This chapter is a little short, sorry guys. Anyways thanks for the reviews, uhm, I noticed someone asked if they will ever visit Matthew's world. Well yes, but I can't go into full detail. If anyone else has any questions. Go ahead and ask, and I'll answer with the best of my ability.

Chapter 12

~ASC~

I yawned as I looked at Joker's shocked face. "Whoa, you brought a really cute kid, huh. Are you a boy?" I almost snickered as I looked at Ciel, he was wearing commoner clothes and had a medical eye patch on his left eye, and the pout on his face made him look like a child. He glared at me, and I don't blame him, since I found him those clothes. Though I owe Damien another set, he wasn't quite so happy when I told them that I might have to come by a little late.

"Yes. I was a pageboy at the manor um..." Everyone stared at him as they joked about him, "My name is Finnian." Joker stood over Ciel, "What a grand name." I heard him whisper to Ciel, "Are you really a boy? If you join, we'll give you a stage name." There was a crowd of women from the circus talking to Sebastian and I was getting pissed again. I dug my nails into my palms and Joker raised a bony finger at Ciel, "But, cuteness isn't enough to join the circus. If you can't perform that is it. Boy, what's your strong point?"

Ciel pondered for a bit and said, "Darts?" I bent down and picked up some pebbles, Oh boy, he had to pick something that he can't even do. I walked over to Sebastian and handed them to him.

"In that case, let's do knife-throwing. Dagger, lend him a knife." Dagger happily obliged as he handed Ciel one of his daggers, "Here ya go."

"Hit that target from over here." Ciel looked where Joker told him to aim and he stared at the wooden board with an almost human's shape on it, and a heart and head bulls eye. He pointed the knife at the board as he concentrated and I heard Dagger laughing, "Ah ha, boss, you're mean. With those skinny arms, he can't reach that."

"It's not mean. It can't be closer for the show."

Ciel raised the knife a little higher and he tossed it, it was going down halfway as Dagger and Joker laughed at his attempt. Then there mouths fell open in shock as the dagger decided to shoot straight up like a bottle rocket, and it hit the head bulls-eye.

"No way!" Dagger and Joker shouted.

Ciel smirked as he did it again and this time I saw Sebastian flick the rock so it would hit the butt of the knife and send it flying like before. He did this a couple more times; I think Ciel is enjoying himself, until Sebastian ran out of the pebbles. Ciel walked over to the massacred board and he smirked at everyone, "Is this all right?" Joker walked up, while Dagger sulked and tried to figure out Ciel's trick. "Seems like you've got control over it. Alright next!"

I gulped as I looked up at Ciel. He looked really scared as he looks down at us. "Tightrope Walking!" Joker shouted as Doll, the tightrope walker, tied a safety line on him. "Doll~ Tie the lifeline tightly~ It's dangerous if a beginner falls~"

"You must be kidding!" I shouted.

"Can't I do some sort of music test instead!" Ciel asked.

"Hm~? D'you wanna retire already boy~?" I was ready to kick Joker's ass, Calm down. Hand me more of those pebbles will you? I sighed and nodded as I gathered up some more pebbles and thrusted them into Sebastian's hand. "N-no! But if there's something else..." Ciel stuttered, he really didn't want to do it. "If you're serious, don't dawdle and do it fast~" Joker said. Ciel frowned and he set a hesitant step on the rope. He walked two steps and started tilting, and he suddenly snapped up straight again. "OH he recovered, he recovered." Joker muttered under his breath.

"Of course, after all..." I looked at Sebastian as he flicked the rocks at Ciel's behind; I didn't finish my sentence and just watched as he kept doing so until Ciel was safely across. Ciel was down with us now, clutching his poor abused butt, and Sebastian tried to hide his smile as Joker clapped, "That's great! I didn't really think you'd be able to do it."

"Thank you..."

"So, don't demote this cute lil' kid boss!" Dagger roughly patted Ciel's head and Joker spoke up, "Not yet. The boy hasn't done something real important." We stared at him, waiting for another stupid task and he smiled at him, "A big ol' smile!"

"Wha-"

"C'mon smile!"

Sebastian was snorting a few feet away, trying to stop himself from laughing, and that ticked Ciel off. He shook and trembled. I shook my head, all that effort gone to waste. My gaze went to Ciel, and he trembled a bit more, and then suddenly looked up, a big smile on his face. Sebastian smirked and he looked at Joker, "I suppose I too will have to start."

"No, we decided yesterday, you are already welcome in." Sebastian smirked as Ciel glared angrily at him. "What about you?" Joker said, suddenly right in front of me. I stepped backwards and shook my head, "No, I'm just dropping them off here. I should head back anyways."

"Nonsense." Sebastian said as he came near me. "You especially must join. With your extraordinary ability, you will definitely be welcomed."

"No thank you." I glared at him and his hand was on my shoulder, Do it.

No!

"What ability?" Joker said, getting really curious.

"Ah, it's nothing."

"Nothing?" Sebastian said with a fake surprised voice, "Why it's amazing! The only reason the master kept you was because of what you can do."

"I said no!" I shouted. I turned to leave and something whooshed by me. A dagger was embedded at a pole near me and I turned around, "Show them." Sebastian said.

"No."

He suddenly went after me, meaning to attack me. And I started to run. He kept attacking me with daggers; I knew what he was trying to do. He was trying to trick me into using my summons, but that wouldn't work on me. If you ever want to have s- I blushed as I dodged another dagger and shouted in my mind, If you ever want sex again you will stop!

No way. Besides, I'm confident that I can persuadeyou into giving in if you did that. Sebastian smirked and I jumped over a box crate. Damnit Sebastian! We ran passed some of the tents, and Joker and the others were following behind, trying to stop us. One of the daggers flew passed me, easily I dodged, but it went into one of the tents and I heard a click, but I ignored it and took a left turn. I skidded to a stop; there was a dead end in front of me, and Sebastian behind. He smirked as he suddenly jumped away and I raised an eyebrow, You're giving up?

No. Just forcing you.

"Huh?"

There was a loud roar and I heard everyone shriek. I looked in front of me and saw that Sebastian had let Betty out. Her eyes were locked on to mine and I started to slowly back away. "Beast do something!" Joker shouted.

"Easy there, you don't want to do anything you may regret." I said to Betty. She stalked over to me and I frowned, Damn you Sebastian!

Betty rushed at me and I shouted, "Tempore spatium, Patefacio!" (Time Space, Open!) I felt some of my blood leave my body as I did a sign without blood and a portal opened, invisible to others, but me alone, and Betty disappeared. They gasped and looked at me in shock and I ran to the inside of the tent where the animals were kept and I went to the opened cage. I shouted again, "Reportat quod perierat!" (Return what was lost!) The portal opened up again and Betty jumped through, as if she didn't realized she was trapped in a tear in space. I immediately closed the cage, and jumped away as soon as the claws came near my face. I sighed happily and heard hesitant clapping. I looked behind me and everyone was in shock, even Joker, but he was the one clapping...Fuck my life.

I win. Sebastian said as he walked over.

Come near me, and I'll rip your arms off!

~ASC~

I was sooo pissed off right now; words have no way to describe how much I wanted to kill Sebastian. Kyle neighed at me and I sighed and patted his head, "It's nothing, that stupid idiot just got me into more trouble." His ears flicked to me and he huffed out in annoyance, "Yeah, I know, I know." We stopped in front of the orphanage and before I could even get off of Kyle, the three rushed out screaming, "Matthew!"

"Hey guys." I smiled at them and they started climbing Kyle, "You came. You really came!" Edward said. "Yeah, I told you I will." Toby wrapped her arms around my neck and said, "Let's go play together again Matthew!" She said. I laughed and nodded, "Yes of course. Just let me get off, and we'll head straight to where ever you want to go."

I slipped off and they adjusted themselves on Kyle. "So where do you want to go today?" I asked. "To the toy store again!" They shouted. Shaking my head at their silliness, I complied and took them to the store. Toby and Edward ran around with toys in their hand as they played around. Damien stood alone in the corner, clutching his head and I went to him.

"Are you feeling alright?" I asked him.

He nodded, but wouldn't look me in the eye. I touched his shoulder and he hissed in pain as he clutched his head harder, "It happens sometimes, but it never hurt this much!" He pulled away from me and ran off to the bathroom in the store. "Damien!" I called out to him, but he just locked the door and stayed inside.

Edward stopped playing and came over to me, "It's alright, I'll go check on him." He said, and knocked on the door of the bathroom. He slipped in and Toby sat down in a small chair, a small frown on her face, "The doctors say that he suffers from schi-schi-"

"Schizophrenia?" I said as I came over.

She nodded and touched the small teacups on the table next to her. "They say that they can't fix him... Is that true?" I looked away from her and shook my head, "It's not something that can be fixed, but..." I placed my hand on her head and she looked up at me and I smiled to her, "As long as you and Edward are there for him, he'll get through it just fine." She grinned at me, "Yeah… I'll try my best Matthew." The way she said it sounded strange to me, but I didn't get to think as something horrid pulse through me.

"Matthew are you fine?" Toby asked.

I looked down at her and nodded, "Yeah, if you guys need me, I'll be outside; I have to check on Kyle." I walked out of the store and rushed over to one of the alleys. I fell to my knees and a violent cough tore through me, my chest started burning, and I felt as if my heart was being smothered. It hurts, it hurts!

Matthew what is wrong! Sebastian asked. I couldn't hear his thoughts, but I couldn't even think. The pain just continued to increase, till I felt like I was going to die, then it just disappeared just as quick. My body hit the ground and I started to tremble.

Matthew, are you ok. Please say something? Sebastian begged. I-I'm fine, I just...just- My thoughts felt muddled and I just heard Sebastian say, Well, next time don't scare me like that. If you're sick, you should have told me before. Sick? I didn't say that. I shook my head and struggled to get up, Don't spend your entire time with the kids Matthew. Start heading over here, we need you right now.

Ok. I said, and I looked around, no one at least saw my strange episode, and I heard the kids calling for me. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, and stared at the blood on it. "Wh-"

"Matthew, there you are!" Edward said.

I snapped to attention and gave him a smile, "Sorry, I dropped a few coins, and they rolled in here." My hand went behind me, and I tried to rub the blood off on my coat, "Can we go to the park next!" Toby asked as I walked over to them. "Ah...guys I'm sorry, I'm going to have to go back right now. Sorry." The smiled slipped off their faces and Damien walked over to me, "Its ok. But...can we see you tomorrow?" He asked. I nodded and they jumped me, "Yay!" They shouted. I laughed and patted their heads, "You guys... Come on; let's stop at the candy store before I take you home." They grinned happily at me and grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the store's direction, "Wait, we can't leave Kyle by himself!"

Kyle snorted, obviously pissed at us forget him, and I just laughed nervously, and said, "Sorry."

~ASC~

"Everyone~ From today on, we have some new friends." Joker said, I had just returned from hang out with the kids, while Ciel was being dressed up. Everyone looked expectedly at us, slightly in excitement, slightly in doubt at our 'abilities.' "Newcomers 'Black'," Sebastian smiled, on his right eye, there was a thin diamond stretched down the middle of his eye, and he was already wearing his costume. He looked a little silly to me, seeing as it's his regular clothes, except, his tie was switched out with a bow, and a little skull was in the center. He was also given a top hat, and he held his top hat in his hands, and said, "I'm Black. It's a pleasure."

"Feather," I gave a slight nod to them, there were two little black stars in the corner of my left eye, I didn't have a costume yet. "And, also," We looked at Ciel who was trembling in anger at his get up. He looked like a half butler-pirate-circus-actor...well honestly he looks like he belongs in the circus; there were also three little four pointed stars in a row underneath his large eye. "This one is...Smile!"

"Sm-" His eye bulged out in shock and Sebastian and I hid our laughter at Ciel's reaction. "Let's get along well, everyone!" Joker said, his hands land on our backs. I shivered from the touch and looked down at Ciel, "Come on, Smile, greet your elders." Sebastian joked.

"Eh? Its...it's nice to meet you..."

"C'mon, Smile, Smile!" Joker said as he urged him.

It was fun to see Ciel squirm like this. I stretched and yawned a bit, Joker saw this and he pointed to the door of the tent, "Now I'll take you on a quick tour of the backstage area. Follow me." He pointed at some of the tents in front of us. "First, these're the tents you guys will sleep in." He turned to us and smiled at us, "It's where the backstage workers an' newcomers the 'second tier' members live." My brain was tingly and I looked around, there was nothing there and I shook my head of it. We looked into the tent and Joker said, "Bout two or three people share a room."

We followed him again and he pointed to another tent, "An' tat's the mess hall and the store room." We entered the mess hall and saw some of the circus people eating there, "S'an important job of the new recruits to provide the grub, so good luck!"

We arrived at a familiar tent and he pointed at it with his cane, "The center one in this area's the first aid tent. An' the most central one's the main cast's private tent." Sebastian and I stared at the tent; it was the one we tried to go near yesterday. "Private?" Ciel asked. "S'a private room you get if you're real good. Ah, an..." He pointed to a cabin that I remembered the snake guy being near, "That's Snake's tent. So stay away from it for your own good, there're a buncha poisonous snakes roaming free, so if you get bit even once, you're off to the underworld."

Sebastian and Ciel stared at each other, I just stared at the tent, the tingling becoming stronger, "Snake an' his friends're still shy, y'know? Careful of their poison, you three." As we walked down the rows of tents again, Joker kept looking at Ciel, and he asked, "...By the way. What happened to your right eye, Smile?"

"Eh? Ah...this is...there was an accident." Joker did something unexpected as he turned around and cupped Ciel's face with his boned hand. "Is that so?" He stared at Ciel, his eyes full of sadness, something I wouldn't have expected from a man we've only known for about a day or so, "So young, but you've been through a lot." He smiled at him and patted his head.

"Haa..." Ciel didn't know what to do, or say.

"And you." He looked at me and I stepped back a bit, "You have a scar on your palm, looks like a knife has ran through it many times. And I can see that there's a jagged scar on your chest, even the faint bruises on your neck..." My hands covered my body at the thought of Joker's eyes looking that close to see the scars and bruises. He suddenly grabbed both Ciel and I, hyperventilating a little bit from the closeness, "Well, everyone here's been through something, so you'll get along well with 'em."

"Y-yes." Ciel said nervously. He let us go and Sebastian walked near me, he wanted to put his arm around me, but I shook my head at that. "Did everyone join during the tour like we did?" Sebastian asked.

"Hmm? S'true for most everyone, but the first tier members're all from the same hometown. We're all childhood friends."

"Childhood friends?" I repeated.

"Yeah. But Snake's still a new face." My thoughts went to an image of Snake, remembering the slithering beasts that coiled around his body. "His snake-charming's none too shabby an' we didn't have a snake handler, so he quickly became a member." We were walking farther and farther from the big tent and Joker noticed me staring at it, "The perks are much sweeter if you're a first tier member, an' you don't gotta worry about survival of the fittest. You even get a private tent. That's the reason everyone's working too hard to compete to be a first tier member."

Sebastian turned his head to the tent and said softly to me, "First tier." I nodded, understanding what he was thinking. We arrived at a really big tent and saw many of the circus workers practicing. "This's the practice tent." Joker said, "New people practice over an' over here. Aiming at making their debut in a real public performance." I looked at all the second tiers; all of them were working so hard, just hoping for that chance to be on stage. "Ok," Joker says as we looked back at him, "Work on the basics first. Warm up carefully and-"

"Joker!" Beast came through the curtains, "It's almost your turn!"

"Yes'm." Joker said as he started going towards her. Beast turned her head and frowned at Sebastian. I looked at him and glared as well, You're still mad?

Can you blame me? Also you look silly with that make up on your eye. I touched it and he smirked at this. I find yours quite cute. I blushed and I touched the small stars. Such silly little things really.

"Go ahead an' go all out, you three!" Joker shouted as he left.

We looked at each other and I quickly said, "The poisonous snake tent is the entrance to the first tier members' tent." I stretched out on the ground, and Ciel and Sebastian did the same. "So instead of a guard dog, its guard snakes, is it?" Ciel grunted as Sebastian pressed down on his back so he could bend more. "To enter the private tent, we have to become first-tier members? If it's you, poisonous snakes shouldn't be an issue right? You can see if the children are there or not."

"They're not." Sebastian bluntly said.

I stared at him as I bent myself backwards, still facing him, though now upside down, "Huh?" Ciel said.

"I couldn't feel any sign of the children's presence either last night, or during today's tour." Sebastian says as he lets Ciel up and he hooked their arms together and stretched Ciel's back. "Even so, we have no evidence there's no relation to the children's disappearances. You haven't thoroughly searched every nook and cranny." I flipped over and start to slowly walk on my hands. Sebastian raised an eyebrow and I just chuckled a bit, Yeah, I've had some time to practice on the roof.

"That's right. There's always the possibility their current condition is such that I'm unable to sense their presences." Sebastian bended backwards and poor Ciel struggled to hold his weight. "Don't say such unlucky things. She wishes for the children's safe return."

"Understood." I did a few flips and Sebastian looked towards me, "By the way, instead of sensing the children's presence, I-"

"Hey! Don't stretch so sluggishly, you guys! Well, except you Feather, nice flips." Dagger said. I nodded and went back onto my hands. "Huh? Boss Dagger, what about your performance?" One of the Second Tiers asked. "Today I was the top batter! I'm already done and am observing practice." He looked back to us and I rolled my shoulders as I walked next to Sebastian. "First you gotta decide your program. What're you hoping for?" He said as he looked at Ciel.

"A program that doesn't involve using my body for something like tightrope walking would be good...seriously." Sebastian chuckled at Ciel, remembering him suffering from that. "You seem weak; yea~ Then, I'll be earnestly teaching Smile knife-throwing. What about you, Black?"

"I don't have any particular preferences."

"You've got good reflexes, don't you? If there's something you see and it looks like you can do it, give it a try." Sebastian ran off and I slapped my forehead as he started to show off. "Yes. First is-" Sebastian hung upside down on the trapeze, "Flying Blanco!" Everyone stared at amazement, and I felt my face burning. Please don't continue. He smirked at me and landed on his feet, "Next...Juggling!" He juggled bottles, to the point that they almost touched the ceiling of the tent. "Pole climbing!" He ran up a pole then, "Passing through fire!" He flipped over a ring of fire and went to the high wire, then trampoline. By now my forehead was hurting a lot, since I was slapping my forehead so much.

The tingling on the back of my brain came back and I looked around, wondering what it was. Sebastian grabbed a sword, ready to shove it down his throat, "Next is-" I grabbed his hand and shouted, "Enough!" He stopped and then everyone crowded around him, "Amazing! Way to go, Black!" Ciel smacked Sebastian on his back, "Hey!" He whispered, "You're getting too carried away! Act a little more like a new-"

"C'mon honestly! Another super newcomer's appeared? I won't lose y'know!" Dagger said. I paused and looked at Dagger.

"See, he already has his eye on y...hm? Another?" Ciel looked up and my mouth fell open in shock and I looked up as well. "There's this amazing guy who just joined. Look, over there." Ciel's eyes widen in shock, and Sebastian's eyes narrowed in anger. "He was some sorta government worker and he's totally serious, see." Dagger put his hands around his mouth and he shouted, "Heeey! Come down for a sec! Suit!"

"Th-that's..." Ciel stuttered. He looked down at us and let out a sigh, "I thought I sensed an unpleasant aura. So it was you, was it?"

I huffed at him, "He shouldn't talk, he's bringing death into this place." Sebastian smirked at me. "Honestly." William said, Sebastian pushed me out of the way as William's death scythe/clippers came straight at me. "I did not think we would meet again, but..." Sebastian went between Ciel and the oncoming William who was sliding down his weapon. "Honestly. What did you come to fish around for this time?" He pointed his weapon at Sebastian's neck and he said the cheesiest line ever, "You devilish fiend!"

"De...vil?" Dagger said.

This is bad! Sebastian's true nature has been- Ciel thoughts were interrupted by William, "Even under the best of circumstances, in this time of grim reaper shortages..."

"H-hey, what the hell are you talking abou-" Dagger was stopped as William continued. "With a demon appearing like this, I suppose it will throw off my schedule."

"Grim reaper...you..."

"N-no, this is-" Ciel tried to come up with something and I stepped up to the plate. "Oi Shakespeare!" I shouted, everyone's attention on me, "Would you quit with the lines. God you would think this was 1400 or something. And how the hell can you be taken seriously as a 'grim reaper' with a polka dotted tie." He glared at me and Dagger started laughing, so did everyone else. Dagger smacked William on his forehead, "Give it up, forehead! You said it with such a straight face; I couldn't tell you were joking!" Ciel sighed in relief and Sebastian chuckled softly as he came near me, "Since the first day he came here, this guy's been telling jokes." Dagger pointed at William, who pulled out a comb and fixed his hair, "Stuff like 'how about this soul.' He's a real hardcore occult fan!"

"Though they're not actually jokes." William said as he adjusted his glasses.

"I'll introduce you. These guys just joined today. The small one over here is Smile. The big one is Black. And Blondie over here is Feather." He patted both William's and Sebastian's shoulder and said, "Well, bond over your hopes and get along well!"

They glared at each other, if you look closely, there was sparks of lighting clashing between the two, and William spun around on his heel and said, "Sorry, but there's no way I'll get along with a savage beast."

"The only beast around here is you, flailing that weapon around as if you were Attila the Hun!" I patronized him, probably pissing him off even more, and he paused and glared at me, then walked away. "Ah!" Dagger looked at me and then back at William. "No way? The circus is about teamwork!" Dagger stomped away and I looked back to Ciel and Sebastian. "Why is a grim reaper in a place like this?"

"A grim reaper personally infiltrating a place is rare. Now we know one thing for sure." Sebastian looked to me and I nodded as I said, "There's something in this circus after all!" We stared at William's retreating form and Ciel said quietly, "It seems like there could be some value in sounding him out." I brisked at that and Ciel continued, "Sebastian, Matthew-"

"Heey what're you doing Smile!" Dagger wrapped his arms around Ciel's shoulders, "You gotta practice so you don't lose to Black! Practice!"

"Y-yes..." Ciel stared at us and we nodded, "As you wish." We told him.

We stalked towards William, who was climbing a rope ladder. "Pardon me, but there's something I'd like for you to tell me... Sir." Sebastian said. William paused and he said, "I have nothing to say to you." I looked at Sebastian and nodded. He grabbed William's arm and twisted behind his back, "Don't say that." I said as I looked up at him, "Let's go outside." I waved my book at him, and showed him the page of Uroboros. He glared at me and Sebastian forced him to start walking.

"What's up with them? They're getting along right away." Dagger laughed.

We released William and I glared at him as he started complaining, "Honestly. Even though the London division is understaffed due to the vacancy in the collections division, having to send me from the management division, out is...what a disaster."

"Hey follow the K.I.S.S method, and your life would be easier." They stared at me and I held out four fingers, "Keep it simple stupid." He frowned at me and Sebastian cleared his throat, "Then, why is someone as busy as you in this place?" He asked.

"I'm having to clean up after that trash officer who's still undergoing punishment." I smirked at that, "Hey, do me a favor, when you see him. Tell him I'm waiting to see him again, I want payback for this." I pulled at my collar and he saw my scars. He turned around, looking away from me and he continued, "I didn't expect special treatment, but I didn't think I'd be forced out just because I was in the same class as that."

Sebastian smirked at this and I sat down on a crate, one leg crossed the other as I stared at the two, "For a grim reaper to sneak in on an investigation...is it some sort of special situation?" He brought his weapon up, straight as his back and narrowed his eyes at Sebastian, "There's no way I'd release information related to souls to a demon. It'd be like throwing a rabbit in front of a carnivore."

"It is the circle of life." I said, smirking at his reaction.

Sebastian smiled as well to me, "I have no interest in poor quality souls."

"Well said, for a starving demon." Starving?

Sebastian's eyes shifted and he stared at William, "Despite being so hungry you cannot help yourself." William mocked. A thought came to my head, or was it a memory of Sebastian's, he was in his true form, and he said to no one at all, "I tired of the behavior of messily sampling every dish available a long time ago." Sebastian smiled and placed his hands on his chest, "If you're hungry, the extent of the hunger, determines how delicious the dinner is." I stood up, besides Sebastian and he lightly touched my cheek with the back of his hand, "What poor taste...I lose to that trash officer of yours." He pulled his right glove off and revealed his mark, "Besides that, right now I'm collared, so...please do not worry yourself." William didn't look like he wanted to believe Sebastian. His gaze turned to me and he pointed at me with his weapon, "What about the Deserter."

"Is that what you guys call me?" I smirked at him.

"Yes, anyone who willingly abandons humans for a demon is one."

"You needn't worry about Sebastian...but, I on the other hand, have no qualms with killing someone like you." We had a bit of a stare off and Sebastian grabbed me by the waist and pulled me close to him. He tilted my head up to face him, but my glare never left William, "I do apologize for my mate, but we mean you no harm...for now."

William smacked the butt of his weapon on the ground, and he said, "All right. Since, the worst evil has appeared 'before the job.' I'll get to the point." He adjusted his glasses and started to tell us his reason for being here, "Our job is the investigation of those meant to die according to the soul collection list that's been distributed to us. With the death scythe, one by one...we look over the cinematic records of their memories, and decide whether or not they deserve to die." He glared at Sebastian, "The ones who snack away without realizing our great effort are you demons."

"You said you'll get to the point!" I shouted, seriously I don't want to hear about his daily suffering! He sighed as he looked back at us. "I'll say it clearly. In a few days, there will be an inspection of a large quantity of souls. This is a special case, so please refrain from getting in my way, especially you!" He suddenly points his finger at me and I wondered why. Sebastian's face harden and my eyes widen, a large quantity of souls, and there are missing children...

"My my, how difficult to handle alone. But this large quantity of souls..." Sebastian's eyes shifted again and he taunted William, "Shall a demon like me offer you some assistance with them?" William didn't even give us a warning as he swung his weapon at us. I had barely bended backwards, probably doing Nero proud, and Sebastian had backed away, his hat being caught only.

He swung again and I sliced my palm open and drew the symbol for Basilisk. "I won't forgive any overtime. If you interfere, I'll reap you." He threatened his weapon receding back. Sebastian snatched his hat and said, "It's not as though I want to be associated with a grim reaper by choice. I have no interest in poor quality souls."

Basilisk coiled around William's body. "Hey!" We looked to the side and Ciel was standing there.

"That noisy knife-thrower is calling." I held out my hand and Basilisk wrapped around my body and neck, "I don't see him being that kind of high-class goods, but...honestly demons are so-"

"You." Ciel shouted, "Stop saying that here. If you make us suspicious to the rest of the circus we'll do something about it." I smirked as Basilisk hissed, wanting to bite William, mostly crush him till his bones were like pudding. "It's good they thought you were joking earlier, thanks to Matthew, but...not being able to blend in with humans is worse than even that vulgar grim reaper." William flinched from the insult. "You can say that again, if anything, Grell blended in a lot better than Forehead boy." He looked ready to attack me again, and I waved him over, telling him to bring it. Sebastian smiled at me and he said to William, "Really. We shall not interfere with your job, so will you keep from doing the same to ours?"

"I'm grateful. Since I do not wish for you lot to enter my field of vision."

"As do I."

Ciel smirked, "Perfect. Then tonight it's decided that we will absolutely not interfere with each other." All three of us glared at William, sparks flying and Basilisk hissed a reply to me, "Thissss issss exsssciting." I nodded to him.

"Then, Smile." Ciel frowned at the name, "I'll ask you to keep an iron grip on your pet dog and Deserter." I moved forward to hit William, but Sebastian grabbed me. "I don't want to hear that from some glasses who can't even sneak in properly." William touched his glasses and he said, "It's not glasses. It's Suit." Ciel turned around and stared walking away, "Let's go, Sebastian, Matthew."

"Sir." We said in unison as we followed after.

Ciel was slumped on a crate, obviously tired. And Basilisk was staring at everything around him, has it been that long since I've let them out? "Riiiight! Thanks for waiting. It's time for the new arrivals room assignments." Joker said as he came in.

"Yeah." Ciel tiredly said. Joker stared at Basilisk, obviously he wanted to know where I got him, but he shook his head and looked instead at Ciel, "Huh, Smile's not very cheerful. Smile, Smile!"

"Y-yes..." Ciel sighed; Practice is even more intense than I thought! He thought. Joker took out a piece of paper, "For fairness, these're the results of a lottery. Smile's in Tent 8. Here's your roommate." Some kid came out from behind Joker, hands in pocket, and a lopsided smile on his face.

It'll be...tough to suddenly room with someone else. Ciel grimaced in thought.

"Black's in tent 9."

"Seba- Black and I aren't rooming together!" Ciel shouted.

"Hm? Hahaha Smile really sticks close to Black huh." Joker laughed at him.

"T-that's not it-"

"You'll be independent soon."

This is bad. If you and Ciel are separated here, moving around is going to be-

Ciel stuttered and said, "Black and I should be-"

"Black's roommate is Suit!" I almost fell to the ground, Sebastian and William; both had a face like the world just cracked under their feet. "I oppose!" I shouted. They looked at me in shock. I blushed and cleared my throat, "I don't think Suit and Black should be together, at all. In a room... By themselves." I glared at Sebastian and he gave me a shook look, I'm not going to do anything!

"Whaa!" Ciel shouted.

"Black and Smile already get along well, so this is your chance to make new friends!" Joker said, "Now then, there was a slight problem. We were expecting two recruits, not three. But we think we can make it wor-"

"He can stay with me, says Emily." We turned our heads and Snake was there, one of his snakes looking at me. The silence stretched for a while, till Basilisk moved forward, his long body able to support itself for a long time being stretched out. And the two snakes interacted with each other. "Snake I don't think this is a good idea." Joker said, laughing nervously. "It's alright, I don't need a room...I'm a night person anyways. Besides, even though these two have left the mansion. I still am connected to it, and can only be half of the time here."

"But you need to be here all the time!" Joker shouted.

"He will be," Sebastian said, "No I won't." I glared at him and he did the same. "You shouldn't lie to others on where you're going. You're going to see those kids again, aren't you."

"It. Is. None. Of. Your. Business." I grounded out. Joker and Dagger gulped at the dangerous aura around Sebastian and I. "Let's all split up." Dagger requested, and Joker said, "Hey um- goodnight!" Sebastian turned his glare at William, and I looked at Snake. "Thanks for the offer. But I don't like being close to people. Especially if I don't know them." I walked away, leaving Ciel and Sebastian behind, as I headed out, I heard William say, "This is the worst."

"I'll say the same back to you." Sebastian said.

"It's nice to meet you, Smile!" The freckled boy said.

"Yeah..."

I wandered around the tents, trying to map out the paths and stopped when I heard the freckled boy's voice. "Hey, can I take the top bunk?"

"Go ahead. I think I prefer the bottom anyways." Ciel always disliked climbing.

"S'been on my mind for a while. You speak some pretty fancy upper class English. Don'tcha?"

"Pardon? R...really? It's probably because I'd been working in a house since I was little..." Ciel sounded nervous and Basilisk nudged my head, "Don't make me put you back." He stopped his nudging and relaxed. "Blimey. Anyhow, you just gimme a shout if there's somethin' you ain't ettin'! There's a long life of circus ahead of you!" I smirked at this and started walking away. I felt Sebastian's presence coming from this tent in front of me and I peeked through the slip from the door. "Your bed is the upper bunk." William scratched a line and said, "Behind this line lays my private property now, and as of such, please do not set food in here at any cost."

Sebastian sighed, "Understood."

"Honestly, why must I live together with the likes of a demon...?" He turned to look at Sebastian, "I have previously informed you, but unlike demons, Reapers require sleep. I hope that you will not create any noises late at night to interrupt my sleep."

"But demons do enjoy sleep...as a luxury." I slipped inside, and they turned to look at me. "I came to say goodnight." Sebastian came over and he ran his hand through my hair, "Be careful. I don't trust that Snake." Basilisk hissed at him, "Not you. I expect you to protect him while you're out."

"Okay, anything for massster." It hissed rubbing his nose against my neck.

Sebastian gave me a peck on the lips and I stepped out of the tent.

~ASC~

The clocked ticked silently in the tent, and Sebastian waited till William was deeply asleep. He quietly sat up and moved to get off the bed. William's weapon shot up and clipped the tips of his fringes. William snatched his glasses and slipped them on, his hair was a mess, and the sheets slipped off his bare shoulder as he looked up and glared at Sebastian, "Where are you going?" He asked, "It's long past lights-out time. Honestly...I cannot tolerate your soul-stealing, so please limit your wandering without a master, whilst I sleep." He retracted his weapon and Sebastian sighed as he lay back down, "...It's going to be a long night."

~ASC~

My whistles echoed through the night as I walked around the circus. I wasn't doing anything, I was mostly killing time. Basilisk hissed and I stopped when I felt a presence behind me. I turned my head and saw Snake behind me, holding some of his friends in his hands. The small reptiles started twisting around, trying to come towards me and I stepped back, remember they are poisonous. "Prince, you honor us with your presence. Says Woodsworth." I raised an eyebrow and oh'ed when I finally realized what it meant. "How do they know you, Basilisk?" He looked at me and said, "I am the princesss of sssnakesss. Remember?"

"Oh, yeah." I chuckled and looked at Snake, "So what are you guys doing out tonight?"

"Hunting. Says Goethe." Snake walked over to me and I gulped as the snakes on his body started wrapping around me. "Please don't bite me." I asked, slightly nervous at them all. "Why are you with a human, Prince? Says Keith." Basilisk tightened around my body and rubbed his snout against my neck, "He'sss my dear friend. Treat him with ressspect." He told them. They nodded and I blushed and laugh, "Ah, it's alright they don't have to do that. Well if you guys are hunting, please don't mind us."

"Would you like to join us?" Snake asked, for once not using his snakes to speak for. He seemed shy, and unused to asking anyone to join them. I smiled at him and nodded, "Alright, sure."

Matthew. Sebastian started.

Don't worry, besides its good to get a guard on our side, right?

Very well, but don't be out all night.

Ok.

"So shall we?" He gave me a hesitant smile and we went out to look for mice for the snakes.

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