Ah! I'm so very happy; so many people are faving and following the story! But to see if you really are paying attention to my little rants, I want at least 3 comments! FYI, I even gave off a hint of what may happen next. Any who, without further ado, (See what I did there lol) on with the story!
Chapter 9
~ASC~
"What did you say? You made the curry of god! You found a way to bring out the substance in one night!" Soma shouted. I yawned, I only had 4 hours of sleep after all, Sebastian really never lets me sleep. Ciel stared at Sebastian, who only smirked as he replied, "It's just how I am to the core...please have a taste." He held out some curry on a plate to Soma and the prince reached for it, the sauce covering his fingers and he placed it into his mouth. He gasped, I knew how he felt, the moment I and Parvati tried it we both had the feeling of mixed euphoria and from the look on Soma's face, he must have been thinking what we had.
Soma was in a ballroom, there were people dancing all around him. 'This place is not my palace. This is England? But then why...do I feel a connection?' He then gasped as he realized why. There was a British girl dancing with an Indian man and they seem so happy together.
'I see now. This curry is not a copy of Agni's curry. But it includes a touch of British identity in Indian curry. Then it's not about fighting. It's about blending together in peace.
"Does it please you?" Sebastian said, snapping Soma out of his dream.
"This is not Agni's curry." Soma said with a smile, "This is a curry that contains complicated flavors and spices like Indian curry. It also has a depth and fresh taste that only the British could make." He looked to Sebastian and complimented him, "This curry is worthy of competing with the curry of god." The look on Ciel's face was priceless and I resisted laughing, "It's delicious, butler...But how did you do this in just one night?"
Sebastian opened his coat and removed a black rectangle from within, "This is the answer."
"Tha-that is Chocolate!" They screamed in unison.
I snatched it from him and opened it, "Cacao in chocolate was originally used as a spice which provided a special sweet flavor," Sebastian smirked, the reason we stayed up so late was because he was explaining it to me, "The cacao, which has fat, milk, and sugar, perfectly blended into a chocolate added the rich substance that the curry needed." I took a bite from the bar and licked my lips of the chocolate.
"Also, the Funtom Company has the best chocolate made with a large dose of pure cacao. To make the best curry, there isn't a more suitable ingredient. I noticed this when I...'cleaned' up the gateau chocolate that Young master requested yesterday. So you helped me out there Young master." Sebastian, thank you for not telling the real reason you found out. He just smiled to me and secretly brushed his fingers with mine.
Ciel frowned; he really wants Sebastian to fail doesn't he.
Soma started bouncing up and down in his seat as he exclaimed, "Amazing, Ciel! Your butler could make a curry of god in only one week. That guy will definitely use Agni also..."
Lord West's Mansion...
"Agni... Agni." Lord West called, "Have you finished?"
"Yes. It is done." Agni dejectedly, "Here is my curry." He presented a blue lobster to Lord West, "Bengal's specialty is shrimp. And you're most skilled at making shrimp curry. Additionally, this time it is not only shrimp. All because of that woman!" He looked through the papers and he smirked, "Most rival stores have pulled out of the competition. The only companies left include three brands I have never heard of and a toy company that is popular among kids." Agni flinched when he heard 'Toy Company.' He picked up the paper and almost gasped, Funtom Company. Maybe the Prince!
"What's with the face? Relax... no one can beat us."
Agni closed his eyes, trying to stop the tears from falling.
...Prince...
~ASC~
"It's too bad, but you can't beat them with just this." Ceil leaned into his seat and he stared at Sebastian, "To 'replicate' is different from to 'win.' You will probably just be on par with curry of god. Isn't that so? Sebastian."
"Yes." Sebastian smiled, "As things are now it will be that way."
Lao smirked as he leaned in, "That face tells me that you have a secret plan eh, Butler?"
"Yes..."
"It's no lie?"
Sebastian's real smile came to surface, "Of course not. I don't ever tell lies. On my name as the butler of Phantomhive family...our company will definitely be the one to take home the royal warrant!" Ciel looked to me, "What do you think Matthew." I walked up to the table and picked up the plate of curry. "You want my opinion?" He nodded and I took a piece of chicken and plopped it into my mouth. I licked my fingers of the sauce and smiled as I took a fork. "As a servant of Phantomhive, Sebastian is one hell of a butler." Ciel first frowned then smirked. "Very well then. Everyone, be prepared for tomorrow."
With that said I left the room and shared my meal with Parvati.
~ASC~
"Wow!" Finny shouted as he pointed at an elephant. "What is that large animal?"
"That's an elephant. It's a sacred animal. I have some in my palace, about ten." Soma waved his hand at the elephant, it being so common and mundane to him.
"Amazing!" Bard shouted.
"They can fit such large animals in your house?" Maylene said in surprised.
Sebastian sighed as he saw the trio running towards the elephant. I yawned and tugged on my collar. Sebastian had forced me to wear a black coat, a tie, and a hat... Black isn't something I like wearing, especially on sunny days, though I don't really mind the hat.
"Please try not to wander too far away." Sebastian called to the trio.
"Yo Earl!" Ciel turned to face Lao, whose arms were wrapped around the woman from the opium den. "So it's time for the big showdown eh." He said.
"You brought one of your girls even though you would be in front of clients?" Well you know what they say Ciel, sex sells. "Meh, Ran Mao is my little sister, yeah my sister. Even though we are not related by blood." He poked the girl's cheek and said, "I heard that during the contest they would serve curry to the audience, so I figured I could treat this girl." The girl showed no signs of being annoyed, or if she was, she is really good at tolerating Lao.
Ciel turned around and started walking towards the competition location. "So the Prince's butler is really serious?" Lao asked.
"He betrayed the master he regards as a god. Of course he is serious." We passed exhibits after exhibits as Ciel continued, "It's safe to assume that this is all for the Prince. He was probably told that once the plan is complete the girl will be returned to them... if so it sounds like a lie to me." I nodded, agreeing with Ciel. Parvati moved around my breast pocket and I lightly smacked her, getting a kick in my rib in return.
Ciel stared ahead in thought and he said to Lao, "Well...should his plan succeed, letting Agni go after obtaining the royal warrant would possibly mean the leaking of his deeds...If I was West-"
"You would have him killed?" Lao said. Parvati tried to get out of my pockets when she heard those words and I had to hold my hand over my heart like an idiot.
"You really think it would be worth killing someone over!" Ciel said in annoyance.
"Meeeh~ I'd do it if it was me." Then thank god Agni is not being forced to work with you. "But," Lao said as he looked at Sebastian, "I'm much more interested in your strategy for today butler."
Sebastian smirked and said, "That is-"
"Oh my, if it isn't Earl Phantomhive!" We paused and turned around seeing Lord West coming over to us. Well they do say if you speak of the devil he'll appear. I don't think this moment really counts Matthew. Sebastian's thought to me. It's called an...Ugh never mind. It was no use mind arguing with him.
"Ah...Lord West. Long time no see! It hasn't been since last year's social events if I recall correctly?" Ciel looked to the side and he saw Soma spying behind a tree, "It's an honor to meet you again. You never change, always wearing a well-tailored coat. So what brand does someone of the Earls status wear?" Ciel let out a huff of breath and did mindless chitchat, "My butler picks out all my clothing. I don't care at all about brands."
"Ha! You never change! Come to think of it...isn't your group competing in this contest?"
"Yeah, I'm considering expanding my business into the food industry."
I moved silently to the back of the group, till I was with the trio and Soma, "Soma I'm going off right now. Don't do anything stupid." He frowned at me, but nodded in understanding. I turned to leave and something grabbed my hand. I spun around to strike the person, but saw it was Sebastian. "Let's go together." He said. I pulled my hand away from him and nodded, "Not in public, remember." I said and we headed to the competitors room. Sebastian opened the door and we saw Agni sitting down on a bench. "!" He stood up immediately and Sebastian just greeted him, "Long time no see."
"Why are you at such a contest?" He asked a small gleam of hope in his eyes.
Sebastian just smirked, "It was an order from my master." Agni grabbed Sebastian's shoulders and begged him, "If Ciel, sir, put you here thinking that it will help the Prince then please leave!"
"Ha. You think my master would do that? Don't worry my master always puts himself and his company first." I appeared from behind Sebastian and said, "It's true Agni."
"..." He backed away and placed a hand to his head, he was obviously troubled with this situation he is in, "Please...I do not want to compete against people I owe."
"We joined this contest for our own reasons." I said.
"It's that simple." Sebastian placed his hand on my shoulder and he looked at Agni.
Agni's hands tightened, as he refused to look us in the eyes, "I...I have a reason for which I can't lose."
"What a surprise...so do I." Sebastian mocked.
"Sebastian," I called to him. He looked at me and I thought, Leave me with Agni please. Just for a while.
Don't do anything that will make me jealous.
A smirk came to my face and I lightly patted his back, I won't Sebastian walked away and now me and Agni were alone...well alone as in our conversation is ours. We stood there in silence and he finally asked, "How is master?"
"Spoiled. You babied him too much." He gave a sad smile as he rubbed his bandaged right hand with his left, "I see...Matthew...what you said in the letter...I have to ask." He looked around and brought his face closer to mine, uncomfortable is what I am right now, "How… I mean what are you? Are you Shiva in disguise?" Shiva? Isn't that the male god of India? "No. I have something I want to show you." I walked out the door and looked around; there was no one in the hallway. "Come out." I unbuttoned my breast pocket and Parvati came out. "Reveal yourself to him." Agni looked at me confused, but then gasped as Parvati showed herself to him.
"G-goddess Kali!" He immediately went to his knees and started bowing to her. She went on one knee and her two right hands touched his back, her other two were brought to her chest like she was praying. She spoke to him in another language and bloody tears were falling from him as she spoke. When she finished she shrunk back and went to my shoulder. "I...I'm sorry Matthew, Goddess, I can't oblige. I have to do this for my master Soma!" He turned to leave but I grabbed him by his sleeve. "Misery and joy go hand in hand Agni. Make sure you don't fail." His hand hovered over the door handle and he just pulled away and left.
"Oh my... are you hoping he wins?" Sebastian said from behind me. I didn't turn around as Parvati left us alone. "Well, do you?" He asked, his arms wrapping around my waist, and his head buried into my neck. What do you think? I said in my mind.
I think you do, and that makes me sad.
I let out a small laugh and looked at him, Don't tell me. You want me to do something right? He shrugged and looked down at me; A kiss for good luck would be nice. And there it was, I rolled my eyes and brought my lips near Sebastian's own. He leaned in to capture me in a kiss, but I stopped him with my hand on his soft lips. He gave me a confused look, and I said to him, "How about this. I'll give you a kiss if you win. You better not lose Sebastian." I walked away from him, and I can feel the mark on my chest getting warm, it was a promise then.
We were waiting outside for the competitors. There was excitement in there air because of a rumor that The Queen was coming. I stuck close to Ciel, seeing as how at any moment someone could decide to kidnap him or something, after all he is a trouble magnet.
The announcer came out and started to speak. "We have now come to the highlight of 'The Empire Governed Indian Culture and Prosperity Exhibition.' With participants from famous Curry Houses throughout London, let the curry show begin! We have prepared a special curry for the guests who are present. Please wait in anticipation!" Everyone clapped and the Announcer pointed to the judges table, "Now today's judges are, a Palace chef who will not allow any compromises in taste, Chef Higharm." An old man with white hair and matching beard stared down at everyone with a stern gaze... "A tax collector currently serves in India!" A portly slightly younger man with small spectacles gave a small smile to everyone. "And...Viscount Druitt, who has a great love of the arts and food!" Ciel and I both had goose bumps as we stared in shock at the Viscount. Oh gods, Sebastian please hurry up and win this before I run the hell away from here. I pulled my hat down, and hoped that he wouldn't see me.
"Eh? Wasn't he arrested by the yard?" Lao said.
"He...probably bribed his way out. How corrupt..." We shivered once more and we looked towards the contestants.
"Now, here are today's contestants!" The announcer shouted. On the left of the stage, there were four chefs dressed and looking really prepared. To the right Agni was as stiff as a board and determined, while Sebastian, right beside Agni, was trying not to smile so hard as he looked at Ciel's and mine discomfort, something tells me he wants revenge for not giving him that kiss.
You think. He told me.
"Persian Tabb Company's Chef Tarpin! Dormitory Vill Company's Chef Lach. Dahlia Company's Chef Rickman. Lippciln Company's Chef Wollest. Harold West Company's Chef Agni." I didn't care much for the other competitors, they're names went through one ear and out the other, but my eyes did focused on Agni as he looked around for Prince Soma.
"And the butler Sebastian from the Funtom Company." The announcer said rather plainly. Why does his introduction sound like crap? The announcer stopped and looked at Sebastian, "Eh? Butler?"
"Yes. I am not a chef. I am one hell of a butler."
I heard a child screaming in excitement, "Mama, its Funtom!" An adult then said, "Butler? Why is there a toy company taking part in a curry contest?"
The Announcer sweat dropped a bit and got back on task. "Anyways we have presented to you each contestant! With a group like this I'm sure we can expect some tasty food! Let the contest begin!" At that the chefs, Agni, and Sebastian rushed to their station and started cooking. I had to cover my nose when all the smells of the cooks curry blended and wafted down to us. Everyone was saying how great it smelled, but to me it felt like drowning in a sea of curry.
"I guess we just sit back and wait for the curry now." Lao said as he hugged Ran Mao.
I sighed as the crowd tried to come closer to see the Chefs. This was a claustrophobic's worst nightmare, seriously.
"Hey! Check it out!" Someone shouted.
We looked and saw Agni removing the bandages from his hand and he started throwing ingredients in at super speed. "That Indian guy's hand seems to have a life of its own." Someone said.
"And what an amazing scent!" They were right, it smelled really good.
"Hehe, this is the Right hand of God eh? Victory shall come as easy as expected...!" Lord West stopped and looked to the other side, and his mouth fell opened as he saw Sebastian picking ingredients at the same speed as Agni.
"The Funtom Company is also amazing."
"The smell is great also!"
Ciel tsked, "Looks like we won't lose easily either." I wacked Ciel on the head, he should stop bullying Sebastian; it's the reason why the other idiot does the same to him. Sebastian started throwing in a new ingredient and this caused uproar in the crowd. "Hey! What exactly is he doing?"
"He just put something dark into the curry pot!"
"Could it be?" Another person said.
"Chocolate!"
"Chocolate in curry? How gross!"
"What's he thinking?"
"Mama I want to eat chocolate!" Aw, how cute. Ahem. Pay attention to me only. Sebastian said, I chuckled softly and stared at him. "Hahaha! As expected from Funtom, a company that makes toys and sweets! This sure is a new form of advertising!" Lord West mocked. Ciel was not amused, and Ran Mao was for some reason having her cheeks pinched and pulled by Lao.
"No...They are wrong." Agni said to himself, as he stared at Sebastian, It's a valid list of flavorings. Cacao. Butter. Milk. Sugar. This mix will draw out the fragrance and the bitterness while leaving a smooth consistency. This is an idea that only the English and not us Indians could have come up with. Mr. Sebastian...I've known from the moment we met, that you are not an ordinary person. However I cannot lose! Agni pulled out of a wicker basket, and inside was a blue lobster.
Blue lobster! I shouted in my mind.
Viscount Druitt stood up in shock and started speaking, "This is...The royal blue Lobster? It is a type of blue lobster found only in the clear sea waters off the coast of Brittany, France. This color which is comparable to the famous Chartres blue hides, within the gorgeous shell. It's a splendid body much like that of a beautiful lady wearing in a blue evening dress. Also under that beautiful shell is a firm body that despite its looks flows with high grade emotion and fascinates people constantly with its delicate sweetness." I shivered, is it call animal cruelty when you're verbally sexually harassing it.
"You see! Agni's right hand of god together with rare and exquisite ingredients. This is undoubtedly the highest class of curry brand products!" God does Lord West ever shut up! I will do my best. I will defeat you. Agni thought then froze in shock as he saw Sebastian rolling up balls of dough, That...that is!
"This is bad!" Soma said as he came close to us. "We are going to lose this competition."
Ciel raised his eyebrow and continued to look forward. Lao though stared at Soma, "How so?" Lao asked.
"It's true that Ciel's butler's curry is the real thing. But it is only the curry that is perfect! The problem is the Naan. Because it is not a staple in Bengal I know little about it but I do know that Naan is made from fermented paste and wheat. They are baked together at a high temperature in an oven we call Tandoori. But this place does not have such facilities. The perfect Naan cannot be made." I smirked as Sebastian continued to roll; I bet he can hear everything they are saying since I am replaying it in my mind. Spot on. He said a large smirk on his face.
"So after all the effort that Sebastian put into mastering the spices it has only come to this, he is British after all. And it's not only the Naan the heat level is too high. If this continues it will dry out in a matter of minutes. The painstakingly made curry will all go to waste." Soma sighed, "As I thought, one week to master the art of making curry was way too short. The contest-" I slapped my hand over Soma's mouth, "Have more faith in someone." He looked at me and I glared at him, my eyes must have scared him because he stopped and just watched silently.
"Time's up! Now to invite all the judges to the stage. First up is Persian Tabb Company's beef curry!" The chef brought the dishes to the judges and they each tasted it. "The beef was cut into large chunks and cooked well, it goes down nicely. It really is an extravagant curry." The man pushed the dish away and I wondered if I will be as fat as him since he seems to be picky as well. "But the flavor is plain and ordinary with no fragrance. You used curry powder. Professional chefs using curry powder! This is simply ridiculous!" The chefs suddenly paled and it was known to everyone that they had used curry powder as well.
Then there was only Agni, Sebastian and Dahlia's chef.
"Dahlia company's spices seem to have been mixed nicely by the chef. The spiciness is overpowered, and the subtle nuances of the flavor have been lost. Ha...it is a nice attempt however." Then there were two.
"Next we have Harold West Company's chef Agni."
"Agni!" Soma shouted, but all in vain as Agni ignored him. "This is... my curry." He removed the lid and revealed an extravagant feast instead of curry. "Blue lobster and seven types of curry, an imperial feast." The older chef judge eyes widen at the sight. "A whole Homard Bleu served with red, yellow and green curries...what delicacy is this?"
"I made a variety; each has a different level of spiciness and flavor so you can sample each to your liking. All the curries were made to go perfectly with the lobster."
"Seven authentic curries prepared by an Indian served with a whole Homard Blue. Then I must..." The judge took a bite, "De-delicious! The meat is suitably springy, and after chewing the subtle sweet flavor permeates the entire mouth."
The accountant also gasped at the taste, "And that sweet and spicy, clear and rich soup! All this was accomplished without compromising the marvelous taste of the lobster!"
"Oooh! Aaah!" I almost threw up as the Viscount started moaning, "Like the beautiful lady unexpectedly met, with seven precious stones, wrapping their beauty around you. A gold brooch shaped like a dove, a bracelet made of sapphires and pearls, a garnet necklace, a cameo medal, and a diamond and emerald ring on your exquisite fingers, by you my heart has been stolen from me. Simply amazing! This is the best curry!" Agni bowed to him, "Many thanks for your praise." Lord West smirked, thinking the competition is in his hands now.
"So has the winner been decided? Last to the stage is the Funtom Company!" The announcer shouted.
Sebastian stepped up and removed the lid, "This is my curry."
"This...this is!" Everyone stared at the raw ball of dough.
"What is this white thing? What are you trying to pull? Ah..." The portly judge shut his mouth as he saw Sebastian pulled out a pair of tongs and grabbed the ball of dough; He then threw it into a pot of boiling oil.
"AH? It's deep fried!" The judges shouted.
"Ciel! What in the heavens is your butler doing?" Soma shouted.
"Is he trying to make a doughnut?" Bard screamed.
Ciel looked at Sebastian, the only one besides me keeping his calm.
"It is ready. This is our company's curry." He presented the fried ball of dough and the judges stared at it.
"But where is the curry?" The elder chef said.
The Viscount stared at the fried ball of dough, and he grabbed his knife and fork and sliced through the bread. He gasped, "Wait a moment this is! What! The curry... from inside..." He looked at the sliced fried bread with oozing curry.
"What?" Both Agni and West shouted.
"This is the curry that our company proudly presents to you. It has a name...the curry doughnut!" So...yeah the name isn't that impressive. Sebastian looked to me and I sighed, Ok so I came up with the name, I'm not good at this stuff so give me a break!
"Cur...curry doughnut?" The crowd said.
"Please have a taste." Sebastian said.
"What in the name of...I have never seen that kind of curry before!" Soma stared in shock.
"Ah...anyway, we'll have to taste it first." The elder chef stabbed a piece of it and took a bite and he gasped, "It explodes in the mouth! This is delicious! The deep-fried crispy exterior and soft interiors texture combined with that sticky curry creates several levels of heavenly taste! The most fantastic part is the curry filling used inside! Ingenious and fragrant, it is all blended together as if it were the very meaning of 'delicious' it blooms the moment it is sliced open!"
Agni's mouth fell open, now getting the situation, Now I see! He cooked the curry to dryness so that it could be put in to the doughnut without spilling out.
"In addition the chunks of chicken in the curry are sizeable. This really is a perfect creation."
"Ahhh! Ohh!" Ok now I'm getting mad! Dude seriously what is your problem! "A young girl at the ball that makes me wants to love her tenderly, the mischievous mockingbird singing like a child in the daytime, but in the evening you show your true colors. The heartstring pulling smile behind your mask, a young girl, alone. I really want to, hold you tightly in my arms!" Sparkles appeared around the Viscount as he verbally molested complimented Sebastian, "Fresh innovation and undoubted quality. This really is the Funtom Company's special revolutionary curry!"
"I thank you for the praise." Sebastian gave him a small bow.
No you don't! Take it back and get the hell of the stage! I screamed in my mind. Oh? Jealous? I turned to stone at this. What? He just smirked and I blushed. Everyone around me suddenly started cheering, wanting to eat the curries that were made. I looked at Ciel and saw him hugging himself, obviously disturbed at Viscount's words. I'm so glad he hasn't said anything about me.
"And now's the time you have all been waiting for! Taste-testing time! Please taste whichever curries you want." The announcer said. People rushed over and there were two lines, both Agni's and Sebastian's.
I snuck over to the judges that have left, to hear what they had to say, just cause Sebastian's was great, doesn't mean Agni should be overestimated.
"This really is a difficult decision to make." One of them said. Parvati peaked out of my breast pocket and stared at them as well. We were currently hiding behind one of the large palm trees.
"I say Harold West Company's Agni; he created a curry mixed so well it is within the realms of the gods." The accountant said.
"No, I am more impressed by Funtom Company's Sebastian. He has created a new page in the history of curry." The elder chef said.
"I cannot choose. The beautiful lady or the cute young girl? No matter which they both have different flavors. Ah~ Where is my white Cinderella prince! If only he was here to give me a warning like that night, if only I had listen to you my beauty!" I shivered and watched as he took out a white handkerchief and wiped his 'tears' away, wait...that is my handkerchief! Oh my god he's talking about me! I started feeling faint and disgusted, but I shook my head, and continued to listen.
"Well then, I suppose we have no choice then to..." My mouth fell open in surprise at their decision.
~ASC~
"Sorry to keep you waiting!" I found myself back to the crowd, everyone excitingly waiting to hear the judges. Ciel nodded to me and we stared ahead at the stage. "After much discussion..." The announcer paused, trying to create a dramatic effect and he suddenly shouts, "Harold West Company and Funtom Company! A tie- Huh!" The man looked as a whip wrapped around the trophy, and it was gone from his hands.
A man dressed in all white, a whip in his left hand, the trophy in the other suddenly appeared, and he said, "Please wait." We stared at him, everyone has now gone silent. "The vic...tor..." There was loud clip clopping and the man's head was suddenly pushed to the ground by a white horse and an old woman on top of it. "Who's the funky old gran?" Bard asked.
"That is..." Lao said.
Ciel suddenly rushed forward to the old woman and shouts, "Your majesty! Why have you come here?"
Everyone gasped.
"You are!" The trio and I shouted, we've never once seen her in person.
"Hello everyone." Queen Victoria said, a smile on her face. "Her majesty the queen!" A voice suddenly started talking, filling me in on exactly who and what she does. "Queen Victoria, this Queen is the one who crafted the most brilliant time of Great Britain's history. Not only was she the political power behind the idea of expanding the territories of Great Britain, allowing it to become the empire where the sun never sets...she also made her mark in the fields of fashion at balls and other fashionable events, she was the one leading the trends and had immense popularity amongst the people. Till this day she is still deeply in love with the deceased king Albert. This is off topic, but it is said that a popular show, 'The Wild Earl,' was based on her highness." The dead body, or I thought, stood up and looked at everyone, "I am done talking. But it seems the Queen has something to say." He rushed over to her side and helped her down the horse.
"This curry show was indeed exciting." She said. "The fragrance permeating throughout the entire room reminds me of a time I had curry with Albert on White Island." She took out a pocket watch and stared at a picture of the King. She suddenly went to the floor and started screaming hysterically, "Oh, ALBEEEEERT! I want to eat this curry with you also!" Her servant tried to comfort her and took out an Albert doll.
"Her majesty seems quite the complex character." Lao mocked.
"Don't talk like that." Ciel grumbled, clearly embarrassed.
Huh...dinner and a puppet show. Nice. Very funny Matthew. Sebastian said. The Queen straightened up and she said, "As I received an invitation to be a judge in this contest, I have one vote don't I?" She coughed lightly into her hand, "I have chosen." She said.
Sebastian and Agni looked at the Queen, waiting for her to say the winner.
She grabbed the trophy and walked up to Sebastian, "Funtom Company's butler, Sebastian. This is for you."
"Wh...!" Lord West shouted. Agni looked crushed and Parvati was shouting at the Queen telling her off.
"Wh-why?" Lord West said as he rushed towards her, "How can the curry we made loose to a doughnut stuffed with curry?"
She simply pointed out to the crowd, "Please look over there." What I saw was Finny stuffing his face with Sebastian's food, not making a mess for once, and the other children as well. "Do you see?" Near those happy children there was a child, who looked sad and had a messy face while holding Agni's dish, his mother scolded him for making a mess. "Funtom's curry requires no utensils and can be consumed by anyone. Yes, that is right; this is a method that takes even Children into account." Sebastian and I smiled at each other, it wasn't easy coming up with the idea, but Finny sure did help.
"Everyone is happy, the rich, the poor, the adults, the children, everyone is equal. This kind of idea is essential for Great Britain as it heads into a new century. I highly approve of the Funtom Company's accounting for our future, the children."
"Thus... The victor is the Funtom Company!"
Lord West fell to his knees as he pitifully cries, "How... How can this..."
Agni looked crescent fallen as he stared at us. The trio was shouting congratulating Sebastian and Finny handed Ciel, the curry doughnut. "I see Sebastian got this idea after seeing Finny that day." Ciel thought out loud. Okay honestly, we didn't think of it because of that. We just remembered that Finny was really messy, also I had a craving for doughnuts that night and Sebastian got the idea from that. Really it was all one big domino effect.
"Congratulations Chef Sebastian! Could we have a few words?" Someone asked.
He smirked at them, "I'm no chef. I am but one hell of a butler."
I looked to Agni, and it was like everything finally hit Agni like a ton of bricks strapped to an elephant. "I lost..." The look in his eyes reminded me of one who's lost everything, no matter what he did to prevent it. The Queen walked over to the poor servant, and she said to him, "... wasn't it? Your curry's flavor did not lose. It was also a curry I would like to enjoy at the White Island."
He looked down, "I'm not...worthy of such words."
"My plan...the royal warrant..." Lord West looked like he was ready to cry again. A woman brushed passed me and I though she looked familiar.
"My lord!" She screamed.
Soma's eyes widen and he suddenly shouts, "Meena!" The woman turned around and stared at Soma, not a happy look on her face, "Eh?" She said. Agni gasped; he looked like he didn't want Soma to see her. Sebastian just stared idiotically- I mean he was shocked at this, and so were the others.
"Prince Soma?" She said.
Soma walked up to her, tears in the corners of his eyes, "I finally...found you! Meena!" He pulled the woman into a hug and he started to cry, "I've been looking for you! For a very long time! You must have been so worried when you were kidnapped to England! I finally...finally found you." He pulled her away and stared at her, "You don't have to worry anymore. Let's go home together!"
"Prince...are you some kind of idiot?" She snarled. I pulled my hat down, not wanting to see this. I knew something bad would happen. This was like a cheesy drama, a prince looking for a 'kidnapped' woman, his servant having to betray him. Poor Soma. She pushed him away and shouted, "Who the hell do you think you are, coming this far, just to get in people's way! Come home with you? Don't make me laugh! Who'd want to come home to a place like that?"
Agni felled to his knees, crying bloody tears, and Sebastian looked down at him, "You... were concealing this, weren't you."
Soma froze when Meena's words finally hit him. "Sorry for not wanting to live my whole life bound to my social class! I even took great pains to sneak out of India!" Lord West stood behind Meena, muttering about the warrant like a broken record. "Then...you wanted...with West..." Soma looked at her, trying to understand.
"That's right. Even a child could understand which is better, being an ordinary cook or a rich wife. And...I'm sick of looking after such a selfish master!" I walked up to Agni, tears of blood falling on the ground; I bent down and stared at him as he cried. "I didn't want..." He said softly crying. "For the prince who was frantically searching for Meena...I didn't want him to learn this truth! If the prince in his innocence knew the truth about Meena. He would...He'd!" I grabbed the back of Agni's headscarf thing and made him look at me, "Misery and happiness go hand in hand." Then I turned his head toward his master.
"Is that it?" Soma said.
Agni stared in shock at his master, "Sorry, we were that close and I didn't understand one bit of Meena's feelings." Soma looked down, sadness evident in his eyes as he spoke, "I'm sorry for never thinking about being a bother, and chasing you all the way to England. And...Thanks for everything up until now." He walked past the stunned Meena, "Up until now, I've always blamed other people." the silent Ciel, "Being alone in the palace was my mother and father's fault." He went up the stairs of the stage, "Meena Disappearing was West's fault. But I was wrong." He passed Sebastian, his shoes making soft tapping sounds as he neared closer. "Even though I was gnawing at my parents ankles, I did nothing but complain. There's no one who'd love a brat like that. But..." Agni looked up at Soma, and I backed away from the two. "You stayed by my side. Even when we were separated, I've given you nothing but trouble up until now. Will you stay by my side and still be my Khanasama? Agni?" Soma held out his hand and Agni grabbed at it, this time real tears fell from his eyes, washing the blood away, "Joajha." Agni said.
Sebastian smiled, as if he had planned for everything to happen this way, How do you know I didn't? He said to me. Because as arrogant are you are, you're not that perfect. It did take you a week to make the perfect curry. His eyebrow twitched and I chuckled. That struck a nerve. "It seems like somehow everything's ended up for the best, wouldn't you say?" The Queen said as she looked down at Ciel, "Isn't that right boy?" Everyone looked at the Queen in confusion, Boy? Ciel blushed in embarrassment, "Your majesty, I've humbly asked you to stop referring to me that way..."
"Is that so? But you'll always be that cute little boy to me." She looked like a grandma that wanted to coddle her grandkids to death. The trio laughed at him, and he smacked all of them, leaving a triple-decker on their heads. "Ahem, your majesty, why did you come all the way out here today?" He said a slight blush on his cheeks. She smiled earnestly at Ciel, "I was at St. Sophia University's choir concert, but when I heard that your company was coming to the curry fair, I had to come and see you. You only ever send letters and never come to visit after all." Ciel fiddled with his top hat, not wanting to look her in the face, "Someone like me shouldn't be around your majesty very often."
She bended down and touched Ciel's cheek, "Please don't say such things. You're so young, but you already preform your duty so seriously, just like your father, Vincent." She patted his head and reminisced, "Besides that, it's been such a long time since I came to the Crystal palace. It seems like just yesterday that Albert and I would come here for the opening ceremonies...ALLLBEERRTTTT! I wish you were here today too!" Her servant came to her side and started doing the puppet show again; his little show was rather monotonous if you ask me.
Suddenly the Queen stopped her bawling and looked at the time, "Oh dear, I must be leaving soon. I'll have the Grand Chamberlain's office send you the authorization documents for the royal warrant." Her servant, John, helped her up her horse. "I'm looking forward to eating curry bread in the royal salon as well." The horse reared as she shouted to Ciel, "You have fun playing as well boy." She disappeared, and her servant was for some reason next to Ciel. "...Shouldn't you be going too?" The man's mouth opened as he realized this, and he rushed after his Queen, "Your majesty, please wait!"
Ciel sighed and shook his head, "She's the same as always..."
"Ciel!" Soma shouted, causing the small boy to jump and look at him. "Thank you for winning, you have my gratitude." Ciel placed his hat onto his head, "It wasn't really for you. It was for my own sake. Own sake." He emphasized. Agni smiled, wiping the tears away, looking very grateful to Ciel. "But...your babysitter coming back was a case of killing two birds with one stone." Ciel said.
"Ciel, if I'd never come to England, I probably wouldn't have learned all sorts of truths." He brought a fist up to his chest as he stared at Ciel, "If I'd never met Ciel, then I'd have stayed selfish and ignorant of the ways of the world. For now on, I want to try and learn all sorts of things. And someday, I'll become a great man who won't lose to anyone, and show you!" Ciel stared at the Prince, and decided to rile him up, "If you just say it, it won't happen."
"If I say it, it'll happen!"
"Ah...of course."
"My my," Sebastian stepped down from the stage and came toward us, "How bustling."
"Mr. Sebastian! Congratulations! You did it! Today's our victory celebration!" The trio's snatched the trophy away and started playing with it.
"Sir Sebastian." Agni came towards him and went down to his knees, "I wonder how I should apologize for everything..." Sebastian went down on one knee as well, and held out his hand, "Mr. Agni, there's no need for that kind of thing. Please raise your head."
Agni gave him a shy smile and he said, "At first, I regretted accompanying the Prince to England. But now, I think it was a very good thing." I smiled, and I looked at the two boys. Ciel tried to take Soma's hand off from around his neck, and I chuckled softly.
"We both have learned a lot from you all. I feel I must thank you somehow." Agni said.
"You have been apologizing from the beginning. I fought for my reasons, and you fought for yours. That's all there is to it. There is nothing to thank me for." Sebastian smirked and I walked forward, Parvati going towards Agni. "The Goddess Kali you believe in and Shiva both realized their faults through their mutual pain, just as you two are doing now." I said. Sebastian looked up at the sky and smiled, "Ahh, the sun is already setting. Shall we go home?" Sebastian said.
We started to head out and Ciel sighed in exhaustion, "And as they say, 'no pain, no gain." I chuckled again, and Agni looked at me, "To have a story from my country explained by an Englishman. It's a little embarrassing."
"It has nothing to do with England or India. No matter where or when it's the same." Sebastian paused and looked back at me, "Humanity that is." I nodded, Right...humanity.
"That's right. The evening sun as seen from the banks of the Ganges, the evening sun seen in England... It has the same beauty." Agni said. Everyone stared up at the sky and Ciel was suddenly glomped by Soma. "W-what?"
"U...UWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA!" Soma screamed as he started to cry. "Meeeeeennnnnnaaaaa!" I slapped my forehead as I watched him cry all over Ciel, it seems he finally realize she's gone for good. "It really is good we came to England. Both the prince and I were able to make good friends." Agni smiled at us and I stared at Agni, surprised at his words.
"Friends is it?" I said, a small smile coming to my face as I thought of that word.
"That's the first time anyone has said that to me." Sebastian said.
It feels nice doesn't it? I looked to Sebastian and he smirked, I suppose. As I watched everyone, I couldn't help but wonder where Lord West and Meena ran off too. In fact where did Lao and Ran Mao go too?
~ASC~
London Town's dark alley.
In the other side of town, in a dark alley both Meena and Lord West were on the ground. "Dammit! They spoiled my plans!" West shouted his head in his hands. "Cheer up...there's always next time." Meena said as she rubbed his back.
"Yes, yes, there's always next time. Thanks for your hard work." Lao smiled at the two.
Meena stared up at him in shock, "Who are...?"
"The Earl said there's no point in going after the small fries, but someone who tries something once will try it again right? That sort of thing is going too easy. Well, that's that boy's cute point, though." There was a strange thunk, and they turned around. Ran Mao was behind them, holding a large spiked ball club. "I've got to exterminate the bad rats infesting my city, don't I? So I keep a cat." The weapon hit the ground again, leaving a large dent and the two screamed.
"Meow." Lao mocked as there was sickening thuds came from the alley.
~ASC~
"How long are you going to keep crying? You said you were seventeen? Act like it." Ciel scolded. Soma rubbed his tears and Ciel looked away in annoyance, only to spot something white on the ground. He picked it up and gasped, "This is! When did!" He looked at Sebastian for an explanation of the origins of the letter. "Ah, the Queen's servant put it there earlier."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"You didn't ask." Sebastian pointed out.
Ciel tsked and opened the letter. "Hm? A ticket?"
"Couldn't it be a Christmas present?" Sebastian mocked, "For a little boy."
Ciel glared at Sebastian, "I'll kill you."
"I want to go home and have some tea." I yawned.
"Understood." He took the letter from Ciel and stared at all of us, "I shall prepare some Assam tea. Dinner will be the amazing curry prepared with my own hands."
"Stop joking around." Ciel said, "I don't want to even see curry for a while."
"Roger." Sebastian smirked at this and we walked out of the courtyard. "By the way," I said, "what kind of tickets are those?"
"Let's see." He opened it and pulled out the tickets, "They're for the circus."
~ASC~
Loud circus music was played up and down the streets as they walked down and danced, enticing onlookers to come watch there show.
"Come, come, ladies and gentleman! Presenting the traveling circus troupe, "Noah's Ark!" Forget the cold of winter and the darkness of the news of Jack the Ripper" There were two women on top of the elephant, and by their right was a man with snakes, it seems some of his skin is scale like as well, and they were following after what may be the ringleader.
"Now, the curtain rises on the show of the century!" He called out at the crowd.
~ASC~
The sounds of the circus can be heard from far away, even at night it seems. The snow covered the grounds, though a few of it was slowly starting to melt. It was a bit chilly, but I felt fine with Midnight by my side, drinking some milk I had brought for her. "Why aren't you wearing your coat, its cold out tonight." Sebastian said as he stepped from the shadows. I gave him a brief glance and just shrugged. I bent down and picked up some snow that hasn't yet melted and I threw it at Sebastian for no reason. It struck him dead on and he stared at me with a frown as it dripped off his face. "Hey don't be such a sourpuss." I said.
"Meow." Midnight glared at me and I chuckled softly, "Oh sorry Midnight." I looked down at her and her tail was twitching from side to side, she doesn't like me using words that mean cat as an insult.
Suddenly, something cold smacked the side of my face and I slowly turned my head in shock at Sebastian. He had his hand to his mouth, a smile peeking from behind as his eyes showed complete mirth. "Oh you!" We started throwing snow at each other, it made me wonder if Ciel saw Sebastian like this, will he poke fun at him?
"He can go ahead and try, but it is your fault that I am doing this." Sebastian said as he threw another one at me. "Hey no throwing when I'm thinking!" I shook the hair from my head and there was a glowing red light coming from behind us. We turned around and Parvati, full form, was in front of us. "Parvati? I thought you were with Agni." She smiled at me and placed her hands together as she bowed to me, thanking me for all I have done for her. "No it was the least I can do Parvati. In fact, I should set you free." I grabbed my book from my pocket and turned to her page. She placed a hand on top of it and I looked back at her.
"Thank...you." She said, trying out the words, hoping they sound correct. "As reward...keep me... if need help...call me." I stared at her in shock.
"Are you sure?" She nodded and stepped away, "Thank, you. Again. For helping son."
"Oh no prob- AGNI'S YOUR SON!" I shouted. Sebastian covered my mouth; I probably woke half the neighborhood and then some. "Goodbye, Matthew, Sebastian." Sebastian looked at her, surprised that she even knew his name. The red door opened up again and I caught a glimpse of a magnificent palace, and a man with blue skin and four arms as well, was waiting for her. She stepped in, and the man held her hand as they waved goodbye to us. The door closed and we were now alone.
"You meet the strangest people." Sebastian said, breaking the sad mood.
"Shut up." I smacked him and he just wrapped his arms around me. He started to sway side to side, and his weight was on my back. I wondered what he was doing and I got an image in mind of what he planned, "Sebastian wait, don't do that!" He took us down to the ground and started piling snow on top of me. I struggled around trying to get the snow off and I grabbed some and smashed it into his face. He grabbed my hands and kissed both palms; I shook off the snow and stared at him, my chest rising and falling as my heart beated loudly in my chest. "You know, you promised me a kiss if I won." He said.
"Sebastian it was a tie, I don't care what the Queen said." He frowned at me, and I started feeling a little mischievous, "You know, since it was a tie maybe I should give Agni a k-" He smashed his mouth to mine and bite my lip, I gasped, and he slipped his tongue into my mouth. Our tongues wrestled around for dominance, I lost, and Sebastian teasing me as he ran his tongue around my teeth, and then making me follow after him as I did the same as he. My tongue stopped at his fangs, his true form was now showing, and I lightly pressed the tip of my tongue to it, blood dripping off my tongue and it drove Sebastian insane as he pressed me harder into the cold ground, he nipped my lips, leaving them slightly bruised. He then released me from the kiss and started leaving a trail of kisses down to my neck, the places where he kissed me seemed to get warm, and he stopped at my chest. He paused, and stood still for a moment, and I wondered what was wrong.
"Matthew, if I continue, I won't be able to stop myself. So we'll end this for now." He removed his body from my and sat beside me. A blush came forward as I realized what he meant; the bulge in his pants was pretty much self-explanatory. "Sorry." I said, I shouldn't have taunted him so much, he must be mad at me. Never. He said in my mind. He pulled me into his lap and I blushed when I was pressed against him. "Can we stay like this, just for a moment so I can calm down?" He pleaded. I nodded and we stayed in our embrace, just a while longer.
Midnight came forward to us and Sebastian smiled to her. "Such a pretty kitty, with such a lovely coat." He said as Midnight meowed to him and went by our side. With one hand still around my waist, the other was petting Midnight.
A funny thought came into my head as imagined what Sebastian would be like if we were in my time, where some lovers dressed up. I then laughed as I for some reason imagine me wearing white cat ears, and a tail. Sebastian's gripped tightened and he whispered into my ear, "You're not helping."
"Sorry, sorry." I said, chuckling softly. What am I thinking anyways, I'm a guy? Why would I think of dressing up? Sebastian rubbed his cheek to mine as Midnight crawled onto our laps, "Man, woman. Would it matter Matthew?"
"No... I guess not."
Midnight meowed in annoyance, wanting all attention to her, and we laughed and took turns petting her and scratching her behind the ear. As we watched the snow fall to the ground and the moon rise over are head, Sebastian asked me, "Are you happy?" I didn't know what brought this up, but I just smiled and said, "What do you think Sebastian. At times, when I'm alone, I'm reminded of my past, but with you...I'm sure you'll always be by my side to fend off such feelings." He tightened his grip around me and my mark went warm as Sebastian's hand touched it. We sat there, in each other's arm, not caring if the snow was burying us, or that it was freezing. Because it was warm in our embrace, and nothing else mattered but that.
.
.
...Extra...
Three curious set of eyes stared at the entrance of the circus, "Wow, it's even better than we thought!" One of them said. They grinned madly as they stared at each other, "Yeah, let's sneak in!"
Hiss
They froze and looked up; a snake was slowly creeping towards them. "It's a snake, run!" One shouted. They stood up and ran away, the one who shouted turned his head for a quick glance, and he gasped as he stared at the snake man. His feet hit the cobbled ground faster, and he said, "Faster!" He grabbed their hands and pulled them away to the safety of their temporary home.
..TBC...
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