Chapter Thirty-Two: Bedewed Butler, Bewitching Friend

The "Raking from Hell" was boringly easy. Sebastian smiled in amusement as he ran towards Alois and Claude. He nearly laughed when Claude stepped in front of Alois with one arm out protectively. He would never truly hurt the boy as his love had a soft spot for him. He backflipped over Claude and continued running with the Young Master in his arms. He couldn't help, but chuckle lightly.

*You were just like a doll then…* He teased the boy.

"Did you say something?"

"I said that if you'd let me put you in a trunk, Young Master, it would be ever so much easier to carry you."

The Young Master glared at him.

"We will be having a discussion on that later."

Sebastian smirked, highly amused by the reaction.

"Yes, my lord."

Frances' hands were almost touching the box. The screaming was growing louder and louder. Suddenly, a high-pitched eerie melody began to play through the air. Her head snapped instantly to the sound. The sounds of screams were gone and forgotten. The tune was dark and hypnotizing. It was as dark as Malphas' song. Her eyes widened.

*Lizzie, Paula, Prince Soma, Agni, Mey-rin, Finny, Bard, Ran-Mao!*

She raced up the stairs and down the hallways to the ballroom using her human speed.

Back outside with Sebastian and Ciel. Sebastian had defeated the triplets with ease. He was now upside down against the tree like a spider, covering the Young Master's ears.

"Sebastian, let's put an end to this."

"Yes, my lord."

He quickly picked the boy up into his arms, carefully covering his ears. He raced off towards the mansion.

Frances burst through the doors to see the people were already being possessed. In fact, she could feel the possessions of the people. However, Ran-Mao, Mey-rin, Finny, Bard, Agni, and Prince Soma had already begun fighting with the possessed. Frances' eyes zoomed in on the beautiful black instrument with a white skull and bones. Inside the instrument were purple circular disks that were rotating as Hannah played. Frances' eyes narrowed. She felt compelled to sing. She did so as she dodged and knocked out several people as she made her way to the stairs. She took a breath, opened her mouth, and began to sing in an octave above the music Hannah played. Her eyes met Hannah's briefly who flashed her a tiny smile. As Frances ran up the stairs, she felt him. She stood by a column looking out towards the audience. There were cups of water all in a row on the balcony staircase. Sebastian began to play, harmonizing with her and Hannah. She glanced at his uncovered marked hand. She looked up to meet his red lustful gaze. They both looked towards the audience as they began to finally calm down and stopped trying to attack people. She watched as Agni rushed over to Prince Soma. She scanned the area for her friends. She saw Mey-rin, Baldroy, and Finny in protective mode still. Finny looked up and pointed at Sebastian and Frances.

"It's Sebastian and Frances!" He exclaimed.

The other two moved so they could see them properly.

"It's so peaceful." Finny sighed.

Mey-rin lowered her glasses to cover her eyes.

"They're so beautiful, yes!" She complimented.

Agni and Prince Soma watched the two of them in awe.

"I can hardly believe it. Their performance is merging with hers and transforming the quality of the sound. To think those ominous, uncanny sound waves could change into something so full of warmth and loving kindness… (Agni placed his hands together in prayer as tears rolled down his cheeks.) It truly proves the performer's purity of heart! Magnificent… Elegant… You both are magnificent and elegant, Sebastian, Frances!"

Sebastian and Frances smiled as they glanced at one another. The song continued to play as they glanced back at their audience. Hannah looked at them. She met eyes with her for a brief moment. Hannah lowered her gaze.

"They're so wonderful, yes!" Mey-rin sighed, tilting her head back as blood poured out of her nose.

The crowd finally lost their glowing eyes, she could feel the possessiveness had gone and now the audience were in awe. She noticed Ran-Mao lifting her skirt to reveal Lizzie and Paula. Frances mentally sighed. They were all right.

Finally, after a few more seconds of playing, they could feel the instrument cracking against their melody. Frances let out a high note that matched Sebastian's water glass. The instrument exploded. Hannah went flying back. Those close to the instrument turned to it in surprise. The darkness of the instrument was gone. Their song came to an end. The audience applauded. Sebastian turned to Frances and held out his hand. She walked closer to him. She turned to the audience and curtsied. She straightened then turned to Sebastian with her arm out as well. He bowed. The audience applauded louder.

"What a magnificent performance." A lady complimented.

"Bravo." A male said.

"Who knew a member of Phantomhive could sing. So beautiful." Another praised.

"What in the world is this?" Prince Soma asked.

"That's what I'd like to know too." Baldroy grunted, crossing his arms, clearly displeased.

Sebastian and Frances smiled. He held out his hand.

"My Lady."

She accepted it. He quickly lifted her into his arms. He stepped on the balcony and leapt off it. He landed beside Hannah. He placed her down.

"It was a magnificent performance thanks to you. We are very grateful." Sebastian whispered into Hannah's ear with one hand covering the side of his lips.

"Yes, thank you, Hannah. Are you all right?" She asked, standing and moving closer to her.

Hannah's eyes glanced up at her for a second. She looked back down.

"Yes, my Lady. I'm fine."

She was about to offer her hand to assist her off the floor when Sebastian surprised her by holding out both his hands for them to take. Hannah looked at him before turning her gaze away. He helped them both to stand. Frances smiled brightly at Sebastian.

"Thank you, Sebastian." She said.

"Thank you, Malphas." She sent him, mentally.

"You're welcome, my Lady."

*You're welcome, my precious mate.* He sent her mentally.

They reluctantly let go of one another's hands causing them to tingle.

"Hmph. So flashy…" Ciel commented.

"Ciel?" Lizzie questioned, running towards him.

Frances and Sebastian began to walk over to them. Ciel placed an arm around Lizzie's waist. Ciel looked at Sebastian.

"What is that instrument?" He asked.

"An armonica." Sebastian said. The two of them stopped in front of the couple. He explained further, "It was extremely popular in the eighteenth century. People called it "The Voice of the Angels". Some feared that it disturbed the minds of those it enchanted, and it was banished to the dark corners of our history as a demon's instrument."

"In other words, a "Demon's Instrument" created by humans could be no match for you?"

Frances shook her head in amusement.

"Yes, I found the sound rather pleasant."

"But what was all this fuss about?" Prince Soma demanded.

"It was simply a diversion for my guests." Alois' said.

Everyone's heads turned except for Ciel. Sebastian moved to stand beside Lizzie. Frances could feel her worry and fear for Ciel. She reached and took Lizzie's hand into her own and gave it a gentle squeeze. Lizzie glanced at her with a small smile. Frances smiled back. She looked back at Alois as he walked in with Claude and the triplets behind him, releasing one another hands. He was wearing black shoes with purple slacks, a purple jacket with black along the bottom and top with the top part being fuzzy, red small wings were on his back, a red ribbon tied in a bow around his neck, a red cross that ended at the bottom of his waist, his mouth had two sharp teeth, and on his head, he wore a purple hat with a red ribbon around it and black bat wings. He walked in. His servants following behind him. Claude's eyes met hers, they roamed over her frame. A growl echoed within her mind. She could see Claude's lips lift up slightly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm so sorry I'm late. I am Alois Trancy. I'm honored to make your acquaintance."

"Oh, so that's him!" Someone said with surprise.

"He's so young." Another commented.

He passed Hannah sending a smirk her way. He turned away abruptly to look back at the crowd.

"I'm relieved to see you enjoyed the entertainment while I was away."

Two of the triplets carried the armonica while the other guided Hannah away from the area. Alois and Claude made their way over to Ciel, Lizzie, Frances, and Sebastian.

"That performance was magnificent. You have a great musical talent (Alois looked at Sebastian. He turned his gaze to Frances.) Your talent was beautiful as always, Lady Frances."

"Thank you, Lord Alois." She said, inclining her head.

"I'm afraid I do not deserve much praise. You see, I am merely one hell of a butler." Sebastian said, placing a hand over his heart and bowing slightly. His eyes slid over to Frances, "My Lady deserves more praise as a lovely songstress."

She blushed. Sebastian's smirk widened.

"Thank you, Sebastian."

He closed his eyes and inclined his head. He lifted it and looked at Alois when he began to speak again,

"You have an excellent butler, Earl Phantomhive."

"He's just a butler." Ciel said, dismissively.

Alois' gaze shifted to Lizzie.

"Ah, please excuse me, my Lady. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of making your acquaintance."

He held out his hand for Lizzie.

"Oh!" Lizzie exclaimed, "My apologies, my lord. I am Lady Elizabeth."

She curtsied. Alois lifted her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss.

"No need to apologize, my Lady."

Ciel's hands balled into fists. Frances and Sebastian could feel his jealousy. Frances smiled widely in amusement as Sebastian smirked. Alois lowered her hand and released it.

"I like your costume, Alois." Frances complimented, gaining his attention.

He turned to her flashing his fangs to show a bright smile.

"Thank you. Your costume suits you as well. The black swan."

She smiled brightly.

"Thank you."

"My Lady," Claude spoke, gaining everyone's attention, "May I…"

He was cut off when Sebastian quickly moved to his right side and grabbed her hand.

"Will you have this dance with me?" He asked.

Claude glared at him. Frances smiled widely in amusement.

"It would be my pleasure."

Sebastian smirked ever so widely as he looked smugly at Claude. He led her to the dance floor. They got in position. The music began as did their dance. She smiled at him with amusement in her eyes.

*His eyes upon your face, his hand upon your hand, his lips caress you skin, it's more~~ than I can~~ stan~~~~~d!**

He pulled her closer.

*Mine. You belong to me.*

She placed a hand on his heart, on her mark for a brief moment.

*Forever and all eternity.*

He warbled/purred in pleasure.

*Yes, my precious Queen Frances Marlino soon to be Queen Frances Michaelis.*

Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes filled with even more adoration and love. His heart and eyes did the same the second the words came to mind.

*Malphas, my Demon King." She sighed.

They shared many dances and when she needed a break, he stayed beside her. As they danced, she looked around as she usually did when she was in a crowd. Several times, she could see Alois glancing surreptitiously at several men. His feelings of attraction like she felt when he would glance at Claude and some of his male tutors. They had finished yet another dance and were currently taking a break. Frances filled her plate with food and desserts. Sebastian held two glasses of champagne. They made their way over to Ciel who was still standing by the fireplace. She stood to his left as Lizzie and Prince Soma were on the dance floor. Sebastian handed the boy a glass of champagne. Ciel accepted it. Frances ate in silence, taking sips of the champagne as she watched the crowd. Everyone was happy. Especially, Alois. He was also smug. She knew why. It wasn't the time to discuss such things though. She could also feel Claude's intrigue and desire for her. She ignored it, continuing to send calmness to her unnecessary jealous demon. She placed her empty plate on the table beside them. She drank the remainder of the champagne. When she finished, she placed it on the table as well.

They watched the couples dance. She smiled as Alois waltzed up the Lizzie. He took her in his arms.

"Let's dance, Lady Elizabeth."

She gasped slightly.

"My lord?" She asked confused, "I was going to convince my fiancé Ciel to dance."

He ignored her and began to dance with a smug smirk on his face. Frances could feel the concern as well as jealous from a certain someone. Suddenly, Ciel grabbed her arm and began to drag her out to the dancefloor. She obliged.

"Goodness, are you going to dance, my lord?" Sebastian teased.

"Shut up." He grumbled softly.

Prince Soma was surprised as was Lau.

"Ciel?"

"See, it is an entertaining party, isn't it, Ran-Mao?"

Ran-Mao nodded. Ciel and Frances joined the circle of dancers.

"The Young Master is dancing, yes!"

"Well, will you look at that?" Bard asked.

"We should dance, too!" Finny exclaimed, pulling his friends back onto the ballroom floor. Frances gave a smile at her friends' enthusiasm. Frances and Ciel continued to dance. She could feel both demon's gazes upon her including Hannah's and the triplets even though the latter four weren't there. Sebastian sent a warning glare at Claude. She looked back at Ciel. Suddenly, she heard,

"Ciel? Frances? Ciel! Ciel!"

She looked to see Alois and Lizzie dancing. The next second as they turned, their backs lined up.

"Ciel Phantomhive."

"Alois Trancy."

They turned their head back towards one another. Alois had a wide grin. Ciel had a glare.

*I swear…*

*I swear…*

*I'll make you mine.*

*I'll punch you, you annoying git!*

Frances shook her head at the hostileness in Ciel. He passed off Frances to Alois while pulling Lizzie towards himself. Alois released her and easily accepted Frances' hand. Her other hand instinctively went to his waist.

"Having fun?" Frances asked.

"Yes!" Alois exclaimed.

"Was it everything you hoped it to be?"

"Indeed. There's many costumes so that's very fun."

"Good. I'm glad. I have a gift for you."

She reached into her pocket and pulled out his box of custard. She handed it to him. He smiled brightly, accepting it. He hugged her tightly.

"Thank you, Mother." He whispered. He pulled away to look at her seriously, "You're still coming by next weekend, correct?"

"Yes, of course, Alois."

He nodded.

"Good."

They shared a few dances before parting ways to mingle with other guests. The ball came to an end. Alois had let her go surprisingly easily. She knew deep down that he didn't want her to go, but due to his name on the line, he couldn't whine. Still, she gave him a tight hug as he did her. Now, under the crescent moon with Bard driving the carriage and Finny and Mey-rin sleeping on his shoulders with the Young Master, Frances, and Sebastian inside the carriage, they were on their way home. Ciel had fallen asleep rather quickly. Frances was snuggled into Sebastian's chest; her hand ran up and down his chest as his hand ran through her hair. His lips touched her forehead.

*Did you find anything?* He asked her mentally.

She sighed regretfully.

*I didn't. I'm sorry.*

He let out a frustrated sigh of his own. She kissed his chest. She placed her cheek against the fabric of his suit.

*We'll find it, my love. I did learn more about Alois though.*

*Oh?*

She could feel him arching his eyebrow. She nodded.

*He likes men.*

Sebastian shuddered remembering an abomination that liked men. Frances couldn't help, but smile widely.

*Grell's not an abomination. He's just… expressive. Be glad Alois isn't like that. (Sebastian's eyes widened.) The world would be in for a reckoning.*

He shook his head with a tired sigh.

*But, I still believe there's more to it than that. I felt pain and anger and loss from him. He may not showcase it, but he does feel it.*

He nodded.

*We'll continue gathering all the pieces, my mate.*

*Yes, we will.*

They wore matching smiles.

*'Roxanne' from "Moulin Rouge" belongs to Ewan McGregor, Jacek Koman, and Jose Feliciano