A/N: Good news (I hope)! It's looking like this fic is going to be longer than the first, though I don't know how much longer.
Disclaimer: I only own Faye.
Chapter 8: Of Balls and Assassins
Phantomhive Manor
Faye froze in shock partway down the main staircase, surveying the scene in front of her. A large antique Chinese vase near the entrance to the house lay smashed to pieces. It must have been the crash that Faye heard upstairs. Agni stood protectively in front of Ciel and Soma, obviously unsure of what he should do. Ciel was staring slack jawed at the pair standing nonchalantly in front of the entryway doors as though they had every right to be there. Lau and Ran-Mao.
"Didn't you two run away back to China?!" Faye demanded as Sebastian came up behind her. She stepped closer to the banister and farther away from him, pulled out of the spell he'd seemed to cast over her at seeing Lau and Ran Mao..
The last time they had seen the pair was when Lau got ahold of a letter insinuating that Queen Victoria was looking to plunge Europe into a war. Well, the other Queen, anyway, whoever she had been. The law had chased after Lau and he had run away. Now he was back. Standing in Phantomhive Manor.
"I got bored," Lau said with a casual shrug. "Life is so much more interesting when the Phantomhives are involved."
"You know these two, Master Ciel?" Agni asked, relaxing his stance slightly.
A vein pulsed in Ciel's forehead. "Yes, I know them." He turned to Lau. "So you're saying that after causing all that trouble for your own amusement and running away to escape the consequences of your actions, you've returned for your own amusement?"
"Astute as ever, Earl! I'm glad to see that your wit hasn't dimmed in my time away from you. Though, truth be told, I'm also back on behalf the Kong-Rong trading company. I am a business man, after all. Anyway, Ran-Mao and I heard that the Phantomhives were throwing a ball today and thought it would be a perfect opportunity to announce our return."
Ciel took a deep breath, Faye was sure in preparation of launching into a tirade, but before he said a word they were joined by Lucy and Elizabeth.
"Oh!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "It's Lau! I haven't seen you in ages. You must meet my new friend Lucy, Lau. She's ever so delightful."
"Yes, yes, of course!" Lau readily agreed, walking to the two women with his arm around Ran-Mao. Ciel fumed silently, unwilling to make a scene in front of their guests.
"It's so good to have you back," Sebastian said, smiling as he continued on down the stairs. "And it is so gracious of you to join us tonight of all nights." By all accounts, his smile was of the friendliest manor, but Faye detected an undercurrent of anger in Sebastian's demeanor. He did not appreciate being interrupted. Faye flushed and looked away from him.
Phantomhive Kitchen
"I need more cheese!" Mey-Rin exclaimed as she entered the kitchen. "Sebastian said that we always need to have an equal ratio of meat to cheese on the cracker plate, and we're almost out of cheese!"
"Oi! These nobles eat like there's no tomorrow," Baldroy complained, handing Mey-Rin a plate of cheese. "There's not goin' to be any food left for us by the end of the night!"
"This night isn't about us, Baldroy!" Mey-Rin chastised, though she secretly hoped there would be some custard leftover. "The masters so rarely throw parties, we have to make everything perfect, you hear?"
"Yeah, yeah," Bard grunted. He turned to give the soup a stir, but froze when he heard something at the door. "Didja hear that, Mey-Rin?"
"Hear what?" She asked crossly. "I've got cheese to get to our guests, Baldroy. I don't have time to waste standing around."
"It sounds like there's someone at the door."
"It's probably just Finny." Mey-Rin turned and began to flounce out of the kitchen when the back door burst open. Men dressed in serving suits came piling in, weapons drawn.
"All right, you," one of them threatened, pointing a gun at Bard. "We're taking over this place. Our boss has a grudge against your master and we're going to wreak havoc all over the Phantomhive name tonight."
"Is that so?" Bard asked dangerously, slowly moving his hands. Before anyone could react, the clattering of a tray was heard and bullet holes appeared in the heads of the two men closest to Bard. Bard lunged under the counter and grasped his flamethrower as the men turned their attention to Mey-Rin. They were in too much shock to see that a woman fired at them to react immediately. By the time they gathered their wits, it was too late. The men screamed and dropped their guns as fire raged among them. Mey-Rin took careful aim and finished them off.
Shortly after, Finny appeared behind the men. "Phew, you already took care of these guys," he said, dragging a relieved arm across his forehead.
"And where've you been?" Bard asked angrily. "You're s'posed to be guarding the grounds! How'd these guys get past you?"
"Snake and I were takin' care of the men tryin' to break into the ballroom," Finney answered defensively. "I knew these men would have to get through you first, so I took care of the more immediate threat."
Bard and Finney whipped around when they heard Mey-Rin's shriek of dismay. "What is it?!" They both cried.
"The cheese!" Mey-Rin exclaimed. "It's all over the floor!"
Finney breathed out a sigh of relief as Bard went over to take a look. "Eh, you can't tell no difference," he said with a shrug. "None of 'em will ever know. Just put the cheese back on the tray and take it out there."
Phantomhive Ballroom
Sebastian's fingers twitched, the only outward sign of the rage he felt as he watched Faye dance with various men. The only things that kept his temper in check was that he knew how tedious Faye found all this, and that she wasn't the least bit fond of any of the men she danced with. He would never allow her to dance with a man she might be interested in, and she would have to abide by it because of their contract.
He tried to turn his attention back to the guests, making his way through the crowd while offering drinks. The food was well-stocked. The music was superb. Everything was going smoothly. Except for the men who insisted on placing their hands on what belonged to Sebastian. Faye would undoubtedly argue over Sebastian's wording, but as far as he was concerned, Faye became his the moment she agreed to his terms. In body if not in heart, mind, and soul. He was working on the other two and didn't want the third. That one she could keep.
Sebastian was still aware enough of what was going on to notice Miss Lucy continually altering her gaze between the servants' door to the ballroom, and the windows to the outside, as though she were waiting for something or someone. Sebastian assumed she was looking for the men who were attacking outside and in the kitchen. What would she think when they didn't appear?
Miss Lucy was rather sloppy, so far as assassins went, though she was proving to be tenacious. Sebastian had easily thwarted her attempt to poison Ciel earlier in the day, and had already had to replace Ciel's food and drink twice this evening. Did she realize her poisoned food and drink were being taken away, or did she merely think that Earl Phantomhive was unusually resistant to poisons? Miss Lucy must have become an accomplished assassin through duping her targets by her looks alone. Humans were so weak. So often they saw a pretty face and didn't bother to look any deeper.
Sebastian's sensitive hearing picked up Faye's raised voice and he immediately returned his attention to her.
"What are you doing here?" Faye hissed angrily, her eyes flashing.
"Ah, my dear blue flower," Aleistor Chambers gushed, "do I make you jealous with my attentions to your new friend? I'm sorry, but your companion has completely and utterly captured my heart. I must have her!"
Faye contained her rage and stared at the Viscount coldly as Lucy nervously scooted behind Faye. "Who is this man?" Lucy asked.
"An uninvited guest," Faye annunciated. "What are you doing in Phantomhive Manor, Viscount?"
"Why, I was sure it was a mishap for me to not be invited. Every worthwhile ball is graced by my beautiful presence. Elsewise, it's not even worth it for anyone to come. Your welcome." He held one white hand glove out to Lucy and took her arm. "Now, my rare dove, dance with me." Lucy threw a panicked look at Faye before she was dragged away. If Faye held any affection for Lucy, she would have intervened. As things stood, she didn't see much point.
"Is everything all right, my Lady?" Sebastian asked, appearing at Faye's side.
"Fine," Faye said haughtily, keeping an eye on Chambers. "Other than an uninvited pest. He seems to appear at the oddest of moments, don't you think?"
"He does seem to enjoy making a nuisance of himself," Sebastian agreed.
They watched Lucy and Aleistor in silence a few moment before Faye burst out, "Is he drugging her?!"
"It would appear so, my Lady."
"Stop him! We can't have a Phantomhive guest being carted off by a maniac." Sebastian disappeared and Faye picked up her skirts to hurry after them. She caught up to them in the hall. Lucy was passed out on the floor and Sebastian had Aleistor pinned against the wall.
"It's love!" Aleistor cried. "Love made me do it. You cannot fight against the passion of the soul, or you will dry up and die. You must give in to it! Don't you understand? Of course not!" He dramatically threw an arm over his forehead. "No one understands a passion like mine. No one can comprehend the inner workings of a man like me."
"You're the one who has been kidnapping women from balls, aren't you?" Faye deadpanned.
"It was all for love!"
Faye sighed in annoyance. "Sebastian, find the women and free them. And take Aleistor to the constable so he can be tried for his crimes. And then pay off the judge and be released. Again."
"Would you rather I killed him, my Lady?" Sebastian asked cordially.
"You cannot kill a love like mine!" Aleistor exclaimed.
"It would be more efficient," Faye mused. "This is not the first time the Phantomhive's valuable time has been taken up investing the misdeeds of this foul creature. And I really don't like him." Faye studied the Viscount as he gave her what he thought was an alluring look. Faye sighed. "Unfortunately, he is too well liked, and too many nobles saw him in the ballroom. It would look bad if he disappeared right after appearing at a Phantomhive ball. No, take him to the constable, but mark my words Viscount, the day will come when the Phantomhives will end you."
As usual, he was completely unperturbed by her threatening tone. "I knew you couldn't bear to part with me, my blue flower!"
"I'm wearing burgundy tonight, you imbecile," Faye said as Sebastian knocked the Viscount unconscious and threw him over his shoulder.
"I shall return in a few moments, my Lady. Please inform my Lord where I have gone if he inquires."
Sebastian departed and Faye was left with an unconscious woman. "Cousin Lizzie would be terribly upset if she were to find her new friend in this state," Faye said, hands on her hips as she eyed Lucy.
Phantomhive Guest Room
Lucy blinked awake and looked around the bedroom in confusion. How did she end up here? She wracked her mind, trying to pinpoint what her last memory was. She had been at the Phantomhive ball, waiting for her cohorts to cause a raucous among the guests and give her an opportunity to take out Ciel (because somehow he was still alive despite her attempt to poison him) while they slaughtered a third of the nobles present. Their boss had been very particular about the number he wanted killed.
She frowned and put a hand to her head. Had the others shown up and she was somehow hurt during the ensuing scuffle? No, there had been a blond man. One Lady Phantomhive hadn't been happy to seen. Lucy had danced with him and then…Nothing. What happened?
Getting off the bed, Lucy walked to the window and pulled back the curtains. It was pitch black outside and no more carriages were present. The ball must have ended. Lucy pushed against her chest to ensure her knife was still hidden under her dress. She didn't know what had happened, but there was still time for her to finish this job. She hadn't been able to find out which room was the Earls during her tour of the manor, but she would check every room until she found him.
The thought flickered at the back of her mind that something was very wrong if none of her cohorts had shown up tonight, but she pushed the thought aside. They must have gotten confused about the location, or the time, or maybe their boss had changed his mind and decided he only wanted Ciel dead. She had a job to do and she planned to do it.
Straightening her dress, Lucy strode to the door and peeked out to the left and right. The hallway looked clear, though really it was too dark to see anything. Feeling along the wall, Lucy walked to the left.
She ignored the room closest to hers. She knew Lady Elizabeth slept there. At the next room she came across, Lucy silently opened the door. By the light of the moon she could make out a sheer canopy over the bed and a vanity mirror. This room had to be Lady Phantomhive's. It was too feminine to be the Earls. Lucy continued on, but only found empty guest rooms. She must have picked the wrong direction.
Retracing her steps, Lucy found a room with dark colors and heavy furniture. This had to be the one. Pulling her knife out, Lucy slowly crept to the bed, raising her knife high. Based on the shape under the covers, his chest should be about…There! Lucy thrust her knife down, the shape under the covers easily gave way to her knife, almost making her lose her balance. She ripped the covers off to find pillows had been piled underneath it. They knew!
She froze in panic for a moment before smiling grimly. No matter. She could still take the Earl out. She had never failed at a job yet and didn't plan to spoil her perfect record now. The only question was, where to find the Earl? A light would really be helpful right about now. She was sure there would be some in the servants quarters and began making her way there. When she reached the stairs she held tightly to the railing and carefully felt her way down. At the first landing, the chandelier burst into life.
Lucy gasped and looked up. How could all those candles have been lit in an instant?
"Honestly," a dark voice said in irritation, "how could you have let an assassin walk around freely in Phantomhive Manor?" Lucy whipped around to find Lady Phantomhive standing behind her. However, it wasn't Lucy Lady Phantomhive was glaring at.
"I've had the situation well in hand the entire time, my Lady," a suave voice assured. Lucy turned to the opposite staircase and spotted the butler, giving Lady Phantomhive a demure smile. She stumbled to the side, turning her back on the staircase leading down so she could keep an eye and both the butler and Lady Phantomhive.
"I-I don't know what you mean," Lucy stuttered. "You're not referring to me, are you? I woke up and was confused. I don't remember how I got to my room. I just wanted to find out what happened. Is the ball already over?"
Lady Phantomhive's eyes darkened and a knife appeared in her hand the next moment. Lucy brandished her own knife, prepared to do battle, but instead of charging Lucy, Lady Phantomhive threw the knife with frightening accuracy. Lucy dropped to the ground, but another knife quickly followed. Lucy rolled to the side, almost tumbling down the stairs in her haste to avoid the projectile.
A third knife appeared in the Lady's hand and Lucy wondered how many knives one woman could carry on her, but a voice stayed the Lady's hand.
"Sebastian and I have had everything under control from the beginning," the Earl's voice said calmly. Turning while still keeping an eye on Lady Phantomhive, Lucy saw the Earl standing at the bottom of the stairs. "This woman is Elizabeth's guest, after all. It would be a shame to harm her."
"Mmm, I'm afraid I disagree, dear brother," Lady Phantomhive said. "What would happen to our reputation if word got around that the Phantomhives allowed an assassin to freely enter and leave their home? She cannot leave unscathed." The third knife flew.
Lucy flinched, holding her arms up to protect her vitals, but the knife was easily plucked out of the air by the butler before it made contact. The Earl sighed in disappointment. "I'm sorry you disagree, Faye, but as the Earl of Phantomhive Manor the decision is ultimately up to me. Sebastian, restrain her."
"Yes, my Lord," the butler said. In an instant, he was behind Lady Phantomhive. He wrapped his arms around her torso, binding her arms to her sides, before lifting her up off the ground. The Lady's face flushed as she struggled angrily. "Ciel!" She cried in irritation. The butler, on the other hand, looked pleased with the situation and pulled her in tighter.
"We have been kind up till now," the Earl said, drawing Lucy's attention away from the Lady's struggles. "We've done nothing but stop your paltry attempts to take my life, but if you continue on this track, we'll have to get serious." Lucy was beginning to suspect her partners in crime hadn't shown because they were too injured to or were dead. It was only Lady Elizabeth's affection for Lucy that had saved her life.
"I think I'll return to my room now," Lucy said, letting her knife drop to the floor. She walked past the glaring Lady and the butler, but paused for a moment at the top of the stairs. "If I had known how crazy the Phantomhives were, I never would have taken this job."
Trancy Manor
Lucy stood ramrod straight as she gave her report to Claude the next day. Something about him creeped her out more than any other man she'd ever met, and she didn't exactly spend her time with the best crowds. The Phantomhive butler may have been scary, but he also had an eloquent charm that this butler simply couldn't pull off, despite the fact that Claude was nearly as attractive as Sebastian.
"The Phantomhives live up to their reputation," Lucy reported. "They're more frightening than any gang I've ever worked with. They're not a family to be trifled with."
"Very well," Clause said with a nod, looking as stoic as ever. "You will receive only half your payment since you failed to cause harm to any members of the household. You did, however, verify what we wanted. Take your money and go."
Claude turned without seeing if Lucy would do as he asked. He sensed her fear and knew she wanted to be gone from his presence as soon as possible. He entered Alois' room and found his young master standing at the balcony, peering out into the night. Claude delivered his report and Alois turned with a manic smile on his face. "Well then, I suppose it's time we stepped up our efforts to convince Ciel Phantomhive to join us in our crusade, isn't it?"
Bonus Scene: Faye and Sebastian the night before (I felt like this ruined the flow of the chapter, but thought it'd be fun to include it here).
"Sebastian, make sure Faye does nothing to harm our guest," Ciel ordered.
Faye scowled. "I'll do nothing so long as she stays in her room. Order Sebastian to keep her there and all will be fine." Sebastian ignored Faye's words and pulled her up in his arms, hooking one arm under her legs and the other under her shoulders. Faye flushed. "This is hardly necessary."
"On the contrary, my Lady. I was ordered to ensure Miss Lucy was safe from you. If you're in my arms, you cannot harm her."
Faye scowled and crossed her arms, the blush staying on her face.
"There's no need for you to get upset over my following your brother's orders. If it was up to me, I would have let you kill the woman."
"I wasn't planning on killing her," Faye protested. "Merely on maiming her."
"Either way," Sebastian said, his eyes flashing, "I would have been more than happy to allow you to do as you pleased." Sebastian set Faye down outside her room, boxing her in with an arm on either side of her. "Will you require any further assistance this evening, my Lady?"
"No," Faye said as neutrally as she could manage, pushing herself back against the door.
"Are you certain?" Sebastian asked, running one gloved hand down her cheek. He watched in amusement as Faye flushed further and glared at him.
"I'm sure you're perfectly capable of protecting the assassin from my clutches from outside my room."
Sebastian smiled and leaned closer. "That's not what I was referring to."
Faye put her arms out and pushed. Sebastian allowed himself to be moved back a few paces. "Good night, Sebastian."