Kuroshitsuji III

by: DUke Aster Williams

Disclaimer: I do not own anything except for my characters (Earl Barrett Francis Lockwood and Johann Weyer) and this plot. No Beta. SYOC. Ceza and Cez belong to DarkShade221. Eghert Diedrich belongs to BiggerGuilmonmon. Rilane Desjardins belongs to LiliacFields (Julyette of Wonder). Antonio Belvedere belongs to Reven228. Luca Splint belongs to tealcloud. Mauve Francesca belongs to xFosteRx. Amelia Reginald and Chrisoph Boucher Jr. belong to Mizuki1 (Mizuki1-Kiruri13).

Dear Reader,

Hello my lovely and handsome readers, I realized that I made a gigantic mistake in Chapter 7: A Butler's Soiree Part I. I realized that Ciel was born in 1875 and the year season one would be taken was 1888. So add one year for the season two and one more year for my story, which makes my story takes place in 1890. Eghert is 27 years old so that would mean his was born in 1863 not 1848. I will have it fixed eventually, but it doesn't really affect the story in a long scale.

Also, you'll see that I'm incorporating both anime and manga characters into this story as best as I can. I simply adore all the characters that are either manga only or anime only like Snake and Alois. So please don't freak out if I pull characters from the manga and the anime.

Until next chapter,

~DUke Aster Williams and Earl Barrett F. Lockwood

Chapter Nine: A Butler's Quarrel

-The Catacombs-

The group of lost souls gathered around one of the cells deep within the catacombs. Jim Macken and his younger brother Luca Macken, stood at the entrance way as they were not interested in the new prisoners. Both of them didn't care to see what new demons had trespass the Lockwood Manor; it was quite common after all. Jim looked up at his former butler, Claude, before smiling and taking the demon's hand gently. Hannah gave them a worried look as Luca soon took her attention away by tugging her away to play in the garden. The Mackens' and their demons' relationship with one another was slowly mending itself, but Jim was more welcoming for Claude to join their small family than Hannah and Luca. Luca was supportive of his brother and wanted the best for him, but Hannah was still wary of Claude. The thought of Jim being betrayed over and over again pained her, after all her heart has grown soft towards the two orphans. Claude, on the other hand, was still as silent and stoic as ever. He let himself be tugged around by Jim who always wanted the demon's attention. It wasn't really any surprise to the spider demon, Jim was always so eager to please him to a certain extend. Even when they were all alive and Jim was under the alias of Alois. The young butterfly would even go so far as to try to give a sweet supplement of lust. Claude and Hannah knew how much Jim was scared, even fearful, of sexual intercourse. Despite that, Jim always would ask if Claude was ever hungry and if Jim could satisfy his hunger. Claude never took Jim up on that offer, always trying to reassure Jim that his hunger was only for Jim's soul and nothing else. It was always like that, even now.

"Claude! Let's go made flower crowns," Jim giggled as he tugged on the spider demon's hand.

"Yes, your highness," Claude said as he followed the young blond.

"Big brother, look! Aren't I a pretty girl?" Luca asked as he placed a crown of roses in his hair and twirled around.

"Mhmm! Hey Claude, can you make us veils?" Jim asked as Claude looked down at him and nodded.

"Hannah! Let's go gather some more flowers!" Luca cheered as Jim stayed behind to watch Claude.

The small mixed up family of demons and souls continued to play in the small garden. Jim laid his head in the spider demon's lap and watched the sky above; it was times like this that Jim truly loved. Claude on the other hand was content; he didn't mind the attention that Jim gave him. No. That was an understatement. He felt almost complete with Jim; both of them were missing parts that the other filled completely. When Claude mixed Jim's and Ciel's souls together, he didn't realize that although he had the perfect meal he didn't have what he wanted. Finishing the two veils, Claude set his tools down and watched as Jim picked up a veil and placed it upon his head. Using a crown of bluebells as an anchor, Jim sat up and smiled at the spider demon.

"Claude…do you think I would make a beautiful bride?" Jim asked as his eyes softened and looked into the demon's golden eyes.

"I think tha – BIG BROTHER! Look! Hannah made a bouquet of flowers!" Claude started before he was interrupted by Luca.

"Oh good, look we can be brides together!" Jim said as he sat up on knees to put the veil on Luca's head.

As the Mackens and their demons continued to play in the garden, the other lost souls continued to look over one another in the catacombs. Only one lost soul was brave enough to be inside the cage with the two demons. Standing tall, the young woman stood next to her lion with a whip ready in hand. Beast was one of the more feared lost souls out of all of them. With piercing dark red eyes and wiry black hair, the animal tamer made sure that the two demons didn't try anything until the boss came down. Behind the bars in the hallway, her fellow companions watched the two captured demons. They didn't recognize these demons since they only demon they have met was Sebastian Michaelis, the one that led them into their death. Wendy and Peter cowered behind Jumbo, who stood his ground with his arms crossed in front of his chest. Joker and Dagger leaned against the bar rails as Doll was in between them, interested in the two demons.

"How long until boss comes?" Beast asked as the lion growled.

"Donno big sis, they're havin' a party in ya manor," Dagger replied as Beast let out a loud sigh.

"Boss said he would return at midnight," Jumbo said softly as the soft pattering of footsteps echoed through the hallways.

All the former circus members turned their heads around to find Snake making his way down the halls. His pale skin and bits of scales that accented his face glimmered in the torch lighting. Behind him, a taller man had his hands crossed in front of his chest. Christoph Boucher Jr. didn't seem happy to be down in the catacombs, which didn't bother his companion. The duo got along mutually to the point that Christoph wouldn't be surprised if he found a few snakes in his bed. With amber eyes looking from Snake to former circus family, Christoph made his way into the cage and ignored the large lion that was guarding the entrance.

"So…who do we have here?" Christoph asked as he looked down at the twin demons that were cowering on the floor. Squatting down, the cook wiped his hands on his blue apron that was wrapped around his waist and extended a hand. It was a gutsy move, but he was confident enough that he could hardly whatever these demons could throw at him. Also, Chrisoph had Snake and the lost souls around him that he was sure that he was safe. "Name's Chrisoph, but call me Chris," he said as he tried to lighten the mood and gain the demons' trust.

"…I-I'm Cez – and I'm Ceza…" one of the demons started as the other finished.

"Nice to meet you two…now I have a few questions I need you to answer," Christoph started before the two demons looked up in fear.

"P-Please don't kill us!" the two demons cried out in unison.

"Now now, we're not going to hurt you…unless you hurt us. Don't worry…but what were you two doing here on the master's property?" Christoph asked, carrying on the normal interrogation.

"Y-You're not? – Why?" the female twin asked before the male twin continued.

"Well, you answer my question first and then I will answer yours," Chrisoph said as he crossed his hands again.

The two demons looked at one another as Chrisoph wrapped his hand around the meat cleaver he kept hidden, he wasn't sure if the twins would take the time to escape. Narrowing his amber eyes and pushing back some locks of his teal hair, Chrisoph waited patiently. This was going to be a long night if the two demons didn't decide to talk.

-Earl Barrett Lockwood's Garden-

The demons of the Phantomhive and Lockwood Manor took a stroll through the gardens. The tension in the air was thick and the vibe that was given off caused everyone but them to leave the garden. Sebastian Michaelis kept his guard up as they came to a large hedge maze, fitting to have a magnificent garden for a serpent demon. He let out an amused breath of air before chuckling softly to himself; despite this Sebastian kept an eye on the other. Hands behind his back, Johann Weyer turned to the side and extended his hand as if he was saying Sebastian was welcome to enter first into the maze. Sebastian kept a smile on his face as he entered the garden, but his eyes darted from side to side to see what this stadium was to offer. He was in enemy territory after all; though, Sebastian noted that the other butler didn't seem like he was going to fight at all. This was an entire different feeling that he had when he first met Claude. If this butler was Claude, the spider demon would have already spun his threads and attack the crow demon, but Sebastian was not dealing with Claude. Instead he was dealing with this serpent demon.

"As you can see, the garden is well taken care of by out gardener. What do you think Mister Tatum," Johann smiled as he wandered further into the maze.

"Yes…I think we can get rid of the formalities now serpent," Sebastian mused as his eyes narrowed.

"So eager to fight…I'm not really surprised, but if you really wish to fight then we shall…Michael Tatum or rather Sebastian Michaelis," Johann said as he pivoted on one foot to face Sebastian.

"Well it seems you know the name I go by Johann Weyer, nothing gets passed you now does it?" Sebastian asked he wielded a set of silver knives.

"Yes, I am the head butler of the Lockwood manor after all…but what brings you here?" Johann questioned as he pulled off his belt and held it with one hand.

"I think you know very well of why I am here."

"Perhaps, but I could be wrong. After all we cannot read each other's minds, all we can do is evaluate on the other's actions."

"Well then I believe my being here is personal."

"Then should I state it first?"

"If you believe it is worth mentioning then there is nothing stopping."

"I suppose you're afraid I want the soul of your precious young master."

"His soul is pure and untainted as any soul could be, Claude Faustus and I fought to the death for it after all."

"Well you see, I am not interested in that particular soul at all…I have something more valuable after all…but enough of this chatter. You wanted to fight after all."

"Yes…I will let you make the first move."

"If that is so, then so be it," Johann said as he jumped into the air and landed on top of the hedges.

The two demons glared at one another as they both prepared to fight. Sebastian Michaelis held three silver knives in between his fingers as he didn't lose sight of his opponent. On top of the hedge, Johann Weyer cracked his belt like a whip before his dark purple eyes flickered to magenta. In the distance a group of lost souls could be seen playing on a small hill in the large garden. The figures all stopped to see the two demons about to fight; it would only take a few moments for one of the demons take the first move. Day was beginning to fall as night was arising. As the moon was peering over the horizon, both demons leapt into the air and started the match.

-Earl Barrett Lockwood's Household-

Ciel Phantomhive thanked the Earl for the dance before making his way through the crowd. He managed to avoid most of the aristocracy that wanted to get friendly with him, but by the time he got to his destination he found that his doppelganger was gone. Looking behind him to make sure no one would follow him; he slowly made his way down the hall to see if he could find this imposter. The sound of his heels echoed down the empty halls as he made it further and further away from the soiree. Opening doors, all he could find where bedrooms or bathrooms. Minutes passed as his feet started to ache from the heels he was wearing, he didn't understand how girls could stand such contraptions.

"There is no need to be jealous," a calm voice said as it caught Ciel's attention.

"You where dancing with my other self!" a recognizable voice argued back.

"Now now please calm down, you know that you're the one I prefer."

"Prove it."

"That will have to wait until after the soiree."

"No, I am not going to sit back here and… - Excuse me Miss…is there something I can help you with?" the voice behind the door started before a figure behind Ciel caught him off guard.

Turning around to find a young woman standing next to him made him panic. She was only a couple inches taller than him, but that was a given. She was carrying a silver tray with a pot of tea, bowl of sugar cubes, two cups of tea, and two spoons. Ciel managed to calm himself down from the shock of the woman appearing out of nowhere. Fixing his dark blue dress and pushing the wig's hair behind his shoulders, Ciel took a deep breath before he started talking.

"I-I was just looking for…uh…the bathroom," Ciel stuttered, trying to think of something that sounded reasonable enough.

"Ah, I would gladly take you there as soon as I give this to Earl Lockwood. Please wait here for one moment," the girl smiled before she walked into the room and closed the door behind her.

Ciel didn't know what to do then, he had been caught sneaking around and had come up with a pathetic lie to cover it up. Pacing back and forth, he was hesitant to give up tonight and come back to Lockwood on a later date. He would have done this, but he wanted to know why he had seen a doppelganger of himself. He had just confirmed that his doppelganger existed by hearing his voice argue with Lockwood in the room just next to him, but how was this possible. The large door opened and closed to have the maid turned to Ciel and smile at him.

"Alright, I'll show you where the bathroom is. My name is Riley by the way. I presume that you are the Lady Burnett that everyone is talking about," the maid smiled as she led Ciel down the halls.

"A-Ah yes…I am," Ciel answered, not knowing what to say in this awkward situation.

"Mhmm…is there something on your mind Lady Burnett? You seem a little on guard, or are you always like this?"

"N-No…thereisnothingonmymind."

"Hmmm? Let me guess…you really don't have to go to the bathroom."

"W-What! I do so have to go t-to the bathroom," Ciel panicked as Riley narrowed her eyes and looked at him up and down.

"You're a bad liar Lady Burnett…Oh, don't tell me you have fallen for Master Lockwood!" Riley gasped as Ciel's face started to fluster.

"W-what that is ridiculous, I just met the man!" Ciel argued as his cheeks started to burn.

"Your face tells a different story. Don't worry, you're secret is safe with me," Riley smiled as she pressed her index finger to her lips and winked.

"RILEY! CAN YOU GIVE A HAND IN THE KITCHEN WITH AUNTIE MAVIE AND EGHERT? CHISTOPH HAS GONE MISSING!" a man raised his voice as Riley looked up to see who it was.

"Of course, I'll be right there!" Riley shouted back before she turned to Ciel, "I hope to talk to you again Lady Burnett, you're always welcome to the Lockwood Manor."

"RILEY!" the man shouted.

"DON'T GET YOUR BLOOMERS IN A WAD, ANTONIO!" Riley yelled as she curtsied to Ciel and went towards the kitchen, leaving Ciel behind.

Ciel managed to make his way back to the soiree, but to his dismay he was pulled into dancing with many of the aristocrats which included Viscount Aleister Chamber. His night was full of dancing and food, which was not how he wanted to spend his time. The only good part about this whole soiree knew that Sebastian was occupying his time with learning about the enemy demon and Ciel was told he could visit the Lockwood Manor at any time. It took hours before his butler appeared by his side once again, as always Sebastian was unharmed. Ciel and Sebastian were the last ones to leave the Lockwood Manor. A heavy tension was in the air as Sebastian made eye contact with the head butler of the Lockwood Household. Riley, the maid Ciel made friends with earlier, smiled and waved as Ciel left. Lockwood kissed Ciel's hand and shook Sebastian's as they were escorted to their carriage.

Once in the carriage, Ciel looked up at one the manor of the household as his eyes made contact with a figure leaning against a lit window. Dark blue eyes glared into bored dark blue ones. Ciel still couldn't wrap his mind around how a doppelganger was possible, but that would have to be saved for a later date. After all, this was only the beginning.

Feel free to review, favorite, and/or follow. - DUke Aster Williams