Chapter Eight

Butler, Merrymaking. Bride, Cohabitation

Riding through a barren landscape when on the zenith of autumn was chilling. The entirety of the Phantomhive household was travelling through the dismal countryside, two carriages loaded up with bags and people trotted along the dirt road; Sebastian at the reins in the first carriage with Ciel and Marianne sat behind him, and the second packed with the others, driven by Tanaka.

"Holiday! Holiday! We're going on holiday!" the servant trio sang.

All of them bundled up in warm clothes, and out of uniform, they were gleeful in the idea of leaving the mansion for what they thought was a well-deserved holiday.

"This is so exciting!" Finny exclaimed. "I can't believe it!"

"Spectacular!" cried MeyRin. "He's actually bringing us! We get to go on holiday at the Queen's own resort!"

Bard smiled as he blew smoke from his cigarette.

"Looks like the Young Master can be very generous when the spirit moves him, eh?"

The gardener and maid agreed.


With Sebastian, Ciel and Marianne, the atmosphere was much more sombre. The boy sat in his seat wrapped in a black cloak tied with a blue ribbon, his cane resting on his knees and his attire a blue ensemble. Sebastian and Marianne were similarly garbed in black coats and gloves. Marianne also had a new black baker's cap on her head, a gift from the demon since her old brown one had been ruined. Actually her old clothes were impossible to use, the blood just wouldn't come out…

Sebastian gave a shit-eating smile to his passengers.

"Do you hear how happy they are?" he asked. "They're very grateful to you. Such a kind Young Master."

Ciel scoffed.

"I couldn't leave them alone. We might have come home to find the manor in shambles."

Marianne fisted her gloved hands and shuddered against the cold October wind.

"That actually sounds better than where we're going. They don't know what they're letting themselves in for," she murmured.

The boy merely tapped her hand with the tip of his cane, merely a prod to let her know it would be dealt with quickly.


It wasn't long before they rolled up in front of a sign made of rotting wood. A crow sat on top of it, along with a spiked metal dog collar and chain dangling over the wood. The words 'Welcome to Houndsworth' stared back at the travellers.

"It seems that we've arrived at the village." Sebastian said.

The trio behind them stared out at the village, and were dismayed at the sight before them. From an old grey tree, several dog collars hung and blew in the wind like rattling chains. Dog skulls were half-heartedly covered with dirt, leaving their empty eye sockets to stare back at the weary travellers who came their way. An eerie wind whistled through the air. Bard, Finny and MeyRin screamed. Marianne glanced at Ciel and caught him chuckling for a moment before he composed himself and spoke.

"Oh yes, I forgot to mention something. The resort that the Queen is planning has yet to be constructed."

The girl didn't have to look back to see how disappointed her colleagues were.

"Yes Master…" they sighed in unison.

"Ho, ho, ho." Tanaka chuckled.


Marianne's mind couldn't help but drift back to how they all came to be in that desolate place…

"A holiday, Young Master?" Sebastian asked. "In this season?"

He, Ciel and Marianne were gathered in the study, the two servants having brought the Master's tea and cake. Ciel was calmly sipping the beverage at his desk when he looked up at the couple.

"Yes, indeed," he replied. "Tell me, have you ever heard a pastime known as bear-baiting?"

Marianne wrinkled her nose.

"One of the reasons I woe for the human race," she sighed heavily. "The person who thought it up must have been bored to tears if they couldn't think of anything better."

Sebastian only chuckled at her response, and went on with his thoughts.

"The notion does sound entertaining. But I'm afraid I've not heard of it." He smirked at them. "Indulge me, Sir, Marianne?"

Ciel explained the general rules.

"A bear is chained to a fence. It is then surrounded by vicious dogs, which slowly bite and kill it."

Sebastian sneered.

"That sounds like something… only a human would think up."

"Why do you think I woe for them?" complained Marianne. "Their amusements are bloody and moronic. It's a wonder people haven't seen through my disguise yet. I almost pity them."

Ciel nodded his head.

"It was banned back in 1835 when the Cruelty to Animals Act was instated," he went on. "However, there is still a loophole. The attack dogs they used were not banned. So a new game developed."

This made the demon pause for thought.

"They use dogs to attack dogs. Let's see… Would that be dog-baiting?"

"More like dog fighting." Marianne inputted.

The boy ignored her and continued with his speech.

"There's a village where it's quite popular, known as Houndsworth. It has been known for raising vicious hunting dogs. But they take it further." He paused to take a bite of his fruit cheesecake. "It breaks her Majesty's heart. So we will secure the village's land for a royal estate. A simple pretext to end the atrocities."

Sebastian's lip curled.

"A village full of dogs?"

"Yes, why?" Ciel asked.

"Well, please forgive me, Master, but this seems a rather insignificant task for someone of your stature to take on."

The demon bowed his head. Ciel glared at him coldly.

"Sebastian. You should know by now, I have my reasons," he responded. "This is indeed a task fit for a Phantomhive."


Far away in Houndsworth, dogs feasting on their bloodstained kill were scared away by a large black shadow, shaped like an enormous dog with glowing red eyes…


The Phantomhive party continued to travel through the dreary landscape. Fog lingered in the air and consumed most of their surroundings. Finny glanced over to the side of the road and cried out.

"Look! Someone actually lives here!"

They all saw an elderly woman rocked a pram back and forth, her face shadowed beneath her bonnet.

"Tanaka, stop!" Finny told him.

The carriage ground to a halt beside the woman and the gardener jumped down from his seat. His curious green eyes went to look inside the pram, a smile on his face as he touched the lady's hand.

"Let me help you, Granny."

From their seats, MeyRin and Bard tried to stop him.

"No! You shouldn't do that, Finny!" cried MeyRin. "If you aren't careful, you might hurt the baby!"

Finny, unhearing of her words, lifted the pram above his head without a struggle.

"Sorry, what did you say?" he asked.

He then realised what she had said. His face became deathly pale and without a thought he slammed the pram down onto the ground.

"I'm so sorry!"

MeyRin and Bard looked into the pram.

"Oh dear! Is the baby okay?" she said.

All of their mouths dropped when they saw that there wasn't a baby in the pram, but in fact a dog's skull on the soft white sheets.

"There is no baby," the old woman whispered. "There is no baby anymore. The child was eaten by it."

As she wheeled the pram away, she began to chant.

"The white dog is a good dog, a good dog, good. The black dog is a bad dog, a bad dog, bad."

Marianne shook her head as she watched the woman disappear into the fog.

"Why do I get the feeling that we are about to enter a town filled with insane people?" she asked.

Ciel glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, and snorted, casting his eye to their departing acquaintance.

"That's why we're here. Apparently a lot of the villagers have been violently killed, or missing. The population has shrunk to a third of its size in the last ten years," he explained. "A part of my task is to find out why, and put an end to the problem."

The girl looked at Sebastian, who had the most serious expression on his face as he watched the woman walking away.

"Sebastian? Are you alright?"

The demon turned his red eyes to her, and smiled under her curious stare.

"Nothing to worry about. I was simply in thought."

He cracked the reins and urged the horses on.


Soon enough, they were travelling over the hill and were welcomed by the sight of a crystal blue lake near to the village. The servant trio gasped appreciatively at the scenery.

"Blimey!" Bard laughed. "Now it's looking like a place worth staying."

When they finally made it into town, the church bell was ringing through the streets. They passed a young man training and playing with his dog. As he was wrapped in his furry friend's embrace, Marianne couldn't help but overhear MeyRin's exclamation.

"Oh my! I'd let him pet me, yes I would!"

Marianne looked to Sebastian and blushed.

Sebastian, who held no love for canines, wrinkled his nose at the display.

"He manipulates the creature with rewards and punishments," he explained. "He commands the mutt's obedience, but… the dog isn't blameless either."

They passed many men and women, weapons blunt and sharp leant against their walls.

"It fawns on its human, and welcomes the chain around its neck. I don't understand it."

The girl nodded her head in agreement.

"I think it's why I prefer cats. They have a more natural instinct in concern to humans, and don't bend to their commands if they feel it isn't right. A dog only listens to its master, and follows their views of right and wrong. They're almost too reliant on others, much like my surviving family actually…"

Ciel looked at her for a moment before turning to Sebastian.

"If you're trying to get at something deeper, just say it," he ordered.

The demon smirked.

"No, it's nothing of import, My Lord. Simply that, while I love cats, I'm not especially fond of dogs." He glanced at them over his shoulder with a sneer. "To be completely frank, I hate them."

The boy couldn't resist teasing his butler.

"Woof!"

Marianne facepalmed and shook her head in exasperation.

"Honestly, why do I always have to be stuck in the middle of you two? I swear you are as bad as each other."

Sebastian chuckled.

"You wouldn't have it any other way, dear Marianne."


At last, their journey finally took them to the top of a hill overlooking the entirety of Houndsworth. A large manor house stared down at them, like a demonic sentinel watching over his empire. It was even more gloomy than the town below. When the carriages stopped at the entrance, Marianne heard the front doors open, and felt a shudder run down the length of her spine. Looking over her shoulder, she saw who had come to accept their arrival.

A maid, only a little older than herself, with white hair that shone like silver, and bright purple eyes. She wore a purple maid's uniform with a white apron and cap. Her beauty was otherworldly; it was almost despairing that she was only a maid.

"I presume this is the Earl of Phantomhive?" she asked.

Her voice was soft and resembled the angels' choir. Marianne was suspicious of her already.

"Yes."

That was all Sebastian responded with. It seemed he felt the same way.

"Welcome to Barrymore Castle," the maid curtsied. "My Master awaits your arrival."

The smile she gave them was glorious. The servants in the second carriage all gazed at her appreciatively.

"She's lovely, yes she is!" MeyRin cried.

Finny's eyes were alight and his cheeks were flushed bright pink.


The maid led them all inside and took Ciel, Sebastian and Marianne into the drawing room. The heads of many animals were stuffed and mounted on the walls, their glass eyes staring back at the visitors. The room was a mess of sharp teeth, tusks and antlers, all of them shining dimly in the light. Shields and weapons were placed underneath them, a proud display of what was used to slaughter the beasts now degraded to decoration. Marianne was barely able to suppress the bile that rose in her throat.

A shriek interrupted their thoughts. The trio turned around and were shocked at the sight before them. A man with messy dark hair, large sideburns and facial hair covering his cheeks, was striking the maid across the back with a sharp whip.

"Who the Hell is this Chihuahua?!" he bellowed. "I told you to bring me the Queen's Guard Dog when he arrived!"

The image of Ciel with a pair of Chihuahua ears popped into the girl's mind, and she didn't know whether to be dismayed, or hold back her laughter.

"Chihuahua?" Sebastian whispered.

"A very small dog that makes a lot of noise," she explained. "The type ladies like to keep in their handbags."

The demon nodded his head in understanding.

"And who is this Poodle you've brought along?! Far too soft to serve the Queen's Guard Dog!" Lord Henry snapped.

Marianne's lip curled into a snarl.

"A Poodle…? They may look soft and fluffy, but they are intelligent and strong creatures."

"Can't you do anything?!" the man roared, continuing to strike the battered young maid.

Ciel glared at him.

"Move, Sebastian."

Sebastian obeyed and swiftly caught the man's wrist. The man lashed out furiously.

"What are you doing, you filthy Doberman?! Somebody should train you better! Let me go right now!"

The boy shook his head.

"He's acting on my orders."

He smirked and took a seat.

"Who the Hell are you?!" the man shouted.

"From the sounds of it, you have already received the letter I sent. My name is Ciel, the Earl of Phantomhive." Ciel sneered as he placed his cane down on the table.

When Sebastian finally released the man's wrist, he spoke up.

"Do you mean to tell me that a toy poodle like you is the Queen's emissary?"

"You don't like small breeds, Lord Henry? Now that's hardly fair."

Marianne was unimpressed. Was this man the Lord they were meant to be dealing with? There was only one word that crossed her mind when she looked at him.

Bastard.


Outside, the others were dealing with the luggage. Finny was too busy fantasising about the pretty maid instead of working.

"Quit acting like a loon, Finny!" Bard snapped, arms laden with bags. "You've got bags to carry! Hurry it up!"

His words were ignored.


Lord Henry Barrymore and Ciel sat on opposing sides of the table, where the man was reading through the contract Ciel had given him. Sebastian, Marianne and the maid were stood beside the tea trolley. The maid's hands were bruised black as they reached for the china, trembling and unable to hold them. As she made to pour the tea, Sebastian whispered into her ear.

"Please Miss, allow me."

He continued where she left off, and had Marianne take the cups to the noblemen.

Barrymore slammed the papers down with a scowl on his face.

"There is nothing to discuss. Under no circumstances shall I sell Barrymore Castle to anybody," he said.

"Why is that?" Ciel asked slowly.

"Because of the curse."

"Oh? What curse?"

The man went on to explain what he meant.

"This village and its dogs have existed for centuries. Anyone who interferes with us will be cursed, in a most horrible way." Barrymore rose and slammed his hands down on the table. "Even the Queen cannot lift the curse! Your mission is pointless! Anyone who acts against the wishes of the Barrymore family is destined to meet an unimaginably terrible end."

Ciel stared at Barrymore for a moment, then smirked.

"My, how interesting."

"What?" Barrymore gasped.

"You've peaked my curiosity. I'd like to see this dreadful curse of yours, Lord Henry."

The man was barely able to hold back a snarl.


Later, down in the servants' kitchen of the house, the maid, Angela, was sat with the servant trio and Tanaka. They were enjoying some snacks from the cupboards and delighting in conversation with their new acquaintance.

"Really?" Bard smiled. "You're the only maid for the entire estate?"

"Amazing!" applauded MeyRin. "I have no idea how you get everything done, Angela."

Angela blushed demurely.

"It's nothing that impressive. I promise you, I'm a mess most of the time."

The cook smiled broadly, cigarette between his teeth.

"Let us know if there is something we can help you with. After all, we servants have got to stick together, am I right?" He turned to Finny. "Finny, am I right?"

Finny happily nodded his head in agreement. Angela bowed her head with a smile.

"How kind of you to offer your help. Thank you."

Just then, the service bell for the bedroom rang. Angela pulled herself out of her seat and bowed.

"I have to go right away. My master is calling. Please excuse me."

She rushed away in a flurry of billowing skirts and whipping ribbons. Finny gazed after her with a rosy blush across his cherub-like cheeks.


Angela showed the servants to their rooms, where Sebastian and Marianne were the only ones who remained in having a place designated. The two of them were led down a long corridor, dimly lit with flickering lights, before they stopped in front of a large imposing door.

"This will be your room. It is not far from where your master is staying. I hope you will be comfortable here." Angela said as she curtsied.

Sebastian nodded his head and pushed the door open for his female companion. Marianne bowed to the maid and ducked inside without a word, leaving the maid as she walked away into the darkness.


When Sebastian closed the door behind them, he saw their luggage had been already placed by the two beds. The quarters they had been granted were not luxurious to say the least, not like their usual lodgings at Phantomhive manor, but they were more than adequate for their needs. He was especially pleased to be sharing a room with his mate, since he didn't have to hide in the shadows to watch her sleep.

"Sebastian?"

The demon looked up and saw Marianne standing before him, a blush spread across her cheeks and her chin lowered as she looked up at him through her dark eyelashes.

"Yes, Marianne?"

"How is this going to work?"

He paused for a moment as he contemplated her question. Sebastian watched her eyes travel around the room, settling on the beds for a few seconds before going to the windows and back round again.

"We are sharing a room, my dear. You are meant to be playing my apprentice after all, not another maid, or else you would have been sharing with MeyRin. If it's that you are concerned about your gender being exposed, then when you are changing clothes, we shall simply lock the door and close the curtains."

Marianne pouted.

"That's not my only concern, and you know it."

Sebastian chuckled at her expression. She really did look like a disgruntled kitten.

"Don't worry. I shall endeavour to protect your modesty," he teased.

Marianne only stared at him.

"You're a demon. You practically exude the opposite of modesty," she deadpanned. "Not to mention you seem to be picking up the bad habit of catching me in less and less clothes lately."

He refrained from saying he had seen her in far less clothing than she knew.

"Come. Once everything is unpacked, we must go and tend to the Young Master."


Night fell quickly over Houndsworth and consumed everything in a sea of thick fog. Finny was wandering about outside the house with a smile on his face.

"Angela is so pretty…" he said to himself wistfully.

His ears picked up a pebble shifting over the rocks. The gardener looked out into the darkness, but was interrupted by Bard calling out to him.

"Oi, Finny! What are you doing?"

"Coming!"

Finny rushed back inside, not noticing that he was being watched from behind the nearby boulders, whose eyes then turned up to the lit window above their head.


In that very room, Angela was sat in a high-backed, black chair, legs pale and bare, her skirts hiked up to her thighs. Lord Henry was on his knees before her, stroking her legs with his paw-like hands.

"Oh Angela…" he moaned. "The Queen wants to take my village from me. You understand what I have to do, don't you? I must protect it! I must protect the village!"

He hugged and kissed her white flesh, moaning her name like she was a gift from heaven. Angela merely stared down at him, an underlying hatred in her purple eyes.

"Oh Angela… My sweet darling angel…"


Outside the door, MeyRin scrambled back. A drop of blood slid from her nose and down her face.

"I shouldn't have seen that!" she whispered. "I shouldn't have seen that at all!"


Sebastian and Marianne were tending to Ciel, getting him ready for the night when they heard a knock at the door. Without preamble, Angela came inside and bowed her head.

"I apologise for intruding so late."

Ciel was sat in a chair by the fire, reading a book. Sebastian stood putting away the boy's coat and hat and Marianne was pulling the covers off the bed and fluffing the pillows for when the master decided to go to sleep.

"What is it you want?" Sebastian asked. "My Master was just about to retire."

The maid nodded her head towards Ciel.

"I have a request to make. Leave the castle. Leave the village completely. You mustn't stay here," she pleaded.

Ciel didn't move.

"Why is that?"

"I can't say…"

Just then, a resounding howl came from outside. Marianne jolted and ran for the curtained window.

"No! The Demon Hound!" Angela cried. "It's coming!"

Ciel jumped out of his seat.

"What?"

Marianne was barely able to hold back a scream as the silhouette of a large dog's head overshadowed her body. She scrambled back and found herself sprawled on the bed in her effort to escape.

"Sebastian!" Ciel ordered.

The demon ran forward and pulled back the curtains. There was nothing there. The boy stepped forward and the girl climbed back off the bed to join Sebastian at the window.

"What was that thing?" Ciel asked.

"Master," said Sebastian. "Look there."

He pointed out something glowing green as it ran through the night, heading straight for the village.


One by one, the lights of the houses flowed out of the windows as the glowing paw prints on the ground shone in the moonlight. The cries and shrieks of the people were loud and clear.

"The Demon Hound!"

"The Demon Hound is here!"

"The Demon Hound!"

Ciel was joined by his two butlers outside while he knelt down and ran his finger over one of the prints. A residue came away on his finger.

"What is it?" Marianne asked.

Ciel hummed in thought.

"Master!" MeyRin screamed.

"Angela!" Finny called.

The servant trio came running out in their nightclothes along with Tanaka.

"What is it?" What's going on here?" Bard asked.

"The Demon Hound is here," replied Angela.

"Demon Hound?!"

The woman nodded her head.

"It brings great catastrophe to the village. Anyone who dares to defy my master will be punished by the Demon Hound," she explained. "That is the law here. There is no way to stop it!"

Someone called out to Angela. They all turned and saw a number of villagers with flaming torches approach.

"Please call Lord Barrymore at once. The Demon Hound has come again."

Angela nodded her head.

"Who was the punished one?" she asked.


At the scene, they saw a man's body lying in the dirt, covered with bloody marks, from bites repeatedly driven into his skin. His clothes were splattered with blood and grime, rips to shreds on his cooling body. His eyes were closed and his face twisted into a painful grimace. Ciel knelt down to examine the body, a nonchalant air to his manner; Marianne watched with her hand on Sebastian's sleeve.

"How awful…" she heard Bard whisper.

The boy lifted the corpse's wrist up to take a closer look.

"So that's it then?"

"Stand back! Don't touch!" Barrymore suddenly bellowed.

He came through the mob like Moses parting the Red Sea. His face flickered against the firelight.

"I see it was James then. He was the bad dog."

"Yes. He broke the legal restriction on dog ownership. He had six dogs, one more than is allowed." A villager answered.

Barrymore nodded his head.

"A sixth dog… So this was inevitable."

Inevitable, my ass. Marianne thought, wrinkling her nose. Sebastian barely managing to hold back a snigger.

"That's it? That's all you can say?" Bard snapped.

Lord Henry glared at them.

"This village is under my rule and no other. The Demon Hound protects that rule. As the guardian of the Barrymore family, it punishes anyone and everyone who dares to challenge me!"

The villagers began to chant.

"The white dog is a good dog, a good dog, good."

"The black dog is a bad dog, a bad dog, bad."

"He'll eat your flesh down to the bone, down to the bone."

"He'll gobble you up until you're gone, until you're gone."

"Lull-a-by sunset, lull-a-by goodnight."

They carried the body away on a stretcher, while Barrymore said one last thing before he departed.

"I was sure you outsiders were going to be his next prey. You're lucky to have escaped."

Followed by Angela, he left.

As they watched the departing backs, Marianne placed a hand on Ciel's shoulder while Sebastian spoke.

"Well, Master?"

Ciel hummed in agreement and stared out into the darkness with a determined gleam in his eye.


The following day, Bard, MeyRin and Finny were outside the Barrymore house, slumped despondently in the autumn air. Bard fiddled with the cigarette between his teeth and spoke.

"This has got to be the worst holiday ever."

"The worst, yes it is." MeyRin agreed.

They were pulled from their thoughts by the entrance of Sebastian.

"What's the matter?" the demon asked. "You were so excited on the way here."

The three servants looked up at their superior, all of them with mournful looks in their eyes; Bard was the first to speak up.

"Yeah, well, that was before."

Sebastian smirked.

"Don't look so gloomy." He pulled a picnic basket and swimwear seemingly out of thin air. "We're on holiday. It's a time meant for relaxing."

They all cheered up at those words.


And so, the entire Phantomhive party went out to the enormous lake Houndsworth resided alongside. Despite the dismal atmosphere, the swimming hole itself was clean and pristine, an ideal attraction to the weary traveller seeking a place to relax. Bard and Finny, dressed up in their swimsuits, were running into the water while screaming at the tops of their voices.

"I haven't been to a proper swimming hole in ages!" Bard laughed. "The water is so nice and warm!"

Finny glanced over his shoulder towards the changing hut set up on the shore.

"Aren't you coming in too, MeyRin?" he called.

MeyRin, with blushing red cheeks, peeked her head out from behind the black curtains.

"No! I can't go out there! It's too embarrassing!" she screamed.

Bard shook his head.

"Oh come on now, this is something you don't get the chance to do every day!"

It wasn't long before the two of them spy the maid. Her swimsuit was white and tight around her body, with pink trim and ribbons.

"Oh this is so humiliating!" she moaned.

The men approached her.

"No worries, MeyRin. You look lovely," complimented Finny.

"I bet you would look even better without the glasses." Bard teased.

She ran off, clutching her glasses as she desperately tried to escape the boys as they chased after her.


Meanwhile, Ciel was sat reading a book on the shore, a cup of tea at his side. Sebastian stood at his side with a cloth over his arm and a shit-eating smile on his face. Marianne was sat down between them, watching the others play in the water. She wanted to join them for a swim, but all things considered, it wasn't the best idea, namely because she wasn't sure if she wanted Sebastian to see her in a swimsuit.

"Don't you care to bathe with them, Young Master?" asked Sebastian.

There was silence from Ciel.

"Oh, I see," the demon smirked. "Is that the problem? The Master can't…"

The boy snorted.

"I don't know why they're making a fuss about this little pond. Just because you can bathe, doesn't make it a resort."

The demon smirked.

"What about you, Marianne? Don't you care for a swim?"

Marianne arched a brow.

"You know as well as I do why that isn't an option for me. I think they would all notice I'm not exactly a man. Those swimsuits don't exactly hide what I'm missing, do they?"

Sebastian smiled.

"Well, we'll just have to make sure you get the chance for a private swim. I shall attend you, of course."

"…I don't whether you're teasing me or not at the moment."

She realised they had drifted from the topic at hand, and diverted the attention back to it before Sebastian could embarrass her any further.

"You're still intent on making this place a resort? I get that it's the Queen's order, but there must be better places to put it," she said to the boy.

Ciel glanced at her and shook his head.

"She has ordered it, and I must carry it out."

"But what of this Demon Hound?" Sebastian inquired.

"Surely you know as well as I by now." Ciel closed his eyes and sneered. "That Demon Hound is no dog. Shall we discuss it further?"


The servant trio played happily in the water. Finny looked to the shore and waved at the watchers on the picnic blanket.

"Hi Angela!"

The maid was sat beside Tanaka as he sipped his tea, a parasol resting on her shoulder. She waved back with a sweet smile on her face.


"Now go." Ciel whispered into Sebastian's ear.

The demon smirked.

"Yes, very well, Master. You may consider it done." Sebastian brought himself into an upright position and stared down at the sitting Marianne, who gazed back at him with her pretty blue eyes. "I shall leave the Master in your care, Marianne. I shall endeavour not to be too long."

She smiled at him.

"You're one hell of a butler, Sebastian. You always go above and beyond in your duties." Getting to her feet, Marianne walked behind Ciel and rested her hands on his shoulders. "I'll keep him safe while you're gone."

As Sebastian made to walk away, Ciel couldn't resist another taunt at the demon.

"You're surprisingly co-operative, especially for someone who hates dogs."

"Ciel, behave yourself!" Marianne hissed.

He pouted like a child and crossed his arms before glancing at the butler out of the corner of his eye.

"Yes, I detest them." Sebastian answered. "That's why I'd like to finish as quickly as possible."

The girl nodded her head and cast her gaze over to Angela.

"I have to agree. There's something here that doesn't feel quite right."

Sebastian noticed where she was staring and agreed.

"I shall be back as quickly as possible."

As he walked away, he couldn't resist adding.

"Preferably before it all goes to Hell."

Once the demon was gone, Ciel and Marianne looked at one another and watched the others, having dried off from their swim, partake in the picnic Sebastian had prepared for their excursion.

"What is your opinion of all this, Marianne? You have always had a good perception of people's characters. You notice what others are likely to miss. What did you see last night that was strange to you?" Ciel asked.

Marianne bit her lip and thought for a few minutes.

"It wasn't what I saw that night that seemed strange to me… It was actually something Lord Henry said after the attack. He said the Demon Hound punishes everyone who challenged him, and his implication that he expected it to be us who got punished. He almost sounded disappointed that we weren't. He also didn't react as someone should when they first lay eyes on a dead body. No one does that unless they know what they're going to see…"

Ciel hummed in agreement.


Just then, the sounds of the villagers shouting interrupted their peace.

"We got him! The bad dog's been caught! We got James' dog! Hurry! The punishment is about to begin!"

Ciel's eye narrowed in distaste. Marianne wrinkled her nose.

"Sounds like those dog fights you mentioned are about to begin. Shall we go?" she asked.

"Indeed." Ciel agreed.


At the dog fight arena, James' dog was chained by its throat to the stone wall behind it. Snarling and spitting, it glared at its many opponents; other dogs snapped at it. The leader of the charge against the dog was Lord Barrymore, who smirked at his unfortunate prey.

"He's got something in its mouth!" someone yelled. "Get it from him!"

A man stepped up with a long wooden stick and started trying to tug what was held so tightly in its maw.

"Let go!" the man snapped. The dog held fast. "Bad dog! Give it to me!"

He raised the stick above his head and slammed it down repeatedly on the canine. Barrymore watched in satisfaction.

"What a bad dog. He deserves punishment," he sneered. "Get started!"

With his words, the villagers released the dogs.

The scene was brutal and bloody. Marianne couldn't tell the humans from the animals. She was gathered with Ciel, the servants, and Angela as she watched the dogs attack their helpless victim. Her hand pressed over her mouth to hold back the nausea that was building in the back of her throat. Behind her, she felt Finny trembling, his hands clenched tightly into fists and his eyes wide with unwavering horror.

"Stop this… You can't do it…" he whispered. "It's awful…"

And then, he finally snapped.

"LET THE POOR THING GO!"

All the spectators turned towards them, and watched Finny in shock as he picked up a wooden post driven deep into the earth. Using it as a weapon, Finny smashed his way through the dogs.

"Finny!"

The others rushed towards him as he knelt over the injured animal. The glares they received from the villagers caused Marianne to shiver and slowly reach towards the dagger in her tailcoat pocket.

"Get behind me, Ciel. I have a feeling things are going to get bad," she whispered.

Ciel, much to her surprise, obligated. With her lip caught between her teeth, she listened to the mob's angry whispers.

"They interfered…"

"They interrupted…"

"Punish them!"

"They must be punished!"

Through the gaps in the crowd, she was able to spot Barrymore staring back at them with a smirk on his face.

"While I would like to see you put these people in their place, perhaps it would be best not to struggle… too much. Best not draw your weapon for now." Ciel ordered in a low whisper.

Marianne sighed heavily but nodded her head, and let the mob close in.


Following a brief struggle, Ciel and Marianne were shackled to the stone wall beside the injured dog by their wrists and ankles, along with metal collars around their necks. The girl weighed the metal on her wrists, feeling it chafe against the tender skin; she gritted her teeth when she felt it rub enough to the point that a drop of blood began to stain the white cuff of her shirt. In front of them, the others were tied to the pole Finny had used and gagged. Their muffled cries went unheard as Barrymore approached them.

"Not so powerful now, are you?" he mocked.

Angela, who had kept out of the proceedings since their arrival, pleaded with her master.

"Please Master, please show mercy this one time! These people don't deserve the punishment!"

Lord Barrymore contemplated her words for a moment before a smile spread across his face.

"You have a point. This little Pomeranian is the Queen's Guard Dog after all. If he can be made to see reason, perhaps I'll decide to let him go."

Ciel merely glared at him as he spoke.

"Leave this village immediately, and advise her Majesty never to send her minions near it again."

The boy smirked, a spark of glee lighting in his uncovered eye.

"You're so pathetic! You rely on lowly tricks to maintain your meagre power," he laughed. "If there's a stubborn dog here, I'd say I'm looking at him."

Barrymore snarled.

"If that's your final choice, you can learn what happens to a dog that challenges me!"

He ordered the release of the ravenous dogs, which surged towards its chained prey. Marianne closed her eyes and silently screamed out only one name.

Sebastian!

One of the dogs was sent flying after a harsh impact. Sebastian then landed before them and swept the rest of the pack away with a swing of his arm. For a brief moment, Marianne caught sight of his eyes, glowing red and fiercely scornful of the beasts he detested. But there was something else in his demeanour that chilled her blood, a fury hidden so deeply, if it wasn't for the fact she spent a great deal of time looking into his eyes, it wouldn't have been seen.

He's furious… She thought. I wonder what's made him so angry. But considering how he's glaring at Barrymore and the mob, I'll have to make a note never to get in the way of an angry demon. It clearly would not end well.

She was jolted from her thoughts when Ciel spoke up.

"You cut that close."

Sebastian glanced at his master over his shoulder and righted his gloves.

"It won't happen again. Trust me," he replied.

The boy scoffed, but Marianne nodded her head.

I trust him with my life.

The demon's arrival did not sit well with Lord Barrymore.

"You dare to interfere, dog?! Well, what are you mangy mutts waiting for? Kill them all now!" he ordered.

The dogs, having gotten to their feet after the blow, growled at the interloper. Sebastian was not impressed.

"Disgraceful. What course, noisy growls they have. One of the reasons I despise these creatures."

He stared the beasts down, let his eyes fill with their demonic glow, and felt the rush of pleasure when they cowered before him, whimpering like the hapless creatures they were.

Everyone stared at the scene in astonishment.

"What the? What did you do?" Barrymore demanded.

"Your pitiful farce ends here, Barrymore!" Ciel bellowed.

The man gasped and tried to retain his composure as the Earl continued.

"Listen, there is no Demon Hound! It's all a lie! There's just him, an old man obsessed with power, determined to keep it no matter what!"

Marianne nodded her head.

"They do say that the Seven Sins are what beget the crimes of humanity. Pride is the worst of all. You put our own desires and wants before the welfare of the people who live here."

Barrymore snarled.

"What? What evidence do you have?"

"There's this." Sebastian said as he brought out a dog's skull. "We found it in your mansion. I took the liberty of confirming that the teeth marks on James matched the teeth in this skull."

Lord Barrymore was greatly shocked, while the villagers listened and slowly grew more agitated as more and more truths were brought to light. Sebastian then pointed up to the sky, at the shadow of a dog's head illuminated against the grey clouds.

"Do you see it now?" he asked. "The truth behind the Demon Hound. Its shadow is nothing but a projection."

Somehow in all the commotion, the demon had managed to set up a projector.

"Just a transparent trick."

Sebastian then went on to explain the glowing dog and footprints everyone witnessed.

"The glowing is phosphorescent dust sprinkled on a normal dog."

He smirked as he poured the glowing green powder onto the floor.

"The Demon Hound is merely an illusion," said Ciel. "A story made up by an evil man. The man you let rule your village. Henry Barrymore."

Barrymore was quick to protest.

"No! It's all nonsense! You can't fool them! Where's your evidence?"

Sebastian went over to the battered dog. Marianne was surprised at how sympathetic he was to the poor creature.

"You can rest now. Your duty is done. We shall take it from here."

He removed a scrap of fabric from the dog's mouth. Marianne watched its eyes close for one last time.

"What fine material." Sebastian complimented. "I wonder why the dog was eager to hold onto it until the last moment. Interesting behaviour, don't you think?"

He revealed the scrap, and showed that it matched the fabric of Lord Barrymore's trousers.

"It was torn off by James' dog when you attacked its master. You recognise it, yes?"

Barrymore gritted his teeth, unable to refute the accusations. He tried to run but was swiftly surrounded by the mob, who had finally turned on the one who caused their suffering.

"Give up, Barrymore!" Ciel ordered. "It's all over now!"

Lord Henry's pant leg was raised and James' dog's bite marks were still evidently red. He was lifted into the air and carried off, screaming all the while.


Once Sebastian had removed the manacles from Ciel and Marianne, he inspected them for injuries. He was shocked at the sight of her bloodied wrists.

"You must have struggled greatly to cause these injuries," he whispered. "I should like to tend to them now. They must be dealt with as soon as possible."

Marianne's eyes widened. He noticed a nervous energy emanating from her, and wondered what she could possibly be nervous about; he had tended to her injuries before, so he didn't understand how this time was any different. Although it was the first time he had dealt with injuries to her wrists. She removed her wrists from his grasp and stared up at him with her dark blue eyes.

"Can you wait until we are back in our room? I don't want anyone to see…" she whispered.

Sebastian was reluctant, but assumed she had her reasons for such a request, and acquiesced.


The other servants had also been released from their prison and were voicing their relief. Finny however, was still despondent. He went over to the dead dog, knelt down, and touched his bloodied fur with tears in his eyes.

"You are one amazing pup. Defending his master until the very end…" The gardener embraced the animal. "You were a good boy. Such a good boy…"

He allowed himself to release the tears building up in his eyes.

Sebastian wrinkled his nose.

"There you go. Another reason why I hate dogs."

Marianne glanced up at him and threaded her arm through his as inconspicuously as possible.

"Let him mourn. Dogs can be good when they are loyal to the right people. Even you cannot deny that dog held the most damning bit of evidence against Barrymore."

Since she initiated intimate contact, he would silently acknowledge the dog's good use, but refrained from anything further. There was plenty of time when they got back to their room.


Above their heads, the skies finally opened, and rain poured down to cleanse the earth of the village's savage sins.


Sebastian knelt over Marianne's wounded wrists. The blood had dried and stuck irritably to her skin. She blushed under his intense scrutiny. They were enveloped in the sanctuary of their shared room, the candlelight flickered on the wick and cast dancing shadows over their pale faces.

"Now Marianne, let's get these tended to, shall we?" he said.

She nodded silently and closed her eyes. The demon watched her face as he lowered his mouth down to her right wrist. He rolled his tongue over her clotted wounds, taking thorough pleasure in the sweetness of her blood. Sebastian didn't stop until he had completely removed the red coat, but when he made to move his head, something stopped him in his tracks.

Staring back at him was a thick white scar, running straight over her veins. The thickness of it suggested that they had been struck repeatedly in the same area, as though hacked repeatedly to ensure the veins were severed. Sebastian licked the dried blood away from her other wrist, and saw the same scar.

"Marianne, what are these?" he asked firmly, using his hand to hold onto her wrists so she couldn't escape.

The girl whimpered under his painful gaze and bowed her head in submission.

"I… made those… The Preston parish attempted to use me in a… ritual… It failed, but I knew they would attempt it again… They wouldn't have been able to use me again if I was dead…" she explained, her eyes trickling with tears.

"So you attempted to take your own life."

"As you can tell, it didn't work, no matter how much I hacked at my wrists."

"You certainly heal far more quickly than a normal human. So your body wouldn't have allowed you to die." Sebastian said thoughtfully.

Marianne smiled limply.

"Killing yourself is a sin. It would have sent me to Hell without question. I didn't want to enter Paradise. I wanted to be as far away from them as possible. Hell would have been… my sanctuary."

The demon ran the back of his hand against her cheek. It pleased him that his mate wanted to reside in Hell, but he wouldn't allow her to kill herself to do it. The only way she was going to Hell would be with him.

"That time is over now. You no longer need to bear these scars. I can heal them should you so choose."

Marianne stared at him, and after a moment, nodded her head.

"Please."

He lowered his head to her wrists once again, and rolled his tongue over the wounded skin. Before her eyes, the scars faded into nothingness.

"I only ask that you don't attempt such things again." Sebastian told her, his eyes glinting demonically.

She nodded her head.

"I promise… I don't want to die anymore… I have people to live for now."


Ciel stared out of the window. The rain hadn't stopped falling as the sky darkened to endless black.

"Yet another case closed. We can leave the village when the rain lets up," he said.

Sebastian, who had been preparing the master's bed, looked up at him.

"Indeed."

He closed his eyes and carried on, his thoughts drifting to Marianne. She was tucked in her bed for the night, on his orders; he felt at after everything, she needed to rest for the night.

"Where's Marianne?" Ciel asked.

"She should be in bed, my Lord. I thought she deserved an early night as a reward for protecting you during my absence." Sebastian replied.

The boy only hummed.


Finny was watching Angela as she stared out the window. There was a forlornness about her, but he couldn't understand why.

"What's wrong with Angela?" he whispered to himself.

Lightning flashed for a moment. It looked as though her lips had curled into a smile.


Outside, the watcher stared up at the window she stood in front of.


In the dungeons within the bowels of the house, Barrymore screamed for his release.

"Let me out! Oh please! It's coming for me! It's coming! The Demon Hound! It's…! It's going to get me, I know it is!"

His hands rattled on the bars of his prison.

"Oh please let me go! Please! Please! I'm begging you! PLEASE!"

A creature watched from behind, pointed ears and glowing eyes looming…


Marianne bolted out of her slumber when she heard the most horrifying scream. Stumbling out of her bed and pulling on her wig, she haphazardly put on her trousers under her nightshirt and slid into her tailcoat. She crossed her arms over her unbound chest, doing her best to ensure she wasn't exposed during what she guessed was an emergency. Then she ran out the door and followed the sounds of the screams and running footsteps.


Upon meeting up with the other servants, and seeing MeyRin in a pile on the floor of the dungeon, Marianne watched as the maid pointed into Barrymore's cell, and barely managed to hold back a scream of her own.

The floor was splattered with blood, and the wall had been smashed through from the outside.


In the darkness of the night, Lord Barrymore's body was leant against the stone wall of the dog fight arena. His right hand completely removed from his arm…


I've received a great number of questions the last couple of weeks, so I thought I would use this opportunity to answer them. This story follows the anime, and it will reach season 2 with Claude and Alois, but not for a great while. Also, when I originally thought of this idea, the Book of Circus and Book of Murder anime series hadn't been released yet, so it has yet to be determined whether I include those episodes or not.

Also, an insight into Marianne's scars. She knows that suicide would guarantee her a place outside of Heaven, which would place her as far away from her relatives as possible. It also marks her determination to enter Hell without the need of demonic assistance. And thank you to the reviewer who recommended the Poodle as Marianne's dog breed, it suited her perfectly.

Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Please read and review!