-Joker's pov-

It was a long 3 day journey, but I had finally made it to Father's estate. It was night when I had arrived and I knew I had business to take care of. "Father! I have come. I have news of the state of the circus." I said. There had been no response, so I took the liberty upon myself and entered freely. When I went inside I went to the place I knew he was. "Father. I am sorry for interrupting at this late hour. I'd like to speak with you-" I said until he stopped me.

"Joker welcome home. You are such a good boy for coming back so soon." He said. "Where is your little sister, Phoenix? She always seems to be with you. I'd love to see how she is." "She is back at the circus tending to the others as a doctor, although she is still a performer." I said as I continued to tell him about Phoenix. I always got the strangest feeling that he thought of Phoenix as his own daughter and would do anything in his power to protect her.

"One more thing. She seems to have fallen in love with a boy about her age. He seems to have done the same." I said. "A boy? Could it be him?" Father questioned. "Not that I aware of father. I do not think it is him." I said a little confused about who he was talking about. "Anyhow beyond that the yard has most likely suspected us. One of the newest recruits snuck into our tent one night." I said "I am afraid he has seen our letter father."

"If this recruit is with the yard we cannot eliminate them. That would put us all at great risk if we did so." Father explained. "The funny thing is I always thought the two of them were odd. Although there was something about that child…" I said. "Child?" He asked. "Did this child have an eye patch. Although it's highly unlikely he did." "He did in fact have an eye." I said anxiously. I had no idea what was going through his head at the moment. The only thing I knew was it was anything pleasant.

"The pair…" he restated. "Yes a man in black and the other was a child." I repeated. "A child and his butler!" He yelled. "He did say he had been a butler." I said as I thought back to what he said. "It must be them. It must be. It has to be" He said joyfully. "He seems to have taken a liking to my little sister though." I said. "It's him! Lord Phantomhive! Ciel Phantomhive!" He said jubilantly. "Smile didn't strike me as Lord phantomhive at all." I said. "I've been wishing and hoping for this day ever since that day." He said as he stood up. "There is a high chance he will come here! Joker prepare a banquet for him." He ordered. "Father! You must be more careful about this. If he really is lord phantomhive then we are all in danger." I tried to explain. "We must send them directions and plans immediately."

"Joker… are you trying to talk back to me" he asked. "That will not be tolerated if so. The world has shunned you all since birth, but I took the liberty upon myself and raised you all into what and who you are. I gave you a body so that you were able to run and do as you pleased, but for some reason you chose to talk back to me." "I would never do so father." I said. "As I thought. I knew you were always a good boy." He said. "Don't you want the other children you left back at the orphanage to grow up to be like you and your sister don't you?" He asked. "You'll obey me like a good child won't you?" He said. "Of course father." I said. "Good. I am so glad I have raised you into a good son. Come here my son. Let's take a photo together. It has been so long since our last one." He said. Of course I obeyed and took the photo with him. Afterward there was a call on the phone. Instinctively I went to pick it up. What surprised me most was it was Dagger.

"Father! Is Joker with you?! We must talk to him!" He said. "Dagger it's me, joker. What's going on? Is everything alright? How's Phoenix?" I asked. "Um- uh… About that…" He stuttered. "What is? Is she alright?" I questioned. "She's… She's been kidnapped." Confessed Dagger. Suddenly I felt all the of the color drain from my face. I started to shake at the thought of Phoenix being kidnapped. "W-what?!" I said. "When did this happen?" I asked trying to mask my fear, knowing that father was behind me. "3-3 days ago." He said. "She left when smile and black left. That leaves me the suspicion that she's with them." He said. "Then you can retrieve her when you're on the mission." I said. "Okay. I have to go. We're about to embark." He said then hung up.

"Is everything alright joker?" He asked. "Y-Yes. Everything is perfectly f-fine." I said as I tried to mask my fear. "Joker, be a good boy and tell me what's happening." He said. Finally I gave in and confessed. I told him every last bit. "Joker. I thought you were a good boy. I thought you would protect your family until the very end like you said you would." He said. Suddenly I remembered a random mission that struck me as odd. "Father… I know this is very random, but on our last mission there was a miracle that happened. There was a being that looked as though they were on fire. It seemed to be a lady and she seemed to have actual wings that worked." I explained. "When dagger touched her wings he burned himself. Then she flew away and we were never able to tell who she was." "This being… Could possibly be a Phoenix hybrid. And or your guardian angel." He said. I took that into consideration and soon began to think that there was something off. I just never got to know what it was until that fateful night.

-Sebastian's pov-

My young master and his beloved were still sleeping. They looked so happy together. My young lord was holding her tight by the waist and Phoenix had her face buried in his chest. The caretakers of this estate, Prince soma and his butler agni, had stayed up all night just to help him get well, like Phoenix had done. Agni had been able to pull through without a single issue while the young prince had fallen asleep at the foot of the bed.

"His fever seems to have finally broken. His breathing patterns finally sound normal, and he seems to have restored some color to his face" I said to Agni. "I think he will be alright." Agni replied. Although my master was getting better I knew he still needed to be taken care of, so I decided to change out the water in the bowl that I used to help with his fever.

" They say sleep is the best medicine." I said as I headed for the door "I shall not wake him, because he needs this the most." Once I left their room I was stopped by Agni once more. He was carrying Prince soma on his back and he seemed like he had something important to say. "Pardon me, Sebastian" he said. " I am sorry for the way I had acted earlier, what with raising my voice." "There is no need to apologize. Your advice struck a few chords within me." I said "I could not presume to give you any advice. You are a far better khansama than I." He dictated.

"Yet you are not kind enough to Ciel or Phoenix." Said Prince soma. I did not know he was awake, so when he answered it shocked me. "My prince! I didn't know you were awake. I thought you were still asleep." Exclaimed Agni. "I am not awake. You are talking for me. Move your lips and act like you're talking." Said the prince. "He's scary!" "Okay…" continued the butler.

"You are not kind to your master at all." Soma stated. "Phoenix is still a girl and Ciel is still a boy. When they are sick they should be able to lie in bed all day being treated by their parents." "Yes, but Ciel doesn't have any parents. Phoenix on the other hand has a 'Father' and her two brothers." I explained. "I never had any either. I had my servants and Mina who were very kind and took care of me in place of my parents. That is why you should be kinder to those children and take care of them." Said the prince as he jumped down from Agni's back. "Be kinder to them. Got it!?" He said as he ran off. "You have such a kind heart, my prince!" Said Agni as he was about to run after Soma. "One more thing. I am very sorry about what my master did and said to Phoenix." He said as he ran after Soma.

When I was cleaning the fireplace I started thinking about what the young prince had said. Soon I decided to give his words and thoughts a try. All was well until I got a call from Tanaka. "Hello? Who is this?" I asked as I picked up the phone. "This is tanaka. All of the gear is ready for when the first-stringers plan to attack." He said. "Very good."I said. "One more thing when the fight does begin call me and I will send over the newest servant. She is very skilled in things that involve knives and stealth. She will come in handy for this war." I said. "Good. Can you please describe her for me." He asked. Then I told Tanaka about your physical description so that when you engage in combat they don't mistake you for a target. I could tell the other servants were listening because I heard nothing but silence when I was describing Phoenix.

"Another girl! Did you hear that Mey rin? You won't be the only girl anymore." Said Finny. "Yes I did. If she is as skilled as she sounds I can't wait to work with her." She replied. "More fire power is just what we need! This'll be great!" Said baldroy. "Although she is going to be fighting you must protect her. The young master ordered me to tell you lot that once the trap was laid and ready." I stated. "Wait why?" They all asked. Then I whispered my explanation into the phone so only they could hear my future plans for my young lord and lady. "That's amazing! I'm so happy for them!" Said Finny. "I can't wait for her response, no I can't!" Said Mey Rin. "I hope they will be happy." Said baldroy. "Please be careful and try not to let anyone see or hear you." I said as I hung up.

-later Your pov-

When I woke up I felt refreshed and ready for almost anything. It felt good to finally get some sleep. When I looked down I saw Ciel and he was resting his head in the crook of my neck. I could feel his breath against my bare skin which gave me goose bumps. Soon came to realize that his arms were wrapped tightly around my waist and held me close as if I were his stuffed animal. I smiled when I noticed this fact. Suddenly he started stirring and I instantly closed my eyes.

Although I closed my eyes I caught a glimpse of his reaction when he woke up from his peaceful slumber. He was smiling and blushing and he was looking at me. Soon he removed his arms from around my waist and started stroking my hair. Finally I decided it was time to open my eyes to see him.

"Good evening my Lord and Lady." said Sebastian as he entered. "What do you mean?" We asked in unison. When we looked out the window we exchanged glances and realized what this meant. "What time is it?" As Ciel as he shot up suddenly. "It is 7:15 my lord." He said. "Sebastian, why didn't you wake us up?" Asked Ciel. "You two looked so peaceful. It seemed like the two of you needed the rest so I let you two sleep. Not only that, but your health comes before your needs and desires my lord." Sebastian responded. "What?" Ciel asked

Suddenly you gasped and started to get out of the bed. "I am so sorry. I should be tending to you, not lying around like a lazy person." You said as you tried to get out of bed. Suddenly he grabbed your wrist as you were about to get off of the bed and pulled you right back down. You were surprised at how strong he was and it made you smile a little. Then he took a deep breath as if he was about to say something that he really needed to get off his chest.

"Do you want to know the real reason I let you come stay with me?" Asked Ciel. "I thought it was to be a maid… was it not? I am wrong?" I asked. "Yes. Actually you are wrong. The reason I wanted you to stay was so that I can protect you. I want to keep you safe. You mean so much to me now that I have gotten to know you." He said. You were speechless. You didn't know what to say. You were very honored that the queen's guard-dog would want to protect someone like you. "Ciel… Thank you. You mean so much to me too." You said.

Soon Sebastian came back in with dinner. You had never tasted anything so good in your life. The only thing that was a little off was how he was treating Ciel. "Young master, open wide and say 'ah'." Said Sebastian. You couldn't help but giggle. It was quite unusual for the butler to treat Ciel like this. Ciel's reaction is what gave you that hint. "What are you trying to do?" He said as shivers ran up his spine. "And quit treating me like this in front of (n/n)." "My lord is it too hot? If so would you like me to cool it for you." Said Sebastian as he blew on the spoon full of soup. This only made you giggle even more. So much so that you had to cover your mouth to keep from laughing.

"My, my, you are such a spoiled child." Said Sebastian. "I order you to stop this shenanigan this instant!" Ordered Ciel. "It's embarrassing." He said under his breath. "Ciel, if you can't tell, Prince Soma gave Sebastian more advice and now he's taking that advice and using it." You said once you were finally able to calm down. "My, my. What a smart girl you are." Said Sebastian. "Yes, well it's actually very obvious. It's because only Soma would treat Ciel like that." You stated. "Well whatever advice you took do not ever use it again." Said ciel.

-later-

After you were back in your circus outfit and Ciel was still being dressed by Sebastian, you decided to listen in on the conversation from outside the door. "I forgot to mention, Tanaka called at 4:00. He said that everything is ready. I also told him that Phoenix will be helping at the manor after she helps out at the banquet with Lord Kelvin." Sebastian stated. "Lord kelvin…" you breathed. "Father." "Why would you let her fight at the mansion!? Haven't I made it clear that you must protect her!" Yelled Ciel. "Yes, but she is amazing in combat, so I found it fitting that we send her over." Said Sebastian. "I also told the servants about her description and the pro-" said Sebastian until he noticed you were standing in the doorway.

"Phoenix, do come in." said Sebastian. "Why do you want me to fight my brothers? Do you know how hard that is going to be? Watching them die. Because of me…" you said. "Phoenix, I know this is going to be a great struggle, but you must do this. Do this for Ciel." said Sebastian. "I know I have to do this. It's just that we've been orphan's since birth. We were thrown into the streets and we didn't have anyone, but each other. Just because we were different and deformed. That's why it's going to be so hard." You said.

"You don't seem to have any disabilities, although you do seem different." Said Sebastian. "I'll show you when the time is right." You said. "Anyhow we need to find the location of Lord Kelvin's manor." Said ciel. "I can take you there. I know where that it. It's a day's journey at the most." You said. "You can get us there quicker." Said Ciel. "Yes, that is if you ordered it." Said Sebastian. "It's settled then. Let's go." You said. "We gotta go and get this done so we can go back to the manor." Said Ciel.

As the three of you were walking downstairs you were blocked by Prince Soma. "Hold it! I knew you were going to try to escape again, so I blocked your path." He said. "Prince soma, we need to get through. I will see you afterwards though. Okay?" You said as you walked to him. "Okay." he said dreamily. Then Ciel and Sebastian immediately walked pass him and you followed. "Hey wait! You fooled me! You'll pay for that! Phoenix! Ciel! Get back here!" He yelled.

"That was easier than expected." You said as you caught up to Ciel and Sebastian. Suddenly Sebastian picked you both and and carried you both all the way to the mansion. "Thank you Sebastian." You said as he set you both down. "This is their estate." You confirmed. "It's been awhile since I came here." You said. Then Sebastian smelled the air. "Are the orphan's well?" Asked Ciel. "Yes. They all don't seem to be here, but the ones who are seem to be well." Replied sebastian.

As you walked up to the manor's front steps the door suddenly opened. "Welcome Ciel phantomhive. We've been expecting your visit." Said the person who opened the door. "Joker… Is that you?" You asked. "Phoenix?! What are you doing here?! The others have been worried sick! Go back to them at once. Are you okay?" He said as he ran to you and hugged you. "I… can't." You said quietly. "Leave her be. She's just fine." Said ciel. "She's with me."

Since Joker knew that once you made a decision you wouldn't go back took a deep breath and lead you all inside. Once Joker gave the instruction to one of the dolls they came alive and lit a string that was connected to all the candles so that Ciel and Sebastian could see all of the manor. There were dolls hanging from the ceiling, and on the walls. "Just as I remember it." You whispered. "Downright creepy." "What is this place?!" Asked Ciel until Joker cut him off.

"This way please." Instructed Joker. As you were going up the stairs you overheard Sebastian speaking with Ciel. "Should we kill him now and rescue the children, or should we wait for the right time?" Asked Sebastian. You held your breath knowing that this would be Joker's last night and that it would also be the same way for the rest of your family. "If the children are still alive then we should wait and kill kelvin first." Said ciel as he looked over and saw the grave expression that was plastered onto your features. "We can't report any of this without knowing the motives or the situation." "Yes, my lord." Said Sebastian.

Suddenly Joker stopped in his tracks. "I guess the saying really is true. You really can't judge a book by it's cover. A child like you has the title of "villainous noble" and "The Queen's guard-dog. I bet that's a hard life to deal with. Isn't it smile?" Said Joker. "You phoenix… My little sister. A Performer. I never thought you'd turn on us this quickly." Then you hung your head in shame. You started to tear up. "I-I-I'm sorry… But I will do what it takes to survive." You said as your voice started to quaver. "Even if it means giving up everything. Every last item and person I have in my life. I will survive no matter what."

"I am the Earl Ciel Phantomhive. I will not tolerate people talking to me or phoenix so harshly and formally like that." He said. "Yep. You're a noble alright." Confirmed Joker. "Dinner is ready." Said Joker as he opened the dining room doors. Then he pushed Ciel's seat in and did the same for you. "Be safe phoenix. Please." Said Joker as he walked to the door where Father was going to enter. "He is here." Said Sebastian. "Lord Phantomhive you came!" He said until he glanced and saw you sitting down too. "Phoenix! It's so nice to see my daughter once again." He said with a smile. "It's nice to see you too 'father'." You said in a low ominous voice.

"Please don't be so unkind Phoenix. Come give me a hug." He said. "No thank you." You declined. "Anyway it's so nice to see you both here! It's a dream come true." He said. "I'm so embarrassed having to meet you like this." He said. 'You did this to yourself you know…' you thought to yourself. "You're Lord Kelvin?" Asked Ciel. "Yes,although the way you speak to me so formally makes me feel a bit shy." Said Kelvin. "Since I knew you would come I prepared a feast for you and your date." He said as he used his spoon and hit it against the nearby plate to let the servants know it was time to serve the food.

After he did so Joker came out and so did many little girls in maids uniforms. "This wine that I picked was made in 1875! The same year you were born." Said Kelvin. "Don't drink it. Don't even eat any of the food. From past experiences he has poisoned this feast." You whispered to Ciel. When you were younger and when there was someone in his way he would invite them over, poison them, and then properly bury them. It was a tragic sight to watch for such a little kid to have to see. Especially one as special and different as you.

"I am sorry. Do you think I went to overboard?" Asked Father. "Surprisingly it isn't poisoned." Said Sebastian as he took a drink of the wine. "I don't need a taster. I don't intend to eat a meal that was prepared by filthy rats." Said Ciel. "Those children… Do you suppose they are apart of your case?" You whispered. "Yes. It's safe to assume that there were more victims than we knew of." Said Ciel. "They look beyond saving, Ciel." you said as you grabbed his hand under the table.

He knew the poor children were beyond saving also. Ciel noticed the dead look in their eyes. He saw how they acted. It was almost as if they were put in a trance that they were never to come out of. "How about some entertainment my lord and lady? A meal without entertainment is boring isn't it?" Asked Kelvin. "Joker, put on a show." "Oh no… not this again. This is pure torture to watch. I had to go to a therapist because of this at the age of 6." You said. "What?! But father-" said Joker as he tried to reason. "Do. IT."said Kelvin. "Yes, sir." Said joker as he walked to the stage.

"Welcome lord Phantomhive and Lady (l/n). Tonight prepare to be amazed by a world of entertainment." Said Joker. Suddenly the curtain rose and there were many children that were standing in a perfectly straight line. Each one of them had their own spotlight. They were small children who were all wearing masks and no one could see their faces. The only one in the room who was clapping was father.

"You know what? I am NOT going through therapy again. That was awful." You said as you were getting ready for the first act. "First is our tightrope walker." Said Joker. When the girl started on the tightrope she fell, but in a flash you were there and caught her, and set her down gently. "It's ok." You said as she walked off. "Phoenix! What are you doing?!" Asked Father. "I'm tired of being tortured. It's time I finally take a stand!" You said.

"Next is our lion tamer." Said Joker as they rolled the lion and the two children inside a cage onto the stage. Somehow you found a way in and you tamed the lion by using a lobster from the feast. "Good, girl." You said as the lion finally called down and fell asleep. "Amazing." Breathed Joker. "Phoenix! Stop it this instant!" Yelled father. "Are you trying to disobey me?" "YES! I'm tired of you traumatizing me, killing these innocent people who you poisoned, and all these innocent children. I won't allow it!" You said as you got the children out of the cage.

Suddenly Ciel smiled evily. He knew you were fed up by the way you talked about Lord kelvin and he was certainly like this show you were putting on. He was actually happy you were doing it. (That's right. You made him happy. Good job m8) "And now the knife thrower!" Said Joker. "Stop him (f/n)!" Said Ciel. With those words you grabbed the knife as it was about to hit the girl that was strapped to the table. Joker couldn't watch,so he looked away. He thought you weren't able to do it,but when he looked at the scene he saw that you save the little girl. "H-How?" He asked.

"Sebastian please come here." You said. Then he came up with the papers as you took the mask off the little girl. "Her name is Elary Nixon. She went missing in the city of Cornwall." Said Sebastian. "That solves it. Right as usual my young lord." Said Sebastian. "How…" you started. "If you have something to say Phoenix please say it." Said Lord Kelvin. "How dare you? How could you abduct these poor innocent children from their homes and then force them to perform to their death with no remorse? What kind of sick, twisted monster are you?" You asked as you got of stage.

"I suppose this is one way someone would enjoy a circus." Said Sebastian. "I'm sorry. Is this not to your liking?"asked Lord Kelvin. "I am not used to sharing tables with lowly animals such as yourself." Said Ciel. "My lord? What's wrong?" Asked Kelvin. "My report to the queen will be something closely related to this: I found a sick, twisted, cruel, disgusting, creature, and I shall rid him of this earth." Said Ciel as he walked to Lord Kelvin.

Suddenly Ciel used his gun and aimed it at Lord Kelvin's head, and Joker took out a sword and aimed it at Ciel's head, while Sebastian held a knife under Joker's neck while you had a fireball in your hands and it was expanding with your anger and it was aimed at lord Kelvin. "Joker don't use that against the earl. It looks dangerous." Said Lord Kelvin. "But-" Joker protested. "Do you dare defy me like my daughter." Questioned Lord Kelvin. "I. Am not. Your. DAUGHTER!" You yelled as you were about to attack him, but Sebastian grabbed your cape with his free hand to stop you as you were about to lunge at Lord kelvin.

"Show us where the kidnapped children are." Said Ciel. "hmm?" Asked lord Kelvin. "Oh, I didn't think you wanted to meet them, but okay." He said. "They are all in the cellar downstairs. I can take you there right now if you would like." Said Lord kelvin. "There is a surprise down there I would like you to see."

While you were in the contraption that seemed like an elevator you held onto to Joker's hand while Lord Kelvin talked to Ciel the whole way down. When Lord Kelvin finally stopped talking Ciel finally spoke up. "Save your words and take me to where the children are located." He said harshly. "Yes sir. Sorry." He said. "But I am just so happy this day has finally come. I've been filled with remorse and regret since that one day. I kept thinking to myself "why couldn't I have been by your side that day? Why couldn't I have been killed like that" "Wow. I didn't even know you were capable of feeling remorse and regret." You said. "You certainly don't feel that way about the way you treated me. Oh, and if you wish to be killed I would be happy to kill you."

"What are you rambling on about? "That day?" "By my side?" What are you trying to say?" Asked Ciel. "You cannot turn back time, but you can always remake the the memories." Said Lord Kelvin as he open the doors and there was a room that you had never seen before. Although you hadn't seen it, Ciel had, and his mouth was agape and he was wide eyed. "M-m-my tenth birthday…" he said under his breath. "I'm sorry it took so long to prepare for this. It took three years." Said Lord kelvin.

Ciel was trembling and he looked like he was petrified. He was having flashbacks of some sort. You were becoming concerned for him. "Ciel. You're going to be alright. I will protect you no matter what." You said as you kissed his forehead. "It's going to be alright."