First of all: NVCiel: You are awesome! Not sure if you can receive private messages or not but regardless, you're an epic reviewer. Same to you VeryBerry96.

SECONDLY: I love this chapter. It's my favorite so far, (even though I tend to feel that way about all of my chapters) but I really mean it this time!

I had a really hard time deciding what to do about the Viscount. It took a little extra time but I think I made the perfect choice and I stand by it wholeheartedly. I hope you're all pleasantly surprised(; Let me know 3

Enjoy.

Majix

There was no escape. Strong, unflinching fingers held both of his wrists in an iron grip, forcing his knees to the ground. Rough hands ripped the stained cotton material from the small boy's body, giving no mind even as he cried out in pure unadulterated fear. He tugged and thrashed beneath their captivity, but his efforts were in vain.

The scent of something hot permeated the air and adrenalin rushed through the bluenette's veins. Mere specks of dirt came into focus and he rapidly became hyper aware of every movement around him. The grip of his captors suddenly seemed all the more intense and the unforgiving ground beneath his knees was colder than he remembered. Chills crawled up and down the boys spine as the continued rush of adrenalin courses through him without pause. The fight or flight instincts of the natural order screamed throughout the youth's terrified conscious but there was no place to run, no way to escape, no hope of fighting his way free.

A lone figure made his way up to the forcibly kneeling boy from behind, a red hot brand held in his glove clad fingers, "Hold him tighter."

The bones in his wrists threatened to snap as their fingers dug even deeper into his already bruised flesh. The boy whimpered in pain and tears brimmed in his eyes as the men with the hot iron stopped directly behind him.

"I hope you remember this moment for the rest of your life, Phantomhive."

One of the men grabbed the back of his head and shoved him further down towards the ground, his wet cheek less than an inch away from the stone floor and his skin began to warm as the hot metal neared him, before without warning, the scalding iron was pressed roughly against the tender flesh of his lower back.

A flood of white hot pain slammed into him like a tsunami at the drop of a dime and the boy screamed in utter agony from the very recessed of his soul. The bluenette's nerves were on fire and with each passing second, it only seemed to burn hotter. It felt as though his very skin was melting as easily as candle wax to a flame and his muscles jerked and convulsed as the metal sunk through the protective layers of his skin. He thrashed helplessly against the men holding him but the movement only drove the metal deeper into his flesh, making him scream louder. He finally went limp in their grasp, his throat raw and bleeding from the blood curdling shriek that had echoed through the room.

The man behind him pulled the cooled metal from his body and he flinched as he felt the cold air hit it, making the brand burn even more, if that was at all possible.

The elder came around to face the young boy and grabbed his matted blue hair, forcing his head back until their gazes met and he smiled wickedly, "From this moment on, Earl Phantomhive," He sneered the name and tossed the branding iron aside, "Everyone will know what you really are. A slave. You're worthless now and you've never been more beautiful."

He nodded to the men holding the boy up and he dropped his head before standing and exiting the room without another word. His captors jerked him to his feet and dragged him along, making their way through the damp halls and led him back to the door of his own personal hell.

Ciel Phantomhive woke with a start and a rush of fear surged through him as his eyes met nothing but black. The nature of his nightmare, as well as his memory, left his skin to be chilled by a thin layer of sweat.

Emotions whipped back and forth through his heart like a hurricane and the tight feeling in his chest almost made the corset seem barable. The resurfacing of his most secret and well guarded memories left him shaken but as he cast his senses outward, he was immediately able to reassure himself that he wasn't back in that place. The air wasn't damp enough, and there wasn't moss beneath him.

Sebastian killed those men. He slaughtered them and their blood stained the floor like paint. Their last moments of life were filled with pain and inescapable fear and horror.

The reassuring thought instantly cooled his electric nerve endings and he took a deep breath, feeling the air fill his lungs. Meditation quickly overcame the bluenette as he calmed himself. He concentrated on the shallow rise and fall of his chest as he exhaled, the way his muscles began to loosen with each breath.

The material surrounding his wrists had a small amount of slack and the young Earl was positive that it was only cheap rope that held him in place. He gently tried his bonds and discovered that his arms were bent at the elbow up towards his chest and bound to his body. The ropes around his wrist were slightly tighter than those around his arms and the bonds holding his wrists together had been connected to a single loop of rope that'd been wrapped around the back of his neck, holding his arms even more firmly against his chest. From what he could tell, there wasn't anything binding his legs, but the way they'd seated him left his limbs dead with sleep and lack of circulation.

The rhythmic beat of his heart finally began to slow, and as the sound of voices fell within the range of his hearing, the bluenette stilled even further.

"Next up, we have the crown jewel for the night. The Viscount's choice!"

The appropriate 'Ooo's and 'Ahh's were exchanged and and the bluenette was momentarily confused before his attention was once again drawn to the attention of another speaker.

"Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on upon this beauty."

The rustle of material rapidly being removed caught the Earl's undivided attention and though his vision was still blinded, he could see faint scraps of dim light through whatever material was covering his eyes.

A knot formed in the bluenette's stomach. An underground auction. The gears within his clever mind finally found what they needed to begin moving and all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. The Viscount must have been selling the stolen organs from the prostitutes! It seemed so overly obvious now that it was out in the open. Ciel sighed softly while listening to the murmurs of the bidders.

"This lovely little robin is a jewel for any collection. As you can see, her skin is the perfect mirror of freshly fallen snow. Treasure her as a pet, she will make an excellent addition to any ritual, don't you agree?"

The Viscount's luscious seductive tone made the bluenette shutter. The memory of his honey smooth voice in his ear made him want to vomit. He felt utterly helpless and the reminder of the Viscount only made him feel worse, but below that meek feeling was simmering rage.

"Her eyes are a shade of blue more beautiful than any sapphire in existence. Allow me to show you."

The black material was suddenly pulled from his eyes and his pupils constricted as they met the light. As his vision focused the knot in the pit of his stomach tightened. Just as he'd thought, thick iron bars surrounded him, holding him captive as the audience gaped at him, quietly discussing his future amongst themselves.

"The bidding starts at 1000 pounds!"

The bidders rapidly began upping the price, their voices rising in pitch and volume with each increase.

His lips thinned out into a tight lipped grimace and his simmering anger finally came to a boil. He was a Phantomhive. An Earl and the Watch Dog of the Queen. To be thrown in a cage, bound and sold off like a common beast? Insulting. Disrespectful. It didn't matter to him that they had no clue who he was or even that he wasn't a female. All that mattered to him was that, once again, he was sitting in a cage being gawked at.

His patience had finally worn to thin and he looked over each and every one of their faces with irritation, "Sebastian. I'm here."

Sebastian lingered silently within the shadows of the party, quietly observing those around him that seemed oblivious to his presence. It was probably better that way. Truth be told, the demon was in a right foul mood. He'd been rather preoccupied with distracting Elizabeth with the illusion to watch properly but he'd still seen the way the Viscount touched Ciel.

It would've been invisible to the over confident blonde, but Sebastian had known instantly that Ciel didn't want to be anywhere near the man. He had yet to determine if that was because the Viscount was a man, he was a murder suspect or merely because the Earl didn't like to be touched by others without his permission. The butler assumed that it was an odd mix of all three reasons but when it came to Ciel, one could never be entirely sure.

All he knew was that the moment he saw the elder's lips touch Ciel's shoulder and the flash of repulsion in the bluenette's eyes he'd wanted nothing more than to rip the Viscount apart limb by limb.

Blood lust had pooled in his stomach and left its mark on his heart. Ciel was his property, his meal, and on occasion he'd even go as far as to say that they were friends. The blonde was caressing the boy's skin and whispering suggestivly in his ear, making the butler's jaw clench. The fool was toying with what belonged to a demon. This demon. Sebastian was easily the more dominant and powerful species between the two of them and his instincts practically demanded that he make an example out of the blonde.

However, what enraged him even more was when a soft smile met the boy's lips and a faint blush colored his pale cheeks. Some unknown emotion clawed and ripped at his insides as he saw the small reaction from the bluenette . Unfortunately at that exact moment, he'd been needed inside the closet; and after his performance, including the time it took to separate himself from the wave of new fans, Ciel had disappeared, along with the Viscount.

Sebastian knew that the pair hadn't left the manor, that much he was sure, but until Ciel called for him, he wouldn't be able to tell exactly where in the manor they were without going in search of the bluenette. In a sense, the covenant felt like a kite string. The elder could feel the slight pull as Ciel moved farther away from him and he could potentially tell which direction he'd gone; but it was vague. If the devil's seal was covered, as it normally was, it made the task all the more difficult.

As he thought back to the young Master his mind began to wander effortlessly. The boy was an enigma. Sebastian had been alive longer than any of the humans currently walking the Earth, longer in fact than many of his own race, but the Earl of Phantomhive still managed to surprise him. He could admit that he felt protective of Ciel for more reasons than just his soul.

When he was gone, the world would lose one of the few interesting people that made up its numbers. Ciel was driven and clever. Stubborn to a fault and willing to sacrifice to serve the greater "good", so to speak. His thoughts were his own and he didn't follow the rules of society just because that's how he was expected to feel or react. He was original, if such a person existed. More original than anybody here.

Sebastian cast a look around the room. A number of the guests had begun to trickle out but the majority of the party was still in full swing. Tedious. All they did was dance and flirt. Even their conversations were dull and rehersed. Nobody ever said what they meant, accept for Ciel.

As that final thought rang through his conscious, the string went taunt, "Sebastian. I'm here."

A smile curled the demon's lips and he disappeared into the darkness. Finally. The Seal was revealed and it led him to the boy like a map. He weaved effortlessly through the underground chambers of the manor and it was almost as if time had stopped for him.

Well, it hadn't stopped entirely. Everything around him was in slow motion. It was almost as if the steady tick of passing seconds had to run through a river of molasses. The flickering candle flames were slow and lazy, licking at the surrounding air without the vigor they normally possessed. With a will and a want the flicker of light died out entirely and the gasps of the nobles filled the small room.

His pupils turned to slits and dialated within the darkness. The room was as clear as daylight and the look of fear on all their faces made his skin prickle with excitement. He could taste their confusion, the panic of being in the dark, and the beast within roared with triumph and approaching victory.

Sebastian could feel Ciel's presence against the back of his mind and he smiled as he caught sight of the boy. The sadistic nature of Sebastian's personality purred in approval, the blood quickening in his veins as he took in the Earl's appearance. The boy was bound and helpless to his captors, but his expression of defiance stayed strong. The twinkle of vengeful arrogance shone brightly in the boy's dark blue eyes. And among his strong and resilient features was Sebastian's personal mark. The sight of his seal marking this specific individual sent a wave of territorial pride through him and his rage suddenly returned as his thoughts turned to the one who'd touched Ciel.

He scanned the small crowd his eyes lingered on his prey. The Viscount. He was looking wildly around just like the rest if them and the demon snarled within his skin. The tall blonde had dared to touch something that belonged solely to a demon, and worse, somehow the repulsive excuse for a human had managed to make Ciel smile. He'd put color in the boys cheeks and that thought alone only enraged the ravenette more.

For reasons he couldn't explain, Sebastian's rage boiled over and the electric flow of power across his skin seemed to snap and crackle with renewed energy. The angrier he got, the slower time seemed to crawl.

Sebastian stalked towards the crowd and spent less than ten seconds with each one. His skilled fingers jabbed at the three paralyzing points along their spine and the two on either side of their neck. The effect was instantaneous. Each one fell silently, unable to scream at the pain that shot through their nerves and held them temporarily captive. Unconsciousness enveloped each of them in mere seconds.

But he'd saved the Viscount for last. He set the man in his sights and fell behind him like a shadow. The predator within him was normally content with trailing, watching his prey struggle while he played with it, but not this time. Sebastian ripped his white gloves off and grabbed the Viscount roughly by the shoulders.

The blonde was instantly pulled into the demon's power bubble and time flowed as it should around them. Sebastian silenced the air around them with a harsh thought and held the Viscount by the scruff of his shirt, pulling them face to face.

Maroon eyes morphed and became four glowing blood red ones that started deep into the Viscount's soul with burning hatred. The beast within had been released and all thoughts of proper etiquette no longer applied.

The blonde's eyes widened in unbelievable fear and he whimpered helplessly. Sebastian eagerly drank in his terror, the glassy look of hope draining from the man's face driving him harder than before.

"Viscount Alabaster Druitt," Sebastian stared into his eyes, smiling as the Viscount's fright swelled at the mention of his name.

"You should learn not to touch things that don't belong to you."

His captive's eyes flickered to where Ciel was still bound and caged, "That's right. Your actions have been inexcusably rude."

The demon pulled the Viscount in close, almost as if they were lovers, his lips lingering just below his ear, "I'm going to drain you dry, and then I'm going to take back what rightfully belongs to me."

He gripped the man's throat in a flash and squeezed sharply, leaving no room for the Viscount to speak, "I'll think of it as my prize for killing you."

The blonde's eyes bugged and he desperately tried to apologize or offer some form of an excuse, but Sebastian would have none of it. He dug his fingers into the Viscount's throat, his clawed nails sinking into the flesh. Sebastian sighed contently as small rivers of blood started to trickle down over his pale flesh and he held the blonde close, their bodies pressed intimately together as the life force steadily flowed into the ravenette.

The healthy glow of life quickly began to drain from the Viscount and he gaped like a fish as his skin became withered and delicate. His hair started to gray at the roots and worked it's way down until every speck of gold was gone. Muscles rapidly shrunk and clung to the bones, the skin sagging from his form and after a few moments, Sebastian was holding a mummified skin encased skeleton in his arms.

With a lewd pop, the demon pulled his fingers from the late Viscount's throat and let him drop. As the bones hit the ground, they burst into dust. Sebastian snickered and kicked the pile, sending the dust in all directions, watching with satisfaction as the small particals settled.

It wasn't as good as a soul, but Sebastian felt temporarily satisfied. His body hummed with power and the beast was tamed, even if just for the moment.

With a brief flick of the hand, time began to flow steadily and the silence that'd previously surrounded him dissipated. Candle wicks flickered with returning life and Sebastian approached the bluenette with intent purpose.

"Of all your talents, I dare say being captures is the most successful."

Ciel cast him a glare, "Get me out of here."

The butler bowed his head respectfully and grasped one of the bars in both hands before easily bending them apart. The metal squealed in protest but Sebastian ignored the sound and bent them open far enough for him to reach in and pull Ciel out. With a quick flick, the ropes surrounding the boy's wrists fell and he wiggled out of the annoying restrictions.

Blood thrummed in his wrists and relief coursed through him as he was freed. He glanced around and was happy to see that all parties of the audience were unconscious and looked to have faint grimaces of pain on their features. Irritation flushed through him as he realized that the Viscount was not among their numbers.

As if reading his thoughts, Sebastian spoke in a calm and reassuring tone, "The Viscount Druitt has been taken care of."

Ciel gazed up at Sebastian greatfully for a moment before hugging him tightly around the waist, his cheek pressed against the ravenette's chest. The contact and comfort of another body was essencial to the bluenette. The reawoken wounds of his past were split open and bleeding, and the pain that he'd put off for the moment was returning. It filled him with mild dread and as strong as he was, Ciel needed to know that he wasn't alone. That this wasn't the end. He needed to convey the depth of his gratitude and he could think of no other way to express what he wanted to.

Sebastian was visibly startled by the embrace, especially after the way the Earl had reacted to the Viscount touching him but the demon slowly wrapped his arms around the boy's body.

He was warm, like most humans, and Ciel gave him a hesitant squeeze before letting go, "Sebastian?"

The demon raised an eyebrow in question, "My Lord?"

"Take me home"

Sebastian smiled and bowed his head, clasping his regloved palm over his heart, "Of course." The ravenette easily scooped him up, cradling the boy bridal style before flitting through the winding pathways of the Viscount's manor.

Ciel paid their location little mind and he laid his head on Sebastian's shoulder, closing his eyes and breathing deeply in calming relief. The familiar scent of kitchen spices, shoe polish and a hint of something sweet washed over his senses, just as it had when they'd danced and he slowly relaxed against the elder's body. He felt utterly safe and protected.

With a start, the Earl realized that his previous thought was likely the reason he felt so tranquil and at peace when he was with Sebastian. Safety was rare in his life and Ciel didn't like relinquishing control. Even for a split second, because he knew that it only took a moment to slip a knife between the ribs of your enemy, but with his faithful butler, Ciel felt nothing but protected. Sebastian would never let anything truly harmful befall him. It was a luxury he rarely experienced.

The pleasure he felt because of that particular revelation left his heart warm and comfortable. He cast a secret look at the demon and calmly observed. They were racing down the empty streets of London at inhuman speed and Sebastian looked completely content. His face was calm and collected, his eyes set ahead towards their destination.

There were so many things that Sebastian did for him on a day to day basis that he didn't care to acknowledge. His pride refused to admit it but Ciel knew that he wouldn't be able to carry out the duties of his everyday life without the butler's aid. His loyalty was unflinching and his work was unmatched by any standard. He never failed.

"Sebastian?"

The demon looked down at the boy in his arms, their eyes meeting. Ciel looked slightly conflicted, almost ashamed and the ravenette slowed down his pace so he could focus, "Yes, my Lord?"

Ciel felt his pride lump in his throat but he swallowed it sharply, "I really appreciate all the things you do. Thank you for saving me.."

The sentence hung open ended and the ravenette realized that the boy was referring to both the day they'd met as well as his rescue from the Viscount. Shock slammed into the demon and he almost stumbled over his own feet at the boy's words.

"My Lord, what kind of a butler would I be if I couldn-"

Ciel cut him off, "No, Sebastian. Thank you for not leaving me. Don't claim it was your duty. It's your responsibility to make sure I live, not that I'm comfortable. You could have left me. "

Confusion bloomed within the demon but he said nothing, nodding his head once before running at top speed back to the manor.

His emotions clashed, ringing through him like the meeting of two swords as Sebastian pushed himself harder and faster to get the Earl home. Unbridled worry flowed through him and part of his conscious raged that yet another human emotion had wormed its way into his life but he ignored it. The butler was focused more on Ciel's words than anything else.

Sebastian could admit that the morning he'd given Ciel the ring, he'd been surprised that the bluenette had thanked him. Surprised but not astounded as he was right now. The butlers first thought was that perhaps there was something wrong with him. Maybe while in their care, the Earl had been drugged but he didn't appear to be anything but genuine. Shaken up maybe, but not drugged. The demon's second thought was that Ciel was mocking him but that thought was cast away within the moment.

The boy's actions were yet another mystery and for the time being, Sebastian had to accept that he meant the words he'd spoken. With that, he also had to accept the deep rattled feeling inside his core. He was unaccustomed to people thanking him, especially his masters. In all his contracts he could only remember two other times when he'd been thanked and the words hadn't been nearly as genuine and sincere as Ciel was.

As Sebastian raced on into the night, holding the boy close to his body, the tides of confusion settled within the pits of his blackened heart and he was left to wonder just what'd happened behind those iron bars to leave the young Master so obviously not himself. His protective nature swelled and as he glanced down at the now sleeping Earl, he growled with anger. He should have spent more time with the Viscount. He should have made him suffer. It was no longer enough that the Viscount's soul was trapped on the plane of the living, bound to this world forever, unable to ever truly find peace. It wouldn't ever be enough.

Sebastian glanced down once more at the young man's face as they approached the wrought iron fence guarding the Earl's town house. His face was free of concern and Ciel slept peacefully, but just below the surface, a storm was brewing. Sebastian didn't know who or what had the strong boy in such turmoil, but he was sure that when the storm hit, nobody would be safe from the Phantomhive hurricane.