The next morning, Ciel woke up and found Joanne already awake, reading a book beside him. He took a peek and saw it was entirely in German.

"Harcourt," He announced, making Joanne jump slightly. "You said your first name was Johan, right? So why does everyone refer to you as Joanne?"

He blushed and looked away. "Some people can't pronounce it. That's the closest they can get. And my first-year...Cole spread a rumor that I was lying about my name to seem high-and-mighty in Scarlet Fox and told everyone I was really Joanne. It stuck..." He pouted. "The school records me as Johan but the students don't,"

Ciel nodded, having the answer.

"Are you feeling alright?" His eyes shimmered with worry again. "You were very sick last night..."

"My health is none of your concern," Ciel sighed. "I think it was...too much sun,"

Joanne stared at him for a long time before returning back to his book. Ciel found himself settling into the monotonous schedule again. April showered into May and brought pleasant spring weather for the first time that year, which made classes feel more tedious as everyone felt anxious to go outside. Cricket practice became required and more grueling, and Ciel found his thoughts occupied instead with potential ways to bring his team to victory. Did he use the same tactics he did in his old world, or employ new ones? Indeed, his thoughts about trying to escape the dream-world he was in took up residence in the back of his mind while his schoolwork took over importance. On the outside, Ciel did indeed genuinely seem happy. Even his scheduled meetings with the school alienist turned mundane and monotonous, just sessions of talking with no live-spider-eating in sight. He hadn't met his supposed other 'guests' and assumed at that point he never would. Perhaps Mr. Liverpool was lying about that, which wouldn't surprise Ciel in the slightest.

Everything was slowly starting to fall into place.

#####

Yet another month passed in relative monotonous splendor. Ciel secretly counted the days and found he still only had a few months to get to the bottom of what the new world was and who created it. As he had correctly predicted, being stuck at Weston put a halt to his research and he knew he wouldn't be able to properly pick it back up until summer break, which thankfully was a few days after the famous cricket game. He could hold off for a few more days, no matter how anxious he seemed.

He also realized at some point along the way he had finally received the memories from this world's version of him. Some of it was stuff he already knew from asking the others, but some of it was entirely new. Once he learned he had, he had feigned ill and locked himself in his dorm, writing down as many memories as he could physically recall. He remembered teaching Sieglinde how to play cards and being amazed at how quickly she caught on, how she was as big of an eater as her father and plundered the dinner at every event she was invited to, how in the late nights when they were meant to be asleep, they'd huddle close beside the fire and read fairy-tales to each other. He remembered how Elizabeth always watched him carefully when he thought she wasn't and how his brother kept her preoccupied with dresses and hats and ribbons. He remembered spending winter at Weston and ice-skating with Joanne on the frozen River Thames; he was always a lot clumsier at it than Joanne was who skated with perfect grace. He remembered the taxing exams they always took in fall and studying into the early morning hours with Norman, sometimes collapsing on top of their books after grueling study periods. He remembered Madame Red visiting as often as she could and becoming a confidante and role model of sorts to both Elizabeth and Sieglinde; the latter of whom especially admired how she was a doctor and longed to follow in her footsteps in some way. His parents dancing together at a noble charity ball, Rachel smiling brightly in a way that lit up the whole room. Him playing the violin by himself in his room, playing it with such masterful tunes he never possessed in his old world.

He also had the memories of his old world and it pained and disturbed him both to compare the two and have them exist together in his mind side-by-side. Elizabeth and Joanne nearly getting eaten by Bizarre Dolls, Sieglinde's abuse at the hands of her mother, Madame Red getting killed, him and his brother getting tortured and neglected by the cult that kidnapped them. Still, he couldn't deny having his memories of this world finally surface would help him out tremendously in figuring out his relationships with everyone and what they expected of him.

The only thing he had left to worry about was the cricket game, and then he could finally go home again.

#####

A week before the famous game, Ciel got called down to the alienist's office yet again, finding two people seated in chairs, which made him pause.

"Cedric, a pleasure. Sit down," Mr. Liverpool smiled. Ciel very slowly took his seat, not meeting the eyes of the other two students. "These are two of my guests. Normally I have at least one more, a prince from India, but he's on leave at the moment due to family issues, so it'll just be us today. I am terribly sorry it took so long to get all of us together, but better late than never, right? Everyone is always so busy with their school,"

Ciel said nothing. It was bad enough more people had to see him like this and consider him a loony. And weren't his sessions only supposed to last for a week or so?

"Now, how about we all introduce ourselves?"

"I'll go first!" A boy with brown hair stood up eagerly. His hair was brushed over one eye and he had vibrant freckles and a dark purple uniform. Ciel startled; he'd know that face anywhere. "I'm Vic-Victor, Victor Whitehall, and I'm in Violet Wolf, great ta meet ya!"

What was Doll doing in a place like this? After the session, he'd have to try and get her alone to talk to her, if he could manage it.

"Not even sure why I'm sure. Maybe 'cuz of my flexibility? People say I'm cursed by the Devil, oooooh!" She waved her hands at Ciel, who just stared back at her.

"Victor here comes from an unknown but very close-knit family, according to him. However he's very flighty and skips classes a lot, so he was recommended to me to sort him out," Mr. Liverpool explained as Doll took her seat again. She continued smiling at Ciel. "Now you,"

"Hm? But why? I do not want to," The other boy scoffed, and Ciel finally looked up to see it was none other than Maurice Cole.

"C-Cole?! Why are you here?!"

"It's none of your business!" Maurice snapped back, still managing to look dainty. "The school made me go. If they had not, I wouldn't be here, now would I?"

"Maurice does have very personal reasons to be here, and thus I shall not divulge them here. Believe it or not, I care about privacy," Mr. Liverpool said calmly. "Now then, we can begin our group session. How is everyone doing? Are you excited for the famous tournament?"

Maurice smiled elegantly. "But of course. My close friend Ciel is going to be playing for Scarlet Fox, which is a sure guarantee we will win. Our House almost always does,"

"I dunno, this year we got some great players!" Doll shook her head.

"My father led his team to victory thirty years ago, I see no reason why this can't be the same." Ciel added, trying to rake his brains for any memory of Doll attending the school. He had none; all his memories of her came from his previous world.

"Yeah, the Miracle of the Sapphires I think! Musta been a right fine game, ya know!" She leaned back in her seat. "I think the worst part o' these games is playin' against your friends. Makes the next few days awkward,"

"Sometimes competition is healthy though. It makes everyone stronger," Mr. Liverpool said. "Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this year's game, but I know you three will do wonderfully,"

"They are sometimes a bore to watch, I must admit," Maurice played with his curls. "But I go because it is my duty to do so,"

"I think that is a good topic for this week. Competition. Is it healthy or harmful?" Mr. Liverpool continued. "Surely all three of you have had some sort of competition in your lives at some point, almost everyone has."

"Uh, not really. My family shares pretty much everything! So we don't fight much, if at all!" Doll admitted.

"I was originally in consideration to be Redmond's Fag, but then he chose Harcourt over me because he seemed more trustworthy. I think I would have made a far better choice, for starters, Harcourt is still very young and inexperienced, and second of all, I just do not trust someone like that. Did you know he has ties in Germany? He is likely lying and is dirt poor and does not deserve any of his praise or honors," Maurice said. "Besides, even if he was German, that still helps him little. Have you ever heard a German accent? Ridiculous,"

"Nonetheless, you weren't chosen. And I imagine you are frustrated about that, right?" Mr. Liverpool asked.

"Of course I am! Harcourt gets to suck up to Redmond! I think it is only because Harcourt is doing things for him. You know what I mean. He is likely sodomizing him-"

"Thank you for your thoughts, Maurice, but that talk is not very proper nor polite for the current crowd," Mr. Liverpool cut him off, suddenly looking slightly intense. Ciel suppressed a shiver going down his spine. That expression seemed hauntingly familiar to him. "Now, is there anything else anyone else would like to add?" He stared over at Ciel, who tried to look disinterested. "No?"

"My, this session was highly unproductive," Maurice mocked. "Especially for those in most need of it,"

"Maurice, watch your tone. We are all on equal ground here," After waiting for a few more minutes, Mr. Liverpool stood up. "Well then, if nobody has anything else to say, I suppose I shall cut this meeting short. Wait here until your next class starts, alright? I will be in my office," He left them then, and Ciel glanced over at Doll, who was leaning back in her chair some more; despite how high off the floor it was, she seemed perfectly calm and had no fear.

"Victor...?" He asked slowly, making Doll look at him.

"Yeah?"

"Why are you here? At this school, I mean. I mean, I have never seen you before," He tried to tread lightly, knowing Maurice was still there, and indeed, he scoffed.

"Why would you want to see anyone from Violet Wolf? They are all tasteless and classless. They claim their talents will get them far in life, but I think not. To get far in life, you need prestige, charm, and a title,"

"Harcourt was looking for someone to train him in ice-skating, he keeps slipping because his balance isn't very good," Ciel lied quickly, knowing his memories told him otherwise. That one time had been a fluke because Joanne was startled.

"But he's so graceful on the ice, he is! I see him sometimes when I rope some o' my friends into a snowball fight. He is like a swan!" Doll gasped.

Damn it.

"I'm looking for someone to train me!" He then tried. "I am not very balanced,"

"Sure," Doll said quickly. "Guess you ain't seen me 'cuz we're in different Houses, and I started fairly late into the year. So I'm technically a third-year when I should be a fourth since I'm sixteen. It was hard getting the funds, lemme tell ya. But my family persevered since they knew I needed to get an education somewhere, and my flexibility was deemed good enough for Violet Wolf. Since I can walk on a tightrope and stuff like that. 'S fun, I get to wear a skirt an' everything!"

"A shameful display, if you ask me. No culture and you even wear a dress despite your status being male," Maurice tittered. "Though you sound like a circus freak anyhow, so I'm supposed I am not too surprised,"

"Hey! I'm not-" Doll got cut off by Mr. Liverpool coming back in.

"Time for your next class. I hope to see you all again in your individual sessions,"

Maurice simply left with a scoff, while Doll smiled at Ciel. "Ya seem awfully familiar with me, but that's alright. Come by Violet Wolf at some point, 'kay? Ask for Victor Whitehall. Tons o' people have that last name so ask for Victor just to make sure!" She ran off eagerly with a wave, while Ciel sighed. He started to leave as well before Mr. Liverpool stopped him.

"Yes?"

"Cedric, I know about your cricket tournament coming up and how you're one of the players for Sapphire Owl. Far be it from me to encourage troublemaking given my position, however, you strike me as someone who craves troublemaking every now and again. It's perfectly healthy in boys your age, and what better place to make mischief than a school-wide event?" He slipped something glassy and heavy into Ciel's hands with a slight wink. "Use it well,"

Ciel quickly left and took a glance at what he was slipped; a brown glass bottle filled with a dark liquid. Written on the label was 'Syrup of Ipecac'. He allowed himself to shiver. Mr. Liverpool seemed to know way too much for his own good.

######

The remainder of the week was filled with preparations for the actual tournament, putting the finishing touches on the costumes, as well as preparing the actual school for the arrival of their families. Sapphire Owl had decided their theme would be Intellect, so everyone was to dress as a teacher, librarian, university student, things of that nature. Ciel decided himself he'd dress as a graduate of university, so he'd wear a more formal blue suit underneath a black robe and cap. It was simple enough that it wouldn't cause him undue attention. He wondered what Scarlet Fox and Green Lion were doing for their themes. He figured Green Lion might just do knights again, they often did, but he hoped Scarlet Fox would be more creative than that. He also thought of Doll and had a sudden thought Violet Wolf would look good in a circus theme. If she wore the right outfit, she could keep fooling everyone else into thinking she was still a boy, just a boy in a dress.

Once the day of the party came, Ciel got dressed by the attendants and stood outside the doors near the middle of the crowd, waiting for his cue to go on. Norman hadn't been chosen to play the actual tournament, but he'd still be at the ball and Ciel would see him then.

"The Intellect of the Masters!" Mr. Tiwise announced, and Ciel held his head up high and walked in, trying to locate someone he knew in all of the chaos. Once everyone had entered, the Prefects lit the fire to start the party, and afterwards everyone cheered and went off to do their own thing. It was typical things Ciel recalled from both this world and his old one, so it wasn't anything to commit to memory.

Instead, the bottle Mr. Liverpool had given him weighed heavily on his mind. Only a fool wouldn't understand it; it was used for violent expulsion if one got sick. Ciel had done something similar to win against Scarlet Fox in his old world, but that was a different circumstance. Here, he was meant to have fun and play fair...and Joanne was one of his friends in this world. The thought of hurting him like that didn't sit well with Ciel either. Then again, if this was meant to be a perfect world of his...and what teacher just gave out things like that anyway?

"Phantomhive!" Norman and Joanne hurried over to him. Norman was dressed in a formal grey suit, while Joanne was dressed up regally in a suit.

"We were looking all over the place for you!" Norman gasped.

"Y-Yeah...it was harder than we expected," Joanne smiled awkwardly. Over the suit was a rich red robe and a matching crown and scepter in his hands; he was clearly meant to resemble royalty. "Your tassel was hiding your face,"

"Are you excited for our game tomorrow?" His brother wandered over as well, dressed just as regally as Joanne was. "I look forward to beating your team fairly,"

"Fairly?" Ciel nearly bit back a scoff. His brother would use any under-handed tactics he possibly could to ensure victory. That he knew for certain.

"Of course! I love good sportsmanship," His brother smiled coyly. "Either way, my House has won almost every year, so that's why I want to offer my wishes of good luck."

"I guess we'll just have to let the best House win then," Ciel tried to smirk back. "Which is going to be mine,"

"Ciel!" Elizabeth walked over then, pushing Sieglinde in her wheelchair. "I know it's a bit early, but did you want to dance with me? I want to spin my dress around on the dancefloor!" She asked nicely, wearing a bright yellow gown patterned with roses.

"Of course," His brother gently took her hand. "Let's leave them to their own devices," They then walked off.

"Lord Cedric!" Sieglinde squealed, undettered. "I've missed you so much!" She hugged him the best she could from her chair. "I can't wait to see you play tomorrow!"

"Yes, it'll certainly be interesting," Ciel smiled at her before pushing her chair away to a more quieter part of the room. He sat on one of the provided couches and sighed. "How have things been since I've left?"

"Mostly boring. I just read and studied a lot alongside Vati. Lady Angelica visited once with some new dresses for me, like this one!" She smoothed it out in her lap; it was a pale blue with a white ribbon around her waist. She wore matching bows in her short hair. "Doesn't it look good on me?"

"It does," Ciel simply nodded. "I am sorry to say my days here at Weston have been very dull. I cannot wait to go back home," At least at home he'd have an easier time trying to figure out how to get back to his own world.

"Really? Nothing interesting? Have you read any good books lately?" She pressed.

"Books about...the occult," He hesitated.

"Like what Earl Phantomhive investigates sometimes? That sort of thing can be interesting. Like how a lot of chemistry experiments and reactions can be made to resemble magic or witchcraft, but it's all just regular old science!"

He looked away from her at that.

"Lord Cedric?" She scooted a bit closer to him before she suddenly lost her balance, collapsing on top of him and making them both fall to the floor.

"H-Hey!" He protested as she landed on top of him; their eyes met and he felt his face heat up with a blush. "That's why you don't lean so far!"

"Well, since we're like this..." Sieglinde was silent before she suddenly gave Ciel a quick peck on the lips, smiling. Then she gave him another one. "I kissed you! I finally got to kiss you!"

He blushed even more as some people began staring at them. She laid her head on his chest.

"Come on, get up," He directed, still feeling flustered. She slowly scooted off of him and happily took his hand, leaning on him and limping over to her chair as she sat down again, fixing her dress.

"Want to kiss again?" She asked with a smirk, and he blushed again. He looked over the scene of the party, trying to pick everyone out. Edward was talking with Greenhill; both dressed as knights, as he expected. Norman and Joanne were drinking some tea together. He even spotted Doll, dressed in a colourful version of a ballerina-rose outfit, walking on her hands easily and then jumping into the air, landing perfectly on her feet to the amazement of on-lookers. He didn't know where Maurice was but didn't care enough to seek him out. He also didn't see his parents, or Alexis and Frances. He did find his brother though, dancing with Elizabeth, who looked a bit tired while his brother just smirked on. He pulled her even closer and Ciel caught the small wince she had at the action before she quelled it.

The syrup of ipecac burned even hotter in his pocket. That settled it. At the very least, he gave his brother a fighting chance, right? He needed to play his own hand before his brother even got the chance.

"I'm going to go talk to Midford," Ciel said suddenly, nodding at Sieglinde. "I won't be long," He then slipped away, sneaking through the hallways as he checked every door he came across. He soon found the one for the school kitchen and snuck inside, quickly darting under one of the tables. The scent was heavy and almost greasy from all of the meat that was being cooked. Due to the bustle in the kitchen, Ciel knew he needed to act quickly. He peeked out from under the table and noticed one of the nearby tables was decked out in red-accented foods and different kinds of savory dishes. Somehow, he knew that was his target.

Waiting until nobody was focusing on it, he slipped out from under the table and dashed across, looking around for a good target. He had no idea what the vast majority of the team would eat, then realized he had a good-sized bottle. He could pour it into a bunch of different dishes just to be sure. He slipped the bottle out of his robe and uncapped it, splashing it onto various different meat-pies and ornamental slices of cake. He hid the bottle again and ducked back under the table, crawling out of the kitchen until he reached the hall again, then he slowly stood back up, recomposed himself, and headed back into the ballroom. A devious smile appeared on his face despite himself.

Nobody said Ciel Phantomhive got everything he wanted fairly, after all.