Family Reunion
Hey there! I know, I know. "Where were you?" "Did you quit?" NO! I was finishing another fic. Anyway, moving on.
(-)
The last week and a half since the floodgate fiasco passed mind numbingly slow. Time and money that went into developing the floodgates rebounded harshly on the Funtom Company's account. Ciel received letters from shareholders demanding reparations for the damage done. They were, of course, referring to Sebastian demolishing the floodgates into bits. Letters of complaints from those who lost Lau's ridiculous wager. Why they were directed at the Phantomhive twins was beyond them? It was too irritating to fathom. Alliahnna, as patient as she is, responded to the letters advising the recipients to think twice before doubting the bond between lovers. No matter the age. The servants ran ragged to appease unexpected and uninvited guests, the manor was swarmed by reporters wanting interviews with twins in regards to Ciel's absence and Alliahnna's role. It's been exhausting. So exhausting that, for the rest of Sunday's evening, they locked themselves in the parlor. A note on the door with their angry faces drawn on read, 'Disturb, and die.' A straightforward message. It worked nonetheless.
Bare feet were propped on the sofa cushions, bouncing toes back and forth in aimless rhythm. Saucers of chocolate and peanut butter cookies rested on deflating stomachs. Ciel and Alliahnna, completely weary of their busy week, lied head to head on the carpet, watching the chandelier gradually sway left to right. It had to have been the most fascinating thing. Relaxing too. Their blazers cast aside, vests undone, and white undershirts unbuttoned to the chest. Ciel's eye patch lied beside him. Alliahnna's sword beside her. It was nice.
"So what were you and Lao discussing?" Ciel broke the silence.
"When?"
"During the Floodgate Ceremony. Lao borrowed your ear for a considerable time." Alliahnna grumbled under her breath. "Was it bad?"
"Quite the opposite. It-it was good news." She choked back a red tint showing on her cheeks. "Schneizel's found time in his schedule to escape to England for a time. When he's arriving is unknown."
"That sounds...good?" Ciel replied, unsure how to react given Alliahnna's indifference.
"It is! It really is!" She blushed. She must have sounded ungrateful of the visit. "It's just Lao fooled me into thinking something horrible happened!" She thought Schneizel's womanizing finally landed him in the stocks. She would have dropped everything to laugh at his expense.
Ciel sighed dismally, understanding her bothered state. "Lao has an uncanny talent for twisting the imagination. Not a real challenge for a twisted man."
"Amen to that." They clanked their milk glasses. "I will not lie. It was nice to have old friends visit in Paris," She innocently swirled the milk, afraid to dampen the gleeful mood, "But there were times I hoped one of those carriages wood bring you to the manor. And we would laugh and snicker at our own inside jokes like we used to."
"Then it would appear twin telepathy is a legitimate phenomena." Ciel chortled softly. "During the two years you were gone," He somberly covered his Faustian Eye, "I found myself aimlessly wandering the halls of our home."
Flashback - Nine Years
Ciel dragged his sluggish feet as he made his way to no particular destination in the seemingly empty manor. After giving instructors a childish excuse of wanting to stretch my legs, I'd wander the halls for hours, losing myself in my thoughts. Reminiscing on all the fun adventures we had in this house, and...and what a fool I'd been to chase you away.
Whenever my school work became dull, you'd always sneak into my room and start mocking the instructor so I wouldn't tarry. When I realized you weren't coming, I needed a new distraction. Girlish giggling raised Ciel's spirits. Two shadows of young girls grew on an adjacent hallway wall. Ciel jerked to run for the two girls. But when they revealed themselves, it was only two maids laughing about a joke they heard. Ciel's heart shattered all over again.
I'm sure at what time of the day it would begin, but I would suddenly start looking for you. Believing you were hiding around the corners waiting to scare me. Even at night I'd wait for you to sneak in my room and comfort me during the night. You never came. You were gone. Living happily in Paris.
Flashback End - Present Day
"All because I chased you away." Ciel's fingers curled, pressing on the ripping guilt. "Can...can you ever…"
Alliahnna rolled on her stomach and planted a kiss right on his forehead. "Only if you can forgive me." Ciel smiled warmly. He cupped his hand to hers, holding it tight and never letting go. The two touched their foreheads together, erasing any unease between them. Six years of being apart was half a lifetime. They wouldn't let anyone or anything ruin their reunion.
"I still can't believe it's been six years." Ciel ruffled a tuft of hair. "So much has happened. Bardroy and that Hana woman you told me of. Finnian asking you on a date. You, the Commander of Count Schneizel's forces. How exhilarating!"
"Trust me, it was no walk through the flowers." Thinking about it made her even more drowsy. "Men can be so immature when a woman is superior in feats of combat."
"Well, to be fair, they were under the thrall of a demon." He slyl retorted.
"Substitute demon at the time." She strongly corrected. "And don't make me sound like an evil tyrant."
"That's right." Ciel flipped over on his stomach. "You're an impish, sadistic saint." He chortled, bouncing a finger on her forehead.
"And you're a manipulative, cunning imp." Alliahnna growled, pressing his forehead.
"Is that not why you love me?" He bat his eyes feigning innocence.
"That's my line, little brother."
"Please remember I am taller." He sighed dismally, returning to lying on his back with his hands behind his head.
"Ah but those ten minutes make me older." She took the same position. The two touched heads. "And last I checked, age allows more privileges."
"Remind me, big sister," Ciel sneakily applied a finger to his gaping face, "Who was the one engaged first?"
"Under duress? You never wanted to marry Elizabeth in the first place." Ciel choked on his pride, making Alliahnna laugh in triumph. "Have I stepped on your toes?"
"You never wanted to fall in love in the first place. Figures you'd choose the charming butler." Alliahnna groaned, cringing in humiliation. It was Ciel's turn to laugh triumphantly. He was never going to stop teasing her about falling for Sebastian. Alliahnna regretted telling him about it. Ciel's boasts faded to uncertainty. He scratched his chin nervously, losing his luster. "How..ahem...did that happen?"
"Pardon?" She tilted her head back.
"You and Sebastian?" Ciel tilted, conveying his intrigued curiosity. "Have you been...lovers for the past six years?" It bothered Ciel to no end. That was clear. He may tease, but it only hid how uncomfortable he felt knowing his butler was rubbing ankles with his sister. He felt like Vincent when that boy shamelessly flirted with Alliahnna.
"No, no!" Alliahnna blushed. "Sebastian and I...it's been a year."
"You've only been lovers for a year?"
"Why do you sound so...disappointed?" She grumbled.
"Sorry. It's just I find it hard to believe it's been so short a time when you've been master and butler for all this time."
"Well...to be honest…" Alliahnna's face flushed, "I utterly despised Sebastian for the first five months." Ciel was flabbergasted. Did he hear correctly? Alliahnna hated the love of her life for five months? Alliahnna saw the confusion and elucidated further. "Have you noticed how similar to dad Sebastian looks?" Ciel chose not to answer. He noticed. "For that whole time I hated him for his face. With my whole family gone, the last thing I wanted was for a demon bearing my father's face to be around me 24/7. It was only worse because..." She hovered her palms, gazing at them in disgust, "He turned me into a nightmarish monster."
"Then how did the romancing even begin?" Ciel was boggled beyond comprehension.
"That is one Hell of a long story."
"We've got cookies, we've got milk, we've got time."
Alliahnna shook her head. She took a breath and regressed in the memories. "After what became of London, I became a recluse. Locked myself in my room, not wanting to greet the day."
Six years ago
A year after I lost you, Ciel, I wasted away to nothing in my room. The room Schneizel let me have since I was living with him. One night Sebastian arrived like an answer to my prayers. He offered me power to obtain revenge against the ones who took you from me. The price of that power was hefty. Nothing weighed more heavily than Sebastian's daunting appearance.
"Pardon me, My Lady?" Sebastian ogled the fuming 13 year old in the most dumbstruck bewilderment he's ever felt. He held an empty brown bag in his hands like a foreign object.
Alliahnna had her back to the confused butler, bearing her hateful glare to the garden outside her bedroom window. "I do not recall stuttering, Michaelis!" She spat his name as if it were a disgusting taste in her mouth. Her white sleeved arms behind her back tensed. Her chest in the black vest puffed and deflated animatedly. Her knee bounced her wood green trousers and black boots in a reflex. "I ordered you to wear a paper bag over your head!" She whipped around, sharpening her disdainful glare with a pointing finger. "Your face annoys me!" Rather than argue, Sebastian slid the paper bag over his head. He quickly used a pair of scissors to slice peep holes. "Now get back to work! I'm done with you!"
"Yes, My Lady…" Alliahnna bit her lip. Sebastian excused himself, closing the door behind him.
Alliahnna picked up a crystal ballet figurine and threw it at the wall. The shattering crystals released her pent up frustration. "How does he manage that damn stone expression? It infuriates me to no end!" She pulled at her hair. "And his face…" On her desk was a portrait of her whole family, back when she was a child. Ciel, Elizabeth, Aunt Angelina, her mother...and her father. Alliahnna tenderly took the frame in her hand, running a mournful finger over her father. "Why…" Tear drops splashed on his image, "Why does he have your face?"
Present Day
Ciel was choking from laughing so hard. Tear hung to the corners of his eyes as he pounded the floor. "He...he actually...walked around! With a paper bag...OVER HIS HEAD!"
"Yep. Ugh. Now that I think on that day…" Alliahnna sank in her growing guilt, "I was a total witch back then. I made him sleep with dogs, banned him from cats, called him old on a daily basis."
"Now that I would have paid top dollar to see!" Ciel sniggered. "You are, by far, the one with the golden heart between the two of us! Seeing you act like the Queen of Hearts would have been one for the history books." Ciel stopped laughing long enough to recall something. The quid pro quo of Alliahnna's contract. "The Master and Servant roles reciprocated on an occasional basis, correct?"
"Whenever I used my sight, yes. Why do you ask?"
"Did Sebastian ever pay you back for your abuse?"
"And how!" Alliahnna shuddered. "He believed in turn about, and boy was it a bitch!"
"What'd he do?"
"I will never tell." Ciel groaned irately. There went his chances of teasing. "But I can tell you what he did in turn for the bag." Ciel was all ears. "I needed to blow off steam so I went to train in the gardens."
Six years ago
At the time I was just Schneizel's second. The guards didn't mind. But when I decided to take up a sword all Hell broke loose. Rumors and gossip spread, they insulted me, a few even greased my sword hilt so I wouldn't be able to wield it properly. Phoebus was the worst of them, and he was my best friend. He would verbally abuse me as encouragement. In front of the men, anyway. By ourselves he would give me advice.
It took a lengthy term of determination, hardened resolve, and smack talk; eventually the men respected my wielding a sword. They'd invite me on investigation and we'd make wagers who would solve the mystery first. Of course some were resistant. None more so than the former Commander himself.
A stone cherub whistled a powerful water spout into a crystal clear pond. Lilypads bobbed idling frogs. "Thrust...parry...left...right…" Stainless steel sliced cut running water. Navy blue bangs clung to a sweat beaded brow. Small strands escaped the tightly woven french braid bun. Black boots spun and skipped on the pond's ledge. The frogs' blank expressions reflected a slender girl dancing with a rapier. "Side step...forward...back…stop..." Fingerless gloved hands angled the sword down, brought it up. Green trousers scrunched and stretched in shifting stances. Sweat soaked a long sleeve white undershirt and a black vest. "Stab...jab...twirl and HA!" The sword tip touched the neck of the cherub. A chest rose and fell in exhausted breaths. Sapphire eyes bore knives in the neck of that cherub. The girl stepped back, wiping her brow free of the sweat.
A sarcastically slow applause captured her attention. Her face scrunched disdainfully when the clapper was an ugly older man with a bald head. (find last name) "How adorable! The little princess Alliahnna is playing soldier. Shall I play the damsel in distress?" He mocked her scathingly.
"Don't you have innocent maids to fondle, Sumano?" She hissed, turning her back on the gruff Commander. "Seeing as how those who can't defend themselves get your worm wriggling."
"All in due time." He pranced to Alliahnna, smirking with pursed lips. "Where's your butler? He not satisfy you yet?"
"Do not confuse me for you, pig!" She shoved him out of her face. "I don't need the help to be satisfied."
Sumano yanked her by the arm, preventing her from leaving. Alliahnna was forced to stand on the toes of her boots, and she was still rising. Those thick sausage fingers ground sharply in her skinny bicep. Her shoulder felt ready to pop out of place. "That's no good. A little girl talking back to a man." The disdain in his eyes was suffocating Alliahnna. His hot breath made her nauseous. She trembled like a leaf. Her mind regressing to that moment on LondonBridge. When she was helpless to save Ciel. Her fear subsided when she realized...his grip doesn't hurt. "Perhaps I should put your little ass in place." Sumano's free hand slid and grabbed her butt cheek full force, smiling when she squeaked. "Have you been educated?" Alliahnna shook in abject rage. Head down she obscured her protruding fangs. Her claws slowly lengthened. "Well, deary, how do you like it?"
"Get-your-hands-OFF OF ME!" She thrust two fingers. Sharp nails went for his gaping eye. Blood splashed to her cheek. A scream of anguish scared the birds. Schneizel, in his study, broke free of the reports catching the dying scream. Sumano wheezed and whimpered, staggering as pain split his skull in half. Alliahnna growled venomously, twisting and digging her fingers in Sumano's profusely bleeding eye. He was driven to his knees, too scattered by the pain to fight. Alliahnna's fangs grew as she laughed at his pain. "What's wrong, Sumano? I thought you liked it ROUGH!" Her sapphire orbs shading to crimson blood.
"BY THE GODS! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?" Alliahnna's blood turned to ice. She pulled her fingers out. Sumano collapsed in shock. A pool of blood surrounded his head. Alliahnna shakily turned her head. Her heart sank when she saw a young Esmeralda. The woman was rooted to her spot in fear, dropping fresh clean linens on the ground.
"Esmeralda...I…" Her claws and fangs quickly retracted before Esmeralda noticed them.
"Lady Alliahnna…" She started to back away.
"Esmeralda, wait!" Alliahnna ran for her. Esmeralda threw down the laundry to run. "PLEASE! YOU DON'T-" Alliahnna twisted her around. She had forgotten her eyes were still red. Esmeralda gasped, meeting the narrowed pupils head on. Prickling sparks consumed the entirety of the eye. Alliahnna's expression went blank.
The garden around her and Esmeralda vanished in place of an abyss. Masses of grey and dark grey mist drifted in a seemingly stagnate flow. Alliahnna's whole being felt weightless. Lifeless. It was difficult to breathe. Her muscles were numb planks of wood. She was trapped in a trance by the area. "Where am I?" Her own echo answered her. "What is this place?" It was dark, lonely, eerie. The sense a monster would break through the mist gripped her wild imagination. This place reminded her of a nightmare. Sniffles jostled Alliahnna's senses to their proper places. Disheartened whimpers lured her attention to a crying little girl. She hadn't noticed her before.
"Who's that?" Alliahnna placed one foot forward. Solid grey figures emerged from thin air, surrounding the crying girl. Their fingers pointed they laughed harshly at her expense. Rhythmic in coherent murmurs gradually shaped to a taunting chant. "Gypsy! Gypsy! Esmeralda is a gypsy!" Alliahnna's heartbeat quickened. Her breath hitched in her throat. Quaking, petrified crimson eyes glued to the crying child at the merciless teasing.
"Esmeralda?" She repeated the name.
"Make her sleep with the dogs!"
"She pants like one!"
"Here doggie! Drink from the bowl!" Little Esmeralda had her face shoved in a water bowl. Three others snapped a collar to her neck. Their laughter similar to that of wicked witches.
Alliahnna staggered aghast, backing far from the heinous taunting. That little girl was the maid Phoebus had a crush on? But how? How was she seeing this?
"YOU PATHETIC, CHILD!" A woman. A solid woman figure solded Esmeralda hatefully. "Crying over a scrape! And you allow people to walk all over you!" Esmeralda sank further in her humiliation. "Perhaps if you were a boy you would have been more manly!"
"What is this...?" Alliahnna's knees clattered together. "What am I seeing?"
"I'm sorry, mommy…" Little Esmeralda and burlesque voice whimpered. Alliahnna twisted to the side. She let out a gasp. The real Esmeralda was on her knees, eyes wide in pure terror to the sky. The laughter and her mother's harsh words echoed horrifically, circling her like vultures feasting on his soul. "Please...please no more. Don't say that..." She was locked in a nightmare daze. "Please...stop...leave me alone…" Her head stiffly fell sideways. Alliahnna shakily jumped. Trickles of tears spilled as blood red veins constricted her pupils. Black filled her eyes. "STOOOP!" Alliahnna threw up her arms.
A gloved hand covered Alliahnna's eyes. Another yanked her hard until she was pressed to a broad chest. For a long while she paused. The garden returned. Birds were chirping. Cool air brushed her cheeks and the fountain trickling filled her ears. Her chest rose and fell in heavy breaths. One, gaping eye poked through a gap in white gloved fingers, falling onto a petrified Esmeralda. "What...what happened?"
"A projection of her darkest nightmare." Alliahnna looked up. Sebastian gazed proudly as Esmeralda lied there half dead. When did he arrive? She screamed in her mind. How long was he there? What have I done? "Most impressive, My Lady. Quite a shame I missed it." He flashed a signature crow smirk on his hyperventilating master. "A real doozy." Alliahnna wriggled free, shoving him back as she created a gap between them. She seethed disdainfully at the demon butler. Since the day she signed her contract to him he's not said one word as to how she was to obtain her revenge. Her only hint was she would be granted to abilities of a demon. Added, the power to summon fear. "You are displeased?"
"What the HELL DID I JUST DO?" She howled, her fangs breaking her skin. "TELL ME WHAT THAT WAS!"
"Is that an order?" Sebastian crooned. The ground suddenly cracking at her feet answered his question. "The summation was given on the precipice of our contract. I bestowed the powers of a demon to you." Alliahnna instinctively looked at her palm, admiring the lengthened nails. "Solely yours, by your strong desire to bring fear to your enemies, is a damning sight that brings forth your victim's worst nightmares. Past traumas, suppressed strong hauntings. Nightmares you may enter."
"But Esmeralda isn't an enemy!" She knelt to the shivering woman, stroking her ebony hair. "She's a good friend. The best."
"Unfortunately, without control, your sight is indiscriminate." Sebastian touched her shoulder, moving her back so she'd give him her attention. "Unless you gain absolute mastery of your sight, Phoebus, Schneizel, perhaps even Miss Hana will fall victim to your sight." Sebastian reached into his coat, producing a white cloth. "Let us begin your training, shall we?"
The burden of my power was a heavy one. While I may have hated him at the time, I was willing to do anything. Not that I was in a position to say no. I used my sight so Sebastian was in control. He had me wear a blindfold the whole day. Without realizing it, every time I was upset, my sight would come on. I was at Sebastian's mercy for weeks. Not a wall was spared.
"OW!" She tripped over a stool, landing face first in the carpeted floor. "This is becoming monotonous!" Sebastian helped her to her feet. "How is this supposed to help me master my sight?"
"Consider this punishment for having me wear that atrocious bag over my head." She knew it. This wasn't training, it was revenge. "And the longer you refuse to control your temper," He pressed a finger to the middle of her brow, "The longer I will be able to do this." He pinched her sides, earning an adorable squeak. "And this…" He snaked two fingers down her back.
"STOP IT!" She pushed him off.
"Then buckle down, My Lady." He spun her by the shoulders, guiding her out the door to the hallway. "True demons can maneuver with ease. Sense their surroundings."
"I'm not a true demon! I'm barely a demon."
"Give it time." He chuckled.
Present Day
"Esmeralda was the first victim of my sight. And ever since then I've dedicated my time to gaining an iron grip on it. Lest I send an unsuspecting child into a coma." Part of her still held a subconscious fear of making eye contact with humans. Sebastian is an elite demon. Just like his brother and father. But they've lost control of their abilities once before. It would not be impossible - perhaps improbably - for Alliahnna to slip. "Luckily my sight only works on a person once. Therefore I set restrictions for myself. Unless absolutely necessary, I only frighten people with the famous Phantomhive glare." She and Ciel made a deadpan yet hued stare. Then they burst into laughter. "Petty nobles or immature bigots fell at the mercy of my sharp tongue, or Sebastian phantom talents. Halloween was a fun time."
"You two truly are an evil lot, you know that?" Ciel scolded, plopping to the couch. Alliahnna boastfully flipped her hair.
"Sebastian's worse than me. Always chasing suitors away with his morning face." She shuddered.
"What's his morning face?"
"Pray you never find out."
"Was you entire contract a means for petty squabbles?"
"No. 99 percent of it." She grinned impishly. Ciel slapped a palm over his face. Alliahnna giggled, finishing off her last cookie. "Obviously we came to a settlement in our relationship. Gradually I relaxed, and he...well…"
"Moved in for the kill?"
"I was going to say became bold. But your version works."
"As long as you enjoyed yourself. That's the important thing."
Enjoyed herself. For the most part, maybe. Outwitting criminals with her acrobatics, subduing full grown men like they were paperweights, and going toe to toe with angels, demons, and reapers was a nice little perk. Even if Grell vowed vengeance against her for winning Sebastian. However, Alliahnna would be lying if she said being trapped as a demon didn't...trouble her. She missed being human. Walking amongst people ignorant of the demon in human form weighed on her. It hurt the most when Elizabeth was around.
Knock! Knock! Knock! The raps jostled the door. Alliahnna and Ciel grunted. Are people incapable of reading a sign? The twins were sure Disturb and Die set the tone. Knock! Knock! Knock! Anime veins popped in their heads. "Ciel! Allie! You in there?" It was Elizabeth. Her ears must have been burning.
"Just a moment!" Ciel and Alliahnna made themselves presentable in the fifth of a second. Alliahnna swung the door open. "Lizzie!"
"ALLIE!" A beaming Elizabeth threw her arms around Alliahnna. The furls of her yellow dress flying as she was spun. "Allie! You'll never guess what I heard!"
"If it's Schneizel visiting England, Lao filled me in."
"That's only part of it!" Elizabeth bounced their cupped hands, laughing giddily. "Lord Schneizel's vessel is due to arrive in the harbor within the hour! He's on his way here now!"
"IT IS? HE IS?" Alliahnna grasped Elizabeth's shoulders. She heard he was coming, just not so soon. She and Elizabeth hugged and squealed. It's been over a year since they've seen Schneizel. They couldn't wait.
Ciel winced under the shrill screeches, wiggling a finger in his ear. "Since you both are so excited, why do we not greet him?"
"Can we?" The two girls cheer.
"Why not? Our day is clear the rest of the " Ciel opened the door. As if on cue, Sebastian appeared as the door opened, ready to heed his master's command. The trio simply loved how he did that.
"Good Evening, Lord. Ladies. Your evening of relaxation over already?" Sebastian greeted with his usual brand of cynicism.
"Sebastian, we are due to receive an important guest in the harbor presently." Ciel informed the snide butler. "Prepare a carriage for departure."
"As you wish, Lord." Sebastian left without another word.
In his place slid in Mey-Rin, Tanaka, Bardroy, and Finnian with the brightest smiles and biggest gleaming eyes. "Did we hear right?" Bardroy chimed.
"Lord Schneizel's coming for a visit?!" Finnian hooted.
"He'll be here in an hour." Alliahnna reported. The group let out a loud cheer and ran to get ready.
"He must be one Hell of a Count if all of you are this excited." Ciel retorted, feeling awkward. Clearly there was a loop he wasn't part of. Sebastian had the strangest sensation run down his back. My clever retort has been debauched.
"Loved by all." Alliahnna announced dreamily. "Sebastian and I vanished with little word some time ago. This is a good chance to apologize and catch up."
"Then let us not delay any further." Ciel opened the door, bowing to the entryway. "Shall we?" Alliahnna and Elizabeth curtsied, graciously strutting out the door. Ciel was anxious to meet the man that cared for his sister all these years.
(-)
On high from the Phantomhive Estate roof, two hued figures watched as a carriage departed for the main road. Glowing pink eyes sharpened with malicious toothy grins. Masked by the thicket of trees was a hidden visage, intensely monitoring the Phantomhive carriage departing. The only noticeable features are a pair of auburn eyes. As soon as the carriage disappeared so did the mysterious figure. Then the two on the roof.
(-)
"LAND HO! LONDONCITYBAY! HIS LORD'S SHIP LA REVOLUCION DOCKING!" A boisterous man in the crow's nest beckoned the porters. Several men on the pier lassoed ropes to the immaculate ship, pulling it safely to port. The anchor was dropped and the ropes were securely fastened to posts. A hand gesture signaled the lookout. "The ship is secure! All ashore who's going ashore!" Two deck hands tossed a plank which was caught by two other porters. The four stepped to the side and bowed.
Sebastian opened the carriage door. Ciel was the first to exit. He extended a hand to Elizabeth while Sebastian lent one to Alliahnna. For formality, Alliahnna wore a sapphire dress to match Ciel's, complete with a long bun braid draped to her exposed collar, and choker. Mey-Rin, Finnian, Bardroy, and Tanaka dressed to impress as well, eager to see Schneizel after all this time.
When the plank touched to the pier, all eyes glued to the deck of the ship. Schneizel emerged at the top of the plank. Fawning woman let out school girl cheers for him. Alliahnna, Ciel, and Elizabeth rolled their eyes. The cheer dissipated into disappointed moans when a beautiful blond woman hooked to his extended elbow.
"Marquess Lydia?!" Elizabeth and Alliahnna gasped.
"Friend of yours?" Ciel asked.
"There was an issue in Toulouse we aided her in solving." Elizabeth filled him in. "Marquess Lydia suffered the loss of her Uncle at the hands of two murderers. She seems to be doing well since then."
"Always making friends, eh Alliahnna?"
"I try." Sebastian tapped her shoulder. He directed her attention back to the boat. Someone else was coming ashore. Alliahnna and Elizabeth's jaws dropped to the ground, their eyes sparkling. Finnian, Mey-Rin, Bardroy, and full grown Tanaka were gushing in adoration. Phoebus, dressed in a yellow orange suit donned by a neatly folded black ascot, and Esmeralda, wearing a beautiful light green dress with pearl white shoes, were the next to stroll down the plank. In Esmeralda's arms was a little baby boy bearing a strong resemblance to Phoebus. Bardroy's heart skipped a beat when a familiar red haired, blue eyed beauty followed close behind them. Her maroon colored dress and platinum silver colored bracelets and necklace made him drool.
"Hana?"
Schneizel and Lydia bowed in thanks to the deckhands and porters. They were most gracious hosts. It was nice to receive an adoring crowd as a greeting. However Schneizel was hoping to be greeted by other friendly faces. Lao said he'd send word ahead of time. He thought somberly. Phoebus nudged his arm in Schneizel's back. Schneizel arched a brow when he pointed toward the town. A pleasant sight suddenly brightened his arrival to London. Alliahnna, Sebastian, and Elizabeth attracted him with the warm smiles. The others exuberantly waved them over. Hana glistened when she saw Bardroy. She couldn't' contain herself and ran to him. Alliahnna nodded to Bardroy. He laughed and ran to her.
"BARD!"
"HANA!" Bardroy lifted her in a spin. Wrapping his arms to her waist he drew her in for a passionate kiss. Ciel was smacked with dumbstruck three times in one week. "I missed you." He caressed her cheek.
"And I you." She hugged him tight. He ran his hand down her hair, savoring her warmth a little while longer.
"Schneizel!" Alliahnna embraced him.
"Alliahnna!" He snuggled his face in her hair. He hugged her as tight as any father would his daughter. "Elizabeth!" He opened his arm, drawing her in for the hug. "Sebastian, Finnian, Mey-Rin, Tanaka, Bardroy - lovely to see you all doing well."
"We thank you, Lord Schneizel." Sebastian bowed.
"WELCOME TO ENGLAND!" The other hooted.
"Marquess, it's wonderful to see you again." Elizabeth curtsied first then held her hands. "How are things in Toulouse?"
"Zey are magnifique. Merci, Mademoiselle Elizabesz."
"Phoebus! Esmeralda!" Alliahnna joined them in a group hug. They hugged her tightly, massaging her back. "How are you?"
"Wonderful now that we've finally made it out here." Phoebus announced. He cupped Alliahnna's chin, inspecting how well she's grown in the last year. "You look more beautiful than before. Both you do." She added, addressing Elizabeth.
"Why thank you." Elizabeth giggled.
"Sebastian, good to see you're taking care of my girl." He winked.
"Always." Sebastian placed both hands to her shoulders. "If I cannot care for my love, what kind of lover would I be?" Alliahnna sank bashfully between her shoulders. Sebastian's romanticisms were embarrassing. In public.
The bouncing baby boy's chattering pulled Elizabeth's heart strings. Alliahnna and Elizabeth were on the verge of exploding. "Is he…"
"Yes." Esmeralda stroked long patches of blond hair from the baby's face. "This is our son. Zephyr." Alliahnna, Elizabeth, and the others couldn't' resist squealing.
"Good show, you two!" Finnian cheered. Mey-Rin tickled his tummy.
Ciel watched idly as the group of tightly knit companions rekindled their stronger than ever friendship. Again he felt awkward around them. Perhaps he should wait in the carriage until needed. Just as he turned to excuse himself, Alliahnna hooked him by the arm and brought him in by the arm to meet her family from Paris. "Allow me to introduce you all to my brother. Ciel Phantomhive. Ciel, this is Count Schneizel el Britannia, Commander Phoebus and his Wife Esmeralda and their son Zephyr, Marquess Lydia De Toulouse, and Hana."
"A pleasure to meet you all. Welcome to England." Ciel crossed an arm in a respectful bow.
"You honor us with your presence, Earl Phantomhive." Schneizel returned the bow. The others bowed and curtsied to him. "Alliahnna always spoke highly of you."
"She speak in adulation of you. You have my most sincerest thanks for looking after her."
"No call for that, Lord Phantomhive. Besides, your sister cared more for me than I ever had to her." He admitted with the greatest reluctance. "She's quite the independant woman."
"Don't I know it." Ciel rumbled. Alliahnna flashed the biggest grin.
"Although, she understated the very strong fraternal resemblance between the two of you." Schneizel studied them. "Most fraternal twins bore hardly a single similar feature in the face. Ciel and Alliahnna could be mirror copies. "I'd wager you had fun as children playing tricks." Ciel and Alliahnna flashed mischievous grins, earning a chuckle from Schneizel.
"It would seem there is much to catch up on. Please allow us to house you at our manor." Ciel offered. "The chef is preparing tea and snacks as we speak."
"With such a tempting offer, how can we refuse?" Ciel nodded to Sebastian. The butler quickly hailed a carriage, opening a door for the Parisian guests. "Thank you." Schneizel guided his entourage to the carriage, allowing them to enter first and then him. Ciel, Alliahnna, and the others piled into the other carriage and they all set off for the manor.
"Isn't this a charming little family reunion?" An older gentleman with combed back hair remarked.
"Perhaps we should pay our respects to the Young Lord as well." The younger gentleman with long combed black hair suggested. A cup of tea raised to his mouth, taking care not to spill on the thin beard. "He technically is family. Sebastian and Alliahnna more so."
"Perhaps we should." The older man fixed the collar of his black trenchcoat. His crimson orbs were diverted to a crate. Near it was a man wearing a short cloak. The brim of his top hat obscuring the scathing glare of golden auburn eyes. A small group passed, and the man was gone without a trace. The older man chuckled. "Ah England. Another nesting ground for demons."
(-)
Ciel and Alliahnna gave their guests a tour of their manor. Newly refurbished and recently rebuilt after being burnt to ashes. Schneizel was impressed. He had heard about the unfortunate fate befalling the manor from Alliahnna. A subliminal remodel, he must say. The tour ended entering the upstairs parlor. The perfect scene to reconnect and reminisce. A pleasant view of the gardens and fountains added to the room's charm.
Sebastian poured the visiting company the first pot of Earl Grey tea mixed with honey and lemon spice. A fresh bottle was made for Zephyr. Mey-Rin and Finnian placed plates of cookies, finger sandwiches, and bowls of strawberries, seedless grapes, and bon-bons on the coffee table. Despite also being a guest, Hana urged she be allowed to join Bardroy and the others in another room. Schneizel welcomed it, but assured her she could return. Sebastian, on the other hand, decided to remain in the room.
"You all seem to be doing well for yourselves." Lydia announced, breaking the ice. "Particularly you, Earl Phantomhive. My most profound apologies for your incident."
"Thank you, Marquess. It was a terrifying ordeal." He was steadily becoming irked by everyone's concern for his previous fragile state of health. He stayed to the high road and took it with a grain of salt. "Thankfully my prolonged absence did not conceive need for worry. Alliahnna, Elizabeth - everyone has taken care of themselves and maintained affairs exemplarily."
"The faisz you hold in your sister and friends is inspiring, Lord." Ciel was flattered.
"So how are things back at Paris?" Alliahnna inquired. "The manor still in one piece?"
"Of course it is. What do you take me for?" Phoebus leaned in daringly.
"Just I seem to recall someone not being able to find the front of the platoon without guidance."
"Well you were new at leading so I didn't expect much." Phoebus cleverly retorted, winning the conversation. Alliahnna missed these conversations. Truthfully she missed everyone in Paris. She almost regrets leaving.
"By the way, how's Maes doing?" At that moment the mood on Schneizel's half of the room was blanketed by a mournful veil. Esmeralda curled tightly to Zephyr, holding him close as Phoebus rested a hand on her knee. Lydia and Schneizel lowered their heads. Alliahnna's stomach curdled. She understood. Elizabeth and Sebastian lowered their heads as well. "When?"
"Three months after you left. He was helping clean up the charred remains of the cathedral." Schneizel's voice cracked. Alliahnna's breath hitched in her throat. Notre Dame cathedral. A precious Paris landmark destroyed in the final battle against Ash and Angela. The Fallen Angels who humiliated and caused near genocide to the Phantomhive line. "A young child who was helping was caught under a beam. When he helped her, the opposing leverage brought debris on top of him."
"A brave man to the end." Ciel remarked in honor of Maes's memory. "A shame there are not more men like him."
"There were two before him." Alliahnna announced proudly, recalling Taylor and Carmichael. "They died helping me."
"Do not say such szings!" Lydia immediately halted Alliahnna's self loathing. "All three men died proudly and honorably. Be proud!" A warm smile was brought to Alliahnna's cheeks.
"Pardon me, Marquess." Elizabeth tenderly inserted herself. "But what brings you to England with Lord Schneizel?"
"Ah yes…" Schneizel cleared his throat. "There is an announcement we wish to announce to Paris, but wanted you all to hear first." He drew Lydia in by the shoulders, gently taking her hand in his. The gleaming diamond ring on her finger simultaneously slacked the expressions of the Phantomhive Hosts. "By this time next Spring…Lydia and I are to be married."
"NO WAY/CONGRATULATIONS!" Elizabeth and Alliahnna cheered, embracing Lydia and Schneizel in strong hugs. Alliahnna welcome Lydia to the family.
"Well done, My Lord." Sebastian extended him a hand. Schneizel shook it, thanking the butler.
"You both have my congratulations as well. Good show on you both!" Ciel rose to his feet. He too was excited for the Count and Marquess. This was an auspicious occasion. "Count Schneizel. As thanks for caring for my sister, and in celebration of your engagement, please allow me to throw a small gala in your honor."
"Lord Phantomhive, the offer is a generous one. You have been a most pleasant host." Ciel and Alliahnna sensed a but.
"However we must decline." Lydia agreed with her fiance. "It would be an imposition on our part. Plus we do not wish to trouble you."
"No trouble at all. In fact I insist." Ciel pressed. Schneizel may have been playing the humble guest, but Alliahnna saw right through him. He was buttering Ciel up before he said…
"In that case, we humbly accept your kind offer." Sebastian and Alliahnna flashed snarky grins.
"Excellent. Sebastian, make all the preparation for a small engagement party. Close associates and friends only."
"The date and time, Lord?"
"How long are you staying, Count?"
"We are here for three days."
"Then how does tomorrow night sound?"
"Tomorrow night is perfect, Monsieur Phantomhive." Lydia snuggled to Schneizel's arm.
"Then it's settled." Ciel declared.
"Great! Let me show you all to your rooms." Alliahnna offered. Elizabeth agreed to help her. There was still so much to catch up on.
Ciel listened to Alliahnna and Elizabeth rave on and on. Even down the hallway he could hear them telling Schneizel what they've been doing and how much they missed him. Ciel would be lying if he said he didn't feel the slightest twinge of jealousy. His sister and fiance the greatest of friends with someone who was once a stranger.
"Displaying weakness again, Lord?" Sebastian teased. "How unlike you."
An anime vein popped in his head as he growled, "Shut up! Don't you have a party to plan?"
"I have not forgotten, My Lord." Sebastian touched a hand to his chest, reassuring his flustered master. He slyly smirked watching Ciel's faltering porcelain features. "It will be customary for the hosts to share a dance with the guests of honor. Are you sure you can handle your sister dancing with another man?"
"Can you?" Ciel retorted, matching the smirk. "As I hear it you're the jealous, possessive one."
"Now from whom would that falsehood have conceived a ridiculous notion?"
"Straight from the mouth of the very horse you fancy."
Sebastian's brow knit. It would seem Alliahnna enjoyed gossiping about him when he isn't around. His throaty chuckle sent chills running down Ciel's spine. An eerie sense gripped him that he has just gotten his sister in hot water. "It has been a year. Perhaps it is time I re-educate the young mare." Sebastian exited the parlor. When the door locks clicked, Ciel sank in dread of what Alliahnna was about to face.
"I don't know whether to call the police or animal control." He trembled. He pressed his palms together, tilting his head toward the ceiling. "Alliahnna please do not smite me for it was only in harsh wordplay." He gestured the four points of the holy cross as protection from the inevitable mauling.
(-)
Carelessly the dress was cast over a full figure mirror. A croset thrown to the hamper. Uncomfortable undergarments replaced by lazing attire. Alliahnna threw herself to the plush cotton sheeted bed, sinking comfortably as her sore muscles gradually relaxed. She hardly flinched when her bath damp hair soaked the bedding. Cool air deprived by that ridiculous dress snaked to all the nooks and crannies her long night shirt exposed. She undid all the buttons on the chest, flapping the shirt to coax more air to bits of water remaining.
"Sweet...sweet...freedom…" The corset discarded to the floor was murderous on her back. Her night shirt exposed much of her thighs as she turned and snuggled to a large pillow. Her back cracked each time she moved. Her shoulders hurt from the dress forcing her to sit upright for so long. "Why did I even dress formally? It was Schneizel." Perhaps because when noble guests you greet them in formal wear. Schneizel would have scolded her for not doing so anyway. "Ugh...my back…" She drowsily rolled on her stomach to a much firmer spot on the bed. It wasn't so comfortable. It did feel good when she felt her spine straighten. For a second. "Now Ciel sees why I hate dresses." Miraculously, sleep dragged her further. Her eyes as heavy as lead blocks. All the aches and pains became innocuous.
Slender fingers positioned the tips on certain points of the sleeping Alliahnna's back. They rhythmically bounced side to side, up and down her back, massaging the tight muscles plaguing her back and shoulders. Alliahnna let out a small groan, her brow and cheeks twitching. The finger briefly stopped to curl into fists. The index knuckle and thumb were pressed and twisted in the shoulders, running all the way to her lower back and straight to the shoulders again. Alliahnna moaned a bit louder, curling her lower lip. Her thighs tensed together. A flat palm found her rump through the long nighty. Slowly it caressed one cheek to the other, tracing where the cheeks tucked. It pressed two fingers to the crevice, gliding the soft silk up...down...up...down. The teased thighs shuffled. Alliahnna was biting into her pillow, drooling, pleading. Her hips jerked in the hand. The hand snaked those two fingers up her back, dancing in the middle. The ball of the palms rested beneath the shoulder blades. Middle and ring fingers touched near the underarm and moved in small circles. Alliahnna giggled, shaking weakly against the fingers.
"Tickles…" She clawed the pillow, fighting to laugh. The fingers moved to her ribs. "Nuh-no…" Her stifled laughter sped them up. They dropped to her sensitive sides. "St...op..." Subconsciously she grasped one of the hands stopping it. She rolled on her back. A bent knee met her side. A hand curled with her fingers, pinning it above her head. Alliahnna rubbed the drowsiness, clearing her vision to see a grinning Sebastian hovering over her. "Sebastian? What are you…" She trailed off as he slid a palm over her right breast, grinding the length of his middle and ring finger to her hardened nipple. Alliahnna winced and cringed, writhing as his palm teased her breast. She clawed the sheets. Her cheeks flushing bright pink.
"My, what the dilemma…" Sebastian whispered huskily, savoring her arousing expression. He pressed a knee between her legs, leaning forward until his hair brushed her cheeks. "My Lady is in dire heat. In desperate need of pleasure and release." He licked her cheek, the brought his mouth to her ear, "But how can I reward her when she gossips to her brother about my moments of emotional weakness? A jealous and possessive man I am called." The hot breath scaled goose bumps. "While both may be true…" He slid the one hand down her belly, hooking the nightgown and pulling it up past her navel, "We can't have my young master knowing. That wouldn't be..." His hand slid lower until the finger disappeared in her thighs, "Fair!" Alliahnna clamped a hand to her mouth when she gasped. Her whole body jerked. One of Sebastian's fingers was inside her...moving in and out, twisting and wiggling like a worm. Sebastian snatched both of her hands, pinning them over her head. Alliahnna twisted in agony. Tears of pleasure gathering to the corners. "Would the greater punishment be to stop? Or shall I make you beg?"
"NN...ah...Se...bas...tian...do…" Moans halted her protests. His fingers danced in her nether regions, sending jolts shooting through her entire body. He placed his lips to her nipple, puffing hot air to the cloth. "Ugh...don't...gah...please…"
"I'm sorry, My Love. I didn't quite catch that." He mockingly leaned his ear close, earning chills from her shaky breaths. "You'll have to speak up." He crooned. He shoved a second finger in.
Alliahnna swallowed her moans, bringing her quivering mouth close to his ear. "Don't...torture...me…"
Sebastian's smirk widened. He moved his lips closely to hers, letting their lips brush against one another. "Beg, Little Alliahnna. Beg for it…" She shoved a third finger.
"AH! Please...Sebastian…"
"Please…"
"Punish me…"
"As you wish," He lightly tapped his uniform. The tailcoat, vest, and shirt all fell from his broad frame, "My Lady." He pressed the full weight of her form to hers, suckling the soft patch of her neck. Alliahnna wrapped her arms around his neck, teasing his ear with her tongue.
Unknown to the lovers a pair of golden auburn eyes glared beyond the window. A sharp gleam flashing across rectangular spectacles. The sight of the lovers drew a long ravenous tongue to slurp dry lips. The curtains drew themselves closed, ending the preview.
A spider crawled to the window. It's fangs drumming. A gloved hand tenderly lifted the spider. Fingers gently caressed the back. "Come into my parlor, Demons of Phantomhive." The Spider was placed to a leaf, left to its own devices. "Like flies you ignorantly buzz about. Wings carrying you aimlessly. Landing on a vine. Oblivious of the web you have been ensnared." The golden eyes swerved back. "Are you here to cut the web?" Two hued figures stood in the shadows, watching the spying man closely. The shadows revealed a fine young man, standing tall in his green and white suit. Draping black hair and a neatly trimmed beard only adding dramaturge to his sharp glowing pink eyes. Behind him emerged a black haired man in a trench coat, bearing the same demonic pink eyes. "Because I can assure you no matter how many strings you cut, I'll only create more. Eventually ensnaring all flies."
The spider beside them man burst into gooey bits. Three more spiders surrounding him burst. Their innards splashing to his cheek, wrinkling the spider man's brow. "Do not presume to make threats to us, boy." The older man warned in a low growl. "No flies have entered your web. Before you are a bat, a raven, snake, and a hound. All of whom make lunch out of Trancy Spiders. Claude Faustus."
Claude's name was uttered in disgust. Nevertheless he used a cloth to wipe the spider bits from his pale cheeks, never losing sight of the demons before him. "So you are they. The demon family feared by many in Hell. So terrifying even Grim Reapers quiver. The Family Michaelis. Jasper Aiden Michaelis, the father. And Zanosuke Michaelis, the elder brother."
"We shall not allow you to lay a finger upon my brother, his master, or my future sister." Zanosuke declared strongly. Blades of dew soaked grass reverberated at Claude's feet. "The web of lies you trapped Alois Trancy within will come undone, leaving you lying on your back, dying slowly with your legs curling."
Claude's face split into a menacing grin, further agitating Jasper with his obstinance. "I shall look forward to that day." Claude leapt through the trees, vanishing on the moonlit horizon.
Jasper and Zanosuke waited for his aura to dissipate. Leaves casually parted from their twigs, igniting a blaze and reducing to ash upon hitting the ground. "It would appear, father, you wish to get involved." Zanosuke caught a leaf. He admired the greenery as it burned in his fingers. "Shall we kill the Trancy Spiders then?"
"No. That delight belongs to Sebastian and Alliahnna solely." Jasper ran fingers through his hair, erasing his rage. "The humiliation they suffered is far worse than Claude's disrespect." He gave a depraved smile, licking his lips. "Besides to kill them now would deny me the chance to witness Alliahnna's true demon form ravage the masses. Whilst the Spider awaits death, I await the Bat to drain his life and serve us the corpse on a platter."
Hope you enjoyed.
More to come soon. Depending on how my work schedule looks.