Chapter 7 – The plot thickens

I was shocked and looked at Ciel.

"I ordered Sebastian to find out everything he could about...your situation and ordered him to make you drink his blood.

"What? I don't understand...why would you do that?!"

"It's all chess, Anne. You changed from a pawn into a very useful piece...there was no way I could let that chance slip. With you having taken demon blood, there is no way you'll ever be able to take human blood to survive."

"It's all a game to you isn't it? Like before..."

I was thinking of when Sebastian told me that Ciel used 'seduction' to trick me, but I couldn't voice it.

"So, you think this will give you control over me through Sebastian? Then I will have to make it clear to you as well, Ciel Phantomhive..."

I squared my shoulders and looked straight into his eye.

"I do not serve anyone but myself and I will not be made into a puppet of Sebastian's or yours."

"Then do you intend to just give up and die?" Ciel asked with a smirk. What was he finding so funny?

"Who said I was going to die? I just have to find a way to break free from this...bloodbond or whatever it is. I'll go and..."

I was about to say that I would go and talk to the Undertaker, but then they could just foil my plan by telling him not to tell me anything or worse to tell me a lie...

Ciel was still waiting for me to finish my line.

"I'm leaving," I finally said, "thank you for letting me recover in your home, for that I am grateful."

I gave Sebastian one last glare while he simply smiled back at me. With that I left Phantomhive manor and went to report back at Scotland Yard. The commissioner was surprised to see me, but he told me what I needed to know. For the sake of appearance I pretended to still be recovering from my injuries, but said that I wanted to research into the case more intensely from home and that I would report back to the yard until I was fully healed. The warehouse incident had been a set-up. Somehow they knew that we were investigating them. It had not been established yet how it got out, perhaps one of the people I got drunk and prodded for information? The commissioner was baffled about the fact that there were so many dead bodies. I obviously shot some of them, but that wouldn't account for all those Sebastian disposed off.

"Perhaps an enemy faction used the opportunity to get even with them?" I suggested, "I will look into this matter as well. At the time I wasn't able to pay clear attention to what was happening around me since I was injured and focussing on staying alive."

"Very well, here is a copy of the observations surrounding the case as well as what we had been able to get out of the prisoner, which isn't much."

At home I went through the file. It really didn't say much. The prisoner just confirmed that it was a set-up to get rid of Scotland-Yard 'pests'. When he had been asked why there were so many of their men killed the prisoner's eyes just widened and he started shouting and screaming about demons. I knew he was obviously referring to me since he had been unconcious inside the warehouse and wouldn't have seen Sebastian. The weird thing though was that a silver chain with a cross dangling from it was found on the scene. No fingerprints on it or anything and it didn't appear to have belonged to any of the gang members. When this was shown to the prisoner he seemed to have gotten really afraid and started begging to be killed. I realised that this cross was somehow important in unravelling the mystery and went to Scotland Yard the next day to see it. The commissioner wasn't there so I asked Jones to show it to me.

"It is finely made, I must say," Jones was telling me, "whoever this belonged to must be very pissed at losing it. It is quite valueable considering that it is adorned with some very rare gems..."

He was taking it out of the box and handed it to me. Since it wasn't needed for retrieving fingerprints I didn't have gloves on.

"And it is made of pure silver..."

As soon as it touched my hand incredible pain shot through my hand and echoed throughout my body. I wanted nothing more than to fling the thing as far away from me as I could, but realised that it would be very suspicous behaviour in front of Jones. I gave it a quick look-over and then handed it back to him with a "hmph". It was all I could say not to end up screaming out. He didn't seem to have picked up on my extreme discomfort and put the box away.

"It is unusual for a holy person to be involved with the drug gangs so it is most likely that it had been stolen by one of them."

That rung a bell...didn't Ciel say that Sebastian was trailing the London thief? Could he have dropped it? That could be it since this was a valueble item.

"Jones...I would like to borrow it for a bit. I think I know of someone who might be able to tell me where this originally came from...this might cast some light on the matter."

"But this is crime scene evidence Cortez, you can't just..."

"Of course I can. I have been granted the authority by her majesty to investigate and act how I see fit in the cases I am assigned to."

Jones didn't look very happy, but he handed the box over to me. Good. If this was indeed stolen and lost by the London thief he most likely would want to get it back. And then I would be waiting for him. I knew I wasn't assigned to the thief case, but this person had been helping that lunatic I had believed was my father and the mannequin to kill all those girls, including my cousin. I had been disturbed by it since Ciel told me that the thief was still about. Perhaps this was just a copy cat, but we never did find the thief. Even though now he didn't have a master to steal things for it could be that he has multiple masters. Why would he just work for one? And why was he 'indicentally' at the crime scene? There had to be a link...

In the days that followed I had followed up several leads as to the true whereabouts of the drug den. At first this had seemed to be a small case, but the more I got to know the more I realised there might be a lot more going on than I realised. It seemed like there was a whole network of several drug 'clans' ruled over by a certain lord. There was currently some power-struggle going on between two major factions. This resulted in enough disturbance of the peace to catch the attention of her majesty. I wondered if she knew all this? If so, why didn't she give me all the details before sending me like a lamb into a pack of wolves? Because...I'm the cat, right? The cat who has nine lives, always falls on her feet... It was true that some of the cases I had handled in the past would have resulted in the death of anyone else but I always surived. I didn't know about my 'other side' then, but I was sure that it had helped me then as it was now.

It had only been about 16 days since I last had Sebastian's blood. I had paid the Undertaker another visit and he was happy to see me. I explained my predicament and asked if he knew how to break a 'bloodbond' as I called it. He said he wasn't too sure, but he had heard that if I were to take blood from another demon the original 'bond' would break, but then I would be bound to the new demon. Apart from that there didn't seemed to be any other way to break it. So I decided I would try to force my body to accept human blood and took several flasks from the Undertaker. The first two tries resulted in my throwing up, but then I resorted to taking very small amounts at a time and eventually managed to take enough to take off the edge of my thirst.

Then one day I received a letter with the Phantomhive seal on it. I was convinced that Ciel had somehow discovered that I was secretly also looking into the London thief matter, but found it was...an invitation to Ciel's birthday celebration. I cursed out loud unintentionally in surprise. Next pigs will be flying...

"What's the matter, my lady?" Rudolph asked sounding worried.

"Oh..sorry... I'm just surprised that's all. It seems like Phantomhive had decided to throw a party to celebrate his birthday..."

I saw Rudolph's eyes widen and he said something under his breath.

"Exactly. He'd never been one for those before. I can't help but feel something's up...it makes my skin crawl..." I couldn't help but somehow feel excited.

"Is that because you will be seeing lord Phantomhive again, my lady?"

"Of course not!" I objected more vehemently than I meant, "I am sure this is all part of the game... there is something I am not aware off clearly, and he wants me there for some reason..."

"Then, I will have suitable attire arranged for my lady?" Rudolph asked.

"Oh...yes, please do that. Thank you Rudolph."

Ciel would be turning 15 this year, two months before I turn 17. I wondered what to get him? For his 13th birthday I had given him the doggie pin, so last year I decided I would send him something to rile him up a bit and sent him a silver dog bowl with his name engraved on it. He never said anything about it. But he knew it was from me, even though I didn't include a card or anything. For my birthday last year I had received an unmarked gift containing a catnip filled toy rat. I would have to make a turn at the petshop, I thought with a smile. I knew just the gift...

I felt nervous as I jumped down the wall at Phantomhive manor. There was quite a buzz from all the people there. Did he invite the whole district? This convinced me even more that something was amiss. Ciel couldn't care less about these people... The soft black material felt good on my skin. Rudolph knew what I liked. This bodysuit let me move freely while keeping me warm, something I needed especially now because my vampire body couldn't keep itself warm. The Undertaker had told me that if I regularly took fresh blood from a warm body it would also enable me to keep warm better. There wasn't a chance in hell I was going to do that. I tried warming up some of the flasks before drinking it but found I couldn't stomach a drop that way so this would have to suffice. I also confirmed that vampires are vulnerable to holy symbols and holy places and that ordinary silver in itself would not normally pose a problem.

I was currently carrying the silver cross with me. I had been doing so since the day I took it from Scotland Yard, hoping to lure the thief to me but so far nothing has happened. Perhaps it was stupid of me to think it would work... I also found carrying it made me more grumpy than usual, like I was permanently having PMS. Poor Rudolph...

I had only progressed a few steps to the mansion and was curious that Pluto didn't come running, but then realised that he must have been put away so that he wouldn't scare the guests. Pluto was a demon hound that Ciel had unwillingly 'adopted' a while back. It didn't like me very much, fitting since I'm to represent a 'cat'. It was also huge and humans would no doubt freak out if they saw it. I silently scaled the wall and opened the window to Ciel's study after listening and confirming that no one was inside. I had a cool ability now that I could make things like windows unlock itself. I would be able to move larger things with sheer will, but because of my current state due to drinking crappy blood and carrying a cross in my pocket I was lucky to managed even this. It was dark inside, but I knew from memory where things were. I placed the small package which was wrapped in silver paper on the desk and was about to leave through the window again.

"It seems we have a cat burglar," Ciel said, making me freeze in my step, with my hand on the window sill. Just then a lantern got lit, lighting up the room. Ciel was sitting in an arm chair and Sebastian was standing behind him with the lantern in his hand.

"Care to join me?" he asked signalling to the chair opposite him. There were two glasses of wine standing on a table nearby.

"You...were waiting for me?" I asked surprised, but I walked over to the chair and sat down. I noticed the chess board was set up. Without asking I moved the first piece. Ciel smiled and moved a piece as well.

"So, have you managed to track down the drug den yet?" he asked while still looking at the chess pieces. I noticed that Sebastian had placed the lantern on its hook on the wall and left the room silently.

"I did find out that there is some sort of drug war going on. There are two factions fighting for dominance. Snuffing out the unrest is going to be a much bigger task than I anticipated."

I moved another chess piece.

"You have done well in discovering that much...now the question is, how will you deal with it?"

Ciel moved a piece that took out one of my pawns. I wasn't conserned as I anticipated the possibility of this happening. I moved a piece.

"I am not entirely sure yet. Firstly I need evidence to present to Scotland Yard. To expect them to act on my word alone is asking a bit much, even if I am in her majesty's service."

Ciel moved.

"You had been asked to quell the unrest, right?"

"Yes, why?"

"I know someone who might be able to assist in doing that...although...he wouldn't want to be known for his involvement."

"A dealer?"

"He is known as "Lau" and runs an opium den."

"You mean to let them fight it out?"

"He's not sided with any of the factions, but the issue is creating problems for his business as well. In the past I had been able to get valueable information from him in aid of my cases. Even if I do not approve of drug dealing losing him...will be unpreferable."

"And he is willing to help?"

"At a price."

I moved a chess piece, taking out one of his knights.

"He wants the cross you've been carrying."

I looked up at Ciel in shock.

"How...?"

"Sebastian is also affected by it through your bond. Normally holy objects would not have any affect, but when you are in pain for example it translates to him and lately he just hadn't been his usual self...if you know what I mean."

"I...had no idea..."

"Are you willing to hand it over?"

Ciel moved another piece.

"Not before I know what the link between it, the London thief and the drug dealers are."

"The thief had stolen it for one of the drug lords and was going to make the trade near the warehouse you were at that night..."

"So that was why there had been so many men around...they must have heard the scream and thought they were being ambushed by another gang."

"Correct. Lau can use the item as leverage to settle things down."

I moved my queen to take out a bishop.

"Not bad," Ciel commented, but then took out one of my knights with his remaining bishop.

"Do you trust this...Lau to uphold his end of the bargain? What is in it for him?"

"Money mostly. I do not trust anyone more than I can control them. You should know that by now, Anne."

Ciel picked up his wine of glass and took a sip.

"I suppose...but that doesn't resolve the issue with the London thief," I replied and moved another piece.

"That is not something you have to worry about," Ciel said and then moved and I realised that I had just been check-mated.

"That wasn't a long game at all," I said feeling a bit disappointed.

"Sometimes it is better not to dawdle too long," Ciel said, making me look up at him.

"What do you mean?"

"You haven't fed properly for quite a while, have you?"

"What does that have to do with the game?"

"I can't have you pulling Sebastian down now because you are being stubborn."

"Stubborn? I did not ask to be put in this...position. If anything it is you being stubborn because you can't let me go."

"You are right, Anne. I can't let you go."

I looked at Ciel. He was looking at me unwaveringly.

"W...what do you mean?" I asked, feeling uncomfortable. I picked up the wine glass meant for me and was about to take a sip when I realised...

"This is..."

I looked up at Ciel in shock, but his expression didn't change.

"I had asked Sebastian to fill the glass for you. It should be enough to restore strength to both of you for a while."

"So much... is he okay?"

"That is not nearly enough to kill a demon."

My teeth had already elongated in anticipation and I turned my face away, embarrased. Ciel got up and walked towards his desk. I did want to break this bond, but if it affects Sebastian and he can't protect Ciel the way he is supposed to... I didn't want Ciel to die because of me...

"I will not look at you if you wish..."

"Um...thank you," I said and then drank the blood. It was like having the most delicious cold water after many days in the desert. I hated how my tongue searched for every drop in the glass.

I now became aware of the sound of paper tearing and realised Ciel was opening the gift I had left on his desk.

"Ciel!" I called out without thinking and within seconds I had ran to him and was trying to prevent his hands from lifting the lid of the box, but I was too late and he had already lifted the item out. I ended up holding on to his wrist with the thing dangling in his hand and my face so close to Ciel that our noses almost touched. Ciel had a brief moment of surprise on his face, but quickly composed himself.

"Um..." I said blushing, "...I wasn't planning on being here when you opened it."

"Hmm...this is a bit small for Pluto, don't you think?" he asked. The gift was a dark blue leather dog collar with a silver plate hanging from it with Ciel's name engraved on it. I was sure he saw it, but was ignoring it.

"Perhaps..." I replied weakly and let go of his wrist, but was unable to move away from him and my heart was pounding like mad. What was this? Why did I feel this way? I noticed that his wrist was a bit white where I had been holding it, I must have been gripping quite hard... I looked down, biting my lip. I didn't mean to hurt him...

Ciel's hand lightly touched my face, making me look up at him as he looked into my eyes.

"Thank you, Anne. It makes me happy to know that you thought about me."

"You're...welcome," I said unsurely. Was that how I was supposed to reply?

He was leaning closer to me...was he going to kiss me?

Just then the window shattered. In seconds I had pulled Ciel against me, shielding him with my back and something shot into it. Ciel stared at me wide-eyed while I gasped for air. Whatever it was had gone in deeply and it felt the same as when I held the cross in my hand. My chest was burning.

"Sebastian!" he called out and the butler was next to him in an instant. Without Ciel saying anything Sebastian helped me brace myself on the desk and then pulled it out as I screamed in agony. With the source of pain removed it felt like all my energy drained at once and I sunk to the carpet.

"I will track him down," Sebastian said and then disappeared as quickly as he had come.