Ya'll I started this fanfic when I was an 8th grader, and now I'm a freshman in college. What a ride. I'm glad ya'll could come along with me.

LadyBarricade: Lol yeah I took the title from Anastasia. I like to have fun with my titles B)

Standing tall in front of me, and Ciel's hand held tightly in my own, I ran for the Eiffel Tower. Not caring about the others around me as they paused and looked at the commotion we had just left behind us. Everywhere, she was everywhere. I could smell her as if taunting us with every step. Reaching the stone entrance I ushered Ciel in front of me. Panting, I look around, surveying the area.

"What the hell is she doing here?" I wondered aloud, but the coughing from Ciel took my attention. He was hunched over, hand against the wall and coughing. "Shit. Ciel. Are you alright?"

"Damn it Kaitlyn!" He shouts, glaring at me as he huffs for breath. "You ran too fast! I can't keep up with you and your new found speed!"

"Sorry. Catch your breath. We'll keep-" And there it was. This little... trill of something, up my spine. In my mind. I don't know. "-moving when you're ready." I stood straighter, looking around this stone entrance carefully. Something felt wrong.

He waves me off, standing straighter and dusting off his coat. "Stay behind me. Sebastian is occupied, so you're under orders to keep me safe." I nod, turning back to him. He takes off, feet hitting hard on the metal stairs. My gaze follows him up, up, and up. Finally resting on the small elevator at the top of the platform. I take off after him, easily catching up, and taking care to listen to the area around us.

T~T~T~T

Though Ciel is exhausted, we reach the elevator. Yanking open the door, and tugging him by the sleeve I pull him inside. The door slides closed with ease and Ciel falls against it. I reach out, resting my hand on his hair, letting it fall to touch his cheek. Of course, he brushes me off, taking the chance to cough and gasp and do all the things a dignified noble should never do when catching his breath.

"Well," A soft voice calls to us, and immediately I pull Ciel behind me. "You're in a hurry, aren't you?" I glare, mouth setting into a snarl.

"Is it… you?" Ciel asks, voice shaking from behind me. I move, hiding him more from the Queen.

"Ciel… it's been awhile." Her voice is soft, a whisper on the wind. Now, I have never had the pleasure of actually meeting the queen, but, and maybe it's just me, I'm sure she's not supposed to sound like a child. The elevator jerks, and I stumble to catch myself. Ciel falls into me with a stifled shout as the elevator starts to move and take us up.

I help Ciel to a seat, eyes on the Queen at all times. Though I cannot see her face, I can smell Angela on her. Warnings blare in my mind, every part of my body screaming get out get out get out.

But we're trapped.

I could leap out the window, but that would require either leaving Ciel behind or possibly hurting him. And if I hurt him… something tells me I wouldn't survive whatever hell Sebastian would rain down. Though nobody says anything, the Queen speaks.

"What a view… as we face the next century Europe is on the verge of change." She turns her head to the window, "But we are stained. We are stagnating." Her hand moves, raising and pointing at Ciel. I move, blocking her view. "We are… unclean."

A snarl rips from my throat, body tensing, foot moving to a chair seat. There's a tug at my skirt, and I look at Ciel, body instantly relaxing.

"The state must be uncleaned. No creation without destruction. The new century must be pure, and so I have cleaned the house that seen fit to sully our great country. The house… of Phantomhive." Her voice changes, a soft aggression slips into her innocent whisper.

T~T~T~T

Not once does the Queen lift her veil. Not even when the short elevator ride forces us to climb a series of stairs. Cautiously, I watch her stand and walk off, skirts lifted in her hands. She leaves, and I wait to hear her heels hitting the metal of the stairs before letting Ciel follow. He moves fast, quick to catch up to her.

He pauses on a landing, watching her ascend as she begins to sing London Bridge, and though I know it will be futile I lean over the edge of the railing, looking below at the specks of people. The strong, demonic presence of Sebastian has all but vanished. Practically non-existent.

Guess that means he took care of it. I think, a small wind picking up. Closing my eyes, I slowly inhale and think over everything I can smell. Ciel, and the lingering scent of Sebastian on our clothes are very clear to me. But the Queen smells… wrong. Disturbed, or distorted. Tampered with somehow. If that can even be a scent. I turn, making to tell Ciel about Sebastian, but it's clear in the way he watches her turn and continue up the steps that he's very much in his own little world. Gently, I touch his shoulder as I pass and head up the stairs.

It takes a little while, but we reach the top. "Might I ask you something?" Ciel calls, moving closer to her. Instinctively, I step close behind him, every part of me ready wound tight like spring and ready to pop.

"What is it?"

"You didn't simply kill them. Why did you have to make it a slaughter?" Though his voice remains calm, anger tinges it, and his body tenses.

"Careful with how you speak to your queen, Ciel." Slowly, she turns, hands clasped in front of her. "I cleansed them."

"Burning your subjects alive?! That's how you cleanse people!?"

"You don't?" Her head tilts, but the veil gives nothing away.

"Never!"

Maybe it's just me, but burning people alive for cleansing seems a little excessive. I'm sure just a confession or something would work.

"But.. Ciel…" Her hands come to her covered face, hunching over, "I was only… I was only… I was only paying tribute to the Phantomhives for the loyalty they showed me for so long."

I step forward, hands in tight fists. "You what?! Pay tribute by killing them!?" A strong wind picks up, Ciel holds his hat down while I pull my skirts down. The Queen's veil is carried away by the gust, and her carefully pinned hair comes loose. Carefully curled silver hair falls as the wind dies and she raises her face. Silvery tears trail down young porcelain skin. I step back, horrified at the sight before me. There stood, not an aged woman, but a young girl.

Behind us, sending chills up my spine, a dark laugh comes. Moving, pulling Ciel behind me and keeping his hand tightly in mine, I glare at the white-clad man, Ash. "Certainly surprised aren't you? Her Majesty is the absolute picture of youth!" With ease, he slips down from the decorative orb he had perched himself on. "She has suffered a great loss. The loss of her beloved husband ended Her Majesty's happiness." He moves closer, smile on his face and eyes locked with mine. I pulled Ciel closer, hiding him behind me. He reeked of Angela, and as he passed I stood straighter, challenging him. "She was a truly wretched creature. Pained, and mourning her husband's death to a degree that threatened even her own survival."

He reaches the Queen, turning to smile at us and resting a hand on her shoulder. "Her grief was so great she tried to end her life. In an attempt to save her I joined his body with hers so that they might live together forever." Ash takes a small bow as Victoria smiles.

"I can tell that my late husband is pleased with what I have done to keep us together." Head bowed, she brings her hands to her heart, "I can feel his body still… his heart beats inside me. Thump, thump, thump. The throbbing of life. Truly… what greater joy can there be than being made one with the one you love?"

Well. Isn't that a fucking double entendre if I've ever heard one. Pun fully intended.

"I did the same for your parents." She looks at us, blue eyes shining. "They left this world, together as one."

I glare, stepping back. "Greater joy? You call whatever fucking hack job you must have done greater fucking joy?"

"Whatever horrendous death you must be picturing, I assure you it wasn't like that. Surely you must agree, Ciel." Her gaze shifts, staring not at me but through me.

"The Queen and her husband firmly intend to guide England to a world of perfect light. A world of beauty and harmony!" Ash calls, standing promptly behind Victoria. "That aim has purged Her Majesty of her impurities, and now she is the chaste girl that you see. Hers is a truly noble goal." Ash says, tilting his head back and bringing his hand to his chest. "She is indeed a most worthy master for me."

I step back again, changing my stance. "Eugh. Another angel. I can't believe I couldn't realize what was infront of me sooner."

Ash looks at me, a smirk spreading on his face. "We could've helped you too, Kaitlyn. To return home, to keep you pure. But you insisted on resisting and meddling in supernatural affairs."

"You almost killed me! How is that saving!"

He laughs. "You don't get it, do you."

"Enough!" Ciel shouts, stepping beside me.

"It's time Ash. Unsheathe your blade. Our dear friends deserve to see the end of it." I stiffen, pushing Ciel back behind me at Victoria's words. "Ash's blade is a thing of true beauty. It will usher forth the brightness and purity of the new century."

"Ciel! Get back!" I call, pushing him farther as Ash draws his sword.

"I shall draw my sword against thy wisdom, and I shall punish the beast within thee, and then I shall bring thee down into the pit. May the great beauty of Heaven great you!" He raises it, pointing it at me, "Ciel Phantomhive and Kaitlyn Schaefer."

"Over my dead damn body Ash!" He lunges, Ciel shouts but I don't hear what he says, ducking the blade and taking Ash by the legs. "Go for Ciel and I'll go for Victoria!" I shout, flipping him over me and hearing him hit the ground behind me. We turn, facing each other, and he lunges again. Grinning, I move to meet him head on, but he feigns left, stopping and turning. Cursing, I let myself slide to turn, but, with widening eyes, I feel hands close tightly around my throat, and my body is lifted from the ground.

Spots start to appear in my vision, and I thrash, clawing at Ash's hands to no avail. Then his grip breaks, but instead of hitting the ground I'm caught in a strong hold, and gasp for air. "An impressive sword." A smooth voice calls, "But utterly useless when you can't even land a hit, and even more shameful when you resort to surprise tactics and choking a lovely lady." I cough, looking up at Sebastian, blinking to clear my vision. "Young Master. I think we've reached the end of our journey." He smiles at me, gently setting me down and stepping away.

"I thank you Miss Kaitlyn, but I'll take it from here. Now, my orders."

"Ciel… no." Victoria whispers, hands clasped to her chest.

"Sebastian. Take down Ash."

Ash grins, looking at me. "Is that all, young master?" Sebastian says, standing in front of me.

"No. Kill the Queen."

"Yes, my lord." My stomach clenches, looking at Victoria as she cries out. Sebastian moves, leaping into the air, and I catch a glint of something in his hand. It isn't hard to figure out that knives are in his hands. Knives that he throws at Victoria. I feel myself move, go to protect her from the innocent blades that become so deadly in the demon's hands, but Ash is faster. He easily deflects them, and takes the bait that brings him into the air. He follows Sebastian, and the two begin a deadly aerial dance.

Though I hate to, I tear my eyes away from Ciel and take him by the arm, ushering him to the stairs when I hear Victoria scream. It's followed by a harsh screech of metal upon metal, and the Eiffel Tower begins to shift. Looking up, seeing metal debris that will fall right onto the innocent citizens below, all I can do is curse and let go. I sprint. Leaping into the air and grabbing onto the closest one. Clinging to it as it falls. I can feel my face pull into a snarl as I stand, an unearthly energy flowing through me. All it takes is a shove. Pushing off, the metal is adjusted, and though I would love to watch them fall safely at the towers feet, there is still so much more falling.

Using the falling debris as a lift, I propel myself back up with each jump off. Quickly adjusting their trajectory, and the only confirmation of their landing are the screams of the French citizens and the loud crash it makes.

I aim for the space between Sebastian and Ash. So focused on each other, I'm practically invisible to them. They both pull back to aim, to adjust, to recalculate their moves. To a human, it's a second, nanoseconds. Their movements horrifyingly fast.

To me? That precious second is extended to seconds.

And even with that extra time, those assholes are almost too fast for me!

They move closer, and right before they can meet I'm there. In between them. Legs swinging out to meet their jaws.

I'm impressed with myself really. Never knew I could do a split. Granted I didn't know I could do half the shit I'm doing right now, but whatever.

Ash and Sebastian find purchase on the ground, sliding ever so slightly backwards. Though there is silence from Ash, I grin at Sebastian. They both glare at me. A new target. The two stand there, licking their wounds as they reevaluate the situation.

Crossing my arms, I look at them both. "Sorry to interrupt."

"Miss Kaitlyn." Sebastian calls, a tight smile on his face. Eyes closed, he takes a step closer. If he wasn't so far, then I may have been intimidated. He radiates anger despite the peaceful expression. "Though I love your enthusiasm in a fight I implore you to stand down. This fight doesn't concern you, and you certainly don't understand what you're getting into."

"At least we can agree on one thing." Ash calls, and I turn, eyes widening in surprise to find him right beside me. "I'd hate to injure a poor confused soul in our fight."

"You don't fool me, Ash. I know you don't actually want to 'save' me." Making air quotes with my fingers, I glare up at him, "You just want me out of the way because you want to kill me later."

Ash reaches, same fake smile on his lips and irritation dripping from him, with his hand to touch my hair. A hand lashes out, Sebastian now behind me, and holds his wrist in a death-grip. They glare at each other. "I must ask you not to touch what isn't yours." Sebastian simply says, smile never wavering. He spares a glance at me, "Miss Kaitlyn, though I hate to agree with this filth, you must stand aside. If not, I'll be forced to deal with you."

I move away, turning and glare, and reaching back to tie up the hair that had come loose. "No way. I'm not backing down. Not when innocent lives are in danger!"

There's a shift. It's subtle. I would've missed it if I hadn't been so invested in the argument. It was signalled with a narrowing of the eyes from both men, a slight adjustment to face me more. All attention was on me. "Then I have no choice. I must deal with you."

A thought passes through me then. I look behind them both, eye contact with Ciel. There's a fright in his blue eyes.

Neither will attack you if you use him as a shield. They wouldn't dare risk hurting him.

I can't! I can't risk Ciel like that! I'm not a monster!

I grip Ciel's shoulders, turning him to face me. He flinches, surprised that I'm suddenly so close to him, but I can't waste the precious seconds I've granted myself, "Ciel. You have to stop them. You're the only one who can stop them."

Then I'm gone, back pressed against the railing, Sebastian standing where I once was. A murderous look on his face as he stares up at me, finding me.

Something's wrong.

My mind hisses at me, right as hands clamp down over my throat. A voice purrs in my ear, "Do not underestimate me." Ash pulls me over the railing. "The poor beast up there is so confused with all of his feelings. He hardly knows-"

A snarl rips from my throat, "Enough!" It's easy to break away, to pry at his hands with inhuman strength, and throw him over me. Throw him over me and down, down, down…

Catching the railings when I can, I howl at the painful catch on my arms, but I can't waste time. I throw myself back up, up, up and over the railing. I see Ciel, and I smile. He's fine, but Sebastian…?

A hard kick to my head has me seeing stars, and I'm thrown forward onto my hands and knees. Holding my head, all I can do is groan as I turn and look up at him. "Bastard." I bite out, and that earns me a quirk of his lips. I crawl back as he slowly moves towards me, waiting for the stars to disappear. Whatever time I had bought myself was gone by the time I could stand, Ash once again joining us. He runs a hand through his hair, glaring at me. I grin, "Bet you didn't think I'd be an actual opponent. That was your first mistake." His mouth turns to a snarl, but he says nothing.

"I think we've been generous enough, but you're recovering time is over." Sebastian says, adjusting his vest.

"How sweet. You're holding back for me."

Sebastian lunges for me, but I jump back. Barely having time to duck before Ash's sword swings at my head. It's easy to grab Sebastian's leg and throw them out from under him, but as I move for it he kicks out, throwing me backwards.

Standing, I nearly miss the sword coming towards my chest. I reach out, gripping it with my hand and hissing as the blade digs into my palm. I throw, knocking him unbalanced, and blood drips from my fingertips. My arm is brought up, blocking a punch from Sebastian, but I scream. He shifts his hand, pulling me tightly to his chest as his knife bites into my thigh.

A stream of curses flew through my head. I had forgotten about his other hand. The glint of the knife in the sunlight as it had moved towards me.

I find purchase in his jacket, chest heaving. "My dear…" His sultry voice whispers in my ear, "If I wasn't holding back, you'd be dead by now."

"Then… Just… kill me already!"I growl, gripping his jacket with renewed strength and pulling back. I meet his nose with full force of my forehead, and he stumbles back. I let out a cry, ripping the knife from my thigh and pressing a hand to the wound. When I pull my hand away, it's bloody, but the wound is sealed. I throw the knife at Ash, and though he blocks it I find myself behind him, and kicking him swiftly in the spine he's knocked to the ground.

Anger courses through me. My blood merely a mixture of rage and adrenaline. Gripping his white locks I smash is head into the ground, but it's only once before Sebastian is pulling me back, pinning my arms behind me.

It's a useless struggle.

"When I go down their fight will just start all over again!" Ash stands, sword raised, murderous intent in his eyes.

In my head the hospital is loud. I hear a TV, and child laughs. My sister is visiting with her husband and my niece. I can see it, the bright light of the sun through the window. I feel weightless, watching the hospital room unfold before my eyes as I float aimlessly through the void. I reach out, open my mouth to call out.

"Sebastian stop!"

Sebastian throws me behind him, grabbing Ash's blade before it pierces his own chest, and throws him to the side. "Why?"

Ciel pauses, and I look at him. He's angry as he shouts back, "We're starting to attract attention! At this rate the entire city will be out here!"

"And why should we worry? They're only puny humans after all."

"No! We are withdrawing!"

Finally, I allow my body to relax. A calmness flooding my veins. My arms and legs are heavy. I'm exhausted. Anger flares from Sebastian as he turns to me. He lifts me, helps me stand, and I catch the stunned, almost horrified look on his face. Ash laughs, grabbing Victoria and soaring up into the air, beautiful pure white wings spread wide.

He has… angel wings.

I can't force myself to focus on him, and I turn away. Weakly following after Ciel, Sebastian close to my side in case I fall.

T~T~T~T

I turn to the door as it creaks open, Sebastian shrugging off his jacket as he enters, locking eyes with me. "You finished getting him ready?" I ask, sitting in the vanity chair and untying the laces of my boots. I watch him in the mirror, he quietly hangs up his jacket in the wardrobe, and I catch the colors of my other dresses hanging in there. Next he takes off his vest, and hangs that as well.

"Yes." A frown hangs on my lips as he sits on the bed, pulling off his shoes.

It's too human. Too strange. From my seat I turn, looking at him.

"You're leaving. Don't try and hide it. You're going to leave him. Leave me."

He looks momentarily surprised, before his expression relaxes into a small smile. "Only for a short while."

I stand, pulling the dress over my head with careful ease, "If you're upset because I fought with you today then just say so. No need to go away and brood over it." The dress disappears, Sebastian has it bundled in his hands. I know that's not the reason he's leaving. I force what I already know from him anyway.

"Such a cruel beauty." He whispers, hand at my throat, caressing the skin before he turns and hangs up the dress. "Though your actions today angered me, that's not why I'm leaving." He takes my injured hand, and licks a stripe. Eyes locked with mine, I feel a blush spread across my face. "Though I regret every moment that filthy beast was able to lay his hands on you."

"Not even going to apologize for the knife in my thigh?"

"Only that I'm disappointed you didn't catch it. I hate to injure such a beautiful thing." He grips my wrist, pulling my closer, hand behind him. I close it, wound now gone. He reaches down with his free hand, prodding at the hole in my stockings. I feel dizzy this close, sharing the same space, breathing the same air.

I break away, skin hot, and turn my back to him. "What are you thinking about?" He says, voice low. I can feel his eyes on me, watching me, following the line of my spine as it disappears behind my corset.

"I'm thinking… about inconvenient it is... that I'm so properly dressed right now." I move away from him, gripping the bedpost, staring up at the ceiling. "About how… intimate… this is right now." His chest presses ever so gently into my back, a hand on my waist. I turn, back pressed to the post, looking down and away from him.

His hand moves, tilting my chin up to look at him. I bite my lip, and he catches the movement, eyes falling to my mouth. "And what can I do about that?" I break my head away from his grip, taking his hand in my own. I let my fingers dip beneath the line of his glove. He breathes deeply. The charged atmosphere fueling every movement with some underlying motive. Pulling gently at the fingers of his glove, I work off the white fabric. Freeing his hand, he stares at it, then at me. His eyes glow softly in the dim lighting. Like a beast waiting for the exact moment to strike its prey.

"Touch me."

Look at that. We finally got to The Spice™

Anyway, just a couple of notes. If you notice a weird shift in writing style, that kinda happened. I figured instead of going back and rewriting the entire chapter to stay consistent with the writing style and wait another three months I could post it now.

Yeah that's lazy but I don't really give a heck. It's a way nicer ending than the one I had before, and I thought you all would appreciate an update after 84 years. :'). Remember when I was consistent with updates? Me too.

I'm in college now? Like I started this when I was in 8th grade like how spooky is that. Hybrid is almost 5 years old now. I go to a school in Iowa for Creative Writing and Theater, and I've actually been working on a book for the past year. So exciting stuff.

Also the next chapter will not be the spicey stuff. That will actually be posted as a separate piece mainly because some people don't wanna read that. Ya feel me?

Anyway thank you all for continuing to read and follow me. It really means a lot 3. If you have any questions feel free to ask. I might do a massive Q&A session if any of you would like that. I can answer pretty much everything at this point. Anyway, have a nice day all!

~Kavert