"Earl! Sebastian!" Sebastian and Ciel looked over to see Lau walking over with the Phantomhive staff and Ran Mao. Lau distributed flowers to them all, before they prepared to climb into the boat. "Now, is everyone ready?" Lau asked. He glanced around, "Where is Missus Maid?" Sebastian was glancing at the skies, only to have Ciel elbow him. He cleared his throat and looked at Lau, "She had an errand to run. She will be meeting us at the train station." Lau hummed, "A shame. I think she would have found some amusement in this." He handed Sebastian a crown of flowers, "Here you are." Sebastian grimaced at the sight of the flower crown. He put it on before climbing into the boat with Ciel and the others. He pulled his arm over his adoptive son, in an attempt to shield him from the elements of the weather. His concern for his mate had yet to cease, he had attempted to speak to her through the bond, only to find she was too far for him to reach her.
That evening, Ciel curled closer to him in their confined space on the boat. The rest of the servants were cramped in alongside them. He heard Lau speaking to the officer in the opposing boat. He would have much preferred being in this position with Aurora- actually, he would have preferred to be in bed with his mate, holding her body close against his body in the aftermath of a night of bliss. Ciel shifted closer to him, and he could sense the boy's fear. He squeezed the younger boy closer to him. He looked at the other servants, Bard looked like he was about to piss himself. The others wouldn't have much need to worry, they could all pull off a feminine look.
"...wanted criminals on the run... all of London is on alert for their whereabouts... Mr. Phantomhive.... his butler, Sebastian Michaelis... maid, Aurora Magne-Michaelis...."
Sebastian tensed at the sound of his mate's name.
"Oh, drat... Transporting my shop's specialty 'flowers'! Please... don't touch them if you can help it."
Ciel leaned close into Sebastian's side as a light was shone over them.
"Ahh," the officer said. "Those types of 'flowers'. I see." Lau chuckled, "Your hard work even on such cold nights like these is commendable, my good sirs." He reached over and handed the officer a few coins. "How about you take this and get yourself something warm to drink? Deal?" The officer hummed, "Fine. I suppose." He pocketed the coins. "Let them pass." The boat passed the officers and when they were just out of sight, the Phantomhive household lowered their blanket covers. "Phew." Bard used the towel to dry his neck. "I think I almost pissed my pants." Sebastian frowned, going to remove the flower object in his hair. "Strange. They let us go without much of a fuss at all. I find it quite hard to believe that little accessories like these fooled them." Lau chuckled, "The Thames River police may be a part of the force, but they're one of the more independent departments. Even Lord Randolph has a hard time keeping eyes over here. Thanks to that, I've been keeping up 'friendly relations' with them. Ciel sat back, "Hmm. That makes sense... I suppose." Sebastian sat back and kept his eyes trained upwards, searching the skies for any sign of Aurora. Angelica... Where are you? Nothing. Bard looked over, "You alright Sebastian?" Sebastian had a frown on his face, "Yes. Perfectly." Ciel rolled his eyes, "Aurora went out to run an errand. She's going to meet us at the train station, and because she is not here nor has she sent word, Sebastian is particularly concerned." Mey-Rin smiled, "I'm sure Aurora will be fine, Sebastian. If she's anything like you in a fight, she can hold her own." Sebastian had his eyes on the sky. "I do hope you are right..."
They were mooring the boat just before dawn and Lau got them a hotel. It was nothing too extravagant, Ciel wouldn't have stayed there if he were still Earl. Sebastian was tucking him into bed. "You'll have a few hours to rest, my lord." Sebastian said, "The train for Brighton leaves at nine. So I will wake you at seven, that should give you enough time to prepare for the train ride." Ciel nodded, "Sebastian? Have you any word from Aurora?" The butler shook his head. "Nothing, my lord. With your permission, I would like to go and search for her." Ciel nodded. "Of course. Go on." Sebastian smiled and gave a short bow to him before starting out of the room. "Wait. Sebastian..." Sebastian turned back, "Yes, my lord? Was there something else you needed?" Ciel looked down at his lap. "I- No. Nothing. Go look for Aurora." Sebastian left the boy alone in the room. Ciel rolled over onto his side, flinching when he felt the brand in his skin rub against the rough mattress. He reached a hand over and his fingers ran over the branding. It stung a bit, and the marred flesh felt strange, like dried beef.
Ciel felt tears in his eyes as he remembered his own screams. He remembered... Ciel's screams... H buried his face into the pillow, the pillow case was rough against his skin, and he felt his salty tears burn his face as they mixed with the texture of the pillow. The blanket that was drawn over him was scratchy, scratchy and itchy. He wanted to go home. He had never wanted to go home any more in his life. He had never wanted to wake up in his bed, wake up and find that this was all a dream. Wake up and find that he was ten again, ten and it was his birthday. Celebrate with his parents and brother, and his beloved dog. He hiccupped a small sob, burying his face in his pillow, trying to bury his face in so deep that no one would hear him. Trying to hide himself in this bed fit for a peasant. Ciel sniffled, wiping his eyes. He wanted to change things. He wanted to change things so badly. He squeezed his eyes shut. Home. His parents. His brother. His dog. His family. He wanted it all back. He remembered Madam Red's last words, she had never finished her sentence.
This child is my-
Grelle had killed her before she got the chance to speak. It was that night, after he returned home, did Ciel feel himself cry. He had pushed it back. Then at the funeral, Lizzie had cried so much. She cried for them both. Cried so badly that Ciel had felt the need to hold her. During the service, Lizzie had cried in his arms, She shed both of their tears. He felt guilty. Guilty as he had when he first saw her after he came home from that horrible month. Lizzie had come running up and hugged him so tightly. He was afraid. Afraid and guilty. She thought he was his brother. She thought he was Ciel. He wasn't. He had held her. He had been nice to her. Nicer than Ciel had ever been. He remembered their childhood. He remembered watching Ciel and Lizzie run around the estate, wishing he could as well. Sometimes even wishing Lizzie would look at him the way she looked so often at Ciel. Ciel sniffed and curled into his blanket. He turned his gaze to the night sky. The moon was lowering and casting a bright white light into his room. He closed his eyes, and silently prayed. Something he had long given up on. He just wanted to have one thing. One thing only.
A family.
It was eight thirty. Sebastian was anxiously tapping his foot and looking around. He had his pocket watch in his hand and was glancing around the room. Snake and Finny waved goodbye, "We'll be off then!" Finny chirped, "Farewell for now!" Bard and Lau were dressed and also waved goodbye, "Take care, everyone! I wish you all a safe trip." Ciel and Sebastian were left alone. Sebastian was growing nervous. Ciel looked up at him, "You didn't find her last night?" Sebastian shook his head. "Regrettably. I have not seen Aurora since she left the other day. I'm afraid something might've happened." Ciel looked over, "What should we do?" Sebastian sighed, "I'm afraid there isn't anything we can do. This situation with your brother is a bit more imperative. Aurora can hold her own if something's gone wrong. And as long as our contract stands, you are my first priority." Ciel went quiet.
"Train to Brighton!" The conductor yelled.
Ciel looked at Sebastian who had a very disturbed and concerned look on his face. "Sebastian?" Ciel asked. Sebastian sighed, "Come along my lord, lets-" He was cut off when he heard a familiar voice.
"Sebastian!!! Ciel!!!"
They turned and saw the beautiful blonde rushing towards them. For a split second, Ciel thought it was Elizabeth and grew somewhat hopeful. When the woman in question appeared to not be Lizzie, and instead Aurora, Ciel's mood deteriorated just slightly. Aurora tackled Sebastian in a hug and was giggling. Ciel was reminded of Elizabeth as she smiled brightly at Sebastian. She had her arms wrapped around the demon's neck and had a happy look on her face as she was in his arms. "Did you miss me, darling?" She giggled. Sebastian sighed in relief and pulled her close. "You are alright. Thank goodness." Aurora sighed happily as he held her in his arms. "Of course, I'm alright love." Sebastian held her at an arms length, eyes scanning her. "Then whatever took-" The train bell chimed again, signaling the soon departure. Sebastian took Ciel by the hand and keep an arm around his mate's waist. "Come, let us hurry."
They rushed over to the train entrance with their luggage and boarded. Sebastian lead the way to the first class car and shut the compartment door as Ciel and Aurora sat down. Sebastian sat beside Aurora and wrapped his arm firmly around her. Ciel looked at her confused, "Where have you been?" Aurora grinned, giggling a bit as she reached into her dress pocket. She pulled out two small palettes and held them out to Ciel, "I had to ensure you wouldn't be recognized. Surely the Yard will be looking for a child with an eyepatch. So to ensure you need not use of your patch, I had Lady Sullivan whip a little something special up for you." Ciel looked at the palettes confused. "These are?..." Aurora smiled, "Coloured contacts, Ciel. The first of their kind. Lady Sullivan's outdone herself. She's also pledged to you her loyalty." Ciel smiled and took the two palettes. Aurora smiled and leaned over, pointing to each one in turn. "The one on the left is a lighter shade of blue, almost more of a grey. The one on the right, burgundy brown." Ciel looked confused, "Like yours and Sebastian's eyes." Aurora nodded, "Neither of us have your hair colour, but we can make do with the contacts. Especially considering the contacts are one of a kind, no one will think twice if your eye colour is changed." Ciel nodded, "A good plan, I suppose." He sat back. Aurora huffed and raised an eyebrow, "You suppose? Ciel, concealing your identity is by far the most important thing of all. If you are recognized, you'll be arrested on sight or even worse, killed." She reached over and put a hand on his knee. "Ciel, at this point you need to completely and wholly trust Sebastian and I to make the decisions. Contract or not, I am at least bound by oath to act as your guardian. My primary focus is your protection." Ciel frowned, "I can handle things myself, Aurora." Aurora narrowed her eyes, "That might be, Ciel. But that was when you were in a position of power." She suddenly gripped him by the chin. "I took the long way back from Lady Sullivan's. You do not want to know how many people are searching for you. You are being hunted like a dog. You have no choice at this point Ciel! Sebastian and I are in charge now. We're the adults, your the child. You may be the master by oath and contract, but that does not change the fact your life is in danger!" Ciel and Sebastian were staring at her a little shocked. Aurora continued, "In public situations you will allow Sebastian and I to make the decisions, and if we tell you to do something- even behind closed doors, you do it. We are the only ones who can keep you safe. Especially now." She leaned back and rested her head against a window. "Besides," she murmured, "I can tell something is going to go horribly, horribly wrong sooner or later."
Ciel was asleep now, curled up on the bench across from Seabstian and Aurora. The demon had his arm around his mate, "What troubles you, Angelica?" He asked, "it is not like you to be so commanding. Did you see something?" Aurora sighed, "No. I just... I don't know. Call it a premonition if you will. Something is going to go horribly wrong sooner or later." She curled close to Sebastian. "You know what I mean, don't you?" Sebastian smiled and ran his fingers through her hair, smiling down at her as she gazed up at him hopefully. "But of course, my dear." He said. "I trust your judgement." He kissed the top of her head. "Now rest, darling. I'll wake you when we arrive in Brighton." Aurora smiled, "I'd rather not. I've not seen you for a day. That's a little longer than I'd like to be away from you." She smiled up at him happily, "I can only assume you felt the same?" Sebastian pulled her close, "Whatever would make you think that, my angel?" Aurora smirked, "Perhaps the idea that you've had your arm around me since I came back?" Sebastian hummed, pulling her head to rest on his chest, "I suppose that might have let the cat out of the bag." They froze then.
"The cats!"
(Real) Ciel was walking through Phantomhive manor, wandering about the halls when he heard a noise from one of the rooms. Frowning, he opened the door only to scream as a herd of cats ran out. "Undertaker!!!!" He screamed, running to find the grim reaper. Undertaker met him halfway, stopping him, "Rest easy, Earl! You're going to hurt yourself if you run like that!" Undertaker chuckled. (Real) Ciel looked alarmed, "Cats! Cats!" Undertaker stared at him then burst into laughter, "Oh! Oh yes! I forgot, the butler and his wife adored cats. So much so they kept them in their room." (Real) Ciel clenched his fists, "Get those beastly things out of my manor! My brother's allergic to those ghastly things!" Undertaker hummed, "Yes, milord."
Aurora was in a void of sorts. Everything was black. The ground was like tar and she looked around, alarm dancing in her wide silver blue eyes. "Sebastian?" She called, "Malphas? Ciel?" She was growing worried.
"Angelica."
She froze.
"Angelica."
She took a few steps back, "no... It- It cannot be..." From the shadowy confines of the void, stepped a tall man with light blonde hair and silvery blue eyes. Aurora stared at him in what could only be described as pure shock and horror. He had large, golden coloured wings, wings that were coated in blood alongside the rest of his body. The closer he came, the more prominent his injuries were. Aurora was shaking with fear at the sight of the mangled figure as he came closer. And closer. Until he was finally right in front of her. And there was something.... inhumane about his eyes. He smiled down at her, fondly, but in a way that terrified the young half breed.
"My daughter, I've come home."
A/N; NEXT CHAPTER IS PUBLISHED-FEEL FREE TO READ A/N, IT STILL APPLIES UNTIL WE SEE SEBASTIAN AND CIEL AGAIN.
A/N: Massive cliff hanger here! Sadly, sense this is the last of where we see Ciel and Sebastian in the manga, I can't exactly continue the story from here. (I know, it's tragic!) But never fear- I've got plenty of one shots lined up! And of course there's City Of Scars (damn writers block stopping me from working on it). I- like everyone else, will be anxiously, VERY anxiously waiting for the next chapter in which I can actually continue this story. As where the manga is now, at least that I've been able to find online, Sebastian and Ciel are still in transit to Brighton or just not there. At least this story is infinitely re-readable. In my opinion at least. So you can all trust, until more of the manga comes out, I will be doing one shots. And also attempting to make the custom covers using the few (very few) photoshop skills I know. ( I can't draw if my life depended on it!) Anyways, until we can get more of the manga, and now that this story is pretty much up to speed with the manga, updates will be a lot more sparse- for the main storyline that is. I have been toying with the idea of the inclusion of Phantom & Ghost and possibly shorts of in between (ex; right after the Campania during the travel back to London, small gaps in between chapters and arcs), of course the flashback shorts for Sebastian and Aurora will remain plentiful, and possibly an AU of CUT CONTENT (You heard me, cut content!) from Book Of Angels- including it's original plotline that tied it into season two of Black Butler. There will also be cut content (I got so much cut content it's unbelievable) involving a very, very, pissed off angel. Surprisingly, I got more into this fandom than I thought I would! I had intended for this to be a decently long story, maybe only covering up until Book of Atlantic or Season 2, but then I started buying the manga because I realized there was more... and you get the picture. And as my writers block for City Of Scars continues (I do have that entire story written out in my mind, its more of a matter of finding the right wording for scenes and such), this story will be updated as regular. Or well, as regular as I can considering the next chapter shows us what Sebastian and Ciel are up to. (I want to keep this story as close to canon as possible!) Until then, shorts, spinoffs, and AU's will be posted! (This is literally my new hobby so updates will be frequent as possible)
Anyways, that's my rant. Enjoy re reading the story, like I have been doing lol- I've never fully read this through yet. I, alongside everyone else, will wait for the English translation of the next few chapters. Anxiously.
I hope you've all (so far) enjoyed this story and I look forward to continuing it as soon as the manga provides! :)