Chapter Six-Recognition
"I certainly didn't expect to see you here," he said,"So tell me Bassy what have you and the kid been up to these days?"
A wave of shock washed over Ciel Phantomhive and trembling he could barely find the strength to stand. His legs threatened to collapse beneath him, and he would've dropped to the floor if it were not for Ivy's strong hold on his arm. He couldn't believe his eyes. They had to be lying to him. He couldn't be standing before him. He couldn't be Grell Sutcliff...
Unfortunately, no matter how strongly Ciel prayed for otherwise, reality would not bend itself to his will. The man before him was indeed Grell Sutcliff, and he hadn't changed a bit. Still he posessed the long, flaming red locks that flowed down his scalp and framed his face so perfectly. He only wore them differently. They were now restrained in a tight pony tail which allowed his bright eyes to shine through to the world, even through his glasses, the same pair he wore all those years ago.
Much to his displeasure, Grell wasn't able to wear the dashing outfit he had when Ciel had previously known him. His beloved coat had been become a style lost to history, and his fashions were forced to adapt to the time. But still he managed to look rather handsome in the clothes accepted by the modern society. He was able to wear a crimson button blouse and solid black trousers with the most adorable ebony loafers.
Yes, he managed to satisfy his fashionable desires, but he still longed for the days of petticoats and cuff links. However, what he missed most about the days long gone were his times with the people of that era. He fondly remembered the nights of secrecy and blood shed with Madam Red, and the thrill of the chase with Sebastian and the Ciel. When he heard news of their 'deaths' he was nearly heartbroken. His Bassy had let him, but it seemed his luck was beginning to change. Suddenly he felt his face being slammed into the ground.
Well it was changing partly anyway.
After losing his beloved Bassy he had searched the earth high and low for his dear, dear friend, but alas his searching was all for not and he had never been able to locate him. Unfortunately, during his travels he had been known for asking one too many questions to the people he was trying to gain information from. Well you can't just leave knowing that you just let loose the secrets of demons and reapers now can you?
So he did what he believed to be the best decision and slaughtered them on the spot after the interogations. A few hundred unscheduled deaths later the Reaper Association finally decided to put a stop to it, and his treasured cyth was confiscated. The loss nearly stung him as much as losing his Bassy. Though the worst part of his ordeal was that he was being baby sat. Him! Grell Sutcliff baby sat like he was nothing more than an unrully toddler!
It was no picnic for the man assigned to watch him either. William T. Spears had much better things to do with his time than look after a red headed annoyance, but for the time being it was his assigned duty. And, being a dilligant reaper, he would obey the commands he had been given. No matter how greatly they pained him to obey.
"Grell exactly what do you think you're doing?"
"Cut me some slack Will!" he screamed while pulling himself from the ground,"I was just saying hello to some dear old friends of mine. Isn't that right Bassy?"
Sebastian forced a smile.
"That's correct and with deadly efficiency to boot."
"Oh, you remembered!"
Grell leapt into Sebastian's arms and held him close remembering all the good times they had shared, recalling all the glorious memories!...At least until Sebastian dropped him and he fell upon the cold, hard concrete.
"It's a pleasure to see you again," he lied.
"The pleasure's all mine, Bassy!"
Grell's attention soon turned to Ciel. The boy was just how he remembered.
"So what do they call you now, Kid? The last I heard you were Friedrick Marx."
Ciel couldn't respond, the shock's grip still firmly in place. It was a miracle that he was even able to stay upright. He stood frozen in place like a statue, hard and cold, molded in a state of surprise and fear.
Ivy worried for the boy. She didn't like when he frowned, but at the moment he seemed in an even worse state of mind. It looked to be caused by the red headed man who stood before him. The more he spoke the more she could feel Ciel tremble in fear. What on earth could be the matter? The man, this Grell Sutcliff, seemed nice enough. A bit flamboyant, but otherwise he looked to be a fine fellow.
He had impeccable taste in attire, and his hair was simply marvelous. She couldn't understand why he seemed so apprehensive around him. There was something about the man that seemed odd. Even she would admit that. However, there was also something about him that seemed familar, like she had known him sometime long ago...
"Do I know you from somewhere?" she asked.
Grell stood speechless, for the first time in his entire life. He knew something had drawn him to the line, a powerful feeling of familiarity that took hold of his body and pulled him into the spot he stood. He thought it had been Sebastian or perhaps even Ciel, but never in a thousand moons would he expect that she had been the reason. Looking around, he soon realized they were all the reason.
"So that's where they went," he whispered.
"Did you say something Mr. Grell?"
A wide grin crossed his face.
"Well I certainly never expected this!" he said embracing her,"How've you been? You simply must tell me where you shop! Oh I've missed you so!"
"Wh-What?! H-Hey let me go!"
"Grell Sutcliff unhand her now!" screamed William.
"Oh relax it's not like she's gonna figure anything out."
"I gave you an order Grell."
"But she's so-"
"Excuse me gentleman," Violetta interrupted,"but I'd appreciate it if you'd unhand my niece and introduce yourselves!"
Grell couldn't believe his luck, and quickly let go of the girl. He rushed towards Miss Cromwell and instantly interlocked their hands, nearly weeping with joy. For a moment she thought about struggling and resisting his grasp on her body, but there was something about his touch that put her at ease. She trusted him for some odd, unknown reason, and no matter how confused about the situation she was something inside her was glad that she had met Grell Sutcliff.
"Oh darling you have to tell me where you get your hair done! I never would've expected purple, but it's smashing on you!"
"Oh," she blushed,"well thank you Grell. But hey I'm clearly not the only one with incredible hair. I mean just look at yourself!"
"Oh this old style? I've had it forever and a day!''
"Well it certainly doesn't show. You look fabulous!"
"I guess that makes the both of us, huh?"
"Grell."
He sighed.
"Will what is it now?"
"Grell if you ever wish to get off of probation I suggest you and I leave."
"Probation?" she asked,"Are you a criminal?"
"Come now darling you haven't even heard my side of the story. You'll give me the benefit of the doubt now won't you?"
"E-Excuse me?" said Lydia,"B-But um...w-we've got the ticket...It's um..Time to s-see the movie.."
"Oh that's right! I almost forgot! Come on Ciel! It'll be a blast! The reviews are a rave!"
Ciel sighed and looked over at Sebastian, silently hoping for an excuse to not see the movie, but his hopes were unanswered and Ciel was dragged into the theater by an overly excited Ivy. For a moment the Comity stood outside the building waiting for Sebastian to follow his 'brother' as he always had before, but Sebastian didn't move a muscle.
"Aren't you coming?" asked Warren.
"If you'll be so kind to excuse me I need to attend to some business of mine with ."
"O-Oh...Alright. Do you want us t-to Ciel you won't be coming?"
"I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you Miss Lydia."
"Y-You're welcome," she said blushing.
"Come on Lydia we'll miss the movie!"
"Oh! C-Coming Dasan! Well b-bye!"
The young girl followed the others into the theater and soon all of the Comity had disappeared from sight, leaving only a demon and two reapers standing outside in the winter cold. The moonlight shone down upon them and illuminated their features: Grell's firey hair, Sebastian's devilish smirk, and William's troubled brow. The trio stood in silence until Sebastian was so bold as to cut through the quiet frost.
"Would you care to discuss what exactly happened a few moments ago?"
"What exactly are you asking, Demon?"
He grinned.
"I mean to ask how Grell knew those young ladies. You treated them as if you had known them for years. Care to tell how you met?"
"Anything for you Bas-"
"That's information is confidential. Strictly Reaper business."
"Is that so?"
"Sorry Bassy, I'm in a bit of pickle lately. I suppose you'll have to figure out this one by yourself. Now won't you?"
"I'll discover whatever's happening soon enough. I am one Hell of a butler."
"You certainly are. Come on Will, are you sure we can't just give him a little hint?"
"Grell need I remind you of your probation?"
"Oh fine!" he screamed,"You're not fun at all!"
He was grabbed by the scruff of his collar.
"Come on Grell. You've had your two hour outing for the day. It's time to return to Headquarters."
"But-"
"No buts Grell. It's time to go. Say goodbye to your demon friend."
"Farewell Bassy! I'll be sure to see you soon! Parting is such sweet sorrow my love! oh!"
His voice grew fainter and fainter as he was hauled off into the freezing night. Sebastian then stood alone in the silence of the snow, with only thoughts to keep him company. Why had Grell recognized Ivy and Violetta? How could he have known them? Why was he here? These and many more swarmed inside his mind in a confusing mob of questions, not a single answer among them. He sighed. Life just got a whole lot more complicated.
Far away from where Sebastian stood, high a top a church steeple, the two Strangers watched the night's events. Phase two had begun, and so far it had went by without flaw. The Reapers had been introduced into the equation, and it seemed like the Recoginition had gone smoothly.
He smiled.
"I told you everything would be fine. Things are going perfectly. The plan is flawless."
His associate thought otherwise.
"Planning and execution are two totally different things. If something were to go wrong then the Window of Time may shatter, and all our planning would be for nothing."
"You're so pessimisstic. Remind me why we're partners again?"
"The Boss says we balance one another."
"Well he does know best. Come now, chin up. We've only have one more step until we have the ability to intervine. That speed must be to your liking correct?"
"It's satisfactory," she said,"but I worry."
"You certainly do."
She sighed.
"Come now, it's time to make preparations for tonight's events."
"Ah yes," he whispered,"step three...Divine Intervention."
/
I bet you guys totally forgot about the Strangers, didn't you? Sorry they haven't been in the last few chapters, but they're back! Because they kind of have an important role. Anyway, I have an announcement to make. It had recently come to my attention that people hate OCs, and even more recently it has come to my attention that OC stands for other characters. Now, I know this is a fanfiction, but for my story line to work there will be OCs. Sorry if I should've warned you by putting that into the summary, but I'm warning you now. None of them will be Mary Sues/Gary Stews which I've also found out people hate. They'll all be well rounded if they play a major plot role, but they will exist. Sorry. God bless and thanks for reading.