Chapter Sixteen: Earth Shaking Butler, Down to Earth Friend
The days passed and it was now Thursday. Bard and Frances were on their way to the Trancy Manor. Sebastian was unable to attend this time as the Queen had sent another letter with another mission for her Guard Dogs. Sebastian was quite reluctant to let her leave, however, he went with the Young Master anyway after she reassured him that nothing would happen and if it did, he would know. They would inform her of what they found out when she returned.
Frances and Bard pulled up in front of the Trancy Manor. The entire Trancy household stood outside waiting for them. Frances could see and sense the four demons. Three of them were triplets who were extremely similar and yet slightly different at the same time. The demoness was a sheath. What she held, Frances didn't know. If she had to guess, probably a demon sword or demon weapon of some sort. She found out about those when she asked Sebastian all those questions about demons. Alois was there, waving enthusiastically. Frances shook her head in amusement. The carriage pulled to a stop. Claude opened the door for her and bowed with a hand on his chest. He straightened.
"Welcome, Lady Frances."
He held out his white gloved hand. She accepted it with a "Thank you.", allowing him to assist her out of the carriage. Once safely on the ground, Alois tackled her into a hug.
"Frances!" He exclaimed.
She laughed as she hugged him back.
"Hello, Alois." She greeted, calmly.
He pulled away and took her by the hand, leading her into the mansion.
"My dance instructor isn't here just yet, butttttttt the two of us can play a round of chess while we wait!"
"All right." Frances agreed, allowing him to pull her along. She glanced back at Bard, "Bard, help the other servants if they need it."
"Yes, my lady." Bard agreed with a nod.
Frances turned back to Alois. They entered the mansion. Alois dragged her up the stairs to the game room. He sat her down in the chair she sat in before then took his own seat.
"Let's play!" He shouted, excitedly.
Frances smiled. She noticed she was the black pieces this time so she waited for him to move his piece to begin the game.
"How have you been, Alois? Done anything to keep the boring away?" Frances asked as he made his move.
"Thinking of the fun things for us to do! You were right! It did make the time go by faster! I was so excited; I barely got any sleep last night!"
"Alois." Frances said, surprised.
He smiled brightly at her. Suddenly, he scowled when there was a knock and a quiet, "Excuse me.", then the demoness came into the room with a broom.
"Hannah. (Frances turned to see the demoness flinch. Frances furrowed her eyebrows slightly. She could sense she wasn't afraid of him, in fact, it was… quite the opposite. She loved the boy.) What are you doing here?"
"I-I came to sweep this room, my lord."
"Oooooh?" Alois asked, standing up. Hannah started shaking, "Are you sure it's not because you want my friend to pity you? Because I told Claude I wanted this room cleaned before Frances arrived."
Alois stalked towards her.
"I-I am sorry, my lord."
Alois lifted his leg. Frances' eyes widened. She stood up and quickly made her way over to them. She grabbed Alois' leg.
"Alois." She said, sternly.
He looked at her with wide eyes. His eyes turned to ice as he glared at her.
"Frances! Why are you stopping the punishment of my maid?!" He demanded.
"Do you wish to be kicked or punched for doing something wrong?" She asked, sternly.
"She is…"
"A being that deserves respect. (She could feel the shock from both of them.) If you wish to punish her, give her a job she hates, do not physically or mentally or emotionally harm her or any of your servants for that matter."
Alois and Frances glared at one another, neither backing down. After a few seconds, Alois sighed. Frances slowly released his leg. He lowered it as he looked away placing a hand on his hip.
"Fine. Hannah, go clean all the bathrooms." He ordered, glaring at Hannah.
Hannah bowed, not looking in his eyes.
"Yes, my lord."
Her eyes looked at Frances for a brief second. She turned and walked out the door. It was silent in the room. So silent, one could cut it with a. knife.
"You're such a Mum." Alois commented, breaking the thick silence, looking at her.
Frances smiled softly.
"Why do you care so much about beings—humans and demons alike? I mean, Claude is amazing, but Hannah is weak and annoying, the triplets are always whispering so I don't know what they are thinking. (He looked away.) Actually, I don't know what anyone is thinking… (He looked back at her.) But, you are the most confusing person that I don't understand."
She smiled as she placed a hand on his head. He looked at her surprised.
"I believe all creatures should be treated with respect. Treat others the way you want to be treated. You may not know what anyone is thinking, but that doesn't give you the right to harm others just because you don't know."
He furrowed his brows.
"But, demons are evil creatures who only want souls."
Frances' smile grew. Alois' eyebrows furrowed further. She moved her hand from his hair to his shoulder.
"That is true for that is what demons consume, however, you made the contract with Claude knowing what he was, did you not? (He flinched back in shock. A frown formed on his lips.) Demons are dark creatures that can twist the truth, kill without even blinking, and commit many sins, which is why one must be cautious, however, they are also protective and territorial to the things they deem theirs'. But, back to your question, I treat everyone kindly until they give me a reason not to and even then, sometimes, not everything is as it seems. Did you think that maybe there's another reason she came into the room? Perhaps she wanted to check on her lord." Frances pointed out.
"…Perhaps." Alois agreed reluctantly, "I'm tired of this conversation. Let's play!"
He walked over to his seat and sat down. Frances followed suit. They played until they finished with Frances as the victor this time. Alois stretched his arms above his head. He looked at the clock in the room.
"Hmm… It seems we still have some time before my dance tutor arrives. What should we do?" He wondered.
"Might I use your bathroom, please?" Frances asked.
"Of course!" Alois said, "You'll make a right after you exit this room. It's four doors down on the left. We'll meet in the ballroom."
"All right. Thank you. Excuse me, Alois."
Frances walked out of the room and followed his instructions. She found the bathroom. It was extremely ravishing and more like a living room than a bathroom. It had a huge grey-white sink on the right side next to a toilet. Against the far wall was a window with light purple curtains that were pushed aside to allow the sunlight through. A greyish-green couch with gold accents on the head of the couch sat a few feet away from the window. There were also a few spider webs in the corner. She used the bathroom. Once she finished, she began washing her hands. Once she dried them on the grey-green towel that hung on the bar. She exited the room, sensing Hannah outside it. She took a step back.
"Hannah." She greeted.
She bowed.
"I am here to escort you to the ballroom."
Hannah straightened. Frances nodded.
"All right. Thank you." She said.
Hannah smiled. She gestured her to follow her. Frances did so. They walked in silence until…
"My Lady, if I may ask…" Hannah started, falling in step beside her.
"Of course." Frances said, nodding her head.
"You… truly believe creatures such as I deserve respect?"
Frances smiled.
"Yes, I do. You have feelings as well and while you may not be like humans, you still feel."
Hannah looked at her surprised. Her ocean blue eye gazed at her softly.
"Might I ask a question as well?" Frances asked in an extremely low voice so that the other demons wouldn't hear.
"Yes, my lady." She said, equally as softly.
"Why do you let Alois treat you in such a way when you have no contract with him?" She asked.
Hannah looked at her, surprised. After a moment, she smiled softly.
"Well, you see, my lady…"
A few seconds later, they arrived at the ballroom. Hannah knocked.
"Come in." Alois' voice called.
Hannah opened the door for her.
"Thank you, Hannah." Frances said, meaningfully.
Hannah smiled slightly. She bowed.
"You're welcome, my lady. (She straightened then turned to Alois and an older woman with blonde hair pulled into a tight bun. Her harsh looking light blue eyes looked at them.) Excuse me, my lord, Miss."
Hannah took her leave. Frances smiled at the woman standing next to Alois.
"Good afternoon, Miss. Mayer." Frances greeted.
Miss Mayer smiled.
"Good afternoon, Lady Frances. Lord Alois told me you were visiting him." She said, amused.
Frances smiled. She turned to Alois.
"Where would you like me to sit?" Frances asked him.
"There."
He pointed to the chair off to the right of her. Frances sat down quietly.
"Now then," Miss. Mayer said, "let us begin."
Frances watched her teach the young Earl the waltz. Frances had to admit, he was much better at it than Ciel. Though, no one could beat Sebastian's talent. She could feel his smugness out here. She mentally shook her head with an amused smile.
"Lady Frances." Miss. Mayer called.
Frances looked at her inquiringly.
"Yes?" She asked.
"Would you mind dancing with the Earl?"
Frances stood up.
"Not at all."
She walked towards Alois.
"Now, let us pretend this is a ball. We shall start with the Vietnamese Waltz."
Frances and Alois nodded with Frances saying, "All right.". Alois bowed while Frances curtsied. They began to waltz around the room. A smile lit the boy's face and calmness emanated from his soul. This was the calmest she had ever seen him.
*So, dancing helps him be calm.*
He needed a firm hand. A sense of purpose. She understood that. After taking care of her siblings for so long, then having to suddenly abandon them so they wouldn't get caught, she put her focus on saving those she could even to the point of exhaustion. And with her new knowledge… perhaps she could give him the love he so desperately craved.
"Very good." Miss Mayer complimented when the dance ended and they bowed and curtsied, "Next we'll do Cotillion."
She changed the music. They bowed and curtsied once again and got into position. The dance began. Alois once again did rather well. The dance ended after a few minutes.
"You have a natural talent for dancing, Alois." Frances complimented as she straightened from her curtsy.
Alois smiled brightly at her.
"She is right, my lord. You truly have a gift." Miss Mayer agreed, "Lady Frances, you may sit now."
"Thank you." Frances said, moving to sit in the chair she occupied before.
They continued the lesson with Reel dancing. Frances smiled as she watched. They stopped after a few minutes.
"All right. That ends this lesson. Keep on practicing Lord Trancy." Miss Mayer stated as she moved over to the gramophone.
Alois nodded.
"I will. Thank you."
*So, he does have manners.* Frances thought.
Alois skipped over to her. He grabbed her hand and pulled her along.
"Come on!" He shouted, "Claude will have tea set up in the library!"
Frances smiled.
"All right." She said, allowing him to drag her to the library.
The library was as magnificent as the Phantomhive Manor's with high golden brown shelves filled with books. There were two windows—one along the wall in front of her and one on the right of her. The curtains were a dark golden color. There was a light golden couch with gold accents. Tea was set up on a white circular table with pretty red rose dishes. On the plates were custards. Alois sat her down before taking a seat beside her. They both took up their napkins. Frances placed it on her lap while Alois tucked his into the collar of his shirt. Alois held up his cup of tea.
"Cheers!" He exclaimed.
Frances held up her own teacup and clinked it against his own.
"Cheers!" She exclaimed.
They took a sip of the tea. Frances knew there was no sleeping tea in it this time.
"Mmm, Assam." She complimented.
"Yes!" Alois agreed.
They enjoyed their tea together. Once the tea was complete, Alois leaned back in the couch with a sigh.
"That was delicious." He sighed.
"It was." Frances agreed, "Now, what would you like to do?" She asked, looking at him.
"Hmm… I did plan to play outside, but it's a little hot today, so will you read to me?"
"Sure. What would you like me to read?"
Alois jumped up and raced to one of the shelves. He reached up and grabbed a book. He brought the book over to her and thrusted it into her hands. She accepted the book. Looking at the cover, she saw it was the Grimms' Fairy Tales Volume One.
"All right." She said.
She patted the seat next to her. He smiled and sat down, leaning against his hand that leaned against the couch. Frances tucked her knees, comfortably on the couch, keeping her feet off the couch. She opened the book and began to read, giving the characters voices.
About a quarter of the way through, Claude brought her a glass of water when he came to clean up the tea stuff. She looked at him briefly to nod. Alois followed her gaze. He smiled at Claude.
"Claude! Frances is reading to me!"
Claude merely stared at him, unblinkingly, stoically. Frances stopped reading for a moment. She couldn't feel anything from him, though that didn't surprise her as he is a King of Hell. Alois turned away and sighed.
"Frances, keep reading." Alois demanded.
She nodded.
"Very well."
She could feel his annoyance yet love towards the demon. Frances continued to read. Claude left the room.
As the time passed by, Alois fell asleep. She quietly placed the book on the table. She carefully laid him down on the couch running her hand through his blond hair. She looked out at the greenery outside. She placed her other hand on her heart and closed her eyes. She smiled as she felt her siblings relaxed and comfortable state. Suddenly, she heard a whimper. Her eyes shot open. She looked down to see Alois' face twisted in fear, his eyebrows were furrowed, little whimpers escaped his lips.
"Lu-Luca. Luca, you… dead."
Frances' eyes widened.
"Alois." She whispered, her hand running through his hair paused for a moment.
She began to sing his song softly. Her hand continued to run through his hair.
Frances: The full moon slightly chipped (His whimpers quieted. His head unconsciously leaned into her hand. She continued running her hand through his hair.) that's so me~~, so please~~ save me and hold me tight just make me all right under the dark clouds, wingless swans in my soul~~~ from the fortress, a pessimist.
My howl~~ in the night~~~ to the isolated star~~ don't drive~~ me crazy~~~ everything seems too far~~ the sky so deep~~~ spread endlessly.
How on Earth~~ can I get to the straw~~~berry field~~~?
The full~~ moon slightly~~~ chipped~~ uncertain oh please~~ save me and let~~~ me~~ smile~~~ just make~~ me all right~~~ over the bed of trees~~ my heart spins around~~.
My howl~~~ in the dawn~~~ to the isolated star~~~ I dare to forgive you~~ everything seems too far~~~ but care for me~~~ tenderly~~~~~.
How on Earth~~~ can I get to the straw~~~berry field~~~~~~~?*
Alois sighed in his sleep. A small smile formed on his lips. Frances continued her ministrations.
"You are never alone, Alois." She whispered.
"That is the truth." Claude's voice stated around her.
She didn't bother looking up.
"Perhaps you should tell him that genuinely. (The demon's eyes narrowed.) You know for being in a contract, you seem to not care about your contractee."
Claude slammed his hand against the couch by her head. She looked at him to see his eyes red.
"He is mine."
Frances mentally smirked. Alois stirred slightly. She looked at Alois.
"Careful Claude, you'll wake him." She stated, motherly, running a hand through his hair again.
The boy calmed again. Frances looked up at Claude.
"You may have made a contract with him, but you need lessons on how to treat humans."
Claude glared at her.
"I know exactly how to treat humans (His gaze softened, a small smirk formed upon his lips.), especially the stubborn ones."
His hand reached out to cup her cheek. Frances reached up and caught it, ignoring the vicious growl Sebastian sent her. In the back of her mind, a song appeared, but she ignored that too. Claude's smirk grew. His other hand reached out when suddenly, Alois yawned loudly.
"What's going on?" He asked, sleepily rubbing his eye.
Claude moved away from her, his expression returning to stoic. Frances looked at Alois with a bright smile.
"Good afternoon, sleepy head." She greeted him.
He sat up, raising an eyebrow at her as he lowered his arm.
"Did you have a nice rest?" She asked.
"Mh-hm." He said nodding, "Let's go play hide and seek!"
He got up and raced out of the room. Frances calmly picked up the book to return it to the shelf. Claude stepped in front of her. They calmly stared at one another. Several moments passed by. Alois stuck his head in. A frown upon his lips.
"What's taking so long?" He demanded.
"She tried to return the book you had her read, your Highness. I was telling her that it was my job." Claude explained, taking the book from her.
"Thank you, Claude." Frances said.
"Well, hurry up. I want to play!" Alois pouted.
"I'm coming. I'm coming." She said, walking towards him as Claude moved out of her way.
The two of them played many rounds of hide and seek. Alois would pout when he was found and peek while he counted which caused Frances to scold him to which he would laugh and still peek. They played until dinnertime. Alois had her sit beside him. Claude and Hannah served them while the triplets waited on the side.
"Tonight's dinner is the Master's favorite: fish and chips. For drink accompaniment we have Black tea from Jackson of Picadilly or for the young lady, a rose wine."
"I'll have Black tea, please, Claude."
He began pouring her a cup. Once he finished, he handed it to Hannah who placed it in front of her.
"Thank you." She said, making eye contact with her.
She smiled slightly. The two of them stepped back so Alois and Frances could eat, after Claude served Alois his tea. They ate their dinner reminiscing on the silly hiding places they found one another in such as Frances found Alois in the sliver of the bookcase and the wall, Alois found her crouched in one of the cabinets, places like those. Once dinner and dessert were complete, Frances consulted her pocket watch. She decided it was time to leave. She let out a sad sigh as she looked at Alois.
"I should probably get going."
Alois pouted.
"OOOOkkkay…" He said, sadly.
"Hey, no sad faces. I'll be back next month or maybe we'll run into each other at a ball as we did two weeks ago."
He brightened immediately.
"This is true! I'll come up with some more fun things for us to do!" He exclaimed, excitedly.
Frances smiled brightly.
"I cannot wait." She said.
"Claude, go bring her servant."
"Yes, your Highness." Claude said with a bow.
Claude left the room. Alois stood from his chair; she followed suit. Alois hugged her tightly. She hugged him equally as tightly then picked him up and spun him around. He gasped before laughing. She laughed too. She stopped and placed him back on the ground. She pulled away from him.
"Do what you love, Alois. Remember your manners though."
He rolled his eyes.
"Yes, Mother." He said, sarcastically.
She smiled. She looked up to see Bard following after Claude.
"Ready to return, my Lady?" Bard asked her.
"Yes, Baldroy."
He nodded. They all made their way to the front door. They stopped in front of it. Baldroy turned towards Alois.
"All right. (He bowed towards Alois.) Thank you for entertainin' my Mistress."
He straightened.
"Of course. She's such great company." Alois said.
Frances smiled.
"You're great company too. I had a fun day."
"Me too."
They all walked to the door. Claude stepped forward, opening the door for them.
"Thank you." Frances said, passing through the doorway. She looked at Alois, "Bye, Alois!"
"Byeeeee!" He called out, waving both hands.
Bard assisted her into the carriage. She thanked him. He gave her a nod. Once she was safely in the compartment, he climbed into the driver's seat and began the drive home. Frances waved goodbye to Alois for a second. He waved goodbye as well. Soon enough, they were down the driveway.
Frances had thought about everything she had learned and became even more convinced that Claude was feeding Alois lies. After all, he did lie when Alois came back into the room. And she now knew the demoness loved him as a Mother even if she nor he treated their relationship in such a manner. She didn't know why Hannah didn't simply tell the boy. Perhaps she was waiting for the perfect moment to make a contract with him? That seemed plausible. She drifted off to sleep.
She slowly stirred when she felt Malphas picking her up from the carriage.
"Go back to sleep, my darling." He whispered, softly.
"Mmm, Se-bas-tian." She sighed, curling closer to the demon, her hands resting on his chest as she turned towards him.
Sebastian chuckled lightly. He pressed his lips against her head as she drifted back to sleep. A quiet hum escaped her lips when his touched her head. He looked up at Baldroy.
"Thank you for taking her and being with her Baldroy." Sebastian said.
"Of course. Nothing happened. Not like before."
"Good. Take the carriage to the side and let the horses rest. Feed and water them as well." Sebastian ordered.
"Yeah, yeah."
Sebastian took his mate to his room. He glared at her hard. He lifted her hand by the wrist. He began licking her hand. She whimpered in her sleep as her body squirmed. The demon closed his eyes, relishing in the sounds of his mate. He quickly finished so he wouldn't disturb her sleep. After all, he would have to wake her early tomorrow so she could help with the case. He watched as her body relaxed. He gently caressed her cheek. She leaned into his touch. He reluctantly took his hand away. He quickly changed her into a black nightgown, taking off her three rose necklace he got her for Christmas, he undid her hairdo, his hands running through the strands. She leaned closer to his hand causing him to smile. He took her things to her room and placed them in their proper places. He returned to his room. Once he heard Baldroy enter and head to the servants' bedrooms, he changed into his black pajamas. He slid into his bed beside Frances, wrapped an arm around her, and pulled her to lay on his chest. Her right arm instinctively went around his waist as her left rested against his chest as she nuzzled her face against his chest before relaxing her right cheek against it.
Frances awoke the following morning. A smile spread upon her lips. Her left arm wrapped around her demon, hugging him tightly. The demon's warble/purr grew louder as his hand stopped running through her hair to wrap around her backside to return the hug, holding her equally as tight.
"Good morning, Frances." Malphas greeted.
"Good morning, Sebastian." She greeted back.
She released him and moved her hands to his chest. She pushed herself up to look into his red gaze. Malphas' hands relaxed against her lower back. Her right hand reached up and gently ran through his hair. Malphas closed his eyes and leaned closer to her touch warbling even louder. He reopened his eyes to show his pleasure and happiness.
"Such a cunning human."
"We're getting closer, but we aren't there yet. I don't want to push him too hard or he'll shut down like last time."
Malphas nodded in understanding as his left hand began stroking her back, one finger occasionally tracing one of her scars.
"So, you believe you found the culprit?" She asked.
He hummed.
"Yes. He is casing the stores beforehand, digging a tunnel, then using it as his entrance and escape route."
"That's… not safe. He's gotten away from seven stores, correct?"
Sebastian nodded. His eyebrows furrowed as he felt and saw her worry.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Though, they aren't close together, it could potentially cause a collapse of the Earth…"
His eyes widened.
"I did not realize."
She nodded.
"We have a plan to catch him tonight."
"Good." She said, leaning up and kissing his lips.
Malphas smiled into the kiss as warmth flowed through them. His left hand moved up to her head to deepen the kiss. They pulled away after a few minutes. A loud gasp escaped her lips. Malphas smirked, enjoying her gasp. His hand lowered to cup her cheek, his thumb rubbing repeatedly over her cheek. Once she got her breath under control, he rolled them off the bed. He dressed her in her black dress, her hair in its usual braided bun, then placed her black rose necklace around her neck. His lips gently pressed against her exposed throat. She closed her eyes as she tilted her head to the side. Malphas smirked. His hand trailed down her side causing her to arch closer to him. The demon chuckled.
"Mine." He murmured against her neck.
She turned in his arms, looking up at him with a bright, loving smile.
"Yes. I am yours as you are mine." She said.
He smirked.
"Yes, my precious mate." He agreed.
They shared in another sweet kiss. Their song echoed through them.
"Come." Malphas said, pulling away, "Breakfast is ready in the dining room."
She nodded, noticing he was already dressed in his butler uniform.
The day passed quickly with the Young Master filling her in on what the case was and what she needed to do to capture this culprit.
The night was illuminated by the nearly full moon. All throughout London, many shops were closed and the streets were empty. The only place being open at eleven at night were the pubs where many patrons drank and laughed and talked about finding a woman or man of the night. London was unaware of the incredible danger that was lurking below. Tunnels were dug from different shops to smuggle out guns as Scotland Yard had conducted a few searches on other stores finding guns and other deadly weapons that were being bought and used to sell to Polite Society. If any more tunnels were dug or worse yet, an explosion went off, half of London would be underground.
A group of men ranging in different heights and sizes and of varying classes stood where they had begun their dig. They had dug another tunnel earlier that day to another shop.
"All right, men. We all know the drill. Frank and Ben will go first followed by myself and Alfred then Tim and Harris. If any of us get caught…"
"Use the powder." They all stated, monotonously.
"We know, Lance." A slightly stout man with greying light brown hair and hazel eyes stated, annoyed.
"Then let's get moving."
The first two men entered the tunnel and made their way to a shop in the middle of London. The sign on the shop read: The General Store. Half an hour passed, a piece of wood popped open in the floor of the store. Frank (The man with black hair and blue eyes seen through semi-rectangular glasses on his round face, with a medium built.) stepped into the shop. He gave a hand to Ben (The man with brown hair parted in the middle with brown eyes, freckles on his face, with a skinny body.) Ben climbed out of the hole. Once they were situated, they instantly went to the back. In another floorboard of a cupboard, were guns of all shapes and sizes. They began to take as many as they could out.
While Ben and Frank were in the shop, the next two Lance and Alfred had begun their journey into the tunnel. Tim and Harris were looking around as they leaned against the carriage.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over them. Their eyes widened. They didn't even have time to scream.
Ben and Frank through their bags of guns over their shoulders and made their way back into the tunnel, they passed by Lance and Alfred as they made their way into the shop to gather more weapons. They threw their bags out of the tunnel. They finally made their way out. First Frank then Ben. They both stood. They were about to reach down when suddenly, something sharp went to their necks. Their eyes widened. Frances held her sword against Ben's throat while Sebastian held a kitchen knife to Frank's throat.
"Good evening, gentlemen. We'll need you to not touch these dangerous weapons." Sebastian stated, a dark smirk upon his lips, "After all, with such dangerous weapons they could easily hurt someone."
Sebastian and Frances dug their weapons closer to their throats. The men whimpered, raising their hands. Sebastian and Frances tied up the two men. They threw them with the other two after discarding any weapons they had on their person as well as moving the bags of weapons to the side.
Lance and Alfred slung their bags over their shoulders. They exited out of the backroom. And were met with darkness.
"What?!" Both Lance and Alfred exclaimed, startled.
Suddenly, Alfred let out a scream as he was punched in the head, knocked out instantly. Lance's eyes widened in fear. He staggered back, trying to figure out who punched Alfred. He shakily pulled out his gun that was in his pocket. Suddenly, he saw a shadow in front of him. He let out a scream and shot at the shadow. It circled around him. He followed it, shooting at the shadow.
"Devil, be gone! I am a God fearing man!"
A dark amused chuckle echoed all around him. Suddenly, he felt someone behind him. He turned around to see an… incredibly handsome "man". Said "man" gave a sly smirk.
"Most humans are." He said.
Lance held the gun towards him. The "man" punched him, knocking him cold.
Sebastian dusted his hands. He fixed the collar of his tailcoat.
"Well then, let's get this tied up." He smirked.
Sebastian approached the Young Master and Frances. He carried a man in each arm. He threw them into the carriage.
"Sebastian, refill the tunnels." The Young Master ordered.
Sebastian placed a hand on his chest and bowed.
"Yes, my lord."
He disappeared from view. Frances and the Young Master heard and felt the ground rumble as Sebastian moved quickly and swiftly, filling the tunnels with the dirt that was piled off to the side. The shaking stopped after a moment. Sebastian returned looking clean and pristine despite dealing with dirt.
"That was quick." The Earl commented.
"But, of course, if I couldn't fill some tunnels, what kind of butler would I be?"
Ciel scoffed. Frances shook her head with an amused smile. They turned to the carriage when they heard angry grunts.
"Well, well. It looks like the cats are awake." The Young Master smirked.
Sebastian stared at the Young Master with no emotion, though Frances could sense his dumbfoundedness of the boy.
Lance glared at them viciously. He fought against his bonds. The others merely glared and grunted.
"Sebastian." The Young Master ordered.
"Yes, my lord." Sebastian responded.
He stepped forward. Lance flinched back. Sebastian smirked. He untied the man's gag.
"Who… What the hell are you?!" Lance demanded, "You ain't with the Yard!"
"No. Have you heard of the Queen's Guard Dogs?" The Young Master asked.
The men's eyes widened. Three of the men's faces paling including Lance's.
"N-No way." Lance whispered.
The Young Master, Sebastian, and Frances smirked. The Young Master pointed his gun at Lance's forehead.
"Is it just the six of you or is there more?" He asked in a deadly calm voice.
Lance flinched.
"The-The owners were hel-helping us sell them in-in order to gain a profit." Lance stuttered.
The Young Master's smirk grew.
"We already know about them."
"What?!"
Earlier that day:
After Sebastian dressed and fed Frances, he explained he wanted her to watch some of the stores on their list. There was one store he had her watch while he kept an eye on two others. The store Frances had to watch was The General Store.
It was about midmorning when a light blond haired and blue eyed man exchanged pleasantries with the owner: Timothy Gardner (A slightly heavy set man with greying black hair, a grey mustache, and green eyes with small round black glasses.). She suddenly felt a shift. A dark desire of excitement and greed. He handed Timothy a sack full of pounds. Timothy looked inside. He accepted it, placing it into his pocket. Timothy handed the blond haired man a box. He opened it. Frances' eyes narrowed. She could see a black gun inside. The blond haired man tipped his hat as Timothy nodded his head. Frances watched the man leave the store. She felt pulled to stop him. She gave a glance at the store.
She followed the blond haired man, keeping to the dark alleys. As he rounded the block, Frances pulled him into the alley she was in, covering his mouth so no one would hear his yell. He was thrown against the wall causing him to drop the box. A sword at his throat. He looked up to glare at whoever attacked him. His eyes widened when he saw it was…
"A woman? (His eyes narrowed.) What do you want?"
"What is your plan with that gun?"
His focus was all on her.
"I was going to use it to kill my wife."
Frances glared at him. She was going to have him turn himself in to Scotland Yard, but…
*We need to know if he knows any other information.* She thought.
She summoned rope to her hand.
"Follow me." She ordered.
He did so. She led him back to the alley that she was in previously. She turned to him.
"Sit down." She commanded.
He did as she ordered, sitting against the alley wall. She tied him up, just to be safe. As she did so, she asked,
"Are there any other stores that you know that sell guns or any other deadly weapons?"
"The Wash Room and Food Market." He answered, monotonously.
She nodded.
"Thank you. Go to sleep until seven tonight." She commanded.
He fell asleep. Frances resumed her watch of the store. They were well aware of those two stores as Sebastian was already watching them.
At about noon, she noticed a man with blond hair and green eyes dressed in a light grey tuxedo with a matching top hat, black shoes, and a black tie. He was rather tall, standing 6'0". It was Lance. He entered the store. The owner obviously knew him as she could feel and see the recognition and friendliness. They shook hands then the man nudged his head to the side. Timothy had one of his young clerks take over for him as he and Lance moved to the back. Frances let out a sigh. That was the signal Sebastian had told her to look out for. Timothy was a part of this.
*Humans are such greedy creatures.*
*Indeed they are.* Sebastian sent her.
She could hear the smirk in his voice.
Lance and Timothy came back out a minute later. Lance left while Timothy took over the register again.
They had found the next target.
At closing time, Timothy locked up for the evening. A shadow fell over him. Sebastian was behind him with a knife to his side. Timothy gasped.
"Good evening, Mr. Gardner. I suggest you come with me and if you make things difficult…" Sebastian dug his knife deeper into the man's side.
Timothy yelped. He looked at Sebastian with fear in his eyes. Sebastian smirked. He pulled Mr. Gardner along. He led him to the carriage where the blond haired, blue eyed man sat still tied up and knocked out. He had woken briefly, but Frances ordered him to remain asleep. Two other men were also tied up and sleeping. They were owners of the other stores. Frances also sat in the carriage. She had her legs crossed. Sebastian pushed the man into the carriage. He sat him beside the blond haired man. Frances quickly tied up the man even as he struggled. Once he was tied up, she forced him to look at her. She waited until all his focus was on her.
"Sleep." She ordered.
Mr. Gardner fell asleep. Sebastian and Frances exchanged smirks.
Back to the field where the tunnels were dug from.
Lance stared at the Young Master, Sebastian, and Frances in shock.
"H-How-How is that-that possible?"
Their smirks grew wider.
"I am one hell of a butler."
"And I am part of the House of Phantomhive."
"Now, I shall ask again and you should be aware, I will shoot you if you do not answer me. Is that all to your organization?"
"Yes! The others were too afraid or honest to buy and sell weapons!" Lance explained quickly.
The Young Master stared harshly at him. After a moment, he nodded.
"Very well. Sebastian, Frances, let us deliver these rats to Scotland Yard."
"Yes, my lord." They both answered with a bow.
After delivering the men, including the owners of the stores they were watching over to Scotland Yard, they returned to the manor.
Frances and the Young Master exchanged goodnights as they went their separate ways. As Frances left to her room, her gaze lingered on Sebastian whom she could feel his lust and arousal. She could see it clearly in his eyes. They flashed briefly, his pupils becoming the thinnest of slits. She closed her eyes briefly as she tilted her head back, becoming aroused. The demon smirked. Frances lifted her head as she felt his smugness. Her eyes met his for a moment. He turned and followed his Young Master to ready him for bed. Frances continued on her way to her room.
Once there, she readied herself for bed. Once she was, she sat on her bed waiting, slightly impatiently for Malphas. She only had to wait a few minutes before she felt his presence behind the door. He didn't even knock this time. He merely strode in. He closed the door behind himself, his fuchsia eyes never leaving hers. He began to transform. His heeled feet clicked sharply as each step brought him closer to his mate. Frances stood weakly, reaching for him. As he transformed, his darkness flooded the room so no one would hear their cries of bliss. His hands ran up her arms to her shoulders. He pulled her flush against him causing her to gasp. He lowered his head to her hair and breathed in her rosy peachy scent.
"Precious mate. You are exquisite. (He pulled back just a little, his hand came up to her chin. He tilted it up to see her eyelashes fluttering. A whimper escaped her lips.) I need you, my Frances."
"Malphas." She whimpered.
Her eyes closing, lips tilting towards him. He smirked and obliged, kissing her long and deep. Soon enough, they were once again entangled with each other in a raging passion.
*'The Slightly Chipped Full Moon' belongs to Yucca.