A/N: Hello, my readers! I am sorry for the late posting, however, I hope this makes up for it! I shall be posting two chapters today as I will not be in wifi service next weekend. Have a great week! Enjoy!
Chapter Twenty-One: Demonic Butler, Angelic Friend
October arrived bringing its cooler weather. They entertained their variety of guests, namely Lady Elizabeth, her family, Prince Soma and Agni, a few business associates, and a local newspaper interested in both the Funtom Company and the Phantomhive lands.
Today, Frances and Ciel were getting a few pieces of paperwork done until Sebastian asked her to come to Ciel's Office for their elevenses tea. Frances agreed. So, that is where she currently was. Sitting in front of Ciel's desk as Sebastian presented sugar cookies and ginger snaps with Black Tea from Ridgeways.
Once he finished with his elevenses, Ciel wiped his mouth.
"I take it we have a letter from the Queen?" Ciel asked, leaning back in his chair.
Sebastian smirked.
"Spot on as always, my lord."
He presented the Young Master with a silver tray that held a white letter with the Queen's red seal upon it. Ciel used his letter opener and carefully sliced it open. He unfolded the letter and began reading. After a few minutes of reading, Ciel spoke,
"Interesting. (He paused a moment.) It seems people have been found in or around various churches with water in their lungs even though they were nowhere near water."
Frances hummed.
"The bodies obviously were moved to those locations then." Frances stated.
Ciel nodded.
"Though, we'll know more when we get to the crime scene. (He looked up at Sebastian.) Sebastian, prepare a carriage. We'll leave at once."
Sebastian bowed.
"Yes, my lord."
Soon enough, Frances and Ciel were assisted into the carriage followed by Sebastian. Once they were situated, they took off towards the Townhouse first to drop off their luggage with Prince Soma and Agni. Frances promised them they would return soon as Sebastian handed the suitcases to Agni and helped him bring them in. She was the one to talk to Prince Soma since Ciel didn't feel like dealing with him since they saw each other just last week when the Prince and khanasama came to visit. Once the luggage was taken care of, Sebastian assisted the Young Master then Frances back into the carriage before climbing in himself. They drove off to the scene of the crime.
They arrived at All Hallows by the Tower. Frances' gaze went over the church in the direction of the Tower of London where Sebastian was tortured earlier that year. Her heart clenched once again. Sebastian gently ran his hand up and down her back as he squeezed the hand he held, sending her soothing feelings.
*I'm fine, precious mate.* He sent her, kissing her forehead.
She relaxed into the kiss. She looked at him through her lashes.
*I know.* She sent back, her hand squeezing his own.
He warbled in pleasure within her mind. She smiled as she also felt his urge to nuzzle her. The carriage came to a stop. Sebastian exited the carriage first. He turned and assisted the Young Master first followed by Frances. They walked forward to the entrance of the church where Scotland Yard and a crowd of curious citizens stood. The crowd parted as the three of them moved to get a better view of the crime. Inspector Abberline was the first to spot them. He turned towards them, holding a notebook.
"Oh, Ciel, Frances!" He exclaimed, cheerfully.
Sir Arthur Randall looked up from where he knelt where the body must have been. He stood up to his full height.
"Abberline!" He scolded.
Abberline quieted down, looking away sheepishly. Randall looked at the three of them.
"What are you doing here?"
Ciel showed him the letter from the Queen.
"I would not act if the Queen hadn't instructed us here."
Randall gritted his teeth. Ciel took the notebook from the Inspector's hands causing him to exclaim,
"Oh!"
Ciel looked over the notes with Frances and Sebastian looking over his shoulders to read them as well. They didn't have much. Merely the bodies were displayed in front of statues in or around the churches. From the sketch they had, the young woman's hands were folded neatly on her stomach and they were dressed in a modest dress of a pale blue with a white color, her blonde hair was up in a slightly messy bun, on her hands were white gloves that got tucked into the long sleeved pale blue dress, on her feet were matching pale blue heels, white stocking peeking out of the tops of her feet. She was positioned in front of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus with two other statues on either side of her—St. Ethelburga on the left and Lancelot Andrews on the right. When Ciel shifted through the papers of the two other crime scenes, Frances noticed the women were placed in front of the Virgin Mary statue displayed similarly and in the same style dress. The only difference being the color of the dress and the young women whom looked to be about twenty.
"It looks like you don't have much."
Before he could make his usual quip about "Gifts for Scotland Yard", Sir Arthur snatched the papers back.
"There is nothing for you here. Scotland Yard will catch the culprit!"
Frances scoffed. The four men looked at her in surprise. Sebastian slightly cautiously.
"You've had three weeks yet, you can't seem to find them." Frances stated, unable to help herself, "It's no wonder you need help catching these people. Such a shame the person who left "Gifts for Scotland Yard" isn't around…"
Sir Randall stared at her in utter shock. She was usually ever so polite, always saying "thank you" and "excuse us". Perhaps her time as the head of the brat's toy company changed her slightly. Ciel's surprise turned into a smirk, a quiet chuckle escaped his lips.
"Very well, then. Come, Sebastian, Frances."
Frances turned from Randall and Abberline. Once they were back inside the carriage, Ciel tapped the roof signaling the driver. Ciel stared at the young lady whom he now called friend. She would have never said that. However, he noticed she was showing her anger slightly more than usual. And he didn't miss his butler's reaction to her comment. His eye narrowed. Something was going on. He was going to find out when the case was over.
"Are we going to visit him, my lord?" Sebastian asked, running a hand up and down Frances' back.
Ciel looked at him as Frances leaned closer to his side, looking at Ciel.
"I would rather not, but he does have the information required."
Frances smiled slightly and nodded.
*It's been a while since I visited Undertaker.*
*Indeed.*
They soon arrived at Undertaker's foreboding looking place. Sebastian opened the door for the Young Master and Frances, assisting them out to which she thanked him for. He inclined his head. They moved to the door of the shop. Sebastian once again opened the door.
"Undertaker, are you in?" The Young Master asked.
The room was dimly lit as per usual. Suddenly, his eerie laughter echoed out all around them.
"Greetings, my lord (The lid to the coffin on the ground opened with an eerie creak. Undertaker sat up in the coffin. He turned slowly towards the boy. A wide grin upon his lips.) Are you ready to be fitted for one of my coffins today?"
Undertaker tapped the side of the coffin he was in for emphasis. The Young Master gritted his teeth and cane. Frances could feel the incredible annoyance from him.
"No. I'm not here for that. I'm here for…"
The Young Master was cut off when Undertaker hopped out of the coffin with ease and appeared at the Earl's side. His long nail poked his cheek.
"I know exactly why you're here. They didn't require much work, just expelling the water from their lungs." Undertaker stated with a frown.
He moved away slightly from the Earl. He turned to Frances with a smile.
"Hello, Frances."
Frances smiled.
"Hello, Undertaker. How are you?"
He chuckled softly.
"Fine. Though these victims were slightly boring."
"Will you tell us about them?" The Young Master asked.
Undertaker smirked.
"I will for my usual price. You know what it is."
The boy groaned.
"Sebastian. Frances."
Sebastian tugged on his black gloves.
"Very well."
"Actually, I got this one Sebastian." Frances said, placing a hand on his arm gently.
He nodded.
"Very well."
He stepped back, allowing her the stage so to speak. Frances stepped forward. She cleared her throat.
"Why won't skeletons fight each other?"
Undertaker's wide grin smiled at her.
"I don't know. Why won't skeletons fight each other?"
"They just don't have the guts."
There was silence for a split second until Undertaker fell to the floor in laughter, shaking the building. Ever so slowly, Undertaker's laughter turned into weird chuckles as he caught his breath. He looked at her from the ground, a smile upon his face.
"That was a good one, my dear."
She smiled.
"Thank you." She inclined her head.
"You're welcome." He said.
He stood from the ground using a coffin to assist him. He turned from them and made his way to his desk.
"Despite having their lungs being expelled, I did have to do something else… more like, fill something into their bodies."
"Such as?" Sebastian asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Their blood." He said, curling a finger above his smirking lips.
Frances, Sebastian, and Ciel jerked in shock.
"Yes. You see, I found a puncture mark in between their toes."
"How much blood was taken?" Frances asked.
"Nearly all of it. Only a pint was left in each victim."
Ciel and Frances frowned.
"I would suggest finding the culprit quickly. People like that won't stop until they are stopped."
The Young Master nodded sharply.
"Thank you, Undertaker. Contact me if you get any more details." He ordered, turning from him.
Undertaker chuckled.
"Of course."
"Thank you, Undertaker. I'll stop by for a visit soon." Frances said, hugging him.
Undertaker hugged her back with a smile.
"I cannot wait."
They pulled away with smiles. Frances began walking to the door where Sebastian was holding it open.
"Frances." Undertaker called.
She turned to him.
"Yes?"
"Is your stomach ravenous yet?" He asked.
Frances' eyebrows furrowed as she tilted her head. Sebastian nearly stiffened come that question again. Frances turned to him, sensing him pause a second. She turned back to Undertaker.
"No." She stated, confused.
Undertaker chuckled. He waved goodbye.
"Very well. See ya soon."
"See ya soon, Undertaker."
She walked out, thanking Sebastian. Sebastian bowed politely to Undertaker who smirked at him. Sebastian closed the door with a small frown. He made his way over to Frances. She looked up at him. He could feel and see the confusion in her eyes.
*I'm fine, my darling."* He sent her reassurance.
She nodded with a small smile, though he sensed she was a tad worried still.
*If you're sure…* She trailed off.
He smiled reassuringly at her, wanting nothing more than to caress her cheek then and there. His hand started tingling. She smiled as she lightly, discreetly grazed his hand. He warbled in pleasure within her mind. Her brown eyes brightened even more as her smile widened. They arrived at the carriage. Sebastian assisted the Young Master inside first then Frances. Sebastian sat beside her once again, holding her close. Once the door was closed and they were all seated, the Young Master signaled the driver by hitting his cane against the roof.
"What shall we do now, my lord?" Sebastian asked.
"Sebastian, I want you to interview the families. See if there are any connections between the victims. I want this finished soon so I can go home."
"Yes, my lord." Sebastian said, placing a hand on his chest and bowing slightly.
He straightened. In the next second, he was hanging out the door.
"Excuse me, my lord, my Lady."
"Be careful, Sebastian." Frances said.
He smiled widely.
"Always, my Lady."
He disappeared from sight with a smirk. Frances smiled in amusement and love. She looked out the window, watching London pass by. A short time later, a fonder smile lit her face as she felt Bridgett's happiness spike. She could feel Ciel watching her from the corner of his eye, feeling his calculating stare, though when she smiled wider, he turned back to the window.
They arrived at the Townhouse a few minutes later. Frances opened the carriage door for Ciel and assisted him down. She paid the driver, bidding him a good day, and that they would need his services later. Once she received his confirmation, she turned and made her way quickly to the door, opening it up for the Young Master. He entered followed by Frances. They were about to pass the doors that led to the drawing room and another hallway when suddenly, the door to the drawing room burst open.
"Ciel! Frances!" He exclaimed in excitement, "You have returned!"
Frances smiled. Ciel let out a quiet sigh.
"Hello, Prince Soma." Frances greeted.
The door to the hallway that led to the kitchen opened, revealing Agni. He bowed with his hands together in prayer.
"Namaste ji, Ciel, Frances."
"Hello, Agni." Frances smiled at the butler.
"I am glad to see you have returned safely. I have just prepared Amriti and Chai tea. Would either of you like any?"
Ciel exchanged a look with Frances who gave a slight nod as Agni's attention drew to Prince Soma who exclaimed,
"Oh! I love Amriti! (He looked at Ciel.) You will love Agni's Amriti, Ciel! It is absolutely divine! Which is true because it does mean, "Food of the gods"!"
"I'll take it in my Office. I have some work to do." Ciel said, continuing up the stairs.
"Aw, no! Ciel! I know we just saw each other, but I miss you!" Prince Soma exclaimed, taking a step to follow him.
"Prince Soma." Frances called, gently. Prince Soma stopped and turned to look at her, "I understand you wish to hang out with him, however, we need to take care of a few things first. Perhaps after we finish, we can hang out with you, all right?"
Prince Soma sighed. Ciel disappeared around the corner of the stairs.
"Very well. I just wanted to help him with his work. He needs to smile more. He's so young to be frowning all the time."
Frances smiled. She gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you for caring for him, Prince Soma. However, he chose this life. Without him doing so, he might not have met you (Prince Soma gasped.). He just wants to protect you from the darkness that he deals with and though it may seem cold, he does it to protect you. So, please keep being your bright self to lift his spirits, all right?"
Prince Soma and Agni smiled at her, Agni even had tears in his eyes. She could feel the happiness and reassurance her words brought.
"You remind me of the goddess Saraswati. You always know how to make one feel better with just the right set of words (He looked at Agni.), doesn't she Agni?"
"Indeed, she does." Agni agreed.
Her smile widened.
"Would you like some assistance bringing up the Amriti and Chai tea?" She asked.
"No, thank you. I'll bring some up for the both of you in a few minutes, my Lady."
Frances smiled.
"Thank you, Agni. (She turned to Prince Soma.) I'll see you later, Prince Soma."
He nodded eagerly.
"See you later, Frances."
Frances made her way up the stairs to the Young Master's Office. She knocked on the closed door.
"Come in." The Young Master called.
Frances entered the room. She closed the door behind herself. The Young Master had his hands clasped behind his back as he stared out the window. Frances took a seat in front of the desk. A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door.
"Excuse me, Lord Phantomhive, Frances." Agni's voice called.
"Come in." The Young Master called.
Agni opened the door and entered.
"Here is the treat we discussed." Agni said, walking over towards them.
As he placed the tray of treats and cups on the desk, Frances turned to him and smiled.
"Thank you, Agni."
"You're welcome, Frances. I hope you enjoy it."
Agni bowed. He turned and walked to the door. He closed it softly behind himself. The Young Master turned from the window. He sat down at his seat as Frances separated the cups and plates of tea and Amriti. They enjoyed their tea and sweets in comfortable silence. When they finished with teatime, Frances could feel his presence behind the door before his knock was heard.
"Enter." The Young Master called as he placed his empty cup on the desk.
Sebastian entered the room, closing the door behind himself. He approached the desk with a stack of papers within his hands.
"Well, what did you find?" The Young Master asked.
"All the young ladies are Catholic, heavily involved in their church, and are pure." Sebastian said.
The boy's face turned a bright red in embarrassment. He coughed to hide it. Frances and Sebastian shared an amused smile.
"Anything else?" He inquired.
"Yes. They would help anyone that specifically ask them."
"Did you find any suspects?"
Sebastian smirked.
"Their families recalled the young ladies encountering a gruff young man with blond-brown shaggy hair, grey eyes, a sharp nose, slightly oval face, and high cheekbones two days before they went missing. He was rather skinny wearing ragged light brown pants and suit jacket, a white shirt, brown tie that disappeared into his dark brown vest. Unfortunately, the young ladies did not give a name."
The Young Master nodded.
"His profile will be enough. (He sighed.) Looks like we have no choice but to sit through several church services to look for the man responsible. (He pulled out a map, placing it on the desk. He began marking with a small dot, the three locations the young ladies were left at.) If we mark the churches the perpetrator has gone to, that leaves St. Mary Moorfields or Roman Catholic Church at the English Martyrs as the next possible hunting grounds."
Frances nodded.
"I can take one while you and Sebastian take the other." Frances suggested.
Sebastian glanced at her and back at the Young Master. The Young Master nodded. He did not miss the glance from the demon butler.
"That is precisely what I was thinking. Tomorrow we shall attend the church services. You can take St. Mary's while Sebastian and I take the Roman Catholic Church."
Frances nodded.
"Very well."
"I shall see you at the dining table, Frances."
Frances nodded.
"All right. I'm gonna see if I can keep Prince Soma entertained."
The Young Master nodded, waving his hand dismissively. Once Frances was out of the room, Ciel waited a few minutes to ensure she was gone. He turned his hard gaze to the demon butler.
"What is going on with Frances?" He demanded.
Sebastian tilted his head, innocent smile upon his lips.
"Whatever do you mean?"
Ciel scowled.
"Do not play dumb with me. Something is going on. I order you to tell me what it is."
Sebastian straightened, pulling the lapels of his tailcoat.
"Very well, my lord. Frances is becoming like me."
Ciel's eye widened. He stood up from his desk, slamming his hands on the table.
"What?!"
Sebastian smirked.
"She is becoming like me."
"You've turned her into a demon?! Why…"
He was silence with a fuchsia eyed glare from the demon.
"I said, she is becoming like me. (His gaze softened slightly.) I trust it will be hard for you to understand, however, as I said before demons are selfish creatures. We will keep anything that captures our interest within our grasp by any means necessary and… I've fallen for her as she has fallen for me. (He paused a moment.) I will not lose her again."
His voice was barely a whisper at the end, however, Ciel heard him. He was surprised by how easily he admitted his feelings for her and… was that… fear… in his voice at the end? He did not realize that the demon could feel fear. Though, he wasn't sure how he felt that she was now turning into a demon who would have to go to Hell with Sebastian. It did explain why she was showcasing her anger. She couldn't control it as she could in the past. She clearly didn't know this was happening, though he had a strange feeling that she did know. She wasn't some stupid ordinary woman after all. He gave a nod.
"Very well. You will let me know when her transformation is complete." He ordered, still staring at the demon butler sternly.
Sebastian knelt to one knee with a hand over his heart and head bowed.
"Yes, my lord."
Frances sat on a bench outside, enjoying the fall air. Her hands rested against the stone, her face tilted up at the sun's rays. After leaving the Young Master's Office, she and Soma played a few rounds of chess until Agni called for study time. Frances then went out to the gardens for some fresh air. She began thinking of what she would do for Sebastian's birthday. It needed to be better and bigger than last year. Several ideas began forming, bringing a wide smile upon her lips. A giggle escaped them in her happiness and…
"And what is making my mate giggle so?" His voice asked behind her.
She smiled wider. Her head tilted back further. An upside-down, upper half of Sebastian came into her view.
"You are." She stated simply.
He raised an eyebrow.
"And what have I done to make you giggle so?" He inquired.
She straightened her head and turned towards him, still smiling. She stood and made her way towards him. Her arms wrapped around his neck as his gloved hands rested on her hips, looking intently into her eyes, feeling her happiness and love.
"Just by being yourself." She said softly, pressing herself closer to the demon, "I love you."
He smiled fondly at her. His gloved hand reached up and caressed her cheek.
"I love you, my Frances."
They leaned closer to one another and embraced each other's lips in a tender kiss. They pulled away a few minutes later with her gasping for breath. He smirked at her.
"Precious." He murmured.
She smiled as she got her breath under control. She took his hand and led him to the bench she occupied before. She sat him down then sat beside him, leaning into his side, contently. Sebastian wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer, resting his cheek on her head.
The day passed and after a good night's sleep, a new day began. Frances entered her carriage with assistance from Sebastian, bidding her farewell before reluctantly turning to assist Young Master into his carriage. He climbed in after the boy. The carriages took off to their destinations.
Frances arrived at St. Mary's Moorfield's at nine thirty-seven. The driver opened the door for her and held out a white gloved hand to assist her down. She took the offered hand.
"Thank you." She said as she stood on solid ground.
He smiled as he bowed.
"You're welcome, my lady. (He straightened.) I shall see you after the service."
"Thank you."
She began making her way into the church. As she entered the house of God, her brown eyes looked around for their suspect. Her dress was a modest day dress of a lovely light blue with an even lighter blue ribbon tied around her waist, the skirts of the dress swished gently with each step. Her light blue heels matched the dress. Her hair was done up in an elegant curled bun, a light blue flower in the right corner. As it neared time for the service to begin, she found a seat in the back of the church and in the aisle so she could see everyone and to move quickly should she need to.
Meanwhile, a little later than when Frances arrived at St. Mary's, Sebastian and the Young Master would arrive at the Roman Catholic Church of the English Martyrs. Once their carriage stopped, Sebastian opened the door and held out his hand to assist his Young Master out of the carriage. Sebastian wore a black tuxedo with a dark red waistcoat, a black tie with a matching top hat that held a dark red ribbon around it, and his usual white gloves and black dress shoes. Once the Young Master was safely on the ground, he turned to look at the church with a slightly annoyed sigh as Sebastian dealt with the carriage. Ciel was dressed in a dark blue suit with matching slacks, a black waistcoat with a white shirt, black bowtie, black shoes, his usual black eyepatch, and cane with a golden handle in his right hand. Sebastian turned from the driver to look impassively at the church. The Young Master and Sebastian exchanged a look. They nodded. They began walking forward, looking around for their suspect. As it neared time for the service to start, they still had no luck finding anyone suspicious. They entered the church, took a seat in the back in case the suspect came through the doors later in the service.
It was about a quarter of the way into the service when a man matching the description they received entered into the church. The Young Master's eye widened slightly before instantly hardening into determination. He looked at his butler who gave a nod.
*Frances, our suspect is here. Can you help us corner him?*
*I am on my way.* She sent him.
He gave a small smirk.
Back at St. Mary's, Frances stood from the back where she was seated. She moved to the aisle and curtsied low before the statue of the Lord.
"Excuse me, Father in Heaven." She whispered.
She straightened, turned, and left the church to help capture their suspect. She may not have ever attended a regular church service before, however, she did know a little about the etiquette that was expected and plus, she didn't want to be rude, especially to the one who created everything, including her Sebastian. She found her driver who wasn't all that surprised to see her as he had been in the Phantomhive service a long while and knew plans changed at the drop of a hat. As he assisted her into the carriage, she told him where to go.
"To the Roman Catholic Church of the English Martyrs, please."
"Yes, my lady."
Once safely inside, the carriage driver climbed into the driver's seat and cracked the reigns urging the horses onward.
Back at the Roman Catholic Church of the English Martyrs, Sebastian and the Young Master watched as the haggard man sat down. He looked around anxiously. His hands twitched slightly as if he couldn't keep control of them. When it came to offering the body and blood of Christ, Sebastian heard his mate.
*Malphas, I'm here.*
*Wait outside, Frances. The service is about halfway over.*
He could imagine her nodding as she said,
*All right.*
"My lord, Frances is here." Sebastian whispered softly to the boy.
"Where?"
"Outside."
He nodded.
"Good."
They continued watching the service and the man.
Once the service was over, they noticed the man following a young lady with golden hair and dark blue eyes wearing a simple light green day dress with a dark green rose on her right hip. Sebastian and the Young Master exchanged a glance. They nodded following after the man. A person past them, when they passed, the man following the young lady disappeared from their sights as well. They both gasped.
"Where did he go?"
Frances moved her head straight from facing the warm sunlight as she heard a few people talking as the doors to the church opened. A few people looked her way and gave her a smile with a nod to which she returned. Suddenly, she noticed a young lady with blonde hair wearing a light green day dress with matching heels. A man with the description of their suspect walking beside her, talking to her, looking upset. The woman gently touched his hand. Frances waited for them to go past her. She began to follow them. The man was twitching slightly. He looked everywhere including behind himself. Frances stiffened. The man's eyes widened. He ran.
"No!" Frances snarled, reaching into her pocket, summoning a rope.
"What's…" The woman started as Frances started to race past her.
Frances stopped. She locked eyes with the young lady who looked at her with all her attention, quicker than anyone before.
"Go back to your home. You'll be safe there."
The woman turned and went back the way she came. Frances turned and chased after the man. She nearly caught up to him. Once she saw him, she stuck her hand into her pocket, summoning a piece of rope. She pulled it out. She threw the rope as hard as she could. It landed at his feet in between his legs. He tripped over it, landing on the walkway, painfully. Frances caught up to him as he started to crawl away. She grabbed his shoulders. He began to squirm and yell.
"Let me go! I did nothing wrong! They were angels! All of them! Angels! I gave them angels to protect them!"
Frances could feel the rise of panic in the man. Panic, confusion, justification, and fear. He was thrashing about violently. She turned him over to look into his grey eyes that darted side to side.
"It's okay. You're all right. You're safe." She said, sending him calmness.
The man's breathing evened out and he stopped thrashing around. Frances slowly moved off him, holding him by the wrists.
This was the scene Sebastian and the Young Master arrived at. The man looked towards them as they approached. He flinched back. Frances felt his fear.
"It's all right." She said, gently.
His eyes snapped to hers.
"These are my friends." She explained, gently tilting her head back towards them. She felt them walk closer to them until they were directly behind her, "Were you the one leaving the women in front of the Virgin Mary?"
He nodded, jerkily.
"Yes."
"Why?" Frances asked.
"They were angels. Angels need to protect the Virgin Mary."
"Why take their blood?" She asked.
"I-I had to-to drink their pure blood so-so I too can be pure."
She shook her head, softly.
"And drowning them?"
He looked away from her, sadness upon his face.
"Their souls had to be with the Virgin Mary. I-I didn't want to, but…" He trailed off.
After a few seconds of silence, she asked,
"Do you know your name?"
"Demetri."
"Your last name?"
"Sander. Demetri Sander."
Frances turned her head to the Young Master. He gave her a nod. She turned back to Demetri.
"Come with us, Mr. Sander." She said, standing and holding out her hand.
He looked at it with a raised eyebrow.
"Where are we going?"
"To fetch another angel." She lied.
His eyes lit up. He took her hand, allowing her to help him up. She placed the rope into her pocket, sending it away. She followed after the Young Master as he led the way back to his carriage. Sebastian followed behind them. She could feel his irritation and disgust of another man touching her hand. She didn't particularly like it either, however, she had no choice. They had to keep the man calm. He clearly was not in the right frame of mind. She sent him calmness and love. Sebastian could feel that she wasn't too pleased either and relaxed a bit. They entered the carriage. Sebastian told the driver where to go before they took off. The man jerked and drummed his fingers against his body every so often. About twenty minutes later, they arrived at their destination. An insane asylum.
The carriage came to a stop. Sebastian stepped out first followed by the Young Master, Frances, then Demetri. He looked around with wild eyes. Frances remained by his side, holding his wrist in case he ran away. The Young Master and Sebastian led the way inside. It was dark and damp. They approached a large man with curly black hair and hazel eyes who wore black pants and a black jacket with red buttons lined in two across his chest stopping just above his waist. He was sat behind a brown desk.
"Earl Phantomhive." The man greeted, standing. He looked over at Frances, "Lady Harkness." He inclined his head.
"Sir." Frances greeted, slightly nervous that he knew of her, but she did not know him.
Sebastian, sensing her nerves, sent her calmness and reassurance.
*He knows you through the Queen, same as the Young Master.* Sebastian explained, soothingly.
She mentally nodded as she relaxed.
*Thank you.*
*You're welcome.*
"Demetri Sander needs attention, sir." The Young Master said, gesturing to the man beside Frances.
The man nodded.
"We shall take special care of him."
The man stepped around his desk and walked towards Demetri. Frances met the Young Master's eye. He gave her a nod. She gave a small nod back. She turned to Demetri who jerked once again.
"Demetri." She called.
He snapped his head towards her.
"Yes?"
"I need you to go with this gentleman. He will take care of you now, all right?" She asked, sending him calmness.
He nodded, looking at the man for a second before looking back at her.
"All right."
She placed Demetri's wrist in the man's hands. The man shackled Demetri's hands as soon as Frances let go. The man began leading Demetri down the hall. The Young Master and Frances turned. They walked out of the insane asylum.
"Well, I suppose we shall tell the Queen that this was the work of a mentally disturbed individual." The Young Master stated.
Frances nodded.
"Sebastian. When we return to the Townhouse, I need all our luggage packed and ready to go within half an hour."
"Very good, my lord." Sebastian bowed with a hand on his heart.
They arrived at their carriage. Sebastian assisted the Young Master into the carriage first followed by Frances with Sebastian climbing in behind them. He sat next to Frances whom he could sense was confused about the sudden growth in her powers. He was able to sense the man's gradual calmness being received. He gently wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. Her posture relaxed as she leaned into his side, a hand on his chest. He warbled comfortingly inside her mind. The Young Master watched the display for a few minutes. He turned his gaze towards the window.
They arrived at the Townhouse where they were able to sneak in without gaining the two occupants' attentions, much to the Young Earl's relief. Frances went to her room to pack as the Young Master went to his Office to write his letter for the Queen, and Sebastian went to his lord's room to start the packing up.
As they were about to leave, Prince Soma and Agni came out from the library. Prince Soma pouted when he saw their carriage awaiting them with their luggage packed up and ready to go through the open door.
"Leaving already?" He asked.
"Yes, we'll be back when we have need of this place." The Young Master said, pleasantly.
"All right. Have a safe trip! Don't stay away too long! (Prince Soma hugged Ciel tightly.) I miss you already, my friend!"
Ciel grunted. Frances and Sebastian had amused smiles upon their faces. He turned to Frances. He hugged her tightly as she hugged him.
"It was good to see you as well, Frances. Visit us again soon!"
Frances smiled gently.
"It was good to see you as well, Prince Soma. (They parted from one another.) We'll see each other soon."
He smiled and nodded. Frances looked at Agni with a smile. She placed her hands together and bowed.
"Alavida."
Agni smiled and returned the bow.
"Alavida."
They both straightened.
"Farewell to you both." Sebastian said with a bow.
"Alavida, friends."
Sebastian straightened. The five of them exited the Townhouse. The Young Master, Frances, and Sebastian made their way to the carriage as Prince Soma and Agni stood on the porch. Sebastian once again assisted the other two before climbing in himself. They watched as Prince Soma waved them goodbye. Frances returned the wave until the carriage began rolling away to return to Phantomhive Manor.