The
Night's Masks
Moving on.
xxx
"Ciel? Ciel…? CIEL!" Ciel broke out of his trance. His fingers gripped a bed's edge. Alliahnna batted befuddled eyes at him, furrowing her brow at his spaced out expression. He wasn't looking at a ghost. "Goodness!" She stood straight up, putting her hands on her hips. "Didn't you do enough daydreaming on the way here?"
Ciel blinked in a daze. Slowly his mind came back to him. He was in an ornate guest room, sitting on one of two beds. One for him, the other for Alliahnna. Yes. I'm...in the guest room. His mind retraced. He lost track of how he got there. He was at the front door five minutes ago. Sebastian was situating the luggage, separating Ciel's and Alliahnna's in the drawers. He strived to assure his masters were comfortable in their lodgings. Alliahnna insisted on lodging with her brother. She refused to leave him alone in this manor. Sebastian was allowed a room next door to the twins. A butler must be near his masters at all times. A suspected ploy by Claude and his master.
Claude. That's right. The Trancy butler. He met them at the entrance. It's coming back to him. Ciel touched his racked head. At the entrance...everything escalated beyond comprehension. Everyone was...what is a word surpassing terrifying.
(Moments ago)
The manor flipped upside down. The ground traded places with the sky. Ciel's arms and legs swayed upward. "CIEL!" Alliahnna caught him by the underarms before he hit the ground. Sebastian gasped in dismay. Ciel collapsed in her grasp, hyperventilating in a drowning sweat. Everything was shaking in his frozen gaze. He couldn't stop himself from shaking. "Come on, Ciel! Up you go!" Alliahnna looped his arm around her neck, hauling him to his feet. Subconsciously his knees locked, feet planted.
"It would seem the Young Lord is weary from the trip." Claude adjusted his glasses. He stepped aside, bowing to his esteemed guests. "Please come in."
"This way, My Lady." Sebastian supported her.
"Carefully, Ciel. Move with me." Alliahnna paced herself, taking half to full steps. Ciel mustered steps in tandem, stumbling and tripping on his own heels. Alliahnna lifted him crossing the threshold. "There you go." Alliahnna held his hands, letting him walk on his own a short ways.
Ciel steadied his breath. He put one foot in front of the other. Weak knees gained bajc their strength. The light feeling spinning his head disoriented him. He lifted his head to present himself in a proper fashion. Once again, Ciel froze like a deer in headlights. The chandelier, splitting foyer stairwell, the door under the second level - it was out of focus. Threes and fours of the same object sent Ciel into that nauseating spiral. He plummeted in a hole that wasn't even there. Then was lighter than air, throwing his stomach aloof.
'I've been here before!' He screamed in his mind. 'I...know...' Ciel's eyes closed.
"Ciel! What's wrong?!" Alliahnna caught him again.
"Have our rooms been prepared?" Sebastian asked urgently.
"Before you arrived." Claude dutifully answered.
"Take us to one of them now!"
"Speak to me, Ciel!" Alliahnna pleaded.
(Present Time)
Ciel was brought to this room and was conscious enough to sit instead of lie down. It wasn't until Alliahnna called to him that he became aware of his surroundings again. What was that? He wondered. He cupped his flushed cheeks. What came over me? A stampede trampled him, robbing wind straight from his lungs.
"Let's see..." Alliahnna put a palm to his forehead, and her free to hers. "That's good. No fever. So...what happened back there?"
"I...don't know." Ciel breathlessly replied. Sebastian gave him a glass of water. The cooling liquid helped relax him. "One minute I'm listening to an aggressive conversation," Sebastian and Alliahnna laughed shamefully to one another. It was a pretty heated talk, "The next I am entering the home...and it all went into a blur. But..." He can't forget that feeling. He's been in that foyer before. "I'm not sure how...but, have I been in this house before?"
Sebastian and Alliahnna stiffened. They shared grim expressions. Their one concern has already reared its ugly head. Thinking he's been in the manor before may appear as deja vu to him. Sebastian knew better. His soul is remembering what his mind has lost. Starting with the earliest.
"We don't believe so." Ciel and Sebastian were taken aback by Alliahnna's response. She obscured her guilt. The boldfaced lie would not be spotted. She silently inhaled, gaining courage to look him in the eye. "When we were kids we visited a manor similar to this one. The difference being the color scheme."
"Oh...I see." Ciel took that to thought. If her were to go over it in his head, it is possible another home resembled this one. "Still, it was a very strange feeling."
"I guess it might be." Alliahnna hoisted him to his feet. He wobbled on the ascent. "Here…" She fixed his disheveled hair and suit. He was a right mess. "That's better. You look like a proper gentleman now."
"What do you mean now?!" He clenched a fist. "I'm more of a Gentleman than you are a Lady!"
Alliahnna grit her teeth. A vein pinched in her head. "I swear you make another remark about my skirt-"
Knock-knock-knock. Ciel and Alliahnna glowered disdainful to the opening door. Claude's arrival stifled the air. "Pardon the intrusion. I heard shouting and came to investigate. Is all well?"
"As well as can be expected." Ciel responded on ceremony. He collected himself, shooting firm eyes to the stone faced butler. "Now, to business. I wish to speak with Alois Trancy on an important matter." He demanded.
"Unfortunately, My Master is away on business." Claude apologetically bowed. "He will return in time for the ball."
"That is unfortunate." Alliahnna stood by her brother's side. "The trip here, it was our fond hope to speak with him."
"I do apologize, again." Sebastian found fault in the man's claim. Any self respecting butler would be by his master's side at all times. The enemy responsible for harming his master are within his home. It is dangerous for a frail boy to be alone. "The ball will not begin for a couple hours. You all must be weary from your long trip. I have refreshments prepared in the drawing room. The other guests have already arrived."
"What other guests?" Ciel lifted a brow.
"Better follow the man and find out!" Alliahnna gave him a little push. Ciel protested, urging her to stop pushing. "GET...GOING!" She gave him a powerful shove out. "Let's go relax before the party!" Ciel rubbed his back irately. Alliahnna is so rough sometimes.
"If you will all follow me." Claude led the way. Ciel grudgingly followed him.
Alliahnna's eagerness died down when he was out of sight. Her hands slowly lowered, drooping at her sides. Sebastian solemnly breathed from his nose. The masks Alliahnna forces herself to don. Ambiguous is the anguish blistering her inner self. "Forgive me." Sebastian spoke to her guilt. In the course a few short hours, Alliahnna has sworn to calm waters in the near future, hiding the real storm approaching in hopes Ciel will drift safely to shore. "Please endure."
"It's all for Ciel's well being. Is that not what you said?" She monotonously replied.
"Y-yes, but-"
"Then the bold faced lies will flow like a river until he is fixed." Her head stiffly turned. Sebastian was shocked by her glowering blank expression. Someone else entirely pierced Sebastian, - for the first time - bringing chills of fear crawling down his back. "I am no longer your master. But you will heed THIS order." Sebastian wordlessly nodded. "We're going to make Ciel whole again. And when he is, and his soul is to your liking, you're going to devour him and put an end to this madness."
Sebastian stood there at a loss for words, trapped in awe of His Lady. He imploded inside. Caught himself on the dresser so her fury wouldn't cripple him. Alliahnna's mental state was all across the board. Relaxed, sadistic, imbecilic, happy, angry, enraged...satanic. It was difficult to establish a baseline from which he can begin to comfort her. The day Claude handed them the invitation, Sebastian noticed the change. He assumed she would blow it over as she always has. Return to normal. As he well knows, her time of normalcy is fading to myth.
"Yes..." Sebastian dropped to one knee, "My Lady."
"Very good..." She jadedly marched for the door.
As she past by him, Sebastian's eyes widened to the minute demon aura flaking off her body. The girl walking into the hallway pieced away with those flakes. Her power's growth is straining her mental state. Sebastian assessed in his mind. Irrationality, impulse. Had I not intervene... Sebastian's reaction to her premature assault on Claude halted the risk of a dangerous onslaught transpiring. Claude's reaction to her lunge forever engraved in his head. Briefly, he was unable to properly respond. He didn't detect it. Sebastian should be worried for her growing out of hand. Instead...he was smiling.
xxx
Sebastian, Alliahnna, and Ciel dismissed Claude's guidance a few doors from the Drawing Room. Claude offered no argument to their decision. There is still much work to be done before the ball this evening. The trio found the ball to be of great convenience. The constantly watchful spectacles of the Head Butler were beginning to become tedious.
"OH! CIEL!" Ciel hadn't passed the arch before being ambushed by the ever eccentric Elizabeth. Her signature iron embrace stealing his breath. Paula, joining Elizabeth, bowed to them
"ELIZABETH!" Ciel heaved.
"Ciel, I told you! It's just Lizzie!" She scolded him. He's always so formal with his intended.
"Good to see you, Lizzie!" Alliahnna warmly greeted. "I've missed you."
"ALLIE!" Elizabeth sparkled, hugging her too.
"I guess we aren't loved anymore, are we, Phoebus?" Alliahnna turned to the voice. She ardently glistened at the two men in the corner.
"I guess not, Schneizel." Phoebus roguishly grinned. "We hold no comparison to the adorable Elizabeth Midford."
"Don't ever say that!" Alliahnna ran and threw her arms around both of them, giggling adulatedly. Her flushed cheeks warmed their spirits. "You both always have a special place in my heart. I'm glad that you came."
"As are we." Schneizel lovingly pet her head.
Phoebus placed a proud hand to her back, "It's wonderful to see you, Alliahnna." Alliahnna snuggled between them. A puppy nuzzling her mother. Egh, a father and brother in this case. "Lord Phantomhive, Sebastian," Phoebus bobbed his head, "Always a pleasure."
"You as well, Commander. Lord Count." Ciel greeted them heartily. Sebastian returned the bow. Ciel is pleased to see them again. Civility and decorum will be present at this party after all. It's a short list who Ciel holds in high regard. Schneizel and Phoebus hold places at the top. The two men who helped safeguard his sister all these years.
"How did you both make it here on time?!" Not that she wasn't happy to see them. She feared Lydia and Esmeralda were left in over their heads running Paris. "France isn't too spanned a jaunt, but-"
"You can thank me for that one." A familiar, naturally duplicitous voice chirped. Resting luxuriously on one of the green couches, the lithe and supple Ran-Mao straddling his hips, Lao greeted the Phantomhives with a lift of his pipe. "Honestly, My Lady, you and the Young Lord are not as punctual as the world believes."
"Lao!" Ciel drawled bitterly. And to think the night promised to be grand. "So you two were invited as well?" He hoped they snuck their way in somehow. It meant they'd be kicked out later on.
"Now, now. Is that anyway to talk to the man who brought your sister's dearly beloved surrogates across the pond?" He teased. Phoebus and Schneizel chuckled dryly. A little dramatic than what it was. "A few days before I received the invitation, these fine Gentleman and I - by a stroke of fate - had business in Ireland. They're schedules were free for the next week, so I brought them over to England."
"Mr. Lao included us as honorary guests upon accepting the invitation." Schneizel finished. "Alois was more than pleased to permit us in."
Alliahnna shivered, laughing grimly. "So you met his Lord Earldom again too, huh?" She twisted with dread. Schneizel shared her gloom. Alois is a boy you meet once, and never want to see again. He was present when Alliahnna dealt with Alois piss poor behavior during his trip to France. While recalling her care of him brought a sadistic smile to his lips, fret of retribution for the humiliation tangled his nerves. "Oh well. How you came to be here is irrelevant. I'm so happy you both came."
"As are we." Schneizel kissed her forehead.
Alliahnna strolled to Lao and Ran-Mao, offering both a gracious bow. "You have my thanks as well, Lao."
"Not at all, My Lady." He thumped his pipe under her chin. "Although I am a man who collects on favors." The pipe slithered down her neck tie, stopping at the buttons nearest her breast, "I am sure I will think of a means of reparation." Phoebus snatched the pipe, breaking it in half with his thumb. Sebastian twisted his arm, earning a crack! Schneizel roughly grasped his jaw, forcing the merchant to look him dead in his dour glare. Elizabeth, Paula, Alliahnna, and Ciel edged to the opposite side of the room. Ran-Mao squared in her fighting stance behind the couch. Lao laughed nervously. The dark glares of all three men pierced him like blades. "Of course I mean an eventual business proposition! Nothing salacious or defaming of the young lady's virtue! I'd never do that!" The three accepted his word and released him. Lao saw his life flash before his eyes.
"It's already lively and the party hasn't begun yet." Sebastian chortled.
"That always happens when we're all gathered together." Elizabeth giggled.
"Then surely SHE must be close by." Ciel searched the room. By his count, one guest has yet to be in attendance. "I'm surprised she's late. Normally her sixth sense detects gatherings like this and brings her running."
"Who do you mean?" Elizabeth remarked.
"Madam Red..." A hole tore Elizabeth and Alliahnna's chests open. "I would think she'd miss this for the world." Lao's sealed, fox eyes opened. A grim hue dimmed them. "It's quite odd for her to miss a Costume Ball. This is precisely the sort of thing she enjoys." Schneizel and Phoebus know of this Madam Red woman. Alliahnna and Ciel's Aunt who purportedly died some years ago. By the tension hanging in the air, that is still the case. They looked to Sebastian for answers, as Alliahnna and Elizabeth were trying to maintain composure. The butler nodded humbly, promising to explain at a later time. He forgot they weren't in on the secret.
"Yes...about that-" Elizabeth crazily waved her arms, distracting Ciel from Lao's hazardous explanation.
"Please, Lady Elizabeth, do try to calm yourself." Sebastian implored. Her scene will only succeed in rousing questions. This is harder than I thought it would be. Alliahnna groaned mentally. It can't possibly get any worse.
"CIEL…!" A sobbing young, dark skinned threw his arms around Ciel. "IT'S TRUE! YOU REALLY ARE ALIVE!"
"SOMA!" Alliahnna shrieked out loud, romaji letters in her gaping mouth. They got worse! Everyone was as astonished as she was. Schneizel and Phoebus were on pins and needles, and they weren't clued in on what was happening.
Soma wept waterfalls, drenching Ciel's cheek to his shoulder. "It is so good to see you, Ciel!" He sniffled. "I could hardly believe it! When I heard you were alive...OH CIEL!" Falling tears erupted into spouts, practically flooding the floors. "YOU'VE GROWN SO MUCH! NO LONGER THE LITTLE BOY I KNEW!"
"WHAT IN BLAZES ARE YOU DOING?! WHO ARE YOU?!" Ciel twisted in the crazed man's arms.
"Who am I?" Soma was hurt by the question. He looked the boy in the eye, searching for the tiniest shred of falsehood. There was none. "So it is true. POOR CIEL!" Soma tightened the hug, snuggling to Ciel's cheek.
"ARE YOU MAD?! UNHAND ME!"
"Oh dear! Is that who I think it is!?" Elizabeth felt her anxiety spike at Soma's blubbering.
"I do believe that is our old friend, Prince Soma." Phoebus responded, itching his beard puzzled. "It would seem he is as attached to Ciel as he is Alliahnna." Back in Paris, when Soma and his butler Agni visited for a time, Soma and quickly became close with Alliahnna. It was believed the two shared a whirlwind romance. Soma bragged enough about their - brief - kiss in Notre Dame.
"He'll ruin everything!" Elizabeth kept her shriek to a whisper.
"What, precisely, is he going to ruin?" Phoebus put knuckles to his hips. He and Schneizel grew tired of the secrecy. Paula cupped a palm beside her mouth. Phoebus and Schneizel leaned. It was hard to hear over Soma's blubbering. They shot wide, disbelieving eyes to Ciel. Accounting Alliahnna's awkwardness, and Elizabeth's panic over Soma, it all made perfect sense. "The poor boy." Phoebus lent him his heart. However, due to Sebastian being in the mix, Phoebus and Schneizel doubted amnesia was the sole affliction.
Soma's wailing rose three octaves, breaking every eardrum in the drawing room. "Someone make him stop!" Elizabeth yanked on her pigtails. "He's going to spoil everything!"
"Oh, there's no need to worry." Sebastian chuckled. "Lady Alliahnna is quite capable of handling unruly children. And there is also the Prince's capable butler awaiting in the wings."
"Soma! Stop!" Alliahnna grabbed him by the under arms, prying the sobbing boy off. Ciel heaved for air. He dabbed the salty tears off his cheek and shoulder. "Come on! Hold it together!"
Soma snorted hard, failing to grasp at the tiniest bit of decorum. He twisted glossy golden eyes to the young woman holding. It sounded church bells in his heart to see her. "Alliahnna…?" He whimpered her name. Snout was dribbling as profusely as his tears. He can't bear it. If she doesn't know him...he'll...he'll..."Do you...do you still-"
Alliahnna halted his ill timed question with a warm smile, and a finger to his lips. She turned him towards her, cleaned him up, and then hugged him. "It is wonderful to see you again, Soma. Thank you for coming tonight." She cooed.
Soma cried harder. Tears of joy and sorrow drenched her. "I'M GLAD I CAME TOO!" Soma howled. He abruptly tore from Alliahnna and threw himself on Ciel. "OH CIEL! I'M SO SORRY!" Ciel was none too happy about it. Everyone else was second from phasing through the floor. Alliahnna's a demon, not a god. She can't hold him back forever.
"Highness! You mustn't!" Agni's arrival was timed perfectly. He effortlessly pulled the pitiable man off Ciel. A relief to all churning on the inside.
"NO! Do not take me away from Ciel!" Soma flailed his arms and legs.
"Who is this lunatic?!" Ciel snarled to Alliahnna. He certainly found them friendly.
"Yes. Well...he and I met in Paris." Sweat droplets hung to her head. "We became friends
"How is it you meet the strangest of people?!" Ciel disparaged.
"I'm not the one with a loon for a fiancee."
"That's debatable."
Agni surreptitiously glanced to Sebastian and Alliahnna. Firm nods confirmed what they have witnessed. It then became pertinent to maintain the charade. Agni was happy to oblige. "Apologies, Lord…" Agni set the introduction with a bow, "Allow me to introduce my master. The 26th child of the King of Bengal." Elizabeth and Alliahnna have heard many a ridiculous things. But 26 kids? Birthdays must be a nightmare. Schneizel was one long night from creating that nightmare. "This is Prince Soma Asman Kadar."
"Why did this Prince begin blubbering the moment he saw me?!" Ciel demanded. He held doubts if Soma was a Prince at all.
"OH CIEL!" Agni barred the wailing Prince from him. Soma reached for him, hoping to grasp the tiniest thread that knew him. "It was so overwhelming!"
"He and Lady Alliahnna became quite close during our time in Paris. She spoke very highly of you. Regaling us in tales of your youthful adventures." Alliahnna bashfully blushed. The one shred of truth and it embarasses her. "In turn, the prince became enthralled and felt he knew you. Meeting you for the first time overwhelmed him is all."
"Well tell him to get a grip!" Ciel snapped. Soma hung like a limp doll in Agni's arms. "You'd think he was reunited with a long lost brother the way he's crying!"
"His Highness is deeply moved to finally meet the founder of the Funtom Company." Agni stood him up straight. It was unbecoming of a Prince to behave this way. "Where we come from the toys your company produces are considered precious."
"No matter what…" Soma blurted, "I will always have my memories!"
"As the Prince said," Agni blacked the Prince, "Those toys are tied to important memories!"
"THE WORLD MAY CHANGE!" Soma practically climbed to get past his butler. "But our friendship will never fade!"
"Me-memories regarding a certain friend from the Prince's childhood!" Agni was losing ground. Soma's flying lips are another second away from giving everything away. "Sadly...that friend...it's too awful!" Agni's own tears started to flow. Soma regarded the sobbing butler with concern. "I'm sorry...MY PRINCE!" He hugged Soma.
"OH, AGNI!" Soma hugged back. The two dropped to their knees, crying in each other's arms.
Sebastian sighed defeatedly. Quite the soap opera so early in the day. "I fear there is nothing we can do for them now. Come Master, My Lady," Sebastian gestured to the door, "Let us retire. We must prepare you both for the ball."
"You both go on ahead." Alliahnna grasped Agni and Soma by the arms, helping them to their feet. "I want to reminisce a while."
"Don't be too long." Ciel urged, walking with Sebastian.
"I won't!" She called, closing the door behind him. She and Sebastian shared grim glares before the door closed fully. To say Alliahnna was relieved they were gone was too mild.
"Forgive me, Lady Phantomhive…" Agni collected himself, drying his tears on his sleeve. "The Prince escaped me before I could properly intervene."
"Not at all. I'm glad you came when you did." Alliahnna extended a hand, " It's great to see you again, Agni."
"You as well." Agni shook her hand, then lightly pecked the top. "Lady Elizabeth, Mr. Lao, Lord Schneizel, and Lieutenant Phoebus. It pleases us both to see you all healthy." Agni extended greetings to all of his old friends.
"It's Commander now." Phoebus pridefully boasted.
"Congratulations!"
"Thank you."
The uplifted mood was spoiled when Alliahnna shot Soma a glare. "Can you make it anymore obvious that we're all hiding something?!" Alliahnna roared, scaring Soma to cower behind Agni. "I'm starting to regret letting Sebastian say a word to you!"
"I'm sorry! It's just…" Soma threw his head back, wailing loudly, "I MISSED CIEL SO MUCH! AND HE'S GROWN UP SO FAST!"
"We all missed him, Soma! Lizzie and I more so!" She gestured to the teary eyed girl. Paula cradled her in her arms, letting her sob into her chest. "But for Ciel's well being we have to pretend nothing's amiss. That everything...is fine." Ciel passed out simply from entering the threshold. Her tooth bit hard in her lip, breaking the skin.
Schneizel touched a handkerchief to the trickling blood. "It is the one of the hardest tasks to be asked of a family." Alliahnna's no longer a little girl. Nevertheless he wrapped her to his side, massaging her arm. "And though much is obscure, I am confident you will prevail." Alliahnna's sadness dimmed to deep sorrow. Her bangs hid her swelling anger. Schneizel paused when she removed his arm, and stormed out of the room. Phoebus was equally stunned. "Did I...say something wrong?"
"I'm not sure."
xxx
Ciel and Sebastian were back at their room, washing up for the ball. By the number of guests already starting to arrive, and how swiftly preparations had been finished, it was decided that the ball would begin sooner than later. By the time all are dressed, the buffet should be set, and tables of champagne and wine set for those who wish to lube up before getting acquainted.
By a sheer stroke of luck by her aimless wandering, Alliahnna found the storage room where the servants of other guests prepared their master's costumes for the evening. Bardroy, Finnian, and Mey-Rin twirled in delight, holding and modeling their costumes. They couldn't wait for the ball to start. The theme they have planned is guaranteed to win the favor of all on the dance floor.
Alliahnna politely intruded on their fun, asking for her costume. Finnian found it sealed in tarp beneath Ciel's. Alliahnna draped it to her arm, thanking them. Mey-Rin offered to help her put it on. It looked like a difficult piece. Alliahnna assured her there was no need to fuss. She can handle it. Besides, it would give her a moment to calm down before wining and dining with other nobles.
"This just might be the longest night of my life..." Alliahnna dismally moaned. If it weren't life or death, she would have stayed home. The things she does for family.
Alliahnna was so lost in thought she arrived to the top of the stairs. She was hardly aware she ascended them. She rounded a corner to head to her room. She stopped dead in her tracks. Anxiety and disdain widened her trembling sapphire orbs. Incredulity locked to the three figures standing in her path. Their identical style in attire nowhere near as menacing as their identical stoic faces. She knew those three faces. 'One, two, three young boys impaled to the Trancy Manor Walls. Hot, glazed pink eyes burning with humiliation.' The Trancy House Triplet's. The underlings of Claude. The only one missing was the woman. Who hasn't graced them with her appearance yet. Alliahnna's body instinctively shifted to a defensive stance. He slithering hand grasped air at her back. She'd left her sword home so not to antagonize chaos.
No matter. I don't need a sword to- The triplets interrupted her hostile thoughts by opening a door. Alliahnna blinked confusedly. Was she expected to enter? Why? So they can trap her inside? many accusations rose to their intentions The closest one saw her reluctance and reached inside. He pulled a rock of hung up costumes into the hallway. They were labeled with other guests names. By the tags, the Triplets cleaned, pressed, and freshened the costumes.
"Oh! No! No thank you!" Alliahnna adamantly protested. "My costume is fine. I was just going to go get ready and change into it." The rack was returned, and the triplets silently bowed. Not much for words, are they? In this instance, the philosopher who theorized actions speaking louder than words was spot on. The three motioned hands to the hall, asking Alliahnna to follow them to her room. "Th-thank you." Alliahnna kept a considerable distance from them. She can't quite put her finger on it, but those three disconcerted her more than Claude. "Such an odd pair."
xxx
A couple short hours later, the ballroom was filled with lively, vibrant people. The orchestra hidden behind planters and wardrobe walls began with a light piece. Enticing for a dance, and gentle to elicit conversation. The perfect tone for pleasing the rather elated guests.
Ciel, dressed as the iconic Napoleon Bonaparte, refrained from the party and clung to the wall. He drank his beverage from a mug, suited for his choice of costume. And that I'm smiling on the inside expression just accentuated the role.
"I half expected Hamlet as your choice." Alliahnna mocked. She, Schneizel, and Phoebus reveled in how well he fit the costume. "But I suppose Napoleon is perfect as well."
"I must compliment you on your costumes as well." Ciel admired them head to toe. "They fit you all perfectly."
"Very kind of you to say, Lord Phantomhive." Schneizel graciously thanked.
Alliahnna came as the goddess Artemis. Her glossy hair was tied up. A leaflet crown, with an elven tiara decorated the hairstyle. Taunt brown leather wrapped her form above the chest to her mid thigh. A mild green sleeveless, V necked tunic piece complimented the same colored loincloth hugging her hips. Gauntlet vambrace on her triceps matched the stunted bands on her biceps. Cloth looped her middle finger, anchoring the gauntlets in place. The bicep bands bore Artemis's insignia - A Stag. Leather boots Elizabeth helped her pick out stopped at her knee. An earring shaped as a bow, and another as the arrow quiver adorned her ears.
Schneizel attended as a Matador. Complete with a red cape hanging off his shoulder. The tight black trousers flattered his favorite attributes to flaunt. He intended to model for the photographers. A souvenir for Lydia upon his return. He loved tapping his black boots. Were it he remembered maracas he'd dance in them all night. His loose white shirt allowed air to reach humidified skin. All the bodies in the ballroom made him sweat. The scruffy, parted collar running down his chest made the women swoon. And his ebony hat. That was another personal favorite.
Phoebus decided to dress as an executioner. A joke on his part for the man dressing as a king. Worn, dark brown trousers sewn with decorative patches for an aged effect. The folded cuff boots had tears in certain areas as well. Iron perceived rubber gauntlet vambrace hugged to his triceps. Ax insignia's were engraved by him. Bringing a real or fake ax might have unnerved some of the guests. Scars and bruises had been painted to his exposed torso, chest, and back. A complementation to his mask. Esmeralda would scream if she saw him. Excitement or horror was up to her.
"CIEL!" Elizabeth spotted him halfway across the room. Her aboriginal princess costume was simply adorable on her. The brown complemented her eyes. "You wear one too!" She placed an eagle's feather in his hat.
"Fine..." Ciel indifferently esigned.
"Now we match!" Elizabeth squealed. Phoebus and Schneizel's jaws hit the floor spotting Paula. Her Egyptian Princess costume was...revealing. He jingling those bells wasn't helping avert their eyes.
"Do I need to send Esmeralda and Lydia the eyes falling out of your heads?" Alliahnna crossley threatened.
"WHAT?!" Phoebus flinched.
"We're not staring! We're admiring!" Schneizel's red cheeks spoke otherwise. Alliahnna hummed skeptically. She's known them too long to buy that outright lie.
"You're not wearing a costume, Highness." Elizabeth remarked baffled by Soma outfit. He was just wearing a plaid design overcoat and a hat. The pipe wasn't much of a costume.
"Of course I am. Sherlock Holmes at your service." He bobbed his head. No one had the heart to tell him. It can be an inside joke.
"Where's Agni?" Phoebus asked. He was eager to see his costume.
"We brought something special for tonight's party. He's seeing to them now."
"I hope he hurries." Phoebus admired the gathering. "He won't want to miss this."
"LOOK MASTER!" Mey-Rin, Finnian, and Bardroy bellowed.
"We're the three creatures from the Journey to the West!" Bardroy baulked under his bird bill.
"You three look amazing!" Alliahnna applauded.
"How kind of you, Lady Alliahnna!" Mey-Rin blushed the same shade as her pig snout. Lao and Ran-Mao admired the animated group from a couch near the wall. Lao was dressed as a Japanese Lord, with Ran-Mao as his Lady. Tonight was going to be interesting for them.
"Where's Sebastian gone to?" Alliahnna scoured the crowd, half expecting him to be spying in a dark corner somewhere.
"I have him searching this mansion from top to bottom." Ciel complacently sipped his fruity beverage. Alliahnna followed his demeanor, presenting fake pleasure to the festivities. "These people are hiding something. And I intend to sort out what."
"I'm inclined to agree." Alliahnna slid her stare to the Triplets entering the ballroom. One carried refreshments on a try to replace the empty settings. The other offered his services to fetch cloths, or ensure the guests were pleased. The last one offered drinks to those whose hands were empty. And, every now and again, short glances to Ciel were caught. "I get the distinct feeling we're being watched."
"Perhaps I may ask a favor of you." Cie whispered, not wishing to disturb Phoebus and Schneizel. It wasn't unknown to Ciel her being a demon saddens them. Having her take orders might stroke a sour nerve.
"Of course."
"Do not take your eyes off the servants." Ciel marked the odd triplets, engraving their deceiving faces in his brain. "They act unfavorably, I want you to eliminate them. Am I understood?"
A bloodthirsty smirk spilt her face. "But of course, Little Brother." She licked her lips.
BOOM! The ballroom quaked asunder. Aghast heads turned. Ciel and Alliahnna grimaced devastated. Bardroy chopped the table in half with his prop sword. Someone will need to have words with whoever gave him a real sword. Apparently he was helping chop the food and went overboard.
CRASH! Ciel and the other poked their heads into the hallway. Finnian was on his knees crying. A box of fine wine broke, and the wine sullied the long throw rug. He wanted to carry the boxes and help out. Be useful and show what Phantomhive servants could do. It was believed it couldn't possibly get any worse. How foolish of Ciel and Alliahnna to be so naive.
Mey-Rin stumbled and tripped throughout the whole ballroom. A tower of fragile wobbled in her flimsy arms. She regain her balance only to be thrown off by the awkwardness of the china. Her feet were slipping from under her.
The three nearby triplets sensed disarray in their carefully laid preparations. The three split up, conquering each problem in a swift manner. The table demolish by Bardroy was replaced. The soiled food and dishes swept. A new table cloth, and extra food was set. The rug Finnian forever ruined was rolled up, and then a new one rolled past him. neat, clean, and fresh. Finally, the plates Mey-Rin lost grip on were saved seconds before hitting the same can't be said for Mey-Rin's pide. She felt lower than the ground.
Alliahnna and Ciel never felt more believed their blunders were easily remedied. Trancy servants regardless, those three were their new favorites for the time being. They couldn't relax quite yet. In spite of their mistakes, Mey-Rin, Finnian, and Bardroy insisted on continuing to help. They are servants, after all. They should be helping as well.
Ciel couldn't bear it. He hid his dead behind a hand. Alliahnna rolled up her sleeves. "Ugh...I've got them."
"Please hurry." Ciel begged. To think he brings them into the public. As he turned to drown his humiliation in food, a tray tapped him. Purple wine soiled his costume.
"I'M TERRIBLY SORRY!" The clumsy servant woman meekly fretted.
"No, it's nothing." Ciel reassured her. He'd hate to spoil her evening by making a scene. "Don't worry about it."
"Oh dear," She pinched the cloth, obsessing over the damage she'd wrought, "I'd hate it if I let this stain!" Her woeful, skyblue eyes pleaded for forgiveness. Her platinum blond hair made them glisten. A touch of pink flushed Ciel's cheeks. "Please. Follow me." She insisted, leading Ciel out of the ballroom.
Meanwhile, Bardroy, Finnian, and Mey-Rin huddled in a corner, already plotting their next game plan. Not so much as a shred of remorse for their previous screw up. They figured if they do better a second time, it'll make up for their previous mistake. A dark figure loomed over the three klutzy servants. Knuckles cracked, sending dreadful lightning shooting down their spines. All three received knocks to the head, and then remorsefully sat on their knees in the corner. The Triplets gathered to inspect the commotion.
"Please pardon them!" A popped vein twitched Alliahnna's brow. They bowed on their elbows in apology to the triplets cleaning up after them, and to Alliahnna who was massaging her knuckles. Alliahnna gruffly cleared her throat.
"PLEASE FORGIVE US!" The three wailed, sobbing like babies. The Triplets raised a hand, finding no harm and no foul in their desire to help. The triplets returned to their work, while Alliahnna and the others dealt with the terrible threesome.
"How is it you three didn't bing Schneizel's manor to the ground?" Alliahnna snarled. Schneizel wondered that himself.
"Honestly," Soma sighed disappointed, "What can be done with you three?" Elizabeth was cross with them as well. Embarrassing Ciel and Alliahnna in front of so many important people is nothing short of appalling.
"Well...we are sorry." Bardroy lowered his head shamefully.
"Very, very sorry." Mey-Rin wept. No one can really blame them for trying. It's just when they try too hard they tend to create a bigger mess than what was started with.
"My Prince.." Agni arrived carrying a platter with a dome lid. He was wearing a rather dashing suit. He wore it well. The white mustache raised a few question marks.
"Ah, Watson, they're done?" Soma beamed. Phoebus saw that coming. Although, Agni would portray a good Moriarty.
"They are." Agni answered, quite peased with himself. He lifted the dome. Piping hot bread dazzled the ravenous crowd.
"The famous curry bread!" Lao beamed.
Schneizel slurped his drool, only drooling more as the smell caught his nose. "I have been dying for those for a whole year!" Phoebus held him back before he dove for the platter.
"How did you manage to make them?" Paula marveled.
"Earlier I took the liberty of borrowing the mansion's kitchen." Explains where he's been this whole time.
"If Ciel has a taste, perhaps some of his memory will return."
Alliahnna gawked astonished. "You made these to help Ciel?" She understood everyone there respected Ciel. Considered him a close friend. But she never imagined they'd devise ways of helping him. She expected them to let his illness run its course. "Soma, you don't have to do that."
"But I want to. Not just for us, or Ciel." He rested a loving hand on her shoulder, "But for you as well." Alliahnna was taken aback. "Ciel is more than a sibling to you. Seeing him in agony upsets you, and none of us here like seeing either of you suffer." Agreeing nods bobbed from the smiling crowd. "If there is a way we can help, please let us."
Alliahnna laughed tenderly. "I guess I have no choice." She acquiesced quietly. "Thank you, everyone." She meant it. If by chance their efforts will save Ciel before the Trancy's since their fangs into him, she welcomes their aid.
"Where did Ciel run off to anyway?" Elizabeth's question roused a red flag in Alliahnna. He was gone. He must have left during the chaos with Mey-Rin, Bardroy, and Finnian. Surely he would have returned by now. Maybe Sebastian pulled him off to the side to discuss his findings.
A figure lurking in the second level caught Alliahnna's eye. Sebastian's grim crimson stare unnerved her. She managed to sneak away from her entourage, finding a stairwell to the balcony level. Sebastian obscured himself from the limelight by staying behind one of the pillars. Alliahnna looked around for a moment. Ciel wasn't with him either. Where in the world could he have gone?
"Where is the Young Master?" Sebastian inquired edgily.
"He's not with you?" Alliahnna joined him behind the pillar.
"What do you mean?" Sebastian left Ciel at the ballroom a short while ago. He surrounded himself in the crowd, monitoring his surroundings from an idle point. "If he is not with you...where has he gotten off to?" Sebastian scanned the lower floor, thinking Ciel might be misplaced amongst the patrons.
"I don't know." Alliahnna shook her head. That doesn't matter now. Business before worries. "Ciel informed me of your investigation. What have you found?"
"Nothing incriminating." He remarked lividly. "As ordered, I searched this manor top to bottom. It is as if the walls siphoned the ill content, masking it in the facade they maintain."
"A facade only you and I are aware of." Ciel fainting at the front door continued to haunt her. It wasn't fever or lack of nutrition. The manor awakened something in Ciel. Something not even he is clued in to. "There has to be something we're missing. Something we overlooked. We weren't invited to this ball for the dancing."
"As Claude cryptically hinted." Claude personally invited Ciel and them to this ball on this day for a reason. Anyone else, he would have sent it via mail service. But Claude wanted to ensure Sebastian and Alliahnna received the invite. "He seemed rather pleased discovering me searching our rooms."
"Claude found you?"
"He too was making rounds throughout the manor. I am ashamed to admit he is quite the Hellish Butler."
Somewhere in the world Hell was freezing, and the devil was enjoying snowcones. "What did Claude have to say?"
"Only that his Master's orders are absolute." Alliahnna's brow furrowed. What those orders are is a mystery gradually revealing itself. "The young master is their target." A fact made obvious long ago. "This ball is the perfect charade to launch their ill conceived schemes. Why have they not moved?"
Dread crawled like a spider down Alliahnna's back. "Because they already have!" She cried. It was happening all around her, and she missed it. They both did. This whole ball has been for apprehending Ciel. Ever since he walked in he's been having an adverse reaction to it. Alliahnna wasn't aware of it at first. Thinking back on the ballroom, looking for Ciel in the crowd, he and three strange Triplets were absent. "We have to find him fast!" The night bodes too ill for it to be a coincidence. This was planned. And with Alliahnna and Sebastian not by his side… "The Trancy's are making their move! We need to make ours!" She stormed off.
"Indeed." Sebastian demonic aura wafted from his form, casting a darkness on the false manor.
xxx
Spinning. Everything was spinning. The floor traded places with the ceiling. The walls melted to pools on the ceiling. No! The floor! Which way was the floor? Ciel slammed face first to a wall. He stumbled disoriented, grasping to a table to stay standing. A vase was jerked, shattering on the floor. The sound was like claws on a coarse board. Pain split Ciel's skull in half. The further into the manor he traveled searching for that minx of a maid, the worse he felt. His vision dulled to flickering blur. Hallways parted to forks. The walls vanished. He tripped on his own feet. Every two steps his knees would kindle. He had to keep going. That woman had his eyepatch. He must have it back.
How stupid can I be?! He derided himself. Leaving alone with a servant to the Trancy's/ He should have seen an idiotic stunt such as this coming a mile away. At this point, he'd prefer a wine stain to his costume coat. He should seen it. The falsehood behind her insistence. Her pitiful attempt at cleaning was nothing short of incompetent. And yet, in spite of that, he allowed her to get close. Lowered his guard for moment, and allowed her tongue to grace his ear. His reward is a hunt through a strange home in search of his stolen eyepatch. He took to the bait hook, line - he refused to sink. But the delirium robbing him of his sense was making it difficult to stay above.
Ciel found the kitchen. Like the rest of the manor, it blurred out of focus. The strangest sense of deja vu came over him. He's been in that kitchen before. He could not place when. A door leading to the food cellar caught his eye. It too was familiar. Opening it, wooden stairs led to a darkened basement. Disembodied footsteps traversed those stairs. A cloaked figure appearing and vanished was walking down them.
"Sebastian?"
'It's New Moon Drop...' Sebastian voice erupted a migraine in Ciel's head. He clawed the wall, trying to stay standing. Sebastian's voice echoed in his mind. He could barely understand it. Talk of tea leaves plucked at the moon. It was agony. Nothing he'd ever felt. He inhaled deeply, releasing half of the building pain from his mouth.
Better judgment screamed for him to go find Alliahnna and Sebastian and leave this place. Sebastian ventured to this manor once before. Or...so that mental figment dictated. Ciel's feet betrayed his judgement, carrying him into the bowels of the manor. Shelves of goods neatly stocked, organized by date and food product, were the first to greet the boy. The enclosed cellar held the delirious effects on his aching head. He's passed through these shelves before.
Ciel stopped in the middle. Sebastian was back. His phantom, that is. It was preoccupied by the shelf at the end. 'It has another name...' It spoke again, 'It's known as the Soul's Temperature.'
"SEBASTIAN!" Ciel chased after him. Sebastian vanished into thin air. Then he saw it. Ciel's mind fell into a spiral spotting the New Moon Drop tea leaves on the shelf. Darkness faded in and out. Ciel clamped hands to his head. White hot pain burned through his skull. Pressure threatened to crack it.
'Not yet...' A younger boy's voice trilled. 'No need to get prickly, I promise I'll show it to you.' Ciel searched for the boy. No one was there. 'But one thing first...'
The cellar distorted to gelatinous shapes. Ciel was feeling light. Nauseous. All these voices in his head. The sensations churning him inside out. The cellar...the images...the voice - echoing, and pulverizing his very fiber. It was becoming hard to stay awake, let alone stand. 'That's right...' He clamped his mouth closed, choking as another voice intruded. 'First you'll hand over that trunk...' A voice he heard at the front door. 'Sebastian Michaelis!' Ciel's knees finally keeled. He brought a shelf of goods down with him, throwing his meal from the ball all over the floor.
Ciel choked on the vomit, heaving desperately to reclaim what piece of him remained. He picked himself up and ran. He sprinted as if the devil himself was after him. Ciel scrambled to the top of the stairs. He threw himself up the last three, hanging halfway and panting exhausted on the floor. The contents in his stomach threatened to rise for another round. 'It truly has been a while, Alois.' A devilish, malevolent chuckle turned his blood to ice. That voice is one he prayed he wouldn't hear. 'How's your knee?' Alliahnna was in the kitchen. No. Not Alliahnna. A phantom. Her eyes blazed in their demon hue. Her teeth shown as fangs in a grin. 'Why the surprise, Faustus? Sebastian did say his bat was lurking around!'
"Alliahnna?!" He reached for her. She vanished in his closing fingers. She couldn't have been their previously. Not possible. Why was he seeing these images? Hearing these voices? He's never been here! None of them have! "WHAT'S HAPPENING?!" He couldn't take it. He broke into the sprint again. Not caring where he went. He just ran.
'Don't kill him! I want him alive.' The voices chased him like wild beasts hungering for prey. 'CATCH HIM, CLAUDE!'
'You both flee instead of fight!' Ciel clamped his hands over his ears. The voice grew louder.
'Someone as vulgar as you will never touch my Young Master.' "Shut up...SHUT UP!" Ciel randomly rounded corners. The final stretch before large doors spanned before him.
''Laughter into screams,' Ciel ran fast. Cold lips were at his ear, 'Dreams into nightmares,' He lunged for the door knob. It was still out of reach. 'Delights into fears...' Hands cupped his shoulders, 'That is what makes me...' Ciel grasped the doorknobs, 'The Demon of Phantomhive.' Ciel burst through. The doors cracked on the stone walls. Fresh night air touched his skin. The voices ceased. Ciel ran into the woods that surrounded the manor until he no longer had wind in his lungs.
Ciel propped himself to a tree. The breeze filled his lungs. Tension vacated his entire body. It was relieving. He was ready to pass out in that stuffy manor.
"What's the matter?" A cherub voice cooed. The maid from earlier emerged from the darkness. "Trouble breathing? Does it hurt?" She savored Ciel's anguish. Ambrosia for her love of his pain. Watching him struggle to grasp at his wavering sanity was delicious. "If you like I'd be happy to lick it all better for you." She hungrily licked her lips. "Let me lick your wounds-"
"I've had enough!" Ciel regained his voice. No more phantoms. No more games. No more facades. Ciel narrowed harsh sapphire eyes to the callous woman. "Stop this farce, ALOIS TRANCY!"
The girl's fun deflated in an instant. Suits her fine. Although, she'd have enjoyed it lasting a minute longer. "So you figured it out! What a bore!" Alois ripped the wig off, fixing his shorter locks.
"I figured if you got me alone you'd find the courage to make a move." Ciel elucidated. The patience he extended long left him after the first chase.
"That's why you followed me? Really?" He crooned his doubt. Claude sauntered from behind a tree, joining his master's side. The Triplets dropped from the trees, at his service should Ciel not be cooperative.
Ciel noted his army. It made him smile all the same. "Well I can't allow you to underestimate me." He hummed.
"My Young Master is correct." Sebastian announced, calmly strolling into the light.
"As previous encounters testify," Alliahnna leaned with an arm on the tree, and a knuckle to her hip, "It is quite dangerous to underestimate anyone of Phantomhive." Alois cringed at her presence.
"Claude I believe I gave you a warning earlier." Sebastian does hate having to repeat himself. "Do you recall?" Claude's silence was just another form of yes.
"It would seem Claude isn't one for heeding warnings." Alliahnna crossed her arms. "Jasper and Zano warned him time after time before us. Yet here he is again."
"Now, now…" Alois cooed, interjecting before things got ugly, "We only wanted a quiet place to chat."
"Must be important to do all this." Ciel doubted that, but wished to hear the eccentric boy out. "You dressed up as a woman. What could you possibly want so badly?" The dress seemed familiar to Sebastian and Alliahnna.
"Simple. I want you." Alois blurted outright.
"What's that mean? You want me." A revolting statement.
"It means precisely what I said. I-want-you." Alliahnna refrained from reacting. Though, in her head, seven levels of torment awaited that boy. "And should you refuse…" Alois slyly glanced toward the manor, "Everyone in there will be killed." Claws on Alliahnna's hidden hand extended. Ciel wordlessly glared the boy down, prowling for a bluff. Sebastian awaited for either Ciel or Alliahnna. Neither gave an inch. Their poker faces sound, but their resolve to let innocents die waned. "I've arranged a small performance. If that performance begins then they will die. Every...last...one of them."
Schneizel, Phoebus, Soma, and Agni. Elizabeth, Paula, Lao, and Ran-Mao. Mey-Rin, Bardroy, Finnian, and the rest of the guests. Gleefully they lavished in the party. Completely ignorant of the stand off taking place outside.
"What will it be?" Alois proposed one last time.
"You may do as you wish." Ciel's reply shocked Alois and Claude. Sebastian and Alliahnna, however, expected this response.
"You're sure about that?" Alois tried again.
"Of course he is." Alliahnna twisted hair between her fingers. "At least...you may try." She fought a laugh in her throat. "You won't get far." If all of the people inside were ordinary, she might actually be concerned.
"Now there's something I'd like to ask of you." Ciel announced strongly.
"Is there? I will be HAPPY to oblige," He put hands to his thighs and thrust his butt to Ciel, "Right after you bend over and kiss my ass!"
"I don't think it is your ass that will be kissed."
"Very confident, aren't you? You and you sister." Ciel and Alliahnna had nothing left to say to him. They let the boy run his mouth until he decided he was finished. "Getting cocky because your butler and sister have talent? Now that's a mistake." He cuddled to Claude's chest, relishing his chiseled features. He whipped around, bearing a diabolical grin. He grasped Claude by the necktie as if he were his leashed dog. "I have my Claude here! You're not alone!" Alois stuck out his tongue. A Faustian seal binding Claude to him glowed.
"Yes, I suspected as much." Ciel's own seal of mastery earned a rival.
"What a shame Alliahnna isn't bound to you. A demon pet without a master is a pitiful thing." Alois puckered his lips mockingly. "Maybe I'll scoop her out from under you. Have clean the shit off my ass."
"You're one to talk about being cocky." Alliahnna unbuttoned her shirt, revealing her own seal. "Ciel is not mine to mark. Nor would I ever consign to serving a filthy little, cross dressing urchin."
"What did you just call me?!" Alois frothed at the mouth. "Remember your place! You who are hardly able to call herself a demon! You can do nothing without Sebastian!"
"Hypocritical words from someone who hides behind five demons. Lest we forget, Dear Alois Trancy," Her eyes changed to Crimson red. The steep darkness nullified her traumatic effects from reaching Alois, "Before either of us was sucked into the realm of demons, you were a pitiful child tormenting helpless, meek girls." She animally licked her lips. "Then along I come, and reduced you to the little shit that you are! Tonight I shall reinvent that night several years back." She directed a finger to the leg she savored wounding "I will claim the leg I marked, and I will savor every blow I deal to you with it."
"You bark pretty loud for someone who can't hold a candle to my Claude!"
"Your Claude is a sham compared to my Sebastian." Alliahnna pirouetted into Sebastian's arms. His crow like smirk rankled Claude's brow. "As for the rest of you entourage..." Alliahnna showed her fangs in a toothy grin, "Do try this time, boys. I do so despise easy victories." The triplets' eyes simultaneous blazed pink. They will not be insulted by an infantile demoness.
"Then it is settled!" Ciel declared. The seal in his eye began to illuminate amid the darkness. "You will abide by our contract, Sebastian. You will serve me. You will protect me. You will see that I stay alive until I have achieved my ultimate goal." Revenge for the family his enemies have taken, and punish those who robbed him of his honor and pride.
"Of course." Sebastian was surprised he had to remind him. "I have been your loyal servant since the day our pact was formed, Master. I will do anything you ask. Grant any wish you make." He snuck a ulterior smirk to the boy, "Until the day our contract is fulfilled, and I take you soul."
"An excellent answer." Ciel praised. "Alliahnna." She lifted an inquisitive brow. "I am not your master. You are not bound to me in any manner." Alliahnna's brow knit. "Therefore I cannot order you to fight for me, or to serve me until a conclusion is reached." In other words, he is allowing her to run.
"Then don't." She crooned, stroking strands of hair behind her ear. "Never has it come to where you are obliged to ask for my aid. Nor shall it ever." So she swore, and so shall she keep. "I am your elder sister. The Demon named Phantomhive." She touched her seal, "Until death or other separate us, I will slay all who dare to impede your path, and stand beside you as you take your vengeance."
Ciel proudly smirked at her, then faced the opposing enemy. "Very well said."
"Hoheo taralna, rondero tarel..." Alois hypnotically muttered. "Now, Claude, you will get Ciel for me!"
"Sebastian! Alliahnna! This is an order! You must do whatever it takes to protect me! Do not fail!"
"Yes, Your Highness." Claude answered.
"Yes, My Lord." Sebastian salivated, waiting the entire night for this moment.
"Yes, My Brother." Alliahnna's pupils knit to slits, piercing the darkness.
To be continued.