Demon of England

by GradGirl2010

After five years of sorrow, Alliahnna finally has Ciel back in her life. Unfortunately The House of Trancy wishes to take him away again. Her love with Sebastian weakening. The bond Ciel and Alliahnna had dissipating Now as a demon will Alliahnna be able to save her family? Or will she be forever alone once more?

3. The Honor of Phantomhive

The Honor

of

Phantomhive

FANFICTION I'M BAAACK!

Enjoy folks. Sorry for being gone for so long.

...

I want you to touch me. Glide your palms, trace your fingers - tease the body you claimed. I want you to say you love me. Gaze into my eyes, as if I am all you desire, and make me melt in those crimson pools. Hold me in your warm, protective embrace and whisper sweet words to my ear that will make pleasant chills scale my tender skin. I want for you to look at me, gaze upon me as if I am all that matters. Just as you did...before my brother stole you away.

Birds chirped blissfully. Their harmonious voices riding the trees, greeting the breaking dawn. Small fragile wings beating the forest air. Whimsical creatures gathered rations for the oncoming winter. Warm nests and burrows snuggling families close.

A single blue feather, molted with the owner's summer coat, listlessly road the breeze, flowing in between trees and past branches. White gloved fingers captured the feather by the quill, taking care not to damage the impeccable blue strands. The feather caressed a pristine cheek. Profuse black locks gliding along the feather, swaying to the cheek.

Her skin as soft as a silk. The aroma her body emits more intoxicating than a newly bloomed rose. How I ardently covet embracing my goddess once more. Sadly our love wanes. Dwindling as another impedes our world.

"What is this?" Crimson eyes shifted to the distressed voice. Alliahnna stood rooted to the gleaming morning grass. Hands and shoulders hung in defeat. Twinkling rays of sunshine broke the cover of trees, glossing her navy locks. Rain soaked grass, flowers, and trees projected a gorgeous aurora. A beautiful early morning. Only to be darkened by the cloud of Trancy.

Sebastian obscured his presence behind a tree. Too ashamed the demon was to join Alliahnna. Tightly he squeezed for cover, hoping to keep the sun away. His head was bowed in shame. Long black locks hiding utter embarrassment and sorrow. A thud to the grass made him jerk. Weighed by defeat, Alliahnna had collapsed to her knees. Her body heavy as lead. "This...this isn't right..." Trickles of tears rolled down her cheek, splashing to stocking socks.

Alliahnna cupped a cold hand. She lovingly played with a sapphire ring donning a tiny thumb. The other fragile hand hung sluggishly beside a shell of a body. Morning dew caking to the palm. Alliahnna caressed a sunken cheek. The bones and teeth jostled her palm. She tilted the chin up. Hollow sapphire eyes looked directly at her, but did not acknowledge her presence. There was no soul behind them.

"Ciel..." Alliahnna moaned somberly. She hands quaked, losing the strength to hold his hand.

Ciel was propped against a tree. Shoulders anchoring his dismal shell of a body. A ragdoll that lost its strings. Vivacious vigor the boy was renowned for was completely vacant. Alliahnna let locks of his soft hair roll over her fingers. They were so soft, so fragile. Just like him. The second time, this marked, she was helpless to aid him. His glossy locks sparkled in the sun as they fell neatly back into place.

"We got his ring back." She announced, sounding like she was in a trance. "We...FOUND - after a whole year of searching - his soul. It was stolen..." She repeated herself over and over again. They found Ciel. They put the ring on. He should have returned to normal. Her heart broke so many times, it might as well have been her soul Sebastian siphoned.

"We infiltrated the Trancy household..." She gritted razor sharp fangs, "AND WE FOUND IT!" A CRACK chased the nearby birds out of the forest. A tree split in half, revealing a somber Sebastian. Leaves and twigs fell around him. The sadness, anger, and humiliation brimming from his gaze darkened under the shade. "Why, Sebastian..." Alliahnna's body swayed side to side listlessly as she climbed to her feet. "Tell me why..." Sebastian knit his brow. Glazed hot pink daggers launched by her deathly glare tore at his core. "Why is my brother broken?"

"He is not broken." Sebastian stated. More of a decree.

"Well he isn't fixed! If he was, you would haven't sank your teeth in him and stole his soul!"

"I do not steal. I consume." He corrected, insulted by being labeled a thief. "I forge an equitable pact - symbiotic terms arranged where both parties benefit. I acquire compensation when my master has achieved their goal."

Alliahnna left Ciel's side, approaching Sebastian. When the shadows cloaked her, the glow in her eyes intended. Sebastian was almost scared. "Ash Landers and Angela Blanc killed our parents. Ciel was rendered incapacitated. Thus I became a demon and carried out the task. I chose to become a substitute, later succumbed to my demonic blood and was transformed into a full demon. Our contract was complete. All that was left was for you to claim what was yours." Alliahnna will never admit it aloud. Ciel's saintly half or not, pride runs deep in the Phantomhive blood. She agreed to becomes a demon...so she could forever remain by Sebastian's side. "I gave you my humanity! So why can you not claim his soul?" Alliahnna cursed herself for pushing the issue so vehemently.

Sebastian claimed her humanity as part of their agreement. In turn he used that essence to revive Ciel, reinstated their previous contract, and went to collect his reward. Fate played one of its cruel jokes and robbed Sebastian. Robbed Ciel. In the end he was reduced to a husk.

Why? Why can't Sebastian just take his soul? It was back where it belonged. The ring served as a host! It kept Ciel so his soul wouldn't fade into nothingness! Why can't Sebastian just take the damn thing and end this?! Alliahnna couldn't stand it anymore. She lost Ciel for five years! Only to have him be returned. Now she has to sit and wait and watch as Sebastian prepares to take Ciel from her. Again. Why couldn't Ciel be taken while she was unconscious. It just...it just made everything all the more painful!

Alliahnna clenched her fists. She lowered her head, obscuring Sebastian's view of her tear welling eyes. "TELL ME WHY?" Her cracked voice rattled the forest.

Sebastian closed his eyes. Alliahnna's sobs tore at his heart.

There was a time I was able to halt your tears. A simple jest, a humorous anecdote, or perhaps a tiny pinch or poke to your sensitive spots. Now the very tears I try to stop I am the cause of.

"It is true my Master's soul has returned." Alliahnna choked back her sobs, listening intently. "But I am afraid it is not a soul that achieved it's revenge."

Alliahnna gawked in confusion. "How is that possible? I killed Ash and Angela. That should have-"

"Initially, yes." Sebastian interrupted abruptly. Alliahnna was surprised by his tone. "When a Substitute contract is formed, and the substitute surrenders a reward other than their soul, the previous owner receives what is sacrificed." Alliahnna sacrificed her humanity. As a result her demon powers completely transformers her, and her humanity was given to Ciel. "A piece of the substitute is transferred to the previous master. The satisfaction of revenge fills them. A completed contract on both sides."

"And the ritual?"

"Performed to the letter." He stared her straight in the eye. Confidence in his declaration shredded her doubt. "A successful transformation for a successful ritual."

"Then...what?" Her head pounded as she tried to understand. The ritual was a success. Alliahnna's newfound powers were obvious proof of that. That only left one explanation. "What did Claude do to my brother?"

"Nothing."

"What?"

"The fault lies with me."

"But..." She trailed off when Sebastian raised a hand.

"Up until I removed your humanity, our contract was in effect. When I passed your human essence unto my dormant master, it needed time to set before I could claim it as his own."

Alliahnna's heart fluttered. "Does that mean-"

"I am afraid not." He chortled weakly. "Our contract is done. You achieved your revenge." Alliahnna growled, puffing her cheeks. Sebastian smirked, then become solemn once more. "Your human essence revived my young master. But it did not set in time to quench his lust for revenge."

A harsh realization sent disheartening jolts throughout her body. If she was hearing him correctly, "The part of Ciel that burned for revenge wasn't assuaged. It's as if Ciel never got his revenge." Sebastian nodded grimly. Alliahnna turned to her brother. Rage welled up like a blazing fire just begging to be unleashed. "So, that's how it's going to be?"

"What do you mean?" He gasped when Alliahnna dragged him to her eye level by the collar.

"Now I'll have to stand idly by as you groom him?! Help him attain some sort of revenge?! And then - what - smile as you take him from me?!"

"Alliahnna-" A powerful fist to his face sent him flying into a tree. The tree broke near the base, crashing down with a thunderous boom. More birds fled the forest. Sebastian groaned sitting up. He sustained not a single scar. No bruising from Alliahnna's devastating blow. However, up until now, he had forgotten how powerful a punch she possessed. Luckily for him, much of her true demon strength remained dormant. While still the more powerful demon, Sebastian treaded carefully in regards to Alliahnna's flagrant rage.

Alliahnna was panting heavily. Her arm still outstretched. Fist throbbing, relishing the blow. "You...truly are...the most despicable man I'VE EVER MET!" Her nails broke the skin, drawing trickles of blood. Why...why must I continue to suffer?

"My lady-" He captured her boot seconds before it struck his stomach.

Alliahnna glared daggers past her tear filled eyes, "I HATE YOU, SEBASTIAN MICHAELIS!" Sebastian shattered under her words. They echoed on and on, etching painfully in his heart. She retracted be foot, tightened her body at attention. She turned her back to him, unable to look him in the eye. Tears rolled over her pale cheeks. "I should have made the order for you to stay out my sight permanent." She hugged her ailing heart, I never should have fallen in love with a demon. Now...I'm trapped.

"Alliahnna...please..." He begged inaudibly.

Do not shut me out! Do not disparage, deride, or despise me! I never wanted for this to happen! My whole hope was for my young master to vanish while you slept! That way...I would never have to share you. Or hurt you.

"When will he recover?" She snapped. Sebastian ogled her confusedly. "Ciel! When will he awaken from this comatose?"

Sebastian sighed solemnly. He glanced sadly at Ciel, then gasped in awe. Alliahnna saw what shocked him. Ciel was staring, SMILING, at a small lady bug. A child fascinated by whimsical creatures, entranced by vibrant colors and fluttering wings. It was a genuine smile. Sebastian smiled. "It will not be long." He peered past the leaves, gazing to the sky. "We are in the middle of June. Saturday the 14th. Are we not?"

"Why?"

"Because we must make haste. Mr. Tanaka is expecting us by Monday." Sebastian walked over and scooped up Ciel bridal style. "He has been overseeing state of affairs for the past year in your stead. Given the Phantomhives have been absent for six, we shouldn't delay our return any further. Lest assumptions arouse."

Alliahnna scoffed, "Let people think what they wish." She caressed Ciel's face. "As Ciel would say, I bend only to my will."

A proud smirk stretched Sebastian's lips. "Well said, My Lady."

"I'm not your lady." She growled, turning her back to him. Sadness gripped her heart. "Not anymore."

Sebastian put his mouth to her ear, "You shall always be mine." He snuck a lick on her earlobe. Alliahnna squeaked, blushing madly, and then shoved him away. Sebastian chuckled mischievously. "Some things never change." He meandered past her, carrying himself in that menacing, confident manner that displayed like a beacon of a small achieved victory..

"No..." Alliahnna agreed with her brow furrowed. Her ear tingled. She relived the sensation, her skin slowing the lick. "They certainly do not." Her cheeks flushed. She followed after him. She leaned sideways. Ciel looked so peaceful. Cradled in Sebastian's arms. Held tightly. So close he must have heard Sebastian alluring heartbeat. She imagined herself in that warm embrace. A painful twinge of envy spiked her heart.

…

August 18, 1895

Silence. Silence. How pleasant to the ear it was. Trickles of water, singing of insects - the world's natural orchestrated composed a tranquil symphony. Beams of summer sunshine could be buzzing as they graced the land. Glitters of the golden rays reflected by waters of the fairest blue. Hushed winds teased the leaves. Freshly bloomed flowers casting their sweet aroma. Lapping river waves carried a little row boat along the listlessly swaying current. A lavender lily washed by, carried by the treading boat.

"I can hear water running..." A pale hand swims the cooling pool. "Warm light hits my eyelids. I can feel it." The breeze wafts short, sheen navy strands. Closed lids bask in the warmth. "Summer sunshine..." A hand touches to the pale cheek. "A loving touch. Like that of a mother. Gentle, serene, warm. I feel it flowing into me." A pair of arms embrace the slumbering body, cradling him close to her bosom. "Safety...security...in these arms. Where is this? Am I dreaming it? Are these I feel safe within an illusion of my longing?"

"The reflection you see is no dream." An assuaging man replied. "It's the next chapter. A golden afternoon."

The hands holding the young boy caressed his hair. "A tale of two. The Imp and the Saint. Accompanied by a Raven serving as guardian." A woman whispered poetically. "Together we shall reclaim our honor."

"Together? I'd like that. But...is it possible? When I open my eyes, what will I see? Will I be alone?"

"There's only one way to find out." Head and shoulders rested upon knees. A tender hand removed dangling hair.

"It is time, My Lord. Open your eyes."

Ciel's one sapphire eye opened to the sunny day. Two voices he recalled fondly flooded figures to his hazed thoughts. "Sebastian. Alliahnna." The names fell sluggishly from his tongue. Like a babe tripping on its first words. He called their names. In his heart he prayed it'd be them to greet him.

As the blurred vision cleared, a boat oar lured Ciel to the handler. Sebastian came into focus, greeting the drowsy Ciel with a warm smile. "You were sleeping very soundly." He teased. Trees passed him overhead.

"He always was a heavy sleeper."

Ciel tilted his head back. Mouth gaping dazedly. He felt the soft lap beneath his head. A hand nicely ruffled the forefront of his hair. Ciel's eye widened. Alliahnna's pleasant expression melted the ice encasing his soul. "Allie...?" His voice quaked he was so overwhelmed.

She tucked strands of loose hair behind her ear. The sun shined upon her solid figure, illuminating her welcoming presence. "Hello, Ciel."

That tone...He cupped a weak palm to her arm. Love pouring from every word. The sensation of her perpetually tepid skin tingled his. He missed those hands - her arms. Memories of cold rainy nights flooded to him. Alliahnna and Ciel, sneaking into one another's rooms, snuggling close under the sheets. Laughter echoing in anticipation of their parents catching them.

He wasn't dreaming. He couldn't have been. She was touching him. He felt her. It wasn't a dream. "You're back..."

Alliahnna lightly kissed his forehead. A jolt prickled across his forehead. She's real..."And I am staying, little brother." Ciel's trembling mouth hung wide open. She's truly back by my side...Allie...Ciel managed the strength to sit up. The blood rushed to his head, throwing him off balance. He balanced on a plush maroon cushion Alliahnna was seated on. He was finding it hard to comprehend her presence. Her attire, however, made him reconsider his doubt.

Before he could inquire, Alliahnna extended a pointed finger past his head. He followed the finger and was surprised. Elizabeth was with them in the boat. Her pink umbrella shielding her fair skin. The matching dress and hair band made the giggle she directed to Ciel all the more adorable.

Ciel just gazed upon her, lost in a wave of confusion. Why was he in a boat? Where were they heading? So many questions. Another boat catching up captured his attention. Bardroy, Mey-Rin, and Finnian saluted their master with wide grins.

"Well, Master, we are very nearly arrived." Sebastian announced, confident his master was capable of leaping into work. "Now there is work to be done."

"Work?" A bad taste for someone who barely been awake for a minute. He massaged his pounding skull. "What work needs to be done?"

"Worry about that when we arrive." Alliahnna lathered her hands in the cool river. She patted Ciel's hair, calming the frizzy locks. "We need to make you look presentable. Can't have the Lord of Phantomhive Manor and lands make a grand entrance looking homely, can we?"

"Says the Lady of Phantomhive Manor dressing shamefully." He countered, mainly addressing the skirt. "Can't you at least extend it past your knees?"

"Oh, Ciel, leave her alone." Elizabeth giggled. She snuggled to his arms, "Alliahnna looks adorable in short skirts. Don't you agree, Sebastian?" Alliahnna gulped. Her hair frizzed on end. A wolfish chuckle made her cringe.

"Full heartedly, Lady Elizabeth. Very womanly." That mischievous raven smirk sent shivers crawling over her skin. "I especially favor how the uniform flatters her curvaceous figure. Subtle...and very teasing." Alliahnna didn't falter at Sebastian's lechery. She ignored the hungry stare peering under her clothing.

"You should have seen the way noblemen looked at her a few years back." Elizabeth proceeded to gossip. "She turned so many heads. Married ones too. She was the envy of women." She giggled. Alliahnna mentally cursed the dim bulb girl. She was just fueling Sebastian's arsenal.

Sebastian touched a purposefully flushed cheek, "Not an asset withheld. A body that does leave women green with envy." He swooned. Alliahnna growled, fighting hard to ignore him and her clothing coming undone with each word pouring from his mouth. "And a very firm body, might I be so bold." He added slyly, licking his pinkie. An egg cracked. Alliahnna screamed mentally. Her face heated up like a thermometer. Steam whistled from her red ears.

Ciel stared deadpanned. He hadn't the foggiest idea what was going on. "What on earth are you going on about?" He droned. Just as Sebastian was about to explain, a lilypad splat on his face. Ciel gasped. Elizabeth groaned dreadfully. The dripping lily pad slid off. A frog hugged Sebastian's face. He hummed indifferently. He shifted a blank expression to Alliahnna.

Alliahnna's throwing hand was caked with lily pad scum. Venomous snarls seethed past sharply grit teeth. "Your butler is a shameless pervert! That's all!" She barked. Sparks surged in her eyes.

Elizabeth and Ciel went completely ghost white, petrified in each other's embrace on the opposite side of the boat. "I almost forgot how terrifying she can get!" Ciel quaked, eyes wide in horror.

"Honestly I think she's mellowed since last year!" Elizabeth croaked.

"Now back to business…" Alliahnna fixed her uniform, along with her composure, "We've arrived." She and Sebastian looked ahead. Elizabeth and Ciel followed their gaze.

On either side the trees began to span, climbing beyond steep grassy slopes. Murmuring voices flooded Ciel's ears. Noblemen and women stood on the ravine edge, watching in awe as Ciel, Elizabeth, Alliahnna, and the others drifted into the valley ravine. Sheeted banquette tables were neatly arranged. Gourmet food, delectable treats, finger foods, and astounding ice sculptures took the bewildered Earl aback.

"What…?" Alliahnna knelt down and faced him toward her. "Is there a special social gathering?" Ciel asked the nagging question.

She straightened his crooked tie, then proceeded to check on the rest of his uniform. "In recent months, heavy rains plagued the land. Floods decimated surrounding areas. The Phantomhive's and their partners donated funds and afforded additional floodgates." She propped up his foot, shining the buckle and sheen leather. "By doing so, we hope to restore peace to our lands."

Ciel partially lidded his eyes suspiciously, "Is that a summation of what I am required to announced?"

Alliahnna flashed him a sneaky smirk, "Along with an apology for our delayed absence. The words is you and I have been neglecting our responsibilities for the past six and a half years."

Six and a half years? Ciel took a second look at himself. He was startled. Thicker, longer arms. Tone legs. His voice certainly was deeper. How did he not notice that? This was not the body of a 13 year old. When he thought about it, Elizabeth had grown up quite a bit as well. "H-How...how old am I?"

"19."

"What month is it? What year?"

"Wednesday morning of August 10th, year 1895." Ciel's barrage of questions halted when Alliahnna covered his mouth. "There was an accident seven years ago. It left you in a coma. Due to special circumstances," She pressed a blaming hand to her chest, "I left to live with our father's friend in Paris, and was unaware of your condition until a year after the incident. Since then I worked as Count Schneizel's aid and provided funds to keep the Funtom Company afloat." Alliahnna gave Ciel a rough draft of how to begin the opening speech for the Floodgate project. She and Elizabeth needed to run it by him several times before he committed it to memory.

Noblemen and women herded to Ciel who took up position on one of the floodgates. A red ribbon, symbolizing the completion of the latest acquisition, decorated the newly crafted floodgate. Alliahnna and Sebastian supported Ciel in the background. Sebastian waited on the left, and Alliahnna to the right. Her sword momentarily raised brows. Ciel began his speech, thankfully luring eyes to him.

"Thank you all for coming this evening. I would like to begin this ceremony by offering my deepest and most profound apologies for mine and my sister's absence." He bowed. Alliahnna bowed after him. "I suffered a life threatening accident that left me in coma for the past seven years. Alliahnna, who had gone to live with the Phantomhive's family friend, Count Schneizel el Britannia of Paris, learned of my tragic accident and immediately took up arms to support the company. As Lord Schneizel's assistant she earned funds and sent them to the company, allowing it to remain above water for as long as she could." There were impressed mutters rumbling. A few people whispered doubts and scoffs. Alliahnna couldn't care less. "Though I may be reinstated as the Earl and Head of Phantomhive, Alliahnna oversee state of affairs by my side as Earless, Just as she's done in the past..." He trailed off, turning to his sister, "And as, I hope, she will continue to do long after."

"It will be my honor." Alliahnna crossed a hand over her chest and bowed. A light round of applause congratulated the promotion. Silent wagers against her capabilities were made. A few men sniggered at her decision to carry a sword.

"Now onto the focus of this gathering." Ciel guided attention to the floodgate he stood upon. "This area in which we stand has been plagued by floods for many years. It is my hope that the addition of new floodgates will restore Phantomhive lands to peace and safety." Young Ladies of the nobles obscured blushing cheeks behind opened fans. The elder men berated the young Earl's confidence. "Additionally, I would like to thank you all for your continued support in this grand endeavor." He gestured to Alliahnna, "We shall commit ourselves to the task of flood prevention just our family has for generations before us for bettering all our lives." He ended the speech with a bow. Another round of applause resounded. Ciel, Alliahnna, and Sebastian joined the crowd. One of the mundane requirements of a public appearance is to mingle with the high society. No matter how utterly aggravating it may be.

A white carriage surreptitiously mingled with the other elegant carriages. No one paid heed to the mysterious new arrival.

"Nicely improvised, Ciel." Alliahnna congratulated. "And I'm grateful for the instatement."

"No need for gratitude. Remember, we are both Phantomhives. It only makes sense that we both oversee affairs." Alliahnna knew he'd respond like that. Business, business, business - regardless who was involved. She felt honored all the same.

The young Phantomhive's were swarmed by admirers. Philanthropists informing they've noticed an increase in excess inventory, and wondered if The Phantomhives were interested in donating to children's hospitals and homes. Beneficiaries desired mergers to expand businesses past Paris and spread across Europe. Ladies whom Ciel and Alliahnna inadvertently charmed fawned over them like girls fussing over dolls. Unfortunately, Ciel and Alliahnna were cursed with doll like looks. It was made worse when they were together. 'An adorable set,' a few women referred to them. Even more embarrassing, 'The twin dolls.' Being forever youthful grew tiresome. Alliahnna's girlish charm, according to Sebastian, would linger well past five generations.

"HMPH!" An elder gentlemen scoffed to the two person entourage. "If you ask me the Earl's speech was positively shameless. A coma? How irresponsible! Can the whelp simply not admit he and that sister of his couldn't handle their work."

The young woman hid her disdain behind a fan. "My concern is that whore showing off her legs so shamelessly." Her dagger glare pierced Alliahnna's short white skirt. "And that sword! Why in God's name is she holstering a sword? She probably can't even wield it properly!"

"Well she must utilize every advantage to be taken seriously somehow." The young gentleman snickered. "Perhaps if she put on clothes I'd be willing to address her as ma'am instead of girl."

"Please, she could wear Queen Victoria's gowns and she'd be nothing more than common filth playing dress up!"

"Actually there is merit to her wielding the blade." The older gentleman disassembled his colleagues' disparagement. "A contact I communicate with in Paris told me he witnessed the Earless subdue three armed men single-handedly. Often times she rarely uses the sword."

The two went wide-eyed in surprise. "You don't say?" The woman ogled Alliahnna. She shared a greeting kiss with a teenage nobleman. "That scrawny child? Taking on three men? Perish the thought."

"The young Earl did say she assisted Count Schneizel in order to support the Funtom Company." A woman politely asked before feeling Alliahnna's skirt. The older gentleman chortled wolfishly. "Makes me wonder how often she allowed him to see her skirt."

"Quite a bit given that company of theirs is making more money than they know how to deal with." The young gentleman laughed. He urged the young blond woman to lend an ear. "They're saying…" He whispered quietly enough so not to rouse eavesdroppers.

"Oh my! That much? How indecent." The woman sniggered.

"I certainly hope those children do not allow their vanity to get them into too much trouble."

"I'd wager there isn't a man or two that wouldn't wish differently for the young lord. As for the Lady, she'd be wise to not rely on shameless attire. There are high lords who do not take kindly to such boldness."

"Do tell. Who might that be?" The trio gasped. Ciel, Alliahnna, and Sebastian were listening behind them. Apprehension rooted their frugal shoes in place.

"Come now, no need to be shy, Lords and Lady." Alliahnna placed a hand to Ciel's shoulder, including him in her enthusiasm. "We're very interested to hear what you have to offer." She narrowed her darkened gaze. The smile belied the annoyance in her voice. "I'm sure my adoptive father, Schneizel, would enjoy conversing with men who mean me harm."

"Adoptive…" The woman blankly trailed off.

"Father…?" The older man swallowed.

"He was more than happy to help me support the company." She tugged at the skirt. "He too disliked the skirt but eventually gave up trying to coax me out of it. It helped that the sword he allowed me to carry discouraged lewd men."

"I'm sure they meant they wish for your virtue to remain intact, Alliahnna." Ciel smoothed the tension. "We should thank them. Especially since they possess knowledge on how to handle certain situations." Ciel tilted his head, putting on the brightest imp smile, "We would appreciate any wisdom you can offer from your vast experience."

The trio laughed nervously, huddling closer in order to stave off the embarrassment of being caught. "Oh, not at all!" The woman wavered. "I'm sure there's nothing we could teach you."

"Heavens no!" The elder gentlemen tired to laugh.

"By the way, My Lord and Lady," The younger man wished to save his skin, "I have recently caught wind of a grand opportunity-"

Sebastian interjected the approaching sleazy offer. "If you'll pardon us. My Lord and Lady have another engagement to attend to." Sebastian guided Ciel and Alliahnna on their way.

Ciel dropped the facade, sulking tiresomely. "What tiresome people."

Alliahnna sauntered with one hand to her hip while the other scratched the back of her head. "Thank goodness there's only a few hours left in the day."

"By the by," He watched the rapier bounce in its sheath, "When did you start carrying a sword?"

"Schneizel made me his second in command. As such I was dubbed commander of the guard."

"Commander of the guard?" Ciel repeated amazed. "How did that come about?"

Alliahnna shrugged indifferently. "Let's just say the previous Commander lived up to The Achilles Heel."

Ciel breathed, astounded by the feat. Alliahnna was the better fighter. But Ciel never imagined she'd become such an accomplished swordsman. "I honestly shouldn't be too surprised. Between the two of us you always were the better swordsman."

Alliahnna clapped sarcastically. "19 years and he finally admits it. But I cannot take all the credit." She glanced toward Sebastian. "Sebastian and my old friend Phoebus trained me tirelessly."

"You flatter me, My Lady." Sebastian laughed humbly. A powerful spike hit Alliahnna's stomach. Don't call me that.

"Sebastian…" Ciel barked his name.

"My Lord?"

"You have my sincerest thanks for watching over Alliahnna during my absence."

"It is appreciated, but unnecessary. It was an honor to serve Lady Alliahnna." Alliahnna squeezed her wrist. Don't say my name like that.

Ciel furrowed his brow, "That said…" He whipped around on a heel. Sebastian halted a foot away. Alliahnna froze off to the side, keeping close to the middle, "I'm curious if your guardianship came at a price." Perturbed grunts hitched in their throats. He narrowed that clairvoyant eye. Shredding Sebastian for the underlying truth.

It wasn't meant to be a secret. Alliahnna being a demon. Sebastian believed it for the best if he knew. Lest the friction that drove the twins apart be reborn. Alliahnna wanted to tell him. She agreed without a moment's hesitation to tell him. She just wasn't sure how. How do you tell a person - who hasn't been awake for a day - that their sister was a creature of Hell?

"What did she have to give up in order to keep you?" Ciel continued to press.

Alliahnna released a defeated breath. Before she had a chance to speak, "CIIIEEELLLL!" Surprisingly strong arms tethered his neck. He was spun round on his heels. He pushed the waist of a small frame so not to fall. Elizabeth beamed ecstatically. "This is a marvelous party, don't you agree?"

"If you ignore the stuffy air suffocating the atmosphere." Alliahnna and Sebastian silently sniggered at Ciel's true to from cynicism.

"Oh Ciel! Don't be so grumpy!" Her finger prodded his frowning cheek. "It's not very cute." She reprimanded.

"I agree..." Alliahnna hugged him from behind, poking his other cheek with a menacing grin, "You were always much cuter when you smiled."

"Come on! Why are you taking her side?" Ciel exclaimed, overpowered by the fawning girls.

"Just Ciel sighed. There was no point in arguing with her.

"LADY PHANTOMHIVE!" Alliahnna addressed her name. A white glove flew at her feet. She stared confused, then saw the fuming gentleman whom it belonged to. Three men and one woman supported his flank. Ciel and Elizabeth froze, gawking fretfully to the glove.

"Sir, I think you dropped your glove by mistake." She shuffled the toe of her boot beneath it. "Would you like it back?" She inquired innocently.

"PICK IT UP, LADY PHANTOMHIVE!" The brunette man commanded. A tensed gust of wind wafted his ponytail. He glared down his pointed nose at her, daring her to pick up the white glove. "I DEMAND SATISFACTION FOR THE INSULT YOU BLATANTLY ADMINISTER!" Silence consumed the area. Anxious, aghast gazes glued to the tossed glove. Sebastian ignored the immature man. He was far more interested in Alliahnna. Her response held breaths.

"What insult is that, sir?" She replied, not the slightest bit concerned by his wounded pride.

The blond haired woman stepped forth. Her hazel eyes burn holes in Alliahnna. "He is challenging you on my behalf! A woman of nobility dressing so scandalously!" Alliahnna instinctively pinched the rim of her skirt, pretending to be ignorant of the issue. "And that sword! Ghastly! UNCOUTH! Women of nobility will be tarnished for decades to come because of you!"

Alliahnna folded her hands behind her back. She strutted in confident strides, coming within a foot of the woman, allowing the unwavering glare to be clearly seen. "I am an independent woman, sir and madam. My preference of dress is no one's concern. Least of all other women."

The gritted her teeth. "It should be! Think of the slander you'll cause! The scrutiny you brother will endure!" Ciel grunted. It was a sour taste on his tongue, listening to that horrid woman use him like a lynch pin.

"Slander is the breath of nobility, My Lady!" Alliahnna snapped back strongly. Elizabeth and Sebastian watched her with bated breaths. "As for scrutiny - every twitch a Phantomhive makes is watched. Our dead parents are the focus of gossip! Even during my absence Ciel was watched like a hawk!" She edged closer. The woman staggered. Alliahnna was so close she saw her reflection in her eyes. "Prove to me the prying eyes will be blinded should I change my entire wardrobe." The woman growled, flustered beyond a harsh retort. Ciel chortled under his breath. That's his sister. Never one for filters. Alliahnna scoffed. "Yet another batch of hot air." The woman and her husband gasped, affronted. "I ask again, sir." She used the title loosely. Though she smiled, there was a hint of malice lining her expression. "Would you like for me to return your glove?" She nudged it with her foot. A sinister smirk brought Sebastian to chills. "Unless, of course, you wish to wear a single glove for the rest of your life."

"After you've, once again, insulted my wife?" The young adult of the entourage moved forward. The man wrenched the saber from it's sheath, putting the tip to Alliahnna's nose. "I shall remove your hand!"

Alliahnna closed her eyes, exhaling irked. She took a slender finger and pushed the blade out of her face. "As you wish." She bent down and picked up the glove. For the sake of her pride - and the fact she found it funny - she slapped the man with his own glove. Startled gasps rooted the ogling crowd. Couples hugged close in awe. The man's wife covered her gaping mouth. The man was stone still, utterly flabbergasted. He touched his red cheek. It stung at his touch. "Sorry." Alliahnna chortled. "I've lived in Paris for so long, I've sort of adopted their dueling methods." The man growled with the most hateful glare. Elizabeth pressed herself to Ciel's back, growing a little nervous.

Ciel placed a hand to her trembling palm. "Sebastian! Stop this, now!" He ordered under his breath.

"Just a moment, My Lord."

"Sebastian! That is an-"

"My Lord, please! Let her prove herself!" Ciel's fuming came to a sudden halt. Prove herself? She pulled her sword from the sheath. The grind of metal sharpening to metal scaled chills up numerous spines. Alliahnna flicked it to the side. The sun reflected off the stainless steel, highlighting the razor sharp edges. People were audibly shocked by the sword.

"That's...a Rapier!" Ciel exclaimed.

"She decided on the design, but I forged it." Sebastian explained. "The two have become of one mind and body. A whole person." He folded one arm, propping the other to hold his chin, inspired by Alliahnna's brass. He noticed immediately the pleasure she took, envisioning the boisterous man's imminent defeat. How I've long to see that smile. His glee faded to somber. The smile Alliahnna gave to Ciel and Elizabeth. To be in the crosshairs of that loving smile. My Lady…"Six years she's wielded that sword. For those six years she's defended others. Friends, family, comrades." Ciel gazed awestruck at his sister. Six years... Six years of hard training. The dedication he envisioned her pouring into wielding such a heavy weapon. "Allow her, My Lord, to defend the reputation and honor of house Phantomhive."

The man and Alliahnna squared off. Their swords held to the side, stiffly stroking the grass. "Quite the impressive sword." He erected a pinky sardonically. "Overcompensating for a lover's lack thereof manhood." Alliahnna frightful bitterness crawled up her spine. Elizabeth laughed nervously, glancing toward Sebastian. An anime vein popped in Sebastian's head. Sir! Neither you nor your hoard can compare a wick to my manhood!

"State your name!" Alliahnna commanded. "It is only proper form for the challenger to give his name!"

"PAH! I'm impressed a whore knows of proper form!" Alliahnna groaned tediously. Insults like that should be restricted to the schoolyard. "Baron Leon Von Price! Head of the Noble Family Von Price! Ex-Military Captain of Special Forces!"

"Alliahnna Rochelle Phantomhive! Earless of House Phantomhive! Former Commander of Count Schneizel El Britannia's Guard!"

"Shall we entertain our onlookers with a little wager?"

"I'm listening."

"You win - which I highly doubt - my wife and friends will leave. Never to be heard from again." Alliahnna already liked the sound of this bargain already. "I win…" A wolfish grin split his face in half, "You are to disrobe - stockings, sword, and all."

"THAT IS COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY DISGUSTING!" Bardroy howled, shoving two nobles out of the way..

"NOT TO MENTION ENTIRELY LEWD AND PERVERTED!" Finnian added, just as infuriated.

"LADY ALLIAHNNA DOES NOT HAVE TO DEMEAN HERSELF FOR YOUR PERSONAL PLEASURE, THAT SHE DOESN'T!" Mey-Rin screeched.

"You have yourself a deal." Alliahnna agreed.

"SAY WHAT?" The trio screamed.

"Good."

Alliahnna held out a hand. Von Price gawked perplexedly. "Shake on it."

"Not the trustworthy type, are you?"

"I don't trust anyone whose lips move."

A referee positioned between the two. "Take your positions!" Von Price and Alliahnna stood back to back. They erected their swords. "ALLEZ! Begin on ten!" Breaths were held. "One!" The first step was taken. The whole crowd jumped. "Two...three…" Von Price smirked. "Four...five-" Von Price spun on a heel. The tip of a sword pressed to his nose.

"Now, now, Lord Von Price," Alliahnna cooed, "It's impolite to cheat. I thought a stuffed shirt like you would know that."

"GRR! YOU BRAT!" He swatted her sword and charged. Alliahnna kept a hand behind her back, prancing backwards. Her sword held upright she studied Von Price's movements. He thrust three times. Stomach, head, legs. "You have no authority to judge me! None!" Alliahnna effortlessly dodged, never taking her eyes off of him. You're a whore, just like your mother!"

Alliahnna swung her sword, deadlocking Von Price's to hers. She glared him directly in the eye. "At least my mother had class. Yours seduced every son she gave birth to." She pressed hard, pushing Von Price back a step. "All because your father kept casting his gaze beneath a woman's dress."

"SILENCE!"

"Why? Does the truth hurt? GOOD!"

Von Price shoved her back. Alliahnna dug her feet. With his supporting hand curved upward, Von Price unleashed a tireless barrage of thrusts, aiming directly for all of Alliahnna's vital points. He had Alliahnna on the run. The slope to the river approached quickly. She parried and dodged each blow. The Baron lived up to his title. Her sword rang out under his strength. She twisted the blade down, sideways, up. A thrust was repelled by a fellow thrust. Von Price sword ground along hers, darting toward her face. Alliahnna whipped to the side. The sword severed locks of hair.

Elizabeth fought all urges to cry out, warn Alliahnna of the approaching slope. Alliahnna would lose by default if she did. Ciel found the forced silence just as maddening. He was helpless to aid his sister. Danger only an infinitesimal distance away. Sebastian must have played a trick on him. Though doing exceedingly well, there was no way she could fend off Von Price for long. So why was Sebastian watching with a hungry smile?

"HA!" Von Price lunged. Alliahnna jumped back. The sword pierced the grass. She laughed at his poor aim. Her confidence faded when her heel lost ground. She looked back. Von Price, his wife and entourage, and a few other nobles snickered triumphantly. The edge of a steep slope was at Alliahnna's heels. Running is no longer an option. "Well this certainly was a let down." Von Price mocked, strutting to her.

"STOP THIS-" Sebastian prevented Ciel from dashing out. "Sebastian!"

"Do you still not see?

"For all your boasts you put up less than a mockery of a spar." Alliahnna growled in the back of her throat. "Whomever you've taken to your bed, Lady," He put the sword to her neck, "I pray he realizes a street urchin would have sufficed far better. Perhaps a cooling dip in the river will force the realization of your true place to settle." He drew his sword back.

Alliahnna tapped a foot. "Hmm...Hm-Hm."

"THIS ENDS!" Von Price thrust.

On the ball of her right foot Alliahnna twisted off side. Her left foot swept the air. The world moved in slow motion. Mouths in the crowd fell open. The sword whisked right past her neck. Von Price blinked, glancing in dismay at the girl. The toe of her boot spun clean along the steep ledge. Von Price staggered, balancing right on the ledge. Alliahnna came round full circle, stopping with a leg stretched behind Von Price. Ciel and Elizabeth's jaws hit the ground. Sebastian scoffed, satisfied she finally made her move. A hot pink color flashed across her smirking eyes. Ciel's breath hitched, seeing the abnormality. Von Price wildly flailed his arms, fighting to pull back from the fall. Moisture in the grass threatened what little traction he maintained. A hand gripping his collar made him sigh with relief.

"As per agreed," Von Price shuddered at Alliahnna's voice, "You and your entourage will vacate the premises immediately. So much as a breath of you is caught, you will be dealt with...most severely." Von Price nodded, whimpering pitifully for her not to drop him. Her hand stood between him and the river. "For the record, sir, My lover's vigor shames this sword." Sebastian curled finger to his mouth, clearing his throat. Ciel didn't notice the flush in his butler's cheeks. A single hand. By one, small hand Alliahnna was keeping him balanced. She wasn't even struggling. She released the collar. Von Price screamed. A geyser of cold water erupted.

"LEON!" Lady Von Price screamed. Congratulatory cheers rained from the crowd. Money was exchanged between the handful of victors. Bardroy, Finnian, and Mey-Rin won a few pounds themselves.

Lady Von Price ran to help her husband. Alliahnna stopped the woman by holding her sword to her neck. "The next time you feel your feminine biased views are insulted," Her eyes narrowed like slits, terrifying the woman, "Unravel your skirt and fend for yourself. Hiding behind your husband is just disgraceful." She sheathed the sword and continued on her way. The two men slid down the hill, retrieving their soaked Lord. Mutters echoed from the crowd. They wondered how she pulled that off. Was it planned? Was she lucky? It didn't matter. They were impressed. "Make sure that group leaves." She ordered the servant trio. "They so much as think of betraying the agreement, you have permission to…subdue them."

The trio saluted. "YES MA'AM!" Finnian hoisted Tanaka on his shoulders, then the group went to escort the Von Price company.

Alliahnna exhaled, emanating disappointment. "I always did hate loud mouth men."

"But you handled him splendidly." Sebastian congratulated. "The true extent of your skill has fully recovered."

"Thanks." She beamed happily. "Though, I suppose, even if it had returned months earlier, I would have still been made a fool of." She glared harshly at Sebastian, "After all, it's not uncommon for others to savor underestimating me." Sebastian grunted. He knew who she meant.

"ALLLIIIEEE!" Elizabeth squealed, tackling Alliahnna with her warmest and tightest hug. " SIMPLY MAGNIFICENT! You're just as amazing as you were in the Bastille, Allie!"

"The Bastille?" Ciel repeated curiously.

"Thanks, Lizzie."

"Wait here! I need to go get something! Be back in a jiffy!" A dust cloud parted the crowd like the sea.

The Phantomhive twins and Sebastian marveled disturbed. "Till this day I've yet to understand the source of her energy." Ciel groaned.

"I tired. I lost consciousness." Alliahnna shuddered.

"There are some things even a demon butler at my caliber cannot do." Sebastian admitted.

"Be that as it may, there is still a matter we need to discuss." Ciel addressed his sister, not deterred for a second like the star struck crowd. "The crowd may have been distracted, but I wasn't." He kept his voice low. He kept Alliahnna focused on him. "I thought it was a trick of the light. Then realized," He replayed her twirl in his mind, "The grace in which you executed that dodge would have been impossible for a seasoned dancer. Not to mention," He touched her forehead, "You're not perspiring in the slightest. I've only seen Sebastian successfully execute such feats." Alliahnna resignedly closed her eyes. Sebastian remained quiet. "Alliahnna…" Ciel touched the eye patch. He swallowed nervously, "This...is…" The words died on his breath.

"You need not order me, Ciel. I'm not yours to command in the first place." Ciel bit his lip. "Still…" Alliahnna took Ciel by the hand and led him to a private spot in the trees. Sebastian blocked the opening, obscuring prying eyes. Alliahnna kept her back turned to him. Ciel watched her arms shuffle. She was undoing the top of her blazer. "We have been apart for the better part of nine years. I'll not begin our lives anew by withholding critical information." When she turned to him, bringing her lowered clothing into clear view, Ciel felt his stomach gurgle to knots. A Faustian Seal occupied the center of her chest. Wings of a bat complementing the eerie design.

A horrible realization to a grave fear gripped Ciel, choking his breath. She did take him on as a butler. His absence. He caused her to do this. It was her fault. But then...how is she still alive? Sebastian was Ciel's butler. Now. Whatever contract she formed has been complete. So then...why? Sebastian's attention never left Alliahnna. When Ciel looked to his sister, he wondered if the person standing there was an imposter.

"I am no figment, Ciel." Alliahnna commented as if reading his mind. Her eyes were closed, resigning to her brother's desire. "The figure you see is your sister." She slowly opened her eyes. Dark, devil crimson burned Ciel's skin.. "But I am afraid her days as a human have long since ended." The world began to spin on its axis. Ciel's world went upside down. She is...a demon? My sister...became a demon. No..."For your sake I became a demon. For your sake, I will stand by you. Fears will drive your enemies to madness. Madness will bring the to their deaths. And their deaths shall clear the chessboard you've carefully laid out." Ciel began to retreat. Hands gripped his shoulders, keeping him still. He glanced back and saw it was Sebastian.

"Sebastian…" He glared hatefully, "You-"

"Followed my orders to the letter." She defended. "Our contract was complete. Now it is your turn." Ciel growled between the both of them. The growing fury knew not who to explode at.

"WHAT WERE THE TERMS? WHY DID YOU TAKE HIM ON?"

"To bring fear to those who brought fear to me! To write my story where the falling action sets upon the petrified corpses of my enemies!" She furrowed her brow. The crimson red rippled like a pool of blood. "With one glance I send any and all to the depths of their darkest nightmares. With one glance I know what torments mankind." She even sounded like a demon. Ciel refused to believe it. This couldn't be his sister. His sister was kind, sweet, loving. What...what have I done? His knees started to give. "Laughter into screams." Alliahnna approached. "Dreams into nightmares." Ciel froze. "Porcelain white into crimson red." She dropped to one knee, crossing a hand over her chest, and bowing her head. "That is what makes me…" Blazing pink looked Ciel dead in the trembling eye, "The Demon of Phantomhive."

TO BE CONTINUED! MWAHAHAHAHA!

Later folks.