Oh I received an interesting question. Will Sebastian figure out Matthew's real name? Well, he is going to become aware of it very soon in this chapter. But it's not his real name people should be asking, it's the reason why Matthew wishes to be called Matthew. Well just a cookie for your thoughts. Any more questions, please feel free to ask. Thanks to everyone for reviewing, and I hope to see more of it. Anyways on with the story.
Chapter 13
~ASC~
The sun was rising as my eyes opened. Andrew and Kyle snored softly, but I woke them up to fed them and I brushed their coats cleaned. I stretched and started walking down the street; people were barely waking up to their daily schedule. I knocked on the door to the orphanage and the women opened the door, glaring at me. "You, either adopt the brats or get lost-"
"Ma'am, you look quite lovely today." She stopped and I bowed to her, "Your hair is beautiful as well, it is as if the angels came down and laid a kiss on it." She blushed and waved her hand at me, "Oh you...EDWARD, TABITHA, DAMIEN, GET YOUR BUMS DOWN HERE!" She shouted.
The kids rushed down, still half-asleep and they jumped me. "Whoa easy guys! I can break you know."
"Matthew your hurt!" Damien shouted as he looked at my palm. "Oh this? It was just something I got when I was practicing at the circus." I slapped my mouth shut when I realized what my lie was connected to. "You work at the circus? You said you worked at a mansion." Edward said, his arms crossed his chest. "Well...change of occupation." I laughed nervously and they started begging me to take them to see it. "whoa guys, I can't do that. I just started working here today; besides, I don't think it's safe for you three to-"
"Please!" They pleaded.
...This was insane; this is stupid this is-
The circus was in front of us right now. I don't remember how I arrived here, but it was too late to do anything about it. I walked up to the booth and one of the workers looked at me, "Oh hey...your uhm Feather! What can I do for you buddy?" The three pre-teens jumped up and down and he looked down at them, "How much are the tickets?" I sighed in defeat and he just smiled as he handed three to me.
I looked at them and said in a serious tone, "Don't talk to strangers, don't separate, and stick close to each other ok." They nodded and hugged my waist, "Thank you Matthew!"
"Yo Feather! You're supposed to be cooking right now at the mess hall!" One of the workers shouted, "Coming! Ok, so I have to go now. Be careful." They nodded and rushed off to play. I went towards the mess hall and fell to my knees, my chest started to hurt again, and I tried to breathe. I took a few deep breathes and waited for this strange attack to subside, when it finally stopped I struggled to my feet, and I spat out some of my blood. I don't know what all that was about, but I knew Sebastian was aware of it now or...so I hope. I went around the tent and the scent of food being cooked drifted in the wind. I saw Sebastian smiling at Ciel who was struggling to pick up a small crate of potatoes. "It seems that you remain unaccustomed to changing clothes on your own." Sebastian smirked.
"I was hurrying." Ciel said. I came over and took the potatoes from his arms. Sebastian also came forward and went behind Ciel. We stared at the knot he made and we laughed, "Oh dear. You are going to have a difficult time untying a dead knot on your own." Sebastian untied it and fixed it. I felt eyes on us, and looked up to see everyone staring at the two.
"Hahahahaha Smile, Black ain't your mum!" Ciel blushed in embarrassment and shouted, "No...! It's- a habit...well no, just sometimes..." Ciel looked back at Sebastian and whisper, "Sebastian! Don't treat me as your master while we're here! Leave me be!"
"Ciel I don't think that is smar-"
"Understood. I shall at once." What is with people interrupting me! Sorry, but it is his orders. I sighed and went to work, skinning the fish since it was all we technically had was fish and potatoes, bread, and some meat pie from the day before it seems.
"Smile, what're ya plannin' on makin' from them potatoes with peels thicker than the meat?" Ciel looked up at his roommate, not use to doing work, "Uh..."
"Smile! Whaddya think you're doin!" Freckles shouted.
"I-I'm sorry!"
I sighed and thought, You know what I would love to eat Sebastian.
What?
Fish and chips, all of these potatoes and fishes remind me of it.
Freckles picked up a wedge of potato and said, "Cor blimey, what part of this can we eat...?" Sebastian smirked and took the crate, "It cannot be helped. I shall deep fry them as they are, into crisps and make them into fish and chips."
Good, I love your cooking Sebastian. I can't wait!
"Cor! I love those!" The boy said.
"That is good to hear." Sebastian said to me, as he smiled back at Ciel who was pouting. As Sebastian cooked, I noticed the people were loitering around, slowly coming near Sebastian. Something snapped within me and I stuck close by his side, helping him make the food.
"Look, we're going Smile!" The freckled boy shouted.
"Going where!" They rushed over to us, "If we don't hurry we'll miss the meat!" As soon as he said that, Sebastian held out some food, I snatched a plate for myself and jumped up some stacked crates and was standing on one of the clothesline pole. People shoved and smacked their way through, trying to get the food, and poor Ciel was pushed, beaten, and when the crowd disappeared, all he had on his plate was some bread.
"What? Looks like you only got bread in the end." Freckles said.
"Yea..." Ciel was in shambles, one part of his jacket slipping off, and his scarf slightly dirty, and some of his hair was standing up. "Well, that's that. I'll share some of my grub with you! You're skin 'n bones and so tiny, so eat up and grow some!" The boy started placing some food on Ciel's plate, mostly potatoes, and Ciel's eyebrow twitched, "Thank you very much..." Ciel took small bites of his food, as the boy chattered his ear off.
"Matthew!" I looked down and the three were down beneath me. I hoped down and landed gently, next to them, "What's up?"
"We're getting hungry, is there any food for us?" I blinked and looked around, "Uhm...let me see." I went towards Sebastian, not realizing that they were following me. "Sebastian, do we have any leftovers?"
"Just the potatoes and bread." Sebastian paused and looked behind me. "Hello! Are you a friend of Matthew?" Toby asked. I chuckled nervously at that, Sebastian smirked and said, "You can say something like that. But we are much closer than friends." I smacked him and he chuckled as he took three plates and filled it with food. One by one they grabbed the plate, first Edward, then Toby, and finally Damien. Edward whispered something to Damien, and Damien had stared at Sebastian in awe. His eyes were wide, and his mouth was opened slightly as he gasped, as if he was barely taking in Sebastian completely, "Wow, it must be cool being in the circus." He said as he stared up at Sebastian. He blushed and shook his head as he rushed back to his other two friends to eat.
"Is that what you looked like as a child?" Sebastian asked a small smile on his face. "They are not children, they are pre-teens. Also, more or less, that's how I looked as a 12 year old. My hair grew a little longer when I got older, and my eyes were originally brown like his." I looked at Sebastian and saw that he now had a frown on his face as he stared at them.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
He paused, and turned his back. "Nothing." I tried to ask again, but it was like he cleared his mind somehow. "Black! Feather! Time for practice!" Joker shouted. We fixed ourselves and we walked over to the tent. As soon as I entered, two girls grabbed me and dragged me away. "Wait what are you doing!" I shouted. "New wardrobe!" They said in unison. They shoved some clothes in my hand and threw me into some make-shift curtains. I sighed and I started switching the clothing. I blushed and peeked out the curtains, "Do I have to?"
"Yes! Everyone gets a costume!" They said in unison again. I cleared my throat and walked out. They clapped in delight and I scratched the back of my neck in embarrassment. They had dressed me up, similar to Sebastian's clothing, except a red cape was on me, a feathered triangle shaped hat, kind of like Pirates of the Caribbean hats, and I wasn't wearing a coat like Sebastian, all I had was the black vest and a white sleeve shirt with a red sash around my waist. "Why do I look like a...I want to say Matador, but at the same time I want to say pirate."
"We couldn't decide what to give you, so we thought of this." I looked so weird. I sighed and walked back to the training, and I saw Ciel falling on his head.
"Ow." He sat up and rubbed his head.
"Oy, where's your sense of balance from when you took the entrance test? This is the basics! The basics!" He helped Ciel up and we all turned our heads when we heard a crowd going 'Whoa!' I slapped my forehead when I saw Sebastian on top of several large circus balls stacked up one upon the other. "Black is amazin!" Someone shouted.
"No, Suits ain't bad, either!"
I looked to Sebastian's right and saw William balancing on a board with several cylinders stacked up to similar height to Sebastian's. Come on; let's be stars of this show. Sebastian said, I can feel him smirking and I shook my head. "Wowww!" I froze and immediately spun around, Dagger had ushered in the kids and they were staring at the two with big eyes, "That is so cool! What can you do Matthew?" Dagger grinned at me, gave me a thumb's up, and left. What the hell was he thinking!
"I'm...a magician."
"Really!" They shouted, "Show us a trick, show us a trick!"
I sighed and took out my book; I flipped some pages of my book and stopped at one. Oh...this one is good. I took out my knife and cut my fingers. I cleared my throat and held my hand out, fingers pointing up, and I traced a symbol of three circles as I continued to speak in Latin. Everyone stared at me in amazement and when I finished the symbol it flashed red and dancing fairies came out, they were bathed in beautiful glowing colors and to the human eye, they looked like glowing stars. They danced around, loving the attention they were getting and the three screamed in happiness. "Wow!" Damien shouted, eyes wide, and a smile on his face.
"They're amazin!" I heard Freckles say. "You need to hurry up and get your act together again! Don't lose to them!"
Ciel looked ready to scream at us, "...right."
We practiced, I tried the tight rope, getting encouraging shouts from the three, though I almost fell down, and then I tried the trapeze. It was hard to do; several times I had fallen and landed on the safety net. Doing all this practice made me feel tired, and grimy. I changed my clothes, not wanting them to go to waste and I saw Ciel panting and sweating as well. I walked over to him and checked his pulse, "Don't push yourself so hard, you might faint." I whispered.
"Hoo!" Freckles shouted, "I'm all sweaty! Why don't we go take a shower Smile, Feather?"
We both "Huh?" and Ciel looked up, the words sinking in. "There are showers?"
"Yeah, there are!"
We looked at each other, and the thought of warm water made us rush after the boy.
"'Cuz its cold at night, it's better to get in during daytime!"
I nodded, "You won't get sick so easily." We arrived at the 'showers' and Ciel and I gaped in horror. "See? Here" He pointed at it like it was normal. There were a bunch of the circus troupes bathing out in the open, and there was obviously no privacy at all.
"Shower...is this!" Ciel shouted.
"Hey, strip down! I'll wash your back." Freckles smiled at Ciel and I suddenly felt really exposed, even though I had clothes on, "Out...outdoors! In the dead of winter! And with that water!" Ciel shouted.
"Its water, and?" He suddenly rushed forward to Ciel and started pulling on his scarf, "If you just splash down and wipe yourself off immediately, you'll be fine!"
"Hey, stop that." I rushed forward and tried to help Ciel out.
"Them aristocrats say that ice swimming is good fer you and it's all the rage now!" Freckles argued.
"He doesn't want to bathe!" I pulled Ciel back, that Freckles is surprisingly strong. "I...I'll pass after all!" Ciel stuttered, Dagger chuckled at us, and the fire-eater stared at us.
"What? I said I don't mind it."
"It's not that I mi-" Ciel stepped backwards as Freckles ripped his jacket off, and I tried to grab him. Instead Ciel grabbed the front of my shirt and with the combined weight of him and Freckles falling down, ripped it opened.
Water splashed onto us, and I looked down at the two. "Ugh." They both said.
"Blimey! You even got me soaked, fighting back like that!" Freckles shouted.
"You ok Smile?" I asked, Ciel stared slightly surprised at the scars littering my chest, he never really did see the scars on my chest, at least not this many, but he shook his head and looked back at Freckles, "Won't you please move?" Freckles didn't do as Ciel asked, and he started grabbing Ciel's clothes, "Geez, we're soaked, so just give it up already and strip."
"Wai-please stop that!"
"But you're gonna catcha cold like that!"
"Stop th-" I went to them, my hand reaching forward to stop Freckles. But it was too late; everyone saw the burn mark on Ciel's back. "Let go of me!" Ciel shouted. I grabbed him and covered him with my shirt. They stared at the scars on my torso even more now, even the large faded bruise on my back, but I ignored their stares and I grabbed Ciel and he told me to get him out of there. "Feather! Smile!" Freckles shouted, we ignored him and I took him behind some of the wagons.
We shivered, and I looked at the boy who was curled up, shaking, and cold. A towel fell over him as Sebastian was now in front of us, "You'll contract a cold." He stood back up and stared at Ciel, "Let me give you a change of clothes.
"...ough." We heard Ciel said.
"Yes?"
"Enough already! I'm going to feel queer if I continue to live like this!" Sebastian sighed at Ciel, "Oh dear...are you surrendering already? You are quite lacking in endurance." He then smirked at Ciel, "To feel queer at this extent...isn't like you, Young master." Ciel's face darkened as he remembered the horrid memories. He let out a breath and said, "Not like me...huh...?" He squeezed his shoulders and removed the towel from his head, "That's certainly so. It shouldn't be like me, the head of the Phantomhive family, to live like this." He stood up and removed the towel completely, "Let's bring this to an end quickly."
We bowed to him, "Yes sir."
Sebastian removed Ciel's went shirt and I handed him the dry one. "Anyways, we just need to investigate the troupe's tents and we can go home." I said.
"I thought that you were patiently aiming to be promoted through the troupe?" Ciel said.
"No, only you want to do that." Sebastian smirked and I stood by the side. "I can't mention something that takes so long in this environment. My patience is at its limit." Ciel sighed at this and I looked to Sebastian. Sebastian sighed as well, "As for me, I cannot go out at night since a Reaper obstructs me." My eyes narrowed at his words, "It's not what you think." He said quickly. Sebastian wrapped the towel around Ciel's shoulder as he continued, "Forcing our way through will be the easiest. Even if there's a reaper here, we still haven't determined if they're the perpetrators. So be patient."
"Yes."
Ciel shook his head, the water dropping off his hair. "If that's what we're aiming for, we'll do it during the show, when all troupe members are out of their rooms." I went down and started drying Ciel's legs of the water, "First of all, we need to think of a way to shake off that Freckles who's stuck to us. I must move or else it'll be pointless." Ciel shivered and he said, "Let's get back soon. I want to eat sweets while drinking warm tea."
"I shall prepare them for you when we return to the estate." He nodded and I stood up and scratched the back of my head, a lopsided frown on my face. "What is it?" Ciel asked.
"He wants to ask you if he can have some children in the mansion." I spun around and glared at Sebastian. "No. My home is not an orphanage." Ciel said. I frowned and nodded. "I understand." Ciel looked at me and sighed, "If...everything goes well... I'll see what I can do." I smiled and hugged Ciel, "Thank you." He pushed me away, blushing from the sudden hug that I had given. "I said 'if' ok!" I nodded and Sebastian slapped me on my back.
"Ow! What the hell was that for?"
"You let other men see you half naked." He glared at me and I gulped, "It wasn't like I-..." I shut up and just pouted, "Sebastian...can you get me a new shirt." He nodded and did so for me. We have a lot to prepare for, and last thing I wanted was for Sebastian to be mad at me.
~ASC~
It was already night time and I peeked through the curtains to see the audience, and saw the three in the middle, having hold on to their tickets to see the show. Bags of peanuts were in their hands, and they were bouncing on their seats. I looked back and everyone was running around try to get ready for the show, "D'ya know where my headdress is?" One person asked.
"Here it is."
"Everyone! The performance is about to begin, so hurry up!" Joker shouted. I took in a deep breath as I fixed my costume and looked back at Sebastian and Ciel.
"We dun't 've enough knives! Are there spares!" Dagger shouted.
"Yes guv'!"
Ciel sighed as he sat down on a stool. "Ah...will I get around to investigating that tent first or will I keel over from overwork first?" He looked up and said "Excuse me...what should I do while the show is going on-" He looked around and realized only a few people were left. I walked over to him, and he called Sebastian over. "His mark missed!" Ciel shouted as he ran to him. "We don't know when the next chance will come. Let's get through investigating that tent now!" He shouted to us. We started running and he told us, "Have it be over within 10 minutes!"
"Yes, my lord." We said.
"Black!" We all froze and looked behind us.
Joker was there, holding Missy Wendy on his back. "Missy Wendy twist'd 'er ankle, so she can't appear in performance 'nymoor. So Black," He looked at him with pleading eyes, "Please go out in 'er place. The show'll be fine if ye do it, Black, so I beg of yer."
Ciel tsked in anger at this.
Joker turned around and shouted, "It'll be yer turn shortly, so please git ready soon!" He took the girl to the medical tent and we looked at Ciel. "'Tis a pity, Young master. We'll have to wait for another chance...Young master?" Ciel stood still in thought and he looked into the tent. "We don't need to sneak into that place for long. On top of that, now might be the only time when that person is not in there. I have time. The tough part is just the venomous snakes."
"I can help with that." He nodded to me and looked at the timetable.
"According to the program, your debut will end at 19:50 and the encore is at 20:30. Matthew, yours begins before the encore. You will catch all of the snakes in 5 minutes from now, and then appear in the show. Finish your debut at 19:50, and once you've gone into the back, give Matthew the signal and he'll release all of the snakes, and you'll return for the encore." He took out his pocket watch, checking the time and we started moving. "We'll investigate the rest. Let's go!"
"Yes sir."
~ASC~
I frowned as I placed the snakes into the cage, they were tied in knots by Sebastian, and I hoped they weren't dead. "This is the last of them, isn't it?" Ciel asked, creeped out by the reptiles. We tossed the last of them into the cage and Sebastian looked to Ciel, and the Earl said, "All right. You go straight to the show tent. You'll be suspected if you're tardy."
"Certainly, sir. I will be back at once." Sebastian bowed to Ciel.
Hey, good luck Sebastian. I could feel him smirk in my mind as he left.
~ASC~
Sebastian's eyes widen as he stared at William. "Why must I be grouped with you?" Sebastian looked at Dagger, "Wasn't it only Miss Wendy who was injured?"
"Aye, it'was, but ol' Peter wun't give ya a 'and."
"I will not consent." William said.
"I don't fancy it, either, but we cannot help it, can we?" He sighed.
"For me to cooperate with such a vermin...Honestly."
Sebastian took out his watch and stared at the time. "19:30."
~ASC~
We snuck into the tent and I kept a look out for anyone.
"This tent looks quite austere." He looked around the room and saw a picture, "Hm? A photo of children? Are they from the troupe?" He mused out loud. "Hm? Who's this...?" He stared at an old man in the picture.
~ASC~
Sebastian glared at the upside down William, he too was the same way as they swung back and forth, "What are you doing?" Sebastian said. "Please excuse me from touching hands and such with a vermin in the likes of you at any cost." How he was able to adjust his glasses like that was a miracle. But Sebastian was too pissed to care to find out, "That won't make the show now, will it!" He reached forward, but William just somehow backtracked on the trapeze.
Beast looked up at them, "What are they up to?" She moves away from the pole and a piece of her back string ripped. "Ack, my string tie." She said in annoyance. "Woah! Y'all ain't no lookin!" Dagger shouted, in his mind, Beast was covering her breast and shrieking like a girl.
"Miss, there's still time 'til the encore, so please go change!" Dagger said.
"Don't make a big deal out of-"
Sebastian sweat dropped as he heard them. He turned his head and saw them retreating, "I guess I've gotta." Beast said.
"Oh no." He muttered.
~ASC~
Ciel stared at another picture, we were now in Beast room, and I can't believe how much leather one woman can have! "And here, too. Just as I thought, this man would be photographed together with them."
Matthew! Sebastian screamed in my mind. What?
Beast is heading over to her tent!
My eyes widen and I rushed over to the opening of the tent, carefully peeking out. And sure enough I could see her walking over.
~ASC~
"It'll be fine, so please hurry and hold out your hands!" Sebastian said as he stretched out his arms to William. "Didn't I say," William stretched his weapon out, straight at Sebastian's head. "Never, at any cost?" Sebastian barely dodged the weapon, "Your hands will debauch me." Angry at this, Sebastian said, "I see. If you are so against touching me," He grabbed William's weapon, "Then if I do this," He forced William off the swing, "It's fine, isn't it?" The crowd screamed, perhaps witnessing a murder with their own eyes.
~ASC~
Beast turned her head and said, "They're gettin' excited." I heard the Whoa's and Ahh's and I went to Ciel.
"Hm? The signboard behind them...workhouse?"
~ASC~
"Look out!" Dagger shouted.
"Please release the death scythe!" William said as he was being swung by Sebastian. "I cannot do that." Sebastian flung William upwards, releasing himself form the swing as well, and they both were now free in the air and they did flips until they landed safely on their own platforms. The crowd went wild and Sebastian waved to them, while William just fixed his glasses.
~ASC~
Beast approached closer to the tent and I waved my arms, wanting him to hurry.
All o' us are from d'same place. Ciel remembered what he was told by Dagger, Does that mean everyone in the troupe came from the same workhouse? But where in the world is that workhouse? Those people are blocking it, so I can't tell. He rummaged through the chest and I wanted to smack him. Is there something else that has it photographed better...? I saw her shadow coming closer and I shoved Ciel into Beast's chest drawer, shutting it and I used the travel portal and dove in just in time as Beast went inside. I covered my mouth, my heart was beating loudly, and my breath wanted to escape my lips. God I hope Ciel will be ok. I did another symbol and now I was able to see Beast through the one way mirror. I blushed as she removed her clothes and I shut my eyes.
Something black rushed passed Beast, she not realizing it, and she saw a black leather outfit sticking out of her chest drawer. She took it and started placing it on. She then left and Sebastian opened the chest, a squished Ciel under him. "Fweh we made it in the nick of time."
I sighed in relief and entered the tent. "Let's not do that again." I said.
Ciel went back to the drawer and took out the photograph and explained to Sebastian. "I see. So you found something in that photograph, Young master."
"Yeah. Sebastian, do you notice anything?" I looked to the two and just did my one way mirror symbol again, so I can keep watch. "You are right. I have seen the same hallmark as the one on this signet ring recently."
"Signet ring? Hallmark?" Ciel repeated. Sebastian pointed at the man's hand on Beast shoulder, upon closer inspection, you can see a ring on his pinkie, "You can even see small things like that?"
"Yes, I am certain that this hallmark is...the same as the one at the base of Ms. Beast's prosthetic leg." That still made me mad, god I can't wait for Sebastian to get out of his heat, though I think it's truly him being an idiot and making me flustered, I hate feeling like this. "The hallmark on the prosthetic leg, the workhouse- this man has my attention." Sebastian took out his watch and said, "Young master, it's almost time. This will be all for today."
Ciel stood quiet and Sebastian looked towards him, "Young master?"
"There's still Joker's tent left. We're short on time, but we do have it." Ciel started to run, "You head back, so that you don't draw suspicion. I'll finish up everything today. When the encore is over, return here ahead of the troupe members and help Matthew release the snakes. Don't forget Matthew, you also have to perform before the encore. All right?"
"Yes." We said. I kissed Sebastian quickly on the lips and followed after Ciel.
We went through Joker's stuff, he literally had skeletons in his chest, and Ciel picked up some random objects. "From how he's dressed, he's either from the affluent class or aristocracy. Looking for his being photographed with workhouse children, is he a philanthropist?" Ciel said.
I looked around and saw some papers sticking out of a pillow. I grabbed it and Ciel saw the paper, "A letter?" I flipped it over and saw something scribbled on the back, "From Tom, the Piper's Son." Ciel snatched the paper from my hand and he read it, "The Piper's son? Like Mother Goose?" His eyes widen and I looked at it, "Why...? This is..."
I released a small gasp as I looked what the paper said,
Ciel Phantomhive
Get over here! It's your turn! Sebastian said.
"It's time. Be careful." I rushed out of the tent and helped Sebastian with the snakes. They hissed angrily at him and ignored me. "You're the last act before the encore, go now." I nodded and opened the portal once more. "Wish me luck." I stepped through and the whole crowd gasped. The lights turned off, and a searchlight trailed the ground, trying to find me.
"My name is Feather. I am a...true magician." The light landed on me and I removed my hat, I bowed to them, the cape falling over my own shoulder, and I said, "What I will show you are not illusions. Tricks. Or smoke and mirrors. They are as real as you and me." I smirked and placed a finger to my lips.
"Let us begin."
The light went off again and I cut my finger again. I did the symbol for the fairies and they ooh'ed and ahh'ed as the fairies lit up the whole circus tent with their colors. I grabbed my cape and called forth Tigre. He looked around, shocked at the people, "Tigre! Tigre!" I joked. He looked at me in confusion and I mouthed 'Play along.' He tipped his head to me, and rushed forward. Everyone shrieked and I opened up the rift, the symbol was already placed on to the cape, all I needed to do was complete it by a bit. He disappeared and I spun around and snapped the cape, Tigre coming out again. The small faeries flutter around us, adding to the fun and exciting mood. The crowd clapped and I could hear the kids cheering me on.
"Now for my last trick. Say hello to a good friend of mine!" I drew the symbol for Alcippe. The horse brayed and the crowd gasped in awe at seeing him, his flames glowing brighter. I hoped on to his back and he ran around the ring. I nudged his side, and he jumped up and started running in the air. Everyone gasped and started clapping. We ran over people's heads and I even had him balanced on a ball, finally I had him stop and I bowed. "Thank you everyone. Thank you!" My summons came to me and in a bright red light, they disappeared. I left the tent and everyone patted my back, "Good job! Even though the encore is going in a few minutes, we decided to squeeze in your magic trick, just to see the crowds reactions." Joker said. "Well, a wonderful job we all did." Joker shouted, "G'job everyone!" He looked around and spotted someone missing.
"Huh? Where's Black?"
Dagger passed me by, "He ran away in a flash when d' his act ended. Ya think he was holdin' in his wee?" I chuckled at that and snuck off. I needed to find Ciel; he might still be in Joker's tent for all I know.
~ASC~
Why? Why is my name in this place? Don't tell me my cover has been blown! Ciel stared at the papers a little longer, then heard noises coming from outside. Drat! Ciel shoved the papers under pillow, The troupe members are back! Ciel snuck out of the tent and peeked over a corner, he spotted Joker coming by and he hid behind two crates.
"Aren'tcha starvin?" Joker asked Dagger.
'To d' mess hall we go, ey?"
Ciel slowly let out a breath as he stayed crouched, not daring to move an inch. This is bad. I went too far. I have to get back quickly to avoid discovery. Light erupted from behind Ciel and he froze.
"Hey. What're you doin' there?" Ciel turned around and saw Doll in front of him. He couldn't believe he got caught. He opened his mouth to say a lie and Doll's hand cover his mouth, the grip surprisingly strong for a woman. "Don't move." She whispered harshly.
"Hey Doll~" Dagger shouted as he came closer to the two.
Ciel paled at the thought of being caught, Joker already knew his real name by the reports. "Doll, what are ya doing?" She stared at Ciel then her hand struck out and grabbed something that was twisting and trashing, "Snake!" She said to the reptilian man, "A venomous snake was slither about." She pointed the snake at them and Dagger screamed. "Didn't I tell you not to let them loose outside? You better put em away in your room properly now." She scolded. Snake took his reptile friend and he bowed his head, "I'm sorry for my carelessness that could have sent you to the next world." He murmured and then walked away. Dagger going the opposite of him. Doll turned around and grabbed Ciel's hand, "This way. Hurry." She pulled his hand and they started crawling around, under the entrance of the main tent, "Don't touch that rope." Doll warned as Ciel and her, crawled under the security line.
She stood up and looked around the corner of another tent, "It should be fine now since we came so far." Ciel panted, and looked at Doll, "Why did you help me..." He coughed a bit, and Doll turned to look at him and sighed. "You still don't get it. It's me. Me!" Doll removed the bow on her neck and wiped some of the makeup off her face, and Ciel gasped as he pointed at Doll. "Ah! Freckles!" Ciel shouted as he stared at the possible girl. "You're a guy...yet you wear that costume!"
"How rude!" Freckles shouted, "It's obvious that I'm a girl. Here" She grabbed Ciel's hand and placed it on her slightly flat chest. Ciel backed away, a blush on his face. Freckles smiled mischievously at that, "You can take a peek downstairs next if you want?"
"No thank you!" Ciel shouted, the blush growing deeper.
"So..." Freckles said, "Why were you in there anyways?" She crossed his arms and scolded Ciel, "Din't Joker tell you about those venomous snakes?"
"About that..." Ciel tried to think of something to say to Freckles. For now, I have no way out other than to pretend I am a thief. Ciel suddenly grabbed at his head and shouted, "I'm sorry! I didn't actually steal anything today though. Please don't boot me out of here!"
"Today? You..." Freckles stared at him in shock.
Then Ciel got into full B.S mode, "Before I became a page boy I was actually in East End having to do all I could just to survive. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't help myself. The mansion I worked for previously found out about it..." Ciel started to shake, looking ready to cry any minute, "I-if I was driven out of here, I'd have to live on East End again." When Freckles remained silent, Ciel started wonder if he overdid it with the acting.
"...So you really didn't steal anything eh?"
Ciel lifted his head up and clasped his hands together, "No, I didn't. I swear to god."
Freckles sighed and said, "Oh well, I have no choice then...it's okay. Anyhow I owe you."
"Thank you so much!" Ciel said.
"I think everyone has something about them that they don't want anyone to know...besides...I did something bad to you today." Ciel froze when he remembered what had happened at the baths. Freckles gave Ciel a soft smile as she said, "So, I won't tell anyone about this. But now we are even." She then raised her finger at him, "However, don't steal again no matter what!"
"Yes." Ciel nodded to Freckles.
Ciel coughed again and he looked up at Freckles, "Um...can I ask you something? Why does a First Tier member like you share a tent with me?" Freckles paused at that and turned around, "Ah...I'm just not a fan of private rooms. Staying with someone else seems to make me sleep better sometimes." She turned her head and said, "I hope that you don't mind sharing a tent with me now that you know I'm a First Tier member."
"Of course not." Ciel said, giving Freckles a smile.
She giggled and held out her hand, "Hehe. Neat. So we will keep what happened today our secret."
Ciel grabbed her hand as well, "Okay." They shook on it, and Ciel watched her walk away as he waved goodbye.
Matthew had often told me that humans were disgusting creatures; we are liars, deceivers, and even executioners. I've always known that, but I couldn't believe someone else viewed the same thing as me. Even though she says it, there is no proof that she won't tell anyone. Humans have no scruples about lying, right Matthew? Ciel thought as his hand started to go down to his side.
We're included as well...
~ASC~
Ciel entered Sebastian's tent, and he panted and coughed, "Young master." Sebastian said.
"You...cough cough, you released the venomous snakes even though you knew I was still over there?" Sebastian stared for a few seconds, then smirked and said, "Yes." Ciel glared at Sebastian as the demon stood up. "It's because earlier you gave an order to release the snakes as the first tier members returned. What's the matter?" Ciel glared at him harder, his coughing persisting.
"What's so wrong that you must make that face?" Sebastian mocked.
Ciel's fist shook in anger as Sebastian continued to mock him, "Please don't worry so much. As long as there is the contract I will protect your life...however..." His smile grew and two fangs peaked from his mouth, "If you make a mistake of your own accord, you will possible suffer a painful experience while alive. You already know that, don't you? Any game becomes boring when it lacks thrills. I thought Young master who is greedy for games would think the same."
Ciel smirked, "It's in bad taste to play games that make me feel like throwing up...demon!"
Sebastian smiled at that, his form going back to normal, "It's an honor."
Ciel brushed pasted him as he received another coughing fit, "Well enough of that. I also found a piece of paper that has my name on it in Joker's tent. From what I saw they have my rank, my mansion's address and a simple personal history." Ciel walked over to the other side of the tent, "The sender is-"
"You," William called out as his weapon came at Ciel, snapping at his foot. "Are intruding on my private property by three centimeters."
"Huh!" Ciel dodged it and glared at William, "Incapable of staying apart as you both decided, exactly like a dog and its owner." Ciel tsked in anger and left the tent, "Cough, Sebastian. Let's go outside."
"Yes." Sebastian followed him and Ciel shivered in the cold. "So, the sender's name is Tom the Piper's son."
"Tom the Piper's son?"
Ciel coughed and said, "It's a character from Mother Goose. I have no idea what it means. Also there is a hallmark of a horse in the sealing wax along with the initial K." Sebastian thought over what Ciel had said, "Then, it's the same as what I saw. Normally the sealing is engraved with a symbol of motivation and the initial of the person plus the family crest. Ah." Sebastian said as he realized something.
"In other words, Tom the Piper's son is someone who holds a family crest with the prefix of a horse. People who have their family crest displaying a horse are usually knights or other soldiers." Ciel coughed in his hand and pointed out, "It's not a rule, though it's basically impossible to get one without a rank of some level." He paused to cough some more, "All of these crest are recorded by a Heraldry. Cough, no matter how many records they have, I know that you are capable of finding it with this information alone."
Sebastian gave a puzzling look at Ciel as he murmured to himself. "Disappearing children, a circus, Tom the Piper's son...and me. I wonder how all of these pieces are connected." Ciel coughed a bit more and turned around. "Young master." Sebastian looked at the young boy, noticing that he hasn't stopped coughing for a while now.
"Firstly, I'll return to the town house. Don't forget to get Mat-" He started to cough harshly and he fell to his knees as he started to throw up.
"Young master? What's wrong? Young master!" Ciel fell on all fours as he couldn't stop himself.
"Yo-"
"Smile! What's wrong?" Freckles shouted as she rushed over to him. The world went black for Ciel and all he could here was Sebastian telling him to hold on.
~ASC~
My forehead stung from my constant slapping, I couldn't believe how stupid I had been. I had left the children all alone, and forgot how dangerous it would be for them to be wandering around. They immediately found me, thank god, and they demanded for me to walk them back.
As we walked to the orphanage, the three started playing around, Toby shouting that she was the amazing Ms. Doll, and Edward stated that he was Daggers and was throwing imaginary knives.
"What about you, Damien." I asked me.
He looked down and rubbed the back of his head, "I'm...Black!" He shouted, a blushing painting his cheeks, and he tried to do a back flip. I chuckled, even at this age Sebastian can have a hold on me. I waited for Sebastian to say something smart, but I couldn't hear anything, nor could I feel his presence. I suddenly grew worried and someone tugged on my arm.
"Are you alright?" Damian asked.
"Ah." I nodded to him, "I'm just worried for my dear friend Black. I didn't tell him where I was going." Edward frowned and started walking forward. "You should stay away from that man." Edward warned me. I stared at him in confusion and Toby moved by Edward's side, looking as if she wanted to hold his hand. We arrived at the orphanage and the other two went ahead, "I'll be right there guys!" Damian said.
The nodded and went inside, the owner shouted at them, saying how late it was. "Please don't be mad at Edward for what he said." I shook my head and went down on one knee to face him at eyelevel, I never knew I so short at this age, in fact Damian was just a few inches taller than Ciel. "I'm not mad. But I am confused at what he said."
"It's-" He stopped, and looked to the ground. "Can you keep a secret?" He asked me. "Yes." I said. He turned his back to me and ran a hand through his hair, something I often did when stressed or worried. "Edward...he can see demons." He whispered. I froze and turned him around so he can face me, "What do you mean?" I asked, my hands gripping his shoulders. He suddenly looked a little scared and I backed off. "Sorry."
He shook his head and came closer, "I'm not lying! He can see them. He says they are scary, and horrible...he said that your friend is a demon as well." I was shocked at this; shouldn't it be Damian who would be able to see demons? Why would Edward be able to, this isn't right! "Are you ok if me and Black are friends?" I asked, a little nervous at finding out this truth.
"...Yes. But! Just so you know Edward doesn't hate your friend! He likes him in fact, thinks he is amazing, but he's afraid of him because..." He stopped talking and looked down at his shoes and he bit his bottom lip. "Can you keep another secret?" He said. His brown eyes looked at my own and I nodded. He grabs my neck and pulled me down so he can whisper in my ear, afraid of someone hearing. "Edward was with me the day that my parents died. He says it was a demon that killed them. But...I think the demon tried to save my parents." He moved back and I stared at him. "What do you mean?"
"My...house was being robbed in the middle of the night. Edward was staying over at my house, his mom and dad were still alive back then, and they would let him come over. But we heard a noise downstairs, I heard my mother scream for my father, and Edward and I tried to run out of my room..." He looked up at me and whispered very low, "But, something broke into my house and grabbed us both. This man had us in his hands and he jumped out of my house and landed safely on the ground."
I stared at him, we are similar...and yet so very different, from our past, to our present. "Were you scared?" I asked him.
He shook his head, a small smile on his face. "Edward was afraid, saying he was a demon, but the man rushed into the building and I followed after him. I saw him trying to stop the robbers, but they had already killed my parents. Then I remembered him shaking his head and he set fire to my home... he did take me out of the building, even though I wanted to stay. But he said that the fire was to free their souls from their bodies, so they can move on to heaven." A smile grew on my face and I pressed my forehead to his, "Not even afraid of a demon, and had already experienced death so early."
"Matthew?" Damian said.
My eyes looked into his as I brushed his hair, "Life...is cruel, and you'll suffer more than anything as you try to find happiness. But..." I smiled at him and pulled him into a hug, "I'll make sure you and the others will have a happy life ok."
His eyes widen and he pulled away, looking at me. "You mean..."
"Yeah. Just as soon as we finish up with the circus, I'm going to bring all three of you to the mansion." He threw himself at me and hugged my neck. "Thank you, Matthew." I patted his back and the women came outside, "Damian that is enough! Come inside!" She yelled.
Damian released his hold and started to run towards her. He stopped half way and looked at me, "Do I tell the others!"
"No, keep it a surprise for them ok!" He grinned and went inside.
My smile seemed permanent, that is until Sebastian voice came into my head. Where are you! I need you right now! He sounded urgent and I just removed my book. I'm coming! I said in my mind. I drew the portal and stepped into the portal, not aware that Damian was watching me.
I rushed over to Sebastian's presences; he was in the medical tent. I burst in and shout, "What's wrong? What happened?" Sebastian, Freckles, and Doc stared at me in surprise. Someone was missing, but whom? I looked around and my heart almost stopped when I saw Ciel in the bed, his face flushed and sweaty from sickness. I rushed over and pressed my forehead to his, "He has a fever. What's wrong with him?" I asked as I moved away from Ciel, he looked so fragile in the bed.
"It's asthma." The doctor said.
"Asthma?" Sebastian said out loud, "This is the first time I've seen him in this condition even though I have been with him for three years." Sebastian said.
"If he hasn't had this condition for three years, it's considered as being recovered." I looked down at Ciel, he was breathing heavy, and obviously he was getting worse, before he was getting better. "Though all you need is a sudden chill or time of stress...then if he gets a cold it can abruptly come back." My mind brought forth images of Ciel soaked in water, and of him running around the circus.
"I have seen him suffer from a cold once or twice, though it was never this bad." That was because I knew only a little bit of how to help treat colds, but I knew nothing about asthma. "This time it's probably because the main causes coincided together." I said to Sebastian. The doc huffed in anger as he stared at Freckles, "It's natural for him to get a cold since he went out bathing with our brutish people." I frowned at that, I should have thought about his condition more. Ciel's eyes opened and I shouted, "Ce-Smile!"
The doctor turned around and smiled, "Oh that's great, you have regained consciousness." Ciel didn't say anything for a few seconds then he looked to me. "Water."
"Black." I said. He was already by Ciel's side with a small teapot, "Here you go." Ciel drank from the spout and Doctor spoke up, "Smile, you have had bad asthma since you were very young right?" Ciel stared at them and his eyes seemed to go hazy for a bit. "There are cases where people have died from it. You should be careful even if you think you have fully recovered." I took the towel from Ciel's head and rinsed it with some cool water, "Rest until the fever and coughing has stopped. Okay?" I placed the towel on his forehead, "You guys should get going then." Doctor told us.
"Get well soon." I whispered and left with Sebastian.
Freckles looked at us, "He'll be alright." I nodded and she left us alone. Sebastian grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. "He will be fine Matthew." I nodded and we started walking away. "Can I stay with you tonight?" I asked. He stopped and rubbed the back of his head. "Uhm..."
"Oh right. William." Last night I had gotten Sebastian's message at how annoying he was. "Screw him!" I shouted, he looked at me, his mouth hanging open in shock, "You want me to have sex with him!" I almost fell down, a rock was in my way and I stared at him wide-eyed. "No, no! In my world-" I slapped my forehead, my face flushed red in embarrassment, "In my world it's an insult, telling someone off, it's kind of like telling them to bugger off, or" I sighed and shook my head, "It doesn't mean that...well sometimes, but not in this context!"
Sebastian sighed in relief, "Thought for a second-" He shook his head, "Let's just forgot about this." He grabbed my hand once more and dragged me towards the tent he shared with William. I heard metal sliding on metal and Sebastian pulled me close to him, just barely dodging William's death scythe clipper. "He's staying for the night." Sebastian said his grip tight around my body.
"I don't want you to make such disgusting noises in the middle of the night." William said, as he reached for his glasses and glared at us. I blushed in embarrassment from his words, and looked away. "Oh...I see." There was a smirk on William's face as he realized our situation, "I don't see why you should bother seeing as he already took you once. After all, it's a soul a demon wants, not your body." I wanted to punch him in the face again, but Sebastian just gripped my hand, "Ignore the useless reaper." Sebastian scooped me up in his arms and placed me on the top bunk. "I won't hesitate to attack you, if you try anything suspicious." William warned as he got ready to sleep again.
"Trust me on this William. If I were you, I'd keep on eye open and an ear to the ground; you never know when a certain snake god gets hungry." I could feel his glare and Sebastian just crawled into the bed with me. "Good night." Sebastian whispered to me.
"Night, Sebastian." I kissed his lips lightly and Sebastian pulled the covers over me. He held me close to his body and his rhythmic breathing had lulled me to sleep.
~ASC~
"What did you say?" Joker said, "Black and Smile were in here, what about Feather? And their goal?" Snake looked away from him, "Feather...who knows, I have no idea about that. Says Wordsworth." Peter raised an eyebrow at Snake, "So the point is that you can actually speak to the snake?" Not believing his words.
"You doubt me? You idiot! Says Wordsworth."
Joker frowned and said, "Why didn't you tell us this right away?" Snake stayed silent and Joker sighed, "Oh well...thanks for the info. You may leave."
Wordsworth tail wagged and it hissed at them, "Goodnight...says Wordsworth." Snake left the tent and Joker's eyes narrowed, "Perhaps they already found out...about Doll."
Peter huffed at that, "Doll is still to childish. That's why I said it'd be no good to keep her on board. Should we deal with this quickly? How's about tonight?"
Fire-breather looked at the two, "Not so fast. The thing is it will be trouble cleaning up afterwards if those two are connected to the yard."
Joker took this into consideration and turned his head. A photo of when they were all kids was in his view, "For now, let's consult father first." Peter huffed once more at that, but just agreed.
~ASC~
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You know what, little small thing. When I first started typing ASC, Matthew's name was originally going to be William, and The Book of The Dead, was originally going to be Book of Summonings. But well, I thought it one sounded better than the other. Anyways that was just a little small fact, thanks for reading.
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