Author's Note: I apologize for taking so long. Midterms are coming and college has been hectic. I did a breeze over in this chapter, so if you find any really horrible errors feel free to PM me and I'll fix them. I just didn't like leaving you hanging for so long. Althought I can't say this will be any better.

Thanks again to all my readers, you guys make this worth while.

Chapter 29: Shadows

Madame Red stared at the stoic German across from her, as always he wasn't revealing a thing, it was perhaps one of the many qualities which Vincent found important in the man. "I have no idea what you are talking about," she admitted. There was a pause as her eyes fell on the photos which he had haphazardly flung on the table, the once orderly stack was now a mess. She drew a deep breath before leaving her seat and walking toward the coffee table. Resting on it were some of the most gruesome photos she had ever seen. Children of different genders and ages, strung up like wild animals, she felt as though she were going to vomit, "My god," she whispered.

Diedrich sighed, "I wish," he hummed making the woman stare at him. Diedrich wasn't a god fearing man, he had never been, she wasn't a fool, she knew what her brother in law really did. Toys were one of the nicer enterprises under the watchful eyes of Vincent Phantomhive. Vincent wasn't nicknamed the Demon Lord for nothing in the inner circles of the court. His soul purpose was to keep the black market from touching her majesty, it was recognized that there had to be an underworld in English society, however it had to be contained to the shadows. Vincent was it's keeper, a demon among the monsters, a king who would stop at nothing to maintain his hold on the Underworld. Her eyes fell on the photos every single one of them had the same brand she had seen the night before, "I don't really know, I treated a girl recently, she's recovering, she had a brand identical to that," she explained as she gestured to the one in the photo. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Diedrich's eyes narrow slightly, clearly he didn't believe her.

"Look, that's all I know, she was pretty ragged when they brought her in. I did get the name of the guardian though," she said slowly as she turned to her desk and picked up the file. Diedrich's hand shot out for it, of course he wanted to look. Her eyes narrowed as she held it close to her chest. "Doctor Patient Confidentiality," she barked. Diedrich huffed as he reached in his pocket and whipped out a badge, it wasn't simply one for the Yard, it was issued by her majesty, clearly he had seen this coming. "Breached when cases of abuse are involved Durless, you and I both know that, hand over the file," he shot, obviously Vincent had chewed him out. It wasn't unusual when you really thought about it, Vincent was under stress and whoever was running the ring was showing up in the papers, not good for him.

"Fine, just do me a favor I didn't give them to you," she hissed before shoving the file at the man, she was tired of being cornered by the German. Diedrich smiled a little as he opened the folder, his brows lifted as he stared in confusion, "Are you sure it was him?" he asked. Madame Red tilted her head in confusion and stared at him blankly, "Who?" Diedrich sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Francis, a Father Francis Malone," he stated slowly. She sighed, remembering the graying man of the cloth, "Yeah, he said he found her on the street and brought her to us," she commented. Diedrich looked at her and then the file, "Francis is here in London?" he asked in confusion. Madame Red watched the German pale slightly before erecting a mask of indifference. "Diedrich?" she asked slowly he didn't look like he should, he was pale and rather nervous, it was as though he were looking at the man who nearly lost Vincent.

"It's nothing," he replied curtly before turning to walk away with file in hand, "I'll return this," he stated as he briskly walked out of the room. The woman was left standing before her desk there was something off, Diedrich looked genuinely shocked. "What was that?" she whispered as she looked toward the now closed door, the man's footsteps no longer fell in the distance he had vanished as he always did, into thin air.

~~xXx~~

Burgundy red, it was the color of blood and the soul as it cascaded off the side of one of the pristinely polished glasses resting on the counter. It folded over itself with grace, releasing a familiar sweet scent with a hint of spice, the liquor was young in nature making it dry. However, it was still a fine bottle, with a gentle swirl the contents were shifted around the glass, a pair of emerald eyes were locked on it as they watched for sediments to fall out of suspension. Long pale fingers cradled it with ease as he slowly raised it to his lips. A pair of black rectangular frames rested on his nose. His hair was a mess and fell across his brow, his lips curved in a grin as he lifted it to his lips and took in the bouquet. "Perfect," he whispered as he took a sip. It was dry and yet seemed to warm his soul, "You always were one for Simi," stated a familiar voice. William turned slowly to see a particular blonde standing in the doorway with a leather jacket on and motorcycle helmet under his arm.

The Sommelier swallowed as he looked at the sleek form leaning on the door frame lazily, his eyes slowly took in the wicked grin on the Head Waiter's lips, his eyes were sparkling with mischief, clearly he was up to something. "It's a wonderful vintage," he replied slowly as he took another sip, this gave him the opportunity to look over the young man from head to toe. He smiled internally, a pair of skin tight leather pants hugged every muscle, leaving nothing to the imagination. He was wearing a pair of black boots and slowly followed every sensual curve. His calves were sculpted from hours of kick boxing. William's eyes continued to hungirly look at the man, the red belt hugged his waist tightly, it was trim and he could feel his fingers tingle, he so desperately wanted to wrap his arms around it. A white tee shirt clung to his torso under the beautifully tailored red leather jacket. He smiled as he looked at the young man, Ronald was strong and flexible, two things he loved.

His slender fingers were wrapped in sinful black gloves, one of his hands clutched the door while the other held his helmet. The Head Waiter's lips were curved in a teasing smile, begging to be nipped and bruised. His blond hair was slightly messier than usual, it's blond bangs fell in his eyes while the portion which he had dyed black was spiked in different directions. His skin was glowing and he could tell Ronald had enjoyed his ride on his Ducati. That infernal red bike that scared William to death when he had first heard Ronald purchased it. He didn't change his mind until he saw Ronald on it, his predatory crouch on it, emphasizing his beautiful back and powerful gluteus, the sight of the young man pressed against the machine was enough to make his blood sing. William hummed in approval as he lowered the glass and grinned sinfully; all he wanted to do was press Ronald against the wall and strip him of that tantalizing leather. "You're here early," he commented as he smiled and placed the glass on the table.

Ronald pushed away from the door frame and shrugged before slowly advancing, "Traffic isn't an obstacle for those of us on a bike," he replied simply as he placed his helmet on the table. William chuckled and shook his head, "Welcome back," William said warmly, one of these days he was going to get Ronald to take him out on the bike, he didn't understand why Ronald loved it so. After the disaster with his car, Ronald bought the bike, naturally William had opposed it. It was dangerous and to be honest he didn't like the idea of Ronald not having a ton of protection while on the road.

"Thanks," he replied with a soft smile, as he closed the space between himself and William. The young waiter pressed a kiss to the man's lips before pulling away swiftly. William scowled with irritation at this, he intended to press the young man against the wall and spend some much needed time together. "Sebastian is in the hospital, do you know where the hell Faustus'' flat is?" he asked after a moment. William's eyes widened substantially, he had been working with a winery to secure an exclusive contract with them. "What?" he asked in confusion as he looked at Ronald. He had been there the first time Sebastian had collapsed and recalled the damage it had done the Head Chef the first time. Claude looked as though he had been hurdled into a state of sheer panic. "Yes," he replied curtly before placing the glass on the table and dashing after Ronald, he was about to snatch his car keys when the young waiter shook his head. "I think my ride will be faster," he commented. William's eyes fell on the keys to that infernal bike and he hummed, "Perhaps you are right," he replied.

On any other occasion William would have leapt for joy and happily bounded after Ronald. Ironically the young man refused to allow William to ride with him, for fear that if they got in an accident and if something happened to William he would never forgive himself. Guilt would have killed the man he had fallen in love with. The world seemed to stand still as Ronald handed William the helmet and the pair raced mounted the bike, in what seemed like forever was a matter of minutes as they parked the bike and dashed into the hospital. William had seen some of the darkest things under Vincent and Diedrich, however this was perhaps darker. He was about to take the exit toward the hospital when he was nearly run off the road by another bike with an odd symbol on the back. The rider was dressed in all white and had violet eyes, his form was slender and he smiled, "What the hell?" asked Ronald as he steered away from the bike, avoiding contact at all costs. William felt his heart leap into his throat, this must have been why Ronald wasn't interested in taking him out. He was about to shout in irritation at he rider when he noticed an all too familiar limousine tailing it, "Landers?" he asked in confusion.

William could hear the confusion in the young man's voice as Ronald turned his attention to the limo, "Something's wrong here," he whispered. William was about to protest when he felt the bike launch past the exit and tale them, "Look Will, I can get to Claude later, I have a bad feeling about this," he stated. William wasn't about to argue, when ever Ronald got a feeling like this, he was usually very right, in fact he was always right. It was a frightening fact in which even William shuddered at. There was simply something too unusual about Lander's limousine going toward the docks. Ronald pulled off into a side street and continued to follow them, it was darker and he could feel the breeze off the water. The limousine came to a stop outside of a warehouse and Ronald hummed, he had been right something very off was occurring and they were just about to find out what.

Ash slipped out of the sleek car and moved inside the warehouse, he looked as though he were floating. Ronald sighed as he slipped off his helmet and noticed the fire escape on the side which led to several windows. "Stay, I'm going to look about," commented the blonde as he left the safety of the bike and wandered over to the building. William glared at him and grabbed his arm, "Please, this is a job for me," he commented. Ronald groaned and shook his head; he wasn't going to argue this, "Fine, together." The pair managed to sneak around the back of the building to the fire escape, only to learn that the latter was stuck. "Shit," muttered Ronald. William sighed and rolled up his dress shirt sleeves, ignoring Ronald's curses as he stretched his arms over his head and walked a little. "Do me a favor and keep your eyes peeled," stated William as he walked several paces back. Ronald stared at him in confusion as William sprinted toward the later and jumped. Ronald's green eyes widened as the Sommelier soared through the air for a moment. His black gloved hands wrapped around the lowest rung and he pulled it down. He smirked and gestured to the latter, "After you," he said simply.

Ronald's eyes were wide as he looked at the man, "W-What? How did you? Later you so have to tell me later," whispered the young man in a frenzy as he managed to climb onto the escape. William followed with ease and hummed, he had a fantastic view of Ronald's beautifully shaped bottom. Under other circumstances he would spend more time marveling at it, however he was snapped out of his day dreams when he heard a loud shout and a shrill cry. Ronald moved over, just as they had hoped there were windows. Ronald crouched down before the filthy windows and squinted, the grime was so thick it was nearly impossible to see through them. William was beside him and shivered a little, Ronald swiftly pulled off his jacket and handed it to the Sommelier, "Thanks," he hissed in reply as he gratefully slipped into his lover's jacket.

Standing just below them was a very odd seen, "I don't have all night, I want them in different creates and cleaned. Doc! This one's got an infection!" shouted a very gruff man, his hands were massive and squeezed a small girl's arm tightly. A small and almost sick looking doctor rushed over and began treating the wound. The small child whimpered and attempted to run when the doctor's hand rose swiftly and delivered a harsh blow across the face. "Enough!" hissed a voice, the scene before them paused as Ronald and William watched a stunning young woman appear. She was dressed in all white, with short white hair and striking lavender eyes. "There is no way it's coincidence," commented William as Landers appeared. "She's merchandise don't break her," the woman stated before raising a black riding crop and smacking the doctor across the face with it. The doctor whimpered before touching his now blood covered cheek. "Get Francis," she commanded and turned to Ash.

William half expected her to gut him where he stood only for her to wrap her arms around his neck and press her slender body against his. "Welcome home, big brother," she commented as she kissed him on the lips, her tongue caressing his full lower lip making Ash's hands slip all over her body in a manner which wasn't suitable for blood relation. Ronald looked as though he were going to vomit and in all honesty if it wasn't for the situation calling for discretion he would have done so long ago. "How's it going, I heard he collapsed," she stated with a smile. Ash's hand came to settle on her ass and he caressed it with care. "He did, however they are going to null and void the challenge with another, as irritating as that is. I had to agree, I can't keep looking like a git in front of my own crowd," he replied. The woman shoved him away and glared at him, "That wasn't the plan Ash, I need to get to Phantomhive and the only way to do that is through him. You can throw your popularity out the window for all I give a shit," she hissed. William paused, Phantomhive she had to be talking about one of them, now all he had to do was figure out which one.

"I do, Angela I still have to find a job after this, living off of black market money isn't my idea of a dream," he stated with anger. Ash pulled back and glared at her, it was clear that he was more than irritated with her, and in all honesty was probably debating whether or not he could walk away. "If you win the competition you will be the most famous chef in all of Europe, it's not like you made him cut himself. He should be fine in a few days, then we may proceed," she stated. Ash sighed and shook his head, clearly she didn't acknowledge that right now he wasn't Europe's favorite person. "I know you want Phantomhive out of the picture, however why Sebastian?" he asked slowly. William's eyes narrowed, at least Ash had asked something of value, even if he didn't like him. Ronald leaned in closer and looked at William, "Which Phantomhive?" he whispered. There was a pause and then William realized that he wasn't sure, he couldn't have meant Vincent, he was untouchable and everyone knew it. He basically could do as he pleased and get away with it. The man had a private army of investigators and security, it was impossible to remove him from power, even MI6 had learned to leave him alone. He was simply too difficult to catch.

"Lets just say I know a financial way to dispose of them," she commented. Before she could say anymore an older gentleman walked over. He had grayed substantially and William had an eerie feeling, something wasn't quite right, he looked too well groomed. His hair was perfectly parted and he wore a black suit, "Francis, I'm glad you could come," she said sweetly, her tone was sickening and William took it as the same as when a rattle snake gave her pray a warning. "I did as you asked, however there was this woman who gave me an odd look," he commented, "A doctor, she didn't seem to believe me." There was a pause as she grit her teeth and William watched her personality do a complete 180. He shuttered unconsciously as her grip tightened in the slender black riding crop in her hands. "Oh?" she asked, smiling dangerously. That was more than enough of a hint for him, "She had red hair and a pair of red eyes, she was quick on her feet but I could tell she saw through me," he replied. She glared and was about to say something when a guard hurried up behind her, "It appears we aren't alone," she announced, "There's a red Ducati outside," she stated.

Ronald and William looked at one another before turning to leave, "Find them, I don't want anyone leaving," he hissed. In seconds the pair were sliding down the ladder to get to the street. Their shoes hit the ground and Ronald looked at William, "Come on," he hissed in moments the pair had started their mad dash down the alleys between the warehouses. Their footfalls echoed through the streets as they attempted to get away, William's heart was pounding in his ears, if the treatment of the young girl was any form of a warning as to how they would be treated if captured, he certainly didn't want to be subjected to it. "This way!" screamed one of the men following them, there was a loud bark which followed sending a chill down William's spine. "Shit, Doberman," muttered Ronald as he skidded around a corner, his shoes protesting as he went and narrowly missed a large create. William managed to keep up with the blonde who clearly had more experience in this department than he did.

The Ducatti was a breath away, and William looked over his shoulder to see another crew following him, "William, when I get on the bike, you better hold on for dear life, I'm not going to slow down," he stated as he leapt over a crate and mounted the bright red bike. William followed suit and wrapped his arms around Ronald's waist, in seconds they shot down the alley. They were going far faster than before which suprised Will, he had forgotten how fast the matchine could really go when it wasn't being reigned in by the rider. William clung to Ronald after realizing for once Ronald was being sincere, he could actually fall off. Ronald made an abrupt turn around the corner and noticed he had managed to get himself pigeon holed. "Bollocks," he hissed before turn harshly and looking. William could feel Ronald's body tense and realized they were in trouble, he pressed his head into Ronald's shoulder and whispered, "Do what you must, love. I trust you." He didn't have a choice, Ronald knew what he could do on this bike, better than anyone, he would just have to accept it.

Ronald stiffened, he could feel it as the blonde came up with the solution, "Hold on," he commanded as he sped toward a pair of two by fours which were close together. William's eyes widened, Ronald wouldn't try, or at least that was what he was trying to convince himself of as noticed the planks grow closer. He closed his eyes as he rushed up them, the harsh angle made him feel as though he were falling. His heart was pounding in his ears as he felt the bike lurch forward. William's eyes snapped open as he felt the air rush past his ears and the faint growl of the bike. Ronald's powerful body under his was relaxed and he could tell he felt beyond free as he aimed for a shipping container. The adrenaline that was rushing through his body reminded him just of how surreal it was to be tearing through the sky. A bright red container grew nearer and he felt his terror smash into him, if Ronald hadn't accelerated enough they would smash into it, and if he had gone too fast they would miss it entirely.

"Oh shit," squeaked William as the front tire of the machine hit the ribbed top of the container, in seconds Ronald had the bike on top of a series of containers and was roaring down them. Over the side William could see several sets of goons attempting to keep up. The ribs of the containers caused the bike to bounce uncomfortably, only adding to the wave of fear that was crashing into him. Ronald didn't even stutter or twitch as he turned and shifted with ease, it was as though he were part of the bike which made William wonder what it was like to have such a surreal bond with a machine and himself. William felt his heart soar as Ronald leapt over a gap from one row of containers to the next, the small hop was easy for him as he pivoted and shot past the guards who had made a wrong turn, "Whoa," shouted William in shock as the bike made another sharp turn, "I need to get out of this labyrinth," Ronald shouted as he started looking for an exit. "You're the one who chose to ride up here!" shouted William. Ronald sighed as he made another turn around a massive stack of containers, logos, colors, characters and various number rushed by as they road across the lids of each container. If it had been a pleasure ride William would spend more time admiring the view of the harbor in the evening. Ronald turned his attention to a docked ship, "Damn it, I'm going the wrong way," he groaned as he jumped off a series containers, from one to the next William began to feel a little more confident in Ronald's skill.

"There," he said happily as he located a ship from China. William tensed, they were unloading containers, the crew was off the ship, there was shouting and cursing as they worked to get the freight off the massive carrier. "Are you insane!" he shouted as a crane started moving them, Ronald simply laughed as he turned and used his leg to stabilize them. "No I've never been more sane," he said lightly as he turned toward them. He could hear people shouting at him in a variety of languages including English as Ronald began to weave through the crowd of unsuspecting sailors. William looked over his shoulder and stared at the dogs which were picking up speed as he slipped into the next gear. "Oi, you aren't allowed in here!" shouted one of the dock workers as he attempted to step in front of them. Ronald snorted as he swerved around him. William felt as though the world were a blur and all that he could see was the road before him, a shipping container traveled over their heads as Ronald turned toward a set of stairs. With little thought they were leaping over the stairs, toward the exit. "Finally!" shouted Ronald as he drew closer to the gate.

Only for a pair of very angry goons to shout for the gate to be closed. "It's going to be close!" cried Ronald as he sped up, they had to get through that gate, they would be killed if they didn't. "Hold on!" shouted Ronald as he kicked it up a gear, William didn't venture to look at the speedometer, he could only guess that they were going far above the speed limit. William clung to Ronald as he closed his eyes, he didn't have an interest in becoming one with the fence. He heard a shout as his eyes flickered open, they made it out and the guards were cursing as one of the black SUVs smashed into the fence. "That was far too close for comfort," stated Ronald as he continued down the road and dropped to a safer and far more manageable speed. William released the breath that he didn't realize he had been holding the entire time.

~~xXx~~

It was soft and warm, somewhere in his ears echoed a smooth voice reading a beautiful book. A pair of red eyes slowly opened, his body was heavy and he felt weak as he drew a breath, he was still there, the question was where. The voice stopped and looked at him, "You're awake," it breathed, it was a beautiful baritone, soft and gentle on the ears, yet familiar. Sebastian slowly looked over to see a pair of very concerned golden eyes looking at him, they were hidden behind a pair of black rectangular frames, he had purple bruises under his eyes and his hair was slightly oily. His usually pristine shirt was wrinkled, it looked as though he had slept in the chair before, an orange book rested on his lap with a black tassel between his fingers, he looked just about three quarters through the book. "Where?" asked Sebastian before licking his lips, he felt as though someone had stuffed it with cotton. Claude quickly handed Sebastian a glass of water, it was cool to the touch and Sebastian smiled a little. His fingers almost slipped off it, and yet Claude's grip prevented it from falling, "Here," he whispered softly as he held the glass to the man's lips. "Easy, you've been out for a while," he commented as he aided Sebastian.

Claude's voice was soft and gentle, nothing like the harsh one he had been accustomed to hearing, "The Hospital, Madame Red is the head of your case, she went home some time ago," he replied, it was only now that Sebastian realized it was now dark out. The sun was gone, and the time for his nightmares to reappear was upon him. He didn't want to sleep, he couldn't, he would only be plunged further into pain. "How long have you been there?" he asked slowly. Claude slipped the marker back in place and paused, "The past two days, you were in critical for a while," he stated, "you really scared me." Sebastian closed his eyes he was waiting to be lectured for his stupidity or something along those lines, yet it never came.

He slowly opened his eyes and hesitantly looked at the Head Chef, "Why haven't you- lectured me?" he asked hesitantly. Claude ran a hand through his hair for a moment, Sebastian had noted this was a nervous tick of Claude's, when ever he wasn't sure of what to do or say he would do this, it was as if he was tugging on his brain in hopes he would somehow be able to string a coherent sentence. Claude hummed and looked at him, "When you are ready you will tell me what happened," he commented. Sebastian nodded and looked at Claude, he didn't understand why the man was at his bed side, he had a restaurant to run and yet he was sitting at his side. "Ciel is closed for a bit, many of his patrons would riot if they learned he was going to be open with you here," Claude states with ease. It amazed Sebastian how the Head Chef seemed to know what he was thinking.

"What are you reading?" he asked slowly. Claude hummed, his eyes narrowed before they fell on the book, it was as though he had forgotten it was there. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Book 7. The film will be out soon," he commented. Sebastian stared at the enormous book and at Claude, "It's a rather thick volume," he observed. Claude's lips quirked up and he shook his head, "It moves quickly actually," he said with ease. Sebastian hummed and closed his eyes, the image of a silver doe was in his memory, he had no idea where it was from, yet it was beautiful and looking back at him. "I had this dream, about a boy bounding after a silver glowing doe in the thick of the woods," said Sebastian slowly. He could remember the image of the boy jumping over branches after the gorgeous creature only to stop at a thick pond of ice and walk across it. He had no idea where the scene had come from, yet it was beautiful. "I didn't think you heard me," he commented.

Sebastian froze and looked at Claude in confusion, he didn't know much about the books, he had never had the opportunity to read them. "I was reading it out loud, I thought you might like the hear it, I've been reading to you for a while. There were several children in here earlier listening," he said softly as his fingers ran down the spine of the book affectionately. "That was your voice," said Sebastian absently, he could remember it ring in his ears, it was smooth, measured and melodic. All things which had made his dream far more enjoyable. Claude nodded, his hair fell in his eyes as he did, causing the chef to sweep it away with his hand absently. "Will you continue to read?" he asked slowly, he loved the sound of Claude's voice. The Head Chef smiled and hummed, "In a moment, but I wanted to say something, well answer a question," he stated. Sebastian sat up slowly, his eyebrows lifted a little as he looked at the Head Chef curiously. "You asked me once why I cook," he stated and Sebastian's eyes widened, "I didn't answer."

Now Sebastian was all ears, he had been wondering just why the chef was a chef and nothing else, he could easily make a parole officer he was frightening enough. "Sebastian, when we are in the kitchen, we are able to do magic. We can take all of these small pieces and turn them into something so much more beautiful, to create something delicious and interesting. I wanted to cook so I could watch people smile and enjoy, marvel at the wondrous world of flavor," he stated after a moment. Sebastian felt his heart pound, Claude may not have been a Patissier but he spoke like one. Even he recognized the magic in sugar and spice, that ancient spell on chocolate which held human imagination. How the smell of gingerbread meant the holidays, chocolate chip biscuits and their dough were of good times, and even lemon squares in the hot months of summer were welcome. How just the right biscuit with tea could warm the soul on a rainy afternoon and make books come to life. "Sebastian, do you think you can win?" he asked after a moment. There was a hint of concern in his voice as he asked, which made the young patissier stare at her.

"Why?" he asked softly as his eyes fell on Claude, he looked determined and suddenly the kiss flooded his mind. Claude's lips were soft and sweet, yet forceful and fiery, his kiss left a taste of spice on his lips and made his mind spin out of control. "I want you to know that I know you can, and no matter what I will stand at your side," he stated. Sebastian was confused he didn't understand where this was coming from, "I want to protect you, tell me what happened," he said smoothly. Sebastian was frozen, he didn't want to tell Claude that he was dirty and no one would touch him. "I-I wasn't feeling well," he replied. There was a moment in which Claude sighed and shook his head, "Sebastian, the press went haywire and are having a bloody field day with this," he stated. Sebastian drew a shaky breath and replied, "I, can we talk about this later?" he asked. Claude hummed and nodded before looking at the book on his lap. In moments he was opening it and picking up just where he had left off. His voice filled the room and caused Sebastian to close his eyes and fall into the world of J.K. Rowling, a world of wizards, witches and above all magic. A place which he wouldn't mind living in himself.

~~xXx~~

Alois woke slowly and found himself laying in the cell, on the door was open. Leaning in it was the tall and rather imposing form of the man he learned was the Chief Constable the night before. "Turns out you didn't do it," he said after a moment, his voice was deep and hummed pleasantly through the small space. Alois sighed and sat up stretching his arms over his head, "Yeah, well you're welcome," he commented as he pushed himself off the cot and walked toward the man, he was dressed in a slimming silver suit, he looked different compared to the night before, there was a magazine under his arm and Alois looked at it, Sebastian and Ash's photo was on the cover with a major headline. "You're following them too?" asked Alois curiously. The man tilted his head to the side and then looked at him, "Who?" he asked after a moment.

Alois pointed to the magazine and replied, "Sebastian Michaelis and Ash Landers." There was a pause as he pulled the magazine and hummed, "To be honest there are a number of people around here praying Sebastian wins," he stated. Alois could tell this was so much larger than himself, "Why?" he asked curiously. The man sighed and opened the article, "Listen," he instructed.

"Chef's come from all places, from large cities to small farms, you can find a chef. Ash Landers was raised in the middle of London and taught from an early age of pastry, by his father who is from a long line of Patissiers. After a messy divorce he was sent to New York, only to learn from some of the greatest masters, trained in the art and with a classic understanding it's difficult to believe that Landers would be defeated by Michaelis. Sebastian Michaelis is from an orphanage just outside of Paris, in a small province," he read.

Alois' mouth popped open, he thought Sebastian was from a family of chefs now he was being told the man was an orphan. "He was taken under the wing of a small village chef who made both bread and pastry, there he continued to learn in a small shop on the main road. After several years of training he left for Paris and managed to get into the prestigious school of Le Cordon Bleu on complete scholarship. Despite his upbringing, his desire to learn and still out striped even professors as the young chef did what no other could, make dreams reality," he continued as Alois stared, Sebastian was the ultimate fighter, he went from a poor orphanage to the prestige of Le Cordon Bleu and Ciel, he was now fighting so he can continue being the best of Europe. "Little is known of the extend of Michaelis' suffering, except that he is perhaps one of the greatest young chefs of the century," he finished.

Alois stared at him, everyone was expecting Sebastian to win, he had to. It was a though Sebastian was the voice of the people while Ash was the ancient ways. "Landers is dangerous, we know he is connected to Angela, however we are unsure of how," he stated. Alois slowly began piecing together just what the man was getting at, "You think that Sebastian, Anglea and Ash are all connected don't you?" he asked after a moment. It didn't take a genius to put together what he was alluding to. Phipps sighed and leaned in the doorway of the cell, "I don't know what to think, except that if we have a chance of cracking this, Sebastian holds the key somehow," he stated. There was a paused when he realized that he didn't even know the man's name, "Um I'm Alois Trancy, although I'm sure the guards told you. You are?" he asked after a moment. The man relaxed a little as he flicked out a card, holding it between his long fingers lazily. "Chief Constable Charles Phipps, most people call me Phipps," he stated. Alois took the card and noticed it had his office info on it, "I was told you practically took a permanent residence here," he stated. Alois groaned, of course he would know, everyone knew. "Yup I even have a reserved cell, although for the life of me I don't understand why so many people are scared of me," he mused as he crossed his arms and pursed his lips. Phipps looked at him skeptically, "Perhaps it's because I'm open about my sexuality," he mused, that would be more than enough to explain why even the largest men in the cells would stay away from him. "Gay?" asked Phipps. Alois nodded and looked over to see if the man was disgusted, "I have no right to judge," he replied with ease. There was a pregnant silence between them which made Alois squirm a bit, he hated it when those happened. It reminded him of the screaming matches which would occur between himself and his uncle. Suddenly the thought of Sebastian in pain entered his mind, no matter how bad it got, he didn't pass out on the floor. He shuddered for a moment as he remembered the scene before him, the look on Claude's face was enough to torment him. Even if he wasn't a large fan of Sebastian, he did care about Claude. After all Claude comforted him when his heart was shattered at Ciel's engagement party after realizing that they could never be together. They were worlds apart, he wasn't even the heir to his own fortune, it was left in the care of his uncle, and he wouldn't' see it unless something tragic occurred. His uncle didn't even bail him out anymore. There wasn't hope for him, but Sebastian, there was hope for him and Claude.

Alois sighed, once again Sebastian was being brought into this, "Phipps, what if I told you I knew how to get a hold of him?" he asked slowly. There was silence between the pair, "I do work for Ciel and I have access. Perhaps I can get him to talk to you," he proposed. Phipp's eyebrows shot up with shock and then he smiled, "I see, why are you helping me?"

Alois sighed and shrugged, "Easy, I don't like her and I have someone who would love a chance to hold Sebastian," he stated. Phipps hummed and smiled coyly, "Oh?" he asked. Alois simply nodded and slipped his hands into his pockets, "Well you have your motives and I have mine," he stated as he extended a hand, "Partners in crime?" he asked teasingly. Phipps rolled his eyes and shook his head, "Don't you mean heros? Besides I would look horrible in tights," he commented as he took Alois' hand. The blonde raked his eyes over the constable and bit his lip, now that Phipps was in the daylight he could see his beautifully chiseled body, broad chest and firm thighs, he couldn't wait to steal a glimpse of his ass. "Oh, I don't know about that," mumbled Alois and he flushed immediately after realizing he had said it. It didn't seem like the man noticed, however he wasn't about to risk it.