Just a quick note- I'm gonna do something cool with the chapter names, so keep checking back.
Ciel's POV
"Lizzy, why are we here?"
She beamed. "We're here to have fun at the Street party! All it is is street performers, showing off different talents!"
I sighed. "Sounds like a bother to me. But as long as you have a good time."
She smiled. "I know you'll enjoy yourself!"
Sebastian stopped the carriage and opened the door. I got out easily, then extended my hand and helped her down.
The only thing I can say is that is I was right- mostly. It was bothersome and bore some- until Lizzy, Sebastian and I came across a mob of people. In the center, leaning against a wall was a scruffy looking girl in the most magnificent looking outfit.
Her h/c hair was covered in dust and dirt, but her pants and top were clean. She was thin from not eating enough, but beautiful non the less. Unlike the other performers who happened to be starving, she was smiling and preforming to the crowd.
"What's she doing?" I asked Sebastian.
"She's singing and moving this cup to make music. She's quite good. Listen."
I got my ticket for the long way 'round,
Two bottle of whisky for the way.
And I sure would like some sweet company.
And I'm leaving tomorrow, What do you say?
When I'm gone, When I'm gone-on-on,
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone-on,
You're gonna miss me by my hair,
You're gonna miss me everywhere,
Oh, You're gonna miss me when I'm gone.
I got my ticket for the long way 'round,
The one with the prettiest of views,
It's got mountains,
It's got rivers,
It's got sights to give you shivers,
But it sure would be prettier with you.
When I'm gone, When I'm gone-on-on
You're gonna miss me when I'm gone-on,
You're gonna miss me by my walk,
You're gonna miss me by my talk,
Oh, You're gonna miss me when I'm gone.
She pushed down one final time and the cup hit the ground where she was sitting. The crowd cheered for her. She smiled and thanked everyone with a sweet voice. As she smiled and thanked everyone, a little boy around six ran and jumped into her arms. She squeezed him tight. "This is Tommy, my little brother. Together we work for Aristrocats, The street performer circus you all enjoy today. The money in which you have donated will go to Tommy and I's food and board. Thank you deeply."
I walked over to her. "Aristrocats is a circus of runaways, correct?"
She looked up. "Yes sir. Excuse me, but you look familiar to me. By any chance, would you be Earl Ciel Phantomhive?"
I nod, and she smiles. "It's a pleasure to meet you young lord!"
Your POV
You had been worried all day. You had seen all but one of your friends preforming on the street. He wasn't exactly a friend though, more of a respected colleague who would actually kick you out of the circus in a minute. A better term would be respected boss, but you didn't need to worry about that.
As you sat, singing songs and making music with your cup, your mind couldn't help think about last night's circus meeting, and then the private conference with your boss after.
"All right! Is everyone here?" Marcie, your boss, asked.
"Davie and Sarah 'aint 'ere." Your friend Puck asked in his typical deep voice.
"Why?" Marcie asked.
"They out doing jobs. Both got quite a few to kill, and they 'aint gonna be back 'till later." Puck responded.
Marcie sighed. "Very well. You will inform them of our meeting."
"Tommy isn't here, he's with Kisa." You say, stepping forward.
Marcie narrowed his eyes. "Where are Tommy and Kisa?"
"Tommy has become very ill. I asked Kisa to stand in for me while I went to our meeting, seeing as it might have been about jobs, and she agreed." You say, looking into those eyes strongly without wavering.
Kisa was your best friend. She was 18, 5 years older than you, and she worked as the nurse. She was the only one in all of the Aristrocats that didn't work as a part time assassin. She would always look out for Tommy when you were out on the job, but her nurse duties sometimes got in the way.
Marcie glared at you. "I would have liked her here."
"Well I guess that's too bad, isn't it?" Backing down here would have made you looked weak, something you weren't all that keen on. You, as the Black Rose, were one of the strongest assassins in the Aristrocats. Marcie was the only one you knew who could actually take you in combat. Sometimes for fun, the two of you would fight. Right now you two were tied, 68 rounds to each.
He locked eyes with you and you didn't look away. He sighed then turned. Kiyen, your friend, who was standing next to you, high-fived your hand when Marcie wasn't looking at you. You turned to her and whispered thanks before continuing to pay attention.
"OK! So tonight nobody is getting any sleep, because we're moving to London. I've got a permit for street preforming, and all of us can run a little station with our usual routines. We'll have tip boxes, because frankly, our practice dummies are starting to suck." Marcie started. There were nods and mumbled agreements. The training dummies that you used to fight and warm up every morning had several holes in them and the paint marking the vital points to stab was coming off.
"Another good thing about London is there is a bunch of new people to get jobs from. We've never killed in London before, so I've already got jobs filing in. It's constant, and pretty funny how so many people need to die.
"We're talking serious coin guys. I know several of you are going for the starving approach in preforming, but if this goes through it'll be really hard too, since we'll have all this expensive and delicious food.
He turned back to where you and Kiyen were standing. "Start packing. NOW! Oh, but ______, may I speak with you?"
Puck walked past you and muttered "Somebody's in TROUBLE."
You stuck out your leg behind you and you trip him. "Shut it."
One of the guys who he was walking with laughed. "Dude, you made Black Rose angry."
Knowing you were pretty popular with the guys at the Aristrocats, you smiled and turned. "And nobody wants to do that." You winked and turned.
As soon as he thought you were out of hearing he said "Wow. She is SOO Hot."
You smiled sweetly. Someone else who you could ask for favours. Puck harshly elbowed him. "That's my best friend you're talking about."
He laughed. "Puck, to be honest, it seems like she hates you."
"Nah, She's just 'aint social Haron. But I know she trusts me."
Without turning, you laughed. "You guys, it's not polite to talk about people behind their backs."
Puck stuttered. "_-_-___?"
You laugh. "Save me a spot a dinner, k? Get one for Tommy and Kisa too. I'll talk to you then."
"K." He said, and walked away.
You walked up to Marcie and said with steel in your eyes. "What do you want?"
"Show some respect to your superiors." He scolded and glared at you.
"I will as soon as I find one." You replied coldly.
He glared at you. "I got a special job for you. Come with me."
He pushed through the curtains and entered the room, his living quarters, behind the conference room. You sighed and followed, pushing the curtains out of your eyes.
The room was his entire house- it had a bathroom in the corner, a double bed in the other, and by the entrance there was a love seat and a coffee table. Marcie was clearing the couch off as his wife, Villeta, was packing her stuff up on the bed.
He placed all the folders on the table. They were all organized into 4 different categories, as you knew from previous experience with Marcie.
They were all jobs, ones for London. The first pile would have the noble. The format was all in alphabetical order by first name, but in different sections. The top section was male, the middle was female, and the bottom one was children under 15. The second pile was organised the same way, but for middle class people. The third was also the same, and was for those people who lived on the streets. The low class. And the fourth pile was people that Marcie wanted us to kill in spare time, not ones that had been ordered by clients.
"Got a special job for you- wanted to do it myself, but Villeta refused. Said I'm getting to old for this sort of thing, and the targets too young. A man such as myself would look weird approaching him. How old are you again?" Marcie asked turning to you.
"I've been 13 for a few months, why?"
He grinned. "Perfect."
He started filing through the folders. "Ajako Koshi- No. Amy Petersman- No, but interesting it was sent by her brother. Alois Trancy- No. B-"
"Wait a minute, Alois Trancy and Ajako Koshi are royalty, and they're both young! My target is also rich and young, how am I supposed to get past the security??" You ask wildly.
Marcie looked at you. "This household is rich, but they only have 4 servants- and this boy runs the house by himself. You've infiltrated harder spots before. Think of Fort Savengarde."
Fort Savengarde. You had gone in to kill the leader to be able to join the Aristrocats. What you didn't know, was that it was a group of people who were fighting a war and were taking the injured innocents in. You were instructed to kill all in your way, and you did. Including the injured. Including families. Including children. The black rose made her first appearance that day.
You were 7, and were still wearing a white rose that had been given to you by young Puck, at age 9. You wore it in the pocket of your coat, and during an explosion it got covered in soot. As you had killed another gaurd, you opened the final door to the grandest bedroom you had ever seen. Hiding under the sheets was a man. He was shaking and cowering.
"Are you the one who has killed all of my men, all of my visitors?" He said shakily as you walked to his bedside.
"Yes. And I've come to kill you too." You said, pulling out a steel knife.
"You look so sweet- like a red rose. But whoever has sent you has tainted your sweet smell and beauty. You are the same as the rose in your pocket- black."
"Stop rambling old man and say your final words. I haven't got all day." You said, placing the knife to his neck.
"Goodbye Black Rose."
You had slashed his throat, and had been awarded a spot in the Aristrocats for you and Tommy. You had already lived with them since Tommy was born, since Mommy had killed herself and Daddy had gone missing. You were six, almost seven, and Tommy was barely a week. Marcie and Villetta took you in as their children, but neither you nor Tommy would ever call them your parents.
You changed your mind. Marcie was cold hearted. But you could call Villetta your mom, with her sweet and tender voice and generous habits.
You huff. "I'd rather not think of Fort Savengarde."
He snorts at you. "Whatever. Where is it... Oh, here he is!" He said and handed you a file.
Victim: Ciel Phantomhive
Requested by: ?
Down Payment of: $500 through letter
Final Payment of: $1500 through letter
Total: $2000
Must be killed by: Friday, June 8, 1888
Bonus if killed by: Monday, June 4, 1888
Bonus total: $1000
Total Payment with Bonus: $3000
You flipped the page and started looking at the victim sheet. "Somebody's paying good money to have this kid killed."
Marcie shrugged. "I guess so."
Ciel Phantomhive
Age: 13
Family: None
Servants: Sebastian Michealis, Tanaka ?, Mey-Rin ?, Baldroy ?, and Finnian ?
Social Status: Wealthy, but unpopular
Ciel Phantomhive lives at 5 Sleepy Hollow in the Phantomhive manor. By himself, he runs the Funtom company. His phone number is 555-591-0608. He is engaged to Elizabeth Middleford, daughter of the Middleford estate.
Considered a dangerous target because of servant Sebastian Michealis. Sebastian is used to killing quickly and ruthlessly, and has never been defeated.
You looked at the money. It was good. Enough to keep you and Tommy alive for several months. Enough to send him to school.
You looked up at Marcie. "I'm taking it."
He smiled. "Good. And have you decided on your new name for London yet?"
You nodded. "I haven't used my birth name, ____ _____ yet, so that's who I'll be."
Marcie frowned. "Didn't you use it when we took you in?"
You shook your head. "I was being hunted by social services."
"Right. Night ___."
"Goodnight Villeta, Goodnight Marcie."
Villeta came and hugged you. When Marcie came closer he frowned. "You can call me Marcie here, but like always, we have to use our alias' in public."
You frowned. "Speaking of which, what is your alias for London?"
He smiled. "I was going to do Simon, but then decided I was just going to use S. Easier that way, you know?"
"No." You said and left, still holding onto Ciel Phantomhive's file.
Later, as you walked through the mess hall to eat dinner, you spotted Tommy, Kisa, Puck, and the two guys he was with earlier.
As you walked up to sit in between Tommy and Puck, you overheard some of Puck's conversation.
"Will you guys stop talking about _____!!! You're so annoying!!!" He complained.
You forcefully hit the back of his head as you sat. "I told you not to talk about me behind my back. You should listen to me more Puck."
You turned to Tommy, who was quietly munching on a roll of bread. "Hey Tommy, are you ok to do our performance?"
He grinned really big. "You bet ___! Kisa is the best doctor in the world! I feel perfect!!!"
You smiled softly at him. Then you turned to Kisa. "I've got another job- can you watch Tommy?"
She nodded. "No problem. Who is it this time?"
"Some orphaned noble child that is somehow managing to run his family's business."
She nodded. That's what you love about Kisa- you say you've got work and she fits her schedule around it however possible. She doesn't ask for the date of death or anything, just let's it be.
"Aww..... Sissy's leaving again?" Tommy asked.
You gave him a big hug. "Sorry Tommy. But I won't leave for a long time after this next one."
You looked at Tommy sweetly, back in the reality of being a street performer. It was time to lure Ciel to you, to make him curious about you. "Ok Tommy, why don't you help me on this one. We'll do over the hills and far away."
He nodded. "Hmm." You hummed, giving him the tune.
"Hmm," He responded back, in perfect tune.
"Excellent Tommy!" You congratulate him. "One, two, One, two, three, go."
He hummed the tune easily. You used your cup to add some bodily percussion to your song.
Tom, He was a piper's son,
He learnt to play when he was young,
And all the tune that he could play,
Was "Over the Hills and Far Away...."
Over the hills and a great way off,
The wind shall blow my top-knot off,
It still rests there to this day,
Over the hills and far away.
Over the hills and not so close,
There was a man looking for a spouse.
The only thing I can say,
He wanted to be with me that day,
Over the hills in the distance,
A man got into fighting stance,
He stabbed me, that is what they say,
Over the hills and Far away.
Tom, he was the piper's son,
He learnt to play when he was young,
He was who who stabbed me they say,
Over the hills and Far away.
Tommy joined you on the last line, and the people loved it. More clapping, more tips. You kept an eye on Ciel, but made sure to look at the rest of the crowd too.
Ciel walked forward. "May I have a word?"
"Umm, yes, I guess. Tommy, go find Asik and tell her to take care of you until I say so, ok?" You say, locking eyes with him. Tommy, knowing you were going to go on the job, gave you a big hug. You just hoped he remembered the Asik, aka Kisa's booth was the one next to Puck's, and you two had been over there earlier.
You curtsied to the crowd and followed Ciel. You couldn't help but notice that although the blond was gone, presumably his fiancee, the butler remained with you. Ciel walked in front of you, and the butler walked behind. I feel like I'm being sent to prison. You couldn't help but think.
You followed Ciel into an alleyway. When he stopped, you remained motionless. He turned around. "Sebastian, please make sure Lady Elizabeth made it to her carriage safely." You turned. So this was the all capable Sebastian. He bowed. "Yes, My Lord." And with that, he walked away.
You turned back to Ciel.
He addressed you. "Who are you? And why are you with the Aristrocats?"
"My name is _____ _______. I came to the Aristrocats because my brother and I had been orphaned."
He walked towards you. "Did you know that the Aristrocats are rumored to secretly be in the black market?"
You looked at him and mentally thanked Marcie for the hours he spent teaching you to be able to resist questioning. "No, I had no idea."
"Do you think that any of these people could be part of the black market?"
You shook your head. "There's no way. They're all good people- for something like that to be happening...." You shake your head. "No way."
"Then do you mind if I talk with your Ring Leader?" He said, stepping closer.
"Not at all. However, even I don't know where he is. I myself have been looking for him."
He tilted his head, which was awkward because you were almost nose to nose. "Why were you looking for him?"
"We need to discuss business."
"What kind of business?"
"That happens to be private."
"So private you would hide it from the Scotland Yard?"
You smile. "Everyone has their secrets My lord. Perhaps if you get to know me, you'll find out mine."
Perfect. He was so curious, and most definitely if he got to know you he'd find out yours. He'd find out you were an assassin, and by then it would be too late for him.
"On that topic, perhaps you'd like to stay at the manor? We've got spare bedrooms, and I'm sure you and your brother would enjoy yourselves." You whipped around and saw Sebastian. He scared you, as you have excellent senses. The only ways for him to get there without alerting you was too walk and not make a single noise or to only walk when you were talking.
There's no way I'm bringing my brother there. You couldn't help but think.
Sebastian went to say something but you interrupted him. "That would be lovely. I'll find Asik and ask her to tell My Ring Leader that Tommy and I will be leaving the circle for a few days." You quickly walk past Sebastian before he can say anything else.
You run through the crowd. You quickly enter Kisa's tent to see her and Tommy eating. You throw your arms around Tommy. "Bye Tommy. Turns out this job I'm going to have to stay overnight, but I promise I'll take care of it as quick as possible."
You quickly hug Kisa next. "I'm sorry. Please take care of him."
"It's no problem."
Then you quickly grab a hot towel and press it to your face. Then you drip water across your face spreading it out carefully.
"What are you doing ____?" Kisa asked.
"I need to look stressed for this to work."
Sebastian's POV
"There's no way I'm bringing my brother there." As a demon, I can easily read thoughts. However, I was not reading her thoughts before this, so I had no idea why. I also didn't understand why she ran out thinking "I've got to get out of here!" Just before I could tell her it was perfectly safe for her to bring her brother. Weird.
As I followed Ciel through the crowd, looking for her, there was chaos up ahead.
"Excuse me! Excuse me!" A frantic voice called as they ran through the crowd. They pushed so far in fact, they ran into Ciel.
"Ah, I'm sorry sir. Excuse me if you will.." The girl said, pushing through the crowd past me. But I stopped her.
"Miss _____, whatever is the matter?" I asked.
Ciel turned. "____? What's wrong?"
"It's my brother," She said, her face flushed with both sweat and tears streaming. "He's gone."