Alex, Claude and Sebastian are enjoying them selves on ice, however none of them notice the arrival of Arnold Sterling. However, as always Canterbury is on top of things, with Thompson and Timber by his side. Not only does he manage to get the book out of site before Alex spots it but he informs Claude.
The Undertaker receives a phone call on the slopes; however this is anything but good news, the auction his not only been moved but Eastern European Artifacts have been added to the list.
The party is a hit however something sinister is going on and all of them feel it
What's Claude and Sebastian not telling Alex?
Why is the Undertaker so concerned about the additional items in the auction?
What is Sterling up to?
Is there a level bellow safety scissors which William can demote Grell to?
I apologize for how late this chapter is it's long however I had to draft notes again. Sadly I was cleaning my work space and I'm ashamed to admit that in the shuffle of things they may have been thrown out. Forgive me; I've spent the last few days rewriting them. Which is a pain in the butt this late in the game, however I think I have the holes filled. As a result please note the shift in time line. Sorry for the inconvenience guys.
Anyway I hope you enjoy,
~Kuro
P.s. I do not own Kuroshitsuji, however I do own Alex and Sterling.
Chapter 60: The Spider and the Fly: Part I
Canterbury walked over to the table and spotted the rose which was resting on the book. His eyes narrowed and he looked over to the waiter who had been waiting on the gentleman at the table before. "Waiter," he called softly, the young man turned on his heel and walked over to Canterbury. "Yes sir?" he asked curiously with a smile. Canterbury looked at him and asked, "Why is this here?" he pointed to the book and flower which rested on the table. The waiter replied without hesitation, "Mr. Sterling intended to return it to the party which is now getting off the ice." Canterbury's eyes fell to the book and the waiter asked, "What relation are you to the party on the ice?" He looked up and replied, "Security." The waiter paused and looked at Canterbury and shook his head, it was clear he doubted Canterbury's reply. In moments Timber and Thompson were at his side in matching black suites. He stared at the triplets and noticed how intimidating the three seemed to be. "You're employed by?" asked the waiter nervously. Canterbury smiled and replied, "Faustus." The name it's self seemed to make the waiter back away. "Mr. Sterling had stated that he had barrowed the book from Mr. Faustus," he replied sheepishly. Timber looked down at the book and then to Canterbury, "I'll take it with me to the suite," he replied as he put on a pair of plastic gloves. Thompson reached into his pocket and produced a plastic bag and the waiter stared as they slipped the book into one bag and the rose into the other. It was as though they were handling evidence in a murder case. "Please don't tell Mr. Faustus of this, we will inform him shortly," said Thompson stiffly. The waiter nodded and watched as Thompson and Timber walked back to the room and Canterbury walked over to the doors which lead to the outdoor rink.
The wind blew and Canterbury looked at Claude who wandered over. He slipped a hand through his unruly black curly hair and looked at him. "Yes?" Canterbury crooked his finger and held his hand up to cover his lips as he whispered, "Sterling is here and has left a threat, we bagged it and have taken it to our suite." Canterbury backed away and Claude nodded the wind blew through and ruffled Canterbury's purple hair before he turned on his heel and turned to Sebastian, "Sir, Mr. Sterling has signed the contract and is preparing for tonight." Sebastian nodded and looked at Canterbury, "Alright," he said softly and looked at Claude. However it was clear that Sebastian knew about the other incident and Canterbury looked at Claude. He ached to ask however he realized now wasn't an ideal time. "Yes we are," said Claude and Canterbury jumped. He looked up at Claude's eyes and noticed the truth in them, "I am bound to Sebastian," he said smoothly. Canterbury nodded and smiled a little, the evening Sebastian had snuck into Claude's room came back to his mind. It was a secrete which he had kept to himself, in fact it was the one thing which told him Claude wasn't as horrible as he seemed. Canterbury turned on his heel and was about to leave when he noticed Alex standing in a skating dress. He smiled and commented, "Very nice, you look lovely in that," he smiled politly and Alex paused. He had forgotten that she knew him as a servent and now stand in for Claude's paralegal. "Thank you," she said nervously and Canterbury nodded before walking into the café.
"Let's go in shall we? It's freezing out here," said Claude with a smile as he picked up two skates bags, a dark purple and gold one with his initials on it and Alex's powder blue one with green accents. Sebastian held his skate bag in his hands, it was a ruby red with black trim and his name elegantly embroidered on it with an odd symbol on it. Alex looked at Claude's bag and noticed he had a different symbol on it. Claude pushed the door open and a rush of warm air came to greet her. She walked into the room and the waiter was quick to sit them at a table near the window. "It's cold out," she mused and Sebastian responded, "It is, coffee?" he asked. Alex looked over at him and realized the waiter was standing at attention, "Yes, please," she replied warmly. Claude looked over at the waiter and commented, "I would like a cappuccino." Alex stared at him curiously and he snickered, "Make that two, and scratch the coffee," he ordered. Alex blushed and realized he had learned how to read her like an open book.
Alex laughed as she fallowed Claude into the café, a rush of warm air rushed to greet her as they got further inside. Claude was grinning from ear to ear and said, "You know Raven, it's been a while since I've seen you fly like that." Sebastian sighed and looked over his shoulder. A smirk of pleasure caressed his lips and he said softly, "Said the envious spider." Claude shook his head, and turned to the waiter, "Table for there?" he asked. The young waiter nodded and smiled as he lead them across the room to table in front of the large observation windows which face the rink. "I was asked to keep this table for you," said the waiter proudly. It was clear it took him a bit to ensure that the table was theirs and another customer didn't sit at it. The café was filled to the brim with people anxious for the party. "By whom?" asked Claude, his voice was curious however there was a hint of caution. "Mr. Sterling, of course," he said happily. Alex stared at him in disbelief, "Sterling is here?" she asked as she slowly took a seat. The cushion was still warm and she looked up at him. "By Sterling you mean Mr. Arnold Sterling? Then yes," said the waiter politely. Alex looked over at Sebastian his eyes had narrowed and he looked as confused as she was. "Thank you, we'd like a moment to order," Claude said before sitting. The waiter nodded and disappeared, after a moment Sebastian slowly settled in his seat. "This is all very unusual," said Sebastian after a moment, he looked irritated and protective for some reason. "I don't remember Lucius and Sterling being friends, they were always at each other's throats at previous engagements," Sebastian mused, "unless." Sebastian paused and looked at Claude, something was clearly off.
Ronald smiled as he looked over at William, he watched the tall shinigami slip his helmet and goggles off. His cheeks were bright red as well as the tip of his nose, it was an adorable sight. He was grinning from ear to ear and Ronald asked, "You really love to ski don't you?" William looked over at him and flashed another bright smile, "I do, but I love you more," he replied. Ronald blushed and replied, "And they say I have a silver tongue." William laughed and slowly bent down, Ronald shook his head and commented, "To think my boss is better with words than I." He was about to say something when he felt something rather hard, cold and wet hit him in the face. Ronald looked over to see William grinning he waved playfully and Ronald glared. "You didn't," he said seriously. William nodded and Ronald smirked as he wadded a ball of snow and chucked it at William. It flew through the air and the older shinigami dodged it agilely. "What no fair," said Ronald angrily as he reached to reload. Only to be hit again, only this time in the back. He jumped up and immediately returned fire, he was laughing like a school boy as the white ball hit William in the chest. "Oh no, you don't," William said playfully before flinging another snowball Ronald's way. He ducked and stuck out his tongue playfully, "What's the matter Sir, off your game?" he mocked before heaving another one William's way.
William jumped and managed to dodge it. He smiled and darted toward Ronald, before the blonde even had a chance to register what was happening; William knocked Ronald to the ground. The powder was soft and cold and flew through the air as they crashed to the ground. Ronald was lying under William, his eyes were locked on to a pair of glistening eyes. William was smiling with delight and said, "Thank you." Ronald sighed and replied, "No problem." He was about to push William away until he realized how nice it was to feel William's warm body on top of his. It made him feel safe and comfortable. William was about to get up when Ronald whispered, "Not yet, I like this." William looked down at the blonde who was now several shades red and he sighed. "I see," he said as he lowered himself again. He wrapped his arms around Ronald's neck and kissed the slender shinigami's lips chastely.
Grell looked at the pair and whined, "Why aren't you like that with me?" The Undertaker looked at Grell and gently removed the redhead's bright red helmet. "Because you don't see me that way," he replied, his voice was cool and there was a hint of pain in it. Grell looked at him and said softly, "Undertaker?" The Undertaker was about to reply when his cell phone rang. He sighed and sifted through the pockets of his black coat before producing the phone. "Yes?" he asked and listened for a moment before asking, "How long?" He was silent again and then looked to Grell. "Naturally I will inform them, thank you very much Neil," he said before hanging up. Grell looked at the silver haired shinigami curiously, "The auction has been moved an artifact is stuck in the mountains around Lichtenstein, it's the centerpiece. I need to find Sebastian and Claude to tell them," he said slowly, he sounded exasperated. Grell wrapped his arms around the Undertaker and sighed, "If you have to." The Undertaker chuckled and grinned with delight, "After that we will take our time to get ready for the party tonight," he replied. The Undertaker walked over to the two Shinigami in the snow and Grell jumped on top of William. "Tackle!" he cried and Ronald's eyes bugged out with the added weight, "Oof," he muttered. William squirmed under the red head and shouted, "Grell Shutclif get off before I have you do over time during vacation!" Ronald gasped, "Grell how much do you weigh?" Grell shrugged and said, "Ne I'm not that heavy, besides Will you aren't that cruel. Overtime during vacation is just horrible." William's eyes narrowed and he looked over his shoulder at Grell, it looked as though he were about to kill Grell. "If you don't get off of us I will demote you further than safety scissors," he hissed. Grell leapt off of them and the pair of red scissors appeared in his hands, "There's something even lower than these?" he asked sheepishly. William dusted himself and held a hand out to Ronald. "No but I can make one, if I see a need," he reminded Grell. The red head nodded quickly and the Undertaker laughed, "Well then to find the two demons," he said as he walked into the lodge.
Grell scrambled after him and Ronald whispered, "Is it possible for you to make a new position?" William smiled and nodded, "I've done it in the past, for you actually." Ronald looked confused and stared at William. His eyes searched for an answer. "What?" asked Ronald and William opened the door, he gestured for Ronald to enter before him. "I did, how do you think you became the youngest in the dispatch four years ago, I had to convince them that you were worth while and would learn more on the job," said William. Ronald stared at him and asked, "That hand written note was from you?" William nodded and picked up his skis before wandering through the resort. "Surprised?" he asked and looked over his shoulder. Ronald nodded and replied, "Really surprised."
Alex was back in her room, she was glowing after the skating session with Claude and Sebastian. There was a soft ring of a violin in the room and she hummed as she thought about what it was like to skate with them both. They were both spectacular skaters, and she was grinning with delight as she reached into her closet. As always the pair had purchased a dress for her, however this one was a beautiful dark red dress, she could tell it was Sebastian's selection, it was wine red and beautiful. It came off the shoulder and hugged her curves as it fell to the floor, the silk was supple and she smiled. The gown must have coasted a fortune and she sighed, they were always buying her spectacular items. She slipped into it and realized how classic the cut was, there was the sound of an old recording which sparked through her mp3 player which was sitting on the dock, a familiar piece cracked through it was warm and she giggled. It was from one of her favorite musicals "Singing in the Rain." She began to hum along with the flute as she slipped into the dress and looked at her reflection, "Have Lunch with Me," she murmured and laughed, it was a little late for that. However the piece was still just as fitting when you listened to the violins sing with the chirping of the flute and soft humming of the oboe. They had tensed before when Canterbury had spoken to Claude and she sighed, "What are they hiding from me?" she asked curiously.
Claude padded out of the bathroom with a towel around his waste and another around his neck. "This tux is getting more usage than I thought it would," he commented as he wandered toward the bed. He slowly slipped into a pair of boxers and looked at Sebastian; he noticed how his raven was perched in the chair. It had been years since he had seen Sebastian with his legs curled under him in the chair. He was wearing a hotel bathrobe which hung loosely from his frame. His skin was beautiful and Claude noticed a listless look in his eyes. "What's wrong?" asked Claude as he walked over. Sebastian looked over at him and replied, "Sterling is causing all of this." Claude was silent and froze, "He can't be reeking this much havoc on his own." Sebastian closed his eyes and heaved a heavy sigh, "I'm aware, however this is getting dangerous the auction is around the corner and Sterling leaves a book with a rose," he mused. Claude sat on the arm of the chair and slipped his fingers into Sebastian's silky black hair. "Something sinister is going on and neither of us has formed a contract with her," Sebastian continued. Claude looked down at Sebastian and commented, "If one of us must we will, however let her be free for now, the triplets are on the look out. Let's get ready; after all you are the employer of the most successful Graphic Designer in the industry." Sebastian sighed and got up his hips swayed as he walked over to the closet and pulled his dinner jacket. Suddenly there was a knock at the door and he looked over curiously, "Undertaker?" he asked curiously. Claude stared at the door as well and slowly walked over. He opened it to find the elderly shinigami standing there. "May I come in, it will only take a moment," he said swiftly. Claude looked confused, usually the Undertaker was making jokes he never sounded this seriously.
The Undertaker stared at Sebastian who was standing in his robe and continued, "Pardon the interruption but I received an unusual phone call for a contact of mine." He paused and looked at them, "What is it?" asked Sebastian; somehow the indecisiveness of the Undertaker was putting him on edge. "The auction has been moved, one of the artifacts was trapped in a snow squall in Lichtenstein," said the Undertaker. There was silence and Claude looked at him, "Eastern European artifacts will be present?" The Undertaker nodded and Claude looked at Sebastian, it had been a long time since he had seen anything from that region of the world. Black magic in Chinese and African goods was normal however true Eastern European Artifacts weren't. All artifacts of the black arts were dangerous, however this was unsettling. "You don't think?" he asked the Undertaker nodded and looked to Sebastian, "Your missing tome is up for auction as well as summoning pieces. This auction is going to house some of the darkest magic around and there will be buyers from every nook and cranny of the world," said the Undertaker. Sebastian looked at Claude and said, "One problem at a time, Sterling is here and is planning on getting a hold of Alex." The Undertaker stared at them; he remembered the battle with Seiki and shivered. He didn't want to see another soul put in that position. "We have to protect her," he whispered, "She wasn't even due to die and she was willing to go." A chill ran down Sebastian's spine, he recalled the moment he saw her falling to the floor, blood running down her skin. It was a moment in which he couldn't bear to repeat. "Okay the triplets are on alert already and we will be attending. Ronald and William received their invitation, will you join us?" asked Claude. There was silence and the undertaker nodded, "Of course," he replied.
Sebastian nodded and Claude grinned, "Tonight is going to be the most memorable of them all," he said as he finished buttoning his shirt and picked up his tie. Sebastian looked at him in confusion and Claude commented, "This is one of the largest parties of the year for the rich and famous, a true red carpet event, let's be honest with our selves. Tonight we get to party like there's no tomorrow." Sebastian chuckled and sighed, he had expected Ronald to say it. "That excites you?" he asked and looked at his golden eyed spider. "Of course, my Raven gets to become the beauty of the event, naturally I'm happy," he said happily before putting on his cuff links.
There were flashes everywhere as celebrities moved about, and Alex felt a twinge of discomfort. She didn't want people to take her picture and she shivered. "Don't worry, you're beautiful just relax," said a familiar playful voice, she had heard it once of twice. Alex looked up to see a cool William and an excited Ronald Knox. She nodded and slowly walked down the red carpet, her dress whispered as she moved and she took in the moment of power. The press was all over William who looked slick in his tux with a traditional bow tie, and Ronald who was in a pair of saddle boys with a fedora on his head. William was smiling and Ronald looked like he was posing for a magazine. The cameras flashed and she looked over her shoulder to see the press going nuts of Claude and Sebastian in their tuxedos, which were behind Ronald and William. Sebastian's lips curled in a playful smirk and Claude grinned. She looked ahead to see Grell in a beautiful tux with a red tie and ruby cuff links, the Undertaker was standing beside him in all black. His silver hair was tied back and his eyes were visible behind his glasses. "So many hot men, who are these guys?" asked a reporter who was clearly trying to keep a tally. "No clue, but wow, she's a knock out too," commented her companion who was cradling a Rebel in his hands. Alex waited at the entrance and watched as Claude and Sebastian worked the floor, with Claude's powerful stride and Sebastian's grace they dominated the red carpet. She smiled and watched them pose before Sebastian looked over at her and waved his hand. Alex nodded and walked over she stood between the two and Sebastian smiled. "Mr. Michaelis who is she?" asked one of the camera men. Sebastian smiled and replied, "Alexandra Stark, the graphic designer." There was a roar as the triplets made and entrance and Alex smiled, they were dressed in matching tuxedos, their purple hair styled and they stood confidently side by side by side. "Triplets, damn they're hot," commented the reporter as she scratched down the triplets. Alex chuckled and Sebastian offered his arm. She looked at him and slowly wrapped her arm around his and followed them through the massive doors.
The room was massive and they stared at all the celebrities who walked in. Each in gowns worth thousands and custom made. The music was thundering and it was a wonderland of light and sound. Alex sighed as she walked into the room, it was lit with black lights and she stared at the walls it was as though the aurora borealis had covered the walls with light. The room looked nothing like it had earlier that day. Her heart was pounding, for some reason she felt nervous even after the Campbell's Anniversary Gala. She looked around to see the triplets each of them dressed in a slick black suite and she stared at them. Canterbury smiled and Timber nodded, she smiled and waved to Thompson who returned her gesture. "Wow, what a dress, I almost didn't recognize you," said an airy voice and Alex turned around to see Lucius standing before her. "Monsieur d'Argent," she said sweetly. He lifted her hand and kissed the back, his beard scratched her skin. "We will be premiering your second advertisement tonight to bring in the New Year. Would you do me the honor of standing beside myself, Marcus and Mr. Michealis?" he asked. Alex looked at him slightly confused and her lips parted slowly into a radiant smile. "Of course," she replied and Lucius nodded as he led her to the stage. She looked at the crowd and stared in shock the Lord and Lady Campbell were in the crowd as well as Sterling and a number of designers she had worked with in the past.
Lucius took the stage and smiled as he walked across the stage, Sebastian was standing at Alex's side and Claude was beside him. "Welcome ladies and gentleman, as many of you know we are launching a new advertising campaign this year. To kick off the New Year I asked for Alexandra Stark, a graphic designer from Artistry, owned by Sebastian Michaelis to create a new image with the assistance of my son, Marcus," he said joyously and Alex noticed how everyone seemed to be listening however they weren't very interested. He looked over at Alex and said, "Let's take a look at what they see." Alex nodded and watched as the massive screen came to life behind her. The champagne bottle was knocked from the table and she watched the champagne take the shapes she had designed. There was silence in the room as the music got louder and the room shakes at the mercy of the pounding base. She smiled and watched their faces become filled with wonder as they watched the car zip away from the screen. Snowboarders catching big air, rings, bells, it was madness on the screen. She smiled and there was an explosion of energy in the room as they watched a legacy being born. Alex held out her hand for the microphone and Lucious handed it to her. The commercial ended and there was a roar of applause. She smiled and lifted the make, "It was a wonderful experience to work with both Lucius and Marcus. I hope we are able to work together again in the future," she said sweetly. She flashed a broad smile before handing the microphone back to Lucius. "Well then, let's get this party started. 2012 is coming to an end so let's welcome 2013 with a bang!" he said happily. There was a roar of excitement and Alex slipped off the stage, she looked around and made her way over to the comfort of the bar.
Alex leaned against the bar and said, "Cranberry Sparkler please." The young bartender smiled and nodded before she dashed away to mix her cocktail. Alex sighed and looked at everyone they seemed to be enjoying the party and she felt a wave of exhaustion sweep over her. It hadn't registered how long she had been awake or the amount of work she had done for that matter. She smiled and Ronald wandered over, "Hey stranger," he said as he ordered, "Gin and Tonic please." Alex looked at him and asked nervously, "What's your name again?" Ronald looked at her and laughed, his hands gripped his sides and he looked at her. "You've been hanging out with me for all this time and you don't know my name?" he asked, his voice was filled with merriment. "Yeah," she replied sheepishly. The bartender brought over Alex's Cranberry Sparkler and Ronald's Gin and Tonic. "Ronald Knox," he replied as he held out his hand, he had taken his fedora off his head and smiled. Alex slowly stepped her hand into one of his black gloved ones and replied, "Nice to meet you Mr. Knox." Ronald laughed and flushed, "Please call me Ronald." Alex nodded and watched as the blond released his hand. William walked over and looked at Ronald's glass, "Drinking?" he asked curiously. Ronald nodded and William grinned as he called, "Old Par on the rocks." The bartender nodded and was quick to begins mixing his drink. "I'm William T. Spears by the way," said the brunet as he extended his hand to Alex. His manor was all business and she nodded, "Nice to meet you Mr. Spears." He smiled and looked at her dress, "I take it the demon chose that," he said softly. Alex jumped a little when she heard him call Sebastian a demon, "Yes," she replied hesitantly. William laughed and commented, "Don't worry, you look stunning in it, half the men in the room can't keep their eyes off of you." Ronald laughed and nodded after taking a sip of his drink, "That dress is a knock out, although I think Grell is a little envious. He's been glaring daggers all evening," said Ronald lightly. Her ocean blues glided to where Grell was standing near the Undertaker. He certainly looked irritated, "He wanted to wear a red dress didn't he?" asked Alex teasingly. Ronald turned bright red and attempted to suppress his laughter as he nodded.
"He has a thing for women's clothing," stated William, he seemed completely unfazed by that fact. She sighed and replied, "I've noticed." There was chatter and she watched the pair who had enchanted every female in the room, Claude and Sebastian. They were standing side by side. A smirk was spread across Sebastian's lips as he spoke with a potential client. Claude pushed his glasses further up his nose and Alex noticed how they winked in the light. He was clearly talking about business. "They're a pair aren't they?" asked Alex as she took another sip of her drink. William sighed and commented, "They weren't always like that, especially after Ciel and Alois." Alex looked at him in confusion, she had never heard their names. "Who?" she asked and William looked at her, he looked as though he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "Ciel and Alois were their last contracts who were children. After that they only contracted desperate adults, even then the contracts were rare and in between," said William. Alex's blue eyes widened and she asked, "Contract?" William looked at her and replied coolly, "Just business, don't worry." Ronald looked at William, he was in shock, and before Alex could say another word she heard a familiar voice call her. "Alexandra," said a warm and welcoming voice, she turned to see Lord and Lady Campbell calling her over. She smiled brightly before politely saying, "Well it was a pleasure to finally learn your names," she picked up her drink and walked over to the elderly couple. Ronald looked at William and asked softly, "You didn't tell her, why?" William looked over at Ronald; he sighed and replied, "She's not ready to know what those two really are, when the time is right she will know." Ronald shook his head and sighed, "Will sometimes I wonder who the real bad guys is."
Sterling was sitting in the corner and slowly and chatting with several designers from Paris when his phone rang. "Excuse me," he said softly before answering his phone, "Sterling," he replied. He was quiet and asked, "When will the date be moved to?" He looked across the room and his eyes narrowed when he spotted the silver haired Undertaker, "I see, it appears that someone unexpected has decided to join us," Sterling commented. He smiled crookedly and continued, "No we invited him, however it seems that he's siding with the Spider, which means it will be much more difficult to form a contract with the Prince." Sterling pursed his lips for a moment and smiled before replying, "Don't worry the Spider will be out of the way soon, I have him working on a little project for me. Nothing that will lead back to you, but a special one which will destroy him." His emerald greens sparkled dangerously and he chuckled with glee. "Oh yes she's here, and stunning as well. They certainly know how to dress her for a party," he commented. His pink tongue slipped out from between his lips and he slowly ran it across his bottom lip. "I placed my card on the table however I was out maneuvered by three clock work spiders. I'll take care of them tonight," he said with a note of pride. He was silent and his eyes twinkled again dangerously, "Once this is over, I would love to add her to my collection, if you don't mind. She won't be usefully when we are through," he said happily. He nodded and said, "A Happy New Year to you as well." Sterling ended the call and slowly left his seat, "Now to get rid of three unexpected guests," he murmured before leaving the room.
Sterling wandered down the hall and slipped into one of the bathrooms, he looked around slowly to ensure that he was indeed alone before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small wooden box. "I don't need a tome to tell me how to do this," he whispered, a smile caressed his lips as he opened the dark wooden box. He pulled out a small dark crystal and slowly filled the sink with cold water. His eyes were locked on the dark crystal as the sink filled. He slowly twisted the faucet off and drew a deep breath. Sterling's emerald greens closed as he held the long black crystal in his hands and slowly slipped it into the sink which was now filled with ice cold water. It stung his fingers and he hissed in pain as he felt the crystal surge in his fingertips. The power pulsated and he opened his eyes to see the crystal glowing a violent purple. He drew a deep breath and began to murmur a summoning. One which wouldn't require a demon or tome, his aura flared and he gazed into the pool. "Monsters of ice and snow, which may never melt," he said darkly as he drew his hands from the pool. Dark crystals began to form and spread around the sink and he smiled as he gazed at the dark water. "Happy New Year, Faustus," he chirped with delight.