Hi everyone :)
Here's the next chapter and I hope you all like it :)
"Young master, we have nearly arrived," Sebastian said from beside me as I looked out on the road. Was there anything else I could do? There was no threat to Ciel or myself, so long as I wore the rose that Sebastian had given me. I raised my hand to touch the demon rose, grateful to have it but wishing I didn't need it.
"Elena?" Ciel called out and I looked to him with a false smile, "are you alright?"
"Yes, Ciel," I said as I returned my gaze to the window, "I'm fine."
I put my hand on the glass and felt the chill through my gloves. I had the feeling today would be horrid. I took a deep breath before I put my head over my hand, remembering the reason I was on this trip. Ciel had decided it was time to duel with Alois, to end the contract and complete his revenge. Tears fell from my eyes at the thought of losing him again when I had only just gotten him back.
"Elena," Sebastian whispered and I looked down to see a handkerchief was held out to me, "you have no need to cry."
I took the handkerchief and dabbed my eyes gently before holding it back out to him. He shook his head and closed my hands over the fine material. Would it be like the first time? I had felt so lost and confused, and now…would it be different? Had I cried all my tears for the boy in front of me?
"We have arrived," Sebastian said as he stood and exited the carriage. He opened the door wide for Ciel and I to exit but Ciel motioned for me to go first. I smiled at him again before taking Sebastian's hand and welcoming the cool breeze that encircled me. I stepped away from the door and lifted my head. My blonde hair was pulled up slightly to display the rose at a better angle.
"Ciel! I'm so glad you came!" I heard Alois call out and I turned to see the boy was smiling. Ciel came over to stand beside me, not sure where else to be. I took it as an honour that Ciel came to me for protection.
"Welcome!" Alois called out, as the other servants moved to stand behind him. Claude was behind him, the triplets lined up next to the butler with Hannah on the end. Where would I have stood had I still been here?
"You would have been left inside," I thought to myself, "he wouldn't want you out here for guests."
"Good afternoon, Lord Trancy," Ciel replied, giving him his title as Alois should have given him. Alois was waving like an idiot in my opinion. At least he was in a good mood today…maybe that would make the difference between my bad feeling and a good outcome.
"It's most excellent to see you, my lord," Claude said as he bowed to Ciel.
Claude lifted his head to glare at Sebastian. I looked over my shoulder to see Sebastian was returning the glare. I wasn't sure who was more of a threat in that moment…
"Come with me," Alois said as he motioned for Ciel to follow, "and bring your bodyguard. We're holding a special party in your honour."
I walked behind Ciel as we followed Alois. He was bringing us to the back of the mansion, something I had seen far too much of. But this was different. The back garden that had once consisted of orchards and benches had been replaced by what I would call a chess board. There were two players and one observer. Both players had made moves and a few of the pieces were missing. The observer was a possible depiction of a king, and in his stomach appeared to be a viewing area. That was where Ciel would be with Alois…but who were the players?
"What's this?" Ciel asked as Sebastian joined us, holding my small wicker basket in his hands.
"It appears to be a duelling arena," Sebastian answered as he handed me the basket.
"I thought it was a chess board," I said with a sigh.
"Here's an idea, Ciel," Alois said from our left, "let's have our butlers do the work. They can dance in our places. Whoever can keep dancing the longest will be declared the winner. And the loser will have to follow any orders given by the victor. What do you say, Ciel? Do we have a deal then?"
"We weren't alone in our thinking," Sebastian whispered to us, "it seems they've planned a death match as well."
"This sounds exactly like the party I had in mind. I much prefer it to dressing up in silly costumes anyway," Ciel replied as Sebastian smirked.
A bell started chiming and Ciel lifted his right hand to rip off the eye-patch quickly, revealing the purple colouring. I stepped forward and Alois watched me. I saw him stick his tongue out and say something to Claude. It was no doubt an order, to win this match or he would be punished.
"Sebastian, this is an order! Win and bring Alois Trancy to stand before me," Ciel said as Sebastian dropped to one knee with one hand over his heart, "but don't kill him. I will take care of that matter personally."
"Of course. Yes, my lord," Sebastian replied with his eyes glowing before they reverted back to their reddish brown colour. Should I have been scared to see Sebastian like this? No, he wouldn't hurt me, and it didn't matter if I was wearing this rose or not.
"We need someone to announce the beginning of the match," Alois said as he walked over to Ciel, "and who better than Elena?"
"You wish to volunteer my bodyguard?" Ciel asked as he gritted his teeth.
"She won't come to harm," Sebastian answered for Ciel, "it wouldn't be permitted."
"Though if she joins this duel," Claude said very simply as he started climbing the stairs onto the chess board, "she cannot be kept safe."
"I'm aware," Sebastian replied as he took my arm and led me up the stairs.
I walked forward as I listened to my surroundings. Ciel kicked dirt as he followed Alois up to the king's viewpoint. The young boy was holding the basket and put it in the seat beside him, waiting for me. I looked at Hannah, the triplets and Claude. The triplets had three different weapons again; one had a sword, another an axe and the final had a crossbow. Hannah held onto daggers as Sebastian lifted up a single silver knife. He smiled before he fanned it out to three.
"How is this fair?" I asked no one in particular, "you're out-numbered."
"I'll be perfectly fine, Elena," Sebastian answered and I walked towards him, clutching onto his lapels.
"Make me a promise now," I said as I looked up into his eyes, "if you need help, call for me."
"It won't be necessary-" Sebastian started and I shook my head.
"Promise me!" I snapped and he held my head up.
"I promise," Sebastian answered, as he looked back to the four demons, "now call the match to start."
I walked away from him and stood in the middle, pulling the handkerchief from my dress pocket and lifted it above my head. There were no rules here, no way to keep the fight fair. I looked to each side before I brought the cloth down like a flag. I then ran at speed to the king's lap and jumped up, only to have my ankle caught by Claude. He brought me back down to land painfully on the floor.
"Be still my beating heart! C'est très fantastique!" a voice called out and we all turned to see the Viscount Lord Druitt wearing…a blue lobster hat.
I got up and limped over to Sebastian as everyone else looked at the newcomer with curiosity.
"It's unbelievable! An ancient duelling arena where legendary heroes fought to the death. Oh? This is tonight's ball? I'm honoured! Never in my life have I been this excited to receive a party invitation!"
"Pardon sir, may I enquire what brings you to the manor today?" Claude asked as he and the triplets lined up to greet him.
"Oh yes. I'm pleased to attend the Trancy costume ball. I'm Aleister Chambers, the Viscount Druitt," Druitt replied with a smile.
"I'm afraid the costume ball was last week, sir," Claude said in his classic monotone, "this afternoon's soiree is a private affair for Earl Phantomhive alone."
"Oh good heavens!" Druitt said as he dropped to his knees, "how could I mix up the dates? I'll just go home then…but why did no one remark upon my absence last week? Being a criminal does lower one's station I society…oh, a visage as clear as a lake's surface! If you but held a steely grey knife, you could be one of Valhalla's Valkyries! But no, your dusky elegance and the bandages covering your face are better suited to a beautiful demoness!" Druitt walked over to Hannah to view her closely.
"How satisfying. You have proven yourself to be as clever as you look," Sebastian remarked with a smirk.
"A dagger?" Druitt asked as he looked at everyone before his eyes locked onto me, "oh, my beautiful Blackbird!"
Druitt moved over to clasp my hands which made me unsteady. Sebastian clasped my waist to hold me which Druitt didn't miss.
"My beautiful Blackbird! Your wing has made a full recovery and you have flown into the arms of another. Your raven black hair and bright brown eyes…I expected nothing less. If only I had been the one to hold you as tenderly as this butler does," Druitt said with a sigh as he stood up, "now what of the dagger?"
"It's part of the entertainment for the ball," Claude replied with a smile.
"Goodness, a party full of bloodlust and fraught with danger, how exquisite! I Druitt, forever serve the Goddess of Beauty…I insist upon observing these events for myself!"
Viscount Druitt made his way up to Ciel and Alois before taking the seat between the pair. He was really going to stay and observe?
"Elena," Claude said with a smirk, "you know what will happen if you try and escape again."
I felt a shiver run up my spine as I leaned closer to Sebastian, who lifted his knives up threateningly.
"She is protected," Sebastian snapped.
"She is protected so long as she wears that rose," Claude said calmly, "but I informed you that should she join the duel, she cannot be kept safe."
"He's made it that I'm fighting with you," I said in a low voice, "I cannot go up to Ciel."
"Finally, the stage is set for our dance…" Claude said as he fixed his glasses.
"So begins the Danse Macabre," Sebastian replied as he lifted his knives up to display. I pulled out my baton and extended it to act as my weapon.
"At least you trained me somewhat," I said with a smile to our demon.
"Group attack! Enjoy the bloody washtub!" Claude called out as the triplets charged forward with their weapons to hurt us. Sebastian deflected one of them who turned their attention to me. I raised my baton to knock off the sword which pulled at my dress. Another triplet came for me as an arrow flew past and hit one of the chess pieces.
"Elena!" Sebastian said and I ran to him. It was one of the things he had trained me to do. I jumped forward and he caught my arm and dress to throw me around in a circle and kick the triplets away. They landed on the floor as Sebastian put me standing again. I doubt he had wanted me there for the fight to start off with but now that I was here, he would use me to my full potential.
The triplets moved back and held their weapons tight only to show that Sebastian hitting them with the knives had cut through the wood. They looked down at the damage done as Sebastian smiled to me.
"Group attack! Transition from bloody washtub to cursed vanity mirror!" Claude ordered as he threw them new weapons. They held two knives and another had a more ornate blade.
The triplets charged forward as one to attack us as Sebastian pulled me close and threw me up into the air. One of the triplets still had the crossbow and aimed it for me, catching my shoulder on the way down after Sebastian had blocked their blows. One of the blows, Sebastian used it to do a handstand and I landed precariously on his foot. They looked at him with their demon eyes as Sebastian kicked me up before they threw him away. Sebastian caught me before I could hurt myself on the way down.
The triplets bared their teeth as they joined their weapons together. It took the three of them to hold it up and Sebastian held me.
"When they throw it, I want you to kick it up," Sebastian said as he took my hand.
"Sure," I said with a smile as they did indeed throw it.
Sebastian lifted me up so I could hit it with my hard tipped shoes so it landed carefully on his shoulders. He turned it as I landed on the floor before dropping it to kick back up. He was getting rid of the force and momentum that the triplets had used with the weapon.
"Here you go," Sebastian said calmly as he threw it back at them and it pierced their heads, pinning them to another piece of the chess board.
Sebastian turned his back on the dangling bodies, wiping his hands almost as if he was getting rid of a stain. I watched as their bodies stopped swinging and simply hung there. They weren't dead, I could still see them blinking. It was slightly disconcerting when they had a blade stuck through the middle of their heads…between their eyes.
"Now you can be together forever," Sebastian said simply as I turned to look at him.
"Be careful," I whispered to him, "Claude never owned or possessed the triplets."
He looked at Claude as Hannah jumped up and caught the arms of his suit with her daggers. Sebastian looked oddly…exasperated.
"Bother, it looks like I'll have to go to the trouble to mend this," he said with a sigh.
"No need for that, you'll be full of holes soon enough!" Hannah called out as she unhooked her guns at her wrists to start shooting at Sebastian. He caught onto me and held me tight as he undid his tailcoat.
"Hold on Elena," Sebastian said as he started sewing and then to Hannah, "I see what you mean. It certainly does seem to be a holy situation."
Bullets flew around as Hannah aimed for Sebastian and then me as she saw me as the weak one. Sebastian finished sewing as she ran out of bullets and pulled out a Gatling gun from under her skirts. I didn't want to know where she had that hidden during the day. She started shooting as Sebastian put on his coat and turned me over so I moved with him at the same speed. I felt ill, the motion uncomfortable for me as bullets caught my hair, my dress…and one caught my leg before Sebastian found cover behind a chess piece.
"I shall make every effort to pay you in kind for every last bullet," Sebastian said as he put me down and fanned out over thirty knives. He threw himself away from me and used another piece to kick himself up so he could throw the knives. Hannah followed him with the gun and I looked around to see what he meant by paying her back. Knives flew away and as fast as the bullets. They pinned Hannah down to the ground with the gun forgotten.
Sebastian moved closer to Hannah with more knives out as he lifted me up so I could limp beside him. He handed me two knives for me to use. One of the things he had trained me to do was knife throwing. Sebastian threw knives as I did but a chess piece flew out to catch them, stopping us from hurting Hannah. I looked over from where Sebastian was holding me to see Claude had kicked the piece out. A bell chimed to mark a new time, one I wasn't sure. Was it on the hour?
"That will do for now," Claude said as he adjusted his glasses, "it's time for our tea."
"My goodness, has it already gotten so late?" Sebastian asked as he lifted me a little closer.
"As I'm sure you understand, I must attend to my master's refreshments," Claude explained as he moved closer to us, "we'll suspend the match for now."
"Of course," Sebastian replied, "may I make use of your kitchen as well? I may also require a medical kit."
"The triplets will gather the necessary equipment," Claude said as he started undoing the knives holding Hannah to the floor. He then moved up and pulled the ornate weapon from the face of one of the players to release the triplets.
The triplets walked off to gather kitchenware, tables, ingredients and medical supplies before returning to us. Claude undid his suit coat and donned and apron as a triplet put a small stool near Sebastian's kitchenette. Sebastian lifted me and put me down on the stool so he could lift my leg and look at it.
"She appears to have grazed it," Sebastian said as he cleaned up the blood, "no arterial bleeding."
"I'm relieved," I said dramatically.
He laughed slightly as he disinfected the cut and bandaged my leg. He rummaged through the medical kit and found a cold compress. He put it over the cut and I gasped at the chill.
"Stay there as I make the young master's tea," he said as he started cracking eggs.
"Desirable souls," I heard Claude murmur, "luscious souls. If souls do vary in taste, then one obsessively pursued by a demon, like that of Ciel Phantomhive…"
Sebastian had been mixing butter, eggs and flour together before he lifted up his whisk and quickly threw some at Claude. It hit his glasses and blocked his gaze of Ciel. I didn't like the look he was giving Ciel, almost like he was imagining the boy with an apple in his mouth.
"Oh, do excuse me. The way you were looking at my master was beginning to concern us," Sebastian said as he included me, "I had the strangest feeling you were assessing the flavour of his soul."
Claude lifted his whisk and threw food at Sebastian who missed it as it went over my shoulder. The flinging of food continued until they both dropped their mixing bowls that were now empty of mixtures. Had they really thrown it all away?
"Make other dinner plans, you won't lay a finger on my young master's soul," Sebastian stated calmly, "or give him any lip."
I turned around to look at the mess only to see an image of myself looking back at me. It was rather like the Frost Fair…and Lau making me the Naked Ice Girl. Claude had portrayed me ensnared by a snake that had wrapped its body around me. My hand was reaching out towards Sebastian, a look of pleading on my face as the snake reared its head; ready to strike me down.
Claude moved out of the way to show me the statue behind him. It was me again, only this time I was standing on the snake…ready to fight Claude. But one thing stood out on both of them…
"Do you gentlemen have to model me naked?" I demanded, "is there something wrong with a clothed version of myself?"
"Take it as a compliment," Sebastian advised, "you are quite unique."
"For a human," Claude muttered and I lifted the mixing bowl to see.
"There's still a little left," I said as I held it out to Sebastian, "defend my honour."
Sebastian shot the mixture and it caught Claude's head and dripped down into his ear before he had it cleaned up. I giggled as a result and Sebastian started mixing ingredients again. He held out the bowl to me as he looked at the statue. Claude removed his glasses to lick them clean as Sebastian lifted up a box of cherries and decorated the snake and then me. He gave me a small hairpiece made of the cherries before flaking off pieces of chocolate.
"Can you mix that while I start with the icing?" he asked and I nodded as I folded the ingredients in together.
"What are you making?" I asked as I held out the bowl a few minutes later and he put it into baking dishes.
"A Forêt Noire," Sebastian replied.
"Very sophisticated," I complimented with a smile.
"It will take a couple of minutes to cook, can you walk?" he asked and I nodded, "I'll prepare a cup of tea for the young master while this is cooking."
Sebastian boiled the water and put the leaves in the sieve before pouring the water over the leaves. He put the cup on a tray for me.
"Take it slowly," he said as he got me standing and handed me the tray.
I nodded before he pushed me lightly in the direction of the stairs. I descended slowly and moved around the left hand player to a set of stairs. I took a deep breath and started up them, taking my time before I reached the top. To my right was Alois Trancy who was watching me with interest, his hand extended for the tea cup. I walked past him and Druitt before standing near Ciel. My master took the cup carefully.
"This smells like Ceylon," Ciel said as he sniffed the drink.
"Your nose is quite impressive," I said with a genuine smile as he sipped the drink, "I forgot to mention that I made some muffins just before we left. They should still be moist."
"What are they?" Ciel asked as I opened the wicker basket and held out a muffin to him.
"Chocolate," I replied as he took off a piece to nibble before nodding and eating more, "would either of you like one?"
"May I, little Blackbird?" Druitt asked and I held one out for him. He bit into it and moaned with delight.
"The outside suggests a tough exterior while the inside is moist with the sweetness of chocolate. They are truly outstanding," Druitt moaned.
"Lord Trancy," I said calmly, "would you like a muffin?"
"No," he mumbled as I left the basket near Ciel, "it probably tastes like shit."
I nodded and took the empty teacup when Ciel was finished with it. I bowed to him before leaving them up in the king's podium. I walked back to Sebastian who was pulling out the cake tins and letting them cool. I looked over to Claude to see he had tarts in front of him.
"Are you a natural cook?" I asked Sebastian as he put me back on the stool.
"It is a learned trait," Sebastian said with a smile, "a demon knows nothing of human food. We distinguish flavours by souls. Your food tastes bland to us, so we don't know what is good or bad."
"Then I have a proposal," I said with my hand raised.
"Oh?" he said as he looked at me.
"I will offer myself as a taste tester," I said with a sigh, "I will eat anything you give me to test."
"Here then," and he held out a spoon with the icing on it, "you should start somewhere."
I opened my mouth and he put the spoon in. I licked up the icing and moaned with delight. It was so sweet, not too much and it reminded me of my mother's homemade pies.
"The tartness of the cherries will add…a kick," Sebastian said simply.
"Can I have a cherry?" I asked and he smirked before handing me one. I bit into it and tasted the bitterness and brought my hand to my lips to wipe away any juice that dripped down my chin.
Sebastian started assembling the cake and added the icing carefully. He then topped it with cherries and chocolate shards. He put it on a small display tray and handed me a tray to carry. He kept a hand on my arm as we walked away from the chess board and to a small dining table. Alois was sitting on the right while Ciel was waiting on the left. Sebastian cut him a slice of cake as I made the tea. Druitt looked over longingly so I cut him another piece and brought it over to him. Claude had made him a tart which was also put in front of him.
"This afternoon we have puits d'amour, crème pâttissière and raspberry jam in a pastry made of pie dough. To accompany, we have a delicately brewed Mariage Frères Eros tea," Claude explained.
"Ah," Alois said as he opened his mouth and had Claude hand-feed him.
"How distasteful," Ciel muttered as I put down a fresh cup of tea.
"This is amazing!" Druitt exclaimed as he dropped his fork, "the puits d'amour pairs rich cream with the tartness of raspberries in a satiny so rare it is like water in a desert. I thirst for me and without another taste; I will be forever be banished to the dusty Sahara of the palate. I beg you my intrepid guide, please show me the path to the oasis!"
"I'd say we can beat that," I said with certainty.
"Here we have a Forêt Noire. This treat is comprised of layers of chocolate sponge cake and cherry compote. It is finished with a dressing of white cream. And with it we have a pot of superfine Keemun tea shipped in from the Qing Empire."
"All right," Ciel said simple as he lifted his fork to take a bite…but Druitt had dropped his fork again.
"Très bien!" Druitt exclaimed, "this Forêt Noire combines the rich aroma of chocolate with the tart scent of cherry. The flavours surge forth like ocean waves, landing on your tongue with an overwhelming splash. I would follow this taste around the globe. I would gladly circumnavigate the world to explore its every exquisite nuance. I've got Vasco Da Gama to tea; please show me the righteous course!"
"Such a dilemma, how could I choose which one is better?" Druitt asked as he clutched his head.
"Is he alright?" I asked Sebastian and he sighed.
"I'm not sure he was alright to begin with," Sebastian replied as he held out a cup of tea for me, "now sit and rest your leg."
"I can't do it! I can't do it! I must go powder my nose," Druitt said as he swayed away from us.
"The water closet is that way," Claude instructed him as he started towards the mansion.
"That man is certifiable," Ciel said as he dabbed his mouth, "Elena, were you injured?"
"Just a scratch, Ciel," I replied honestly, "and the dress was ripped but nothing worse than that."
Sebastian cut me a piece of cake and I ate it slowly with the tea. They complemented each other to perfection. The cream tasted fresh and sweet. I finished it just after Ciel had his so I took the chance to look around.
"I'm just going to have a look at the arena," I said to Sebastian who helped me up.
"Keep the rose on," Sebastian whispered to me and I nodded before limping off. The pain had decreased and it only felt like my skin was pulling. I walked up the stairs and around the chess pieces.
"Are you looking for something in particular?" a voice called out and I froze.
"I was just looking," I replied as I turned to look at Claude, "not that there is anything to find."
"Take off the rose," he said, his eyes glowing pink as he stepped closer to me.
"Not in this lifetime," I said as I stepped away from him.
It was then that I knew who was the greater threat. Claude had the home advantage so he knew every hiding spot. I ran away, aiming for the open area where Ciel would see me if Sebastian didn't but Claude managed to cut me off.
"You don't need the rose," he said as he reached forward to grab the front of my dress.
"Get away from me!" I snapped and I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked back and saw Sebastian was standing there, glaring at Claude.
"The contract still stands Claude," Sebastian said calmly, "or do you wish to break it?"
"No," Claude answered as he released me.
Claude returned to Alois and left the two of us standing there. I was breathing hard, and Sebastian carefully walked me back to Ciel. Ciel looked up at me before standing. Sebastian put me in my chair and made me a fresh cup of tea to drink.
"What happened to her?" Ciel asked as he took one of my hands, "she's pale."
"She got a slight scare," Sebastian answered, "she'll be alright in a few moments."
"Sebastian…" I said and the butler touched my shoulder, "he wanted to kill me."
"I suspect he was under orders," Sebastian said and I looked over to Alois and Claude. The pair was whispering, "and it was only a scare tactic. This time anyway."
"Are you ready to duel or not?" Alois called out as he slammed his hands down on the table.
"In a moment," Ciel answered as he looked to Sebastian, "this is an order. Make sure she isn't murdered during the duel."
The sun was setting when the triplets had somehow managed to bring the table back into the house. As they were out (due to the ornate blade still stuck in their heads…between their eyes…) the sides were even. Claude Faustus and Hannah Anfeloz versus Sebastian Michaelis and Elena Hamilton. That didn't mean it was a fair match, as it was two demons against a demon and a human who was…well, half a demon (thanks unknown biological father). I was still of the opinion that I was human. I ate human food, I did human things and the thought of eating someone's soul didn't interest me. Maybe I was one very crap demon? The thought made me want to laugh.
"Now then, let us resume," Claude instructed.
"Indeed, shall we dance?" Sebastian asked as I undid my baton again.
"Dance we shall," Claude replied, "but first…"
Claude undid his glove with his teeth after he undid his glasses. What was he worried about his glasses for? He caught Hannah's waist and held her against him. What was he doing?
"Are you certain?" Hannah asked, "alright."
Claude put two fingers to her lips before his hand fit into her mouth. Was this some strange demon thing?
"Don't get any ideas," I muttered to Sebastian. He chuckled slightly at the idea.
A horrible cracking sound hit my ears as Claude held onto something inside Hannah, and he was shoulder deep. He started pulling up, the cracking sound continuing as he pulled up something that looked greenish blue in colour. Hannah gasped as Claude moved it up to get rid of any drool and Sebastian looked in awe.
"Oh goodness, look at that," Sebastian said with a smile.
"What is it?" I asked him and he turned to look at me.
"The ancient sword Lævateinn and its curse of eternal darkness. I never dreamed you'd have such a fine article."
"Naturally," Claude explained as he swung the sword, "I thought your invitation to dance deserved a suitably grand response. And now, the Danse Macabre!"
"Elena, you must stay back," Sebastian said calmly as he pulled me behind him.
"Why?" I asked.
"That sword is known to kill demons and any soul it pierces is destroyed beyond salvaging," Sebastian replied.
Sebastian put me behind one of the statues before he charged after Claude. I watched as he caught the blade and Claude pulled back. Sebastian raised silverware to defend himself but Lævateinn cut through them like butter. Sebastian could get killed!
Sebastian jumped back so he was leaning against my statue as Claude sliced over him. He caught part of his hair and slit the statue in half. Claude lifted the sword again and cut the statue in half so part of it crumbled over me. Sebastian diverted the Spider Butler's attention and the fight continued as I felt the stone holding me to the ground. I was useless, I thought as I kicked and pulled myself free. Sebastian would need to train me better if I wanted to avoid situations like this.
I stood up slowly and in time to see Ciel was moving away from his chair and following Alois. What were they doing?
"Well master, I'm disappointed in you. Running off and leaving the fight to your butler, like this," Sebastian said as Claude aimed for him.
"I'm disappointed in you for letting your eyes wander," Claude answered as the blade came down and shook the arena, "you kno; your obsession with that human soul is getting you into trouble. I think it is beginning to dull your demon instincts."
Sebastian stood stock still and looked worried. I moved closer, holding my baton tight as I spotted what had surprised him so. Spider threads were hung taunt and Sebastian was held in their core. Claude would kill Sebastian easier this way.
"Oh dear, however did that happen?" Sebastian asked as I looked at his face and saw a small scratch.
"Sebastian," I said and the demon looked over at me for a moment.
"Stay back, Elena," he said and I shook my head as I grasped the threads and started climbing up. I stood on them like a tightrope, my balance uneven for a moment as I held the baton up. I would protect Sebastian until he got free.
"You promised me," I said as I faced Claude, "I thought demons only spoke the truth…"
Claude jumped up and stood with Lævateinn at the ready. I took a deep breath and glared at him.
"These are the Spider's threads of Trancy house. They can cut through steel. One careless movement and off with your head," Claude explained, "though it will do far worse to a human."
"Just what I would expect of a Spider," Sebastian replied with a smile at Claude.
"But you are indisposed, Sebastian…which leaves Elena to fight on your behalf. She entered the arena more than willingly…thus the rose is useless," Claude said as he swung the blade towards me.
I raised my baton to deflect the shot, finding it did the same as the silverware. The baton broke off into two pieces in my hands and I dropped them to the floor. I smiled at Claude as he lunged for me and I jumped off the wires. I flipped mid-air and landed on my feet. I turned to face him as he jumped down to follow me. He swung the blade and I ducked before running for cover.
"Elena!" Sebastian yelled but I ignored him as I heard more chess pieces breaking around me.
I ran away from Claude, seeking a weapon and missing Sebastian's warning, "Elena!" before I felt a hand grab my throat and lift me high up in the air. Claude smiled at me as he clenched my neck tighter, and I gritted my teeth and stopped swinging my legs. I wrapped my hands around his wrists as he put the tip of the sword over my heart. It was beating so loud and it drowned out everything except the sound of Sebastian getting hurt trying to reach me.
"I always wanted to do this," Claude said as he pushed the blade a little closer, my clothes ripping as a drop of blood stained the corset.
"Do it then," I said in a gasp, "I won't beg."
"Young master!" Sebastian called out and Claude looked over his shoulder at Sebastian. I wasn't sure what was wrong; Ciel had probably gone to the bathroom. But the look on Sebastian's face suggested that wasn't the case.
Claude dropped me and the sword near Hannah before he went towards the manor. I fell to my knees and crawled over to Lævateinn and stood slowly with it in my hands. I was dizzy; the blood was rushing to my head as I limped to Sebastian. He looked oddly worried as I dragged the blade behind me. I stopped where Claude had stood and I raised the blade up.
"Elena," Sebastian said calmly as I brought the blade down with all the force I could muster.
The threads broke and dropped to the floor like limp pieces of wool. My brain was starting to get messages from the rest of my body and pain was radiating from my head and hands. I looked down to see my hands were red with blood.
"You must have cut yourself on the threads," Sebastian said as he pulled my arm.
"My head," I said as he lifted me up, leaving the sword behind.
"You hit the chess piece with enough force to bruise," Sebastian replied.
We ran faster until we were in the house. Sebastian looked around for a moment before I pointed down the hall.
"They might have gone to the antiques room," I croaked and Sebastian ran in that direction.
We arrived as Claude was about to open the door. Sebastian put me on the floor and ran forward.
"Young master!" Sebastian called out and I stood to follow them. I walked into the room and to Sebastian's side to see what had happened. Ciel was on the floor and a sword was in his hands. One hand was bloody but that was nothing compared to Alois. Alois was gasping before he moved himself off the sword in Ciel's hand.
"Ciel…stabbed him?" I asked and Sebastian nodded, still looking rather shocked.
"How horrific!" Druitt said as he put a hand over his eyes…and then fainted. He must not have powdered his nose enough from that last hysterical episode of his.
Ciel was taking deep breaths, almost as if he was finding it hard to breathe. I took a step closer, seeing the blood dripping down the sword.
"Please help me, Claude! Help me, I'm dying!" Alois sobbed.
"Yes, Your High-" Claude started as he moved forward with Sebastian.
"Halt Sebastian!" Ciel ordered, "until I've killed him, stay back!"
"Ciel," I said as I put my hands over my heart, "you're injured."
"Stay back the both of you!" Ciel ordered and I stood beside Sebastian, waiting for the revenge to be completed.
"Very good, my young lord," Sebastian answered before Ciel turned his gaze to me, "yes, Ciel."
Ciel stood up and pointed the blade towards Alois Trancy, knowing now that Alois wouldn't fight back. He was in too much pain…and Alois had turned his gaze to look at me.
"Elena! Help me!" he sobbed and I shook my head.
"My true master has ordered me to stay here," I said as I watched Ciel.
"Die, Alois Trancy!" Ciel snapped as Alois turned over to crawl closer to Ciel, ready to beg for his life.
"Wait please! I don't want to die," Alois sobbed, "it hurts! Please spare me, Ciel."
"You are truly pathetic, Alois," Ciel said coldly, "you killed my parents and you want me to spare you?!"
"Wait no, listen to me. You don't understand; you're being tricked by a demon. I'm telling you, please believe me," Alois sobbed.
"Demon?" Ciel asked.
"My parents were killed too, you know," Alois said between sobs, "my family was burned to death along with the whole village! Someone stole them from me! Can't you see that we are basically the same?"
"Elena lost her family in a fire," Ciel muttered as Alois climbed his leg, "and we are not the same!"
"I promise I won't bother you anymore. I'll apologise for everything, especially to Elena. Just please Ciel, please spare me," Alois sobbed, "please let me live!"
"Through your actions," Ciel said as he raised his sword, "You have damaged my pride and now you will atone with your death!"
"Please hurry, Claude! Help me!" Alois ordered as Ciel brought down the sword. Claude ran forward and caught the blade carefully, an inch away from Alois's face. Sebastian and I moved closer, not sure what was going to happen now.
"Let go, bastard!" Ciel snapped as he tried pulling the knife from Claude and then stopped to slap him.
"Young master!" Sebastian called out as he ran to his side. Sebastian caught him and held him tight, protecting him from Claude.
"It's not over!" Ciel yelled as he reached behind Sebastian. I walked forward and caught his hand in mine, and he glared at me, "I'll kill you, Alois Trancy!"
"Given the current circumstances," Sebastian said as Ciel sagged in his arms, clearly tired, "I'm afraid I cannot allow this dance to continue. Terribly sorry but I believe we will have to excuse ourselves for the remainder of the day. Do you hear me, Claude?"
"Oh yes, of course," Claude said as he fixed his glasses. I spotted three marks of blood on his cheek and knew it was Ciel's, "I understand. Another time then."
"Master, I suggest we be on our way," Sebastian said as he stood, "Elena, follow us."
"Now, first you run off," Sebastian continued, "then you get yourself hurt…I'm positively at my wit's end with you, my lord. Are you really so averse to dancing as all that?"
Ciel was pushing against him, clearly wanting to finish the dance with Alois. I sighed as I got to my feet and started walking towards the door. Alois caught my ankle and I looked down at him, seeing only fear in his eyes.
"Elena," he croaked as blood flowed from his mouth.
"Good day, Lord Trancy," I said as I got free of his grasp.
"Put me down, Sebastian!" Ciel ordered as he slapped the butler. He had a lot of energy, more than his frame suggested.
"Honestly sir, how can you possibly have the energy to throw a temper tantrum after losing all that blood? It's the day of a ball after all. Now, we'll dance our way into the sunset."
Sebastian ran off to the door and I followed, hearing Alois crying. I ran out of the mansion on that noise, not wanting to be sucked back in. A tear was shed and I stayed to wipe it away…and then I was stuck. I raised my hand to my head, feeling faint before I walked outside. Sebastian had our carriage ready and Ciel was inside. Sebastian opened the door quickly for me and I got in only to hear it lock.
"He's stopping me from finishing the duel," Ciel mumbled, "he repeated that any order I give him that goes against him saving my life…he can't complete."
"Your life is more important than revenge," I said simply and he glared at me.
The carriage started moving so I sat across from Ciel, keeping my head down. Blood dripped from the palm print of my hand down my nose and off my chin. I must have been a sight trying to free Sebastian with Lævateinn. I pulled at my skirt and ripped some material off so I could wrap it around my hands. I ripped off more and wiped my face of blood…well, I did the best I could with what I had.
"You didn't help him," Ciel said rather calmly as he yawned.
"He is not my true master," I replied simply.
Ciel got up and moved to sit beside me. Like Prince Soma, he put his head in my lap and closed his eyes. I hummed to him as he fell asleep. The carriage came to a stop and the door was unlocked a little while later. Sebastian stood there, the scratches faded like a distant memory.
"He fell asleep," I said with a smile as I brushed his hair with my hand, "he did this when he was younger."
"I'll bring him up to his room," Sebastian said, "if you retrieve bandages, I'll clean both of your wounds."
Sebastian leaned in and picked the boy up, holding him close to his chest. Ciel murmured in his sleep as I followed behind.
"Leny..." Ciel whispered as he clung to Sebastian's lapels, "don't go."
"I will never leave you," I said softly as I held onto his uninjured hand, "I'm here for you, sweet Ciel. Now until the very end…when you say, "Checkmate"."
So Ciel called Elena 'Leny'? What do you think? Please remember to review or PM with your thoughts. Thanks for reading and the next chapter will be up soon :)