Sorry for the late updates everyone. I was taking my finals, I passed them all! I also graduated yesterday, it was cool, but it was hot and the graduation gown was black. Anyways, for being so late, I tried to make this chapter long. So without further ado, here's the next chapter.
Chapter 7
~ASC~
"Whoa~ it's snow!" Finny shouted as he ran around the court yard, his foot prints littering the snowy grounds. "It's too big!" Maylene tried to support the big-headed snowman's head she made. Bard made snowballs and stuff rocks into them "With a stone inside it will become lethal." And what was I doing? Well I was buried under the snow, sleeping. Ciel's and my birthday were two days ago, and I hadn't had a good day sleep for quite a while. Sebastian shook my body and I woke up, he sighed at me and gave me a small smile, "Come on." I groaned and followed after him.
~ASC~
Winter in England is a grey season that is enveloped by thick and heavy snow. Even after the series of murders by Jack the Ripper and the King of Hearts, London returned to its peaceful state
...But only for a very brief time...
There were several men hanged upside down, outside an Indian pub. They had been stripped down to their knickers, and were bounded and stringed up like gutted pigs. This was a strange case involving British citizens who had recently returned from India being continuously attacked, stripped of everything and hung upside down from the eaves of the Hindustani coffee house, in Portman Square. Since then, noblemen or soldiers who had returned from India were meeting the same fate from time to time. Those victims all had the same paper stuck to them with a note regarding the higher ups of England.
"Watch this, you wild, pathetic chosen children of sloth and depravity. England is the motherland of the devil. It steals everything and forces its worthless, rotten, and decadent culture on you instead. To all the bitch-dominated idiots of this land, you are the ones that deserve the vengeance of heaven! Now, the day has come." The man holding the paper shook in anger and he crumpled the page. "Damn it! This is the 20th one now." Scotland Yard's police commissioner, Lord Randall shouted, "You haven't apprehended the culprit yet Aberline?"
"My apologies!" Scotland Yard officer, Fred Aberline, stuttered.
"Feh and the glory of catching Jack the Ripper were stolen from us also by that little brat." Lord Randall turned his head and froze as he looked at Ciel.
Ciel frowned at the insult, "Sorry to be such a brat."
"Earl Phantomhive!" Lord Randall shouted. Not necessary really. "Hey you! How the hell did you get in here?" Aberline asked. Lord Randall stopped him with his hand and looked at Ciel, "Lord Phantom...why are you here?"
"Hehe, isn't it obvious? I'm here to clean up the mess made by an old pathetic hunting dog." I chuckled at that as I took the clipboard from the officer and handed it to Ciel, all without him knowing that I took it.
"What the!" Aberline shouted, surprised by Ciel's words.
Ciel ignored the officer and looked through the papers, "Hmm is that so...a crime targeted only at people who have returned to England from India. I see the victims are not dead."
"Don't just-" Before Lord Randall could finish that sentence Ciel shoved a letter at his face. "If it was just a highwayman I wouldn't get involved. However I won't sit by and watch the Royal family be insulted." He glared at Ciel and Ciel looked once more at the clipboard. "The criminals are described as 'chosen children of sloth and depravity' which is quite accurate." Sebastian handed me the note and I read it as well. "I agree that England would be better off without India's wealthy upstarts." He said.
Ok Sebastian has been trying to teach me history; here is what I know so far. The British empires dominion of India. At the present time a lot of British settlers were living in Britain's Indian colonies. The 3rd or 4th child from upper class families, who can't afford Luxurious lives in England, can live like aristocrats in India. Those who return from India are called Anglo Indian. Those who can't leave the lazy lifestyle due to luxury they found in India are called the Indian Upstarts. Interesting, right?
"They are cowards who were too busy with extravagance and indulged in worthless pastimes. Most of them are upper-class people in this so called Great Britain." Lord Randall complained. This guy has a stick up his ass seriously.
"Upper-class, how worthless," Ciel sticks his tongue out, mimicking the drawing on the paper, "Anyways what is this mark?" He pointed to the tongue drawing; it looked rather strange and almost childish on something that is insulting all of England and the Queen.
Lord Randall suddenly shouts, "He's making a fool of us British and the Queen! What an idiot! Targeting only those who return from India means that the criminal can't be anyone other than a vulgar Indian barbarian!" Aberline tried to calm down Lord Randall; he doubted that it would work though.
"So that's the reason you called me out here? A majority of smuggling Indians have a stronghold in east end. I can see that even city yards don't know what to do with a dark street like East End. It's hard to identify the route and exact number of smugglers right?" Ciel smirked as he handed the paper to Sebastian. "So I'll make a move in my own way, I want to return to the manor house quickly. Sebastian, Matthew, did you memorize those documents?"
"Yes." Sebastian said.
"Yes." I gave him a small nod and he smiled proudly at the both of us.
"Let's go then, Sebastian, Matthew. Okay." Sebastian handed the papers back to Lord Randal and I followed after Ciel. We went through some twist and turns and we came upon an opening, with stairs going down. "Young master we have arrived." Sebastian said.
"This is the place right?" Ciel said as he looked at the opening.
"Yes." Sebastian said. He walked down the stairs, Ciel following after and I looked around, there was no sign of anything. So where are we? I followed after them and when Sebastian opened a door a strong scent struck our poor noses.
"What an awful smell." Ciel covered his nose and I did the same.
"So you finally found this place, Earl." In the shadows, passed the men who were high on opium, was Lao, surrounded by women in short Chinese dresses, "It feels kind of weird for you to see me this way, however, I always knew the day would come." Ciel twitched, annoyance evident on his face, "And what kind of day is this?" He glared at Lao, the women clung to the china man's very limbs and torso, one girl in particular was sitting on his lap.
"Welcome Earl! Long time no see!" The girl on his lap stared at us, it was kind of unnerving really, "How you been? Ah! Wasn't it your birthday recently? Congrats~"
"I don't really care about such things." He said with annoyance. "I have something to ask you."
"Ah! The Earl had to come all the way to Angora to ask me about 'that' incident, am I right?" A woman came up to us and asked if we wanted to smoke, Sebastian denied, but I was suddenly pulled away and a pipe was stuck into my mouth. I coughed as the smoke entered my lungs and I looked towards the two, but they were stuck in a conversation with Lao.
Ciel looked at Lao and he said, "The news has spread to you already? You sure are fast. I have been investigating 'that' incident... If it's about oriental, the fastest way to find anything out is to ask you who have a strong influence around here. The president of the British Branch of the Chinese Trading company, Kunlun...no. Shanghai mafia Qing bang executive, Lao."
He touched the girl's chin and said, "Meh I don't like it when you address me that way. It's too formal. Right Ran Mao?" The woman didn't say anything as she continued to stare ahead with blank eyes.
Small chuckles escape my lips as the women next to me kept offering me the pipe, "I'll leave East End in your care." Ciel said to Lao, as he glared at me, and I just puffed out a circle towards him. I giggled as I did some more and Sebastian shook his head at me, though he looked rather funny right now. "The numbers of people who move in and out of this street are in your control right?" Ciel asked, ignoring me completely now. "Of course, I have done as you asked. It's the bribe that allows me to do business in the underworld of this country." He placed down the pipe, and Ciel looked at him.
"So." Ciel said, waiting for his answer.
"Well firstly, I also want to ask you one thing." Lao said. Ciel gave Lao a puzzling look.
"What exactly is 'that' incident?" I started to laugh even harder, Lao is an idiot after all, and Sebastian took the pipe away from me and pulled me back to the group. "You..." Ciel growled in annoyance.
"Typical of a yes-man." Sebastian smirked.
After explaining, and Sebastian somehow detoxing me, Lao finally understood. "I see...so you want to arrest that mischievous kid. Since there are no casualties it must be because he targeted upper-class citizens or soldiers. Setting an example for the common people? It must be tiring for you Earl." Lao mocked him.
"Nonsense." Ciel huffed.
I yawned and stretched, and I asked, "Nevertheless, we have walked for a long time now so where is this stronghold of Indian people?"
"Eh?" Lao said. "Ah sorry I got lost in the conversation so it seems that we are lost now!"
Ciel glared at Lao, "Why you." I rolled my eyes and stopped. Something small floated around a corner, something human like, with wings. I ran after it, accidently ignoring Sebastian's calls, and I realized the small thing had to be another kind of demon, especially considering that the tingling sensation seemed to increase as I got closer.
I dodged random people on the streets as I followed, what I assume was a sprite of some kind. Finally the thing was corner, it was a dead end and the little thing stared at me. Now that I see it, it had four arms, was topless for some reason, had light brown skin, a crescent moon on her forehead, and was wearing a pure white skirt up to her ankles with a gold sash tied around her waist. "I'm not going to hurt you." I said as I came near it, it looked around, as if looking for a way out and I jumped it.
The thing was in my left hand and it was somehow able to lift me as it tried to fly away from my grip. It slammed my body against the walls and I bit my free hand and made a seal. It was a rectangle with a circle inside. When it was complete it flashed red and a box appeared with a circlet that tied up the fairy, and contained her in the box. She struggled to get out of the box and I smirked as I lick my fingers of the blood. "Now then, I wonder what symbol I should make for you." I looked closely at her and she shouted something in a different language.
"I don't understand." I said. She pounded on the walls and her body changed, it was all black and she had heads on a necklace around her neck. "Whoa! Wait calm down, obviously there something wrong with you." She stopped hitting the box and stared at me. "So you do understand. That's good. Look, I'm a summoner, this book here," I took it out and showed it to her, "It has others like you. They are ok, before you start, and they live in their own world where they belong, I only call them out for when I need them." She stared at me, returning to her, what I assume is, original form. She seemed to ponder this and snapped her fingers, she pointed to me and then to her and she did a circle, which I figure it was a summoning symbol. "So would you like to work together?" She stopped there and stared at me; she thought for a few seconds and nodded. I smiled and released her.
She came close to me, and then hit me on my head. "Ow!" I clutched it and she glared at me, "Ok I deserve that. So what is your name?"
"Parvati." She said.
"Par-vati," She nodded and I smiled, "Ok so then let's make a contract." I held out the book and flipped to an empty page, I squeezed my fingers till blood came out and I looked at her, "I need a symbol." She grabbed my finger and started making the symbol that looked like a 3 with a backwards little a attached to it, and a single curved line on top of the 'a', with a small dot on its curve, I didn't knew what it meant but I accepted the seal. She placed a hand on the book and I placed my own and a red flash appeared. The words suddenly came to the book and I read them. "Parvati, Hindu goddess of courage and power...wait A GODDESS!" I screamed, she nodded at me.
"Oh my god-goddess, WHATEVER! What are you doing here! In the middle of London!" She shrugged, unsure herself it seems. I sighed and realized something important. "Crap I left them alone!" I shoved the book into my pocket and Parvati sat herself on my shoulder. "Aren't you going back in your dimension?" I asked. She shook her head and patted my shoulder to go.
"Alright then, I'm a little late so I'll call up Tigre for a ride, Alppice is mad at me right now." I drew the symbol for Tigre, it was an eye with a long curved ling going off at the corner of the eye, and a very large tiger came out and looked at me. "I need a ride please." It huffed at me and I jumped on its back. It growled and jumped up onto the roof of the buildings.
I looked around for the others, and I saw Lao on one of the roofs, and pointed Tigre to his direction.
Now then, riding a tiger is not an easy thing to do, especially since this is London, and there's no way you'll see a tiger on the roof, so we had to be as quick as possible to get to the other side. He hopped off of one building and climbed another, and finally Tigre stopped, and I looked down the roof to see Sebastian and Ciel surrounded by Indian men, one of them seemed to be able to strike Sebastian, able to keep up with him. "Where did you get a tiger?" Lao asked.
"Uh." I looked down at Parvati and wondered why he hasn't asked about the little goddess. "No time for questions, I'll go stop this fight, since you're pretty much useless." I whispered into Tigre's ear for him to go down and he huffed at me again, not liking to work.
Tigre suddenly roared, shocking everyone and they looked up, their faces soon turned into panic as they stared at me. Tigre hopped down the building and I was between a man with a head wrap, and Sebastian. "Why are you attacking my friends?" I demanded, Tigre growled at the man and they stared at me in shock.
One of them, dressed with fancy looking robes and jewels spoke up, "They attacked my own kind first."
"Liar!" The young man jumped when I screamed at him. Sebastian and Ciel wouldn't do that unless they had a reason...well, maybe Sebastian would, but still. I felt someone coming at me and Tigre turned around knocking one of the men with a knife to the ground. Tigre roared at the man, pretty much scaring the crap out of the man as his large paws pinned the man on the ground... "Sit!" I shouted. The men looked at Tigre who hadn't moved an inch, and I glared at them, "I meant you lots." Tigre roared and they immediately went to the ground.
"See they are trying to kill us!" The man under Tigre shouted.
"They would never do that!" I shouted at him.
"Matthew is right, they had attacked us first." Ciel said as he stared at me, wondering why the hell I was on a tiger. The fancy Indian boy looked at the group of men, "You lot! Did you really attack this kid for no reason?"
"Eh? A reason..." One of them said.
"That's not right! Picking fights without reason is childish. Agni!" The man with the silver hair stood at attention, "Our brothers are the wrong ones here. We shall help this kid now!" We stared at him in confusion and suddenly his servant kicked the crap out of all of them, and left them in a pile. "It is done Lord Soma." I could have sworn I saw one of the men's soul leave his body. Sliding off Tigre's back, I rubbed the bored Tiger's ear and I looked back at the two Indian men, the one Lord Soma picked up Ciel's hat and came forward. "So you guys...I hope you're not hurt or anything?" I looked to Sebastian and he shook his head, "Er...no."
"Also kid, this kind of area isn't the place for a kid to wander about." He shoved Ciel's hat onto his head, and stared down at him. "So any who, I'm in the middle of a search so need to split. See ya." He suddenly walked off, but stopped to stare at me. He bowed to me and so did his servant Agni. Strange really.
The two idiots, I mean Sebastian and Ciel, stared at them; they were confused as hell it seems. "Yaa~, those two are amazing." We looked up at Lao and Ciel, ticked off, asked Lao "And what exactly have you been doing?"
"Meh. Just waiting for the right chance to jump in." Sure buddy. Parvati tugged on my collar and pointed to the two men who seem to be lost as they continued to walk around.
"By the way...who exactly are those two?" Lao jumped off the building, landing perfectly fine, "They are definitely not people who live in the East End. Also, they wear pretty dresses. Their English accent is pretty too." Parvati tugged harder on my collar to the point that she was dragging me towards them. I grabbed her and shoved her in my pocket. Bad idea, she bit my thigh. Ow.
Sebastian stared at me, giving me a look of confusion and I mouthed to him, I'll-tell-you-later. "Oh well...it looks like our first job is to deliver these people to the city yard." As in 'our' it means 'Me.' Tigre growled in annoyance and Sebastian stared longingly at him. I cleared my throat and he looked away, as if he did no wrong. I knew what he wanted to do, and no way in hell am I allowing him to be near Tigre, who will probably eat him.
~ASC~
We arrived back to the mansion and Ciel gave a tired sigh, "How tiresome. The criminals maybe among them. Let's wait to hear from Commissioner Randall." The man wasn't all too happy when we came to him. Ciel stopped around, still pissed, "Feh! Fancy calling me out to London because of this boring case!" Sebastian came to me and dusted some of the snow off my shoulder, he was slightly upset that I didn't wear a coat back there, but Tigre's fur was warm, until I started to feel faint, since summonings require blood to retain their form.
"Hehe well you can't help but bark if there is any sort of threat to the Queen. This is part of being a pitiful watchdog isn't it Earl." Lao mocked.
The trio stuck their head around the corner and smiled happily at us. "Young master!" Maylene shouted. "Welcome back!" Finny smiled. I waved to them and yawned as I walked past Sebastian, I was going to go to my room to sleep for an hour before my shift really started, and I stopped as a cold gust of wind blew in, didn't we shut the door?
"Well now. You must be tired due to the cold. I will serve you tea immediately." Sebastian said.
Ciel sighed, "Fair enough then."
"Instead of English tea let's have chai that would better." A voice said.
"Fair enough then...er what the!" Ciel turned around and saw the two men, Soma and Agni in the mansion.
"What? What? Why the blazes are you here!" Ciel shouted.
"Huh? But we met just earlier today?" I leaned on the wall, feeling dizzy and disoriented, as I tried to catch my breath and stared at the commotion in front of me, the two gave a quick bow to me and went to Ciel and Sebastian. "They just met..." The trio said, Tanaka even gave a questioning look at them. "Besides I saved you," Soma said. Technically I intervened. "In India it's common to welcome and entertain benefactors. We even have a saying for that, 'entertain the guests even if you must sell your treasures." I shook my head, bad idea to do since it made it worse, and I walked over to Sebastian.
"Oi where is the bed?" Soma ordered.
"Why are you looking for a bed?" Lao asked.
"A bed sounds nice right about now." I accidently said.
"Priiiince! Priiince! I found it!" Agni shouted from atop the stairs. Parvati came out of my pocket and stared at him, tugging me to go to him. I have no idea why, but I just pushed her back into my pocket. She was the reason why I'm feeling dizzier than I should, she can't seem to go back into her dimension.
"Oi!" Ciel shouted, to get their attention.
"Meh, however narrow it is, I've decided to stay here." Soma went up the stairs, completely ignoring Ciel.
"Wait a minute! Why do I have to look after you guys?" Ciel shouted, running after him. Sebastian grabbed me and forced me to follow as well. We really need to work on communication, or at least a time-table for my working hours.
"I didn't really consider staying at an inn. Is it common in England for people to kick benefactors out into the cold?" It is if we don't know them. God I need to sleep, I looked down at the small goddess and I whispered, "Parvati I order you to go back into your own dimension."...nothing happened and she peeked at me from my pocket. I started to wobble, it went unnoticed, it was ok though, last thing I need is to make this situation worse.
"Apart from that, just who...well who the hell are you anyway?" Ciel demanded.
"Me?" Soma looked at us, lying down on the bed, "I'm a prince." Oh...great, something tells me that we will be having trouble.
"A prince?" Sebastian asked.
"This person is the 26th child to the king of princely state of Bengal. Prince Soma Asman Gandal." Agni introduced, a large proud smile on his face, actually I think it might be permanent, I'm not sure. "I'm going to stay for a while ok, Midget." Ciel's nerve was just struck; he never did like being called short.
"Then as a symbol of our new friendship, this Agni will serve you chai! On a cold day chai tea with Ginger can't be beat!" Agni said as he passed us and left. Oh no, Sebastian hates it when anyone uses the kitchen, unless it was the servants kitchen, then no one cared...no wait he still does. "Er wait. Serving tea is kind of my thing." He chased after him and I shook my head at him.
Finny appeared out of nowhere and stared in awe at the Prince, "Amazing! Are you really a Prince?" When there is one, the other two are there as well. Maylene peeked over the door, and stared at him with big eyes...well you can see her eyes if you looked pass the glasses. "A Prince?" She asked.
"Hmm, this is like, my first time seeing a real prince." Bard said. In a normal world we would probably never have seen a prince, but then again this is a strange world.
"I shall allow you to come close to me." He said, an air of superiority seemed to surround him. They all went closer to him and started asking him questions, "So what kind of place is Bengal?"
"It's a holy country that received the blessing of Kali, the goddess and the Ganges River."
"So you're a prince from a holy country?"
"Is it on India's west side?"
Lao started laughing, "Yah it seems like there's going to be some lively times ahead eh Earl?" Lao laughed at the situation and I stumbled out of the room, I seriously need some sleep.
"Get out!" Ciel's shouts were heard down the hall and I chuckled. I came near the stairs and felt faint, Parvati came out and told me to go down the stairs, wanting to see Agni, I bet. Not even on the first step and I suddenly started to fall forward, Parvati started to shout at me as she tried to pull on my sleeve trying to stop me from falling, "Matthew!" I heard Sebastian shout. The world seemed to go black and once more, I was out like a light.
~ASC~
"Ciel...sir? It is time to wake up." Ciel rubbed his eyes, wondering why Sebastian sounded different. He opened them, only to see Agni's smiling face, "Good morning!" Ciel screamed, waking the entire mansion.
"Namaste Ciel sir." Agni gave him a small bow as he continued to smile.
"Wh..." Ciel stuttered as he covered his right eye.
"Breakfast has already been prepared."
Sebastian opened the door to Ciel's room, "Excuse me. Young mas-" He stopped midsentence as he stared at Agni picking a struggling Ciel up. "The food will get cold if you don't hurry!" Agni said. "Wait a sec! What the hell is this?" Ciel shouted as he continued to squirm in Agni's hands.
Lao peeked inside and smiled, "Oyah? It's been lively here since early this morning."
"Sebaaaaaaaaaastian!" The trio shouted as they ran to the demon.
"Can the three of you remember that we are in front of guests? What's wrong? Did you...again?"
All together they shouted, "It's weird! The food! The yard! The clothes!" Sebastian ignored Ciel who was still struggling from Agni's hold.
"Weird...?" Sebastian repeated.
~ASC~
I woke up, the sun shining down at my face, Midnight meowed at me in concern and I lightly patted her on the head. Parvati hovered in front of me and looked at me with concern as well. "Hey." I said, she gave a small bow to me and I struggled to my feet, I felt weak, my joints hurt, and my head was swimming. I looked out the window and stared in shock at the garden that had been modified to resemble elephants, with the hedges neatly clipped as well. Then there were clean sheets, sparkly white, as it fluttered in the cold winter wind.
I trudged to my closet and took out a white buttoned-up long sleeve and slipped it on. Parvati covered her eyes as I removed my pants, almost fainting when I bended down, and replaced them with some brown ones.
"I'll have to go shoeless; my head hurts to much from bending down. The longer you stay out, the more blood I lose Parvati." I tried to make her leave again, but nothing happened. "Something is wrong then. I don't know what since I can't understand you. But it seems you know Agni, I'll see if he can help." She nodded and pushed me onto the bed, "Parvati?" I asked. She grabbed one of my shoes and helped me slipped them on, "Thanks, you didn't have to though." She just smiled to me and said something in her language.
The bed creaked as I stood up and I went and opened the window to my room, and Midnight leapt out. I left my room and held onto the walls as I walked down the hallway. I smelled food, it was strange, but Parvati seemed to like the smell and she forced me to go faster. I stumbled through the doors and everyone turned to stare at me. Sebastian gave me a worried look and I just shook my head, telling him not to worry.
"How long do you two intend to stay in my house?" Ciel asked.
Soma stuffed a large...it looks like an empanada; gosh do I miss those from Sandra's strange Hispanic food. "We'll leave once our work is done." Soma answered him as he continued to chow down.
"And that is?" Ciel said. I walked closer to the table and Ciel signaled for me to sit and eat, how nice of him. Sebastian helped me to my seat and Agni rushed over placing a plate of food in front of me.
"Aren't you two looking for someone?" Lao said.
"So what if they are and why do you need to stay here also?" Ciel glared at Lao, but the china man just smirked at him. "Oh yea. We're looking for a lady." Soma took out a paper with a drawing of a woman, now it might be the loss of blood, but the drawing was crappy looking. "This lady." They stared at the picture, unable to speak. "Her name is Mina. She was a maidservant at my palace. I drew that." I see, well that made sense. I bit into the food and blinked, it was slightly spicy, yet it had a wonderful aroma to it, even Parvati started taking some pieces for her it seems.
"I drew it so good, that once you see her in person you'll recognize her for sure! Isn't she a beauty?" What was it called again? Delusions of Grandeur I think. I might be wrong but this guy thinks to highly of himself.
Ciel turned and looked at Sebastian and asked, "Sebastian can you find her with this?"
You're asking for a miracle Ciel.
"Even for me, that's...I'll try my best then." Sebastian gave him a weak smile; yeah it seems he couldn't do it that easily. Lao took the drawing and gave a fake smile as well, "Meh, I have never seen such a beautiful lady..."
Soma burped, and he says, "Of course! She is the most beautiful lady in my palace!" He thanked for the meal and Ciel turned back to him. "...So why is this woman in England?" They suddenly were on their knees bowing at a statue that looked similar to something I've seen before, I took out my book and went to Parvati's page and saw a list of names that she goes by. "Listen!" Ciel shouted, "What the hell is this all of a sudden? Where did they get that statue from?" They crowded around them and Parvati crossed her four arms across her chest, seriously she needs to wear a shirt, and she smiled at the two.
"It seems they are praying, but that's such an awful, surreal figure of god." Lao said. In fact the statue was of a woman, sticking her tongue out, with multiple arms, a necklace with heads on, and she was stepping on a man.
"A figure of god?" Sebastian stared at me...well actually at Parvati and he looked back at the statue, "It's just a statue of a woman who holds men's heads, wears men's heads as a necklace, and happily dances on a man's stomach. That's how I see it..."
Agni turned to look at us and opened his mouth to explain, but I beated him to it, "It's a statue of Kali." Parvati nodded. "The goddess from the Hindu religion, she has several names, one I know is Parvati." Agni and Parvati smiled at me.
"So it's a god from India?" Ciel said.
"Our Kali goddess is the wife of our god Shiva and is also the goddess of power." I looked down at Parvati and she smiled at me, agreeing with Agni. Then there was a history lesson, and I pretty much fell asleep in my food, completely by accident, so I can't be blame, after all there's hardly any blood in me! Parvati started slapping me awake and open my eyes up to see Ciel being manhandled by the prince.
"Let's go out midget! You'll be my guide!" Ciel wiggled around trying to escape his grasp.
"Why me!" He shouted. "Besides I'm not a midget, my name is Ciel-"
"Then Ciel I order you to lead the way." He dragged Ciel and Sebastian stopped them and said, "I'm deeply sorry but, it has already been scheduled for the Young master to study and work today." Ciel was let down and he followed Sebastian, the prince pouting behind him, "As you can see, I'm very busy. If you want to look for that person. Then do it yourself."
Sebastian came to me and cleaned my face off the food that stuck there, "Come, you will be needed." I groaned, and Parvati started complaining wanting to drag me back to the prince and his servant. But Sebastian's word is law.
Sometimes...
Sebastian, dressed up in 'tutor' mode, and he cleared his throat, "Now. During your stay in London instead of governess Adams and the others, Matthew and I will serve as your tutors." Luckily Sebastian didn't dress me up, but he brought up the piano and I have to be ready to follow his orders.
"Firstly let's practice the second suite of the partita solo for violin."
Ciel looked at the notes in confusion, I don't blame him, it's pretty hard for a kid. "Chaconne of Bach...this piece of music is extremely high level. How can I play-!" Sebastian used the bow in his hand to lift Ciel's chin up to face him. "Because it's hard if you can do this you will gain confidence. That is my method as a tutor." He smiled at Ciel, "Do you have any problems with my education policy?" Ciel stayed silent and I cleared my throat, catching both of their attentions.
"Sebastian, the way my old tutor did it was by first showing it to me, then teaching me to follow along. Would you like to try that instead Ciel?"
Not missing a beat he replied, "Yes!"
Sebastian's eye twitched, obviously not pleased that I had butted in. Ciel came over with me and I took a deep breath as I set my fingers over the keys, "Chaconne in D minor." I said as I focused and started playing by memory.
Sebastian stared at me the whole time as my fingers danced on the piano, he smiled at me, I blushed and continued to focus on the music at hand. After a while, my hands stopped moving, I didn't finish the song, because I can't remember it that well. I looked back at Ciel and he just stared at me, obviously he wasn't a seer and a doer.
"Ready?" Sebastian smirked as Ciel gulped and went back to his spot. "Then, prepare the bow." Ciel started and it was slightly askew, but he was doing well for his first try. I stood up and stood beside Ciel, "The important thing for D minor is to express the tune with severity and piety." Ciel slightly nodded to me as he continued to play.
"That's it. You're doing very well." Sebastian said.
There was a strange twanging noise suddenly accompanying Ciel's violin. "Express the tune with intense emotions." The noise grew louder and Ciel's eyebrows furrowed, trying to concentrate. "At the appropriate times, use the sound to represent anger...that's it..." Sebastian finally turned around to look at Prince Soma who was playing a sitar and Agni was playing...some kind of drums, and Lao playing a strange instrument as well.
"Eh, what are you doing?" Sebastian asked.
"Hmm? I just think it would be good to spend time with Ciel for today. I am also talented when it comes to musical instruments." Soma declared. Sebastian's eyebrow twitched and he threw out the two 'guests', "Get out!" He ordered.
At 11 it was Ciel's art time.
"Next it's time for art study." Sebastian adjusted the bowl of fruit and he looked towards Ciel. "Look for balance and bring out the depth." The fruit looked so good right now. I want to eat it, it sucks when your blood is depleting every second because of someone. Parvati kicked my shoulder and she stared at Ciel who was concentrating.
"What? Drawing a bowl is boring isn't it?" We jumped and looked at Prince Soma, aren't they supposed to be looking for someone? "Drawing a picture is better with a naked woman right? So, woman!" He pointed to Maylene and shouted, "Undress!" Maylene blushed and backed away, Lao behind her wanting to 'help.' "I...I will only undress in front of the man I love."
"Nonsense, I am the prince now Woman I said to undress!" I grabbed Maylene and moved her behind me, "That is enough; I don't know how you do it in India, but no means no." Sebastian smirked at me and went behind the prince and his servant. "Excuse me." They turned around and Sebastian grabbed them, "Get out!" He shouted as he threw them out again.
Later on today...
"The samples of the limited Christmas goods for our Yorkshire factory have arrived. Sebastian handed me one of the stuff bunnies and I squeezed it, it was soft and fluffy, "It feels good now that they remade it." Ciel smirked at this, seeing as I was the one that suggested the plushness be increased, and he allowed me to keep it.
Ciel grabbed one of the cracker toys and pulled it, making a nice pop with little streamers and stars coming out, "It seems new products like the Christmas cracker are having favorable sales at the Herriot department store. Though since our kid customers are the majority, we need to keep producing new toys." Hmm...I wonder if I should lend a hand with this, seeing as how I can give him some more ideas.
"That's it. I have thought of a new business plan for you! Look at this!" Soma, coming out of nowhere again, and he showed a drawing of an elephant. "A doll in the image of the Indian god Ganesh! But get this somehow..." Pausing for dramatic effect, "The nose MOVES!" Agni switched the paper drawing with one of an elephant pointing its nose up.
This time it was Ciel who kicked them out. I picked up the papers and looked at it, "You know in my time, toys that move are really popular. He isn't wrong, though an elephant might be confusing to some people. Maybe more common animals first like a dog, or a cat, whose tail or paws move." Ciel looked at me and thought about it, "Maybe." He said.
I yawned and Sebastian handed me a cup of tea, "We need to talk after I finish ok." I nodded and drank the warm liquid.
At 2, it was Ciel's fencing.
"Humph...what time will you finish?" Soma asked, he was bored and was lying down on some pillows, "And just what the hell are you doing?" Ciel finally snapped and shouted with all his might, "AAAARRGGGGHHHH! SHUT UP! I can't concentrate!" Sebastian sweat dropped, annoyed as well at the prince.
"Eh, no need to get mad." Soma said. Ciel huffed and snatched Sebastian's foil from him, "Ok, I get it...if you want my attention that much, then be my opponent." He tossed it at Soma who caught it, and he swung it around, not use to the weapon. "I have only studied martial arts like Kalaripayattu and Silambam though... Meh have it your way." He suddenly smiled and looked at Ciel, "So...if I beat you...you will play with me?"
"Only if you win." Ciel pointed his foil at Soma, "If you lose then you must stay quiet and keep out of my way."
Sebastian smirked and he stood in between them, "Five bouts in three minutes. The one with the highest score wins." They nodded in understanding, "So...let's start!" Soma dashed forward, and Parvati started tugging me in the direction of Agni. "Ok I get it." I whispered and Agni looked proudly at his master, who was actually doing a bad job.
"Agni." He looked down at me and smiled, "Yes Sir Matthew."
"Matthew please. Uh I would like to ask you something strange. It's about your religion, well more specifically Parva-"
"Prince!" Agni suddenly ran forward and stood in between Ciel's fencing sword, and Soma. "This is dangerous!" Agni struck Ciel's arm and it fell limply at his side. My mouth fell open in shock, and I rushed forward to Ciel, checking to see if his arm was ok.
Sebastian's eyes were wide, he had just allowed Ciel to be attacked and he didn't do anything to stop it. Agni seemed to snap out of his trance and he started apologizing, "Ci-ciel sir! My deepest apologies!" He looked behind him and Soma was gone, but he had the fencing sword in his hand. "My body moved on its own when I thought the prince was going to lose!" Sebastian came over and checked Ciel's arm, it was hurting him and it didn't seem like the effect was going away any time soon.
"Hahaha Agni! You have protected a master like me really well. I praise you!" Soma patted the distraught Agni on the back and proclaimed to Ciel, "Agni is my butler. He's all mine! In other words, I won!"
"Tha-"
"Now you shall play with me!"
"Oya oya." Lao said as he balanced the weapon on the palm of his hand. "Here you should take reprisal for your master." He tossed the sword and Sebastian caught it. "What are you going to do? Ciel's butler?" Soma smirked as he rested his hand on his own servant. Ciel stared at Sebastian and so did I, "Indeed...it's because you were being mean to a novice who didn't know the rules." Sebastian said.
Ciel glared at him, "Wha-"
"However..." Sebastian stood up and swung the sword, "When the master is injured like this, as a butler of the Phantomhive family, I can't ignore it. Moreover we are behind the planned schedule by ten minutes" I slapped my own forehead, giving myself a headache and Ciel glared full force at Sebastian, "That's your real motive isn't it?"
"Interesting...this is good. I shall allow this duel!" Agni got into a stance, "Agni. In the name of Kali the goddess you can't lose!" Soma ordered.
"Sebastian. This is an order! Silence that brat!" Ciel said.
"Jo ajha." Agni said, his eyes turned cold as if he was not himself.
Sebastian smirked, "Yes my lord.
I helped Ciel up and I went to the middle of them both. "Ready!" I raised my hand up and looked at them both, "Now then, please kindly go easy on me!" Sebastian taunted.
"Begin!"
"Here I go!" Agni rushed over and both swords met each other. Sebastian dodged and he thrusted forward at Agni. The Indian butler ducked and aimed at Sebastian's face. Sebastian tilted backwards a mere inches away from the attack and he aimed for the center of Agni's forehead. Agni slashed at him, but Sebastian dodged.
They rushed forward and when they realized that they were running into each other's weapon they looked up, barely dodging the other's attack. They faced forward once more and in a final thrust they struck the tips of the swords together. Together with their strength the swords bended, making an M and they snapped in half.
Sebastian caught the broken half and let out a breath, "Oh my, the sword's broken." Everyone was in shock, including myself. "This means that it'll be impossible to compete anymore, so this match ends as a draw?" I nodded to them both, agreeing with this. Soma laughed as he walked over, "Ciel's butler is also pretty strong. Agni is the strongest fighter in my city! This is the first time somebody drawed with him!" Ciel looked at Agni, studying him closely.
"I'm impressed Ciel's butler, seeing that you are so skilled, we shall stop for today!" Sebastian bowed to him and thanked him for the compliment. Agni came over as well and thanked him, "Mr. Sebastian thank you for exchanging blows with me."
Sebastian smirked, "I feel the same way. Mr. Agni is a faster learner. I can't say that the results will be the same if you are not a novice."
"No, that's not the case!" Agni shook his head, looking a little embarrassed to being complimented.
Ciel stared at him till Agni noticed and came over to him, "Earl Ciel, I am sorry for just now. Does it still hurt?"
"No...It doesn't."
Agni sighed in relief, "That's good!" Ciel continued to stare at Agni who went back to his master and Ciel went towards Sebastian and I. "Sebastian that guy...what exactly is he? Don't tell me, he is 'that kind' again..."
"No." I said.
Sebastian smiled at Ciel, "He is human."
Ciel sighed in relief, "Oh really..."
Soma jumped onto Ciel's back and shouted, "Hey Ciel! We should compete again too!"
"What?" Ciel was dragged away by Soma and Parvati glared at Sebastian who whispered to me, "That's right...he is just an ordinary human. However. He possesses an ability that we do not have...that is what I presume." I stared at him in question and then started feeling faint again. Sebastian wrapped an arm around my waist and held my left hand so I could support myself. I looked up at him, and he said "Let's go make you something to eat. You must be famished." I gave him a weak smile and he helped me out of the room.
Bard wielded the frying pan and with determination he said, "Alright, I can't lose to that guy from India! I shall display my wonderful skills today-" Sebastian snatched the frying pan from him and he left me on a chair, my back resting against the wall. "There's no need for that! I'll take care of the preparations. Kindly stay by the side and watch."
Bard argued and I sighed as I knew he was about to yell, "Sebastian! Are you listening?"
"Sigh, really now- can you please be quiet?" Sebastian said.
Parvati pulled my collar and I opened my eyes, only to see Agni peeking through the door, "Mr. Sebastian, hope you don't mind this interruption. I was just thinking if there is anything that I can help out with..." He walked in, a little shy, but a smile on his face nonetheless.
"Mr. Agni there is really no need for you to..." Agni butted in before Sebastian could finish, "Two pairs of hands are always better than one! Feel free to order me around." The trio stared at him, slightly amazed at this man's willingness to work happily.
"Let him work Sebastian, besides you can always use the help." I said, my eyes drooping slightly. He looked at me to see if I was serious and I just pleaded with him to give the guy a chance. He smiled, unwillingly at Agni and said, "In that case, may I trouble you with the preparation of the berry sauce for tonight's fish dish as well as the cottage pie?" Bard gasped in horror, poor him, but I am slightly afraid he might destroy the food. Again.
Sebastian went to a drawer and took out a stack of papers, "The recipe is placed here. We shall substitute the meat in the cottage pie with chicken." Oh that was nice of Sebastian, he remembered that they can't eat meat, I think, or was it pork?
"Thank you for being so thoughtful." Agni said. Sebastian walked up to Bard and shooed him away, "Bard, you'll just get in the way, kindly stay away."
"Hey! Why are you letting him help out and find me a nuisance?" He tsked and just threw himself at a crated barrel. Sebastian rolled his eyes and went to me, his hands cupped my face as he stared at it, "You've lost so much, I'm surprised your still... Try to rest a bit, and if you need to eat, don't be afraid to get something." I nodded and he left, he was way behind schedule.
I looked towards Bard and saw he had put himself to sleep. He makes it seem so easy, seriously. Agni did a small noise in the back of his throat and I could have sworn I saw a light bulb above his head, he must have thought of something and he started calling Bard.
"Mr. Chef." Bard moved a bit in his sleep, and snapped to attention when it probably went to his head. "Chef! Are you referring to me?"
"Of course! I'm not familiar with English cuisine, do you mind helping me out?" Bard was close to crying at the thought and excitedly he said, "Leave everything to me!"
Agni took out a bowl full of freshly peeled onions and handed them to Bard, "In that case, would you help to chop up the onions?" Bard laughed, his cigarette almost falling, " It will be easily done!" Chop onions? Of course, that is why Bard would easily be able to do it. "I am Mister Chef after all!" He started cutting furiously and Agni pulled his sleeve up, getting ready to continue his work.
"What a delicious smell." Finny came into the room, mouthwatering and he asked, "What's for dinner today?"
"Lad! You came at the right time! Are you willing to help out with making dinner?" Agni asked as he held a large pot with boiled potatoes.
"Eh me?" The excited Finny asked. He suddenly stops and backed away, "Um, but...my strength is too large, so Sebastian forbids me to touch anything the kitchen."
"It's good that you are very strong! In that case, please use the spoon to smash these potatoes before serving them." He held up the bowl, trying to entice Finny into the work, "This is a job that is extremely taxing on one's strength. Can I count on you to do it?"
"It requires strength? Since that's that case I might be able to do it! I want to do it! Please allow me to do it!" I gave a weak chuckle at the silly Finny, he reminds me of a small child, eager to being able to help. "Thanks for the trouble!" Agni said as Finny waved the spoon around, "Sure thing!" I stood up, almost falling, and I grabbed an orange from one of the barrels of food. I went back to my seat, peeling the flesh off of the fruit, and Maylene came in.
"Ah erm...ah...where is Mr. Sebastian?" She asked Agni.
"Mr. Sebastian is cooking in the inner kitchen."
She suddenly had a light blush on her face, "Then...then I shall help to set the table!" She grabbed a chair and started reaching for the top plates; this is going to end badly.
"Uhm...the big plates and the salad plates," Her chair wobbled back and forth and she screamed as she fell backwards, "Got you!" Agni shouted as he caught her. I sighed in relief as I bit into the orange slices, "Ms. Maid, I hope you aren't hurt, are you?" Agni asked his face really close to her's. "Yes...Yes! I am ok." He set her up properly and smiled at her that kind smile he seems to have, "The big plates should be heavy for girls! When taking the plates down from a high place, it'll be best if you take them one by one for your own safety. It won't be nice if you fall and injure yourself."
Maylene blushed once more at Agni, "Ok...sure I understand..."
Somehow he was able to get everyone to work together, with no mess ups! He looked towards me and came over, "Are you ok Mr. Matthew? You grow paler every second." He brought his hands forward to touch my face, and I smacked my head against the wall, trying to avoid being touched. "Ah, I'm ok!" I said quickly, not caring if my head started to hurt. He looked at me in concern and tried to move forward again, that is until Maylene, Finny, and Bard grabbed him by his arms. "Matthew gets scared if people touch him!" Bard whispered. Agni raised an eyebrow to this, remembering how Sebastian and even Ciel was near me, but instead of asking just nodded, "Forgive me Mr. Matthew for invading your personal space."
I shook my head, it seems I can't get over being near people, it makes me wonder if I'll ever be able to be close to others, like I am with Ciel and Sebastian. My heart slowly went back to normal, and my head started to throb, and I tried to apologize to him, "It's not you Agni...It's just the way I am." I stared ahead, and was lost in my thoughts. He wanted to come forward and asked if I was alright, but decided it against it, and went back to work.
Later, Sebastian came in to the kitchen, "Mr. Agni, how are things going? Can you cope?" Sebastian asked only to stop in shock at the sight of his incompetent workers actually doing a good job. "Yep! There shouldn't be a problem." Agni happily said.
Finny came up to Sebastian and presented a bowl of mashed potatoes, "Ah! Look the Potatoes that are going to be in the pie are smashed by me!" Not wanting to be outdone Bard spoke up, "As for me, I was the one who chopped up the onions. I am now preparing the side vegetables!" Maylene blushed and spoke up next, "I have already prepared the cutlery!" They grouped together and laughed like little kids, hoping to be praised.
"Thanks to everybody, we will be having a really delicious meal tonight." I smirked at the expression on Sebastian's face; I whispered silently to Sebastian from my seat, "Maybe you should take some tips Sebastian." He shot a glare at me and looked back at the others.
"?" Agni looked at him, waiting for him to say something.
"It's nothing, just that it's amazing how you're actually able to let them be of some help!" He really doesn't trust them, does he? Parvati tugged on my sleeve and I saw a pen and paper in front of me, where did she get it? She took the pen and started scribbling on it, in her language I suppose, and she pointed to Agni, "I'll ask him to read it a little later ok." She nodded and handed me the paper.
Agni laughed and the trio carefully placed the ingredients into the pie, "Everyone is good people who works really hard!"
"Yeah...they are not bad by nature...but..." Agni shook his head, as if Sebastian was just misunderstanding humans, "Everybody is born with different abilities and purposes in life, with our calling and life being guided by god." He gave a silent prayer and Parvati smiled at him, "Us humans just need to abide by God's will naturally and slowly. In order to complete what we have to do." Sebastian slightly frowned at that, I don't blame him, seeing as a demon would never be considered in God's favor, neither a human who would easily abandon human beings for demons. Sebastian looked back at Agni and said, "I don't know how to put it across... you're a really capable person."
Agni raised his hands up as he said, "That's not true!" He suddenly looked away and started to remember something, "Before I met the prince, I was an idiot that can be said to be hopeless. What I owe him can never be repaid in this lifetime. My family were Brahmans and in the caste system, we belonged to the highest possible caste that is said to be able to serve God...However, things are not what they seem and the me who grew up seeing my father swarmed by material goods and desires had totally no faith in God." Sebastian stared at Agni; I suppose it is hard to believe someone like Agni is like this..."I took advantage of my social status and committed sins every day. I kept hurting people, and going against god. Finally the day when I had to pay for my crimes came...In front of the me who have no lingering affection with this world, the me who had zero faith in god...in front of the me who has already decided to throw away everything I had..." He closed his eyes as if remembering the day vividly in his mind.
He was staring at the people awaiting his execution. The rope tight around his neck and the people wanting justice to be served. He sighed, giving up on his life and was ready to accept it all, it being his own fault after all.
"Hey you!" A voice called out to him. He looked to the side, and saw a teen coming towards him, wearing garbs meant for the rich. "I've heard that you are a wild person that is as strong as an untamed beast!" A man tried to stop the teen as he jumped up to the hanging stand.
"Your highness! What are you doing?" A servant said, trying to stop him.
"Interesting, you shall become my sparring partner from today onwards!" The prince said.
"You can't do that your Highness! This person is about to get hanged soon!" His servant called out to him.
"Ah? Shut up!" He grabbed Agni's hair and slashed it with his sword, "In that case, let us do this! The you that existed before today is now dead!" He looked up at Soma, his cut hair in the prince's hand, "You're hereby reborn with a new name and life." Agni stared at the amazing person in front of him.
"I am the 26th Prince of the country Soma Asman Gadal. I shall be your owner from today onwards!" Tears fell down as he brought his hands together in prayer, he had found his god.
"He allowed me to realize that god does exist inside of him. That day, I definitely saw a god emitting holy light inside of the Prince's body!" He exaggerated the ending a bit and I saw the pot over boiling. I pointed to the stove and Sebastian rushed over to the pot, "The pot is boiling!" Agni apologized and went over to Sebastian, "I served the Prince ever since that day... the Prince is my king and my God! Even if it cost my life, I will do anything to protect the prince who gave me a new lease on life. I hope to help fulfill his wishes in any way I can!" He smiled, a very pleased smile and Parvati crossed her arms, a smirk on her face, and I knew just then, that Parvati was the one who saved Agni, by bringing Soma to him on that day.
"Eh, but the gods in reality are all useless in a sense." Sebastian muttered darkly and Parvati gave him a pissed off look.
"Eh? What did you just say?" Agni said, still lost in his thoughts.
"Nope, I didn't say anything!" Sebastian smirked as he glared at Parvati.
They grabbed the food and continued to prepare it. I released a tired yawn and there was a plate of food in front of me, I looked up and Agni smiled at me, "I hope the food is to your liking Matthew." I thanked him and took a bit of the food; Agni is a very talented cook. "Oh Agni, here." I handed him the letter and he looked at it, he froze and he looked back at me, but I wasn't paying attention as I was too busy eating. My shift was coming up, and I could use all the strength I could get.
"So, who is the woman that you are looking for?" Ciel asked, he stared at the food. "She was my servant ever since I was born. You can say that she's like a Nanny. We have been together for as long as I can remember." He started stuffing his food into his mouth and he continued to talk. "My father had no interest in me. And my mother only strives to attract my father's attention. Paying me no heed. I'm always left on my own in the castle." I stared at Soma, I supposed that explained why he acts like a needy brat, it was because he was lonely.
"But, Meena is always by my side. She's cheerful and pretty, and taught me about a lot of things, just like an older sister would. I don't feel lonely as long as Meena was with me. I love Meena, and Meena loves me as well." Soma stopped eating, his hand clenched and he slammed it on the table, "However, that fellow. After the arrival of the English Nobles. They took Meena away with them!" Not bothered by the sudden outburst, Lao asked Soma, "What exactly happened?"
He twirled the fork in his hand, "The ruler of India, Queen Victoria recognizes that Bengal enjoys political autonomy, but in actual fact, more than half of the political matters are managed by political consultants sent by England. In reality, we are just like any British-ruled colony." He stabbed the fork into the fish and continued, "Around 3 months ago, that fellow went to pay a visit to a political consultant! That person showed interest in my Meena after seeing her in the castle; he took advantage of my absence while I was outside the castle on an observation! And shipped Meena off to England!" I stared at the angry Soma and shook my head, somehow the story sounded strange, but I didn't question it.
"In other words, he brought the woman back to England?" Ciel asked.
"Correct!" Soma huffed and shoved a piece of food into his mouth. "I'm definitely bringing her back to the country with me."
Ciel sighed, "But you are just kicking a big fuss over a female servant."
"This is not just a minor matter!" Soma shouted, "The castle is like an empty box without Meena around!" He ran over to Ciel and grabbed him by his shoulders, "Do you know the despair I felt when I was forced to separate from Meena! I never felt so-"
"I don't." Ciel said. His eyes harden as he stared at Soma, "Wha-"
"The meager feelings that arises from that degree of matter, I cannot and do not wish to comprehend them!" I looked at him and Ciel said, "There are some things that you can never get back no matter how much effort you put in. And there are some feelings of despair that you can never ever shake off." Ciel waved his hand as he walked away, "You're probably unable to comprehend that." Ciel was by the door when Soma whimpered, "But, even if that is the case, I still...do not wish...to stay alone in that castle of mine."
I tilted my head to Sebastian, to go check on Ciel and I turned around to face Soma, who was depressed. "As humans, our only fate is to suffer..."I walked towards the door, getting ready to check the grounds, "But..." I paused outside the door and looked over my shoulder to Agni and Soma, "However... you must try to hold on to those who care for you. You never know if you'll lose them." I didn't mean to make them worry, and I wasn't predicting anything, I just wanted Soma to prepare for the worst, because in the end...we're only human.
~ASC~
The snow started to fall once more, the cold wind brushed my frozen cheeks, and Midnight was curled inside my shirt, her claws sometimes scratching my chest as she shivered from the cold. I saw Soma and Agni walking out of the house and I knew that they were probably going to go look for the woman. I opened the gate and they stepped out, Soma stopped and looked back at me, "I won't give up! I can't give up!" He suddenly shouted at me, and he ran away, Agni turned to look at me for a few seconds, obviously wanting to ask me something, but he ran off.
Parvati kicked me in the head and I just stared at her, "I only meant to say the truth. Is it so wrong to do that?" She glared at me and decided to turn her back to me. Sebastian suddenly appeared by my side, and wrapped his arms around me. "Sebastian, not out here. "I said, a slight blush rising to my cheeks. "Why not? Your cold right?"
"You know how England looks down on homosexuality, the last thing I want to do is cause trouble for Ciel." Sebastian sighed as he let me go and looked at me, "You've been wasting too much blood. Call the little goddess back, so that way you can recover."
Parvati turned her head away from Sebastian, and sat herself on my shoulder, it seemed that she forgave me enough, "I can't. Something is wrong, and I cannot understand Parvati." Sebastian sighed and touched his forehead with the palm of his hand, "Why would you make a contract with a demon, if you can't understand their language!"
"Sorry, I just wanted to try it for once. When will I ever have a chance like this again?" Sebastian kicked the ground softly and he muttered, "I'm here, aren't I?" My head snapped up and I stared at Sebastian, he looked at me with hopeful eyes and I knew what he meant. "Are you sure? What if you get sent into another dimension?"
"Demons are sent to the place they belong, I am the type that roams free, even though I have a domain of my own. I will be fine, and I won't waste your blood since I don't need to be called by you." I smiled at him and looked down at the ground, "It's unnecessary Sebastian." I felt a yawn coming up and he smiled at me as he rubbed his cheek against me, "You're too much sometimes." He kissed my lips lightly and took my hand.
"At least accept my mark." He removed his glove, revealing his marking of a star in a circle with diamonds on the line of the circle. "...Ah, uhm...well where should we put it?" I said. His eyes widen in surprised, he must have been expecting me to deny it, but maybe it was because my brain was lacking blood, or because it was something that he would like very much, but I just gave him a smile and nodded.
"Where would you like it?" He said. I bit my lip as I tried to think and then I suddenly figured out where. I unbuttoned my shirt, forcing Midnight to get out, and pointed two inches above my heart, "It'll be nice, just right here." His smile grew bigger as he brought his hand up to his mouth. He bit into his palm and his nails grew, he then cut his mark onto my chest and pressed his bleeding palm onto it. I gave a small hiss as I felt it burn, but then it stopped and it felt nice, and warmth seemed to spread to my body. Sebastian removed his palm and did something that surprised me next, he pressed his lips to the bloody seal and with his tongue, he licked the blood away. He laid kisses on my neck and his hands went around my waist. My face was red and Parvati was covering her eyes, trying not to see us. "S-Sebastian," I said softly, "I know. I won't rush you; I am a very patient demon after all." He kissed my lips and pulled away before I could respond back.
"With my mark now on you, our souls are completely sealed. We are bounded together, and once your body becomes accustomed to its changes, you will be able to hear my own thoughts, feel my presence anywhere, no matter how far away we are." I chuckled softly and said to him, "Wow, demons have such unique ways of keeping tract with their significant other."
He grabbed my chin and made me look up to him, "We are very possessive when it comes to a soul mate. To find one that completes you is very rare for demons, that is why we give you those gifts when bonded." He touched the black feather and he looked at me, his eyes searching, for what though? "This, doesn't make you angry?" He asked me.
"Why would it?" I said, my head tilting to the side in confusion. Was I supposed to be mad at a demon's nature? Maybe it's because I don't know how to go about a relationship, maybe a partner would feel suffocated with something like being bonded for eternity, but...I don't mind it. I see nothing wrong with it, after all, a wolf is protective of its mate, then again to actually compare a dog with Sebastian might make him upset.
Speaking of Sebastian, he flicked my forehead after I got lost in my thoughts. "Sorry, was just thinking of...wolves." He raised an eyebrow and I shook my head, almost making myself dizzy. "Forget it, just take a break, you need it." I shyly kissed him and he blinked in surprise and he smirked, "I'll go rest. But, tomorrow I want you to do the same." I waved him away and he left.
I touched the mark and smiled softly. Something rubbed against my leg and I looked down, "Meow." Midnight's eyes twinkled at me as she meowed again. I picked her up, and she pawed at my new mark, "Yes, its official now." Parvati scratched behind Midnight's ear and looked at me say something strange, "Are you asking about the mark?" She nodded.
"And don't tell me...you're asking if I am sure about this?" She nodded again and I looked up at the sky, the moon was shining down on me, lighting up the snowflakes that now resembled falling stars, "I don't know... but I know I won't be alone now. I know it's strange for a human and a demon to be together." She nodded to that and I continued, "But he's the only one that makes me feel...well safe. I don't have to worry about him doing anything, and I don't have to worry about him dying, and suddenly disappearing forever." Parvati looked at me and started saying something, I wasn't sure what she was saying still, but it felt like she was warning me, and yet I just shook my head.
"I know what I'm dragging myself into. I'm aware that misery and suffering maybe following me where ever I go. Some people are only fated for just that, so I just want a happy moment, even if it may end one day be my death." She sighed and just sat back on my shoulder. I lowered myself to the ground and looked up at the sky. "Even if my time runs up, my breath stills, my heart stops, and my blood turns to ash, even if it's just a moment of happiness is all I want, even if it is brief." A snowflake landed on my cheek and I gently brushed it off, it melted in my hand and I found myself smiling as I thought of the past year I've been with all of them.
"Just a moment is all I ever wanted." I held Midnight tightly to my body as the snow continued to fall over us, my train of thoughts were lost, and I was not aware of Sebastian being behind me, a smile on his own face as he walked back to the mansion...
TBC
Please review.