it and instead focused his innocent expression at the housekeeper. He leant in closer to her, eyes wide and looking sincerely sorry.
"Please?" he asked, the picture of innocence. Rachel realised the irony of this but still found herself unable to chastise the demon regardless. She groaned as she gave in, unable to look into that face any longer.
"I understand your excitement, but we must stay hidden for now. Otherwise the Young Master's job here will be in jeopardy. Remember, we're attending this school under the premise of being servants to the Young Mistress, come from England to learn more about European culture" she explained. She looked at the reluctant demon and smiled sympathetically. Without thinking, she reached out and started to gently pet Sitri's furry ear, causing the other to purr happily.
"You can play with all the human trinkets you like once this is over, ok? But for now, you must behave properly"
"Mmmm very well" came the purred response from Sitri, who leant into the hand further.
As Rachel fussed the demon's ear, gazing at him fondly, she realised the young master and Sebastian were staring at them in confusion. She blushed and quickly took her hand away, looking out the window intently to cover her embarrassment. Ciel coughed softly to cover the awkward atmosphere,
"Anyway, this means acting with some decorum and not gallivanting around as you please!" snapped Ciel again, glaring hard at the demon. Sitri finally acknowledged this outburst and looked over at Ciel, his dark brown eyes staring deep into Ciel's blue ones. The intensity made Ciel shrink back a little and unconsciously lean nearer to his own demon. Sitri grinned at this action,
"Oh yes, I had forgotten about the little cross-dressing lord's plans. 'Invade the school then find what evidence you can' I believe was your orders. Tell me, little human" with this, Sitri leaned over so his face was in Ciel's. "How exactly do you plan on escaping the watchful eye of the governesses? And how will Malphas and I be able to assist when men are restricted from entering?"
Ciel growled at the mocking tone of the demon and leant forward again, sitting up straight,
"Don't mock me! I am the Queen's Watchdog, Ciel Phantomhive! Do not think me incapable of getting this simple task done!" he cried, pride helping to buoy his anger. Sitri blinked in surprise at the boy's reactions then grinned widely,
"I can see why Malphas is so taken with you! You are an interesting little soul" he purred, causing Sebastian to growl protectively and Ciel to be taken aback. He leant over the boy, stroking the hair of the grey ponytails the lord was wearing as part of his disguise, "It's a shame you don't know just how interesting you are, Phantomhive boy"
Rachel scowled, turning back from the window,
"Sitri! That's enough!" she snapped. The demon turned around to her, raising an eyebrow. The girl's scowl darkened, "I said: that is enough, Sitri." The two stared each other down for a moment before Sitri gave in and sighed,
"Fine fine. I suppose it would be boring if I gave everything away now" he retorted as he flopped back in his seat, smirking at the girl's glare. Ciel looked over curiously, studying these words,
"Just what are yo-" the earl started. Rachel sat up straight suddenly,
"Look! We're here!" she exclaimed, pointing out the window. Ciel turned and looked out as well, mind now firmly back on the job.
Sure enough, as the coach rolled down the street, the gleaming white front of the grand ecole rose up to fill the sky. It was nowhere near as embellished as some establishments along the road but the slate grey tiles gleamed in the sunshine and the long windows shone, giving it an air of sensibility and grandeur suited to a school for young ladies. Ciel stared at the high stone wall surrounding the courtyard and the buildings running beside them, no doubt designed to keep intruders out.
'Reminds me more of a cage to keep people in though' he thought and remembered how the Queen had asked him to consider brainwashing occurring here. He gritted his teeth and glared up at the buildings. As their coach neared, guards appeared and stopped them. Ciel noted the rifles slung across their backs,
'What sort of school needs armed guards?' he thought, moving his gaze to look up at the school front again, trying to spot any signs of unrest. He returned his gaze to the guards, now conversing with their driver and watched as they had their documents checked thoroughly. 'They're pretty strict about security as well. Either they're worried someone might attack them. Or they have something to hide.' As he watched, Sitri's previous mocking voice sounded in his head, how did he plan on moving freely around this vast prison?
'Perhaps this won't be as easy as I first thought' he thought. He scowled at this thought. He'd let that demon get to him too easily. 'It doesn't matter! I will find out what I need and expose what lies beneath this school! And, if it proves to be a threat to Her Majesty' Ciel clenched his fist. 'I will exterminate it'
As they rode through the gates, Ciel noticed a figure in black standing on the stairs wating to greet them,
"That is the headmistress, Madame Gagnon" whispered Sebastian as they watched the woman approach. Her brown hair was drawn back into a tight bun and her expression was severe. Her back was ramrod straight and her movements clipped and precise, every aspect of her designed to be efficient. Her aura screamed 'no-nonsense' and Ciel couldn't help noticing the similarities between this woman and his aunt Francis. Ciel frowned to himself; this woman could be a problem to the investigation,
'Gagnon, guard dog? Seems almost too obvious a bad pun' he thought, watching the woman stop in front of the coach doors. Sebastian stood up,
"Well, are you ready to go, my Young Lady?" he said, earning a glare. The butler chuckled and exited the coach, followed by Rachel and Sitri. He greeted the woman formally, shaking her hand.
Ciel took a deep breath before standing and exiting the coach. Descending the steps out of the coach, he approached the woman and curtsied low. Sebastian smiled and gestured grandly to Ciel,
"May I introduce the young mistress, Madmoiselle Bouchard, from London, England" the butler spoke smoothly, his accent perfect. Ciel flashed a quick glare at Sebastian,
'Miss Big-Mouth? Seriously?' he noticed the small smirk on his butler's face whilst he was bowed. He'd get the demon back for this slight when they were done. For now, he quickly put on a genial smile,
"It's a pleasure to meet yo-ummf?!" he began sweetly before his mouth was covered. "Ummph?!" he stared up the arm at the now glaring headmistress. She sneered before releasing Ciel's mouth,
"Such an overly obedient lapdog! So quick to fall into the ways and ideals forced upon women by men from an early age!" the woman spat, still glaring. Ciel stroked his aching jaw, at a loss for words, and watched the woman seem to swell with anger. Sebastian, who was also taken aback, piped up,
"B-but surely proper etiquette is to be expected of a young lady of social standing?" he asked reasonably. This earned another tut and a glare his way; the butler felt sweat accumulating on the back of his head,
"The typical slanderous view of man!" she replied hotly. Sebastian smiled a fixed nervous grin at the intensity of this woman and then seemed to realise something,
"I see. Do tell me, are you perchance a fan of the recent social activism in Britain pertaining to the rights of women?" the butler felt he already knew the answer. The headmistress looked mildly impressed and smirked confidently,
"But of course! It is a woman's right to be seen as equal to men! The fight for our voices will not be quashed easily! And, I'll have you know, the leader of this revolution studied here as a young girl not much older than your Young Mistress!" she boasted. The passion had swept up the headmistress, who was now lost in his monologue. Ciel inched closer to Sebastian,
"'Women's Rights'? What on Earth are you talking about?" he whispered, keeping his eyes riveted on the rambling woman. Sebastian grinned at his master's confusion,
"There is recent social activism regarding the desire of some women who demand to be treated to men in social standing. They want women of social standing to be able to vote like men can. The woman I believe the headmistress is referring to is one Emmeline Pankhurst, who did indeed study here in her youth" explained the butler. Ciel's eye widened in shock,
"What? Women performing the same roles as men? That's absurd!" he cried out, visibly affronted at the idea. "Men and women are separate beings with different roles for a reason! Women can not be expected to cope with the tasks men face!"
Sebastian smirked at his Young Master's affronted and sexist response,
"Oh, is that so? So would you call them too weak then? You realise this would include both your fiancée and your Aunt, the Marchioness, who are well-known for their amazing swordsmanship" the butler countered. Ciel scoffed,
"Well of course it doesn't include them! It just… that is… I-I mean not every woman is like those two! They're different!" he snapped, annoyed to not be able to think of a good argument. The thought made him ponder and he watched the still rambling headmistress who had now decided to rant to Rachel and Sitri, both of whom looked confused.
'Still, I knew such agendas had been forming. Seeing how passionate this woman is, it wouldn't take much to convince young women to think the same and rebel by attacking shops. Humans are sheep after all.' His thoughts were cut short as the headmistress launched herself back at Ciel, wrapping an arm around her neck,
"There is so much to teach you and so little time! I see greatness within you! No doubt you will be our next asset in the fight for freedom from the tyranny of men! Come! We must start at once!" Ciel felt himself going blue under the woman's chokehold and was helpless as he was dragged away into the school,
"W-Waaiiiit!" he cried, leaving the servants in the dust.
The trio blinked, watching their young master sail off into the distance. Rachel reacted,
"I-I guess I uh… I better follow them?" she said feebly, unsure of what just happened. She looked at Sebastian for guidance.
The butler looked at his watch and nodded,
"Yes, follow the Young Mistress. We will take care of the baggage before returning to the hotel" Sebastian ordered. Rachel nodded then looked at Sitri, who grinned back. She approached him, finger wagging,
"Behave yourself" she ordered, wagging the finger in his face. Her face was serious but there was a pleading edge to her voice. The demon blinked at the finger and beamed wider, kissing the finger affectionately,
"Always" came the cheerful reply. It didn't convince Rachel one bit but she had no choice,
"Ok… Then I shall go ahead" she said reluctantly before chasing after the earl into the house.
The two demons watched the girl as she disappeared into the long corridor and the tapping of her shoes died away. Sebastian sighed in irritation; this was not how he'd planned events to go. Humans were so unpredictable! He would have to make adjustments to afternoon tea! What exactly had he done to deserve this fate? He decided to save this train of thought for later though; there was work still to be done. He coughed gently and stood straighter, ready to give his instructions,
"Then we had best get down to business" he turned to the school's attending servants "Please take the luggage to the dorms"
"Yes Sir!" came the swift reply before they set about pulling down bags and suitcases. Sebastian nodded in approval and looked down at his watch. It was 10.30am.
'No doubt the Young Master will receive a tour of the school before lunch. I imagine they'll let him 'settle in' for today and commence his timetable of lessons tomorrow' the demon mused, snapping the watch lid shut. "Then we had best familiarise ourselves with this school and the surrounding buildings before we continue with investigations. Come Sitri" the butler stated matter-of-factly. The deafening silence that answered him was not what he expected and he turned to look at the empty spot that had previously been filled by said eccentric demon. Sebastian blinked and looked around. There was no sign of him even to Sebastian's keen senses. Sebastian could feel his heart sink lower,
"Sitri?" he repeated louder, knowing this was pointless. The silence he received just caused the demon's shoulders to sink as low as his heart; things were definitely not going to go according to plan.
That's another chapter done! Ciel has made it to school at last! But with such a formidable headmistress, just what will the students be like? And where has Sitri run off to? Please like, follow and review! Let me know what you think! Until next time!