"Stockholm, here we are!" I say excitedly, stretching out my back, as I stand in the inn room the three of us were staying for the night. The other boys had gone back to the cabin, and are to leave back for America in 2 days. There was 4 beds, thank God, so we put all our luggage on the last bed.

I was wearing a dark, forest green dress with a dark red poncho. I tamed my hair somehow, so it was plaited in two twin braids on each side of my head, tied at the end with red ribbons. I was wearing the black lace-up heeled shoes from this time, which is really uncomfortable for my arches, but I made due with it. I wore leather elbow-length gloves too, which is admittedly not very lady-like.

"Are you ready to go to the celebration?" Lee asks, and I look over his outfit. He's wearing the same thing as before, except the colors had changed to a dark red suit with a champagne colored undershirt and black tie. He puts a gray bowler hat on his head, holding his arm out for me to interlink mine with.

"Well, of course I am. I'm always prepared." Arno says, pushing past me and interlinking his arm with Lee's. Lee's jaw drops, as I struggle to prevent a laugh.

"I was talking to the lady, Arno," Lee says, as I walk up, and Arno winks at me. "I know...I know..." Arno says, linking my arm on the other side.

Arno was wearing the exact same outfit as Lee, except his colors were dark green suit, a champagne vest and a white undershirt. He wore brown loafer-like shoes, and had a black bowler hat on. He also had a cane, which he showed me can be pulled away to reveal a rapier.

It's really cool, so he gave me a parasol that can pull the parasol cloth away and the cover to reveal a rapier. I love it even more! The parasol has delpheniums on its edges, surrounded by tan background, with lace on the underside. Of course, I'm not going to use it now, but I'll definitely use the parasol in the future.

We exit the inn, going to the central plaza, when a man stands at the corner of the street by the entrance.

"All who plan on attend the festival must wear a carnival mask!" He declares in broken English, "I sell very cheap! 10 Krona!"

"That's like... a bit over an American dollar!" Lee exclaims in shock, and I shrug. "A dollar is actually pretty che-"

I forgot, a dollar in this time period is worth 26 dollars in my time!

"Very odd price, let's go over to them." I say, walking over to the vendor, who looks at us.

"Ahhh! Very pretty people!" He says, gesturing to his masks. I look at them, some are half face, full face, or are held up by a stick.

"I'll chose this one..." Lee says, taking a dark red mask that covers the right side of his face and dipped slightly over to the left, as Arno takes a matching one that's dark green, covering the left side of his face onto the right.

"I'll take...this one." I say, taking a gold mask that was in the venetian-mask style, except it had a lacy-like quality to it, with some holes in it with symmetrical patterns.

"Lovely...that be 30 Krona." The vendor says, as we pass him the money, taking our leave into the plaza. On our way in, we see people not wearing masks walking away, and I arch a brow from under the mask.

"That's odd, I thought it was just a vendor's trick." I say, as Lee shrugs. "Swedish customs, possibly?" he questions, as I look around the plaza. Snow covered roofs surrounded the circular center, where people wearing winter clothing danced to traditional music. The plaza is lit up with lights, lanterns hanging from posts, and the silvery full-moon above us.

"May I have this dance, sir?" A girl asks, with a thick Swedish accent, blonde hair and green eyes asks Arno, as she walks up to us. She's wearing a black mask that has a cat-shape with little ears on it, and a pink mark on the bridge of the nose. Arno blushes "Uh, uh..."

"He'd love to." I say, unlinking my arm from Arno, pushing him towards the girl, and he stumbles forward, taking her hand, leading her to the floor. She seems to tower over him, with a height of...5'8"? Ha! This is too funny!

"The height difference is staggering...I feel like a child here..." I mutter to Lee, but find he's not there, but dancing with a girl with darker skin, long braided black hair and a sweeping navy blue gown. She's about the same height as Lee, and her mask is of a dog. I smile slightly. They got swept up quite easily. Oh well, I'll let them enjoy themselves, it is New Year's after all.

Looking up at the sky, I breathe out, puffing out a small cloud of air. I always thought that was cool, I felt like the badass Smag-the-Dragon whenever I did it.

The clock in the plaza chimes 10:00, and I walk to the bench on the side, watching all the couples dance together.

I think...it would be nice for someone to hold me like that. Closing my eyes, a light smile drifts onto my face as I remember last year...

Last year, Michael and I had waltzed together like these people in an elegant ballroom. His white smile flashes on his face, and I open my eyes up again. With a sigh, I prop my face up on my hand.


-Dunton, England, December 30th, 1888, 9:00 PM-

"Is it okay if we stay for one day longer?" We'll leave in the morning." Ciel asks Conall, as she waves him off. "You gave me entertainment with that Ivy girl, feel free to stay as long as you need to." Conall responds, as Ciel rubs his visible eye.

"I tire, Sebastian, take me to bed." He says, looking at Sebastian who's gazing out the window at the moon. He turns around, smirking at Ciel.

"Yes, my young lord." He says, before proceeding to prepare Ciel for bed, finishing at 9:15, when a smirk comes on to his face.

He may have...suggested, for the carriage driver to mention something to the two males with Ivy to go to Stockholm for the festival.

Exiting Ciel's room, he cracks his neck slightly, looking at Conall who's reading a book on the couch. "Can I borrow a mirror?" He asks, and she points towards the bathroom. "Don't go doing 'Bloody Mary' shit in here, I had to exorcise a ghost outta here the other day." She says, as Sebastian smirks. "Thank you, Conall." He says, walking towards the bathroom, closing the door and locking it.

Ivy was extremely smart, so he'd have to be careful... Looking towards the mirror, Sebastian looks at his reflection, and smirks at how handsome he is. It's true, there's no use to denying it, he made his form appealing to the eye on purpose, it was beneficial to him. His eyes flash from the brown caramel color to the bright pink with a cat-like pupil, as his hair retracts into head, shortening and changing color slightly to a blackish blue color, similar to his young master's. Shrinking the height, so he's Sebastian's height lowers to 5'9", than, his hand size changes, making them slightly smaller. His face seems to bubble, making a harder jawline, before it melts into smooth skin. He broadens his shoulders, adding some muscle to for the 'strong' factor. To finish off the job, he changes his outfit quickly to one of a plain black tux, and his eyes finish glowing, returning to a slightly-lighter honey brown color. This way, he resembles more of a 'youth' to Ivy.

He pulls the mask out of his pocket, placing it on his face. It's a pitch black mask with feathers extending from the center, with a slightly hooked beak that starts on the bridge of his nose, finishing above the nostrils, exposing his cheekbones and lower jaw. A crow, to be exact. Sebastian than transforms his satin gloves into commoner's gloves for winter, before he opens the window of the bathroom. He unlocks the bathroom door, before turning into his crow form, flying at unimaginable speeds to Stockholm.


December 30th, 1888, Stockholm, Sweden, 9:16

"Lovely maiden, may I have this dance?" A voice asks, and I turn to see a dark haired young man, with hair gelled down the middle and a bushy mustache.

"Of course," I say, standing up from the bench, taking his hand, as he leads me in the 'new' genre of music for the rest of the night, the Waltz. I've done this before, but this man has clearly not, as he seems to step on my toes every-other-step. Thank god these are steel-toed shoes...

"So...I am Ivy Adams." I say, as he steps on my foot, and I try not to wince as his little elf shoes hit the top of my foot.

"I am Bo Bergman," Bergman says haughtily, not noticing as he steps on my feet. Bo Bergman? I remember reading a piece of his work for history class, he lived and died in Stockholm, never to really leave this town.

The song seemed to go on forever, and after him stepping on my feet precisely 32 times, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turn to see a somewhat tall young man, probably 17-20, standing there. He has an odd crow mask, that shows his light caramel eyes that seem to twinkle in the light. He has slightly ruffled blue-black hair, which reminds me of Guren Ichinose from Owari no Seraph, and is wearing a basic tuxedo. He has thick, winter gloves on, and black shiny shoes. He smiled slightly, revealing white teeth in between pink tinted lips.

"May I have this dance?" He asks in a deep, calming voice. I curtsy to him, "Of course." I turn to Bo Bergman behind me, but he's already gone, stepping on some other chic's poor feet.

I feel him put a hand around my waist, spinning me to face him. "Forget about that man for this dance, please. I wish for you to keep your eyes only for me..." He says, and I smile. "My my, jealous already, and I don't even know your name?" I ask, and he smirks. "That's why we have masks, so we can all be Cinderellas for a night, so we can all dance the night away with a stranger who we'll never see again." He says, lightly taking my hand, leading me into a waltz.

(For reference, the dance they do is the 'Cinderella Ball Room Scene' from the new movie.)

"So, this mysterious man I'm dancing with is secretly a woman?" I ask, as he chuckles slightly. "Then this'd be an awkward dance." he suavely says, spinning me away from him, before he pulls me back into his chest for a brief moment, than taking me back into the waltz.

"This certainly is not an awkward dance, you seem like you know what you're doing, Mr. Mystery," I reply, and his smirk falls onto his face. "Your compliments are music to my ears, Miss Mystery."

"Why, a dancer AND a romantic? What else are you, a pastry chef?" I say with a chuckle. "If so, I wouldn't mind eating some of your pastries."

He smiles slightly, as we cross arms over each other, taking a step back than forward, pulling each other closer. This waltz we were doing is innocent and pure-hearted, and I really felt like Cinderella, as the light, serenading music sent sweet flutters through my heart.

"If that brings me closer to you, I shall do it." He says sweetly, and I laugh lightly, while he smiles. Putting his hand back on my back, he spins me slightly faster as the music accelerates, dipping me slightly back. My skirts flutter around me, and I look into his eyes, entranced by the sheer beauty of them. My eyes are trained on his, and I feel a thrum of energy connecting our eyes together. I barely blink, I'm caught up in the mome-

Snap out of it, Ivy!

Strange words ring in my head, and I blink, turning from his face. I look side to side, noticing we're the only ones dancing.

"Strange, we're the only ones dancing now." I say, as Mr. Mystery frowns for a split second, before quickly replacing it with a smiling face, taking his finger and turning my head to face him. "Didn't I tell you to keep your eyes only on me for now?" He asks, voice alluring like a siren. This scenario is similar to something I've experienced before...

He dips me far back, before whipping me back up. I smile at the rush of air, a feeling of euphoria coming over me.

"You know how to entrance a lady, don't you?" I question teasingly, as he smirks. "How else can I capture such a beautiful rose, than? Capture it for only a moment to relish in its beauty, before the rose wilts tomorrow." He says, and I raise a brow.

"Wilts? Are you saying that once I take off this mask I shall no longer be a beautiful rose?" I ask, and his eyes widen in shock, jaw slightly relaxes, before he replaces this cool look with a smirk. "No, my fair maiden, it is just this night. Under the moon, a beautiful rose becomes a garden of beautiful roses, as they all raise to the sky in an enchanting dance."

"Overkill romantic, aren't you?" I ask with a laugh, when I cross my legs and lean the wrong way, and I stumble, my dress flying upwards slightly as I land on my knees.

"My fair lady, are you alright?" Mystery Man asks with a concerned voice, and I laugh, standing back up. "I'm fine, don't worry. Let's continue this dance," I say, as he offers his hand to me, and we continue this dance.

(quick 3rd point switch)

Sebastian in disguise continues to dance with Ivy in an innocent-like manner, and she seems entranced. Their movements become one, and flow like a river, as they make casual conversation. Sebastian lightly sniffs the air, when he smells an intoxicating aroma- sweet blood.

Now, demons did not drink blood like vampire's do, but if they take a sip of their victim's blood, it's like a drug. Only if their victim is a virgin, of course, as the amount of impurities in their blood is low until they partake in sexual relations. And, this particular smell is...is intoxicating. Deep lust for this blood rises through Sebastian, as his pupils slightly expand.

(Back to Ivy)

"I smell...blood. Did you cut yourself?" he asks with a slightly deeper voice, not sounding much like himself but like someone I know...

"Oh, I suppose I did, 'tis but a scratch." I say with a light laugh, but a frown mars his face slightly. "I can clean it for you if you wish, you wouldn't want an infection." He says, and I shrug.

"I've never gotten sick before, so I don't need to be concerned with it. I've always had an abnormally high body temperature too, so I guess I'm a tad bit weird." I say, sheepishly laughing, as Mr. Mystery smirks.

"I am a...bit odd too, I guess you could say." He says, and I raise a brow. "Really now, how so?" I ask. He averts his eyes for a moment, blush creeping up cheeks. "I've never fallen in love before, I guess you could say. But, this one odd girl who...works at the same place I do has enraptured my attention, and I wish to court her, but don't know how to go about it."

Awww!

"Don't worry about it before, I've never fallen in love before either." I say, "But, I've always thought it'd be a wonderful feeling, a feeling of pride, joy, and...well, of course love."

He chuckles, "What would you look for in a partner interested in courting you?" He asks, and I think. The only thing I know about dating is #couplegoals...

"Well... to be honest, I really don't care on how he goes about it." I say, and he raises a brow. "Really?" He asks, and I smile, moving my gaze away from him up to the big, round moon.

"Well, yeah. This is just my opinion, but as long as I love him, and he loves me back, I'll be the happiest person in the world. But, most girls love being courted with fancy clothes or chocolates or new cars-"

"What's a car?"

"Carnellian stones, a girl from my old town used to love them." I say quickly, avoiding that subject like a pro. "But, I want him to not be afraid to tell me that he loves me. I want him to be willing to go on adventures with me..." Adventures meaning missions we complete together like Spy Kids' parents, "I want him to look at me like I'm magic in a world of muggles... and I want him to be willing to let me go if I don't return."

Mr. Mystery frowns, "Why would you not return?" He asks, concerned tone lacing his voice.

"Because I live a dangerous life, a dangerous life that's considered scandalous for this decade. Women are held back because of their gender, holding back their abilities," I say, looking him in his widened eyes. "We all cannot succeed when half of us are being held back. I don't think history will be kind to women because none of us try to rise above this... this madness!"

"So you say you wish to rebel against society? Like a rebel?" He questions, intrigue striking through him, and I sigh. "You may call me a rebel, but I just feel like living my life and doing what I want to do. I'm strong-willed, and I flaunt my courage. And, I am constantly tried to be stricken down for these words that empower me, but I know I am right. I'd rather be always happy than a dignified lady."

Mr. Mystery smirks at this comment, as he knows from experience this is how Ivy acts.

"You are an odd woman, you appear as an angelic beauty, with a tongue as sharp as a sword." Mr. Mystery says, and I laugh. "That is good! I am no angel, nor have I ever been one, and I will not be one 'til the day I die. I am me, and that's who I will be. And, I know I am not as beautiful and majestic like you describe, I am as plain as the wheat in a farmer's field." I explain, and he raises a brow.

"Than what makes you so beautiful to me?" He says, and I laugh. "Why, it's my-" I start, when the clock chimes midnight.

"Happy New Years!" The crowd shouts, before turning to kiss their beloved. Yuck!

"Well, shall I receive a midnight's kiss for the year?" Mr. Mystery asks, dipping me low, as he hovers over my face, breath cool on my cheeks.

"You can always kiss my ass," I joke, and he laughs too, and our eyes connecting. Slowly, he lowers his head towards mine, and my eyes flutter close as he leaves a peck on my lips, before pulling me back. I open my eyes, a faint blush on face.

That's the first time I have kissed anyone since Michael, and I didn't even know the damn man!

"Happy New Years, whatever-your-name-is. I think you should go court that woman, she'd be lucky to have a man like you." I respond, and he smirks.

"So, you approve of me courting this woman? Especially after kissing me?" He asks, and I arch a brow. "Why wouldn't I? I think she'd be happy to have you by her side. Besides, you gave me a simple peck, it meant nothing." I respond, and the smirk intensifies.

"Thank you," He says, and I blink, and the next moment he's gone.

"Ivy~! You're dancing was amazing!" Lee says, running up to me and glomping me in a hug. I laugh, as Arno complains about how tired he was, as we make our way back to the inn.


SEBASTIAN POV

Sebastian was flying back to Conall's dingy shack in his crow form, thinking of Ivy. How her light blue eyes twinkled with a light, how she looked up at the bright silver moon in awe of its beauty. How lovely she looked, as she spun in his arms without any worries. She is water, soft enough to offer life, but tough enough to drown it away. She was strange and beautiful, and those were human qualities I have never seen weaved so perfectly together.

This thought terrified me, not because the fear of her, but the fear what would happen to her. Strange things are not easily accepted in this era...

Of course, Sebastian had noticed the looks Ivy received from others. Men with lust, and women with jealousy, as they watched the radiating Ivy shine beneath the moon. She was like a yellow dandelion in a bed of white roses, she was wild, uncontrollable, and moved as she pleased. Ivy...Ivy is beautifully out of place everywhere she goes. I believe she's like the moon during day, shining beautifully out of place, enrapturing attention of all.

Oh, how I cannot wait to make her mine. She HAS already agreed to let me attempt to court her, after all.


-January 1st, 1888, 10:00 PM, London, England-

"Hello...Lau," Ciel says with a sigh, as he, Sebastian, and Grell were inside Lau's den of women. Lau, of course, was sitting on the couch with women draped over him, new hookah from Ivy in hand.

"Hello, Ciel, Sebastian. How are you?" He asks, taking a drag from the hookah, puffing out a few round rings, puffing little cannonballs through them.

"What am I, chopped liver?!" Grell complains, as Lau doesn't mention him. Probably because he wasn't recognized.

"I am doing wonderfully, thank you." Sebastian says with a smile, and Ciel's eyebrow twitches. Sebastian has been in an awfully good mood today for no seemingly obvious reason, which irked Ciel. It felt as if Sebastian knew something Ciel didn't.

"Good. Now, I'm here to get to the point, can I have the clue from Ivy?" Ciel says bluntly, ignoring Grell and Lau raises a brow.

"But we were going to play Chinese Checkers!" He complains, pouting, as Ciel taps his foot impatiently.

"I don't care." Ciel says, and Lau sighs, as Ran Mao steps forward, exposing her bust with a letter stuffed in between.

"Here." She says quietly. "Take it."

Ciel's face flushes red, as he shakily moves his hand forward, snatching the letter quickly.

"Well, we'll be off now. Bye~!" Ciel says quickly, as they all run out of the opium den. Lau cocks his head to the side, confused why Ciel wouldn't want to touch a women's tata.


-January 1st, 1888 somewhere in Sweden-

"So, when are you to leave for England again?" Arno asks, as he and Lee sit across from me in the carriage. I'm buried in 3 large, fluffy blankets with just my head poking out. Those dreaded boys insisted I wouldn't be cold...and I certainly am not. But it'd be healthy if I could at least move my arms...

"Hmm...possibly a few days after we arrive back at the cabin. The next ship to return isn't back until the 6th, so we'll have a few days back at the cabin before I leave." I say, as Lee sighs, looking me in the eyes.

"Can you come back with us to St. Samael's? You have extraordinary skills, and though St. Samael's isn't mixed, we can start mixing it. Hell, we'll make history!" He says, and Arno turns to me.

"William's right, we can start mixing the school to accept more students. Who knew women could be so confident, like you? It'll be very advantageous for future generations." Arno says, and I arch my brow in confusion.

"William?" I ask, as Lee's face flushes, as he lightly hits Arno's arm.

"You know how I hate being called William!" He complains, and I laugh. "Wait, so let me guess, Arno's full name is Arnold?" I ask, and Arno nods.

"Yeah, my full name is Arnold Jäger, and this dork over here is William Kelly." Arno says, and my eyes widen.

These were my idols! And they complimented me on my skills!

Eek!

I beat...I beat Arno Jäger in a full out fight! He was nicknamed The Matchless Master because no one could ever defeat him! And Lee! Lee was known for having odd ways of doing odd jobs in my world, but it makes complete sense in this one where supernatural entities exist!

Wait, that meant I started the reindeer-hopping! I was inspired by my own self!

Double eek!

"This is why I go by Lee! I sound like some formal grandpa..." Lee, I mean William, says, and a grin forms on my face. "Guys, what are you going to do now?" I ask, causing Lee and Arno to think.

"Well, I...I think I might want to be a teacher. I want to teach people how to be as tough as you are, how to radiate and be confident like you, Ivy. This way, the future we ensure will be a positive one." Arno says thoughtfully, and Lee nods.

"I will continue to pursue a career as an exorcist, but I will have that be an undercover job. I'll teach like Arno, probably." Lee says, and Arno lightly punches his arm.

"I guess I'll have to follow you when you pursue exorcism, than. There's too many evil cults, gangs, demons, and creatures that make people go bump in the night to count, and I can't let you go in there single-handedly." Arno says, and I remember one key factor that made them my idols...

They were a literal power couple. They were 'married', not officially, but they declared they were 'married' because of their love to each other. That was the key factor that drew me in, how they denied society's rules to do what they believed in. That was my inspiration...

"You dweebs are too cute..." I say, as they both blush, turning their heads towards me.

"No we're not!" They both whine at the same time, and I laugh.

"Well, another thing is that since we don't have the money from selling the reindeer parts, like the fur, meat, bones, antlers, or any other parts, St. Samael's won't be able to travel over the seas anymore...so we won't be coming here next year if we are to continue reindeer-hopping. But, what other place could we do it?" Arno asks, and a smile grows on my face.

"How about Nunavut, Canada?" I suggest, and they think, before both nodding. I smile, that was the territory where it occurred annually.


-January 5th, 1888, Somewhere in Sweden's boating port-

"Farewell, Arno and Lee! I'll miss you both dearly!" I say, hugging them both. "We'll miss you too, Ivy." Lee says, as Arno bursts into tears. "Why can't you come back with us?! We have really good food back at St. Samael's!" He says, and I pat his head. I knew that already, of course.

"I really want to come, but I can't. I'll write you both, though. I'm currently residing at the Phantomhive Manor with the Earl Phantomhive, and I feel like he's going to need a bit of Ivy keeping him straightened out in life. Please, visit me there anytime though!" I say, and Lee's eyes widen. "THE Earl Phantomhive?! He disappeared a few years ago, and unexpectedly showed back up with a butler in black, who's rumored to be as strong as 100, no, 1,000 men!" Lee says, and I smile.

"The very. But, please don't tell anyone, but," I say, leaning into Lee's ear, "the butler is a demon." I whisper, before leaning back. "I promise not to tell a single soul," Lee promises, and I nod. "Are you sure you're safe there?" He asks, a concerned look coming to his face, and I nod. "I am very capable, don't worry. Here, this is the address you both need to write to." I say, giving them a letter. "It also has the phone number of that place, and a totem from me to both of you."

They open the letter, pulling out 3 string bracelets. All of them are braided strands of gray and black, but the only difference is that 1 has yellow streaks, another red, and another purple. "Take your pick," I say, as Arno takes the red, Lee takes the yellow, and I take purple. We all tie them to our left wrist, and I smile. "This was great, guys, and I shall keep wearing this bracelet as a promise that I'll see you all again one day." I say, and I put my hand over my heart. "I solemnly swear this."

My finger tip brushes the choker around my neck, and my eyes widen. "Lee, I almost forgot to give you this choker ba-"

"No, keep it, Ivy. A momento from both of us..." Lee says, and I feel my eyes water. "You guys, you all will hold a part in my heart, even though I've only known you all for a short time." I say, as Arno reaches into his bag, and pulls out a square piece of paper, handing it to me.

"Take this," he says, and I take it from him, looking at it. It's the photo of the three of us, smiling brightly, and I feel tears run down my cheeks. "You guys, this is so ungentlemanly of you to make a lady cry," I say with a laugh, putting the photo in my bag, wiping my tears away hastily.

"One last hug," Lee says, as all three of us give a group hug, before I pull away, smiling at them as tears run down my cheeks.

"You dorks better write me, or I'll come straight over to America and give you all an ass-whooping," I say shakily, as Lee has tears running down his cheeks. "We'll be counting on it." He says, as Arno bursts into full out tears. "Oh Ivy! You'll remain the Alpha of all of us until I can see you again to fight you!" He says, and I laugh lightly, as I turn to the boat, stepping on it, and onto the deck, as the boat takes off from the port.

"Farewell, my friends! I'll miss you all!" I yell, waving at them, as they frantically wave back. "Bye Ivy!" They declare, as their voices echo towards me. I continue to wave, until they become tiny specks on the shore, and than I no longer see them. Turning from the deck, I pull my grey trenchcoat tighter to me, as I pull the hat flaps over my ears, completely hiding my hair that's pulled into a low ponytail. I walk to my designated room on the boat, as my tennis shoes get stares from the crew of the boat. I was oddly dressed, well, for this time period. Thick black leggings, black and white adidas tennis shoes, sriracha hot sauce long socks, black leather gloves, my Elmer Fudd hat, and a Schrute Farms Beets sweatshirt.

I set my bag on the side of the bed, clambering onto the small bed, before falling asleep.


-January 7th, 1888 London, England, at the last place-

"Well, hasn't this been an enjoyable experience," Sebastian says, giving his close-eyed grin at Ciel, who grumbles un-excitedly. He's dealt with a harem-opium den, an annoying cousin who played dress up with him with her annoying brother who yelled at Ciel for denying their marriage, two culturally-confused Indians, a crazy old woman who's the Queen, a red-head annoying reaper, his Aunt, his pesky servants, and a new-found witch who is eerily similar to Ivy, yet they are somehow not related...

And Sebastian still hasn't found any information on this.

"The last note said 'Go home, because this is where I return after I roam.' Basically, I could have just stayed at home the whole time..." Ciel grumbles, as he ignores Sebastian's comment.

"Well, we have arrived," Sebastian says, as the carriage slows to a stop, and he holds the door open for Ciel, who stares up at the mansion.

"I am hungry," Ciel says, as Sebastian hops up the steps before him, opening the door. "So once we get situated, I want you to make m-" Ciel walks head first into saran wrap, as he flails his arms wildly, stumbling forward and landing on his face. Sebastian smirks at his master's state.

"Wha-what is this?!" Ciel says, pulling the saran wrap off his face. "I have no idea, young lord. I've never seen it before. It must be something Ivy has." Sebastian says, and Ciel's eyebrow twitches.

"Welcome back!" A female voice says, and they look up to see...


"It's Wednesday, my dudes!" I say at the top of the banister, laughing at the state Ciel is in.

"What is going on, Ivy?!" Ciel demands, as Sebastian holds up a hand in greeting. "Hello, Ivy."

"Hello, Sebastian. And, what is going on is everything! Birds are blooming, flowers are singing...wait, the order is wrong..." I say, realizing my mistake at the end, as I sit on the stair railing, sliding down the stairs, landing on the bottom perfectly. Sebastian removes the saran wrap, examining the strange contraption.

"Anyway, life is happening! We are converting oxygen into carbon dioxide, and trees and plants are converting carbon dioxide into oxygen! It's amazing, isn't it?" I ask, as Ciel raises his hand to slap me across the face. I smirk, as he brings his hand down, and I pull out my big, thick book, which Ciel rams his hand into.

"Ow!" He yelps, pulling his hand back. "I thought you learned from last time to never hit a lady. My baby Harry Potter really is the chosen one, he saved me from Mad-Eye Moody..." I mutter, stroking my copy of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

"...we are going to the parlor to discuss this ordeal, now." He says, turning on his heels to the direction of the parlor.

Sebastian starts to follow behind tensely, as I tuck the book under my arm, following behind.

"I'm fine, Sebastian. You seem too tense, once Ciel raised his hand to hit me. You made no movement to stop him, but you looked like you wanted to. Were you ordered to let him do this?" I mutter under my breath, too quiet for a human to hear, but Sebastian perks up, giving a slight nod.

"He ordered me to let himself go about as he wished to," he says in my head using his demon-powers, and I shudder. "That's really freaky, don't do that!" I whine in my head, as Sebastian smirks. "Or what?"

I imagine Ciel wearing a speedo on Grell's shoulders, who is wearing a thong, and Sebastian puts his hand over his mouth to prevent himself from barfing.

Ciel and I sit down from across each other in the parlor, and he looks over me with a curious eye. "So, where have you been?"

"Sweden." I say simply, and his eye twitches. "And...why were you in Sweden without letting us know?" He asks. "I was riding reindeer, and I did let you know. Didn't you like my scavenger hunt?" I ask excitedly, as he face palms. "It was a huge mess, I had to deal with so many people..." He mutters, and I laugh lightly.

"So, what happened in the warehouse? We had a witch scry up what was going on, but it cut off early." Ciel says simply, and my eyebrow twitches. They were spying on me?!

Wait, witch?! I didn't know they existed for realsies in this universe...

"Oh, yeah, I took out a cult of demon-worshippers and summoners with a couple friends after they kidnapped a bunch of people while attempting to summon a demon. Than, we killed everyone there who was in the cult, and one of the guys was Jason...Fart? No, it was Jason Bombt. Than, we went to some fiesta in Stockholm, where this really hot guy and I danced." I explain, and Sebastian smirks at the mention of hot guy. Wha?

Ciel scowls, "What did this...cult, resemble?" he asks, clearly agitated.

"They wore black robes. They talked about how they wished to summon some demon named Malphas, but they claimed he showed up earlier and told them he already had a master or something. Than they talked about how they wanted to summon a demon named Furfur or something, and than they died. They tried sacrificing 6 comrades, but it failed..." I say, and Ciel exhales through the nose, and Sebastian looks at me at the mention of Malphas. That's right, I know who he is...

"Ivy, you are NOT permitted to leave me ever again without permission or an escort!" He demands, and my eyebrow twitches. "Ciel, I am not some faithful mutt! I have a life, and I shall live it the way I want to, not the way you want me to live it."

"Listen Ivy, and listen well. The moment anyone has stepped in through these doors, their lives have been intertwined with mine." He says, looking at me seriously. "And you are one of my most useful pawns. I am the King, and shall play the game as I see fit."

"Than, I will be the opponent in this game of chess, as I am in control of myself." I say, and he arches a brow. "Are you...opposing me?"

"No, Ciel, I am telling you the way it is. You are not my owner, you are not my master, and I am not your servant." I say, standing up. "We are equals. And, if you do not understand this, than I will leave this mansion forever on my own reasons. You cannot control me." I turn from him, walking to the door.

"I...I've suffered this too much! I just don't want another person I care for to leave me," he cries out, and I exhale through my nose, turning towards him, a serious expression on my face.

"Ciel, you are NOT the only person who's suffered in the universe, so listen and listen good; you will never forget, you will never stop blaming yourself, but you'll learn to live with it and to accept that, as that is what's humans do. We live on. And, this mansion, this place, is your reminder. The contract mark in your eye is your reminder. Now, live on!" I say, before turning around again, leaving to my room.


I sigh, as I finish my diary entry, and finish putting the photograph in my scrapbook. Two knocks sound from my door, and I look up. "Come in," I say, and Sebastian steps inside. "Hello, Sebastian, what's up?" I ask, standing up and stepping towards him.

"Tomorrow evening, we are going to London to investigate Noah's Arc Circus for the mysterious disappearances of children, and Ciel'd like for you to come." He says, and I laugh, stepping back, as I flop backwards onto my bed, looking up at the ciel-ing (badum-tshhh).

"After what I said to him, he is still demanding me?" I ask, as Sebastian chuckles. "You'll get used to it, Iv-"

"Sebastian, I don't want to get used to it." I say, "Bad habits are hard to break, and Ciel's is probably the hardest. When was the last time he said please to you?"

"He has no need to. I am his butler, and I oblige to his inquiries until his part of the-"

"This means he hasn't said 'please' for the past few years on his own." I say, "He has grown up being used to demanding and commanding others to do this and that and to bend to his will. Because I don't oblige to his commands, he's suddenly mad at me?! Ha!"

Sebastian's face remains neutral, as I continue to rant to him. "I could have left permanently, you know. Those two boys I was with offered for me to come back with them, back to America," I say, as he suddenly perks up.

No, Sebastian didn't like the idea of Ivy leaving. Not one bit, especially with two men...

"But I rejected their offer, saying I had business at this mansion. But, once my business is completed, I'll drift off into the wind, like you would, Malphas." I say, and his eyes widen. "You..."

"Yes, I know." I say dejectedly, looking at him from the corner of my eye, as he smirks. "Then you know how powerful I am, and what I could do to you?" He says, and I laugh lightly. "Of course I do, but that changes nothing. You are still you, no matter your past. You are the you of now, and now is now."

"You speak as if you've had past experience." He says, and I smirk. Technically, it's future experience, but it's my past. "I suppose that's what one could say, but my past is nothing. I am who I am now. Why should that matter?"

"It does not." He says, pausing for a second, before his gaze rests on my neck. "Why do you wear a protection charm than? You know it does not work on me, I can still touch you or harm you." he steps towards me, grabbing my hand, intertwining my fingers with his. "See? I can easily do this. I can easily manipulate your body into doing what I desire. I can make you stand up-" I stand up suddenly, facing him.

Is he controlling my body?!

"I can make you spin like a ballerina-" he says, lifting my intertwined hand, as I do a spin, before falling into his arms as he dips me. This scenario is eerily familiar...

"So you still say who I am has no effect?" He asks, as a smirk comes onto his face and I chuckle, causing it to slip off. "I was technically incorrect when I said the past doesn't matter, it affects what your experiences are. But it does not affect today's decisions, as they are yours and yours only. You may make me do those things as your decision, or you may not. Besides that point, I wear the necklace as a symbol of friendship, not a charm of protection." I reply, as his honey eyes flash, and I suddenly realize Sebastian was Mr. Mystery from Stockholm. They both shared the same damn eyes!

Oh god, I called Mr. Mystery hot in front of Sebastian earlier...wait...

"So, you remain unafraid of me?"

"Why would I fear a friend?"

Sebastian pulls me out of the dip, holding on to my hand for a split second longer before releasing it. "I suppose you are correct." He says with a sigh, looking thoughtful.

"Yeah, Mr. Mystery, I am correct," I say, putting my hand on my hip, as he smirks. "Oh yes, I remember that. I was 'hot' in that form, correct?" He asks, as I blush.

"You flirted shamelessly with me when there's another woman you care for, how rude! You say I'm vulgar by the way I dress and act, but meanwhile you're over here...ugh!" I facepalm, as Sebastian arches a brow. "What do you mean?" he asks, sounding generally confused.

"Welllllllll... you said as Mr. Mystery you cared for a co-worker while flirting with me, and I realized just now you like Mey-Rin!" I say, realizing one of my 7th-grade ships was coming true. "OK-I forgive you because I know how Mey-Rin likes you and you just wanted to vent to me, but don't flirt with me if you're interested in another woman! Mey-Rin is very sweet, and I think you'll be a great couple." I stand on my tippy-toes, patting him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Sebz, you're secret is safe with me! I think you should definitely pursue her as your romantic interest."

Sebastian sweat drops, "You think I... like Mey-Rin romantically?" He asks, and I suddenly realize. "Oh god, you aren't in love with Mey-Rin? That means..."

Sebastian smirks, "So, you now realize that I care for yo-"

"You like Finnian?!" I say, and I realize Sebastian is really gay. "I should have known you were gay!"

Sebastian sighs, facepalming. For such a smart, intellectual and strong woman, she's really dumb when it comes to romantics.

"Well, whatever you do, I support you and your interests." I say with a smile, and he looks at me in shock. "Oh, um, thank you, Ivy." Sebastian says with a short bow, "Good night, sleep tight." He says, and I smile. "Good night, Sebastian, I hope you sleep tonight and have good dreams." He smiles genuinely, "I'll have good dreams of your kind words, Ivy. I shall see you in the morning." He turns on his heel, walking out of my room, closing the door behind him.

I quickly prepare for bed, falling asleep easily as I'm tired from the events of today.


"What a lovely circus!" I exclaim, looking around the circus grounds. Games, food, prizes...food!

"We're not here for pleasures, we're here to investigate." Ciel says, leading Sebastian and I to the big tent where we take a seat in the middle ring around the center of the dusty stage. I sit in between Ciel and Sebastian, and I unbutton my trenchcoat, revealing a white dress top underneath with long navy blue skirts flowing from it in the Victorian style. My hair was put in the usual buns, fastened with grey ribbons. "You know, I've never been to the circus to watch it." I admit honestly, trying to keep my excitement. Ciel arches a brow, "Really, now? I wonder why, Americans seem like the circus-y bunch."

My eyebrow twitches, as I catch Ciel smirking from the corner of his eye. "Seemingly us Americans may have a better time than you Brits-"

"Hey!" Ciel exclaims.

"That doesn't mean all of us have gone to the circus." I finish, remembering the mission I completed in Freshman year. A bunch of classmates and I pulled a 'Trojan Horse', as 5 of us were in the circus, while the other 15 infiltrated a building and extracted all the data from there.

I participated in a circus, but never watched one.

"By all means, this circus doesn't seem very suspicious..." Ciel notes, looking around the circus tent. The lights dim, and three large spotlights focus on the center of a red head man with spiky hair and a skeletal hand.

Joker is one of my absolute favorite Noah's Ark characters! Along with Doll, of course, and definitely Snake and his little babies.

"Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls of all ages! Welcome to the Noah's Ark Circus!" He declares with a bow, as the crowd claps politely, restless for the start of the circus. He pulls out brightly colored balls, and starts to juggle them. "My name's Joker, and if you'll look here..." he proceeds to drop all the balls on his head. "Oops!" He crows, causing the crowd to laugh. "The whole circus is jostling for a chance to give you a fun show!"

The fire-eating man appears, and does his part, and all of us applaud when he is finished. "That was interesting," I say with a smile, and Sebastian scoffs. "I can eat fire." He mutters, and I laugh lightly, patting his shoulder. "Well, good for you!"

Peter and Wendy show up, doing their flying act. The knife-thrower is up next, and he hits an apple that I was eyeing...I'm really hungry right now...

"There is no music nor anything particularly special..." Ciel says, and Sebastian nods in agreement. "Indeed."

"Well, this is not the Queen's circus or anything...does she even have one, actually? That'd be cool!" I say, and I get confused looks from Ciel and Sebastian.

Doll comes on and does her tight-rope walk, than Snake comes on.

"Next is a rare snake-human halfbreed, our Snake-Man's dance!" Joker says, and I look at Snake excitedly.

"Ivy, why are you so excited by the white-haired snake charmer?" Sebastian asks, and I smile widely. "Because snakes are cool, and Snake is pretty cool and hot looking, truthfully." I respond, and Sebastian and Ciel's eyebrows twitch.

"I'm hot." Ciel and Sebastian say at the same time, before shooting looks at each other, and I lightly laugh. Boys.

I zone out for a bit, and come back to awareness when Sebastian is bitten by a tiger. Again.

The circus quickly ends after that, and Ciel, Sebastian and I quickly leave, Ciel clearly irked.

"Who said you could do that?!" Ciel asked, and Sebastian smiled, a blush coming to his cheek. "My apologies, I've lived for such a long time, but it's only cats whose fickle emotions I can't read." He responds, before his thoughts drift to Ivy.

Technically, Sebastian was half-lying. Ivy's emotions were very up front, but that was the mysterious part to it. Humans are dishonest with their emotions, or always have another meaning behind it. But not Ivy, she spoke her mind, and did not seem to have a hard time expressing them.

This was the first human he had a hard time reading in all his life, which made it even harder to pursue her.

Ciel sneezes, rubbing his nose. "You know I'm allergic to cats! Walk further back!" Ciel demands, as he quickly walks back to the carriage, and I stay by Sebastian's side.

"Sir!" A familiar voice says, and we turn to see Joker from the circus running up to us. I fight to hide a smirk, I get to join the circus again!

"I'm really sorry for earlier." Joker says honestly, putting his hand over his heart, and Sebastian holds up a hand to silence Joker. "No, it's I who should apologize." Sebastian responds, and Joker nervously smiles.

"Well, I was sorta surprised 'cause you suddenly got so close to the tiger, ya' okay from the bite?" Joker asks, and I laugh.

"This fella' over here has a thick skull, I think he's gonna be fine." I say, using slang, and Joker laughs lightly with me, as Sebastian gives his closed-eye grin. "I suppose you could say that," he respond light-heartedly.

"Anyways, I gots us a special doctor here, and I was thinkin' he should check you out. C'mon round to the back." Joker says, turning towards me. "And, you can come with, if ya want."

Sebastian smiles in victory, "I suppose we will." He says, and Joker smiles. "Great! Follow me then!" He says, turning around, making his way to the tents, as we follow closely behind.

"Sorry it's so dirty, watch yer step." Joker says, and I look around the tents. I see Doll watching us from the shadows, with a lion's bright eyes flashing from a cage.

"It's probably not as dirty as the young master's room, eh?" I ask, nudging Sebastian, winking at him to play along. Sebastian smirks, "Indeed, our young master is quite the messy master." He responds, and I lightly laugh.

"Yer both servants?" He asks, and I smile. "Yes, this tall brute is head-butler, and I'm head-maid. We had the day off, and decided to relax at the circus, and we're both impressed." I respond, and Joker chuckles. "That means a lot, thanks! I thought you both were nobles, at first."

"Nah, me gran's a tailor, so she gave us these clothes free from the reject pile." I respond with a sigh, as Joker nods. Sebastian looked over at me from the corner of his eye, wondering how she is so used to lying so smoothly. "I see... Snake! Is Doc in the first tent?" Joker asks, seeing Snake sitting on crates, snakes hung on shoulders.

"..."

"Woah! Sweet snakes, they look really cool!" I say, walking up to Snake, eyes alit as I look at the smol babies. Snake's eyes widen, before they shift downwards, a pale blush forming on face. Sebastian frowns slightly at their exchange.

"Thanks...says Keate." Snake responds, and I smile. "Wow! You're snakes can speak! What's their names?" I ask, and Snake looks up at me with excited eyes.

"You...you want to know their names? Asks Bronte." Snake says, and I smile even wider. "Of course I do! It's only right to know the names of new friends, right?" I ask, holding out my hand to shake. "I'm Ivy, pleasure to meet you!"

Snake hesitantly takes my hand, lightly shaking it. "I'm Snake." He says, before pointing to each of his snakes in turn, listing off their names, but I only recognize how he didn't use 'says (enter snake name here)' after his introduction. How sweet!

"Ahem, we must get going," Sebastian says, and my jaw opens slightly in realization. "Sorry, I lost track of time. See ya later Snake, Wordsworth, Emily, Goethe, Oscar, Wilde, Webster, Bronte, Donne, and Keats!" I say, before turning to Sebastian, following Joker again.

"Ya hit it off with Snake already? It took us first-tiers a while to get to know him, and we still don't know much." Joker says, and Sebastian smirks.

"Ivy here is naturally a friendly person," he responds, and I smile up at him. "Thanks!" The corner of Sebastian's lip twitches up slightly, before going back in a straight-faced expression.

"Doc! There he is!" Joker says, as we step into a tent, seeing the scary fake-wheelchair man.

"Hey Joker, is there something wrong with your arm again?" He asks, turning to us.

"Hey, isn't that the guy who's head was bitten by Betty?" The guy with two red dots on his cheek asks, a black streak through his blonde hair. This is Dagger, loyal to his friend Beast.

RIP:he never got to be with Beast's booty.

"By Betty?!" Doc exclaims, wheeling over to Sebastian, pulling him over to a table, and begins to inspect him.

"Wha? Were you really bitten by a tiger? I can't find any marks on you! This must be a medical miracle!" Doc says, and Sebastian smiles, sparkles floating around him. "It was merely a play-bite."

"Like I said, thick skull," I mutter to Joker who's standing next to him, and he lightly chuckles.

I zone out for a bit as they chit chat, Sebastian does some crazy-cool acrobatics on the rafters to escape Dagger's and Beast's Breasts of Fury...wait. If I add one letter to 'Beast' it spells out 'Breast' and she has big chi chis. How funny is that?!

"With those acrobatic skills, I'd like to scout you," Joker says, and Sebastian whips around to look at Joker. "Really? The truth of the matter is that my, well, our current master is spoiled and rather shocking." Sebastian says with a sigh, gesturing to me, and I nod in agreement. "He's so rude, and treats his servants like slaves. We get 3 days off each year, and Christmas, New Year's, and Birthdays don't count!" I say, as I look at my feet with fake sadness. "I missed my mother's funeral because my master did not let me take time off."

Everyone gasped in shock, as Sebastian rubbed my back, saying "there there..." Sebastian and I were really laying it on thick, but it seemed to be working...

"That's horrible! If you're anything like this tall fella over here, we'd recruit you, too!" Joker says, and I look up at Joker with big, hopeful eyes. "Really?" I ask excitedly, and Joker nods. "Really!"

"And, is it alright if I bring along another person too, than? He's only a young boy!" I exclaim, even though he's only a year younger.

"Of course! Though, both of you will have to pass the entrance test." Joker replies, as Beast glares at me, as Dagger looks at me with large, hopeful eyes.

"Thank you so much!" I say, giving Joker a big hug, which he returns. "Don't forget me!" Dagger says, as he dog piles onto the hug, and I lightly laugh. "We'll be back tomorrow, thank you." Sebastian says quickly, and I pull away from the hug, waving at everyone. "Bye bye"! I say cheerfully, as I follow Sebastian out of the tent, smile falling off my face.

"I'm...so...hungry...There's nothing here to inspect, either, so let's head home so our master doesn't get angry..." I mutter, as Sebastian hesitantly nods, and we take our leave.


"Woah, that's a really cute kid. Are you a boy?" Joker asks Ciel, who awkwardly shifts. "Yes, I was a pageboy at the manor. Uh, my name is Finnian." Ciel responds, as Joker inspects Ciel. "What a grand name, if you join us you'll get a stage name." Joker says, as Ciel sweat drops.

"And, Ivy, you're name is a bit less grand, but very lovely, so you'll get a stage name too." Joker says winking at me, and I laugh. "That's aye-okay with me!" I say cheekily.

"But, loveliness and cuteness won't be enough to get you in the circus. If you can't perform, that is. Finnian, what's your strong points?" Joker asks Ciel, as he thinks. "Uh, darts...?" Ciel says, and Joker looks at me, and I remember the act I did in 9th grade.

"Aerial acts." I say, as Joker's eyes widen. "Woah, that's a bit precise, and a bit dangerous. Are ya sure? Ya only a maid af'er all," He asks, and I look at Sebastian and Ciel's widened eyes.

"I don't lie, don't worry. I know what I'll be doin'." I say, as he shrugs. "If you're even half of what your friend did las' nigh' since you're both servants from tha same place, you'd be good enough to make it ta first tier one day. All right... let's see what tha boy can do first. Darts is similar to throwing knives, so let's see what he can do."

Ciel proceeds to throw darts, nailing it each time with Sebastian's help.

"Next, tightrope walking!" Joker says, as Doll ties the lifeline around me. We had just witnessed Ciel do it, barely managing to stay on. "Thanks," I say, and she nods in response.

I step onto the tight-rope, holding my arms to my side as I start my balance. I easily walk across halfway, and I look down at Joker. "I'm gonna spice it up!" I say, as I raise my right leg, raising it high so my knee is by my chin. Everyone's eyes widen.

"Be careful Ivy!" Ciel calls out, and I grin. "What happens if I slip and fall, Finnian? Would I just..." I ask, leaning back as my body topples off the rope. I fall off, and at the last minute I grab the rope with my left hand, leaving my body to dangle above the floor. "Fall to my death?"

"Stop messing around, Ivy! This is serious business!" Ciel says, and I roll my eyes. "Loosen up, Finnian, we're no longer at the mansion." I say, swinging myself back onto the wire, walking to the other side calmly. Doll undoes my harness, and I thank her, before I make my way down to the lot.

Joker has a look of shock on his face, "That was the dumbest, but most brilliant thing I've seen a rookie do! I can't wait to see yer real talent!" Joker says, and I laugh.

"I'll show you my act later, but am I in...?" I ask, a smile on my face, as he smiles. "I'm sure it'll be brilliant, so yes! You're in!"

My 'real act' involved me using a lot of upper strength performing a series of aerial strap-acrobatics, and I had a whole performance for it from a previous mission. It's gonna be great!


"Introducing the new circus members! The tall fellow is Black, the child is Smile..." Ciel's eyebrow twitches at the name, but he ignores it. "...and Violet!"

While Sebastian and Ciel have their own unique costumes, I'm wearing my hair in the two usual buns, with a sweet-heart neckline short dress that's black with gold swirls on it, with a purple underskirt under it, poofing out the dress. I'm wearing a pair of fishnets with it (I brought them in), with a pair of black half-calf length black leather boots. On my hands are long black leather gloves, and I have my parasol from Arno with me, but I replaced the regular umbrella part with a lacy-black umbrella top with purple ribbons laced through it. My lips were painted a dark purple, and I had two purple (fake) gems dangling from my ears.

"Hello everyone!" I say cheerfully, waving at the first-tiers and everyone else.

"Hey Violet!" Dagger says, waving excitedly to me. "Hello Iv-Violet. Says Goethe." Snake says, and Doll nods at me. Beast glares at me from under her long lashes, while the other first-tiers wave at me politely.

Joker leads us on a tour, before taking us to the practice tent. "This is where people practice, aimin' to make their debut in a real public performance." Joker says, gesturing at the people practicing. Lots of people are juggling, others do acrobatics from hoops.

"Work on the basics first, warm up carefully, and-" Joker says, when Beast pops her head in the tent. "Joker! It's almost your turn!" She says, before glaring at Sebastian and I.

"Well, I gotta go, so have fun boys an' Violet!" He says, adding a wink at the end before he rushes out of the practice tent.

"The poisonous snake tent is at the entrance of the first tier members' tent, huh?" Ciel asks, and I smile. "Yup, like a guard dog. You would know, Happy Meal." I say, looking around the tent as Ciel's jaw drops.

"What does that mean?!" He asks in surprise, and I smirk. "You won't get it, now I'll leave you and Sebas-chan, and I'm going to go over to practice! Have fun complaining!" I say with a cheery wave, leaving an irked Sebastian and Ciel in my wake.

I walk over to the spare trampoline, taking off my shoes before I jump on it. I do flips on it, cartwheels, backflips, and I repeat this through hoops situated around the trampoline.

Truthfully, it wasn't for practice.

I just wanted to go on the trampoline.

Sebastian and Ciel look up at Ivy who seems to be having fun bouncing around. "What on Earth is she doing? She should be helping me with this case." Ciel says angrily, and Sebastian smirks. "Ivy does what she wants, similar to a cat."

Sebastian truly liked cats.

From where I was bouncing, I watch Sebastian do the Flying Blanco, juggling, pole climbing, passing through fire, high-wire, and he makes his way over to the trampoline where I am.

"Jack-Black! Let's do a double jump!" I say, as I stop jumping, and he makes his way over to me. "Alright, Violet. On 3..." he says, as I start doing small bounces.

"1...2...3!" I say, as he jumps as the same time I do, and I go flying into the air. I do a few twirls in air and a flip, as I feel weightless like a bird, and when I'm about to hit the trampoline Sebastian jumps up from his spot slightly, catches me, before landing on the trampoline, doing a jump and throwing me back into the air.

"Wheeeeee!" I giggle, as I do a double-backflip, and Sebastian repeats this. We do rock-paper-scissors in the air (he won-that, he's such a cheating basta-) we made a diamond with our arms, we did the 'Titanic' position, and we did the 'free-fall' position before we land on our feet, giving a small bow as many applaud us.

"Amazing! Way to go Black and Violet!" People chime in, and I smile.

"Thanks everyone!" I say with a smile and a wave, as Dagger whistles. "You're all damn good! I can't believe there's a trio of newbies who are extremely skilled!"

"Trio?" Sebastian asks, as Dagger nods sheepishly. "He was some sorta government worker and he's totally serious. Oh, there he is! Suit!" Dagger says, pointing up at the coolest grim-reaper ever up on the tightrope walk, using his pruner to keep balance. I nearly laugh at the scene playing out before me, and Ciel's eyes widen.

"Grell has a heart shaped locket of this guy, and talked about him for two hours...he seems extremely serious too, which makes him 'all the sexier'. He is not to be trusted, clearly..." Ciel says, and I nearly snort in laughter. Sebastian glares up at William. "I've had...'run ins' in the past with that reaper." Sebastian says, and I look up at William, who looks us at from under his glasses, and he sighs.

"I thought I sensed an unpleasant aura. So it was you, was it." He says, and suddenly the pruner shoots downward in front of Sebastian, and William shoots down it like a fire pole, as it shortens in length.

"Why did you come here, you devilish fiend!" William says, holding the pruner up to Sebastian's throat.

"De...vil?" Dagger asks, as the crowd murmurs. Ciel's eyes widen, and I cross my arms with a smirk.

"Even under the rest of circumstances, in this time of Grim Reaper shortages, with a demon appearing like this I suppose it will throw off my schedule." William clucks with a sigh, and everyone sweats nervously and in fear.

"Oh, silly Suit!" I say with a laugh, breaking the uneasy silence as I stand on my tippie-toes, "I haven't seen you in like, 128 years!" I kiss him on each side of the face, as his cheeks flush. "What are yo-"

"Always the one to be embarrassed, don't you worry!" I say with a laugh, turning to everyone, smile on face. "Black 'n Suit went to schooling with each other, and Suit was so pale he was often referred to as a 'grim reaper' and Black was so mischievous he was called a 'little devil,' though he ain't so lil' anymore." Dagger and the crowd sigh in relief, laughing at their nicknames.

"Bu-" William starts, face still red, but I nudge him slightly, causing him to stop. He just sighs, before turning around and walking away.

Sebastian follows behind Will, and Ciel and I are left in the tent.


"There's no way I'd release information related to souls to a demon." Will says, pushing up his glasses with his pruner. "It'd be like throwing a rabbit in front of a carnivore."

Sebastian's face grows serious, shadows casted over his eyes. "I have no use or interest in low quality souls."

Will scoffs, "Well said for a starving demon. Despite being so hungry you cannot help yourself."

"I tired of the behavior of messily sampling every dish available a long time ago," Sebastian says as a fanged smile grows on his face. "If you're hungry, the extent of hunger determines the deliciousness of the dinner. Besides, I'm collared now, so please don't worry yourself.

"But what of that girl with you, Violet is her stage name, correct? I've heard of this American, her name is Ivy Adams, isn't it?" William asks, pushing up his glasses, as Sebastian smirks. "Yes, what of it?"

"Do you plan on taking her soul anytime soon?" William asks, and Sebastian frowns slightly. "No, I plan on having...other uses with her though."

William raises a brow, "You're saying you plan to claim her as a mistress for your time here?"

Sebastian smirks, "Not quite." William gasps, perfect facade faltering. "You wouldn't dare! You'll be condemning her to a lifetime of living hell!"

Sebastian's smirk grows into a victorious grin. "I'll have her, mind, body and soul. It won't be hell as long as I'm with her."

"She's an ordinary mortal, do not have her trifle with the supernatural kind more than she has to. Besides, once you show her your real form, there's a 90% chance she'll go insane, Malphus. Your form is different from other demons, and all feelings she's had before will be lost, since they'll all be built on the lies you told her." William exclaims, letting emotion leak into his voice. "Imagine...all the paper work I'll have to do!" He finishes, pushing up his glasses.

Sebastian arches a brow, "What do you mean? Demon claims are only a scroll work, not much more than a signature in blood, and the promise to exchange 'souls' with one another. It is merely figurative, a jest, in fact."

"No, it's much more than that. Once a grim stamps the paperwork, they officialize the releasing of those two from their care, as they are technically both demons by then and will have their paperwork transferred to Hell. But...god, I don't know why I'm telling you this, but Ivy Adams does not exist." Sebastian's eyes widen at William's words.

I have no grandchildren with the last name Adams nor the first name Ivy...

Ivy Adams does not exist.

"Are you sure? She is from America, after all, and her name can be in the records there. And, I have met earlier with a woman named Conall Taylor, who seems to be a relative of Ivy's." Sebastian replies coolly, but William shakes his head. "No, Ivy isn't anywhere. Her first name isn't even Ivy, her last name isn't Adams. Her face doesn't show up for either of those names, or... she's a divergent soul." William says, glasses slipping as he looks down and Sebastian's eyebrows crease. "Why share this information with me, than?"

William looks up, pushing his glasses up with his pruner, causing a white glare off his glasses for a moment. "Because this means if you touch a divergent soul, rule #826 in section 5 states that Grim Reapers have the immediate right to eliminate the threat. Divergent souls only come around once in a while, and each situation is different."

"So, 'Ivy' is a lab rat for you reapers, yes?" Sebastian asks, neutral-faced.

"Not quite, more like an undetermined variable. Divergent souls have been very important through the course of history. The easiest ones to name are Jesus Christ, Aristotle, Charlemagne, Napoleon, Beethoven, Genghis Khan, Buddha, etc. These souls don't look like your stereotypical soul, and they are not so easily tainted, especially the saint ones that glow the brightest white I've ever seen." William T. Spears states, "All of them have odd personalities to them, and none of them are related in occurrence or actions. All of them range from solid to translucent, large or small, past, present, or future. And Ivy Adams is one of these people, and this may be the reason why she doesn't have a file."

"Why do you tell me this information?" Sebastian asks with a smirk. "I can easily snatch up her pretty little soul."

"You won't. I explained the importance of these divergent souls by providing sufficient evidence, and I told you the laws if you broke the rule. Ivy's life will play out with no telling of where it will go, and when it comes to its end us reapers shall judge whether she goes on or not. If you interfere, I won't hesitate to reap you. Now, good night." Will says, before turning and stiffly walking away, leaving a thinking Sebastian behind.

Where the 2 men had been squabbling was a cloth practice tent, and behind those flaps was an eavesdropping Ivy, who's eyes were wide with shock.

Have my mind, body and soul?! I don't exist?! Mistress?!

Hell nah!

Okay, Ivy, just logically think through this. Maybe this 'divergent' soul of mine is an occurrence of 'Death's Kiss.' But, I don't get how Sebastian was speaking of claiming me, but how William responded made it seem horrible...

And the name Conall Taylor, she was my great-something grandma. She was considered the 'odd-bird' of the family tree for not wishing to have her children stay at the farm, and she croaked once she hit 120, or so they say. They never found her body. She also had views on how women should have more rights, which was scandalous for the time, and she owned her own farm...

Quickly scurrying from where I was hiding, I head to the mess hall to get my room assignment.


"Thanks for waiting, it's time for the new arrivals' room assignments!" Joker says cheerfully, holding up papers, smiling at Sebastian, Ciel and I.

"Violet, are you alright? Your body seems awfully chill," Sebastian says with his voice laced with concern, as he puts the back of his hand against my shoulder, and I side-step his touch, which sends shivers down his spine. I get cold sweats when I'm nervous...or fearful.

"I'm fine, just cold." I say, giving him a closed-mouth smile, as his concerned facial features relax.

"Smile's in tent 8, here's your room-mate!" Joker says, patting Doll's, I mean Freckles', back. Freckles is currently wearing baggy clothing, with her brown-reddish hair spiked at the edges going over her left eye. Freckles smiles at a glowering Ciel.

"Seba-I mean, Black, Violet and I aren't rooming together?!" Ciel complains, and Joker arches a brow.

"Ahaha! Smile really sticks close to Black and Violet! Don't worry, you'll be independent soon." Dagger laughs.

"Next, Sebastian is in tent 10 with Max," Joker says, and I arch a brow. This wasn't in the manga or anime!

A nerdy-looking thin, pale boy steps up, with a greasy black comb over, large glasses, and buckteeth. He has a red plaid button down shirt on with black loafers and khakis.

"I-I'm Maximus," Max says with a lisp and a snotty voice, sniffling and pushing his large glasses up, "I do jokes."

"Pleasure to meet you," Sebastian says, sticking his hand out to shake Max's hand, but Max jumps back with a girly shriek.

"S-sorry," Maximus says, regaining his composure. "I th-thought you were g-g-going to hit me."

"Oh, I apologize. I never intended to startl-" Sebastian starts, when tears appear in Maximus' eyes.

"If you insist...it all started when I was 21. I asked my mother if I could have an extra cookie after dinner for being a good boy, but she said no. I went against her back and took a cookie from the jar, and she caught me, and gave me a spanking for my bad behavior. I ran away from home, and have been on the streets ever since." He says, putting the back of his hand against his forehead dramatically.

"..."

"Oh! Is this one of your jokes?" I ask. That's pretty funny! He looks towards me enraged.

"No! That's my life-story! After all, since I'm a third character probably going to be only used in this chapter, I'll be using as much time as I can to have the spotlight!" Maximus says, clasping his hands together, swinging his butt wildly.

My eyebrow twitched as snot dripped down Maximus' face. Gross.

"...and finally, Violet will be with Suit." Joker says, and Suit steps out, a bland look on face. "Hello again, Violet." he says, and I smile. "Hello Suitsy!"

"I'm willing to trade with Suit." Sebastian and Ciel say at the same time, exchanging looks with each other. "Sorry, no trades! Better luck next raffle!" Joker says, and I shrug. "Works with me, are you okay with these arrangements, Suit?" I ask, looking up at him, as he nods slightly. "I agree, I'm fine with these arrangements." He says, and Sebastian and Ciel's eyebrows twitch.

"But Violet is a woman, and Suit's a man! Isn't that horrible setting of arrangements?!" Ciel bellows, and Joker shrugs.

"Tha' raffle is random for a reason, this ain't tha' first time this has happn'd," Joker replies, as Ciel face palms.

"Well, I'm heading to our tent! I'll need a few minutes to change, so please stagger!" I say loudly, before running off to find the tent, not before I see blushes form on Will's, Ciel's and Sebastian's faces.


OMAKE 1

"Now, the moment you've all been waiting for, the new, spunky, gorgeous American performer, Violet!" Joker says, as the lights dim, and I step up, grabbing the microphone, a light training on me.

"Ready for an amazing performance?!" I ask, as the crowd cheers, and I start singing like the freaking badass herself: Akemi Watanabe! She's my favorite music artist ever, and I met her one time when I stopped an assassination attempt on her from the malicious gang 'Vines and Roses.'

"Gonna have a three-ring circus someday,
People will say it's a fine one, son.
Gonna have a three-ring circus someday,
People will come from miles around.
Lions, tigers, acrobats, and jugglers and clowns galore,
Tightrope walkers, pony riders, elephants, and so much more...

Guess I got the idea right here at school.
Felt like a fool when they called my name,
Talkin' about the government and how it's arranged,
Divided in three like a circus.
Ring one, Executive,
Two is Legislative, that's Congress.
Ring three, Judiciary.
See it's kind of like my circus, circus.

Step right up and visit ring number one.
The show's just begun. Meet the President.
I am here to see that the laws get done.
The ringmaster of the government.

On with the show!

Hurry, hurry, hurry to ring number two.
See what they do in the Congress.
Passin' laws and juggling bills,
Oh, it's quite a thrill in the Congress.
Focus your attention on ring number three.
The Judiciary's in the spotlight.
The courts take the law and they tame the crimes
Balancing the wrongs with your rights.

No one part can be
more powerful than any other is.
Each controls the other you see,
and that's what we call checks and balances.

Well, everybody's act is part of the show.
And no one's job is more important.
The audience is kinda like the country you know,
Keeping an eye on their performance.

Ring one, Executive,
Two is Legislative, that's Congress.
Ring three, Judiciary.
See it's kind of like my circus, my circus.

Gonna have a three-ring circus someday.
People will say it's a fine one son,
But until I get it, I'll do my thing
With government. It's got three rings!" I finish, and am met with applause and apple sauce.