I would love to thank all of you for sticking with me so far, you guys are honestly wonderful with all of the reviews and adding me to assorted lists.

Now for a little announcement, I'm working on a spin off telling Ronald and William's story. It's a fun little tale and filled with some witty remarks. I was wondering who would be interested in learning the tale of our Sommelier. Feel free to PM if your interested in a look at the first chapter.

~KDRM

Chapter 30: Rising

Ronald continued down the road into the early hours of the morning, he was exhausted after running from Lander's goons. "Who the hell was that?" he asked after he had managed to pull into a spot in the hospital parking garage. "The woman?" asked William slowly he looked confused for a moment and replied, "I have no clue." There was a pause as Ronald carried his helmet into the hospital, "Will, you've been quiet," he commented. William paused and looked at the blonde, he had always been receptive, "I've been thinking about how fast you were going on that bike," he commented. Ronald chuckled and shook his head, "Daydream later, we need to see Claude," he stated. William pulled out his mobile, Claude was the last thing he needed to see, he knew just who to contact. "Give me a minute, i need to check on a few crates of Napa wine," he stated before wandering down the hallway. "All work and no play," groaned Ronald. William continued down the hallway and stopped before finding the roof access, "It's me, we know where Angela and Landers are based," William stated. He was quiet for a moment; he could hear the sound of Diedrich dropping a pen. "You what?" asked the German in shock. William ran a hand through his hair, "Yeah, let's just say Ronald's Ducati came in handy tonight. They're down near the docks, they were bringing in from the looks of it Chinese girls and boys who had been snatched off the farm," he remarked.

He could hear himself echo against the walls, and he could tell he was on speaker, "Human trafficking?" asked a familiar voice, it rang as clear as crystal and William knew just who it was. "Yes, she's branding them and distributing them, to brothels and various other places," he replied. He could recognize Vincent's voice a mile away. "Something's not adding up though, several things actually. The first being how have they been getting the creates past you. Vincent you are the most well informed of us, no one would try to do something so daring," he stated. There was a pause on the other end of the line, "You didn't go inside did you?" asked Vincent after a moment, "You don't have the shipping number containers, which means I have no way of tracking them." Diedrich released and audible sigh which made William wonder how they even got past them. Vincent and Diedrich were some of the best at keeping the demons in the darkness, and Vincent had placed everything on the line. "There's something else, a man named Francis, he sounded very French," he commented. The wind blew across the roof of the building, and he could hear the silence in the background.

"I take it you know him," William added after a moment, that kind of silence was only confirmation that he had just stumbled across something he shouldn't have. He looked out over the city which was slowly slipping into the morning as the dawn sun rose, "Listen, she's after the Phantomhives and apparently she has a way to financially ruin you," he stated. He could hear Diedrich stiffen, a chill ran through him, he felt so cold that no matter how the fresh rising sun tried he wouldn't be able to feel warm again. "I see, I will have to go digging, for now check on Sebastian and Claude, and tell that reckless cowboy of yours to not risk his hide again," Vincent stated with irritation before hanging up. William lowered his mobile, he knew there was something they weren't telling him and it could only be dark.

He drew a deep breath and looked over the city of London, how he pined for Paris, and yet he would have to stay here to protect them. "Why has he decided to play the angel?" he asked slowly as he left the rooftop. Vincent was a man who had turned his back on the light and willingly plunged into the shadows, protecting what he held dear, his family. Yet a chef he didn't even really know was added to the list of those Vincent protected. He continued down the hallway toward Sebastian's room, Vincent have clearly called the hospital because no one had said a word to him as he continued down the sterile white halls. There were muffled voices coming from the only room with an open door. He was about to enter when he heard them speaking, "Claude, what happened to him? He cut himself but the chart says more," he commented. There was a pregnant silence between the pair, the only thing which could be heard was a light thunk as something heavy was placed on a table. "To be honest I'm not entirely sure, however, I do know he was raped last night and it was clearly unwilling," he replied.

William made his way to the door and stared at the grim expression on the Head Waiter's face, "Raped?" he asked slowly, his voice cracked a little as it twisted into one of pain. "No, no, who?" Ronald mumbled as his knees slowly gave way. William was by his side in a flash holding the young man up, "Hush," he whispered softly as he held Ronald to his chest. "We don't know who, or why, just that it happened and Sebastian won't talk about it," replied Claude sadly. His golden eyes held agony as he looked at the sleeping chef in the bed. Claude cared for Sebastian, William and Ronald had known that since the day Claude had fought for him to stay, they just didn't know why. "Claude, why are you here?" asked William slowly. The Head Chef lifted his gaze, he had bags under his eyes and his clothes were filled with deep set wrinkles. "I don't want him to be alone," was his only reply before he slowly turned his attention back to Sebastian. It was only now that the Sommelier realized that Claude's broad hands were cradling one of Sebastian's, treating it as though it were a small animal. "He's hurting so badly and yet I can't do a thing," Claude rasped, he was on his way to breaking and William knew it.

"Claude, he's going to be alright, you are with him you can help him," William said after a moment. He hadn't seen Claude look so frightened and lost in a long time. His confidence had vanished, "I kissed him," Claude whispered solemnly, "I kissed him and he didn't return it." William felt Ronald stir in his arms and noticed the blonde was now looking up at him. His green eyes probed William's, as though they were asking a silent question about speaking. "He may have been shocked," replied William slowly. Claude shook his head, his black hair was more a mess now than before, "No, I shouldn't have, he has Ciel. Even if Ciel isn't worthy of him," he stated. William stared in shock at the chef, his words were bold and held more truth than even he knew. "Claude, things will get better," he said softly in as reassuring a tone as he could muster.

"How?" Claude asked after a moment.

The question lingered in the air before William finally replied, "It will. It has to." This wasn't enough for the Head Chef, William slowly looked around the room and spotted a book he remembered handing the chef, a dark book which he himself had cried during. "I will," he repeated, he was about to say more when he heard a familiar voice pierce the ward. "What room are they in! He should be at work!" it cried, it was cold and emotionless, the voice of Ciel Phantomhive.

~~xXx~~

After the call with William had ended, Diedrich had disappeared to see what he could find in the shipping manifests. Leaving Vincent to his thoughts in his study. His eyes fell on the white envelope on his desk with his name and Rachel's on it, the edge had been torn and the corners crinkled. He knew what it said, he had read it several times the day he had gotten it. Now he had to tell Rachel. He had to tell her that she was dying and the cancer was terminal. There was no hope of treatment, she was too far gone. Vincent was a strong man, he had always been and determined to hold onto what he held dear. Yet when it mattered, something was going to take her away from him. His son already refused to be in the same room as him, Rachel was dying and even Lizzy had started growing weary of him. The only one who willingly stayed near him was Diedrich, the man he asked so much from, yet didn't have the ability to tell his wife was dying.

Vincent picked up the letter and slowly turned to head to the parlor, he could hear Rachel playing piano, it was a somber piece, as though she knew what he was coming to tell her. "Moonlight Sonata," he whispered as he continued down the hallway. It's slow pace as darkness seemed to move into view made this harder. He felt as though he were going to drown in his own sadness, he had seen the signs of her becoming sick again, yet he chose to brush them off, now he would pay dearly. He slowly opened the doors of the conservatory and stared as she continued to play, her eyes closed as her hands found every key with grace. He simply leaned in the window and listened as he felt himself slip into the darkness which seemed to await him without pause. The procession of notes was stealing every ounce of happiness from his soul as he watched her play. He leaned his head on the door frame as he listened to her play his sadness, "Rachel," he said softly causing her to pause and open her eyes. She smiled and asked, "Yes?"

Vincent left the doorway and slowly walked over to her, his steps heavy as he attempted to maintain his composure, his expression which he prayed didn't tell her of the letter's contents. "I got the test results," he stated slowly. The music was growing far softer and dismal, "I'm dying aren't I?" she asked softly as she continued the downward spiral of notes. Vincent had made his way across the floor and took a seat beside her on the bench. He was doing everything in his power to hold in the sobs which were now threatening to overtake him. "Yes," he managed to say. Her playing grew sadder as her fingers seem to dance on their own. "How long?" she asked, her voice was calm but he could tell from her playing she was frightened and sad. "Less than six months," he replied. Rachel continued without fail to play as she held her tears, "Just enough time for one last adventure," she whispered slowly. Once she had finished the piece she turned her head and stared in shock at her husband.

Tears had fall free and were rolling down his cheeks. His fingers had slipped into her long hair as he cried softly, there were no words which could be said for how he felt. Nothing could describe the thoughts in his head as he looked at his wife, knowing she would vanish too. "Play it please, the piece that we danced to," he asked slowly. Rachel smiled as she started the familiar melody which was the happiest night of their lives. "As time goes by," whispered Vincent wistfully. The Jazzy melody seemed to force Beethoven's sadness from the room as she played, those beautiful notes that lifted the sadness for a small amount of time. Her improvisations made the piece hum in his soul as she reminded him just of what life was like before he had chosen to stand in the shadows, shying from the light to protect those he loved. "No matter what, I will always love you," she whispered before the piece met it's end, with a traditional broad and powerful Broadway finished that made his soul hum.

"We have to tell Ciel," she whispered after a moment, even if her son had turned his back on Vincent, he knew full well she was right. He had the right to know, "I'll tell him," Vincent decided, earning a dark glare from Rachel, "No, we will tell him," she stated. Vincent was confused as her hand slipped into his and she gripped his fingers, "Together." The word that Vincent knew well, after all they were stronger together than they would ever be apart.

~~xXx~~

Ciel had pushed his way past the security of the front desk and was striding toward the room, he was curious and everyone knew to stay out of his way. He had enough of the games, it was bad enough Sebastian had embarrassed him and now he was closed for a few days thanks to the injury, not to mention the number of inquiries about his practices as an owner were coming to question since he had not bothered to go with Sebastian. Lizzy had seen something he wished she never had seen and he was loosing control of everything. If he wasn't careful he would lose all chances to gain a serious foot hold on his father's estate. His shoes clicked as he continued down the hallway, he could hear voices in Sebastian's room which only added to his irritation, not only was Claude there but his Head Waiter and Sommelier. His eyes narrowed, he wasn't pleased with the article in the paper questioning why Sebastian's injuries weren't tended to earlier and his ability to protect his own.

Lizzy was going to blow things out of proportion, he had to get to Sebastian and get him to sign an NDA as soon as possible, he couldn't afford it to come out that he had purchased the chef, not hired him. Angela was moving on the coast, she had made her move, that would be the only reason Vincent was so annoyed, the woman wasn't going to let it die. "I have to get this under control," he muttered. As he approached the door he heard whispers of reassurance to the Head Chef, he knew Claude loved Sebastian, which only made this more fun. Claude had been a gift and curse since he had taken over the restaurant. True, Claude's skill was far greater than most of the chef in London and it was true that he was shrewd, however, it many didn't realize the number of times they had clashed over the running of the establishment.

Claude wanted to remain open throughout the day. That Ciel wouldn't have, he was having a hard enough time keeping the place afloat as it was, he didn't need anymore bills. If using Sebastian in this manner kept the chef in line, he would continue to do so. He couldn't afford Claude to leave, he had heard of Claude applying for a loan not too long ago to start his own place and was quick to snuff it out. He had even taken the opportunity to contact Lucious, but he didn't expect the tycoon to offer a bride to Claude. That would be a bridge he would burn when it came to it. Now he had to take care of this. Claude was gaining too much confidence, he didn't even hesitate to run onto the set. If ridiculing was what it would take, he would do it.

"Why the hell aren't you in the shop," he hissed as he walked into the room. There was silence among the three who were conscious as he looked at the bed. Sebastian was still very pale, he could tell the blood loss was more than enough of a punishment, perhaps he would be able to keep his toy subdued, and he didn't need to deal with both chefs attempting to run. "We came to see how he was," William replied firmly and looked at Claude. He was shocked to see the head Chef's golden eyes narrowed. This was an amusing gesture, it honestly made Ciel want to know how deep the Chef's admiration for his Patissier ran.

Claude's glasses were resting on top of the book his glare was directed at Ciel with full force, "Why weren't you here?" asked Claude with irritation. There was silence as Ciel directed his attention to Claude who looked as though he were about to explode. "You read his paperwork, you're his employer, you know he has no family," he stated, his voice filled with venom as he rose from his seat, an action which Ciel had seen in advance, as of late Sebastian had awoken the long forgotten emotions in the chef. "That's hardly my concern," stated Ciel, "You should still be preparing to open." Claude grit his teeth William could tell this was getting out of control and fast, Ronald looked nervously between the pair. "It should be your main concern, there is no one else in the kitchen that can do what he does," he hissed. He didn't need to be told that, he knew that, it was why Sebastian was still with him. He waved his hand and grimaced, "Really? It looks simple, surely you the great Claude Faustus can do it," Ciel commented. He had to press Claude's buttons, he needed a response and to reign him in.

"I can't and you know it! There are so few in the world with his gift! I would like to see you try to create what he does!" shouted Claude, "I want you to put your heart and soul into your creation and ask the world so boldly to judge it!" His voice was elevated and now filled with a new found courage, this wasn't the plan. His eyes moved to the form on the bed which was slowly rousing. Sleepy red eyes were locked on the pair. "To think you have the audacity of trying to find a stand in! You will never be half the man he is!" shouted Claude, his voice echoed through the hallways. Ciel paused, he wasn't expecting that kind of response, he knew of his sins, he knew his soul was dark. Yet he wasn't expecting Claude to be so bold as to make an example of him. "Who are you to judge, a man who betrayed his father's trust," he stated harshly. Lucius had trusted Claude to take on his company, it was a huge event when Claude had formally refused the post as CEO, despite his years of training. "You the son of a CEO who owns half of the American market and has made himself a name in Europe, a traitor to his own father," he stated coolly. Claude's hands were balled into fists, "I didn't want that life, I wanted one to call my own and not be controlled by investors and advisors," he stated.

Ciel crossed his arms and asked, "Really, then why pray tell do you still play the stocks? What could come out of that?" Claude was one of the best and he knew it, there were a number of firms that had contacted him asking if Claude Faustus was willing to quit being a chef and work for them. Ciel had at one point even considered turning the man himself, however, was successful at doing so after a roaring review from none other than the Undertaker. "What I do with my finances is my business," Claude retorted. "I see, and what about the man who believed his son would pick up where he left off? At least I am willing to take the baton of Funtom and my father's role. You abandoned yours," he stated. He could see Claude slowly shirking back, he had him. "Yet you have abandoned your father's morals, he was here for several hours before he left with Rachel who wasn't feeling well. Have you even looked at your mother recently?" asked Claude harshly. Ciel was quiet, he hadn't seen them since they had come to his restaurant that night. "She's sick Ciel, and yet here you are slinging mud at us, treating us as slaves. You aren't a king Ciel, you're a young man with a dying mother and a father on the verge of cracking," Claude stated bluntly.

William's jaw was unhinged as he stared at the man with golden eyes who seemed to tower over Ciel. A force to be reckoned with, now making it's appearance. "You don't know anything," Ciel hissed. Claude was standing at his full height and looking at Ciel, "I know more than you do about your family, don't you dare drag my past through the mud, I'm sure everyone would love to hear your dirty laundry," Claude stated. Sebastian was now fully awake and staring at the pair, his eyes were wide with shock and admiration. "Faustus, you are toeing the line, no one asked you to come here and look after him. I just spent hours putting out fires, do not make me snuff you out," Ciel spat. Claude was about to retort when William interjected, "I need to see a distributor about a few cases, perhaps Claude should come."

Ciel was about to say something when he heard Sebastian whisper, "Claude, you should get some sleep. You can't keep running on fumes." His voice was a little harsh but had enough sense to bring Claude back to center, "Ciel and I, we need to talk," he stated. Ciel was smiling, clearly he understood, "Sebastian," Claude said weakly. Sebastian looked at Ciel and shook his head, "No, don't do something foolish, he can do more than fire you," whispered Sebastian, "Besides William probably would like your opinion." Ciel smiled as he watched the chef slip on his glasses and pick up his book, he continued across the room only to pause right beside Ciel. "You hurt him, and I will the be the one you answer to," whispered Claude dangerously, "I will destroy you so badly that not even Lord Phantomhive can put you back together." Ciel's lips curled into a grin, part of him was amused and wondered just how far Claude would go. "Is that a threat?" he asked smugly. He needed to keep Claude under his thumb, however if it meant he had to defeat Claude in a game he would. He was already several moves ahead, all he needed to do was use Sebastian, then he would win. In many ways he had already won. "No, a promise," Claude hissed before storming out of the room. Ciel was still smiling as he slowly approached the bed.

Sebastian flinched and attempted to pull back as far as he could. "It seems you've lit a fire in that Chef's frozen heart, I'm impressed," he remarked coolly. Ciel was graceful as he took a seat by the bed. Sebastian's eyes were filled with confusion as he looked at the young man, "I haven't seen him this offensive in a while," he added as he crossed his legs, his lips were still curved in a dark smile. "Sadly the game he wishes to play, he doesn't realize that he's lost before he's even made his first move," Ciel stated coldly, he intended to keep Sebastian and damage Claude so badly that no one in their right mind would hire the chef. "W-What?" Sebastian stammered, he looked as though he had been caught red handed, clearly he had been hoping that Claude could save him. "Sebastian, what do you know of Claude?" he asked slowly. There had to be a reason why Claude was so defensive, there was no way he would be this protective of Sebastian if they had just met. Perhaps he could use this against the man as well, he didn't care how he managed to keep his chefs, he simply had to keep them.

~~xXx~~

Anger is like poison, it spreads through the body rapidly, tainting the owner's intent. Yet, sometimes it's just what a person needs to fuel them, to force their hand and cause them to do things they would never see themselves doing. Claude stormed out of the hospital with book in hand, he wasn't going to stand by and allow this, he couldn't. He pulled out his mobile and dialed a familiar number, he had to get Sebastian out, he had to save him, even if it meant risking himself. Ciel had been holding something over Sebastian's head, there was no way Sebastian would bow so easily if he didn't. The question was what. The phone rang continuously yet no one answered. He huffed as he lowered the device and began drafting a text.

"What the hell are you thinking?" shouted William as he marched toward the Head Chef, his eyes were filled with rage and Claude paused, he hadn't seen the man this angry in a long time. Ronald was right behind him and seemed at a loss as to what to do, obviously he hadn't seen this side of the Sommelier either. "What? He's Sebastian's employer, he should have been there, he was no where to be seen on the set. Vincent was, not Ciel," barked Claude with anger as he turned his attention back to his phone. William groaned and rubbed his temples with his fingers, "Claude, you and I both know that Sebastian is trapped, what you just did put him in more danger and now you are at risk of being fired as well," William stated with irritation that was far more apparent than before. Gone were the elegant etiquette of the smooth Sommelier, and present was the ideals and boisterous Englishman, who was beyond pissed. "What the hell are you doing! You can't protect him if you get your ass fired!" William shouted, his eyes were wide and his hair had fallen out of place.

Claude looked up and responded, "I don't give a shit, Ciel neglected his duties as an owner of a restaurant and to be honest Sebastian looked scared to death of him," he slipped the phone in his pocket after hitting send. "I'm not going to stand by and watch Ciel destroy him," he declared, his voice was even more elevated now than it had been in the ward. William paused, he could tell the Sommelier was putting pieces together, "Even if you challenge him, you will have to deal with all of his resources, his power and most important of all Vincent, if he finds out that you have challenged Ciel," he paused as he looked for the right words, "There are worse things than being fired."

Claude's eyes narrowed, "You don't think I know that? You don't think I don't know what it's like for your father to treat you like a disease?" he shouted. He threw his hands up in the air and looked at William, "I can't stand by, even if Sebastian doesn't love me, I will fight," he stated. There was silence, and finally Ronald stepped in, "Claude, once you start this you can't go back. Are you sure?" he asked. Claude paused for a moment and drew a breath, he would love to avoid this entire confrontation, however he knew it would be impossible. "Yes," Claude replied before he began to walk toward his car. William watched him march off and slid his hand into his pocket. "Ronald, we need to make a side trip," he stated. Those were the last words Claude could hear before getting into the parking garage and locating his jaguar.

~~xXx~~

Diedrich had just finished his coffee when he spotted an all too familiar silhouette. Standing outside of an international real estate agency in a long trench coat with a broad brimmed hat and a head of silver hair was the Phantomhive butler. "Tanaka?" he asked curiously as he paid for his coffee and left his seat. In moments he was out of the establishment and sprinting across the street. As he drew closer he realized that his instincts were right, it was Tanaka standing there. "Tanaka-san!" he called as he dodged a very angry cabby. The Japanese man turned on his heel and smiled as he spotted Diedrich.

"Ah, Lord von Wolfstadt," he greeted with his customary smile. The German noble nodded and looked at the window, there were several listings in France and one even in Paris itself. "Looking for a summer home?" he asked curiously as he looked at the pages. Tanaka hummed, "No, more like an escape" he stated. Diedrich tilted his head and looked at the man, he had never shown any desire to leave Vincent's side. He was the most loyal of all the servants and had been with the family for decades. "Escape, from?" he asked curiously only for Tanaka to hummed. As always the man wasn't going to give anything away. "That store front is nice," the elderly Japanese man commented as he looked at the page.

Diedrich looked at it more closely, it was for a cafe, it had an enormous kitchen and the front of house was just as large. It was on a side street on the corner with a great deal of sidewalk and room for tables outside. The large windows were perfect for decals and there was even a fireplace, just the place for a cozy cafe. The price reflected this however, and was rather steep. "Too bad real estate like that doesn't stay on the market long," the German noted as a sales woman walked over to the window and pulled the sheet. A grin of approval spread on the man's face as he replied, "It really is to bad, I can think of someone who would love that place."

Diedrich nodded, he could think of several chefs in London who would kill for it. Yet for the life of him he couldn't' understand why Tanaka was smiling, before he could inquire as to why his phone buzzed twice. "Someone really wants my attention," he remarked as he pulled the object and looked at it. He stared at that texts which had been practically back to back.

Claude Faustus:

We need to talk.

William T. S.

Claude is about to challenge Ciel. Vincent has no idea the storm that's brewing here.

Diedrich sighed, Claude was about to make his life more complicated, however William's text concerned him more. There was already a storm, and he had a feeling this went past Claude's attraction to Sebastian. Now he realized Claude was in love with him, yet they had known each other for such a short period. "There has to be more to this," he whispered, "There must be." Claude had gone to the CIA, and Sebastian was across the pond at Le Cordon Bleu. He paused and looked at the elderly butler, something told him that it all started there at that school. It all happened in Paris, the reason Angela was involved, why Ash is attempting to shatter Sebastian, why Claude is trying to save him.

Suddenly he realized it, everything started in Paris with a raven haired Patissier.

"Tanaka, I have to go, I need to get some information, I think I may know just what is going on," he said hastily before dashing off to his car. He could look for manifests later, he had a feeling that if he went to the beginning he would understand it all. He honestly had a sinking feeling that it all started in Paris, where this hell had engulfed the young Patissier. Even William was in Paris at the time with a small shop, which had mysteriously closed for financial reasons.

"Now I must dig for bones in the catacombs, drag them to the surface for all to see in the rose lit city," he muttered with irritation as he started the car and pulled away.

~~xXx~~

Lizzy slipped into a pair of jeans and tee before grabbing her trainers. What Ciel had done was enough to sicken her, it made her wonder just how long it had been going on. She had worked hard to make herself into a woman worthy of Ciel, she was willing to sacrifice her personality for him. She was disgusted with him, once slipping into her trainers she grabbed her car keys and mobile, she had an idea and wasn't about to let Ciel ruin what had been planned for them since birth. "If he can't see clearly by now, I'll force him," she hissed. With that she left the flat and started making her way to the estate of Vincent Phantomhive.