The Ebony Butler
Chapter 1: That Butler,
Able
Back in the Victorian times only a few things were important; money and power. Great to have but can easily be taken away. Sadly this was the case of Friel Phantomhive, a young child who lost his parents to a fire in their manor outside London, England. The fire has been officially been noted as an “accident”, but a freshly turned ten year old Friel knew someone close to the family must’ve caused the fire. But the perpetrator is still unknown to this day. So let us begin our tale of a young Friel and his butler.
Three years after the dreadful fire, Friel begins having an odd dream where his body is being suspended by white ribbons and black feathers gently rain around him. A voice echoes clearly from the void surrounding him.
“I can help you find the person who caused you that terrible deed done three years ago, but it will cost you your most valuable component; your soul.” it said. Friel looked around.
“Of course, anything for revenge!” the boy exclaimed with an instant a feather fell and touches his right eye.
“I shall be loyal under your servitude as a butler until the killer is found, and when that happens, your soul is mine,” the voice said and the feather disintegrates into Friel’s eye creating a purple star, which is then covered by an eye patch. “My name will be your choice though, young master.” Friel is then awoken by the voice in the morning. “It’s time to arise young master.” he said pulling open the silk curtains now looking of a butler. Friel awakens and the butler dressed him. As he dresses his young master the butler begins to list Friel’s tasks. “Breakfast today shall be poached salmon accompanied with a mint salad.” he said pouring a cup of earl grey tea. “I can also make toast, scones or a combination. Which would you prefer?” the butler asked. The butler was tall, skinny, ebony black hair, red eyes, though devilishly handsome. He also dressed in a tuxedo, with a black tie and crisp white gloves.
“Scones.” Friel answered after a small thought.
“Today you have a meeting with a Mr. Hughes; the authority of the history of the Roman Empire, and this evening Mr. Dumbiano will be paying you a visit.” the butler explained.
“Oh, is that the man I put in charge of stuffed animals at my factory in India?” Friel asked.
“Yes. I’m told he’s Italian. We will, of course give all the hospitality the estate can provide.” he said and bowed. “I shall wait for you at the dining hall master.” he begins to leave the room and in a flash Friel gets a dart from a dart board and throws it towards the butler’s head, but the butler caught it without looking. “Well thrown my lord. Even so, lets save the games for later.” he said as Friel looks away.
“Yes, I suppose you’re right Sebastian.” Friel said. Friel was a little short for his age; he had black hair, blue eyes and always dressed eloquently. A few short minutes later Friel is seated at the dinner table eating breakfast. Sadly, to say Friel was kind to what hired help he had would be false, an example would be on that morning he happens to throw a small dart into the back of his gardener, Finnian’s neck. Of course Finni did what any normal person would do; bleed and scream in pain.
“What was that for master? What did I do,” Finni asked putting pressure on the wound. Finny looked like a healthy teen boy; blonde hair, turquoise colored eyes, in his hair are a total of five red bobby pins three on the left and two on the right.
“Nothing, I don’t have to justify my actions,” the young Phantomhive said. With that, Sebastian pushed open the dinning room doors.
“There you are,” he said looking at the rest of the Phantomhive household’s help. The maid Mey-Rin a young English girl with red hair and round thick glasses which hid hazel eyes, Baldroy; the cook, he was tall, muscular wore goggles around his neck, blonde hair and turquoise eyes, and finally Tanaka; the steward, he’s an elderly man dresses in a tuxedo, has grey hair, a mustache and brown eyes. “Have you weeded the courtyard, Finny? Mey-Rin, have you washed all the beddings? Baldroy, have you finished preparing tonight’s dinner? Tanaka… I suppose you’re fine where you are,” Sebastian asked all the workers. The only reason Tanaka was fine was because he was drinking tea. “As for the rest of you, we have no time for thumb-twiddling this morning… so get to work!” he ordered with a fierce intensity in his voice. With immense fear and haste the gardener, cook and maid ran out of the room to do their work. “Simply hopeless,” Sebastian remarked about the other help excluding Tanaka.
Later that day the young Phantomhive was walking to his study and observed a painting of his dead mother and father. He closed his eyes and gave a slight hmph, before continuing to his study. During the day’s passage Sebastian was looking over his accomplishments of the day.
“The silver is polished to a spotless shine. The table cloth is crisp, clean and wrinkle-free. There’s not a single bruise among a single one of Master’s favorite white roses. Finally, the finest quality ingredients have been gathered to prepare a first rate dinner. The table is perfection. This will be an elegant Phantomhive work.” the butler was about ready to prepare the dinner, but then the bell for the study began to ring. “Still so much to do, and he calls me now?” he stops what he’s doing and heads up to the study.
The other hired help of the household watches as Sebastian heads up to the study, and when he’s out of hearing range of them.
“The guest is coming.” Baldroy said with a smile. “Alright, then this is our chance.” Finny and Mey-Rin looked at him in confusion; Tanaka was somewhat in his own little world. “Sebastian looks down on us all the time, today will be so perfect he won’t even know what hit ‘im.” He then showed a look of utter of disbelief and surprise on his face, before returning it a smile. Finny and Mey-Rin make the same face. “That’s for him to do, not you.”
“That’s a good idea!” Mey-Rin said.
“Right, we have to stop relying on Sebastian for everything.” Finny added on, they all then head out to improve upon Sebastian’s work.
“I’m a bit hungry. I’d like something sweet to eat.” Friel requested.
“You shouldn’t eat now master. You might spoil your appetite for dinner with your guest this evening.”
“I don’t care about that make me a parfait!” The young Phantomhive demanded calmly.
“I’m sorry sir.” The butler said, had not moved a single inch.
“Fine.” Friel said getting up and looked out the window. “About the portrait in the hallway. Take it down, I am Friel Phamtomhive; son of Vincent, I’m the head of the household now.”
“As you wish master.” Sebastian said, heading out to the hallway where the workers were not looking so happy more like children who’d done something wrong and were going to admit their crimes. “Now the, what happened here?” he asked.
“I thought it might be easer to use the extra strength weed killer on the garden.” Finny admitted.
“I tried to get the tea set we used for guests but the cabinet fell.” Mey-Rin admitted, her thick glasses cracked.
“There was a lot of meat that needed to be cooked. So I used my flamethrower.” Baldroy admitted, his hair frizzed up due to the heat.
“We’re so sorry!” the worker exclaimed in sadness, in fear they’d lose their jobs. Sebastian though thought things through, about each situation.
“Settle down, all of you. We might be able to save this night yet.” Sebastian said.
As time passed the guest; Mr. Dumbiano arrived. He was amazed the garden, it was a stone garden a choice garden type in Japan.
“Do you like it?” Sebastian asked Mr. Dumbiano. “It’s a stone garden, a choice selection in Japan.” He explained.
“Ahh, sorprendente!” the gust said in glee.
“I’ll escort you inside and call when dinner is ready.” He said heading into the mansion
“Excellent. What I expected from a Phantomhive.” Dumbiano said following Sebastian into the mansion, once inside he made his way into the game room, where young Friel is waiting.
“How about a board game while we wait?” Friel asked his guest.
“Assolutamente.” the guest said, he was a tall man in his mid thirties, brown hair and eyes. He sat down and the two play the game for about 30 minutes. “The West Indian company has been working quite well as of late, we’ve been thinking of expansion, but we need a little payment of twenty five-thousand pounds. It would be most plentiful financially for you, my lord.” Dumbiano explained to the young Phantomhive.
“Pardon the interruption, but dinner is served.” Sebastian said to his young master, and the guest. They followed him to the garden where the table was set. “Tonight’s dinner is a Japanese dish called beef donburi, served to guests of high esteem.” he explained. “Mey-Rin will serve the wine.” Sebastian said. Mey-Rin’s expression changed to concern as soon as he said that, but she nodded and walked towards the table, holding the silver container of wine. As she approached the table, she appeared to be shaking, lost in thought, having a flustered and blushed look on her face.
“Oh so much pressure! I can’t see a thing through these cracked glasses! Don’t look at me!” Mey-Rin thought. As she poured the wine, the poor girl had gotten so flustered that she was pouring wine onto the tablecloth; thankfully the guest was paying attention on his food more then his surroundings. Before a single drop could fall, Sebastian pulls the tablecloth, and does not let a single object on the table fall.
“Hm? What happened to the tablecloth?” Mr. Dumbiano asked looking surprised.
“There was a spot of dirt. It would’ve been distracting.” The young earl said finishing his dinner.
“Ah. Just like a Phantomhive.” Dumbiano said, finishing his dinner.
“I shall call you both when desert is complete.” Sebastian says. With that Friel leads his guest back to the game room.
“If you do not mind my lord, I was wondering if you could let me use your telephone?” Mr. Dumbiano asked.
“Of course. It’s under the main stairs.” The young earl said sitting down, and with that the guest headed to the darkened area under the stairs. Sebastian had decided to serve his lord and his guest tea.
“Where’s your guest?” Sebastian asked pouring a cup for his lord.
“At the phone. I suspect something of him. I want you to investigate, Sebastian.” Friel ordered. Sebastian nodded obediently and served his lord before heading to the main floor.
“Yeah, I’m almost finished.” Mr. Dumbiano said into the phone. “Look I sold the factory and now I’m gonna try and squeeze a little more out of the Phantomhive brat.” He said, smoking a cigar. Dumbiano hung up the phone and turned to the image of a transparent white face. This gave him a scare but he shook it off and headed up the stairs. While he was ascending the stairs he saw the face again, but this time over the face of the Friel’s father Vincent. Again he shook it off growing a little bit more frightened. He then began to look around for which room Friel was waiting for him in. “This home is like a maze!” Dumbiano exclaimed as he saw the face again, this time it was quite larger, and more menacing. This caused Dumbiano to run away in terror, but on his way down the stairs, he tripped causing him to twist his leg, breaking it. So like a wounded dog he dragged himself into the kitchen to hide from the evil face. The man then crawled into what he thought was a cabinet. “Thank goodness.” The guest laid his shoulder onto the wall and heard something scrape against his suit. “What the?” he asked himself he rubbed his hand on the wall and sniffed his hand. “Is this sugar?” Dumbiano asked, and as soon as he asked himself this a hole was created on the door of the cabinet, on the other end, he saw Sebastian’s red eyes.
“Such an impatient guest. Couldn’t even wait for desert to get out of the oven.” The butler said sounding disappointed.
“T-the oven?!” Dumbiano screamed. The guest then began to beg to be released as Sebastian slid the opening closed.
“Plum Pudding, Mince Meat Pie, I’m exquisite to any English desert that involves meat.” Sebastian said with a smile. The butler brought up some lemon meringue pie for Baldroy and Finni, as they’d just removed the painting of Friel’s parents. Meanwhile, Friel watched a burned Dumbiano crawl his way away from the manor.
“Once something is truly lost, it can never be returned again.” Friel said chuckling.
Chapter 2: That Butler, Strongest
It was a calm summer’s day at the Phantomhive home, and Baldroy, Mey-Rin and Finny were checking wires under the floorboards.
“Bloody hell! This wire’s done for.” Baldroy said looking at a damaged wire.
“Oh, not the rats again!” Mey-Rin said as Baldroy came up from the hole in the floor, they had made to do their task.
“This is ridiculous! I mean, I heard they were plaguing London lately, but I never expected them this far out of the city.” The cook said as a lone rat scurried out in front of them. Finny was the first to react by grabbing a bust, lifting it over his head, and threw it at the pest.
“I got you, rat!” Finny exclaimed as he threw the bust. The rat dodged the projectile and scurried away. “Oops, looks like it got away.” the gardener said, rubbing the back of his head, chuckling nervously.
“What are you laughing for?! Are you trying to kill us too, you idiot?!” Baldroy yelled at the gardener. The trio worked quickly, to try and get rid of the vermin, but in a dimly lit room, Friel and a few guests stood or sat around playing a game of pool.
“Seems to be quite the commotion out there, you must be experiencing a rat problem as well.” One of the guests remarked, holding a pool stick. He was a tall, middle-aged gentleman with brown hair; he had a mustache, a short ponytail and wore glasses. At this time another guest walked to the pool table to take a shot, he was young, had stud earrings in his ear; he had blonde hair and was smoking a cigarette.
“Speaking of which; how long will you let the vermin run wild? Someone really aught to take care of them, don’t you think?” another guest remarked, sitting in a chair with a large tray of sandwiches beside him. He was also middle aged except he was short and fat, a black haired gent; he also had a mustache.
“And someone will. He’s just waiting for the opportune moment.” a third guest said. This guest was quite different then the other guests, this man was young, possibly his early twenties; he had short, black hair, the guest was of Chinese descent, and his clothing matched those words. Another thing that struck him different then the other guests was that he had a girl sitting on his lap; the girl was also of Chinese descent. She had golden colored eyes, black hair with thick square bangs. It was arranged in long braids, and cat-like ear buns, accompanied by a pink rose and a golden tassel.
“Indeed. He prefers to settle things in one blow.” the only female guest said. This guest was in between being young and middle aged; she had red hair, the same shade or red as spilled blood. The guest wore an all red skirt and matching waistcoat, and a white blouse; this included a hat and red lipstick, and black gloves. “Will you pass on this turn too, lord Phantomhive?” she asked.
“I’ll pass.” Friel said. “It’s my policy not to shoot if I know that I’ll miss.” He explained.
“That’s all well and good, but when will you handle the problem?” the first guest asked.
“Anytime you’d like. The rats will soon be looking for their forbidden cheese.” Friel replied. “And I hold the key to the storehouse.” he said. The guest took his shot and pocketed the cue ball. “Even so, locating the nest, and eliminating the vermin is a tedious task.” the young lord explained. “You should be focused on getting me a suitable award.” Friel said.
“You’re a vulture!” the first guest said in great displeasure.
“Sir Randal, I’d be careful on how you smear my family name.” the young lord warned the guest. “Now time to end this worthless game.” Friel said, and walked over to the pool table. “How soon can you get the payment?” he asked.
“Tonight, I’ll have it by then.” Sir Randal said, as Friel sat on the edge of the table and lined his shot.
“You pasted your turn twice, and now you’re going for them all in one go?” the fat guest asked.
“Naturally.” Friel said.
“Careful, your greed will undo you.” Sir Randal said to the young lord, who smirked and took his shot and pocketed the last two balls.
“Am I undone?” Friel asked Randal mockingly. Within the hour the fat guest, the blonde guest, and Sir Randal leave the manor by carriage.
“Your tea.” Sebastian said pouring Friel, the Chinese guest, and the lady in red a cup. “We have a special Darjeeling blend from Fortlem and Mason today.” The butler said.
“Smells lovely.” the Chinese gust said. “Tea can be excellent when made well.” the man said as the girl on his lap examined the tea in her cup.
“Grell?” the lady in red said to her butler, who was standing at the door.
“Yes, my lady?” Grell said standing at attention. Grell was a bespectacled, meek, and slender green eyed man. He had brown hair, tied in a red ribbon.
“Learn something from Sebastian.” she told her butler, who nodded. “Just look at him. I mean his physique, you should quit this country job, and work for me in the city.” the lady in red said as she began to gently pat Sebastian’s behind, while the other guest, the girl who sat on his lap and Friel watched in a confused state of mind. Friel finally stopped her by clearing his throat.
“Madame Red.” The young Phantomhive said.
“Sorry. Couldn’t help it, he looked like he needed a physical, just a doctor’s habit.” Madame Red said, rubbing the back of her head.
“Do you believe the drug trafficker was one of your guests today?” the Chinese guest asked putting his cup down and standing up.
“Yes.” Friel told his guest.
“Why not leave the extermination to Lao?” Madame Red asked the young lord. “A rat knows best, where a rat’s nest is doesn’t he?” she pointed out.
“I am but a tamed guinea pig dedicated to my lord. If the earl instructs me not to act, I am bound to do nothing.” Lao said placing a hand on the top of Friel’s head. Within an instant Madame Red began to cradle Friel’s head.
“Watch it! You best your paws off my darling nephew!” Red told Lao with a scorn in her voice.
“You wound me. I’d never harm him in his own home.” Lao said.
“Are you saying you would if you were elsewhere?! Careful, you’re on thin ice now sir!” Madame Red asked Lao with great anger and even letting go of Friel’s head to point and Lao. By this time Friel has exited the room to escape the madness.
“The rats are here.” the young earl said as he rubbed his head, and make his way down the hallway.
“After it!” Baldroy said as he was chasing after the rat with heavy kitchen utensils. He was followed by Mey-Rin, who was carrying mouse traps, and Finny, who was in a cat suit, carrying a cat.
“They’re here as well.” Friel says, rubbing his head.
“Master.” Sebastian says to his young master. “Today’s desert will be a deep dish pie made with fresh apples and raisins, would you like to eat with your guests?” the butler asked.
“Bring it to my study. I’m done here.” the young earl said as he headed to his study.
“Certainly my lord.” Sebastian said as he in one motion caught the rats and put them in a net. “That’s enough of that. Stop playing and get back to work.” Sebastian ordered the other help as Friel closes the door to his study.
“Finally, some peace and quiet.” the young earl said as he walked towards his desk. Suddenly a hand emerged from the darkness and covered Friel’s mouth with a cloth coated in chloroform. Roughly 45 minutes pass by.
“Young master? I brought your pie and afternoon tea.” Sebastian said as he knocked on the door to Friel’s study, without an answer the butler opened the door. “Master?” he yet again asked but to only discovers that the study was in ruin. “This is terrible. The refreshments will all be wasted now.” Sebastian said as he began to clean the room.
In a large white manor in London lies a roughed up Friel. Ankles chained, and body bound by leather straps.
“The Policeman of England’s underworld. One of the nobles who have done the royal family’s dirty work for generations. The queen’s guard dog, tasked with disposing of anyone who disagrees with her. Just how many nicknames do you have?” said the blonde guest as he lit a cigar.
“I should’ve known. You’ve shamed your family Azuro Finel.” the young earl said.
“Come now little Phantomhive. You know how hard it is for the Italian Mafia to work here? You Englishmen only have tea on the brain it’s hard to penetrate those small brains of yours, so we have to thing outside the box to make money. So we found the drug trade.” Azuro explained.
“The Pharmacy Act of 1868 withstood Opium as a restricted substance. By order of the queen I was tasked with destroying this drug and all the vermin who sell it.” the young earl said.
“This is why I hate you Englishmen, the queen this; the queen that you act like this woman is your own mother. You only line your pockets to pretend you’re better then the rest of us, but in the end we’re no different from each other” Azuro explained
“I’ve left orders of your key if I don’t return then my servants will make sure that that it’s given to proper authorities.” The earl said.
“Don’t underestimate me, brat! My men are already at your estate, tell me where the key is or your servants will die one by one!” Azuro threatened, pointing a gun at Friel who smirked.
“They’ll be alright, but you’d better hope your lap dogs know how to fetch.” Friel said to his assailant, who immediately struck Friel and stomped out his cigar, as he picked up the phone.
“You hear that the time for talk is over!” Azuro said before he hung up the phone.
“Oh dear this is most troubling, where could’ve the young master be taken?” Sebastian said as he walked the manor halls still carrying the pie.
“Sebastian!” Mey-Rin shouted as she ran towards Sebastian, holding a letter. “I just found a letter!”
“Addressed to whom?” the butler said as he just stood there and watched Mey-Rin running towards him.
“It’s addressed to the servants of the Earl of Phantomhive!” she said as a sniper had his shot lined to hit Sebastian’s head, the butler turned his gaze to the shooter who was more then 550 yards away. The maid then tripped on the strings of her shoes and with almost pinpoint precision Sebastian tosses the pie into the air and is taken down by Mey-Rin to not only causing the bullet to miss the both of them but to also land in just the right spot to catch the pie, with it not getting any imperfections.
“Mey-Rin. The letter please.” Sebastian said, unmoved from the attempt on his life. “If you want your master returned safely, come to Nova Garden Bethnal Green as soon as possible.” he said as he read the letter to himself. “Goodness. What a dreadfully written letter.” the butler said.
“What happened here?” Madame Red said as she, and Lao arrived naturally since they heard the shot.
“Sorry for the noise my lady. I assure you everything is alright, please don’t concern yourself.” he said to Madame Red. “Everyone, I have some business to attend to, so mind getting rid of this?” Sebastian gave the pie to Lao and turned the corner at the end of the hallway.
“Sir, we missed!” the sniper said into his field telephone, informing his boss of his failure, as another gang member drove their car back to their hideout.
“What do you mean you missed?! You two are complete idiots; I should’ve never hired scum like you! Just get back here!” Azuro screamed into his phone.
“Uh sir something’s off, I see something.” the sniper said seeing a dark figure chase their car.
“What’s wrong; you little girls see a bear in the woods?” Azuro said mockingly into his phone, but as soon as he said that he heard a commotion coming from the other side. “What’s the matter, did someone find you? Talk to me.” he commanded. He only hears more commotion, and the sound of their car sounding like it has crashed. The mob leader tries multiple times to get a response to meet only static.
“Hello? I represent the Phantomhive estate. I was wondering if my young master would be available?” none other then Sebastian answered the field phone calmly. “Anyway, I’ll be over shortly to pick him up.” he said before he hung up the phone, and snapped the line. “Now then, I believe there’s a matter of telling me who you work for.” the butler said standing on the hood of the assassins’ automobile, which was halfway off a cliff.
“We work for Azuro Finel!! He’s in a big building on the east side of London!” one of the assassins confessed.
“Thank you. You’ve been most helpful.” Sebastian said tossing the phone back into one of the assassins’ hands. “Thank you for the use your field telephone.” the butler said as he jumped off the automobile and it was sent plummeting down the cliff, into the wooded area below. Sebastian then checked his pocket watch. “Oh dear, at this rate there’ll be no time for dinner.” he said, and then an explosion happened behind him that was caused by the car, yet he was unmoved by it, not even a glance down as he walked towards the building.
“Are we certain that everything is alright?” Madame Red asked Lao as they rode to their respective homes in a carriage.
“If that butler says nothing is wrong, I’m inclined to believe it. He’s been in the young earl’s servitude for so long it’s almost like an unshakable bond between those two. You can always find by the earl’s side, like a shadow.” Lao explained.
“So long, but Sebastian didn’t arrive since two years ago, that’s not much time at all.” Madame Red said.
“Oh really? How odd, my memory is so unreliable. Isn’t that right Ran-Mao?” Lao asked the young girl, who remained silent.
“Useless.” Madame Red said under her breath.
“Listen up! The Phantomhive boy has help on the way; get more security at the gate! Don’t let as much as a single at get through!” Azuro ordered all of his men who filed out to the front of the building and more stood posted inside the building.
“My, my, what a splendid home.” Sebastian said as he stood on the steps of the building, surprising a few henchmen.
“Hey, who the hell’s this guy?” one of them said as they all pointed their guns at the butler.
“My apologies. You see I represent the Phantomhive household.” Sebastian said and within a few short minutes he had killed the entire squad of henchman sent to the front gate, except for one, who’d he snapped the arm of till it was bent backwards. “Pardon me, but I’m in a bit of a hurry.” he said, not even getting a scratch on him, not even one sign of dirt. He then heads into the building and searches every room killing each group of henchman that tried to stop him, still unscathed. It was then he reached the dining room, of course there was a large group of henchman that opened fire on him, Sebastian was prepared though as he used the dishes and silverware on the table to slay each one of the gunman. “Now, if I wasn’t prepared, what kind of butler would I be?” Sebastian said as he exited the dining room. Azuro stood in his room holding his gun as Sebastian entered. “I am here to retrieve my master.” he said as he bowed.
“You’re kidding right? I expected a giant, yet I get some scrawny dandy in a tailcoat. Who are you anyway? There’s no way you’re just a butler.” Azuro said keeping his gun pointed at the butler.
“You’re right sir, for you see, I’m simply one hell of a butler.” Sebastian said to the gunman just as Azuro puts the gun to Friel’s head.
“You better have what I asked for.” Azuro threatened.
“Yes, its right here.” the butler said pulling a key out of his coat, and as soon as he pulled it out, a hail of gunfire from behind a false painting, struck the butler multiple times in the chest and one in the head, killing him.
“Oh well, I still think the Phantomhive boy can still fetch a pretty price.” Azuro said, removing Friel’s eye patch.
“Enough, I grow tired of this.” Friel said annoyed. “How much longer are you going to play dead?” he asked his butler.
“Not long, my lord.” Sebastian said as he stands up. “Guns today, they’re so more efficient then they used to be. They can shoot more bullets now.” he said as he coughs up seven, bloody bullets into his hand. “Perhaps you’d like these back?” and with one flick of the wrist he throws the bullets at the four gunmen who’d been hiding.
“Save me now, this is an order!” Friel ordered as he opened his one eye and the star glows.
“No! It’s over!” Azuro said as he fires upon Friel who is unharmed as if the bullet never fired.
“I believe this is yours.” Sebastian said, holding the bullet. He then drops the bullet into the front pocket of Azuro’s jacket and just as it hits the bottom of the pocket, Azuro’s arm twists in a 360 degree angle four times. With this Sebastian unties Friel’s restraints and carries him back to the manor.
Chapter 3: That Butler, Capricious
It was a dreary afternoon in London as Sebastian was driving Friel’s carriage to Friel’s family summer home outside the city, and within an hour they reach the home.
“I hate this. There’re too many people in London.” Friel said as he headed towards the door, but Sebastian was already at the door.
“There’s no helping it my lord.” Sebastian said opening the door and entering after his master. “It’s tradition for the nobility to migrate, from the city to the country every season.”
“The season eh? Waste of time if you ask me.” Friel said heading towards the study that was located on the second floor of the house.
“Getting away from the manor could be a good change of pace. It’d be time from those four at least.” the butler said, referring to the other help at the Phantomhive manor. “We can enjoy some peace and quiet, for a time.” he added on.
“Some peace and quiet does sound nice.” Friel said as he opened the door to his study, only to see that Madame Red and Lao were looking for tea. “Madame Red? Lao? What are you doing here?” he asked in a surprised tone.
“Ah, Friel, you’re pleasantly early, dear.” Madame Red commented.
“Your arrival must mean, the Queen’s Guard dog has a new scent to follow.” Lao guessed. Within a few moments Friel, Lao and Madame Red sat around a coffee table to enjoy some tea and sandwiches.
“He’s struck again. Another prostitute was found gruesomely murdered in Whitechapel. These killings are far from normal, the level of violence we’re seeing is unprecedented.” Friel explained.
“The most recent victim was a woman named Mary Ann Nickels. It appears a special type of blade was used on her, she was torn up beyond recognition.” Sebastian explained.
“The murder’s unique killing style has given him among the press; Jack the Ripper.” Friel said. “That’s why I’m here early. So I can root out the killer and eliminate him.” he added on, and with that they made their way to the crime scene, where police were blocking off the area for officials only. Just as Friel tries to enter the crime scene a policeman stops him.
“Sorry, my boy. Afraid a crime scene like this is no place for a child. Why don’t you just run along home?” the policeman said.
“I’m here to see the victim’s body.” Phantomhive told the officer.
“Well, if it isn’t Lord Phantomhive. What are you doing here? We at Scotland Yard have no use for you.” Sir Randal said exiting the crime scene.
“Splendid. Let us go Sebastian.” Friel said as he left the crime scene with his butler, Madame Red, and Lao.
“Now what?” Madame Red asked.
“Now we go to the one person who’ll actually be of use to me.” Friel said, and within a few minutes they reach a tan colored building, on the left side of the door were two headstones, on the right side there was a coffin.
“It’s a funeral parlor, run, by an acquaintance of my lord.” Sebastian explained.
“The Undertaker?” Madame Red said, since that was, what was written on the sign above the door. The group entered the building and before long a chuckle filled the room from an unknown source.
“Welcome. I knew, I’d be seeing you before long.” the voice rang throughout the room, that was filled with coffins of all sizes. As soon as the voice finished its sentence, a coffin lid slid open, exposing a young, lean man with long gray hair with a single braid, which is worn so as to hide his eyes. He also has extensive black fingernails and a noticeable scar across his face, neck, and left pinky finger, and across his neck. His robe is predominantly black; additionally, his attire includes an incredibly lengthy top hat, and a gray scarf strapped across his chest and knotted by the hips. He wears an emerald ring on his left index finger. “Do I finally have the pleasure of fitting you for one of my coffins today?” he said in a humorous, yet creepy tone. “No need to say why you’re here, I’m already aware. Very well aware. One of my recent customers was a bit “unusual” shall we say. I helped though. I made her beautiful again!” he said seeming to be excited about working on a mutilated corpse. It was plain to see that Undertaker was clearly not well.
“I see now. The funeral parlor is only a cover business. How much for information?” Lao asked.
“I have no need for the queen’s coin, there’s only one thing I want from you.” Undertaker said, turning towards Lao, then back towards Friel. “Please my lord! Give it to me and I’ll tell you anything!” he said drooling a little, grabbing Friel’s face, panting a little. “Just give me the gift of true laughter! Just one joke and all my information is yours!” he said with great glee.
“Let me try my lord.” Lao said. “On what side does a tiger have the most stripes? On the outside.” Lao’s joke didn’t even get a chuckle.
“My turn.” Madame Red said, and then she began telling gossip from around town, again not even an awkward cough.
“Your turn my lord.” Undertaker said waiting for a joke.
“It can’t be helped. I ask you all to please wait outside, and no matter what, do not enter.” the others exit the building and a few minutes later Sebastian exits. “You all can come in now.” he said, Undertaker still chuckling after a long, loud laugh, drool still trailing down his chin.
“Oh my, I’ve now seen the face of ultimate bliss.” Undertaker said, while recovering. “Interesting pattern, I’m seeing these days. Most of my customers are incomplete.” he said after calming down.
“Incomplete?” Sebastian asked.
“Yes.” Undertaker said keeping the wicked smile on his face. “The uterus was missing, it’s quite odd.” he said with that same grin. “The killer makes a big mess of the body, but that part is always precisely excised.” he said calmly.
“He did it on a road that was public, yet not high traffic. Wouldn’t an amateur, have a difficult time carrying out such a complicated procedure, quickly enough?” Sebastian asked.
“You’re a clever one, butler. That is exactly what I was thinking.” Undertaker said, brushing off a mannequin of the human anatomy. “You see, first she cuts her throat with a sharp weapon. Then he goes right here…” he points to the mannequin’s crotch. “, and steals her womanly parts. There’ll be more slain, I’m certain. A sadistic killer like this won’t stop until someone makes them.” he said as he turned towards Friel. “Can you stop him? Can you sniff him out like a good little guard dog?” the deranged undertaker asked Friel, before chuckling.
“By my family’s honor, I’m sworn to protect the queen and follow her orders, by any means.” Friel said esuriently, and soon Friel, Sebastian, Lao and Madame Red are discussing a list of suspects. “The information narrows down our suspects.” he said.
“We need to find someone with the skill set and a lacking alibi. Removal of the organs could be part of a gruesome ritual. We should concentrate on people in secret societies.” Sebastian states.
“As if that narrows the field? Why even I have the necessary skills for this. Besides the season is ending, any doctors will follow the nobles out of the city, and into the country.” Madame Red explained.
“Then we’ll have to conclude the investigation quickly.” the butler said.
“Impossible.” Lao remarked.
“I should be able to do this at least, otherwise what kind of butler would I be? I shall make up a list of viable suspects and interview them immediately my lord.” Sebastian said as he opened the door of the carriage. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” he said as he stepped out of the carriage.
“He knows we’re moving right?!” Madame Red asked Friel, as she and Lao looked out the window to find no trace of Sebastian.
“Sebastian can take care of it for now; we’ll head home and have a cup of tea while we wait.” Friel said as they headed back to the home. As they reach the house, they open the door to find Sebastian.
“Welcome back everyone, I awaited your return. Your afternoon tea is waiting for you in the drawing room.” the butler said as he took Friel’s hat for him.
“Hold on. How are you here?” Madame asked in disbelief.
“I finished up that little errand, so I came home to edify.” the butler explained.
“Come no you couldn’t have done that all in a few min…” Madame Red was saying, before Sebastian read off the names of all the suspects and the alibis.
“From all this I have narrowed our list to one possible suspect.” Sebastian said, rolling the list back up.
“Are you certain you’re a butler, or a secret military intelligence officer?” Madame Red asked.
“See, my lady, I’m simply one hell of a butler.” the butler stated.
That night Friel, Sebastian, Lao, and Madame Red all ride towards the suspect’s home via carrage.
“The name of the suspect is Aleister Chamber. He went to medical school, but has never gone into practice. Lately, he’s thrown several parties at his home. Behind the scenes of these same soirées, are secret meetings, hidden only by his intimacy.” Sebastian explained.
“I hear he’s into black magic, and those occult sorts of things.” Madame Red said.
“So you’re suspecting he’s performing ritualistic sacrifices of local prostitutes?” Lao asked her.
“Tonight is the last party of the season.” Friel said as he stepped out of the carriage, in a dress to avoid being noticed, his usually eye patch covered eye, concealed with a hat. “Which means, this is our last chance.” he added on.
“Friel will be my niece visiting from the country, and Sebastian will be Friel’s tutor.” Madame Red said.
“And just why do I have to act like your niece?!” Friel asked.
“Because dear, I’ve always wanted a girl. Besides, I hear Lord Chamber has an eye for any pretty little thing in a skirt, and we do want to catch his eye right?” Madame Red asked.
“By any means necessary.” Sebastian added on, as Friel glares at him, they then begin to walk around the party to find the host.
“At least I hope nobody I know will see me like this.” Friel said.
“Oh, I love your dress!” a loud, young female voice said to another guest, and this made Friel freeze in fear. It was a young girl named Elizabeth Midford, a young teenage girl, around 13-14 years old, with emerald green eyes. She has waist-long, golden-blonde hair with a cowlick that has a slight curl in the front, and the rest of the hair is typically worn in two long drills. She was dressed in an elegant red dress. Why Friel froze is because that Elizabeth is his fiancé.
“Come this way young ma-I mean mistress.” Sebastian said, leading Friel away from her and stops at a butler. “That young lady would like some lemonade.” he said, the butler nodded and headed towards Elizabeth.
“Why does everything happen to me?” Friel asked himself as he and Sebastian made their way to the balcony.
“Over there, my lady.” Sebastian said as he motioned Friel towards Chamber.
“Chambers. Let’s go.” Friel ordered, but as soon as they began their approach a line of string instruments began to play, signaling for dancing to begin. “Damn! I’ll never get close to him.” he said angrily.
“We have no choice. We have to dance our way over.” Sebastian said as he took Friel to the dance floor.
“W-what?!” Friel said confused and embarrassed.
“Young master. You already know that I’m one hell of a dancer. Besides, as your tutor, propriety allows me to dance with you at a public event such as this one.” Sebastian explained, and they start dancing elegantly towards Chambers. The music continues, and they stand there scanning the room for Chambers.
“Your dancing is exquisite, like a lovely little robin.” Chambers said, clapping as he walked up to Friel and Sebastian.
“Allow me to get you something to drink my lady.” Sebastian said as he bowed and left for the refreshments.
“Good evening my lord, I’ve been looking to speak with you all night.” Friel said in a more feminine tone.
“Oh? Why’s that?” Chambers asked. Aleister, as commented by many nobles, is an extremely handsome, young man with hair that "shines like the sun." He has shaggy, light-blond hair and lavender eyes.
“I’ve grown bored of dancing and eating.” Friel said wearing a fake smile. This causes Chambers to smirk and hold him by the side.
“What a spoiled princess you are, little robin. Looking for something more, entertaining?” Chambers asked as he placed a hand on Friel’s side moving down to his hip.
“You know of other amusements? I’d be most interested.” Friel said looking up towards Chambers, noticing Elizabeth out of the corner of his eye. She stares at Friel across the dance floor.
“Of course, I’d be happy to show them to you robin, my sweet little thing.” Chambers said holding Friel’s chin.
“Oh really, like what?” Friel asked trying to act innocent. “Please tell me. I’m simply dieing to, my lord.”
“You might be too young.” Chambers says.
“Oh, don’t tease me, my lord. I’m a lady, not a little girl.” Friel says calmly, and with that the music stops signaling the dancing to end, and thus Elizabeth begins to head Friel’s direction. As Elizabeth was halfway across the dance floor, Sebastian, who had adorned a white mask covering the upper portion of his face exposing only his eyes, places a cabinet in front of her.
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you would be so kind as to gather round, this evening’s magic show shall begin.” Sebastian announced, as he turned towards Lao. “You sir. Would you be willing to assist me?” he asked Lao.
“Assist you? Certainly.” Lao said as he headed towards Sebastian.
“My lord, can we go, please?” Friel asked Chambers.
“Yes, anything for you, my sweet.” Chambers said as he led Friel to a dark hallway.
“A normal cabinet. Once, I’ve climbed inside shut it tightly and bind it with the iron chains. Then simply run it through with the swords.” Sebastian told Lao as he entered the cabinet. “I shall emerge completely unharmed.” he said closing the door behind him, as soon as the door was shut, Lao chained the cabinet tightly and checked the strength to make sure.
“Here goes nothing.” Lao said as he drove the first sword straight down the middle of the top of the cabinet, much to the audience’s horror, and Lao began to skewer the swords all over the cabinet. The chains had received cuts from a couple of swords as they entered. The locks were undone and Sebastian exited the cabinet completely unharmed.
“What’s the trick?” Madame Red asked.
“No tricks or illusions my lady, simply magic.” Sebastian responded.
“In this room, little robin.” Chambers said as he led Friel into a dark room and Friel started to feel light headed, and then he fainted against the door.
Within minutes Friel awoke and was again tied up and blindfolded.
“Now for the crown jewel, her eyes are two different colors, but to a collector that would make her even more unique.” Chambers said addressing a whole roomed of masked people.
Back in the Victorian times only a few things were important; money and power. Great to have but can easily be taken away. Sadly this was the case of Friel Phantomhive, a young child who lost his parents to a fire in their manor outside London, England. The fire has been officially been noted as an “accident”, but a freshly turned ten year old Friel knew someone close to the family must’ve caused the fire. But the perpetrator is still unknown to this day. So let us begin our tale of a young Friel and his butler.
Three years after the dreadful fire, Friel begins having an odd dream where his body is being suspended by white ribbons and black feathers gently rain around him. A voice echoes clearly from the void surrounding him.
“I can help you find the person who caused you that terrible deed done three years ago, but it will cost you your most valuable component; your soul.” it said. Friel looked around.
“Of course, anything for revenge!” the boy exclaimed with an instant a feather fell and touches his right eye.
“I shall be loyal under your servitude as a butler until the killer is found, and when that happens, your soul is mine,” the voice said and the feather disintegrates into Friel’s eye creating a purple star, which is then covered by an eye patch. “My name will be your choice though, young master.” Friel is then awoken by the voice in the morning. “It’s time to arise young master.” he said pulling open the silk curtains now looking of a butler. Friel awakens and the butler dressed him. As he dresses his young master the butler begins to list Friel’s tasks. “Breakfast today shall be poached salmon accompanied with a mint salad.” he said pouring a cup of earl grey tea. “I can also make toast, scones or a combination. Which would you prefer?” the butler asked. The butler was tall, skinny, ebony black hair, red eyes, though devilishly handsome. He also dressed in a tuxedo, with a black tie and crisp white gloves.
“Scones.” Friel answered after a small thought.
“Today you have a meeting with a Mr. Hughes; the authority of the history of the Roman Empire, and this evening Mr. Dumbiano will be paying you a visit.” the butler explained.
“Oh, is that the man I put in charge of stuffed animals at my factory in India?” Friel asked.
“Yes. I’m told he’s Italian. We will, of course give all the hospitality the estate can provide.” he said and bowed. “I shall wait for you at the dining hall master.” he begins to leave the room and in a flash Friel gets a dart from a dart board and throws it towards the butler’s head, but the butler caught it without looking. “Well thrown my lord. Even so, lets save the games for later.” he said as Friel looks away.
“Yes, I suppose you’re right Sebastian.” Friel said. Friel was a little short for his age; he had black hair, blue eyes and always dressed eloquently. A few short minutes later Friel is seated at the dinner table eating breakfast. Sadly, to say Friel was kind to what hired help he had would be false, an example would be on that morning he happens to throw a small dart into the back of his gardener, Finnian’s neck. Of course Finni did what any normal person would do; bleed and scream in pain.
“What was that for master? What did I do,” Finni asked putting pressure on the wound. Finny looked like a healthy teen boy; blonde hair, turquoise colored eyes, in his hair are a total of five red bobby pins three on the left and two on the right.
“Nothing, I don’t have to justify my actions,” the young Phantomhive said. With that, Sebastian pushed open the dinning room doors.
“There you are,” he said looking at the rest of the Phantomhive household’s help. The maid Mey-Rin a young English girl with red hair and round thick glasses which hid hazel eyes, Baldroy; the cook, he was tall, muscular wore goggles around his neck, blonde hair and turquoise eyes, and finally Tanaka; the steward, he’s an elderly man dresses in a tuxedo, has grey hair, a mustache and brown eyes. “Have you weeded the courtyard, Finny? Mey-Rin, have you washed all the beddings? Baldroy, have you finished preparing tonight’s dinner? Tanaka… I suppose you’re fine where you are,” Sebastian asked all the workers. The only reason Tanaka was fine was because he was drinking tea. “As for the rest of you, we have no time for thumb-twiddling this morning… so get to work!” he ordered with a fierce intensity in his voice. With immense fear and haste the gardener, cook and maid ran out of the room to do their work. “Simply hopeless,” Sebastian remarked about the other help excluding Tanaka.
Later that day the young Phantomhive was walking to his study and observed a painting of his dead mother and father. He closed his eyes and gave a slight hmph, before continuing to his study. During the day’s passage Sebastian was looking over his accomplishments of the day.
“The silver is polished to a spotless shine. The table cloth is crisp, clean and wrinkle-free. There’s not a single bruise among a single one of Master’s favorite white roses. Finally, the finest quality ingredients have been gathered to prepare a first rate dinner. The table is perfection. This will be an elegant Phantomhive work.” the butler was about ready to prepare the dinner, but then the bell for the study began to ring. “Still so much to do, and he calls me now?” he stops what he’s doing and heads up to the study.
The other hired help of the household watches as Sebastian heads up to the study, and when he’s out of hearing range of them.
“The guest is coming.” Baldroy said with a smile. “Alright, then this is our chance.” Finny and Mey-Rin looked at him in confusion; Tanaka was somewhat in his own little world. “Sebastian looks down on us all the time, today will be so perfect he won’t even know what hit ‘im.” He then showed a look of utter of disbelief and surprise on his face, before returning it a smile. Finny and Mey-Rin make the same face. “That’s for him to do, not you.”
“That’s a good idea!” Mey-Rin said.
“Right, we have to stop relying on Sebastian for everything.” Finny added on, they all then head out to improve upon Sebastian’s work.
“I’m a bit hungry. I’d like something sweet to eat.” Friel requested.
“You shouldn’t eat now master. You might spoil your appetite for dinner with your guest this evening.”
“I don’t care about that make me a parfait!” The young Phantomhive demanded calmly.
“I’m sorry sir.” The butler said, had not moved a single inch.
“Fine.” Friel said getting up and looked out the window. “About the portrait in the hallway. Take it down, I am Friel Phamtomhive; son of Vincent, I’m the head of the household now.”
“As you wish master.” Sebastian said, heading out to the hallway where the workers were not looking so happy more like children who’d done something wrong and were going to admit their crimes. “Now the, what happened here?” he asked.
“I thought it might be easer to use the extra strength weed killer on the garden.” Finny admitted.
“I tried to get the tea set we used for guests but the cabinet fell.” Mey-Rin admitted, her thick glasses cracked.
“There was a lot of meat that needed to be cooked. So I used my flamethrower.” Baldroy admitted, his hair frizzed up due to the heat.
“We’re so sorry!” the worker exclaimed in sadness, in fear they’d lose their jobs. Sebastian though thought things through, about each situation.
“Settle down, all of you. We might be able to save this night yet.” Sebastian said.
As time passed the guest; Mr. Dumbiano arrived. He was amazed the garden, it was a stone garden a choice garden type in Japan.
“Do you like it?” Sebastian asked Mr. Dumbiano. “It’s a stone garden, a choice selection in Japan.” He explained.
“Ahh, sorprendente!” the gust said in glee.
“I’ll escort you inside and call when dinner is ready.” He said heading into the mansion
“Excellent. What I expected from a Phantomhive.” Dumbiano said following Sebastian into the mansion, once inside he made his way into the game room, where young Friel is waiting.
“How about a board game while we wait?” Friel asked his guest.
“Assolutamente.” the guest said, he was a tall man in his mid thirties, brown hair and eyes. He sat down and the two play the game for about 30 minutes. “The West Indian company has been working quite well as of late, we’ve been thinking of expansion, but we need a little payment of twenty five-thousand pounds. It would be most plentiful financially for you, my lord.” Dumbiano explained to the young Phantomhive.
“Pardon the interruption, but dinner is served.” Sebastian said to his young master, and the guest. They followed him to the garden where the table was set. “Tonight’s dinner is a Japanese dish called beef donburi, served to guests of high esteem.” he explained. “Mey-Rin will serve the wine.” Sebastian said. Mey-Rin’s expression changed to concern as soon as he said that, but she nodded and walked towards the table, holding the silver container of wine. As she approached the table, she appeared to be shaking, lost in thought, having a flustered and blushed look on her face.
“Oh so much pressure! I can’t see a thing through these cracked glasses! Don’t look at me!” Mey-Rin thought. As she poured the wine, the poor girl had gotten so flustered that she was pouring wine onto the tablecloth; thankfully the guest was paying attention on his food more then his surroundings. Before a single drop could fall, Sebastian pulls the tablecloth, and does not let a single object on the table fall.
“Hm? What happened to the tablecloth?” Mr. Dumbiano asked looking surprised.
“There was a spot of dirt. It would’ve been distracting.” The young earl said finishing his dinner.
“Ah. Just like a Phantomhive.” Dumbiano said, finishing his dinner.
“I shall call you both when desert is complete.” Sebastian says. With that Friel leads his guest back to the game room.
“If you do not mind my lord, I was wondering if you could let me use your telephone?” Mr. Dumbiano asked.
“Of course. It’s under the main stairs.” The young earl said sitting down, and with that the guest headed to the darkened area under the stairs. Sebastian had decided to serve his lord and his guest tea.
“Where’s your guest?” Sebastian asked pouring a cup for his lord.
“At the phone. I suspect something of him. I want you to investigate, Sebastian.” Friel ordered. Sebastian nodded obediently and served his lord before heading to the main floor.
“Yeah, I’m almost finished.” Mr. Dumbiano said into the phone. “Look I sold the factory and now I’m gonna try and squeeze a little more out of the Phantomhive brat.” He said, smoking a cigar. Dumbiano hung up the phone and turned to the image of a transparent white face. This gave him a scare but he shook it off and headed up the stairs. While he was ascending the stairs he saw the face again, but this time over the face of the Friel’s father Vincent. Again he shook it off growing a little bit more frightened. He then began to look around for which room Friel was waiting for him in. “This home is like a maze!” Dumbiano exclaimed as he saw the face again, this time it was quite larger, and more menacing. This caused Dumbiano to run away in terror, but on his way down the stairs, he tripped causing him to twist his leg, breaking it. So like a wounded dog he dragged himself into the kitchen to hide from the evil face. The man then crawled into what he thought was a cabinet. “Thank goodness.” The guest laid his shoulder onto the wall and heard something scrape against his suit. “What the?” he asked himself he rubbed his hand on the wall and sniffed his hand. “Is this sugar?” Dumbiano asked, and as soon as he asked himself this a hole was created on the door of the cabinet, on the other end, he saw Sebastian’s red eyes.
“Such an impatient guest. Couldn’t even wait for desert to get out of the oven.” The butler said sounding disappointed.
“T-the oven?!” Dumbiano screamed. The guest then began to beg to be released as Sebastian slid the opening closed.
“Plum Pudding, Mince Meat Pie, I’m exquisite to any English desert that involves meat.” Sebastian said with a smile. The butler brought up some lemon meringue pie for Baldroy and Finni, as they’d just removed the painting of Friel’s parents. Meanwhile, Friel watched a burned Dumbiano crawl his way away from the manor.
“Once something is truly lost, it can never be returned again.” Friel said chuckling.
Chapter 2: That Butler, Strongest
It was a calm summer’s day at the Phantomhive home, and Baldroy, Mey-Rin and Finny were checking wires under the floorboards.
“Bloody hell! This wire’s done for.” Baldroy said looking at a damaged wire.
“Oh, not the rats again!” Mey-Rin said as Baldroy came up from the hole in the floor, they had made to do their task.
“This is ridiculous! I mean, I heard they were plaguing London lately, but I never expected them this far out of the city.” The cook said as a lone rat scurried out in front of them. Finny was the first to react by grabbing a bust, lifting it over his head, and threw it at the pest.
“I got you, rat!” Finny exclaimed as he threw the bust. The rat dodged the projectile and scurried away. “Oops, looks like it got away.” the gardener said, rubbing the back of his head, chuckling nervously.
“What are you laughing for?! Are you trying to kill us too, you idiot?!” Baldroy yelled at the gardener. The trio worked quickly, to try and get rid of the vermin, but in a dimly lit room, Friel and a few guests stood or sat around playing a game of pool.
“Seems to be quite the commotion out there, you must be experiencing a rat problem as well.” One of the guests remarked, holding a pool stick. He was a tall, middle-aged gentleman with brown hair; he had a mustache, a short ponytail and wore glasses. At this time another guest walked to the pool table to take a shot, he was young, had stud earrings in his ear; he had blonde hair and was smoking a cigarette.
“Speaking of which; how long will you let the vermin run wild? Someone really aught to take care of them, don’t you think?” another guest remarked, sitting in a chair with a large tray of sandwiches beside him. He was also middle aged except he was short and fat, a black haired gent; he also had a mustache.
“And someone will. He’s just waiting for the opportune moment.” a third guest said. This guest was quite different then the other guests, this man was young, possibly his early twenties; he had short, black hair, the guest was of Chinese descent, and his clothing matched those words. Another thing that struck him different then the other guests was that he had a girl sitting on his lap; the girl was also of Chinese descent. She had golden colored eyes, black hair with thick square bangs. It was arranged in long braids, and cat-like ear buns, accompanied by a pink rose and a golden tassel.
“Indeed. He prefers to settle things in one blow.” the only female guest said. This guest was in between being young and middle aged; she had red hair, the same shade or red as spilled blood. The guest wore an all red skirt and matching waistcoat, and a white blouse; this included a hat and red lipstick, and black gloves. “Will you pass on this turn too, lord Phantomhive?” she asked.
“I’ll pass.” Friel said. “It’s my policy not to shoot if I know that I’ll miss.” He explained.
“That’s all well and good, but when will you handle the problem?” the first guest asked.
“Anytime you’d like. The rats will soon be looking for their forbidden cheese.” Friel replied. “And I hold the key to the storehouse.” he said. The guest took his shot and pocketed the cue ball. “Even so, locating the nest, and eliminating the vermin is a tedious task.” the young lord explained. “You should be focused on getting me a suitable award.” Friel said.
“You’re a vulture!” the first guest said in great displeasure.
“Sir Randal, I’d be careful on how you smear my family name.” the young lord warned the guest. “Now time to end this worthless game.” Friel said, and walked over to the pool table. “How soon can you get the payment?” he asked.
“Tonight, I’ll have it by then.” Sir Randal said, as Friel sat on the edge of the table and lined his shot.
“You pasted your turn twice, and now you’re going for them all in one go?” the fat guest asked.
“Naturally.” Friel said.
“Careful, your greed will undo you.” Sir Randal said to the young lord, who smirked and took his shot and pocketed the last two balls.
“Am I undone?” Friel asked Randal mockingly. Within the hour the fat guest, the blonde guest, and Sir Randal leave the manor by carriage.
“Your tea.” Sebastian said pouring Friel, the Chinese guest, and the lady in red a cup. “We have a special Darjeeling blend from Fortlem and Mason today.” The butler said.
“Smells lovely.” the Chinese gust said. “Tea can be excellent when made well.” the man said as the girl on his lap examined the tea in her cup.
“Grell?” the lady in red said to her butler, who was standing at the door.
“Yes, my lady?” Grell said standing at attention. Grell was a bespectacled, meek, and slender green eyed man. He had brown hair, tied in a red ribbon.
“Learn something from Sebastian.” she told her butler, who nodded. “Just look at him. I mean his physique, you should quit this country job, and work for me in the city.” the lady in red said as she began to gently pat Sebastian’s behind, while the other guest, the girl who sat on his lap and Friel watched in a confused state of mind. Friel finally stopped her by clearing his throat.
“Madame Red.” The young Phantomhive said.
“Sorry. Couldn’t help it, he looked like he needed a physical, just a doctor’s habit.” Madame Red said, rubbing the back of her head.
“Do you believe the drug trafficker was one of your guests today?” the Chinese guest asked putting his cup down and standing up.
“Yes.” Friel told his guest.
“Why not leave the extermination to Lao?” Madame Red asked the young lord. “A rat knows best, where a rat’s nest is doesn’t he?” she pointed out.
“I am but a tamed guinea pig dedicated to my lord. If the earl instructs me not to act, I am bound to do nothing.” Lao said placing a hand on the top of Friel’s head. Within an instant Madame Red began to cradle Friel’s head.
“Watch it! You best your paws off my darling nephew!” Red told Lao with a scorn in her voice.
“You wound me. I’d never harm him in his own home.” Lao said.
“Are you saying you would if you were elsewhere?! Careful, you’re on thin ice now sir!” Madame Red asked Lao with great anger and even letting go of Friel’s head to point and Lao. By this time Friel has exited the room to escape the madness.
“The rats are here.” the young earl said as he rubbed his head, and make his way down the hallway.
“After it!” Baldroy said as he was chasing after the rat with heavy kitchen utensils. He was followed by Mey-Rin, who was carrying mouse traps, and Finny, who was in a cat suit, carrying a cat.
“They’re here as well.” Friel says, rubbing his head.
“Master.” Sebastian says to his young master. “Today’s desert will be a deep dish pie made with fresh apples and raisins, would you like to eat with your guests?” the butler asked.
“Bring it to my study. I’m done here.” the young earl said as he headed to his study.
“Certainly my lord.” Sebastian said as he in one motion caught the rats and put them in a net. “That’s enough of that. Stop playing and get back to work.” Sebastian ordered the other help as Friel closes the door to his study.
“Finally, some peace and quiet.” the young earl said as he walked towards his desk. Suddenly a hand emerged from the darkness and covered Friel’s mouth with a cloth coated in chloroform. Roughly 45 minutes pass by.
“Young master? I brought your pie and afternoon tea.” Sebastian said as he knocked on the door to Friel’s study, without an answer the butler opened the door. “Master?” he yet again asked but to only discovers that the study was in ruin. “This is terrible. The refreshments will all be wasted now.” Sebastian said as he began to clean the room.
In a large white manor in London lies a roughed up Friel. Ankles chained, and body bound by leather straps.
“The Policeman of England’s underworld. One of the nobles who have done the royal family’s dirty work for generations. The queen’s guard dog, tasked with disposing of anyone who disagrees with her. Just how many nicknames do you have?” said the blonde guest as he lit a cigar.
“I should’ve known. You’ve shamed your family Azuro Finel.” the young earl said.
“Come now little Phantomhive. You know how hard it is for the Italian Mafia to work here? You Englishmen only have tea on the brain it’s hard to penetrate those small brains of yours, so we have to thing outside the box to make money. So we found the drug trade.” Azuro explained.
“The Pharmacy Act of 1868 withstood Opium as a restricted substance. By order of the queen I was tasked with destroying this drug and all the vermin who sell it.” the young earl said.
“This is why I hate you Englishmen, the queen this; the queen that you act like this woman is your own mother. You only line your pockets to pretend you’re better then the rest of us, but in the end we’re no different from each other” Azuro explained
“I’ve left orders of your key if I don’t return then my servants will make sure that that it’s given to proper authorities.” The earl said.
“Don’t underestimate me, brat! My men are already at your estate, tell me where the key is or your servants will die one by one!” Azuro threatened, pointing a gun at Friel who smirked.
“They’ll be alright, but you’d better hope your lap dogs know how to fetch.” Friel said to his assailant, who immediately struck Friel and stomped out his cigar, as he picked up the phone.
“You hear that the time for talk is over!” Azuro said before he hung up the phone.
“Oh dear this is most troubling, where could’ve the young master be taken?” Sebastian said as he walked the manor halls still carrying the pie.
“Sebastian!” Mey-Rin shouted as she ran towards Sebastian, holding a letter. “I just found a letter!”
“Addressed to whom?” the butler said as he just stood there and watched Mey-Rin running towards him.
“It’s addressed to the servants of the Earl of Phantomhive!” she said as a sniper had his shot lined to hit Sebastian’s head, the butler turned his gaze to the shooter who was more then 550 yards away. The maid then tripped on the strings of her shoes and with almost pinpoint precision Sebastian tosses the pie into the air and is taken down by Mey-Rin to not only causing the bullet to miss the both of them but to also land in just the right spot to catch the pie, with it not getting any imperfections.
“Mey-Rin. The letter please.” Sebastian said, unmoved from the attempt on his life. “If you want your master returned safely, come to Nova Garden Bethnal Green as soon as possible.” he said as he read the letter to himself. “Goodness. What a dreadfully written letter.” the butler said.
“What happened here?” Madame Red said as she, and Lao arrived naturally since they heard the shot.
“Sorry for the noise my lady. I assure you everything is alright, please don’t concern yourself.” he said to Madame Red. “Everyone, I have some business to attend to, so mind getting rid of this?” Sebastian gave the pie to Lao and turned the corner at the end of the hallway.
“Sir, we missed!” the sniper said into his field telephone, informing his boss of his failure, as another gang member drove their car back to their hideout.
“What do you mean you missed?! You two are complete idiots; I should’ve never hired scum like you! Just get back here!” Azuro screamed into his phone.
“Uh sir something’s off, I see something.” the sniper said seeing a dark figure chase their car.
“What’s wrong; you little girls see a bear in the woods?” Azuro said mockingly into his phone, but as soon as he said that he heard a commotion coming from the other side. “What’s the matter, did someone find you? Talk to me.” he commanded. He only hears more commotion, and the sound of their car sounding like it has crashed. The mob leader tries multiple times to get a response to meet only static.
“Hello? I represent the Phantomhive estate. I was wondering if my young master would be available?” none other then Sebastian answered the field phone calmly. “Anyway, I’ll be over shortly to pick him up.” he said before he hung up the phone, and snapped the line. “Now then, I believe there’s a matter of telling me who you work for.” the butler said standing on the hood of the assassins’ automobile, which was halfway off a cliff.
“We work for Azuro Finel!! He’s in a big building on the east side of London!” one of the assassins confessed.
“Thank you. You’ve been most helpful.” Sebastian said tossing the phone back into one of the assassins’ hands. “Thank you for the use your field telephone.” the butler said as he jumped off the automobile and it was sent plummeting down the cliff, into the wooded area below. Sebastian then checked his pocket watch. “Oh dear, at this rate there’ll be no time for dinner.” he said, and then an explosion happened behind him that was caused by the car, yet he was unmoved by it, not even a glance down as he walked towards the building.
“Are we certain that everything is alright?” Madame Red asked Lao as they rode to their respective homes in a carriage.
“If that butler says nothing is wrong, I’m inclined to believe it. He’s been in the young earl’s servitude for so long it’s almost like an unshakable bond between those two. You can always find by the earl’s side, like a shadow.” Lao explained.
“So long, but Sebastian didn’t arrive since two years ago, that’s not much time at all.” Madame Red said.
“Oh really? How odd, my memory is so unreliable. Isn’t that right Ran-Mao?” Lao asked the young girl, who remained silent.
“Useless.” Madame Red said under her breath.
“Listen up! The Phantomhive boy has help on the way; get more security at the gate! Don’t let as much as a single at get through!” Azuro ordered all of his men who filed out to the front of the building and more stood posted inside the building.
“My, my, what a splendid home.” Sebastian said as he stood on the steps of the building, surprising a few henchmen.
“Hey, who the hell’s this guy?” one of them said as they all pointed their guns at the butler.
“My apologies. You see I represent the Phantomhive household.” Sebastian said and within a few short minutes he had killed the entire squad of henchman sent to the front gate, except for one, who’d he snapped the arm of till it was bent backwards. “Pardon me, but I’m in a bit of a hurry.” he said, not even getting a scratch on him, not even one sign of dirt. He then heads into the building and searches every room killing each group of henchman that tried to stop him, still unscathed. It was then he reached the dining room, of course there was a large group of henchman that opened fire on him, Sebastian was prepared though as he used the dishes and silverware on the table to slay each one of the gunman. “Now, if I wasn’t prepared, what kind of butler would I be?” Sebastian said as he exited the dining room. Azuro stood in his room holding his gun as Sebastian entered. “I am here to retrieve my master.” he said as he bowed.
“You’re kidding right? I expected a giant, yet I get some scrawny dandy in a tailcoat. Who are you anyway? There’s no way you’re just a butler.” Azuro said keeping his gun pointed at the butler.
“You’re right sir, for you see, I’m simply one hell of a butler.” Sebastian said to the gunman just as Azuro puts the gun to Friel’s head.
“You better have what I asked for.” Azuro threatened.
“Yes, its right here.” the butler said pulling a key out of his coat, and as soon as he pulled it out, a hail of gunfire from behind a false painting, struck the butler multiple times in the chest and one in the head, killing him.
“Oh well, I still think the Phantomhive boy can still fetch a pretty price.” Azuro said, removing Friel’s eye patch.
“Enough, I grow tired of this.” Friel said annoyed. “How much longer are you going to play dead?” he asked his butler.
“Not long, my lord.” Sebastian said as he stands up. “Guns today, they’re so more efficient then they used to be. They can shoot more bullets now.” he said as he coughs up seven, bloody bullets into his hand. “Perhaps you’d like these back?” and with one flick of the wrist he throws the bullets at the four gunmen who’d been hiding.
“Save me now, this is an order!” Friel ordered as he opened his one eye and the star glows.
“No! It’s over!” Azuro said as he fires upon Friel who is unharmed as if the bullet never fired.
“I believe this is yours.” Sebastian said, holding the bullet. He then drops the bullet into the front pocket of Azuro’s jacket and just as it hits the bottom of the pocket, Azuro’s arm twists in a 360 degree angle four times. With this Sebastian unties Friel’s restraints and carries him back to the manor.
Chapter 3: That Butler, Capricious
It was a dreary afternoon in London as Sebastian was driving Friel’s carriage to Friel’s family summer home outside the city, and within an hour they reach the home.
“I hate this. There’re too many people in London.” Friel said as he headed towards the door, but Sebastian was already at the door.
“There’s no helping it my lord.” Sebastian said opening the door and entering after his master. “It’s tradition for the nobility to migrate, from the city to the country every season.”
“The season eh? Waste of time if you ask me.” Friel said heading towards the study that was located on the second floor of the house.
“Getting away from the manor could be a good change of pace. It’d be time from those four at least.” the butler said, referring to the other help at the Phantomhive manor. “We can enjoy some peace and quiet, for a time.” he added on.
“Some peace and quiet does sound nice.” Friel said as he opened the door to his study, only to see that Madame Red and Lao were looking for tea. “Madame Red? Lao? What are you doing here?” he asked in a surprised tone.
“Ah, Friel, you’re pleasantly early, dear.” Madame Red commented.
“Your arrival must mean, the Queen’s Guard dog has a new scent to follow.” Lao guessed. Within a few moments Friel, Lao and Madame Red sat around a coffee table to enjoy some tea and sandwiches.
“He’s struck again. Another prostitute was found gruesomely murdered in Whitechapel. These killings are far from normal, the level of violence we’re seeing is unprecedented.” Friel explained.
“The most recent victim was a woman named Mary Ann Nickels. It appears a special type of blade was used on her, she was torn up beyond recognition.” Sebastian explained.
“The murder’s unique killing style has given him among the press; Jack the Ripper.” Friel said. “That’s why I’m here early. So I can root out the killer and eliminate him.” he added on, and with that they made their way to the crime scene, where police were blocking off the area for officials only. Just as Friel tries to enter the crime scene a policeman stops him.
“Sorry, my boy. Afraid a crime scene like this is no place for a child. Why don’t you just run along home?” the policeman said.
“I’m here to see the victim’s body.” Phantomhive told the officer.
“Well, if it isn’t Lord Phantomhive. What are you doing here? We at Scotland Yard have no use for you.” Sir Randal said exiting the crime scene.
“Splendid. Let us go Sebastian.” Friel said as he left the crime scene with his butler, Madame Red, and Lao.
“Now what?” Madame Red asked.
“Now we go to the one person who’ll actually be of use to me.” Friel said, and within a few minutes they reach a tan colored building, on the left side of the door were two headstones, on the right side there was a coffin.
“It’s a funeral parlor, run, by an acquaintance of my lord.” Sebastian explained.
“The Undertaker?” Madame Red said, since that was, what was written on the sign above the door. The group entered the building and before long a chuckle filled the room from an unknown source.
“Welcome. I knew, I’d be seeing you before long.” the voice rang throughout the room, that was filled with coffins of all sizes. As soon as the voice finished its sentence, a coffin lid slid open, exposing a young, lean man with long gray hair with a single braid, which is worn so as to hide his eyes. He also has extensive black fingernails and a noticeable scar across his face, neck, and left pinky finger, and across his neck. His robe is predominantly black; additionally, his attire includes an incredibly lengthy top hat, and a gray scarf strapped across his chest and knotted by the hips. He wears an emerald ring on his left index finger. “Do I finally have the pleasure of fitting you for one of my coffins today?” he said in a humorous, yet creepy tone. “No need to say why you’re here, I’m already aware. Very well aware. One of my recent customers was a bit “unusual” shall we say. I helped though. I made her beautiful again!” he said seeming to be excited about working on a mutilated corpse. It was plain to see that Undertaker was clearly not well.
“I see now. The funeral parlor is only a cover business. How much for information?” Lao asked.
“I have no need for the queen’s coin, there’s only one thing I want from you.” Undertaker said, turning towards Lao, then back towards Friel. “Please my lord! Give it to me and I’ll tell you anything!” he said drooling a little, grabbing Friel’s face, panting a little. “Just give me the gift of true laughter! Just one joke and all my information is yours!” he said with great glee.
“Let me try my lord.” Lao said. “On what side does a tiger have the most stripes? On the outside.” Lao’s joke didn’t even get a chuckle.
“My turn.” Madame Red said, and then she began telling gossip from around town, again not even an awkward cough.
“Your turn my lord.” Undertaker said waiting for a joke.
“It can’t be helped. I ask you all to please wait outside, and no matter what, do not enter.” the others exit the building and a few minutes later Sebastian exits. “You all can come in now.” he said, Undertaker still chuckling after a long, loud laugh, drool still trailing down his chin.
“Oh my, I’ve now seen the face of ultimate bliss.” Undertaker said, while recovering. “Interesting pattern, I’m seeing these days. Most of my customers are incomplete.” he said after calming down.
“Incomplete?” Sebastian asked.
“Yes.” Undertaker said keeping the wicked smile on his face. “The uterus was missing, it’s quite odd.” he said with that same grin. “The killer makes a big mess of the body, but that part is always precisely excised.” he said calmly.
“He did it on a road that was public, yet not high traffic. Wouldn’t an amateur, have a difficult time carrying out such a complicated procedure, quickly enough?” Sebastian asked.
“You’re a clever one, butler. That is exactly what I was thinking.” Undertaker said, brushing off a mannequin of the human anatomy. “You see, first she cuts her throat with a sharp weapon. Then he goes right here…” he points to the mannequin’s crotch. “, and steals her womanly parts. There’ll be more slain, I’m certain. A sadistic killer like this won’t stop until someone makes them.” he said as he turned towards Friel. “Can you stop him? Can you sniff him out like a good little guard dog?” the deranged undertaker asked Friel, before chuckling.
“By my family’s honor, I’m sworn to protect the queen and follow her orders, by any means.” Friel said esuriently, and soon Friel, Sebastian, Lao and Madame Red are discussing a list of suspects. “The information narrows down our suspects.” he said.
“We need to find someone with the skill set and a lacking alibi. Removal of the organs could be part of a gruesome ritual. We should concentrate on people in secret societies.” Sebastian states.
“As if that narrows the field? Why even I have the necessary skills for this. Besides the season is ending, any doctors will follow the nobles out of the city, and into the country.” Madame Red explained.
“Then we’ll have to conclude the investigation quickly.” the butler said.
“Impossible.” Lao remarked.
“I should be able to do this at least, otherwise what kind of butler would I be? I shall make up a list of viable suspects and interview them immediately my lord.” Sebastian said as he opened the door of the carriage. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” he said as he stepped out of the carriage.
“He knows we’re moving right?!” Madame Red asked Friel, as she and Lao looked out the window to find no trace of Sebastian.
“Sebastian can take care of it for now; we’ll head home and have a cup of tea while we wait.” Friel said as they headed back to the home. As they reach the house, they open the door to find Sebastian.
“Welcome back everyone, I awaited your return. Your afternoon tea is waiting for you in the drawing room.” the butler said as he took Friel’s hat for him.
“Hold on. How are you here?” Madame asked in disbelief.
“I finished up that little errand, so I came home to edify.” the butler explained.
“Come no you couldn’t have done that all in a few min…” Madame Red was saying, before Sebastian read off the names of all the suspects and the alibis.
“From all this I have narrowed our list to one possible suspect.” Sebastian said, rolling the list back up.
“Are you certain you’re a butler, or a secret military intelligence officer?” Madame Red asked.
“See, my lady, I’m simply one hell of a butler.” the butler stated.
That night Friel, Sebastian, Lao, and Madame Red all ride towards the suspect’s home via carrage.
“The name of the suspect is Aleister Chamber. He went to medical school, but has never gone into practice. Lately, he’s thrown several parties at his home. Behind the scenes of these same soirées, are secret meetings, hidden only by his intimacy.” Sebastian explained.
“I hear he’s into black magic, and those occult sorts of things.” Madame Red said.
“So you’re suspecting he’s performing ritualistic sacrifices of local prostitutes?” Lao asked her.
“Tonight is the last party of the season.” Friel said as he stepped out of the carriage, in a dress to avoid being noticed, his usually eye patch covered eye, concealed with a hat. “Which means, this is our last chance.” he added on.
“Friel will be my niece visiting from the country, and Sebastian will be Friel’s tutor.” Madame Red said.
“And just why do I have to act like your niece?!” Friel asked.
“Because dear, I’ve always wanted a girl. Besides, I hear Lord Chamber has an eye for any pretty little thing in a skirt, and we do want to catch his eye right?” Madame Red asked.
“By any means necessary.” Sebastian added on, as Friel glares at him, they then begin to walk around the party to find the host.
“At least I hope nobody I know will see me like this.” Friel said.
“Oh, I love your dress!” a loud, young female voice said to another guest, and this made Friel freeze in fear. It was a young girl named Elizabeth Midford, a young teenage girl, around 13-14 years old, with emerald green eyes. She has waist-long, golden-blonde hair with a cowlick that has a slight curl in the front, and the rest of the hair is typically worn in two long drills. She was dressed in an elegant red dress. Why Friel froze is because that Elizabeth is his fiancé.
“Come this way young ma-I mean mistress.” Sebastian said, leading Friel away from her and stops at a butler. “That young lady would like some lemonade.” he said, the butler nodded and headed towards Elizabeth.
“Why does everything happen to me?” Friel asked himself as he and Sebastian made their way to the balcony.
“Over there, my lady.” Sebastian said as he motioned Friel towards Chamber.
“Chambers. Let’s go.” Friel ordered, but as soon as they began their approach a line of string instruments began to play, signaling for dancing to begin. “Damn! I’ll never get close to him.” he said angrily.
“We have no choice. We have to dance our way over.” Sebastian said as he took Friel to the dance floor.
“W-what?!” Friel said confused and embarrassed.
“Young master. You already know that I’m one hell of a dancer. Besides, as your tutor, propriety allows me to dance with you at a public event such as this one.” Sebastian explained, and they start dancing elegantly towards Chambers. The music continues, and they stand there scanning the room for Chambers.
“Your dancing is exquisite, like a lovely little robin.” Chambers said, clapping as he walked up to Friel and Sebastian.
“Allow me to get you something to drink my lady.” Sebastian said as he bowed and left for the refreshments.
“Good evening my lord, I’ve been looking to speak with you all night.” Friel said in a more feminine tone.
“Oh? Why’s that?” Chambers asked. Aleister, as commented by many nobles, is an extremely handsome, young man with hair that "shines like the sun." He has shaggy, light-blond hair and lavender eyes.
“I’ve grown bored of dancing and eating.” Friel said wearing a fake smile. This causes Chambers to smirk and hold him by the side.
“What a spoiled princess you are, little robin. Looking for something more, entertaining?” Chambers asked as he placed a hand on Friel’s side moving down to his hip.
“You know of other amusements? I’d be most interested.” Friel said looking up towards Chambers, noticing Elizabeth out of the corner of his eye. She stares at Friel across the dance floor.
“Of course, I’d be happy to show them to you robin, my sweet little thing.” Chambers said holding Friel’s chin.
“Oh really, like what?” Friel asked trying to act innocent. “Please tell me. I’m simply dieing to, my lord.”
“You might be too young.” Chambers says.
“Oh, don’t tease me, my lord. I’m a lady, not a little girl.” Friel says calmly, and with that the music stops signaling the dancing to end, and thus Elizabeth begins to head Friel’s direction. As Elizabeth was halfway across the dance floor, Sebastian, who had adorned a white mask covering the upper portion of his face exposing only his eyes, places a cabinet in front of her.
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you would be so kind as to gather round, this evening’s magic show shall begin.” Sebastian announced, as he turned towards Lao. “You sir. Would you be willing to assist me?” he asked Lao.
“Assist you? Certainly.” Lao said as he headed towards Sebastian.
“My lord, can we go, please?” Friel asked Chambers.
“Yes, anything for you, my sweet.” Chambers said as he led Friel to a dark hallway.
“A normal cabinet. Once, I’ve climbed inside shut it tightly and bind it with the iron chains. Then simply run it through with the swords.” Sebastian told Lao as he entered the cabinet. “I shall emerge completely unharmed.” he said closing the door behind him, as soon as the door was shut, Lao chained the cabinet tightly and checked the strength to make sure.
“Here goes nothing.” Lao said as he drove the first sword straight down the middle of the top of the cabinet, much to the audience’s horror, and Lao began to skewer the swords all over the cabinet. The chains had received cuts from a couple of swords as they entered. The locks were undone and Sebastian exited the cabinet completely unharmed.
“What’s the trick?” Madame Red asked.
“No tricks or illusions my lady, simply magic.” Sebastian responded.
“In this room, little robin.” Chambers said as he led Friel into a dark room and Friel started to feel light headed, and then he fainted against the door.
Within minutes Friel awoke and was again tied up and blindfolded.
“Now for the crown jewel, her eyes are two different colors, but to a collector that would make her even more unique.” Chambers said addressing a whole roomed of masked people.