11. When Company Comes to the Table

JO here...

I remember when I first posted this chapter. Hurricane Sandy affected the North East, particularly New York. Despite the chaos, I'm glad everyone made it without suffering too much. At least I hope so.

Be warned, super long chapter this one. Also shout out to when TTLG reached a hundred or so reviews when this chapter was first posted. It was honestly more than I could hope for. You readers are truly the best!

Edited: 06/27/23

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroshitsuji

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11. When Company Comes To The Table

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It wasn't until the following week that a certain time-traveler's life began with some semblance of order.

Semblance being the keyword here.

Once again, Ciel was called by Her Majesty the Queen to investigate a series of incidents happening in London. Off went the master, butler and American guest to the travel to the London townhouse with their servants. They would make their base of operations in the townhouse for now. Once settled, they left again, leaving the rest of the servants to enjoy their day.

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Winter.

In Great Britain it's an ashen season covered by thick heavy clouds and smothered by a chilly wind. Incidentally, it also happens to be the type of weather a certain time-traveler is fascinated with. Too much crispy sun and unbearable cloying heat tends to change one's opinion about weather.

With the Jack the Ripper case solved, the hum of daily life returned to London. That peace, however, proved but a brief respite. There occurred a curious incident in which Anglo-Indians frequenting the Hindustani coffeehouse near Portman square were attacked, stripped, and hung upside down near the roof. Which was unfortunate as nobody wanted to see them half-naked; they weren't even good-looking.

Afterward, in a rash of similar incidents, aristocrats and military personnel who had returned from India were likewise assaulted all over London. And that was something to really worry about because a few of them had actually been really good-looking.

The same note had been affixed to all the victims: yadda, yadda, yadda, you catch the drift. All the notes ended with a little picture of a tongue sticking out.

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In a cobblestoned street near the sea salt ports of London stood a very angry man with a long withered face and a thick mustache known as Sir Randall. Officers in some semblance of uniform were freeing the captured victims of the latest attack on the Britishmen associated with India. The Chief Inspectator finally crumpled the note in his hand in frustration and rage.

"Another incident! This is the twentieth one!" He looked at a nervous Inspector Abberline. "Haven't you been able to arrest the perpetrators yet Abberline?"

He flinched but stood straight. "Sorry, sir!"

"We let Jack the Ripper slip through our fingers and that bloody brat with his little missus snatched away our glory—"

"Oh, do forgive me for being a brat," called a familiar voice behind them.

"Earl Phantomhive!"

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The elderly Chief Inspector whirled around to face Ciel, Sebastian and I as we stood a few away. His expression was none too friendly, but we hardly cared.

"Sir Randall, if you keep shouting like that your blood pressure will rise," I chided him with an innocent smile. "We wouldn't want that, now do we?"

"Miss Hero," he acknowledged with a huff. My cheerful smile remained in place. Abberline glanced at me and smiled back. He was about to say something when Sir Randall placed a hand in front of him and spoke to Ciel. "Earl Phantomhive, why are you here?"

"Ha! I should think that would be obvious. I've come to clean up after the bumbling hounds," Ciel replied coolly. He then snatched the papers from an unsuspecting Abberline once again. The man blinked, unaware that Ciel had approached him so quickly.

"Wha—!"

"I see." Ciel said after inspecting the papers. "Only Anglo-Indians have been targeted in this case. And there don't appear to be any causalities as of yet."

Sir Randall looked as though he were about to bust a vein. He really should take it easy before his blood pressure spiked to dangerous levels.

"Who gave you the right to—!"

Ciel thrust the Queen's letter in the older man's face with a smug look for the second time that month. "I would not be here if mere bandits were to blame, but I cannot rightly sit by as the Royal Family continues to be insulted."

Sir Randall was silent after that.

"You really shouldn't tease people so much, Ciel," I chided, but there was no helping the look of satisfaction on his face. He handed the papers back to Sebastian for him to memorize.

"I say 'child of sloth and depravity' is a wonderfully accurate expression on the part of our culprit. I'd have to agree that this country would be marginally better off without the Indian Nabobs," said Ciel with a mild smirk in my direction. His face should come with a trigger warning.

"That's Victorian Imperialism for you. Britain was famous for it during the Industrial Revolution," I said, remembering what I had been taught in school. Hmm, who knew it could be so useful?

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The British Indian Empire.

At the time, masses of Englishmen lived in the British Colony of India. The third or fourth sons of well-to-do families, who could not live in luxury in their homeland, were able to live the elegant lives of "noblemen" in India.

Clearly, they needed a job.

Those who returned from India were called "Anglo-Indians" and the many who were unable to shed their lifestyles of extravagance and idleness even after their return were known as "Indian Nabobs." And they stayed that way until Ghandi had their asses kicked out of India.

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"Even if they wallowed in base amusements while in India and are cowards who single-mindedly squandered their fortunes, many of them are members of the British Gentry," Sir Randall pointed out. "We must protect them!"

"Gentry, hm? Worthless," said Ciel, sticking his tongue out. "In any case, what of this mark…?"

"They're making a mockery of the British and Her Majesty The Queen!" Sir Randall exploded. "How dare they cock about like this! The victims are all returnees from India. That means the perpetrator must be a vile Indian! Those bloody savages!"

Hey, I take offense to that! Even though I'm not Indian, I have two pen pals, one from India, Rajeev and another from Japan, Mimiko. Not only is Rajeev pretty hot (fine appreciator of male beauty here!) but he's wicked talented in tennis and totally kick ass at Assassin's Creed.

"Careful there Sir Randall. That's pretty racist of you to say," I said to him.

He ignored me, fuming and caught up in his own world. Abberline came over and tried calming the man down.

"Oh? So that's why I've been summoned," commented Ciel. "Most of the Indians who've stolen their way into Great Britain are holed up in East End. The city police seem to have trouble dealing with the underworld there. So learning the exact number of stowaways or by what routes they make it here is rather problematic, hm?"

By then Sir Randall had calmed down some, but he still looked pretty ticked. I wandered over to the scene of the crime and looked at the loosened rope. I pursed my lips and thought back to the note. Well, we'll be meeting them soon enough I believe. Kind of bummed the mystery wasn't really a mystery. It deflated my inner detective as there wasn't much for me to figure out. I sighed. Maybe next time.

Abberline chose then to approach me, friendly smile ever ready.

"Out of curiosity, what can you make this?" he asked me.

I eyed the rope again. "I think what you should be asking yourself is not who did this," I conspiratorially whispered in hushed tones so that only he could hear. "But who commanded for this to happen and why."

He looked confused. "Commanded? Why?"

I grinned. "Right. How would an Indian fresh off the boat know who to attack? How would they know an Anglo-Indian aristocrat from a regular aristocrat? And why do this in the first place? It's pretty risky for them to attack just for revenge and to keep it up for weeks? Smells like a motive, a purpose that sinks deeper than what we're looking at. I suggest you find a pattern between the victims and locations. Never know what you might find."

His eyes lit up in understanding. "Yes, I see what you mean."

I placed my index finger on my lips. "Just keep it to yourself for now, kay?"

I noticed Ciel frown upon seeing me huddled close to the Inspector. Sebastian noticed this too, but said nothing. The boy faced Sir Randall once more.

"Well, if you don't mind, I'll be going about my business. I'd like to return to the manor as soon as possible. Sebastian, you've memorized the papers?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Come Hero, we're leaving," he said.

I looked up and smiled, dutifully walking over to Ciel. I noticed how the boy's shoulders relaxed the closer I got.

Interesting. I hid my smirk.

"Great talkin' to ya!" I told Abberline from over my shoulder, friendly smile in place. Sebastian returned the papers to the Inspectors and off we went.

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Inspector Abberline stared after the finely dressed trio before returning his stare to a disgruntled Sir Randall. After so many years in Scotland Yard, the older man's face remained hardened.

"Um, sir, who exactly is that kid? And why is Miss Hero always with him?"

Sir Randall's usually strict expression became grave. "Since you've seen for yourself twice now, I suppose there's no other choice but for me to fill you in." Dark eyes met wide brown irises. "Abberline, in this country there exists a secret agency under direct control of the Queen. It is known as 'Phantomhive'."

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The Phantomhive earldom has headed this agency through the generations and the Earls themselves have been called "Watchdogs of the Queen" or the "Aristocrats of Evil".

Sounds really cool when you think about it.

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Abberline appeared confused. "But why evil? If he serves the royal family, are they not the same as us—"

"No. Their task is no easy one. In every civilization, there is both a 'polite society' and an 'underworld' and Great Britain is no exception."

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The rogue organization known as Phantomhive covers up any number of criminal acts carried out by the royals and will stop at nothing to eliminate any and all who may seem to harm the Royal Family. By all rights they function as a royal "shadow"—A "phantom" which should never have come into being.

It also doesn't help that the past heads were all criminally good-looking.

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"The underbelly of the East End. The criminals and blackguards of other nations who congregate therein. All so that the undesirables do not spill into polite society, they employ their monstrous authority to rule over and police every inch of this country's underworld…that's the 'Phantomhive Earldom' for you," Sir Randall concluded.

"So basically, they're the opposite of the police in that they use the powers of "evil" to carry out the Queen's orders? A slip of a child like him?"

"That there is no child. That is the very devil himself."

"But if that is so then why is Miss Hero with him? Surely she would not wish to be associated with him if she knew?"

"She does know."

Abberline looked alarmed.

"Miss Hero is in fact Earl Phantomhive's pawn; a recent acquisition so I've been told. Apparently, she ranges in all types of skill sets, criminal investigation being one of them. From what I've managed to uncover, she uncovered the identity of Jack the Ripper and his last victim. Thanks to her, the victim lived and with Phantomhive, the Ripper is no more."

Abberline shivered slightly. "Even so, I find it hard to believe she's got skills other than criminal investigation. I mean, she's so petite and so…American. Working with the boy must be dangerous and yet she's so cheerful and always smiling."

"That girl is a mystery even I do not understand. Just know that she is a lot clever then she lets on. Even as an American, Miss Hero is a wicked force to be reckoned with. Until you know where her loyalties lie, do not trust her."

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"Young master, Miss Hero, we have arrived," announced Sebastian as we stood before a non-descriptive door in a rather non-descriptive street that no proper person of decorum would find themselves in.

I smiled. "Sweet! This is Lau's place, right? I haven't seen him in a while."

Ciel didn't look amused. "I was actually rather glad we hadn't. Sebastian, is this the right place?"

"Yes, sir."

It was dark inside and to make matters worse, we had to go down a set of spiraling wooden stairs. I was careful not to fall, but my platform heeled foot landed on air and I suddenly pitched forward. Luckily Sebastian was there to catch me in his arms.

"Oh thanks," I said.

He chuckled. "Allow me to carry you the rest of the way."

"What? That's not—" I was cut off when Sebastian scooped me into his arms with ease. I struggled but he remained firm. I sighed and stopped. "Fine, but let me down as soon as we make it, okay?"

He merely smirked before continuing. He looked back at the scowling Ciel who was probably wishing right then and there to be taller and stronger. Sebastian gave him an innocent expression.

"Watch your step, sir."

A popping vein appeared on Ciel's forehead as he followed. Eventually we made it down to another non-descriptive door. Once he let me, he opened the wooden door and a strange smell greeted us as soon as entered the opium den. An annoyed Ciel used his arm to cover his nose.

"What an awful smell," he complained.

"It's not so bad," I told him as we walked further in. The space was wide and kind of grimy. Small cots were lined against the wall with sprawled men in disheveled clothing on top. They all looked stoned out of their minds. I tsked, raising a hand to cover my nose.

"It smells like poppy seeds and flowers," I continued, "but don't inhale it too much. Even though it isn't weed, you can still get high as hell off this stuff."

Like a fog, the cloudy air around us dissipated until we could see a familiar figure reclined on a couch at the very end of the room. The light fixtures interspaced a every few feet in the room kept moving so it was difficult to get a decent look around.

"So you finally managed to find this place, Earl. How strange to be facing you like this, and for Miss Hero to witness me at my most degenerate. But alas, I've always believed this day would come."

Another popping vein mark.

"And what sort of day would that be?" Ciel inquired when the light revealed Lau and his Chinese harem chillin' as they gathered around him like a group of One Direction fans.

The go-lucky Lau laughed as he greeted us, a stoic yet adorable Ran Mao straddling his lap. "Welcome Earl, Miss Hero, it's been so long. Have you been well? Ah! I heard you celebrated your birthday not long ago? Good tidings to you, little Earl!"

"Never mind that!" Ciel snapped, face red.

Sebastian glanced at him. "Why are you blushing, master?"

"It's because Ran Mao straddling Lau. Ciel's a rather pure boy. He's never been exposed to intimacy and its mechanics beyond kissing," I whispered to the demon butler, gaze never leaving the exchange before me.

"And you haven't?"

I smiled upon those words. "When you've had a sex ed class with perverted classmates, you grow up fast."

"A-hem! I can hear you!" Ciel snapped, giving Sebastian and I a sharp glare before facing Lau. "Anyways there's something I want to ask you."

"Ah! For the Earl to go to the trouble of visiting this dank cellar of an opium den must mean you're here about that, yes?" A few of the Chinese girl came up to Sebastian and offered him some opium, to which he politely refused. "Word's gotten around already, has it? You've a sharp ear.

"Yes, I'm looking into that series of events," Ciel answered. "When it comes to Orientals, talking to you, the bigwig of this patch is almost expedient, British manager of the Chinese trading company 'Kon Ron', or should I say, Top Official of the Chinese Crime Syndicate Qing Bang—Lau."

I whistled. "My, what a title."

Lau got up with a smoking pipe still in hand, leaving a startled Ran Mao behind on the couch. She silently sighed.

"I really would prefer you not call me that," said Lau. "It's much too stuffy and all. I don't want Miss Hero getting the wrong message."

Dude, what wrong message? It's true!

"I've left the management of the quarter Oriental to you. So you've an idea of the number of people coming and going around these parts, yes? Stop puffing away and hear me out!" Ciel demanded.

"Now, now, this is just mint," Lau explained as he set the pipe down and wandered over to my side, placing an arm around my shoulder. Aside from the mixed smells of opium and mint, the interesting scent of lilies from Lau had me smiling in amusment. "And certainly, my lord. I'm following your orders to the letter. Such is the price I must pay to conduct 'businesses' in this part of the country's underworld, after all."

Ciel and Sebastian looked at Lau's offending limb around my shoulder. I rolled my eyes. Don't they know the relationship between Lau and myself was simply platonic?

Ciel continued. "Then—"

"But first, I have a question to pose to you as well, my lord." Here it comes. "These incidents of which you speak, what are they exactly?"

I giggled at Ciel's put out expression. "Why you! We have to take it from the top, huh?"

Sebastian smiled. "He was simply chiming in when he thought it appropriate. I am sure of this."

I turned and whispered into Lau's ear. "Or it could be that you have much going on, especially on the slide and aren't sure if these 'incidents' refer to one of yours?"

Lau glanced at me from the corner of his dark eyes and smiled mischievously before placing a finger against his lips in a shush gesture. I smirked, winking in response.

Some thirty minutes later, we were back on track.

"Oh! Now I see!" said Lau as if the meaning of life became clear to him. "So you'd like to capture the prankster!"

We were currently following Lau through some random street in East End. I would have warned Ciel and Sebastian that such thinking was not wise, but then how else would we meet Prince Soma and Agni?

I smiled at the upcoming prospect. This week will surely be fun!

"There haven't been any deaths yet, but the gentry and military personnel are being targeted," Ciel explained.

"Ah, you have to make an example of him to keep the common folk in line! There simply is no end to your troubles, Earl."

"What drivel," replied the annoyed bluenette.

Sebastian glanced around the worn brick buildings around us. "Incidentally, we have walked quite a distance. At which lodging house are the Indians based?"

"Nn?" Lau said in confusion. "Ah! Do forgive me! I was so caught up in our conversation that I think I may have gotten us lost! Hahaha! Silly me!"

I laughed into my gloved hands.

Ciel was royally pissed. "Why, you—!"

"Chill Ciel. You've got to control that short temper of yours," I remarked.

"I do not have a short temper!" Ciel snapped. He paused and face palmed as I giggled.

"Now that I think about it," Sebastian added, expression thoughtful as he turned to me. "I don't think I've seen you the slightest bit angry before."

I pointed at myself and laid on a thick southern bell accent. "Sugar, are you talkin' about lil 'ol me?"

"Hmm that's true," Lau agreed as we kept walking. "You're usually smiling and so upbeat."

I did my signature smile. "That's because a detective extraordinaire like myself is made of mangos and cream." Their faces were too funny. "I'm just kidding! It takes a lot to get me mad. I'm very slow to anger. I have a high tolerance for most things in general and trust me, it took a while for me to become the way I am. I'm much happier this way."

Ciel sighed. "In any case, we should find a way out of here. Let's trace our steps back and—Ow!"

Ciel looked up and was met with the sight of a rather scruffy Indian with a suspicious expression on his face. Ciel was about to apologize when the man dramatically clutched his side and began to shout.

"Owww! I think I just cracked a rib—!"

Ciel blinked in surprise. "Wha—?"

Sebastian sighed and I was right there with him. Pretty soon the man had made such a fuss that we were surrounded by even more Indian East End residents that looked less than friendly.

"Oh my," Lau observed.

I placed my hands on my hips. "Now isn't this a fine kettle of fish?"

The man Ciel had bumped into leaned down to face him, grabbing his coat. "The little master's awfully well-dressed for an East Ender. Are you a noble?" Ciel haughtily freed himself from the man's grasp, face cool and composed, betraying nothing. "I gotta demand damages from you banging into me, kid! Leave everything you've got on ya behind, ya hear?"

I pointed at Ciel. "You're telling me this scrawny kid with a weight of about maybe ninety-five pounds tops actually broke a rib on you?"

Ciel flushed. "Hey!"

Sebastian chuckled. "And once again, you have gotten yourself caught by a second-rate thug, young master."

"I know, right?" I exclaimed. "And he says I attract trouble."

"Maybe not trouble, but too much unwanted attention."

I gaped. Did he really just say that? Me who couldn't even seduce to save my life? I shook my head. "I won't even answer to that, mainly because I won't know how."

"Hey! Don't just ignore us!" Interrupted the rude Indian dude dressed in shabby robes and a coat. "The Indians 'round here have it in for you nobles. You dragged us all the way here, and then just threw us out like trash! The lot of you British are self-serving bastards!"

"Yeah!" cheered his people.

I tilted my head. "Well, you're not wrong. The British are one of the worst colonizers out there."

"Yeah!" They cheered.

Ciel glanced at me, his face plain asking me what the hell was I doing.

I ignored him and continued. "But rather than threaten and terrorize people, why not just take it to court? If you want to go home I'm sure they'll arrange some passage back."

"Don't kid around!" The man shouted. "If you get in our way we'll hurt you too!"

Ooh, I'm so scared! Not. I dug into my trusty knapsack and took out a piece of bread Sebastian had made this morning. It was wrapped securely with a handkerchief and surprisingly still warm. I handed it to the man who looked pretty surprised.

"Here, you can have it. I was gonna eat it myself but you look like you need it more than I do. And they say the reason people get grumpy is because they haven't eaten."

That saying is definitely true when it comes to me by the way.

Ciel's "what the fuck are you doing?" expression morphed into shock. "You've had that since breakfast?"

I huffed. "Well you were in such a hurry to leave that I didn't get to finish my plate. The fault is entirely yours. And it was a damn good piece of bread mind you. Sebastian's cooking is the best!"

Sebastian humbly accepted the compliment. "I would have been glad to make you some more at home."

I perked up. "Really?"

"Didn't I just say don't ignore us? And stay out of my way bitch!" exclaimed the angry Indian.

He slapped my hand away, dropping the piece of bread onto the cold unforgiving ground. And to make matters worse, someone stepped on it! I cannot begin to tell you the horror that stole my body at that moment.

"You didn't have to do that," Ciel told them, seeing my reaction.

The angry man grabbed Ciel's coat again as he shouted. "Since you've refused to cooperate we'll just have to help ourselves! You British bastards deserve everything you're gonna get!"

"Yeah!" cheered his people.

Ciel backed his face away. "Sebas—" Before he could finish saying the name, a heeled foot came out of nowhere and slammed into the man's face suddenly. He let go of Ciel and stumbled back. A stunned look sat on his face as his fellow peoples gasped in shock as a red foot print was clearly outlined on his face.

"Wha—"

"You ignorant fool! How dare you threaten Ciel even further when you've just insulted me in the worst possible way!" I raged angrily, my face hot.

The man's face contorted even further. "You bitch! This is the end for yo—" Another heeled foot landed on his face and the force had him staggering back.

"And you have the balls to talk back? Have you no fucking shame? Do you know there are hungry children in the world that would have loved that piece of bread? You fucking bastard! Debo de golpearte con una escoba y tírate al mar! A ver si así no entiendes, descárado!"

And on and on flew the strings of angry Spanish words as my native tongue came into play. As you can guess, I only ever talk Spanish when I'm either really angry or helping a confused fellow Hispanic. Sebastian and Ciel didn't exactly know what to make of me then but apparently, they've dubbed my rare moment of anger as "The Spanish Fury" and wisely decided that they'll never again waste food, at least in my presence.

I continued to kick the now crying and struggling victim in a repeated fashion as I called him a no good cruel bastard for being a child abuser, thief and a woman hater.

The man's supporters weren't sure what they should do now and the few who were wise refrained from coming closer. Those who weren't so bright I caught easily enough and thrashed them like some crazed harpy, causing destruction where she went. And I suppose what was even more funny was that all the while I was still kicking the shit out of the Indian man below me.

"—Ustedes deben una disculpa a las gentes inocentes a las que han molestado! Como si sus crímenes no eran suficientes! Imbeciles! Que groseros ustedes son! Si yo no estuviera en tacones pero me los bajo asta que ya—!"

"Great Goddess Kali!" cried an unfamiliar voice.

I snapped out of my angry haze to find a new body under my foot. It was of Indian descent but not the rude man I was beating the shit out. I gasped and dropped the other men I had lifted into the air during my tantrum. They groaned upon landing on the floor with a heavy thud.

I was shocked to see the handsome face of Prince Soma underneath my heeled foot. Oh my gosh. I didn't grab him on accident and just beat the goodness gracious out of him, did I? The twenty-sixth prince of Bengal got up and dusted himself off, but rather than look upset, he seemed immensely pleased with himself.

"Great Goodess Kali, I humbly thank you for sparing these men."

I flushed. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to!"

He smiled, white teeth flashing before grabbing my gloved hands. "It is not your fault. No doubt that one of my countrymen did something to provoke your wrath, but thankfully, I contained it!"

"My Prince!" exclaimed a much impressed and worshipful looking Agni as he neared. Like a tall glass of water and fitting his neat and shiny robes well, Agni's angular and delicate features were a handsome sight to behold. "That was so courageous of you! And look! You have even made her smile!"

I giggled.

Prince Soma stared at me for a hot minute. He brought his face close to mine and stared some more before backing away. The scent of freesias and jasmine lingered. God, he smelled expensive.

"Indeed. And very beautiful too." I blinked. Was he talking about me? He cleared his throat. "Agni, it is decided! We shall take our Kali along with us!"

Agni looked in awe. "My Prince!"

"And if she pleases me then I shall make her my bride."

Agni looked even more astounded, but was immensely pleased by the news. He was practically trembling! I nearly laughed out loud at the ridicoulessness.

"Hey!" shouted Ciel as he neared us. "Just what do you think you're doing? Hero is mine."

Prince Soma eyed Ciel with skeptism. "It is obvious that a pipsqueak like you wouldn't know how to handle her." He then spotted Sebastian behind an enraged Ciel. "Ah! You have a khansama with you. Are you a British noble?"

Ciel looked immensely annoyed. "And what if I am?"

The dudes that had surrounded us came back, seeing our side falter a bit after I calmed down. Those I had beaten up stayed down and those that actually had brains (which were like one or two) fled. The not so smart ones gathered around Ciel and Sebastian once again, this time armed and ready.

Prince Soma crossed his arms. "Then I shall allay with my brothers in this battle and keep Kali with me."

Err, can I have a say in this?

"Agni!"

"Yes, your highness?"

"Defeat them!"

Agni stood his ground and unraveled the bandages on his right hand. Even from afar I could feel some freaky energy wafting off Agni's muscled hand.

"Jo aagyaa," he said, gaze steady. "This right hand with which God has blessed me shall I wield for my master!"

Ooh, fight, fight, fight!

And fight they did.

Agni moved like a flash of light, his speed and skill on par with Sebastian's. Sebastian blocked his move and grabbed a startled Ciel, keeping the boy from catching any of Agni's series of vicious attacks. Without blinking, he effortlessly dodged and lead the fight, Agni following.

Soon the commotion neared where I was standing. I jumped back in time to hear one of the Indian men shout and point a dagger at me. He lunged. Sebastian was quick to grab my arm and twirl me away. I barerly got a look at Agni's fist flying past Sebastian's handsome face and connecting with my attacker's instead. The smack was audible. Meat pounded meat and bone. My attacker collapsed on the grimy street. He was out cold.

"Ah! Forgive me brother!" cried Agni, distress clear in his apologetic gaze. "I shall tend to your injuries presently!"

"Wow! Agni really is good!" I observed in wonder as my savior ran after Sebastian.

Prince Soma smirked. "Of course, he is. Agni is my loyal khansama after all."

After stepping on someone's face in passing, Sebastian jumped back in the air with Ciel still at his side like a football. Agni followed and began hitting pressure points. Any other human would have crumpled like a stringless marionette but since Sebastian was a demon, the move had no affect on him. Agni's expression morphed to confusion but he kept his ground. Even with the anomaly that was Sebastian, it was clear he would fight to the end.

And that would not do because Ciel had had enough.

"Hey! We were just passing through when those Indians picked a fight with us! Are all Indians barbarians who indiscriminately attack any Englishman they lay their eyes on?"

I turned to Prince Soma and tried acting as girly and helpless as possible. "It's true!. They threatened and said awfully mean things to us. They even threw my bread on the ground and one of them just attacked me for no reason!"

Prince Soma looked scandalized. "What?" He turned toward the Indian men. "Hey, you there, did you really just threaten and attack Kali and the runt along his companions for no reason?"

"…reason?" one of them uttered in bewilderment. "Kali? That she-devil?"

"We can't have that! The fool is he who wages war without cause. Not to mention to dare insult and harm the great goddess Kali! Agni! In this case our brothers are at fault! Allay with the runt and his companion!"

"Yes, your highness!"

The remaining group of Indian men wore the "what the fuck is going on here?" expressions as they stared at Prince Soma and an ever approaching Agni. I giggled and clapped my hands in joy. In less than five minutes Agni had the perps piled high, each one of them knocked unconscious.

"All done Lord Soma!"

"Good!" Prince Soma ambled over and picked up Ciel's fallen hat. "Hey you two, you're not hurt are you?"

"N-No," answered Sebastian warily.

Prince Soma plopped Ciel's hat on his head. "And you, runt, should not be wandering around in a place like this. It's dangerous. Kali?"

"I'm here," I answered, approaching them. "The name's Hero by the way. Hero Sanders, detective extraordinaire."

"Hero?" Prince Soma said, testing the name out. "How very unusual. But it does fit in a way. The name is certainly on par with your looks. Very well, as your future husband, I approve of this name."

"Wha—What are you saying?" raged Ciel, cheeks an angry red. "You're not Hero's future husband! I am!"

"That has yet to be decided, my lord," supplied Sebastian as he checked me to see if I was okay or injured. "It is not certain you will win the competition after all."

I rolled my eyes. How can these guys be so confident?

"I am uncertain what you two speak of, but nevertheless I am on the hunt for someone so I shall take my leave. Hero?"

I smiled apologetically. "Sorry dude. I'm with Ciel and Sebastian, but I'm sure we'll meet later."

"Very well, farewell for now, Hero."

With a final nod from Prince Souma, the pair walked away with a pleased Agni trailing behind and singing the young prince's praises. I shook my head at them with a smile.

"My, those two were something else!" Lau remarked from somewhere above Ciel, Sebastian and I. We all looked up to find the Chinaman perched on the roof of a building, an indulgent smile perched perfectly on his lips.

I blinked. Huh, I forgot about him.

"And where have you been this whole time?" Irritation colored Ciel's tone.

"Now don't be like that! I was waiting for Miss Hero to calm down and save you all, remember?" Lau hopped down with ease, as if jumping from a two-story building wasn't a big deal on his joints and feet. "In any case, who was the duo? They don't live in East End, that much is obvious. They were well-dressed and their English is without accent."

Sebastian walked over and bent down to examine the pile of unconscious men still obstructing the middle of the grimy street. "Be that as it may," he said, expression serious. "I should think our first priority is to take these people to the city police."

"Agreed," I said, crossing my arms. "The jerks still piss me off."

A strained expression that bordered on nervousness, fear and false cheer was plastered on everyone's faces as I pouted and looked away. At least now they all know I was capable of getting angry. I had a strong feeling the boys would take care never to unleash the wrath again.

Time continued to pass and after a long day of fruitless effort in finding the culprit, Sebastian, Ciel and I all returned to the Phantomhive townhouse. Even though I had unleashed my never-before seen fury earlier in the day, I was in high spirits even now as we walked up to the entrance. Mainly because the outfit in Nina's collection that Madame Red had chosen for me before she left was built to block out the cold. Another reason for my good mood was because it had began to snow moments after I hopped off the horse carriage. And another really important reason was that dinner would be served soon!

"We labored in vain," Ciel complained as we entered inside the wide gleaming foyer. "And now it's begun to snow."

Sebastian chuckled as he took our coats and hats, hanging them by the door accordingly. "The culprit may be among them. Let us wait for Sir Randall to contact us."

"Really! I'm tired of being summoned to London every time a silly incident like this occurs!" Ciel huffed.

"Man up!" I told him cheerfully, shaking the bits of snow clinging to my heels. There was something satisfying about hearing the tack of heels against polished hard floors. "I did the same thing you did but in high heels. And as the fairer sex, I should be the one feeling out of sorts." Cue the lifting of my hair with my hands dramatically.

Ciel rolled his eye. "I don't think you're capable of feeling 'out of sorts'."

I smiled. "Maybe you're right. My Latina blood gives me a sturdy 'constitution', as you call it."

"That isn't the only thing it gives you," he commented bluntly.

I flushed. "Hey, that was a one-time thing! I haven't been that angry since some random guy cut in front of me at the food court in Dolphin Mall. Two hours! Two hours I waited in that grand opening line! And just when I was second, he swoops in like a little bitch! I wasn't going to let that slide!"

Ciel eyed me as the memory of that encounter still riled me with anger and indignation.

"I wonder what would have become of you if you hadn't stumbled upon us," said Ciel with a sigh, walking past me to the stairs.

I hugged the adorable shota from behind, bring his blushing face close to mine. Goodness he smelled so good!

"Quit being a worrier! I'm not so bad. In fact, I'm great company!"

"Now that I can attest," replied Lau with a happy-go lucky smile. "Miss Hero is nothing if not amusing. Poor Earl. Having to not only howl if there is even the faintest possibility of harm befalling Her Majesty but to have to take care of the lovely Miss Hero with the temper of a deranged devil. If it pleases my lord, I could do you the favor of taking the latter option off your busy paws. Then you would have less to fret about."

"I believe the master would have even more to worry about," commented Sebastian absently, noting how Ciel's grip on my arms wrapped around his shoulders tightened.

"I find it amazing you would even suggest the idea knowing the answer," replied Ciel in a haughty tone. And to prove his point Ciel turned his head with the intention of giving me a peck on the mouth.

But I was prepared for that. Before contact was made, I took out a hidden fan that I unfolded from my back and immediately blocked Ciel's incoming kiss. The boy was surprised by my actions and blinked rapidly. I backed away from him and laughed evilly.

"Sorry dude, but I'm not about to get mauled over by kisses any time soon. I told you I'd be hard to court," I chided teasingly, opening my weapon and fanning myself.

Lau tilted his head a little. "That fan looks familiar."

"It should be. Madame Red gave it to me before she left. She said that I might need some sort of barrier from all the attention I was going to receive."

And boy was she right.

Sebastian smiled. "I applaud your efforts of resistance. But it will be useless, at least regarding myself."

Ciel huffed. "I can take the challenge. I'm not about to get beat by Sebastian."

Now I rolled my eyes as I wandered over to the demon butler and tugged at his sleeve. "Well anyways, how about some refreshments? Sebastian, could you be a darling and make some hot chocolate in the way I described to you yesterday?"

"Of course," he replied pleasantly, expression indulgent.

That was when the B-MY-F trio barreled into view, eyes alight with excitement. Except for Bard and Tanaka. They always looked relaxed.

"Young master! Miss Hero! Welcome home!"

"You brought your servants with you this time?" inquired Lau.

Sebastian's face darkened a little, remembering what had occurred the last time he left them alone. "Yes. It would be troublesome to leave them behind at the manor." He then smiled suddenly, perfect butler face activated. "Well now, you all must be worn out from the cold. I'll have hot chocolate and tea prepared right away."

I vibrated in excitement. "Yay! I love tea time! Right, Ciel?"

"Indeed," Ciel agreed absently as he continued walking up the stairs.

"I would prefer Chai to English Tea," added another familiar voice.

"Indeed," Ciel agreed absently again. Everyone paused. Even Ciel stopped walking. We all turned towards the entrance of the foyer. "Eh?"

There by the door stood a grumpy Prince Soma and a cheerful Agni dressed in their winter robes.

"Wha—Wha—Wha—!" Came Ciel's startled reply.

"Hey there guys!" I greeted merrily.

Prince Soma saw me and smiled. "Hero! I knew we'd meet again. Though I do have to say this place is awfully smaller than my palace."

Finally, Ciel found his voice. "Why are you here?"

"What do you mean why? Have you failed to recall that we became acquainted a moment ago?" Prince Soma reminded him, stepping forward with the confidence of foreign-born royalty. "Have you forgotten me already?"

"Became acquainted you say!"

The servants stared in awe at the new arrivals.

"What's going on?" They whispered to each other.

"I calmed Hero down and I rescued you," Prince Soma patiently explained, as if he were doing Ciel a big favor.

"Calm her?! You just threw yourself under her foot! And rescue me? How!"

Prince Soma crossed his arms. "In India it is commonplace to invite your benefactors into your home and make them welcome. There's a saying that goes 'entertain your guests even if you have to sell off your heirlooms'."

I nodded in agreement. "It's true you know. I read A Passage to India and my friend Rajeev confirmed it."

"That's not helping!" Ciel paused. "And whose Rajeev?"

"A penpal."

Prince Soma looked around the foyer. "Hey, where's the bed?"

"Why a bed?" questioned Lau.

"Apparently in India, one invites one's guests to one's bed to sit together in a circle, enjoying each other's company," I explained verbatim, remembering the explanation from the manga. I also remembered Rajeev talking about the custom still in practice in some Indian households.

The Prince smirked and looked approvingly at me. "See? Even Hero knows proper basic etiquette. Of course, I should expect nothing less from Kali reincarnate."

Ciel glowered at Prince Soma as he walked past him.

"My Prince! Lord Soma! I have found one here!" came Agni's energetic voice from up stairs.

I blinked and looked up to the second floor landing. Since when did Agni make it all the way up there past Ciel and I? I followed by the trio and Ciel.

"That is well," replied Prince Soma, the trio of servants rushing past Ciel and I to follow after the prince.

"Hey! Listen to me!" Ciel shouted in vain.

"I imagine it will be a tad bit small but we shall be staying here for a while. Much obliged," said Prince Soma He turned his head slightly in my direction. "Come Hero."

I giggled as I followed him upstairs. Ciel was outraged.

"Hero! Don't follow him! And why must I take care of you!" he demanded, running to keep up with the crowd. By the time Ciel huffed and puffed his way to one of the spare bedrooms, everyone was already crowded inside as a proud Agni presented the guest bed to Prince Soma.

The arrogant but confident Bengali prince sat down with his leg folded and faced Ciel with a smirk, bejeweled palm cupping his cheek. "I haven't given any thoughts to other lodgings. Besides, is it customary for Englishmen to throw their benefactors out into the cold?"

"No but moreover—who are you?"

"Me?" echoed a wide-eyed Prince Soma, a shiny ringed finger pointed at himself.

"He's a prince," I not so quietly whispered.

"A prince…?" Sebastian questioned.

Agni spoke up. "This person is the twenty-sixth child of the Raja of Bengal. Prince Soma Asman Kadar."

Prince Soma smirked. "We shall be imposing upon you for a bit. Runt."

I laughed at Ciel's reaction.

"As a symbol of our new friendship," began a cheerful Agni, "I will serve you chai! Allow me to borrow the kitchen. On a cold day, chai full of ginger is best!"

And off went Agni. Sebastian looked alarmed by this turn of events and chased after the man without a second thought.

"Ah! Please wait, if it is tea you want, I shall—"

Sebastian's faint objection trailed off. Finny neared Prince Soma with eyes full of sparkles.

"Amazing! So you're really a prince?"

"A-A Prince?" Mey-Rin repeated in awe.

"First time I've seen a real prince in the flesh," Bard commented, eyes alight with curiosity.

"You may approach," Prince Soma graciously announced. The trio oohed and awed as they bombarded Prince Soma with many questions. I smiled beside a rather put out Ciel.

"There, there, Ciel," I told him, patting his head gently. "It's not so bad after you get used to them."

Lau appeared behind us. "Well, my lord. Your stay should be a lively one."

Ciel turned his head to stare at Lau.

"GET OUT!"

.

Hours later, I still couldn't stop laughing at poor Ciel's misery.

"Ciel, really! It's not so bad. You really should learn to be a people person. You can't isolate yourself forever."

The bluenette huffed in annoyance. "I know that. I just find this situation very irritating."

"Well it's too late now. It'd be very rude to throw them out," Sebastian added as he finished dressing Ciel for bed. Meanwhile I fussed with the many buttons of the nightgown Madame Red had pre-selected (She did the favor of pre-selecting a whole two weeks' worth of outfits and insisted I wear them. Or else. Scary much?)—behind the changing screen in Ciel's room. The concept of living in Ciel's bedroom along with him wasn't alien to me after a few weeks. Now it feels like we're roommates!

"Sebastian's right, you know," I said. "Besides, Prince Soma did say he was looking for someone. Maybe if you help him find this person he'll leave faster."

That won't happen, sadly, but it'll ease Ciel's mind a bit.

Ciel must have relaxed at my words. I can practically sense his relief. "Of course. That makes sense. I'll inquire about it come tomorrow morning."

I came from around the screen and walked toward the bed. "Good. Now if that's settled, let's sleep. Night Sebastian! By the way, that hot chocolate was spectacular."

He chuckled. "I'm glad it was to your satisfaction."

"Chocolate milk, hot chocolate," listed Ciel, "you consume more chocolate than me."

"I'm a woman. Can you blame me? Chocolate appeals to the female consumer, especially if it's really delicious. I remember eating a chocolate house once as a birthday cake. God, it was so good. I'd do anything for another." I could practically see Ciel mentally add that fact to his mental list of business ideas for the future. I couldn't help but admire his opportunistic business acumen.

"And now it's time for bed," Sebastian announced. "I shall see the two of you on the morrow." And then he did something neither Ciel and I expected. He kissed me on the cheek. It was warm yet brief. I blushed. Ciel gaped.

"What was that for?" he demanded.

"Sometimes the simplest tricks are the most effective," he replied with that insanely beautiful face of his.

I had to fan myself a bit after that. Much to Ciel's dissatisfaction, Sebastian had a point yet again. Ciel scowled but said nothing. We laid in bed as Sebastian blew out the candle before he left. As we stayed awake in the darkness, I wondered if Ciel was gonna pull a fast one after Sebastian's stunt. I had my fan tucked under my pillow though so I was ready for any sneak attacks.

"Hero, if I try to kiss you are you going to pull out your fan?" Ciel asked, something I found quite surprising.

I hesitated. "Well, yeah?"

"Then I won't," he said calmly. "I won't do anything you don't want me to."

I blinked in surprise. "Oh." Wait, was I actually disappointed? Oh my god! I was actually feeling that! And why? The boy was only thirteen! "Oh, okay then, though it's kind of strange for you to do that."

"I simply thought a change of strategy would be best. After all, you're not used to that kind of stuff."

And you are? But I smiled, appreciating his effort.

"Thanks."

"One more question, when's your birthday?"

Huh?

"Oh, um, I don't really know. The nuns picked the date when they first found me on their doorstep."

Ciel appeared shocked when he turned to face me. "First found you? When was that?"

"January 1st. New Year's baby!" I replied with a grin.

Ciel kept staring at me, his expression undecipherable until he gave me a small rueful smile. "I should have known."

I gave him a dazzling smile. "We better get to sleep. I have a feeling you'll be seeing a new face first thing in the morning."

.

Ciel might have not known what Hero meant when she said what she said but as he later discovered, Hero literally meant he'd be seeing a new face that morning. The night had gone rather peacefully as he and Hero cuddled close while they slept.

Even as consciousness slowly approached him, Ciel felt her arms tangled with his. He relished the warmth and the tranquility of the moment. No doubt Ciel would have slept longer if it hadn't been for the unfamiliar husky voice.

"Lord Ciel! I didn't know you and Miss Hero slept together!" exclaimed an unfamiliar voice in surprise. "Could it be you two are lovers?"

At first, Ciel thought it strange that Sebastian would ask such a ridiculous question. Then he realized that it wasn't Sebastian who had come to wake him up. His eyes snapped open. Agni's surprised brown face hovered over his without so much as a by your leave.

"Good morning!" Agni greeted with a wide smile.

.

Ciel's loud outburst reminiscent of a frightened hoarse turkey woke me with a start. My heavy head glanced around with tired eyes. No threat registered. Annoyance filled me.

"What's wrong? Did someone die? Break in? Attempt to light our house on fire?" I was met with wide worried eyes from Agni. I blinked and yawned in response. "What? Some criminal did it once after they found my dad's address. A detective's life is very dangerous, you know."

I flopped back in the bed and pulled the covers over my head. I closed my eyes. Through the thin barrier of the sheets, I heard Agni continue his greetings.

"Namaste jii, Lord Ciel, Miss Hero. Breakfast is ready."

The smell of cooked eggs, meats, exotic spices and who knows what else permeated the air and penetrate the sheets. I pulled down the covers and lifted my nose, inhaling appreciatively like a starved dog. I opened my eyes.

"Father in heaven! Why didn't you say so sooner, Agni?"

"Wait! Why is he even in my room?" Ciel demanded.

A few minutes passed until a familiar knock on the door sounded. A clueless Sebastian entered.

"Pardon me, young—"

"Breakfast will get cold if you do not hurry!" Agni cheerfully explained to the irate Ciel. I sleepily sat on one shoulder while Ciel struggled to get away from Agni's grip.

"Now just hang on! What the hell? Put us down!" Ciel protested, cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

Sebastian blinked twice. I could only imagine what the sight of a merry Agni carrying not only his volatile young master but also his rather sleepy and hungry looking demon mate on one shoulder would look like. I smiled at the dazed look on his face. Too soon Sebastian snapped out of it. I frowned when I saw a sly smile form.

Oh no. The man had an idea.

Sebastian approached the Indian butler with a polite expression. "My, those two appear a handful. Allow me to carry Miss Hero for you."

"Ah! Thank you!"

"What? Sebastian, you bastard!" Ciel shouted as he struggled from the Indian butler's arms. "You know Hero can't think for herself in the mornings without food!"

Sebastian smiled innocently as he held his sedate demon mate in his arms. "Of course, I am very well aware of that fact."

I looked up at Sebastian but said nothing. My mind refused to process any more information without sustenance of the edible kind. With my mind in denial, I didn't protest to being carried bridal style by the demon butler in black.

"Can we move this along?" I mumbled.

He chuckled and was about to walk off when Lau appeared in Ciel's bedroom. "Oh? Things are sure lively this morning!"

"Mister Sebastian!" Shouted the B-MR-F trio as they ran towards him inside the room. I blinked. Since when did Ciel's room become party central?

Sebastian sighed quietly. "You three, you are in the presence of our guests. Now what is it? Has something happened again—"

"Something's wrong! Really, really wrong! Crazy wrong! Wrong it is!" They shouted. "The food! The garden! The laundry! It's all—!"

"Wrong?" Sebastian guessed for them.

Off in the background an upset incredulous Ciel was quickly carried off by a joyful Agni.

Sebastian paid them no mind as he went to investigate (me still in his arms) and found to his absolute shock that everything around the Phantomhive townhouse had been taken care of. The garden had been filled with exotic elephant statues, the linen had been washed and hung to dry, and the food had been deliciously prepared in their respective plates ready to be served.

My mind only registered the food though.

"What in the world…?"

Agni appeared beside Sebastian. "Ah, I have taken the liberty of handling the morning chores!"

"You should not have. You are our guest so please make yourselves at home," Sebastian insisted.

"I could never! My prince aside, I am merely a butler. I felt it my duty to help Mister Sebastian."

The genuine goody two-shoes sparkly golden rays shined out of Agni to a frightening degree. I chuckled softly. Sebastian glanced behind him to the trembling awaiting trio. He gave them his most radiant evil smile.

"Why don't you three kowtow and beg Mister Agni for the dirt under his nails? Your lives might gain a little value that way."

Wait for the pause, ten seconds later, the trio literally attacked Agni for the dirt under his nails.

I tugged at Sebastian's lapel. He looked down and I pointed towards my mouth, finding for some strange reason that this gesture would somehow be understood by him. The thought was peculiar but my mind insisted that my stomach be fed and the pointing would do the trick. Sebastian must have found the gesture endearing because he only chuckled.

"That's right. Let's get you to breakfast."

.

"So how long do you intend to stay?" Ciel asked later when Prince Soma, Lau, Ciel and myself were all seated round the polished dining room table. Agni and Sebastian stood behind their respective masters.

Today's breakfast was different and consisted of shrimp curry and French toast with ginger. I mentally moaned in delight and could barely contain myself over this flavorful feast. I mean who would?

"We'll leave when we've finished our errand," Prince Soma confirmed vaguely.

"That—"

"You mean the person you were looking for before, right?" Lau pointed out.

Ciel glanced at Lau. "And why are you staying over?"

The China man smiled without guilt. "Ahahaha! Why not?"

"Yes," continued Prince Soma, ignoring the exchange between Ciel and Lau. "I'm in search of a certain woman."

He held up a sheet of paper with a picture of a crudely drawn Mina on it. Sebastian, Lau and I leaned in around Ciel to peer at the "illustration". It looked nothing like Mina. No way was he going to find her with that.

"Her name is Mina and she was a servant in my palace."

Sebastian blinked. "This is…?"

Prince Soma puffed up his chest in pride. "I drew it. You'll know right away when you see her because I drew her so well. Isn't she lovely?"

"Whoa. Like Da Vinci's Madonna," I smiled falsely.

Prince Soma beamed.

Ciel looked at Sebastian. "Sebastian, will you be able to seek her out with this?"

"Even for me, this is a bit, erm, well." He paused. "I shall try."

Lau laughed. "Oh, I myself have never encountered a beauty like this aside from Miss Hero, I say!"

"Well of course," Prince Soma smiled. "Hero is of a caliber higher then Mina."

I arched a brow. How can these guys say that so casually?

Prince Soma sighed and continued, gaze now on the white tablecloth.

"Still, Mina was the most beautiful woman in my palace." He looked up at Ciel. "My thanks for the meal."

"So why is that woman in Great Britain?" Ciel asked, his attention on his food. When he recieved no answer, he looked up.

Both Agni and Prince Soma were gone from the dining room table. They had relocated to another corner of the room and were now praying to some gruesome looking statue that had appeared out of nowhere.

This pissed Ciel off.

"Hey! Listen to me!"

Maybe a little curious with what they were doing, Ciel Sebastian, Lau and I approached the duo.

"What are they doing all of a sudden?" whispered Ciel. "And where did they get that statue from?"

"They seem to be praying, but their object of worship is quite surreal," answered Lau in an equally hushed tone.

Sebastian stared at the statue in contemplation. "You would call that an object of worship? It looks nothing so much as a woman dancing in a frenzy on the abdomen of a man whilst carrying severed heads and wearing a necklace of said heads. At least to me that is."

I smiled. "You hit the nail right on the head."

Agni turned his head and smiled at us. "This is a statue of the goddess Kali, a deity of Hinduism, our faith."

"So it is an Indian god," concluded a nodding Ciel.

"Our goddess Kali is the wife of the god Shiva and the goddess of strength. She protects against misfortunes. In ancient times, a devil dared challenge the goddess in a battle. Of course, the goddess Kali was victorious. However, she could not stop raging and continued to destroy and kill. She kept on killing and made a necklace of severed heads before drinking their blood."

"It sounds as if the goddess caused more harm than the devil. Truly amazing," Lau chimed in.

Agni was on a role as his passion carried him forth. "Even the gods could not stop the goddess Kali, and the earth was about to fall to ruin when, at that very moment, her husband the god Shiva, lay down at her feet to protect the land!"

"Ah! That is why she is stepping on him. I had assumed they were simply having a lovers' quarrel!" Sebastian settled.

"Her husband was very slow to act. Wasn't he too late? In a whole number of ways?" Ciel added.

"I'll say," I said, adding my own two cents. "Humanity must have been an endangered species by that point."

Agni continued. "When she stepped on her husband with her unclean foot, the goddess Kali returned to her senses and peace returned to the land. Therefore, the goddess Kali is a supreme deity who engages in mortal combat to defeat the devil. That is why she holds the severed head of the devil."

Ciel blinked. "So that's the story."

"I was not aware that such a strong goddess existed. I must be careful when I go to India," Sebastian murmured to himself seriously.

I laughed. "Oh Sebastian you're too cute!"

"And that is why Kali's spirit lives in Hero!" Agni supplied, returning to reality with a smile. "Yesterday as Lord Soma stumbled upon her, the goddess radiated through her like a ray of sunshine. And if he hadn't sacrificed himself then who knows what would have happened to Britain!"

Everyone paused. They all turned to look at me. I flushed.

"Hey I am not like that! My temper was a onetime thing and it was all my Latino blood's doing. Besides, I wasn't acting like some deranged she-devil!" Everyone coughed lightly but murmured weak agreements. I huffed and crossed my arms. "Whatever."

"Well, we're done praying," announced Prince Soma as he got up. "So let's go, runt!" He cheerfully grabbed Ciel in a chokehold and tugged at my arm as well. "You must also come, Hero. The runt can guide us."

"Why me?" Ciel exclaimed as he was dragged along. "And furthermore, I am not a 'runt'. I am Ciel!"

"Then Ciel! I order you to guide us!"

Before we took a step further, Sebastian blocked our path. "Forgive me, but the young master has a full schedule with his studies and work today."

Ciel was let go. He plastered a smug smile as he grabbed my hand and led me away from Prince Soma. "Yes, as you can see, I'm busy. Find your quarry on your own. Come Hero."

Like I had much of a choice.

.

10:00 AM - Violin Lessons

.

"Now," began Sebastian dressed in a long formal overcoat and salmon pink ascot. His hair was pushed back behind his ear on one side and thin spectacles sat on the brigde of his nose. It was hilarious looking at him dress up whenever he was in teacher mode.

Ciel and I were seated in the downstairs salon room that housed musical instruments that cost more than my health insurance. The sun streamed through gauzy white curtains, landing on my skirt. I really wished I was outside right now. It was most likely cold, but since it wasn't windy or snowing, I could only imagine how delicious the weather would be on my skin.

"Hero," called Sebastian.

I turned away from the window and smiled sheepishly.

Sebastian raised a brow but continued.

"While you are in London, young master, I shall tutor you in place of the lady governesses. This includes Hero as well."

I flushed, absolutley hating that he insisted I learn to play some sort of instrument. Apparently it was essential for a Victorian lady. So there I sat next to a standing Ciel, a violin and bow in hand. I stared at them as if they were alien creatures.

"Um, Sebastian? I was really serious when I said I couldn't play an instrument. Really, really, really serious. You know how badly Ciel dances? Well that's how badly I play, but worse."

Ciel's cheeks reddened. "Hey!"

"Nonsense," insisted Sebastian lightly. "After a bit of teaching, you too will learn how to play adequately."

"Ugh," I looked at my violin, hoping it would forgive me in the future. I stood up and stepped forward.

"Now, let's begin. What do you know, Miss Hero?"

I gave him a look. "Nothing."

"…"

My face was blank. Sebastian sighed.

"I see then. We shall have to start from the beginning. Very well, let us start with this."

Basically he showed me how to properly hold the violin and what strings to play and how much pressure I should apply and with what fingers I had to use to tune the strings. I only grasped at how to hold the instrument but the rest flew in through one ear and out the other. Ugh. I swear!

"Alright begin."

Ah!

I did as told and the note came out sounding like a dying cat. I flinched and Ciel covered his ears as the sound got worse. Sebastian's face was still serene despite bits of his hair begining to curl. At least he understood what I meant when I said I really couldn't play. I shifted to the other string like I was supposed to do but the screeching got so bad that I flinched and accidentally shifted my arms and sliced two strings in the process.

"Whoops!"

Ciel uncovered his ears. "What in the world was that? I thought my ears would bleed!"

"And it would seem you sliced through the strings clean in half," observed Sebastian as he inspected my abused instrument. "And these are made of quality material, not prone to snapping easily."

I flushed. "At least I didn't break it! You should consider yourself lucky! My music teacher is still mourning her piano."

Ciel looked at me in horror. The expression had me giggling despite myself. Sebastian sighed as he set the instrument down.

"I suppose I shouldn't have asked for too much. You can take a break." I smiled and sat back down on my chair. "Now it is your turn young master. First let us practice the 'Partita No. 2' for the solo violin."

Ciel eyed the music sheet in doubt. "Bach's chaconne, I won't be able to play such a hard piece—"

Sebastian used my violin bow to lift Ciel's chin.

"You will gain confidence if you begin by mastering the difficult pieces first. Unlike Hero, you have some skill." I took no offense to that. It was the truth. "I lay down the rules here. And naturally, I am very strict. Do you have any issues with my teaching method?"

Ciel said nothing. He nodded once. Sebastian smiled.

"It's okay, Ciel. Unlike me you can totally do this!" I reassured him.

"Good, now hold the bow ready," Ciel did as instructed. "With the key of D minor, it is important to express solemnity and reverence with your timbre." The sweet sound flowed out of his violin and I listened to it, utterly dazed as the sound settled around the room. I would have been completely under his spell had some disturbance in the corner of the room not ruined the tranquility.

I nearly laughed aloud when I saw who it was.

"Just like that," continued Sebastian, eyes closed, feeling the music. "Express the timbre with emotion."

A new tune appeared but Sebastian was oblivious to it.

"Express anger occasionally."

Another tune. It sounded like bongos.

"Yes…" he opened his eyes. He was not amused. "Erm, and what might you be doing?"

I giggled as Prince Soma and Agni were seated next to Ciel and I, playing their own instruments.

"I thought I'd spend the day with Ciel and Hero today! I'm a dab hand at playing instruments too," Prince Soma announced cheerfully. "Look Hero! Don't I sound better than Ciel?

"GET OUT!" shouted Ciel as Prince Soma and Agni were tossed out the room.

.

11:00 AM - Drawing Lessons

.

"Now it is time for drawing," announced Sebastian, who stood next to a table set up with props for a still life portrait. I absently stuck out my tongue at the thought of having to draw all that professional looking artsy stuff. Still, my hand worked furiously on the paper as I struggled to finish my picture with precise strokes of my charcoal pencil.

Ciel glanced at me and noticed how intensely I was concentrating. I bet he was probably wondering if I was proficiently skilled at this than the violin. Ha!

Sebastian noticed my effort and cocked his head.

"Miss Hero?"

"Done!" I announced happily, throwing my hands in the air in victory.

"What? So soon?" Ciel asked in disbelief. "But we just started three minutes ago!"

"Drawing doesn't take that long, sweetie," I told him smugly. "At least for me." Sebastian and Ciel went over to my side and looked at what I had drawn. "Ta-da! What do you guys think?"

"…that…isn't the image I set up," announced Sebastian finally.

"Well duh! I can't draw still life to save my life."

"Did you just draw me in that chibi thing form?" Ciel exclaimed, his cheeks reddening.

I smiled. "Of course! I thought I would draw each of us holding the props instead. Isn't it cuter this way?"

Sebastian sighed and shook his head. "I suppose I really am asking too much."

"Indeed," answered Ciel as he returned to his seat and tried concentrating on his own picture. Sebastian resumed his instruction behind Ciel.

I suddenly noticed Prince Soma and Agni sitting behind Ciel and Sebastian. I blinked. How in the hell do they move so quickly?

"Continuing on, look at how things are balanced and give depth to your drawing," instructed an oblivious Sebastian.

"What is this? Drawing a bottle is dull!" announced Prince Soma grandly, startling Ciel and making me laugh again in the process.

"Wha—!"

"You must draw naked women. One with exceptional curves to truly capture the beauty," he said seriously. I blushed. Oh my gosh, I don't remember that being said in the anime or manga; poor Mey-Rin. "Therefore, Hero! You must do us the honor and strip!"

What? I gasped and used my arms to cover my chest

"Wait! My bust isn't fully developed yet!"

Lau came behind me and placed his hands on my shoulder. "Oh, shall I undress her?"

"GET OUT!" shouted Ciel as Prince Soma, Agni, and Lau were tossed out the room.

.

1:00 PM - Funtom Corporation Business

.

"Samples of the Christmas products have arrived from the Yorkshire Factory," proclaimed Sebastian as he held the latest Funtom business reports.

"IT'S TOO CUTE!" I shrieked in joy as I held an adorable stuffed bunny and snuggled it against my cheek. "And it's really soft!"

"I had them revise it. I'm glad it feels good now," murmured Ciel.

"Not only is it soft and cute, but its way better than that stupid Chucky doll my friend Steven's little sister is obsessed in carrying around." I shuddered at the memory of that creepy cracked face. "I swear it's the devil's spawn!"

Sebastian arched a brow. I smiled at him.

"Not yours of course. Yours would come out looking all handsome and cute!"

He smirked. "I should hope so," he glanced at the papers in his hands. "Also, headquarters has sent over the plans for the next year. In addition, they've finalized the new product you requested and its progress is going along splendidly."

I stopped snuggling the rabbit and looked up. "What new product?"

"Nothing, nothing," Ciel hastily answered, blushing. "Next?"

"The New Christmas Crackers are selling well at Harrods," Sebastian finished.

"Speaking of, we should go again soon," I told them thoughtfully. "I saw something really cute that I wanted to get you guys and the servants for Christmas."

That surprised both Ciel and Sebastian. "Why would you do that?"

"Get presents? Because I like giving gifts to people and I love seeing their reactions to it too. We should also get some of these Christmas crackers," I said, holding one up. "These look like fun. It's no wonder they're selling so well."

"Even so, children are difficult to please. We must keep providing new novelties," said Ciel, eyeing a fire cracker with indifference.

"And so I have invented one such new product just for you!" Prince Soma suddenly declared as he appeared in the room once more. Ciel and I looked up at the interruption. We didn't even get a chance to object before Prince Soma continued. "Feast your eyes! It's a soft toy in the likeness of the Indian god Ganesha and…the trunk…it moves!"

Prince Soma proudly had Agni flip the slide cards to show the new product's animation.

"IT'S SO CUTE! I love it!" I beamed, clapping my hands around the giant plush rabbit I was still holding. "It's simple but I bet it would be real popular with the children in India and Britain."

"See? Of course Hero would recognize the genius in my idea," Prince Soma declared, his ego growing. "She is my Kali and I am her future husband after all."

"GET OUT!" shouted Ciel as Prince Soma and Agni were tossed out the room once more.

.

1:45 PM - Ciel's Study (Break Time)

.

"Maybe you should relax a little," I advised the little Earl as he paced impatiently around his study. I was currently perched on his desk, legs swinging. "After all, Prince Soma and Agni mean well."

"I would relax even more if that idiotic person would stop saying things about you!"

"You mean trying to impress me and all that extra stuff?" Ciel flushed but nodded. I giggled as I hopped off the desk. "No need to pop a blood vessel. He's only teasing. He doesn't really mean it with that future husband stuff."

"How do you know?"

"Because a guy like him would make it fairly obvious if he was in love. Honestly, he's more into Mina than myself."

Ciel was skeptical.

"Here, why don't you just sit and calm down. Sebastian said your next lesson is in, what? Fifteen minutes?"

Ciel sighed. "Fine. I'll try but it won't do me any good."

I placed my hands on my hips as Ciel sat down at his chair but remained tense. That wouldn't do. An idea suddenly formed in my mind.

"Okay," I said, "if I give you just one kiss, just one, will you promise to stop being so irritable?"

Ciel perked up at this new offer. I had his full attention.

"You mean, you kiss me?"

I blushed. "Yes but just once!"

"Where?"

I paused. "Um, where do you—"

"On the lips," he said quickly. "That is if you can do it."

The smirk was practically devlish. He's picking up Sebastian's naughtiness, I thought. Or has he always been this manipulative? I huffed.

"Okay then. On the lips but I'm a novice at this so don't expect to see fireworks. And mind you this will be a quick kiss, got it?"

The smirk never diminished. "I am waiting."

I blushed again. This boy! I kept my eyes opened as I stared into Ciel's too blue eye. Gosh what a color! As I leaned in, I felt the heat of our faces mingle and my eyes droop just a little.

Oh shit! I was really gonna kiss him! While I was freaking out mentally, Ciel looked as though he were inwardly gloating. I hope this hadn't been a plan he concocted just to get me to initiate any sort of action—though something told me it was exactly that, but at this point, it was too late to pull back.

Our lips were a mere half a millimeter away from each other when the door to his study slammed open and Prince Soma walked in along with his loyal Agni. I jumped far apart from the shocked Ciel.

"Ciel! Hero! Are you two free now?" Prince Soma asked, oblivious to atmosphere.

"Yes. My Lord Soma thought it would be a grand if...," Agni trailed off.

Prince Soma blinked when he saw me standing a few feet away from Ciel, face red. Ciel on the other hand was shaking in anger, veins popping out.

"OUT!" he shouted for the fourth time that afternoon as he kicked both Prince Soma and Agni out the room.

.

2:00 PM - Fencing Lesson

.

"Heeey, when will you two be done?" whined Prince Soma as he laid on a carpet provided to him by Agni. "Heeey! Heeey! What are you doooing? Heeey, I saiiiid! Heeey! Heeeey! Heeeeey!"

"ARGH! SHUT UP! I CANNOT CONCENTARTE!" Ciel snapped at him, utterly frustrated.

"Come on, you don't have to get so angry," pouted Prince Soma.

"Ciel—!" I fell flat on my back before I could even finish my sentence. I blinked, seeing bright white lights. "Ow."

"Hero!" Ciel exclaimed as he went over to help me up.

Sebastian sighed for the thousandth time that day, I think.

"Once again, your foot work is absolutely atrocious Miss Hero. I do not understand how you can fight others when you look like any simple gust of wind could blow you away."

"I told you that fencing is a fancy sport best left for rich or really talented people!" I muttered as I got up and dusted off my fencing outfit Sebastian had forced me to wear. "It's not like I'm ever gonna use it. Besides, my penpal Mimiko, epic fashion designer btw, taught me all she knew about kendo, which is pretty extensive since her family owns a dojo. So I can expertly, in theory anyways, wield a katana, even a naginata for Pete's sake!"

Ciel scratched his head. "I'm sure if I knew what that was I'd be impressed."

"I believe they're Japanese swords," Lau interjected. "I'm impressed you can wield such blades, little Hero."

I rolled my eyes as I placed my hands on my hips. "My point is that I can't fight with flimsy swords!" I huffed indignantly. "And really Sebastian, I don't see the point in insisting I learn this."

"I find myself determined to teach you something. I don't believe in you are 'unteachable'. I thought a physically active sport would do you some good since you admit to finding it pleasing," Sebastian explained, voice calm.

I sighed. "Any other sport but fencing. And horseback riding!"

Sebastian pointed his fencing sword at me. "Nonsense. You will learn at least the basics of fencing footwork today or my duty as a butler is forfeit."

My jaw dropped. Wait, what? OMFG, he was serious! I'm a goner!

Prince Soma approached Ciel from behind. "This little sword play does not seem so hard. The blade is indeed flimsy and surely not worth the trouble. You must be finished so now will you two play with me?"

That seemed to be the last straw that broke the camel's back. Ciel was absolutley fed up.

"Fine!" Ciel walked over to me. I happily gave him my foil which he quickly tossed to a surprised Prince Soma who caught it with ease. "I'll take you on since you're so desperate for attention."

Prince Soma tested out the sword as if it were a light saber. "Hm, I only know Kalaripayttu and Silambum but, well, why not? So if I win in this, you and Hero will play with me, right?"

Ciel had on his poker face. "If you can win, that this. If you lose, behave yourself and stay out of my way, especially when I'm with Hero."

I face palmed, remembering that I had almost kissed Ciel. Of my own free will. What I found even more funny was that once Ciel had gotten rid of them, not even a minute later Sebastian came in and hustled us out, telling us to change for our next lesson without so much as a by your leave.

And well, here we are. It was no wonder Ciel finally snapped.

"We will play five rounds of three minutes each. The fencer with the most points wins, alright?" Sebastian declared. "Now, begin!"

Prince Soma lunged forward with a small smirk on his lips as Ciel stood his ground. "You and Hero shall be mine!" he announced in triumph. Unfortunately, he hadn't counted on the sword being bendable.

"The leg is not a valid area of the foil. Too bad!" Ciel added smugly as he parried. The Indian prince narrowly missed it.

"Wha—You coward! I don't know the rules! What is the valid target area?"

Ciel smirked. "It's your own fault for being ignorant of the rules. A bout is a bout."

Prince Soma narrowed his eyes. "You fiend."

Sebastian chuckled and I shook my head. This little duel lasted a few minutes before Prince Soma landed himself in hot water. I blinked and suddenly Agni was gone from my side. Huh? I looked over to Ciel and Prince Soma and saw that Agni had instinctually protected the Indian prince just as Ciel lunged for the final move.

"Prince! Look out!" Agni shouted as his instincts kicked in. In a flash, he knicked Ciel's pressure point, allowing his foil clatter to the ground as he bent over, clutching his paralyzed arm. I gasped and rushed over to his side, my protective instinct coming through.

"Ciel!" Even though his arm would get better in a few minutes, I couldn't help but feel panicked whenever Ciel suffered any kind of pain.

Agni blinked and came to his senses. "L-Lord Ciel! I am so sorry! I could not help it when I thought my Prince would lose!"

Sebastian came over and inspected the damage. Prince Soma on the other hand was laughing it up all the way to battery city. "Ah ha ha! Agni you protected your master! I commend you! Agni's my khansama. He belongs to me. Therefore, I win!"

Ciel looked alarmed. "No—"

"Now you and Hero must accompany me!" Prince Soma declared. "Come Hero!"

What am I? A dog? Lau, who again appeared out of nowhere, held Ciel's sword with a smile. "Dear dear. Now you must avenge your lord, master butler." He tossed the foil to Sebastian who caught it easily enough.

"Whoot! It's Sebastian and Agni's fight!" I cheered. "Yeah!"

"Ciel's khansama? Are you going to fight?" questioned Prince Soma.

Sebastian sighed. "Goodness, all this because you were mean to an amateur who did not know the rules."

I nodded at Ciel's embarrassed face.

"However," continued Sebastian. "My master has been injured and Hero is falling behind on her lesson. As butler to the Phantomhive family, I must do something about it." His face darkened considerably. "Moreover, we have fallen ten minutes behind schedule."

Ciel looked annoyed. "That is your real reason, isn't it?"

I sweat dropped. "You know Sebby, you could just forget about giving me lessons."

"Interesting," Prince Soma announced. "Very well, I approve of this duel."

I squealed like an idiot (inside my mind) when both boys got into positions.

"Agni! In the name of our goddess Kali who also stands in this room, win this match!" Prince Soma commanded, arm outstretched.

"Sebastian, I command you, shut this brat up!

Agni's eyes narrowed determinedly. "Jo aagyaa."

Sebastian smirked lightly. "Yes, my lord."

"Go Agni and Sebastian! Fight, fight, fight!" I cheered, fist pumping.