No man knows the value of innocence and integrity but he who has lost them.-William Godwin
I do not own the Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler story or characters who belongs to Yana Toboso.
I only own my OC, Celia Phantomhive and my other OCs that appear in the story.
Enjoy
The Earl's Sister
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Origins
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Act 4
In the Phantomhive Manor…
Astre, Celia and Tanaka stood around Ciel, who refused to come out from his bed and go do his studies.
"Young Master Ciel. Won't you please rise from bed?"Tanaka suggested."Your tutor will be arriving soon."
"I don't want to!"Ciel cried out angrily."I don't want to study anymore! Everyone, just get out!"
"Well, it's certainly not like you to throw a tantrum like this."Tanaka declared.
"I agree."Astre agreed. "Ciel, what's wrong?"
"Are you not feeling well?"Celia assumed.
Ciel dropped on his bed and placed his blanket over his body, refusing to explain his situation to his younger siblings.
"Neither of you would understand!"Ciel snapped."Just leave me alone!"
Astre, Celia and Tanaka glanced at each other, neither of them not sure what to do.
"My goodness."A familiar female voice said."What's all the fuss this early in the morning?"
Astre, Celia and Tanaka saw Vincent and Rachel come into the room.
"Mother, father, Ciel refuses to get out of bed."Astre exclaimed."He says he doesn't want to study anymore."
"Oh, my."Rachel gasped in surprise."I wonder what's wrong?"
Vincent didn't respond.
"He says we wouldn't understand."Celia said with a hint of sadness.
Rachel smiled at Astre and Celia.
"Your father and I will try talking to him."Rachel exclaimed kindly."You two go on ahead to the classroom, alright?"
Astre and Celia nodded before leaving the bedroom with Tanaka escorting them.
Rachel sat on the bed as she and Vincent brought their attention on their eldest child.
"Ciel."Rachel spoke up.
"I'm not studying!"Ciel shouted."Even if you spank my bottom!"
"Goodness."Rachel giggled."Have you done something worthy of a spanking, then?"
"There's probably a good reason why you don't want to study anymore, right?"Vincent assumed.
"We won't get mad."Rachel assured."So, will you please tell us?"
Ciel slowly removed the blanket over him, but didn't show his face to his parents.
"Be…because…"Ciel started.
"Ciel."Rachel responded."Mummy would like to see your cute little face when talking to you."
Ciel turned his head to his parents, revealing tears in his eyes and had a runny nose.
"Astre…said…he doesn't want to become a priest."Ciel sobbed."He said he wants to go to London and run a toy store."
Vincent and Rachel became surprised by Ciel's respond as he began to cry more.
"He wants to leave me on my own just like Cellie wants to!"Ciel cried hysterically."I'm not going to be an Earl anymore! I want to run a toy shop with Astre and Cellie, so we can be together forever!"
"Goodness."Vincent said in surprise."The three of you have been discussing matters like that?"
Rachel smiled and gives Ciel a hug.
"Don't cry, Ciel. I completely understand how you feel."Rachel assured as she comforted her eldest son."The three of you have been together since you were born after all. I've had a hard time leaving my younger sister when it came the time for me to get married."
Rachel looked at Vincent.
"Dear, can you lend me your ring for a bit?"Rachel suggested.
"Alright."Vincent responded.
Vincent removed his ring and gave it to Rachel.
"Ciel, hold out your hand to me."Rachel instructed.
Ciel held out his hand and Rachel placed the ring on his fourth finger.
The ring was an ornate silver piece that holds an emerald-cut deep-blue sapphire. Left and right to the gem stone, the band takes the shape of the Phantomhive family crest; the rest of it was ordinary. On the inside of the ring, the family motto—'Potentia regere'—was engraved.
It was the Phantomhive Ring.
Ciel stared at the family heirloom in astonishment.
"This is-"Ciel started.
"This ring can only be worn by the Earls of Phantomhive."Rachel exclaimed."Even, I, your mother, is not allowed to wear it. Only your father and the future you possess have the right to wear this special ring."
Ciel stared at the ring in awe.
"It's pretty, isn't? A deep blue that glitters like the stars. The colour matches your eyes nicely."Rachel remarked."The position of Earl isn't something that you can obtain through hard work like an owner of a toy store. The only one who can take take the title as the Earl of Phantomhive is you."
"But…"Ciel started.
"It's true the eldest son of a nobleman's household has a right path to tread."Vincent explained with a smile. "But the second son's path to becoming a toy store owner is no cakewalk either, you know? The same goes for the Marchioness of Midford role. So if you were to become the Earl, you'd be able to help them whenever they're in trouble or in a pinch."
"That's right!"Rachel agreed."Just because you're apart, it doesn't change the fact that the three of you are siblings. Think about if you were to come running to your siblings' aids if they were in a tight spot. Mummy thinks you would look impressive."
Ciel looked at the photo of him, Astre and Celia before looking down on the ground.
"Oh, I see now."Ciel said. "So, I guess I have really no choice to become the Earl, don't I?"
Ciel then looked up at Vincent and Rachel to smile back at them.
"Alright!"Ciel remarked brightly. "I understand!"
December 14, 1885
Celia slowly opened her eyes and quietly yawned before walking over to her calendar that was shaped as a small wooden house to check the date of today.
When the bluenette opened the day's advent calendar window and checked what was inside, she squealed in excitement and rushed out to wake up her sleeping brothers.
"Ciel! Astre!"Celia shouted excitedly."Wake up! Wake up!"
Ciel groaned as he woke up and rubbed his tired eyes.
"What is it, Cellie?"Ciel asked.
"Look!"Celia giggled and showed three white rabbit fèves to her brothers."It's three rabbit fèves! They were inside today's calendar window! Here! There is one for each of us!"
Celia gave Ciel and Astre their rabbit fèves.
"Oh, right."Astre laughed lightly and held his rabbit fève."It's our birthday."
"They're so cute."Ciel remarked and smiled at his younger siblings."Happy 10th birthday."
"Thanks."Celia responded sweetly."Happy birthday to you too, Ciel and Astre."
After getting dressed, Ciel, Astre and Celia held hands with each other as they quickly rushed down stairs to find their parents.
Both Ciel and Astre wore a buttoned soft blue long-sleeved shirt with a blue ribbon tie underneath the collar, dark blue shorts with suspenders, a pair of blue-and-white striped stockings and a pair of blue shoes.
Celia wore a blue puff-shouldered mini cardigan, which had a lacy collar and hem. Her dress was in two parts; a top that is a lighter blue than her cardigan and a whiter skirt that has a frilly hem. Her bluish grey hair was styled in two ponytails and wore short white socks with blue flats on her feet.
Ciel, Astre and Celia rushed into the dining room and gasped in amazement at the sight before them.
There were beautiful decorations in the room and maids placing a 'Happy Birthday' banner beneath the chandelier and Tanaka placing colourful ornaments on a big Christmas tree that had a pile of presents underneath it.
Ciel, Astre and Celia rushed over to check their presents.
"Whoa!"Ciel said in amazement."So many presents!"
"Amazing!"Astre chuckled.
"I wonder what's inside them?"Celia complemented in delight.
"Now, now, young masters and mistress."Tanaka said as he came down the ladder. "You are not allowed to open them yet. Save the fun for the dinner party."
Then Rachel rushed into the room to hug her children as Vincent slowly followed from behind.
"Happy Birthday, my angels!"Rachel remarked joyfully.
"Thank you, mother!"Ciel, Astre and Celia answered in unison.
Vincent smiled at his children before noticing the big pile of presents underneath the Christmas tree.
"Looks like you received presents from Diedrich and Chlaus."Vincent stated.
"Even from Anne and Francis."Rachel giggled.
"And though it may be presumptuous of us."Tanaka said."The servants all prepared a little something for you as well."
"And today you don't have to study at all."Rachel remarked."Go ahead and play all you want until dinner time."
Ciel, Astre and Celia's eyes sparkled at their mother's news causing the three of them to raise their hands in pure joy.
"YAY!"Ciel, Astre and Celia cheered happily.
"But you mustn't risk a fever."Vincent warned with a small smirk. "So don't go overboard."
"Yes, father!"Ciel, Astre and Celia answered in unison.
Ciel, Astre and Celia smiled at each other.
"What do you think might be in our presents, Ciel?"Celia asked.
"I don't know, Cellie."Ciel chuckled."But I can't wait to find out!"
"They must be new toys."Astre assumed.
Ciel, Astre and Celia walked around other areas in the mansion while being greeted by the maids, servants and gardeners that worked in the areas.
"Happy birthday, you three."A maid said gently.
"Wow, the three of you ten year olds today already?"An old gardener laughed lightly. "That's something worth celebrating! Congratulations!"
"Happy birthday, young masters and mistress."A servant declared with a bow."Have a wonderful day."
Celia sniffed the air and smelt a sweet warm aroma coming from the kitchen.
"There's a sweet and yummy smell coming from here, Ciel and Astre."Celia stated with a hungry look.
Astre gives Celia a smug smile.
"You always think of something sweet, Celia."Astre commented.
"I bet they're baking a cake for us!"Ciel insisted."Let's go take a look!"
Ciel, Astre and Celia headed to the kitchen and carefully peeked their heads in the area to take a look what Tanaka, Nelly and the other servants were preparing.
"Not one step closer, you three!"Nelly warned."You'll have to wait until dinner time to find out what cake it is!"
"Awww!"Ciel, Astre and Celia whined in sadness.
Tanaka and the other servants laughed lightly at the young siblings' responds.
"But we can't take that long."Celia complained.
"Can we at least take a peek?"Ciel suggested.
"A little one would be nice."Astre insisted.
Nelly smiled at the Phantomhive triplets.
"It's a cake that the three of you love."Nelly stated.
Ciel, Astre and Celia looked at each other to try and guess which flavour their birthday cake might be.
"Might be chocolate."Ciel suggested.
"Maybe it's strawberry?"Astre guessed.
"Or perhaps caramel."Celia assumed.
"We'll come and help you dress for the dinner party around 6 o'clock, alright?"Tanaka asked.
"Okay!"Ciel, Astre and Celia answered in unison.
Ciel, Astre and Celia headed out of the kitchen as Sebastian rushed towards them.
However, when the large black Borzoi caught sight of Astre, he angrily started pecking his back with his nose.
"Sebastian!"Ciel scowled.
"Give me a break!"Astre complained."It's our birthday today!"
Celia shook her head as she went over to the large black Borzoi and started gently scratching his ear.
"Hey, Sebastian."Celia greeted kindly."Since it's our birthday today, can you stop bothering Astre for today?"
The large black Borzoi stopped bothering Astre causing Ciel and Celia to smile at him.
"Good boy, Sebastian."Celia praised proudly.
Sebastian gives Celia a few licks on her left cheek, making the bluenette giggle before he scurried away.
"How come Sebastian is super nice to you two, but not to me?"Astre whined.
Ciel shrugged. "No idea."
For the rest of the morning, the Phantomhive triplets were spending time having fun together since they got the day off their studies.
They played chess, tag in the garden and other fun games until they head back to their room and fall asleep in their bed after becoming tired.
DING DONG!
DING DONG!
Ciel, Astre and Celia woke up at hearing the grandfather clock strike at six o'clock, but nobody was coming to get them.
"We fell asleep."Celia yawned as she rubbed her eyes."Where's Tanaka?"
"Seems he's not here yet."Ciel answered.
Ciel, Astre and Celia sat in the small sofa that was behind their bed.
"Wonder what's taking him so long?"Astre asked with a bored look.
"They're probably still preparing for the huge party."Ciel remarked.
"Or adding extra layers on the cake."Celia suggested.
Ciel, Astre and Celia began to wait patiently for Tanaka while staring at the grandfather clock before them.
Even after fifteen and forty-three minutes past, Tanaka still had not arrived which was starting to make the triplets worry.
Something was not right.
Ciel stood up and began approaching the door.
"Ciel, where are you going?"Celia asked.
"Something must've happened."Ciel stated with a small frown."I'll go downstairs and check."
"I'll come too."Astre suggested and looked at Celia."Celia, you stay here."
"But-"Celia started.
Ciel and Astre and then left their bedroom, leaving Celia by herself.
Celia sat by herself, waiting for her brothers to return.
A few minutes later, an uneasy feeing began to grow inside the bluenette.
She hated the dark.
Especially, being alone in that atmosphere.
When fifteen minutes passed and her brothers didn't return, Celia was becoming more scared.
"What's going on? Tanaka was supposed to get us, but he hasn't come."Celia thought in fear."Ciel and Astre went to check if everything is fine, but none of them has come back. I'm getting more scared. What should I do?"
DING DONG!
Celia let out a startled gasp, when the grandfather's clock rings at seven o'clock and she hesitantly leaves her brothers' room.
The Lady of Phantomhive ran through the manor's corridors and room, calling if anybody was there.
"Mama! Papa!"Celia called out as she walked down the stairs."Ciel! Astre! Where did you all go?"
Celia went to the library to see if her parents or her older brothers.
But saw no sign of them.
"Hello! Anyone? Hello!"Celia shouted."Someone please answer!"
Again, no respond.
A wave of worry began to wash over the young bluenette's face.
The manor was dark and too quiet which made her completely uncomfortable.
It was so obvious that something wasn't right.
When Celia heard a strange sound coming from one of the rooms causing her to slowly yet nervously glance at it.
"Is someone in here?"Celia asked.
Celia slowly goes to open the door and twisted the door knob, only to find Sebastian, muzzled, inside.
WOOF! WOOF!
"Wah!"Celine shrieked and hit the ground."Sebastian?"
Sebastian went over to Celia and growled due to the muzzle stuck on his face.
"Hey boy, who put that on you?"Celia asked."What happened?"
Celia removed the muzzle from Sebastian's face.
The large black Borzoi dog gives the bluenette a lick on the face, making her lightly chuckle.
"I'm happy to see you too, boy."Celia giggled and smiled confidently."With you here, I'm no longer scared! Let's go find Ciel and Astre!"
Celia proceeded to search for her brothers, but Sebastian suddenly grabbed her skirt to hold her back.
"Hey!"Celia snapped while blushing a bit, trying to remove her skirt from the dog's mouth."Sebastian! What's wrong?! Why are you being like this?!"
Sebastian suddenly released Celia, making her hit the ground.
"Ow!"Celia groaned and glared at Sebastian."What did you do that for, boy?!"
The Lady of Phantomhive notice the large black Borzoi dog quietly whimpering before going to lick her cheek again.
But then Celia looked into Sebastian's black onyx eyes, now understanding the reason of his actions.
"I get it."Celia replied kindly and gently scratched Sebastian's head."You want to lead me around, so I would not get hurt. Right, Sebby?"
Sebastian let out a bark as Celia stood up from the floor.
"Alright!"Celia responded."You lead! I follow! Let's go!"
Celia then followed after Sebastian to let him guide her in the opposite direction of the manor.
But the reason because Sebastian prevented Celia from heading to the other side was to prevent her from seeing something horrible.
The horrible thing was that a maid laid on the ground and wasn't moving due to being shot.
The maid was Nelly and…she was dead.
Sebastian runs ahead, making Celia have trouble catching up with him.
"Sebastian!"Celia shouted and stopped to catch her breath."Hold on! I can't run as fast as you!"
Eventually, the bluenette loses sight of him, but hears the dog's barks coming from her parents' bedroom.
WOOF! WOOF!
"His in Mama and Papa's room."Celia murmured quietly and ran down the stairs."Did you find them, boy?"
BANG!
Celia headed to her parents' room, only to freeze at the sound of a gunshot.
Overcoming her shock, the Lady of Phantomhive arrived in front of her parents' bedroom.
"Sebastian?"Celia asked.
Celia went inside her parents' room and became startled seeing Sebastian injured on the floor.
"Sebastian! What happened?"Celia demanded, going on her knees to touch the large black Borzoi's body and notice his fur wet. "Why are you all wet?"
Celine looked at her hands and paled in pure horror to find them stained in red.
It was blood.
Sebastian's blood.
He was dead.
Celia covered her mouth in shock.
"Sebastian."Celine cried in disbelief."No…"
Celine became startled when she notice her shoes was stepping on a puddle of blood.
She didn't not only found Sebastian's, but also Vincent holding Rachel in his arms on the floor.
Her parent's corpses.
"MAMA!"Celia cried in sorrow."PAPA!"
Celia rushed to her parents's side to try and wake them up.
"You're injured!"Celia cried."Just hang in-"
A look of utter horror grew on the bluenette's face, when she notice neither of her parents were moving.
They were dead.
Both of them.
Tears started to develop on Celia's peacock blue eyes as a terrible revelation came in her mind.
"No! No!"Celine sobbed in heartbreak."NO! NO!"
Horrified, the bluenette runs out of the room after seeing all the blood, frantically hurrying through the manor until she trips over another corpse that belonged to one of the butlers.
Screaming, Celia stood up and continued to run through the mansion, only to find more and more corpses.
"HELP! SOMEBODY! HELP!"Celia yelled out in sorrow."MAMA! PAPA! THEY'RE-"
The Lady of Phantomhive reached the dining room and found the destroyed birthday decorations for her and her brothers' birthday party, but also corpses laying on the floor.
"AHHHHHHHHH!"Celia cried in agony.
Celia dropped on her knees and let out a loud cry of agony.
Today was the birthday of Ciel, Astre and Celia.
It was supposed to be a happy and fun day.
This had to be a nightmare.
A very horrible nightmare that she was finding difficulty to wake up from.
The bluenette's tearful eyes widen when she remembered her older brothers.
"Ciel!"Celia gasped."Astre!"
Celia rushed out of the dining room, trying her best to ignore the corpses she was seeing before her.
"Ciel! Astre! I'm still here!"Celia cried out."Please, be alright!"
Celia continued running, only for someone to grab her from behind and put a white cloth on her mouth.
The Phantomhive girl tried to scream for help, but her captor's grip was too strong and she passed out in his arms.
December 26, 1885
Celia weakly opened her eyes as she stared at Ciel and Astre, who each had a haunted look on their faces.
It's been twelve days.
Twelve days since they turned ten year olds and lost their parents by the fire that started in their very own home.
Twelve days of being continuously abused and violated by these insane people that were breaking their spirits in every single moment.
But why hasn't anyone has come to save them still?
Did the civilians thought they were dead or did they just abandoned them?
Celia slowly moved over to her older brothers, ignoring the unbearable pain in her body.
Her small white dress was stained with blood from the wounds in her body that she received from her torturers.
Now that she thought about it, maybe it haven't been twelve days since she and her brothers lost everything.
It could've been longer since they've been held by these evil people that chained and tortured them like they were animals that were willing to have them slaughtered.
"Cellie, is it bad?"Ciel asked.
Celia slowly lifted up her brothers' shirts to check their backs of the small awful marks that their captors gave to them.
The Mark of the Beast.
She didn't receive one, but their captors have done something far worse for her.
Something really bad.
"It looks like the swellings are getting better."Celia said quietly."Maybe the blisters broke open."
"Christmas."Ciel muttered.
Astre and Celia looked at Ciel.
"So it's been ten days since we were brought here."Celia murmured.
"It feels longer."Astre muttered.
"Ciel, Astre, do you guys remember Christmas two years ago?"Celia asked gently. "There were so many presents for us and each of us tried to open at least one before Christmas Day, but we were always caught by Tanaka and Nelly?"
A weak chuckle escaped Ciel's mouth.
"Yeah."Ciel agreed simply."That was nice."
Astre looked down, not knowing what to say.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps were heard causing the Phantomhive triplets to turn to gaze nervously at the figures around them.
The amphitheatre began to fill with light and a series of now-familiar murmurs and shuffles signalled the ritual's start.
The march had begun.
A procession of the ruthless, powerful and monstrous, all carefully cloaked for the night's exercise in savagery.
"Hear me, my devout monks and nuns!"A masked old man sneered."A month has passed since the new moon and the vessel is at long last full! Now let us begin the noble mass once more this evening! The stars of this memorable day are these three!"
The masked man pointed at Ciel, Astre and Celia.
He paused as the auditorium bristled with excited rumbles and cackles of glee.
"The destined time has come."A masked old man sneered."Pitiful offerings. Who we're to offer to our king is this one."
One of the masked men opened the cage and grabbed Ciel out of the cage once his shackle was removed as Astre and Celine's eyes widen in horror.
Cheers erupted as the Phantomhive heir was pulled from the cage.
"NO!"Celia screamed in terror."LET HIM GO!"
Celia grabbed Ciel's hand, only for one of the captors to smack her on the face and collapse inside the cage.
"CELLIE!"Ciel cried out.
"Quiet, you little pest!"A masked man growled.
Astre went over to Celia to check on her.
"CELIA!"Astre shouted and glared angrily at the men who took their older brother."STOP IT! LEAVE CIEL ALONE!"
Astre held Celia protectively as the cage door was quickly closed again and Ciel was dragged onto a table.
Ciel continued screaming as he was forcefully laid down on the table by the masked people that were going to have him sacrificed.
"LET ME GO! HELP!"Ciel cried out and looked at his siblings."ASTRE! CELLIE! HELP ME! PLEASE!"
The masked people laughed heartlessly as Ciel pitifully asked help from her laugh.
"Now let us offer our prayers to the devil!"the masked old man announced.
Ciel was then gagged as Astre and Celia screamed out his name in sorrow.
"CIEL!"Astre screamed.
"NO!"Celia sobbed in sorrow.
Celia's eyes widen in complete fear and began tear up even more as one of the captors came forward with a sharp dagger, ignoring the stinging of her slapped cheek.
Cheering turned into a familiar, haunting chant, and everyone in the building thought they knew what would happen next.
And then it happened.
Celia embraced Astre tightly as she heard a bloodcurdling cry and that sickening yet familiar laughter, but didn't dare open her eyes to see it.
She didn't want to watch anymore.
She and Astre were going to be next.
They were going to die.
And nothing can stop that from happening.
Suddenly, the sounds of screams of the captors were heard as strange darkness flooded in the room.
Celia attempted to open her eyes, only to feel something undeniably sharp and painful touch in her vision.
Then she collapsed on the cold ground of the cage.
"Celia."A soft yet firm voice woke up. "Celia. Wake up."
A soft groan escaped Celia's mouth and opened her eyes to see Ciel looking down at her.
But the surprising thing was that her brother was smiling at her.
However, the bluenette became startled to see his left eye purple with a strange symbol on it.
"Y-Y-Your eye!"Celia gasped in complete shock."What happened to your eye?!"
"It's okay."Ciel assured as he held out his hand to her."It's over. We are saved."
Celia carefully took Ciel's hand and he led her out.
She then notice their cage was opened and their captors were laying on the ground, dead.
How did that happen?
However, her attention went on the lifeless body that had a dagger stabbed on his chest while the table was dripped with blood from where he was killed.
Tears developed in Celia's eyes at seeing her dead sibling.
"No."Celine cried in despair."Astre."
Ciel went over to Celia and slowly took her away from the scene.
"There's nothing we can do for him, Celia."Ciel answered.
"But-"Celia started.
"You don't need to worry about it anymore."Ciel assured, his voice mixed with anger and grief."Just don't ever be sad. I can't stand it."
A little yet weak sprung Celia's face as she wiped away her tears.
"Okay…Ciel."Celine answered with a soft firm tone."I won't be sad anymore."
Celia nervously went behind her brother when she heard someone approaching them.
"It's alright, Celia."Ciel answered simply."It's okay. His not an enemy."
Just before Celia could open her mouth to ask more questions, a tall handsome butler with black hair, pale skin and red eyes walked forward.
The man wore a six buttoned double breasted tailcoat, a black tie, a grey vest and black shoes.
Celia's cheeks dust red, immediately yet strangely found herself attracted to the stranger.
However, she came out of her hormonal attraction and gives the man a suspicious glare.
"Who are you?"Celia asked.
The butler gives the bluenette a smuggish smirk.
"I'll be serving you and the young master, my lady."the butler said.
Celia looked at Ciel.
"He saved us, Celia."Ciel declared."In return, he will serve as our new butler."
"Oh. Okay."Celia responded and smiled shyly at the butler."Thank you, sir."
Outside…
The building where the Phantomhive siblings were kept and abused was shown burning in flames with Ciel, Celia and their new butler standing outside.
Celia looked at Ciel.
"Ciel, is it finally over?"Celia asked with a hint of hope."The bad people are gone."
"No, Celia. It's far from over."Ciel stated and looked at the blue ring that was on his blood stained hand. "Someone is attempting to exterminate the entire Phantomhive family. The previous Earl lost his battle. But if they return, we'll be ready for them and I'll make sure we won't lose."
The butler quietly chuckled causing Ciel and Celia to glare at him.
"You find something funny?"Ciel questioned.
"Well it is interesting that you instructed me not to lie, but it's so clear that your a liar yourself."the butler declared.
Ciel scowled and looked away causing Celia to hold his hand and give it a gentle squeeze.
"If we are finished here, master."the butler remarked."Perhaps we should return to your manor."
"I don't where it is."Ciel admitted and turned around."But we do have a relative in London hospital who knows."
"We'll go and speak to her."Celia insisted.
"Very good, my lady."the man answered and frowned when he looked away from them."They can't find their own home. What a poor pathetic little boy and naïve fragile girl I have in my care."
The butler prepared to walk away, but then Celia gently grabbed onto one of his coat tails to ask for his name.
"Wait."Celia instructed."What is your name?"
"My name is whatever you would like it to be."the man replied gently.
Celia went next to Ciel as the sun began to rose up in the horizon.
"Alright. Sebastian."Ciel responded, earning a surprise look from Celia."From now on, you shall answer to Sebastian."
"Most excellent, my lord."Sebastian answered with a smile."May I be so bold to require the inspiration for the name? Was that what your last butler was called?"
Ciel shook his head as Celia covered her mouth to giggle.
"Oh no."Celia giggled."That was our dog's name."
An idea came into Celia's mind causing the bluenette to look at Ciel.
"Ciel, I think Sebastian needs a surname."Celia suggested."How about 'Michaelis'? That way no one will find it suspicious that he doesn't have a surname."
"Good idea, Celia."Ciel complemented and looked at Sebastian."From this day, you shall address yourself to anyone we meet as Sebastian Michaelis. Is that clear?"
"As you wish, my lord."Sebastian replied with a bow.
Although benignly smiling, Sebastian thinks to himself, taking back his prior comment and thinking what nasty little boy he settled himself with.
Back in London...
Ciel and Celia went to look for their Aunt Angelina at the Royal London Hospital, with Sebastian following them from behind.
Tanaka gave Sebastian the chained silver lapel pin bearing the Phantomhive crest which was traditionally worn by the house's head butler on his shirt cuff for saving the living heirs of the Phantomhive Household and to take care of them since he failed to save Vincent.
The Phantomhive siblings were then given fresh new clothes to wear after having their wounds healed by their aunt.
They soon departed out of the hospital to take a carriage back to Phantomhive Manor.
When Ciel, Celia and Sebastian arrived at Phantomhive Manor, they discovered that it was horribly charred and burnt by the fire.
"This is it?"Sebastian asked."It's badly damaged."
Neither Ciel and Celia responded as they quietly walked to the cemetery, where they mournfully see their parents' graves before collapsing on their knees.
"Father, mother, we miss you."Ciel cried.
"I'm so sorry we couldn't save you both."Celia sobbed in shame.
After a while, Sebastian returned to retrieve Ciel and Celia to tell them that the sun was setting.
"My lord, my lady, the sun is setting soon."Sebastian declared."You both wouldn't want to catch chills from the night air."
Ciel stood up from the ground as Celia dried away the tears in her eyes.
"Very well."Ciel answered. "There is a pub lodge nearby. We will stay there for the night."
"No need for that."Sebastian assured."We have our own lodge."
Both Ciel and Celia's eyes widen and turned around to find the manor completely built in front of them.
"Oh my gosh..."Celia whispered in awe.
"It can't be true!"Ciel denied.
"You haven't forgotten already?"Sebastian asked."I promised I never lie to you."
Celia held Ciel's right hand as Sebastian lead them to the top of the manor.
"But how?"Ciel said in shock."This is impossible."
"It would've taken years for this manor to be rebuilt."Celia complemented.
"How could I be the butler of an Earl, if I couldn't even do this?"Sebastian questioned. "As an Earl and a Lady, you are both supposed to live in a beautiful mansion."
Sebastian opened the door, revealing the interior to Ciel and Celia.
The whole manor was rebuilt and restored both inside and outside.
It looked exactly the way it was before the awful fire.
"I hope it is acceptable."Sebastian answered."Welcome home, my lord and lady."
Inside the Manor...
Celia winced as she washed her wounded body in a warm bath that Sebastian prepared for her.
It was very strange to be back at home after being away for twelve days, but it was hurtful to know that now she and Ciel have to live without their parents…and Astre.
"I never expected anything like this to happen."Celia thought tearfully."Especially for me and Ciel to survive from such hellish torture."
Celia quickly stopped crying before washing her face and continued having her bath.
There was no need to cry.
It was time for her to now grow up with her brother and act officially as the Lady of Phantomhive.
There was no point looking back at the past or ask for wishful thoughts.
She just now have to focus on building her reputation in society as Ciel will build his reputation as the Queen's Watchdog.
After finishing her bath, Celia placed on a simple lavender dress and matching flats before joining Ciel at a dining table.
"If I may, my lord and lady."Sebastian insisted.
Sebastian placed a table cloth to block the siblings' view before removing it to show them a whole table of luxurious meals causing them to gasp in surprise.
"If you see anything in particular interest I'll be happy to fetch it."Sebastian remarked. "We have Japanese spiny sautéed lobsters, roasted turkey, sticky toffee pudding, fairy cakes and many more."
Celia gasped in delight.
"Ooh!"Celia cooed excitedly."I'll try a lobster, potato smash and two crab cakes, please!"
"As you wish, my lady."Sebastian answered.
Sebastian picked up the meals that Celia want on her dish and the girl started eating causing a bright smile to grow on her face.
"Whoa!"Celia remarked happily as she ate a piece of her lobster."These taste delicious!"
Sebastian smiled."I'm glad the meals are to your liking, my lady."
"Be careful."Ciel warned with a frown."You shouldn't be doing these sort of things so casually."
"Why ever not?"Sebastian asked.
"I don't want to attract suspicion."Ciel stated.
"Surely you wouldn't want me to use human methods for every little task."Sebastian commented. "That would be most-"
"Are you or are you not my butler?"Ciel questioned."Do as I say!"
"Forgive my permanents, my lord."Sebastian responded.
Sebastian placed a few foods in Ciel's dish while Celia happily continued eating her meals.
However, after tasting the dish, Ciel gagged and desperately drank down his water.
"What's wrong, Ciel?"Celia asked.
"It's oily, spicy and too heavily salted!"Ciel coughed in disgust.
"Of course, I should've anticipated this menu would be heavy for you given to your recent captivity."Sebastian commented. "Perhaps some risotto-"
"Never mind."Ciel replied."I'm going to bed."
Ciel stood up from his seat as Celia wiped her mouth with a napkin after finishing her meal and followed after her older brother.
Ciel and Celia were in a bedroom together, but none of them were able to sleep.
Celia groaned lightly as she rubbed her forehead.
"Does your headache still hurt, Celia?"Ciel asked with a hint of concern.
"Yes."Celine answered."But it is so far getting better than before."
Suddenly, they heard a knock and Sebastian came in holding a candle lamp and placed it on a nearby table.
"Pardon me, my lord and lady."Sebastian said.
"What do you want?"Ciel questioned.
"I brought a kettle of hot milk and a plate of iced biscuits."Sebastian declared as he came forward with a table cart."Your appetite may have not return, but you need to eat something."
"I don't want it."Ciel retorted as he placed his head on a pillow."I am certain it will taste terrible."
"I only heated it."Sebastian explained as he poured two cups of milk."I didn't flame or add anything. But I can't tell if it tastes good. Perhaps, you and Lady Celia can tell me."
Sebastian hands a cup of milk to Celia.
"Thank you, Sebastian."Celia thanked and picked a few biscuits."Those iced biscuits look yummy."
"Is there any honey?"Ciel asked.
"Certainly."Sebastian answered."As much as you like."
Ciel picked up the small honeycomb spoon to pour honey in his cup of milk.
"Tanaka scolded me and Celia for eating honey and biscuits at night since he said they decay our teeth."Ciel explained.
"Well then from tomorrow I shall do the same."Sebastian stated.
Ciel slowly drank his cup of milk and surprisingly enjoyed it.
Celia slowly ate her iced biscuits with her cup of milk and blushed a little when she notice Sebastian smiling at her and Ciel.
After finishing their cups of milk, Ciel and Celia tucked themselves to bed.
Ciel remained awake when he notice Sebastian leaving while Celia slowly drifted herself to sleep.
"Sebastian."Ciel spoke up."The hot milk...it tasted good."
"I'm happy it was to your liking just like Lady Celia's."Sebastian replied with a smile.
"However, I shall be displeased if breakfast is ghastly as your served me this evening."Ciel retorted rudely. "If you can't learn to do more than a kettle of milk, I'm going to starve before long."
Sebastian didn't say anything and simply left the room since he now figured out the complete differences between Ciel and Celia.
Ciel was a brat and Celia was a heart of gold.
The real Ciel though was never a brat since he was always was cheerful and exuberant.
And Celia didn't realise that since her memories were written by Sebastian under Ciel's orders.
In reality the Ciel that was present was actually Astre taking his dead brother's identity and had sold his own soul to the monster, who was disguised as his butler, to have complete revenge on those who destroyed everything that he and Celia hold dear.
Overall, this meant Celia would be one day be the head of the Phantomhive Family and be on her own.
Next chapter we will see Ciel and Celia improve their roles as the members of the Phantomhive name with Sebastian's help. See you all in the next chapter!