Dance of Death
Time to explain. Yes, I posted another chapter before this one. Yes, I deleted it. No I will not scrap it, it was just in the wrong place. Now a few of you have read it, you know what's coming. But right now it's not the proper time for it to be posted.
And yes, I deleted this again to add a bit more. It's towards the end.
There will be an excerpt from that chapter here.
Also, I went back to chapter 10 and noticed a lot was missing. Thinking back, I typed this up on my tablet with Google Docs. I am saying this right now! DO NOT EXIT THE GOOGLE DOCS ANDROID APP WITHOUT CHECKING THE DESKTOP VERSION FIRST! THE SYNCING SUCKS AND YOU LOSE THREE HOURS WORTH OF WORK IN ONE CLICK!
xxx
After permitting Vincent and Desiree to recover from an accident they had, Ciel offered them dinner to help in their recovery and insisted they stay the night. Dinner at Mastriano's. Famous and first Italian eatery that opened near the Phantomhive home. Of course they accepted, and had a wonderful time as expected. They did, however, decline the offer to stay. They must return home. Discuss business with Vincent's father as soon as possible.. An awkward tension seemed to blossom between Alliahnna and Sebastian. Odd eye contact - lack thereof. But nothing that disturbed rekindling after the disaster. One that shall remain classified. Then, by dessert, Alliahnna started to feel funny. The food wasn't sitting right with her, so she excused herself and went home for the night. She's surprised she ate after the snack Sebastian forced her to indulge in.
Alliahnna fell asleep with ease. Come Saturday, Alliahnna woke up feeling disoriented. Exhausted. Sebastian assumed it was due to their rendezvous with the man in the sewer. Her appetite taking a turn for the worst. When offered breakfast, she cringed in disgust and turned it down. Picking and nibbling on fruit the whole day. Drinking loads of water. Racing to the bathroom in panics. The whole day she held herself up in her room, lying in bed with migraines and feeling ill. Ciel began to forget she was even home. He was tempted to call a doctor to check her out. Then...Sunday morning arrived.
Nothing in her stomach. She hadn't eaten a single thing that morning or the night prior. She woke up, darted to the bathroom, and spent ten minutes vomiting up bile. Mey-Rin heard her and helped her back to her room, setting up bin for her to use in the mean time. A doctor was called immediately and examined her. Ciel explained what she's been experiencing and how she's been feeling for the last couple of days. The doctor attributed the symptoms to a stomach virus. Minor by the signs, and can grow from nausea to vomiting in a short time. Hours or days. He recommended rest, light eating, minor activities, and plenty of fluids. He would return on Sunday of next week to see how she is doing. That is if she lasts until next Sunday. If symptoms grow worse or new ones arise, he is to be contacted immediately.
For six years Alliahnna has sustained bullet wounds, been stabbed in sensitive places, survive explosions at their ground zero, and has taken brutal beatings by Demons, Angels, and Grim Reapers. Not also counting the many suitors who dared toy with her heart and she broke their bodies. To think it would be a mere stomach virus that subdues her. Perhaps the man in the sewers left a foul taste that came back with a vengeance. Nevertheless, she planned to power through her day. Help Ciel finish work left to pile with their manhunt across England. Work, however, not solely based upon the Phantomhive's daylight activities. Their best work is conducted in darkness. And it there Ciel's work shall reach the conclusion he has long sought.
xxx
"Are you certain you are well enough?" Ciel interrogated Alliahnna in the train car. She hadn't stopped massaging her stomach since boarding. She sort of stumbled during boarding. "It is not too late for you to turn around."
"No. I am fine." She soberly replied. Truthfully, the rocking train flipped her stomach. "I swore to see your vengeance through to the end. That is an oath I shall keep." She touched the petals at the crooks of her hair and ears. Two oaths she has sworn to in a short amount of time.
"As you will." Ciel nodded firmly, accepting her help. Although, should her health be in jeopardy, he has instructed Sebastian to take her home immediately. "Let us cut off the legs supporting our foe."
In the matter of the Queen's most loyal Guard Dogs, there are her ever faithful Spiders lurking the shadows on their webs. Venomous pincer fangs hungering for the fluids of the trapped flies. Savor wrapping them in their sticky string, and proceed to drain the life from their catch. How unfortunate that The Trancy web has been entangled by a Dog, a Raven, and a bat. All of whom devour spiders like treats. The Trancy web contains many insects within its thrall, scattered across the forests in which their habitations lie. Spared being eliminated for reasons pertinent to the Trancy's. However, the forest is nowhere near dense enough to hide from The Dog's keen sense of smell.
Not long ago, Ciel was bestowed a thorough investigative report. The House of Trancy was investigating him, Alliahnna - their whole family. Details listed in the report went into a gory anecdote of the burning of the Phantomhive House. Claiming the lives of Rachael and Vincent, leaving Alliahnna and Ciel rifted and orphaned. The rest is known to an inner circle of close associates. It will not be enough for Ciel to simply kill Alois and his servants. No. He must eliminate those who played part in wounding his pride, and stripping him of everything. Leaving him marked by the perverted hands draped in shadow. Stealing the light from his sister's eyes. Ciel will bring the whole of the Trancy Foundation crashing around him before burying him alive in his own vile filth.
xxx
Relations with the Yard are understandably divided. Those who side with Sir Arthur and despise The Phantomhive interference in their cases, and those who side with the Abberlines and appreciate their efforts. Courtesy of maintaining their position around the Constable's arm, Ciel and Alliahnna were able to get Sebastian clearance to the Yards classified files. Files regarding the underworld and connections with the Phantomhives and Trancys. Somewhere in those files, not found in the report given by Sebastian, there is an invisible string - a spider string - linking the two families.
xxx
(Sebastian POV)
Incidents in the English Underworld which most greatly offend the Queen are judged in darkness by the Phantomhive Family. The Queen's Guard Dogs. They are then erased in darkness by the Trancy Family. The Queen's Spiders.
(POV End)
Collaborating Sebastian's report with the reports stored by the Yard filled a great many number of holes in the widening plot. Sewing them together created the perfect line across the chasm. Those judged and erased in darkness revealed by a glimmer of light lackadaisically passing overhead.
xxx
(Ciel POV)
Both houses have the Queen's trust as her 'villainous nobles.' However...that distinction was not enough for Alois Trancy.
(POV End)
A boy who purportedly lost so much over the course of his young years. Seeking to have everything, take what he can and never giving it back. Proving himself more worthy whilst England's Underworld feared his family. The Phantomhives, rumored to have everything, became a fascination. An obsession otherwise brewing to unhealthy proportions. And so he sought to outdo them during their absence.
xxx
(Alliahnna POV)
Seeking to monopolize Her Majesty's favor, Alois spread the rumor the rumor that the Phantomhive Guard Dog was possessed by a demon.
(POV End)
A lie during the time, but later a truth once events were set in motion. Phantomhive demons guide the Queen's Guard Dog by a leash, letting him exact his wrath upon any and all who dare to cross his path. The Demons nearby to clean up the mess.
xxx
(Sebastian POV)
At the time, the previous Head of the Phantomhives was investigating a series of 'mysterious spontaneous combustions.'
(POV End)
No mystery what caused the ravenous flames to engulf all of England. The real damage was the construct of angels seeking to purge the filth from the world. The Phantomhives fell into that purview, and were burned alive. As a twist of fate would have it, the blame was shifted from the deceased angels. Placed upon a boy and his butler who have done nothing but get in a bat and raven's way every step.
xxx
(Ciel POV)
Alois alleged that the crimes were the result of the Phantomhives' 'demonic possessions.' And so...he took it upon himself to PURGE them.
(POV End)
The fires consuming their home tormented their darkest nightmares. Still are the Phantomhive twins trapped in their home, screaming for their parents to help them. Only to find them amid the flames that their parents were dead. And the nightmare continues. Ciel sold off to those who violated his body, leaving a damning mark on his side. Forever did they turn a beautiful boy into a cold shell. Those very men paid, with a small number who slipped through the cracks. Meanwhile, Alliahnna was trapped in a hospital also shared as an orphanage. Bullied and beaten, her tolerance for being a helpless, meek girl melted. Accidents befalling staff and children remain ruled as such.
xxx
(Alliahnna POV)
Under the guise of an exorcism, the Trancys 'saved England' from the Phantomhive demons. Subsequently, Alois and his butler destroyed all evidence of their involvement.
(End of POV)
Were it that evidence spanned to the regions of Heaven and Hell, the Yard would be gobsmacked to discover Angel descended to erase the Phantomhives from existence. Obviously, they missed a couple. And the one survivor eradicated them
xxx
(Sebastian POV)
Records indicate that the Spider either erased people's pasts or replaced them with false ones.
(Ciel POV)
They went to great lengths in order to cover up their crime.
(Alliahnna POV)
Unfortunately for them, those lengths fell short.
xxx
Dark grey clouds gliding across the sky beaconed a heinous storm. From the hillside, the ocean was being ravaged by tides. Short miles from the coast, a decayed ruin of a home erected in waning shambles overlooked the ocean. A raggedy looking man was preoccupied in his backyard, chopping wood for the oncoming winter. Sweat soaked his clothing, dripping down his hair and facial fuzz. He whipped a sleeve to his sweat brow and proceeded to return to his work.
Out of the corner of his eye he spotted three figures. A boy, a girl, and an older gentleman. They befuddled him for a moment. Not many people wander off the beaten path to come to his neck of the woods. As they drew closer, the sapphire eyes and navy hair began to ring copious bells. Then he recognized the insignia on the young man's cuffs, and pure terror constricted him. His knocking legs pleaded for him to run. He whipped around. Cold steel met the crook of his neck. The young lady, in the blink of a glaring eye, stopped him in his tracks. The he used to chop wood was too far from his reach. He raised his hands in surrender, and was escorted to the storage house.
Serious investigating into the criminal underworld drove Ciel and Alliahnna deeper than the surfaces they believed scratched. How naive of them to believe they'd seen everything hidden crime has had to throw at them. Met those stalking from the shadows, and waiting to plunge the knives in their throats. They may have cleared the first row, but many more resided in the darker depths. And soon, no one will be out of their reach. This pathetic insect of a man will be the first step.
On his hands and knees, head bowed and refusing to make eye contact, the man pleading to the charges raised against him. Too tired was he to dispute the charges. Too terrified. "Yes. I received my orders from Lord Trancy…" His voice wavered as he tried not to break down crying. "He told me to burn down the Phantomhive Manor and that I should sell off the surviving children!" False tales woven by the spider, bat, and raven they may be, Alliahnna cannot help her stomach writhing. The underlying truth of it is, this man may very well be innocent. Unfortunately for him, the truth does not matter where Ciel's memories are concerned. If he must be the fall guy in the pursuit of healing him, Alliahnna will aid Sebastian in framing the Pope of Italy himself. "PLEASE! Spare my life, I beg you!" The barrel of a gun was placed at his head.
"Through your actions you have damaged my pride!" Ciel declared. Pitiful words of pitiful man dampening his soul. "And now you will atone with your death!" A loud bang splattered blood to the walls. With that man's death, Ciel's path to achieving his ultimate revenge was paved. Sebastian and Alliahnna at his side, no being from Hell will impede him from watching Alois's life leave his eyes.
Evidence of a second party was erased from the house. A fire was set, consuming the very existence of the many, and taking his ashes with the stormy winds.
xxx
The following morning, Ciel and Alliahnna returned to their mundane work with a natural attitude. As expected, Mr. Tanaka and the other servants wondered of their whereabouts and if they encountered trouble. They were assured by Sebastian that all was well. Never letting on that Trancy-Phantomhive wheel of succession was in full motion.
Alliahnna was feeling much better since yesterday. She was actually able to get out of bed without getting dizzy. The nauseous pit lingered in her stomach. Nothing short of a discomfort. Wasn't going to affect her work.
"At noon you both have the Funtom Company's regular meeting." Sebastian read their schedule. Yet another meeting with Funtom about...regulating business. Code for greedy elderly men wanting a greater share. "And then at two your dance lesson with Mrs. Hyde begins." Dancing - another ridiculous activity. "Followed by your political studies lesson with Mr. McMillan. That's all you have for today My Lord and Lady."
"Fine." Ciel tediously responded, not looking from his article of the morning news.
"Thank you, Sebastian." Alliahnna sipped her mint tea. Icy hot sensations soothed her stomach. In the back of her mind, smelling the honey in the mix, she figured dipping a muffin would taste pretty good. Lo and behold. Muffin on the tray. Sesame seeds. "We should consider thanking the Constable for letting us see the reports entailing or family and Trancy's." She picked at the muffin, dunking it and eating it in bliss. "Doesn't hurt to maintain good relations with Scotland Yard."
"That is what yours and Abberline's friendship is for." Ciel remarked dryly, ignoring her revolting food combination.
"One more thing," Sebastian set a silver platter to the desk, "We received this." Ciel and Alliahnna split attention to the platter. Their brows knit angrily at an envelope. The Trancy Spider crest stamped to the seal.
Reluctantly, Ciel cut the seal, opening the letter inside. Alliahnna leaned in close, reading the letter with him.
Dear Lord Ciel and Lady Alliahnna Phantomhive,
On behalf of the Count Alois Trancy, I write this day to apologize for my Master's discourtesy at the ball and request your most honored presence at the ball to be held here at the Trancy Manor tomorrow afternoon at four o'clock.
We all hope you will be able to join us,
Sincerely,
Count Alois Trancy.
As written by Claude Faustus,
Butler of the Trancy Manor.
Ciel's fingers tensed to the letter. Alliahnna tore the letter from his hands and ripped it into pieces. Consider it an impulse brought on by her stomach pains. While attending this ball will only serve Ciel, she refuses to rehabilitate her stomach to set him up as bait for that wretched spider. Again. Not that Ciel wasn't going to accept in the long run. It's a matter of settling a score. She just despises prime, proper, pretty words belying the challenge inscribed between the words.
"Claude already lured us to that manor once on his terms!" She snarled. "In doing so we were ensnared by his web! I refuse to allow you to walk into it again!"
"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." He poetically recited. Never will he live down being tricked by the Trancy and his staff. Fooled by a costume, and lured into a trap where those closest to him nearly paid with their lives. "I will not fall into the throes of Alois' web. Instead I will tie a noose and hang him by his own webbing." He crushed his fingers into a tight fist. "Alois Trancy...I will kill you." He vowed.
Were it not for extensive research to the bowels of the rotting English Underworld, Ciel might never have made it this far. Leading to their discovery of the pitiful man attempting to hide in the countryside. The vastness of the world was not far enough to protect him from the Phantomhive reach. And now there is only one obstacle remaining before Ciel's vengeance can be obtained. The world shrinking as he draws closer.
"Alois…" Ciel venomously growled his name. Potent poison stained his tongue. "You were behind it all." He stroked his heirloom ring. The pure jewel becoming tainted by the constant presence of the Spiders. "For what you've done, I will kill you too. This time you will dance to my tune. The Danse Macabre."
"The Dance of Death…indeed." Sebastian approved.
"A familiar dance in our family." Alliahnna hung her legs, squeezing into the chair with Ciel. "On a thin wire we duel our enemy. Feet and hips struggling to stay balanced as the swords plunge for flesh and bone." She leaned her head back. Her desire for the blood of Alois twisted her grin. "Intimate...passionate...and very brutal." She licked her lips.
"The only dance we willingly leave the walls to participate in." Ciel lied her across his lap, interlocking their fingers. "And leave our competition writhing in a pool of their own blood."
"Well at least they spared us the trouble of inviting them here." Sebastian crooned.
Alliahnna and Ciel grinned on in eager anticipation. The Trancys are running out of pieces to play, and their story is closing on their bloody conclusion. "Let's prepare ourselves, Sebastian! Alliahnna! It's time to duel!"
"Very good, sir. Then allow me to alter the schedule." Sebastian bowed. "We shall attend the company meeting as per usual." Leave it to dull meetings to take priority. "Your lessons with your instructors shall be rescheduled for tomorrow at the earliest. Today at four o'clock we will attend the ball..." The anticipation maliciously twisted his smile, "And we shall fight to the death with the house of Trancy.
A murderous grin slithered to Alliahnna's ears. "Dousing all of England with their tainted blood."
xxx
Fined kitchen utensils hidden surreptitiously within the stitchings scaling Sebastian's suit. Daggers run on a grinder, and a rapier refurbished and sharpened strapped to Alliahnna's back and forearms. Ciel brought his A-game and wore his best suit. Senses heightened and mind focused on one target. Ciel intended to engrave the House Phantomhive atop the Trancys.
An hour well before the time instructed in the letter, the coach arrived at Trancy Manor. Two familiar faces waited in the front yard, admiring the impressive estate. Turning to the stopping coach, pleasant surprise brightened their faces. Sebastian, Alliahnna, and Ciel exited the coach, caught off guard to find Jasper and Zanosuke meandering toward them.
"If this isn't a whirlwind welcomed surprises." Jasper guffawed. Alliahnna stiffened sheepishly seeing Zanosuke, moving behind Sebastian. He casually stepped ahead of her. "Lord Phantomhive, a pleasure as always."
"I would agree," Ciel snapped daggers to Zanosuke, "Except that your son there left a horrid taste in my mouth when last we met!" He barked.
"It was not my intention, Lord Phantomhive." Zanosuke monotonously responded. "My concern for the Lady Phantomhive outweighed my courtesy." Alliahnna gripped at Sebastian's back, burying herself against him. She felt the eyes slowly roll onto her. "Please understand, Alliahnna. My harsh words were that of concern. Not malice."
"She should be grateful the harsh reality was hammered down on her." Jasper less than subtly input. Zanosuke and Sebastian winced in dread, putting hands to their foreheads. Ciel edged in as Jasper tried to get closer to Alliahnna. Jasper can easily move him, but will not waste energy on a human boy. "Alliahnna Phantomhive, look at me!" He heatedly commanded. Alliahnna flinched, shakily peering from Sebastian's back. Jasper was in no mood for games or coddling. "Those humans survived by pure chance. Resolve that was waning has nothing to do with it. Bear that in mind."
"I already have!" Her courage escorted her within a foot of Jasper, locking her own glare with his. "Just as I've already handled my urges!" For a gentle term. Ciel's brow knit. He glanced to Sebastian who was sharing nods with Zanosuke. He gaped in terror. He didn't… "Now instead of busting my balls about the past, why not explain what the two of you are doing here?" Jasper scrunched his nose. Zanosuke, Ciel, and Sebastian anxiously twisted, not wanting to see the disaster coming.
The manor doors creakily closed. "I invited them." Claude stated placidly, victimized by a series of virulent stares. "Family is not beyond the reach of the Trancys." The Triplets and Hannah stood behind him in a single row. Sebastian despised the truth in those heinous words. "Good afternoon Lord and Lady Phantomhive. Thank you for coming."
"As if you surmised we'd do otherwise." Alliahnna scathing remarked, earning a smug grin.
"Is this where we are supposed to be surprised you know about them?" Ciel spat, gesturing to Jasper and Zanosuke.
"He's met us before." Jasper snarkily announced. "On two occasions we've encountered him." Zanosuke stroked his thin beard, savoring Claude's minor discomfort. "The fact that he invited us means this promises to be an invigorating ball."
"Indeed it does, Master Jasper." A bold smirk highlighted his lips. "The Trancys never disappoint." That's what worries Alliahnna and Ciel. Claude directed a glance to Sebastian and Alliahnna, hardening his stare. Sebastian and Alliahnna knit their brows in response.
"CIEL!" Alois shoved past the servants, welcoming Ciel with open arms. "I'm so glad you all came! Welcome!" Still playing as the happy innocent boy. Zanosuke, the most stoic, wanted to claw his face to ribbons.
"Good afternoon, Lord Trancy." Ciel formally, and gruffly returned the greeting.
"Come with me!" Alois motioned a hand, sauntering to the side of the manor. "We're holding a special party in your honor." Another party promising to be one to remember. doubtedly anyone has forgotten the last party.
Coming to the cricket field sized backyard, The Phantomhives and Michaelis' ogled in absolute awe. Three five story statues of Kings surrounded a massive chessboard crafted entirely out of stone. The stone board occupied the whole of the main garden. One of the kings was off to the side serving as judge and jury of the played but stagnant game. The other kings were portrayed to be on the edge of their seats, boring harsh stratagem as their pieces diminished. Rooks, knights, bishops, Queens, and Kings positioned randomly across the board. No pawns to speak of in the midst of a heated game.
"What on earth is this supposed to be?" Ciel commented on the ridiculous grandeur. Although, he can inwardly admit it was impressive.
"It appears to be a dueling arena." Sebastian guessed."
"A giant chessboard?" Alliahnna put hands to her hips. "How…"
"Ironic? Redundant?" Ciel smirked.
"Fitting, would be the proper word. It is your favorite game." She put a hand to his shoulder. "A game of strategy eliminating the weakest of soldier, leaving the king exposed. One might think this battle field was made for you." She winked.
"Which forces me to beg a particular question." Jasper wolfishly smirked at the twins. "Are you his Knight or Pawn?" Alliahnna scrunched her nose. There are days like this it's difficult to discern if Jasper holds her in regard higher than a snail.
"A ridiculous question! She is not a piece!" Ciel barked insulted. He hooked her by the arm, "She's my coup de grace outside the board. The assassin in the shadows." Alliahnna was honored to hear that.
"That gives me a wonderful idea, Ciel!" Alois squeaked. He waved his spread palms, as if conveying he's showing his hand. "Let's have our butlers do the work! They can dance in our places!" Zanosuke and Jasper shared phantom smirks with Alliahnna. They could go into fortune telling. "Who ever can dance the longest is declared the winner! And the loser will follow any order given by the victor. " He danced in a twirl, clapping his hands beside his head. "What do you say, Ciel? Do we have a deal?"
Sebastian bent to Ciel's ear, putting a hand shield by his mouth. "We weren't alone in our thinking, Master. It appears they planned for a death match as well." Saves them the trouble of conjuring a surprise. He is almost disappointed they think alike.
"This sounds exactly like the sort of party I had in mind." Ciel admitted pleased. "I much prefer it to dressing up in silly costumes anyway." He glanced to Alliahnna, Jasper, and Zanosuke. All three nodded firmly. No qualms are held. On the contrary, this will prove to be an entertaining evening.
BONG - The bells tolled on the most auspicious afternoon. BONG -The time is nigh for Trancy and Phantomhive to erase the other from existence. BONG! "Do you mind if we join?" Zanosuke stepped forward. "I do so wish to test these insects myself." He crushed a spider near his toe. The Triplets hissed through grit teeth.
"The more the merrier!" Ciel tore his eyes patch off. The seal binding him to Sebastian glowed in his right eye. "Sebastian! Alliahnna! This is an order!" The seal in his eye grasped at Sebastian's leash, bringing him to one knee. Alliahnna, bound by her loyalty to him, also knelt. "Win and bring Alois Trancy to stand before me! But don't kill him. I will take care of that matter personally."
"Of course." Sebastian's crow like smile radiated with his glowing eyes. "Yes, My Lord."
"The pleasure will be all mine," Alliahnna lifted her head. Her bloodthirsty smile made all the sinister by her glowing pink eyes, "My dear little brother."
Jasper hungrily licked his lips. "Putting pups in their place. I'm tingling." Zanosuke laughed, sharing the sentiment.
Claude's exhilaration to begin the duel resonated in his golden orbs. The longer her idled, the harder it became to contain himself. "Your Highness, what are your orders?" Impatience hummed in the murmur.
"Ah yes. I want you to make Ciel Phantomhive all mine." He lapped his tongue, flashing the seal binding him to Claude. "And I want Sebastian Michaelis to experience exquisite agony. You can see to that. Can't you, Claude?"
Claude knelt on one knee with a hand crossed to his shoulder. "Oh yes, Your Highness." Claude affirmed, eyes glowing radiant pink.
Ciel and Alois retired to a balcony. A clear, unimpeded view of the arena basked before them. Timber unsheathed a sword. Canterbury wielded an axe lance. Thompson readied his crossbow. Hannah prepared twin daggers. Claude at the helm of his troupe. Sebastian smugly fanned three dinner knives. Alliahnna tossed her coat aside, drawing her rapier. Zanosuke dusted off a pair of silver knuckles, fitting them and directing them at the spiders. Jasper kept his long coat on, hands in his pockets. The battlefield was set.
"And now, we dance." Claude purred. The Spiders charged. Michaelis and Phantomhive primed to counter.
"BESTILL MY BEATING HEART! SE TRE FANTASTIQUE!" The mood tore in half. Ciel and Alois were thrown aback by the intrusion of Viscount Druitt. Sebastian, Zanosuke, and Jasper gazed dumbfounded. They weren't aware Druitt was in the area. Alliahnna screamed discomposed by his appearance. "IT'S UNBELIEVABLE! AN ANCIENT DUELING ARENA WHERE LEGENDARY HEROES FOUGHT TO THE DEATH! OHHH!" He cupped that beating heart, feeling it about to burst with joy. "THIS IS TONIGHT'S BALL?! I'M HONORED! Never have I felt such excitement to accept a party invitation!"
Alliahnna drove a high flying kick to his face, sending him skipping to a splash in a pond. The Triplets raised score cards. Perfect 10. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" She roared, lightning bolts striking at her skull. "I THOUGHT YOUR SMARMY ASS WAS IN PARIS!" Of all the problems to be amassed at the Trancy manor he was an unwelcomed contingency.
"Hark!" Druitt burst from the pond. His blue lobster hat doused to the core. "Doth my eyes deceive?!" Druitt wobbled dazedly climbing to his feet. "Do my ears play tricks?" Wavering eyes swayed side to side, falling upon the radiant Alliahnna Phantomhive. A rosy flushed ambiance fueled Druitt's bursting ecstasy. Hearts inflating around him. "THEY DO NOT!" Druitt charged, kicking up a stack of dust, clapping his hands to Alliahnna's. "Dear sweet Alliahnna Phantomhive! Is it possible?" He spun her around, catching her in his other arm. "Have the fates allowed us to reunite for this grandest of assemblies?" He slid the hand to her waist, capturing her chin in his palm. "Truly no man can express the elation I feel having you in my arms after all this time!" He squashed her face in his chest. Ciel and Sebastian are no longer amused. "I must insist on the first dance with this lovely leading lady. And perhaps have a taste of the forbidden fruit…?" He pursed his lips.
Alliahnna stomped on his foot. Druitt yelped in agony. Waterfall of tears spilled down his cheeks a she ground her heel. Ciel and Sebastian approved. "WHAT-ARE-YOU-DOING-HERE, CHAMBERS?!" Veins popped with each syllable. She wasn't going to ask again.
"We are curious of your attendance as well, Sir." Claude and the Triplets glided on scene, arms bent across the chest. "What brings you here to the mansion today?"
"OH YES!" He forgot his manners in the midst of his adulation. "I am pleased to be attending the Trancy Costume Ball. I am Aleister Chambers - the Viscount Druitt." He announced, confident his name was on their list. Alliahnna moaned at his stupidity.
"I am afraid the Costume ball was two weeks ago, sir." Claude informed him. "This evening is a private affair for Earl and Earless Phantomhive alone."
Druitt gasped horrified. He dropped to his knees, cursing himself for this grievous oversight. "How could I have mixed up the dates? And why did no one remark upon my absence?" The reasons are innumerable and a nuance. "No matter!" He recovered and returned to his previous fascination. "Lady Alliahnna," He kissed her hand. Her willpower forbade her from cringing, "You look as radiant as the day we parted! Glowing with a sun's light. It pleases me to see your beauty is maturing as a fine wine." He spun apart, dropping to his knee in front of her. "I must confess myself a shy fool once upon a time, but am now ready to take the next step!" he dramatically flipped his hair, extending that hand to her with his other at his heart. "Now I must beg: will you do me the honor of becoming Lady Viscountess Druitt?"
Alliahnna and Ciel's square jaws dropped like rusted cans. Bangs and dread lines hiding their revulsion. Zanosuke and Jasper gulped, glancing to a shivering Sebastian. His obscure expression was left to their imagination. Alois squealed with stars in his eyes, cupping his red cheeks. The triplets popped champagne while Claude and Hannah tossed rice in the air.
"As tempting as that offer sounds…" A shadow spanned to Druitt's face. Alliahnna's boot planted his face to the stone. The Trancy celebration froze mid-toss. The Michaelis and Phantomhive side cackled victoriously. "I am currently in a relationship with one Sebastian Michaelis. Remember?" Sebastian wiggled his fingers in a mocking wave.
Druitt clamped his head, spiraling in a torrent of horror. "CRUEL FATE! YOU VEX ME SO!" He draped an arm across his forehead. Violins played his woes. "PLEASE LET IT BE A TWIST J-" Sebastian snaked arms around her. He turned her head by the chin, bringing their lips into a passionate kiss. "OH THE POWERS THAT BE!" Druitt shrieked in utter dismay. He went gray and shattered like glass. On his hands and knees under a spotlight with no source, defeat crushed him like an insect. "Beaten out of love by a Hell of a Butler! A dashing Hell of a Butler!" Sebastian was honored to hear him say so. Alliahnna rolled her eyes. The embrace tightening around her waist meant an ego was swelling. Another night without sleep is in my future. "Hark, cruel love! Ne'er shall I be struck by your teasing arrow! Never will I succumb to-oh?" He peered around the wall that is Claude, spying a gorgeous visage standing behind him. "OH-HO! A VISAGE AS CLEAR AS A LAKE'S SURFACE!" He swooned for Hannah. A vision of loveliness ambiguous by the towering man with the cold ice stare. "Had you a steely knife you could be one of Valhalla's Valkyries! But no! Your dusky elegance and the bandages covering your face are better suited to a beautiful demoness!" The Triplets gaped stunned. Had he known better, Druitt would be on the mark.
"You've proven yourself as clever as you look, Lord Druitt." Zanosuke sarcastically praised. That hat on his head fed the cynicism.
Hannah ogled strangely at the man kneeling to her. He was an odd one to say the least. "Hm?" Druitt lifted her hand. "A dagger?"
"It is part of tonight's entertainment for the ball." Claude smiled lustfully.
"Goodness! A party filled with bloodlust and fraught with danger? How exquisite!" Druitt decided to join Ciel and Alois on the balcony. That ridiculous hat of his was tossed in a bin. "I Druitt forever serve the Goddess of Beauty!" He tossed his hands in the air, "I insist upon observing this night's events for myself!"
Alliahnna groaned irately, pressing fingertips to her forehead. Suddenly her enthusiasm for tonight was gone with the wind. "Is he really going to stay?" She prayed he wasn't. She'd take Grell and Will over this twit any day.
"I am afraid so." Sebastian sighed miserably. "It would appear he is dead set on remaining until the end."
"Fine!" Alliahnna stepped into the arena with Sebastian, her rapier hungering for blood. "All the more persuasion to end this swiftly!"
"Indeed, My Lady." Sebastian towered arm to arm with her, fanning his knives. Enough to fill the Trancy Butlers with holes and set the insects upon their corpses. "Let us end this dance with dulcet screams."
BONG...And so the gong tolled on the first round of the night. Phantomhive Demons versus the Trancy Spiders. "Finally…" Claude long awaited this moment. He fixed his glasses, "The stage is set for our dance."
Sebastian's razor sharp knives reflected the light, sharing his lust for death. "So begins the Danse Macabre."
The Triplets charged first. Sword, axe, and crossbow primed for the attack. Zanosuke snorted and vanished from his crowd. Jasper smirked smugly, entering to intercept the children first. Timber slashed with his sword. Jasper, hands staying in his pockets, weaved to the side. Canterbury spun the axe around his neck, slicing for Jasper's collar. Effortlessly did the elder man duck. Strands of hair that bothered him succumbed to the blow in his place. Thompson slid on his back, coming beneath Jasper's foread. The arrow point blank to his forehead. Jasper impassively smirked.
A hand squeezed Thompson's ankle and ripped him out from Jasper. He was whipped high in the air, swung like a mace by Zanosuke. Canterbury and Timber made the charge to eliminate the interloper. Zanosuke slammed Thompson hard onto Timber. The sword and crossbow shattered as they connected to the ground. Canterbury thrust the axe. Zanosuke dodged in a spin, and thrust his palm, snapping the staff in half.
The triplets grimaced at their destroyed weapons. Steadily the advantage eluded them. Jasper and Zanosuke yawned in boredom. Alliahnna was impressed by their fluid movements. Fighting is like a simple walk to them. "I've just realized something important." Sebastian glanced at her. "I've never seen Zano or Jasper fight before." The triplets darted for Zanosuke. Cracking his silver knuckles, he dealt three swift and devastating blows to their stomachs, sending them in the air. Jasper was already airborne and kicked the triplets to a painful landing. "Their agility is amazing."
"They are quite the stars, aren't they?" Sebastian halfheartedly replied. "Although I wish they would cease playing."
The Triplets changed the script and wielded similar short staffs. Thompson's staff head being an ornate lance head. Much more dangerous looking than the pikes held by Timber and Canterbury. Zanosuke received a dismissive nod from Jasper. This battle was to be over soon. Zanosuke rejoined Alliahnna and Sebastian, more than pleased he was spared this inane bout. The Triplets charged as one. Eyes closed, Jasper nonchalantly dodged their weak attacks. He kicked one like away and used his hands to divert the last two. Thompson countered for another blow. Jasper twirled, feeling the staff miss, and stepped on it, rising above his young adversaries.
"Battle moves as well aligned as faces." He snorted. "How adorable!" The triplets' impatience exploded. Their crimson eyes glowing demonic pink. Thompson launched Jasper off. He and his brothers rocketed into the air. Jasper arched a pensive brow. The Triplets interlocked their three staffs into one long lance. "Clever…" Jasper scoffed. In unison the triplets launched the lance. "But that is all." Jasper spaced his feet. In one graceful motion he glided the back of his hand along the rocketing lance, guiding it to a spin around his neck. He twirled the lengthy lance around his body and over his head, adhering to the dance so graciously planned. He let the lance fall behind him and he bucked it with his heel. As he let it float for a moment, he waited for the aligned triplets to come in alignment. "Here you go…" He caught the lance, and let it fly. The triplets couldn't dodge. The lance staked dead center to a stone king's forehead. The triplets, impaled by their foreheads, dangled limply in their humiliating defeat. "Now you can be together forever." Jasper snorted, walking away.
"OH MY! GOOD SHOW!" Druitt cheered.
"Good show!" Alois whistled. Ciel remained silent.
Alliahnna applauded him while Sebastian smugly grinned at Claude. The duel was far from over. Hannah emerged from the blue, throwing her daggers. Sebastian raised a hand too late. One dagger ripped the shoulder of his suit. "Bother…" He let his guard slip for a mere second, "Suppose I'll have to go through the trouble of mending this."
"No need for that!" Hannah chortled. She ripped the chest of her dress open, her chocolate breast glistening in the light. "You'll be full of holes soon enough!" She rifled between her breasts, drawing a pair of guns. Her quick trigger finger unleashed a barrage of shrieking bullets. Alliahnna weaved in front of him. Swift swipes cleaved the air. Loud pings echoed and the bullets bounced wasted on the ground. Hannah stopped aghast. Her bullets cut in half by a sword.
"I do apologize, Lady Hannah," Alliahnna entered the battle, digging her foot in the floor before Sebastian, "I will be your dance partner tonight!" She pushed off. Sebastian's hair and uniforms wafted in her burst. He watched proudly. Hannah blindly fired at Alliahnna and the ground. Alliahnna stormed in zigzags, swatting the bullets like flies. Pops teased her toes, but didn't slow her down. One bullet tore hair strands, and the lovely sound of empty clicks caught her ear. "Oh dear! OUT OF AMMO?!" She dropped low and swept a foot. Hannah jumped back, throwing the guns away. Alliahnna charged after her. She threw a punch. Hannah stopped it with her bare hand. Alliahnna twisted and drove her elbow. Hannah stopped it as well. She brought a foot to her back and kicked Alliahnna front first into a queen. She peeled her face free, spitting out pebbles. "Should have seen that coming!"
Druitt fawned over the mayhem through binoculars. "A devastating blow that hasn't discouraged?!" Alliahnna broke free of the rook. "The abuse this girl can take!" Ciel smiled with no real surprise. To him, there are no limits to the abuse Alliahnna can take.
Hannah crouched, spreading her legs. She drew a machine gun from her skirt. Alliahnna pouted jealously at her skirt. "Mine doesn't do that." Maybe there is a purpose to wearing a dress. Hannah unleashed her hailstorm. Alliahnna's sword shot clean from her grip. She used this moment to run, knowing she can't dodge this particular storm.
"Stay and play some more, Lady Phantomhive!" Hannah cackled, trailing bullets at her heels. "I leave you with so many holes Sebastian won't know which one to play with first!"
"I'm sure his twisted little mind would sort it out." Alliahnna pivoted suddenly, ducking for cover behind a knight. "But I doubt he'll forgive you for the bullets inside those holes." Bullets chipped away at the piece. Alliahnna extended a hand, unsheathing her hidden dagger. "So let me spare him to trouble of punishing you!"
Alliahnna darted into the open. Hannah aimed for her knees. Alliahnna jumped up and over her, spinning as the bullets drew closer. Hannah halted her onslaught, veering around as she came in for a landing. She landed and pivoted behind a rook. The bullets grazed her stockings, narrowly missing flesh. Hannah watched the rook intensely. The air shifted behind her. She whipped around to counter. A dagger pierced one of her wrists, pinning her to the misleading rook. Alliahnna perched to a bishop, laughing at the pinned demoness. Her machine gun well out of reach. Hannah readied her second gun stashed in the folded of her dress. Alliahnna bent back and dove behind the bishop just as bullets flew. Hannah jerked as Alliahnna appeared from around a knight. Before her finger could tense, Alliahnna threw the second dagger, pinning Hannah by her last wrist. Both guns out of reach. Alliahnna drew her rapier and lunged. Hannah cried shrilly as the sword buried itself in her stomach. Blood coughed from her throat. Alliahnna sprang a distance away, sniggering victoriously at her captive prey. She slid both hands inside her vest. Hannah gasped in horror when she displayed a fan of dinner knives.
"I'd regale you on where I found these on Sebastian…" Sebastian feigned embarrassment cupping a hand to his flushing cheek, "But that will be pillow talk for us tonight!" A flick of her wrists and the knives left her fingers. Hannah closed her eyes. A two story bishop slid and caught the knives.
BONG...Alliahnna seethed, darting a murderous glare to the side. BONG...Claude brazenly stared her down, foot completely stretched. BONG...Claude fixed his glasses. The lenses reflected Alliahnna swelling rage. "That'll do for now. It's time for our tea."
I decided to add more here because I hated how I ended it. It wasn't a good flow.
To be continued.