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the-letter-horror-lover · 2 years

Text

death.

“

Chapter 5

Notes:

Greetingzzzzz!!!

Thank you all for the fantastic feedback!!! I promise I will respond to everyone as soon as I can, it's been a crazy week at work and I suck but it's ok lol

Now, I know everyone is chomping at the bit for Ciel to meet Sebadtian but all I have to say is BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR!

I will be updating Prepare Yourself next and then Rugged Hearts so thanks for being so supportive and awesome❤️ I swear I get even more inspired when you guys cheer me on, best feeling ever!

And a great big loving kiss to my BAE, my heart, my true love, AnimeCujo oxoxoxo

Enjoy!

Chapter Text

The dawn was a few hours away and yet the skies above the burning Collingwood were a lit and bright yellow. The Royal Navy vessel was a doomed floating inferno with hacked and mutilated bodies of dead seamen littering its decks and at least 20 still live crewman bound by rope and shackles all lined up in one long row. As the ship crumbled around them, several pirates from El Cuervo Negro inspected the ship and its inhabitants for weapons, treasure, food, and maps. This was a Bucaneers life, sail your ship out of reach from man's laws and pillage other ships in order to survive.

However, this mission differed from all others.

El Demonio Del Mar boarded the ship as soon as his men had commandeered it, ensuring safety and precaution for their leader. All hands were on deck ready to dismantle, tear apart the Collingwood. The “Demon of the Sea” observed his pirates, satisfied that they had already started plying boxes of supplies onto El Cuervo Negro.

From below deck emerged Lau accompanied by Ran Mao, calmly observing the destruction surrounding them.

“Greetings Lau.” Captain Michaelis smiled, holding out his gloved hand, palm side down. He waited patiently for the elaborately robed man to take purchase of it and place his lips against his knuckles. The show of deference alarmed Abberline as he watched from the quarterdeck where he and Randall had been tied up and forced to take kneeling positions.

Lau and Ran Mao must have been spies, he thought numbly.

“As imposing and frightening as ever, my dear Master.” Lau bowed, keeping his eyes glued to the Pirates feet.”Your timing is perfection.”

The captain jerked his hand back and wiped it against his coat. “Have you my prize?” He demanded.

Lau cleared his throat and scratched the back of his neck. “Sister, where did you see the boy?” He asked anxiously, casting his eyes down to Sebastian's feet.

Sebastian directed his blood red eyes at Ran Mao, narrowing them as he observed her stony face.”Your brother claims you saw him, is this true?” He snapped.

The young woman stared blankly at him.

“This yellow mongrel refuses to speak to me.” Sebastian seethed, angrily baring his teeth at her.”Make her speak!”

“Sh-She will not speak with me either since you boarded this ship!” Lau cried, wringing his hands in frustration. Suddenly, his eyes popped wide open and he began to wave excitedly towards the direction of the lower decks. ”But she will speak to your first mate!”

“Oh for the love of….ALOIS!” Sebastian shouted. He was used to dealing with the strangest of the strange in his line of work, but presently his patience was quickly wearing thin.” Where is my tongue twister? ALOIS!”

The pounding of small feet came quickly as Alois made his way past the bound crewmen and up to where his Captain was standing. “Yes sir?” He panted, his face shining from the amount of sweat pouring down his face. The heat from the flames on the ship was beginning to get to him and he was lightheaded from running to his Captain.

“Here.” Sebastian removed a linen and lace trimmed handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to the heaving boy.”Compose yourself and mind that you do not lose your breath.”

“Sir, thank you.” Alois took the cloth and wiped his face.”What do you need?”

“Ask her where the boy is.” Sebastian pointed towards Ran Mao. “She seems to be selective with her language and fancies you as her interpreter. Make her speak before I cut their throats.”

Lau’s hands instinctively covered his neck.

Alois nodded and turned to face Mao. ”Nǎlǐ shì nánhái?” He asked politely.

“Tā shì bùshì zài zìjǐ de fángjiān” she answered coolly. “Wǒ qù yīxiē nǐ de nánrén yǐncáng de fángjiān, zhè shì chúle yī zhāng xiǎo chuáng kōng.”

Lau’s face blanched and he coughed nervously, looking away, knowing that what his sister had said would end their lives.

Alois felt the hairs behind his neck stand up as he gave his master an almost apologetic look. “He is gone.” He reported.”She went with some of our members to the hidden room but all they found was a cot.”

Sebastian pressed his lips until they formed thin white lines, his jaw shook slightly as he struggled to rein in his mounting anger. “He is on this ship, is he not?” He growled.

“Yes! He most certainly is on this ship!” Lau hurriedly held up his hands and spoke in a desperate voice.”But with the panic and explosions, it appears he ran from his room!”

Unsheathing his sword from his belt, Sebastian whipped it out and pressed the black forged blade against Lau’s throat. Almond eyes widened in shock, the sensation of warm blood trickling down the side of his neck stole every ounce of courage the man may have had.

“M-My Lord!” Lau stammered. His hands shook terribly and he was at a loss as to how to escape punishment. “P-Please-!”

“Pray to whatever gods you may believe in that the boy is on this ship.” He hissed, digging the tip of the sword deeper into Lau’s skin.”Pray harder that he is still alive.”

Lowering his sword, Sebastian wiped the blood against Lau's robe..

Unable to listen in on the exchange between Sebastian and Lau, Abberline felt revulsion over his actions. He studied the pirate captain’s swagger, noting the arrogance behind every movement of the smirking man. This was a highborn gentleman, he decided, there was no doubt to it. His skin was porcelain smooth, a body well fed, firm and trim, hands covered by most possibly the softest of high grade leather gloves and a full row of pearlescent teeth. This was no ordinary sea vermin, no scraggly hound of the ocean. El Demonio Del Mar housed noble blood and an upbringing of the highest caliber.

This brought a newfound distaste for the man, Abberline detested bullies and anyone who used their given powers to harm others. For someone to have been raised with such care and attention to turn out so evil and malicious made him want to spit nails at Sebastian.

“See anything which fancies you?” Sebastian snickered, realizing that Abberline had been staring at him the entire time he walked along the line of kneeling prisoners.”Would it be my attire or perhaps……” He spread his hands out in a grandiose manner and winked “Me?”

The Cuervo crew laughed heartily. “He can have neither, Captain!” Bard shouted from the other end of the line, swinging his cutlass above his head.”He be not good enough!”

Abberline clenched his jaw and looked away with disgust. The coarse rope keeping his hands tied behind his back had begun to cut into his skin sending needle like pain shooting up his arms. Alois stood behind him and Randall, waving his pistol between their heads.

“Are you going to start offing the crew, Capitan?” Alois grinned, excitedly hopping from one foot to the next.”Can you wait until I return? I want to go with Snake and look for the treasure!”

“Treasure?!” Randall shot his head up and glared at Sebastian.”What treasure?!”

“You know full well what treasure I seek.” Sebastian crossed his arms and grinned.”Your entire crew has no inkling of what has boarded this ship and lay hidden for the past month. You've kept your secret well, however, since you both refuse to tell me where it is I shall find it myself.”

Murmuring voices rose from the captured men, several turning to one another asking if who knew what was going on. They all babbled, confused and frightened; frantic to be freed from the clutches of one of the most feared pirates in all the world. But no one had information for the secret of Ciel had been kept under lock and key.

“My darling sister saw the child.” Lau croaked as he pressed his sleeve against the wound on his neck.”He never left the ship, nor did we dock anywhere since we left Jamaica.”

“There is no doubt in my mind that he remains on this ship.” Sebastian sauntered over to Abberline and Randall, the clinking of his cutlass against his hip was almost menacing. Crackling fires and the groaning of a gradually sinking ship were the funeral hymns for the unlucky crewman. Once Sebastian had found what he was looking for, the fate of the Collingwood would be sealed.

“Randall and Abberline, I presume?” Sebastian pointed at them.”I am not one to speak ill of another captain’s crewman, however, such an odd assortment as I have ever seen aboard a Royal Navy vessel.” He narrowed his eyes, piercing the men with a suspicious look.”Perhaps you were forced to leave Jamaica with an inconspicuous lot? Might you both be hiding something of value on this ship?”

Unable to withstand the contemptuous gaze of Captain Sebastian, Randall swallowed hard and mustered up whatever courage he had left. “We know not what you speak of.” Randall lifted his chin defiantly and met Sebastian’s eyes with his own.”We were merely returning home to London.”

“Rubbish.” Sebastian snarled,.”My men have already found a hidden room behind your desk in your office where a small cot was fitted. I shall say, an empty cot.”

Abberline whipped his head to the side and stared with wide owlish eyes at Randal. “Sir.” He whispered frantically.”He's gone?”

“How the Hell should I know!” Randall hissed back.”Shut your stupid mouth!”

“Your doom is in your hands.” Sebastian picked up his foot and pressed his heel against Randall’s shoulder, digging it deeply into the collarbone. “And yet you dare mock me with your lying.”

“Gah!” Randall winced, nearly collapsing under the amount of pain shooting through his shoulder and down his arm.”S-Stop it! I-I know nothing!”

“Enough of this.” Sebastian raised his hand and motioned for Alois to come to his side.”Come, my tounge twister.” He beckoned.

Alois skipped over to his captain's side and lowered his head in deference to his master.”Aye, sir.”

Ruffling the mop top of buttery yellow hair, Sebastian gave Alois a fond look “Be a good boy and bring Snake with you to fetch my prize.” He ordered softly. “Upon your return hence shall we annihilate this band of unseemly men.”

Alois felt his face flush with pleasure for a moment but then shook his head out of the captain’s touch. “Aye, Capitan!” He saluted.

Abberline watched the boy scamper off after grabbing a taller and thinner man with strange green eyes to accompany him. Where in the world had Ciel gone off to? He wondered, worry balling up in his chest as one nightmarish scenario after another played out in his head.

Had Ciel, in a state of panic, thrown himself overboard? Had the blast from the cannons frightened him so much that he had left the hiding place, gone below deck and been crushed by an explosion or falling object?

Shaking his head, he shut his eyes and prayed fervently for Ciel’s safety. It would have been crazy to believe that the Pirates had wanted the young man for pure reasons, however, death was not a favorable option.

Alois jumped over smoking crevasses which formed zigzag openings along the deck floors. He had to be extra careful, the ship was unsteady and breaking apart, it would do no good ending up seriously hurt or dead before helping his captain. Snake followed dutifully behind hi, pausing only when fire spewed out from some of the openings.

“Ok, it's time for you to do your work.” Alois stopped and turned to his seemingly mute partner.”but make sure they work quickly, this ship won't hold for long.” He added quickly.

Snake nodded and unfastened a brown cloth bag attached to his waist belt. Placing his hand into the bag, he gingerly removed three snakes, each displaying golden brown markings, and with great care, placed them on the floor.

“Find the boy with one eye.” He whispered to them.

Beady eyes stared back at him, their forked tongues flicking in and out.

“Here, try this.” Snake took out a small ragged cloth, no bigger than his palm, and allowed the reptiles to rub their faces against it. It had been torn from the corner of the bed sheet where it had been assumed that Ciel had slept. Alois felt the unsteady ship lean inch by inch towards its side and he sighed loudly.”Hurry up, Charmer.” He urged. “We haven't all night!”

Suddenly, the snakes slithered away in three different directions, each disappearing between the spaces of the planked wood.

“They smell him.” Snake spoke in a voice barely above a whisper, his eyes not quite meeting Alois’.”They will find him.”

“They better make it quick.” Alois stomped his foot against the deck and grimaced”I refuse to go down with this ship.”

Snake brushed his long bangs away from his eyes and shrugged.”Find the treasure first.” He said simply, earning an annoyed look from his shipmate.

“Just because you can talk to those disgusting creatures doesn't make you better than me!” Alois spat, crossing his arms Indignantly.”I'm far more important than you!”

Unsure as to how to address the sudden childish remark, Snake wisely opted to remain silent. For some odd reason, Alois disliked anyone “gifted” such as himself. Known for his uncanny ability to speak any given human language, Alois was regarded highly by Sebastian. To be able to communicate with anyone in any part of the world proved to be quite a powerful tool for the crew of El Cuervo Negro. He believed himself as the only person Sebastian would need if he had to choose only one ship hand to come to his aid. It was not missed by anyone on their ship that the demon captain doted on Alois and indulged many of the young man's whims whenever possible.

But inflated ego aside, Alois was no fool. His captain had hand picked only the best of the best to be his special crew. Snake knew this as well and felt a kinship, welcomed or not, with his talented brethren. Mulling over these facts, the two men waited silently on the deck while below them in the darkness of the hulls, hiding behind a battered and broken bulkhead, was a shaken and shell shocked Ciel.

Clothed only in a thin nightgown, the young man trembled from pure fear and the fine sheen of sweat on his body while all around him the blasts of the cannons and explosions of stink bombs filled the air with a gruesomely pungent din. The second wave of the attack had jarred the secret door to his room open and the thunderous sound of booted feet against the upper decks sent Ciel into a state of panic. Unwilling to remain in the room alone, the boy sprung up from beneath the covers and bolted out of the room.

The night air was smoky and bright, causing Ciel to violently choke and cough. He had balled up his fist and shoved his sleeve over his mouth in an attempt to minimize the intake of toxic smoke. Stumbling about nearly blind, he made his way downstairs, unnoticed by the scrambling deck hands, and found a dark area near storage. A lone lantern swung back and forth, casting a singular flicker of light and shadows across the walls.

Ciel had no idea what to do next, how could he possibly escape? He wondered. Drawing up his thin legs to his chin, he wrapped his arms around them and hugged himself tightly. Rocking back and forth, he repeated the Lord’s Prayer over and over again, fighting back the urge to break down and cry.

“I must be brave, I must be breve.” He chanted over and over again in between the prayers.

Where was Abberline? His thoughts turned to the youthful officer who had promised him protection and perhaps, his heart. A knot formed in Ciel's throat, heavy and sorrowful. He wanted so badly to see him, stand beside him, hold his hand and fall into his embrace.

What if he was killed? Ciel's mind turned against him and suddenly fear opened up a new door to horrors for the boy.

What if Abberline was dead?

“No!” Ciel hissed, balling up his fists and slamming them on the floor.”He cannot be dead!”

Before he.could completely lose himself to the terror pounding within his chest, a cool sensation began creeping up his legs, almost like a silken thread of water flowing upwards towards his knees. Furrowing his brows in confusion, Ciel looked down at his legs and felt the blood empty from his face.

Staring up at him in the dimly lit room, coiled around his bare legs ,were three pairs of beady blinking eyes.

And in an instant, they were gone.

Frozen with fright, Ciel could barely register what he had just seen. Snakes on a ship? He had never heard of such a thing? As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he immediately began frantically slapping his legs as if he was still covered with the slippery creatures. His skin crawled with disgust until the stinging of his own blows finally halted his actions.

Footsteps echoed above him and he clutched his sides, willing himself to cease any noises for fear of being discovered. There seemed to be more than one set, clamoring to the ladder which led from the upper storage area to the lower briggs.

Ciel held his breath and waited for whatever was approaching the bulkhead in which he hid behind. Terror nearly seized him as the sounds grew closer. Who could have found his hiding spot? He wondered while a new sheet of sweat broke out all over his face and body. Would the person belonging to those footsteps kill him on the spot? Would he be raped?

“Lord, please save me!” He wept into his hands. The nightmare which had begun the night his parents had been murdered would not cease its monstrous development. It kept lurching forward, devouring every speck of hope and light in his life. He was drowning in terror, sorrow, simply suffocating from the misery of his earthly Hell.

When would it all come to an end? He thought bitterly.

“Well, looky here!”

---------------

Miles and miles away (at least a month's journey away) along the breathtaking shores of La Roquetta Del Mar, Spain, stood an elegant and regal castle which went by the title of El Castillo Del San Isidro. Outlined by natural beaches, a bustling and lucrative port, and lush foliage, the fortress housed a royal family of such prestige and pure lineage that one would have to practically sell their soul in order to call upon company with the inhabitants of said castle. To hold court with the nobles who sported blue black hair, linen skin and alluring charms, was an incredibly desired honor.

Standing silently at a widow's peak on the third landing was a gentleman of exquisite taste and otherworldly appearance. His finely shaped cat like amber eyes were housed behind spectacles and his black hair was drawn back away from his face, cut in sharp edges and tied in a small neat boat the nape of his neck. His stoic expression gave away nothing as he observed the thundering waves against the shores of his small town. The castle had been in his family for generations and as fine as it was, it breathed only loneliness and despair.

He waited patiently.

A lavender eyed lady of 20 years, dressed in a simple periwinkle maid’s dress with a lace trimmed white apron overlay, entered his rather expansive bedroom carrying a silver tray. She had prepared the gentleman's evening tea and snack and was hoping to lift his dark mood with the help of some sugared treats.

Her long thick white hair was tied in a loose bun and she blew a wisp of hair away from her face as she studied her master’s rigid position. “You insist on remaining there for hours?” She exclaimed, setting the tray down on his desk.”Please, sir, come eat and drink. Replenish yourself.”

“I am not hungry, Hannah.” came the terse reply.

She sighed, ”How unbecoming, sulking at your age.” Placing a dollop of honey into a gold rimmed teacup, she swirled the hot water until the tea was properly steeped.”Exercise some patience.” She added.

The distinguished man, dressed in a sharp black and purple house robe, turned to face his servant. “Must you chide me?” He grumbled, annoyed at being chastised by his favored servant.”Since when are you so cruel?”

“Drink your tea.” She ordered, offering the cup and saucer, which he gladly accepted.”I have some miniature tarts for you.” Directing his attention to the elaborately decorated sweets.

“Why do you lay the honey so heavily?” He grimaced after the first sip of the hot drink.”You know full well how I despise honey!”

“Honey is beneficial to your health.” She insisted. Gathering her skirt, she sat down in a chair near his bed, tucking the thick petticoat behind her legs. “Tanaka sent word this morning.” She adied "A messenger pigeon.”

The man looked up from his cup with surprise.”Is my brather returning home?” He asked excitedly.

“Your dear and beloved brother shall be delivering your prize in a month’s time.” She smiled, enjoying the glow of elation washing over her master’s face ”Young master, do enjoy the waiting moments; hunger is the best flavor for a delicious meal.”

Chapter 6

Notes:

Greetingzzzzzzzz!

So I was going to wait longer to update but I realized that I would be updating Rugged Hearts next week so why not give the readers what they want right now?

Sebastian and Ciel❤️

I hope you enjoy this chappy and thank you so much for the responses and support! If you have anymore theories, ideas, questions, comments, etc. feel free to share! I will be responding to all comments this weekend.

"Onward, Buttercup! There's fuckery to be had!"

Chapter Text

With a quickly approaching dawn and a sinking vessel, the pirate of El Cuervo Negro hustled at high speed, maneuvering like busy bees in and out of cargo holds, rooms, barracks, and the kitchen area. After the crew of the Collingwood were successfully under siege, the seizing of all valuables began almost immediately. It was the nature of the beast, a pirate lived solely on his hunger for loot and life. With a long list of criminal activities, Buccaneers did anything and everything to lessen their time on land lest the decent hands of the law take ahold and hang them for their unlawful actions.

“Watch them barrels!” Bard barked at several of his shipmates who had been relegated to handling the stored water. “Every one of them is worth more than all the doubloons on this ship!”

The men grunted their agreement as they heaved one back breaking barrel after another onto the pirate ship. Each thickly paneled case held gallons upon gallons of fresh water, literally life saving liquid one could not have too much of during a long sea voyage. Bard counted at least twenty barrels before he ordered the rest of the marauders to turn their attentions towards the food pantries located two levels below deck.

“Thieving animals!” Randall raged, struggling to loosen the ropes binding his arms together behind his back.”They shall pay with their lives for daring to step foot upon His Majesty's vessel! The gallows for each and everyone one of these scoundrels! This injurious treatment shall not go unpunished!”

“Sir, please keep your voice down!” Abberline beseeched, shifting his weight from one knee to another. He bit his lower lip trying to hold back the urge to yelp from the stabbing pain kneeling for so long on the hard wooden planks.”Perhaps, if the Lord permits, we may be able to speak reasonably with their captain and negotiate our lives!”

“Are you daft?! These dogs are ransacking our ship! The blood flag is high upon their mast! They mean to kill us all!”

Abberline relented and gave up trying to reason with his superior. Randall’s choleric behavior was of no surprise to him. Ill tempered and easily irritated; it was rare to see the Navy officer smile or pass a light moment.

Their current situation was beyond grim, in fact, it was nearly hopeless. These pirates had easily overpowered them, and on top of that, it appeared that their captain had premeditated the attack so that they could steal Ciel away from them.

But why? Abberline pondered the question, who else was after Ciel and how would anyone benefit from acquiring the young man?

“Finny! Look out!” Bard shouted.

Abberline looked up, startled by the booming voice, and watched as Bard waved frantically at the waifish man who had been walking by the human chain of sailors passing the water barrels along. The seasoned military man, who had heard the crackling sound of splintering wood before it finally pierced the air, shouted his warning. No one could could utter a sound as a large beam toppled over and hurtled its way down towards the deck, snapping and shattering smaller mastheads along the way and pulling canvas sails with it. The night sky filled with panicked voices as deckhands called out warnings amidst the booming collapse..

“Avast!”

"Get out o' t' way! "

“It's comin' down!"

“Finny!” Bard cried, launching himself towards the boy who stood directly under the path of the fractured wood. Everyone scattered, clamoring over one another in order to escape injury or death, but Finny stood in his place and watched as splinters rained down around him. Bard knew he would not make it in time but he only sped up, praying he would reach his mate before the beam would.

Abberline’s jaw dropped, he could not fathom what he was witnessing.

Instead of cowering and covering his head in a futile attempt of lessening the blow from the juggernaut beam, Finny smiled and held up his hands.

“Got it!” He laughed gaily and as if the massive chunk of wood was a mere feather, he deftly caught it with unbelievable ease. His legs neither buckled nor bent in the slightest, his face never twisted with effort, not a bead of sweat nor a tear shed.

Finian “The Fortress” was no mere child. He was a hidden powerhouse amongst Sebastian's “gifted” crew. A boy of below average height and with a disposition as airy and sweet as a flower garden, Finny had not an ounce of malice in his heart. His natural tendency was to be helpful and mindful of the feelings of those around him and he never missed a chance to care for his shipmates whether by mending clothes, completing chores or stepping in to ease the bulk of a task. There was no one more cheerful than Finny.

But cross the lad with the large innocent eyes, and he would crush you like an insect. His past was a mystery for he never spoke of it and the enigmatic man made no attempt to indulge the others of his previous life before Sebastian had commandeered him.

“We best be gettin’ offa this ship, sir!” Finny observed, lowering the beam to his feet and placing it gently upon the deck. “Lest some poor sailor gets smashed or somethin’.”

Bard skidded to a stop in front of the bright eyed boy, his boots squeaking loudly against the wet planks, and wiped his forehead with the back of his arm. The look of relief he wore on face was quickly replaced with sputtering anger.”Lard brain! Milk bait” He swore, chewing furiously at his unlit cigarette.”If yer just gonna stand about like a useless twat, get back on our ship before ya get kilt!”

Sebastian cocked an eyebrow, but kept silent.

Finny's face crumpled up and large droplets of tears began collecting at the corners of his eyes. “I-I'm s-s-sorry!” He wailed, his small body shook and so ashamed he was by his own reaction he covered his face with his hands.”I-I-I was jus’ helpin’”

Bard signaled for the rest of the crew to continue collecting booty, making sure each man had his attention taken away from the mess which was now Finny. Grumbling to himself about how the pains of handling a young crewman was going to send him to an early grave, the ex soldier walked towards Finny and placed a rough but comforting hand on his crown.

“Quit yer cryin’” he sighed, pulling at a lock of wavy hair and earning a mouselike Yelp from Finny.”I'm sorry I yelled. I….I was jus’ scared for ya, is all.”

Finny sniffed and pressed his fingers against his eyes.”Yes sir, I'm sorry, sir” He whimpered.”I'll go back on the ship.”

Bard smiled.”Go on. Leg it, monkey.” He could not remain angry at the sweet faced man for long, it sat uncomfortably in his gut knowing that one sour look could easily send Finny into a mess. Playfully nudging the boy's head with his hand, he pointed towards their ship. “And mind where you stand!” He added.

Finny nodded and scampered off to the makeshift bridge connecting both ships. Bard watched the elf like figure amble clumsily over to their ship and suddenly, the crushing weight pressed against his chest lifted. He worried too much over Finny, he knew that, but the thought of something actually happening to him was frightening.

Sebastian had observed the entire scene with a critical eye and made a mental note to not allow Finny near burning masts and sails. It might prove prudent to assign Bard full charge over the miniature strong arm, he mused.

“Captain Michaelis! We found the treasure!”

Sebastian whirled around, facing the direction of Alois’ excited voice. From the lower deck came Alois, Snake and between them the form of a petite bodied boy with slate grey hair. They held him roughly by the arms and half carried half dragged the listless young man. His legs barely moved and his head hung down so much so that Sebastian could not make out his face.

Abberline jumped to his feet.”No!” He cried out before being forced back onto his knees by two burly pirates standing behind him. He held back his voice and cursed inwardly at the brutish manhandling of his beloved Ciel.

“We found him hiding down by the bulkheads!” Alois reported happily, pulling on Ciel's left arm roughly while they made their way to Sebastian. “This is him, right?! It has to be! He's got one eye and he's a boy!”

Stopping in front of their captain the pair attempted to hold up the near lifeless body of Ciel.”He's heavier than he looks.” Snake mumbled, pulling at Ciel's nightgown for extra leverage.

Dark ruby eyes studied the gleaming muss of bluish hair, the long, lean alabaster limbs and whisper thin cotton nightgown barely covering the boy's body. Sebastian whistled lowly, admiring the delicacy before him. ““Lift his face” he commanded softly.

Surmounting rage overcame Abberline. “Do not dare touch him!” He roared, shaking his head vehemently.”Do not dare lay a hand on him!”

Ignoring the outburst, Sebastian merely chuckled. “I said, lift his face.” He repeated.

Grabbing a tuft of hair from the back of Ciel's head, Alois jerked the boy's head up.”Up and at ‘em!”

Catcalls and high pitched whistles resounded from the pirate crew as the men beheld the porcelain beauty of Ciel Phantomhive. Rounded rose kissed cheeks and pink tulip lips was a most welcomed sight for the starved crew. They cheered on their captain to lift the gown, show off some legs, and other deviant requests much to the distaste of Abberline and Randall.

A sailor who had been positioned to guard Abberline and Randall smacked his lips loudly. “Ye be a good lookin' beauty" he snickered.

Another sailor stationed near him agreed. “He be a pretty lad!” He observed, offering a molesting smile. The pirate leaned closer to Ciel. “Bare you aye you're not a lass?" he winked.

“I assure you, the child is a male.” Abberline snarled.

The man shook his head, stepping back away from Ciel “Shame. It's nice t' look at your face"

he grunted.

Not liking at all how every man was now leering at the semiconscious man, Abberline lifted his chin and glared at them all “Stand off!” He announced in a firm voice. “He is my ward.”

A few seconds passed while Abberlines words hung in the air until the pirates finally doubled over, guffawing boisterously at the brave attempt on Abberline’s part. “Aye, captain!” They all cackled loudly, saluting the now red faced man.

“Enough!” Sebastian bellowed, effectively silencing every man within earshot. “This ship will not last another half hour and I've no time to play games! Alois, wake the urchin up and request his name. I shall not assume this is our prize until he utters his own name.”

“Wakey wakey pretty boy!” Alois shook Ciel and pulled at his hair. Snake landed a few sharp slaps to Ciel's cheek, coaxing him to groan. A sliver of blue appeared beneath Ciel’s lid as he came to from his momentary fainting spell. So terrified was he over his situation that he had passed out when Alois and Snake had appeared to him from out of the darkness.

“What is your name?” Alois demanded, pinching Ciel's chin between his thumb and fingers. He shook his head from side to side. “Oy! What's your name!”

Ciel stared dumbly at Alois and remained silent.

“Maybe he doesn't speak English?” Snake offered quietly.

“He's English you stupid sea slag.” Alois snapped.

“Get him to speak, Alois.” Sebastian growled.

Rolling his eyes in exasperation, Alois tried again. “Hvad hedder du?”

Silence

“Hoe heet je?”

Nothing

“Comment vous appelez-vous?”

Ciel crinkled his nose and looked away.

“Comme ti chiami?”

Still no response

“Como te llamas?”

Shaking his head, Sebastian stepped forward and removed one of his fine leather gloves.”Perhaps this language will help.” He sneered, raising his hand above his head, he brought it down with brute force, landing his open palm squarely across Ciel's cheek. It sounded sharp and deadly, like a musket blast. The impact sent the young man's head snapping back, jaw agape, as he soundlessly crumpled to the floor shocked and reeling from the pain. Alois and Snake pulled him up by his arms and forced him to stand on his own two feet.

“What is your name?!” Alois bellowed, grabbing Ciel by the back of his thin neck and shaking him roughly.”Speak!”

Ciel tried to reach up to rub the burning spot on his cheek, but Snake jerked his arm down to his side. “C-Ciel” he quaked in a tiny voice, surrendering any fight he might have had left within him. The pain from the blow was resonating through his skull, pulsating and nauseating.

“C-Ciel….Ph-Phantomhive!”

“Excellent.” Sebastian cooed, slipping his hand up Ciel's neck and cupping the back of his head. He studied the large endless blue eye of the young man and found the heart shaped features enticingly exotic. A hot welt had already mushroomed on the side of Ciel's face and the rosy red color seemed to add to the boy’s beauty

”Behave and obey,” He whispered in a husky voice, using his thumb to rub the smooth area behind Ciel's ear. “These are my only requests of those who board my ship. It does not behoove me to maim such a pretty lad, I would rather indulge myself in your loveliness than mar it.”

Abberline jumped to his feet and staggered towards Sebastian. “Damn you! Damn you, insufferable bastard! Vile miscreant! ” He swore, livid and scarlet faced. “Do not touch him! Do not-GAH!” A smash to the back of his head by a pirate wheeling a wooden club sent Abberline crashing onto the floor. He landed heavily on his chest, narrowly missing a collision between his face and the floor, still his skull ached and throbbed and he was nearly blinded by the pain.

Sebastian pulled on his glove, gracefully stretching out each finger while Abberline squirmed at his feet. He smirked, tapping his booted toe in front of the fallen man “Silence him forever, Alois.” He decreed.

Alois released his hold on Ciel and whipped out a small pistol, pressing it against the back of Abberline’s head.

“No! No! Please!” Ciel suddenly cried out, furiously wrestling out of Snake’s grasp and throwing himself over Abberline's body. He could barely cover the man's head with his petite build but he desperately held out a hand, shielding Abberline's head with his own. “I beg you, sir! I beg you as I shall kneel before you here and beg you from my very honor!” He implored, tears streaming freely down his face “Do nothing to this man, please!”

Silence fell once again over the crew, their eyes toggling between the strange scene in front of them and their stone faced captain. Alois scowled, cocking his pistol “Move, you mangy puppy!” He hissed.

Sebastian emitted a low chuckle, rubbing his chin with his thumb as he observed the tortured pair on the floor. He could feel the stability of the Collingwood ebbing away and the crimson kissed sunrise had begun its ascension. They had stayed far too long on the ship.

“How amusing.” He drawled, crooking his finger at Alois and beckoning him. “Step away from them, Alois.”

Alois pouted, pocketing his weapon.”Aye, capitan.” He grumbled.

Bard felt a shift in the boat’s movements and nearly tripped over his unsteady footing. He regarded his captain with a serious look. “Captain Michaelis, your orders, sir.” He saluted. “Best we get off this sinking ship before we go with her!”

Sebastian agreed. “Plunder the Collingwood.” He ordered sternly. “Take no prisoners. Leave Randall and Abberline to find their way back to England aboard a raft, do fit these gentlemen with provisions. Lay waste and set fire to this ship.”

“And the lad?”

A seductively dangerous smile slid across Sebastian's face. “He is our honored guest.” He quipped.

Randall gnashed his teeth. “You son of a bitch!” He spat, his body trembling with rage. “You wretched thief! Murdering bastard! You'll not escape the fury of the Royal Navy!”

Sebastian looked down upon him and frowned. “Do not egg me on, Captain Randall. I have already exercised great mercy upon you and your lieutenant, sparing your lives so that you may have an opportunity to enact your revenge against me one day. Proceed with your filthy mouth and I may have to separate you from your tongue.”

Still laying on the floor, Abberline twisted his head towards Ciel and swallowed hard as he prepared himself for the inevitable. “Pay him no mind, Ciel.” He rasped. “The men on these ships work hard to fill their pockets and their stomachs, but the long months, even years, isolated from the common decency of society on land tends to warp their minds.”

“I-I cannot go with them!” Ciel wept, burying his face in Abberlines hair. “I-I don't w-want to leave you!”

“Ciel! I will find you!” The young officer promised, breathing in the boy's scent. “I will come back and I will find you and I swear to you on my life that I will find you!”

“Please come back for me!” Ciel clutched Abberlines jacket and shook him. “Come back for me!”

“I will, I swear on my life I will come back for you!”

The undulating cries of men being slain in cold blood and the trampling thunder of booted men exiting the doomed Collingwood seemed to drown Ciel's weeping, but Abberline could feel the warm tears dripping against his own face. He knew they were far off course and the odds of surviving on a raft in the middle of a vast ocean were nearly impossible. But he had to save Ciel, he had no other choice but to survive in order to keep his promise to the lad.

Several rough hands hauled the officer and his still raging captain off of the floor and onto a safety raft. Provisions, water and blankets were tossed to them and they were unceremoniously cast off to the great unknown. Ciel watched, his one blue eye darkened and moist with fear and grief over the situation and he prayed quietly for salvation.

Sebastian ordered Alois and Snake to board their ship with Ciel in tow and it was the morose facade of the diminutive man/child which entertained him the most. How unlikely for an officer of the esteemed Royal Navy to create such an attachment between himself and a young noble.

With the smell of burning wood, charred flesh and simmering blood wafting through the salted atmosphere, Sebastian sucked in the aromas and felt sated. He walked up to the bridge and tipped his head to the Collingwood. It was not the first time he had plundered a ship, but it was the first Royal Navy ship he had ever destroyed. Surely his name would resonate like a curse across the ocean all the way to Great Britain. He smiled.

“Utterly amusing.”

Chapter 7

Notes:

Greetingzzzz!

Ahoy!

Lol

Sorry, had to throw that out there!

Ok, so I love to mess with people and there's a reference in this chapter to one of my favorite games. See if you can catch it (no, that wasn't a Pokemon reference lol)

In the meantime, enjoy and keep your eye out for "Prepare Yourself". That nasty little fic will be updating soon!

Love to all!!!!!

Chapter Text

Several days after the plundering and sinking of the Collingwood, the crew of El Cuervo Negro worked themselves half to death escaping any retribution from the British Royal Navy. They hopped from one obscure island to another, selling off their booty and earning doubloons to fill their coffers. All they kept were tradable items and perishables necessary for survival on the open seas. Repairs were made to the ship where needed, mastheads, masts, rigging, and other parts of the ship were upgraded and refined. A sturdy ship was a successful ship, as most sailors knew, and above all, it was impeccably clean

The crew appeared like busy bees swarming every deck on the ship, swabbing the wood planks with large bundles of woven yarn tied to the end of a stick. They used sea water and oiled soap, scrubbing away the filth collected daily. Several crewmen used pocket knives and flat metal pieces to pry off the barnacles found on the side of the ship. These pests were especially dangerous since they could cause eventual erosion to the structure.

Thus the life of a pirate was exhausting, but in some cases, very lucrative.

Seated behind his desk, Captain Sebastian Michaelis relaxed after a long hot bath. He was a particular man who took meticulous care of his appearance and hygiene; to consider a day without washing up was unheard of and unacceptable. Dressed in a long sleeve black and grey striped night shirt, his pale skin shone bright and sharp against the finely woven dark fabric. His legs were housed within soft ebon dipped wool knee high socks which kept them warm and protected from the occasional splinter and constant cool drafts.

The Captain’s quarters was a large room with a wood and iron framed bed built into the floor and wall to ensure stability during even the choppiest of seas. French double pane windows were covered in thick Muslin cloth and the walls were aligned with shelves bearing books, globes, clocks, feline figurines collected from around the world (Sebastian had quite the penchant for cats) and bottles of perfumed oils, lavender milled soap and fresh talcum powder.

His clawfoot porcelain tub was situated on the far end of the room where Tanaka and Alois had just finished wiping down the sides and mopping the floor. Once they were satisfied with cleaning up after the captain’s bath, the pair dried their hands, folded the towels, tossed the dirtied clothes into a bag and settled into studying the ship’s wares, counting the supplies for the following months and entering the numbers into a log book.

“We have at least a puncheon worth of clean water, 5 barrels of salted bacon, 2 hogsheads full of tobacco, a tierce of dried beef,” Alois read off the list in his hand, counting off the supplies they had pilfered from the Collingwood. Standing in the middle of Sebastian’s office/quarters, he shuffled the papers in his hand and squinted at the scribble. “And….and...ah….um….” He struggled,

“Articulate your words clearly, Alois.” Sebastian commanded gravely, ruby orbs rolled up and narrowed at the fidgeting young man. “It unnerves me when you speak so haltingly.”

Alois gripped the papers until they crinkled in his hands; visibly unhappy at the criticism. “Haltingly?” He scowled. “Haltingly, you say? Well, I wouldn't have to speak so damned haltingly if Tanaka didn't use his stupid feet to write!”

“My feet?!” Tanaka gasped, nearly dropping the small wooden locked chest he was holding. “Is that so? Alois, I took pains to write clearly this time!” He defended.

“Bloody blagueur!” Alois accused angrily. “You claim these scratches are written words?!”. He shoved the papers in Tanaka’s face, shaking them emphatically. “Every time you do inventory I nearly turn my eyes inside out trying to read this shit! Do you even know how to write?!”

“Alois.”

An icy shiver ran down the blonde’s spine the moment he heard Sebastian's irritated voice. Turning slowly to face the stone cold stare of his captain, Alois swallowed hard and lowered his arms to his sides.

“Yes, sir.” He mumbled.

“I practice great patience with you in regards to your often petulant behavior towards me.” Sebastian’s hands were pressed palm to palm against one another as if in a motion of prayer and only his eyes could be seen over the fingertips. Cat like and piercing scarlet beams of fearlessness and sultry power; ominous and enticing all at once. His fixed gaze was often much more productive than any verbal command and at that moment, Alois knew that he had crossed a line with his benefactor.

“However,” He continued.”Do not ever speak ill towards Tanaka. Refrain from that fractious demeanor of yours whilst addressing my manservant, am I clear?”

Bowing his head, shamefaced and stunned, Alois nodded. “Aye, sir.”

Tanaka wordlessly lowered the chest onto the surface of the desk and unlocked it using a brass skeleton key which was strung around his neck. He paused for a moment and then regarded Sebastian with a critical air. “You've upset the lad.” He whispered under his breath, his eyes glancing over at the sullen boy. “Make amends with him.”

Sebastian’s eyes widened at the unexpected order.“It sits well with you his churlish outburst?” He whispered back, pointing at the now sulking blonde. “You never allowed me the privilege to raise my voice against you!”

“My writing is of no fault to me. Having to maneuver your western letters as opposed to my native characters is a chore.” Tanaka admitted. “But applaud him at least for desiring better from those who serve you and furthermore, my occupation is to guide you through life as a gentleman. I've done well in some regards although you are bloodthirsty and often rogue. But the lad is young and has been placed in your proper care, do be attentive to his needs.”

The black haired man mulled over Tanaka’s words. It baffled him how his servant always knew how to handle the younger shipmates. Even more so, it bowled him over how he always surrendered to Tanaka's judgment without so much as a fight.

“Come forth, Alois.” He beckoned softly, holding out his hand. He wiggled his fingers, presenting Alois with a genial smile. “Come, come, do as you are told.”

Alois looked up from where he stood, unsure of what was to happen, but he dutifully stepped forth and accepted the offered hand with his own. Sebastian could feel a slight trembling as he closed his long fingers over the diminutive knuckles and so he squeezed it lightly, as if to assure Alois that he meant no harm.

“Behave and obey, it is all I ask.” He smiled benignly, coaxing Alois to come closer to him. “Please be mindful of Tanaka as you would be mindful of me.”

Bright Aqua blue eyes lit up upon realizing that he was in no danger of trouble. “Aye capitan!” Alois gladly saluted. “My apologies to you and Tanaka!” He piped.

“Good boy.” Pulling Alois onto his lap, Sebastian nuzzled the golden crown of the squirming youngster and inhaled the salty scent of the ocean air caught in between the strands of wavy sunshine. Alois fought back the urge to fling his arms around the captain’s neck for fear of treading past anymore boundaries but he reveled in the forced embrace.

“Fetch me my prize.” Sebastian ordered in a husky voice, his lips perched at the shell of Alois’ ear. “I wish to play with my toy.”

Grinning from ear to ear, Alois rubbed the heated spot where Sebastian's breath had caressed his skin and hopped off of his lap. He bowed quickly and skipped daintily out of the office, eager to please Sebastian. Tanaka watched silently, amazed at the joy Alois took in following his master’s directives at the expense of others.

Once the door had closed behind the boy, Tanaka let out a long sigh and promptly lit a fire in a medium sized fireplace near the desk. He opened a cabinet door and retrieved a kettle from the top shelf.

“Would you care for a cup of tea?” He inquired.

.”That would be splendid.” Sebastian hummed, pleased with the offer.

As Tanaka prepared the tea, he gestured at the wooden chest he had placed in front of Sebastian. “Several items were produced from the last privateer galleon we plundered. I thought it necessary for you to become familiar with the documents we acquired.”

“This shall not be amusing at all.” Sebastian rolled his eyes in disdain and abruptly stood from his chair, stretching his arms above his head. “I would rather read these notes in the morning.” He yawned. “My energies must be spared for my guest-”

“You will do no such thing!” Tanaka snapped. “The water for your tea shall be ready soon and those papers must be studied! Would you rather end up betrayed, murdered, and without a legacy such as your old cohort, Edward Kenway?”

Sebastian’s face contorted with disgust. “Edward Kenway? I loathe that man!” He snarled, plopping back down hard onto his large red cushioned chair. “I would have cut his throat and fed his mangy carcass to the sharks if he hadn't offed and disappeared!”

“I believe him to be dead.” Tanaka pointed out.

“Dead or alive, I do not like him still.”

“During your stay in England, You fancied his sister, Jenny,” Tanaka chuckled. His wrinkled hands sifted through the chest filled with parchment paper. “You had that poor girl so smitten she feigned a pregnancy in order to snag you, do you recall that fiasco?”

Sebastian nonchalantly shrugged. “It would not have mattered.” He drawled.”An heir is of no importance to me.”

Ignoring his impudent remarks, Tanaka turned his sights onto business. “Here are some maps of the New World coastal regions and documents of banking information for you to study.” He handed the glowering man the stack of papers and went on to heating up the kettle of water over several hot coals in the fireplace. “I've no updates on Kenway but I have a bit of news on Batilla.” He added while opening a square tin filled with tea leaves.

Sebastian looked around the paper he had started reading and cocked an eyebrow at the ancient man. “Come again?” He queried.

“Batilla, Alonzo Batilla.” Tanaka repeated with great patience.”You met him during a raid of several schooners off the shores of Hispaniola. Certainly you recall his slave, Jumao?”

Sebastian carefully laid his paper neatly upon his lap, folded his arms and tapped his chin with his finger.deep in thought, he gave himself some time to recall the rogue pirate. “Was he, perhaps, the marksman I once admired?” He queried.

“Yes, yes, that gentleman.” Tanaka affirmed. He poured the steaming water carefully into the small sieve, making sure the tea leaves were covered. “Word had come in from your brother that Batilla was finally captured by the British Navy and placed in irons.”

“My brother is well, I assume?” Sebastian interjected, concerned with his sibling’s condition. “I've not had word directly from him in a month's time.”

Tanaka nodded.”Yes, he is.” He affirmed, fanning the steeping concoction. “He eagerly awaits your visit and is very much looking forward to the delivery of his prized charge.”

Satisfied with the news, Sebastian knew that his younger brother would be immensely pleased with his delivery. “I am a man of my word, am I not?” He crowed.

“Yes, you are.”

Sebastian tilted his nose upwards and inhaled the earthy and yet floral scent of Earl Grey tea. Aside from the occasional healthy dose of rum, the elegant tea was his favored beverage. “As far as Batilla is concerned, he was always far too brazen for his own good.” He scoffed, beckoning with a waving hand for the elderly man to serve him his drink quickly. “Exercising restraint would have served that fool well.”

“You are one to say such things” Tanaka chuckled, fumbling through the cabinet in search of a small jar of honey. Eyeing Sebastian's gestures, Tanaka sent him a stern look. ”Patience, young master,” he scolded. “i've yet to stir in the honey.”

““I despise honey, you lay it so damned heavy, and what do you mean by ‘You are one to say such things’, hm?” Sebastian mocked, smiling widely at Tanaka. “I believe myself a most prudent man!”

“Honey is nourishing.” Placing the cup on a saucer, Takana walked slowly towards Sebastian and handed him his drink. “You who has added a downed Navy vessel to your repertoire.and stolen the young Earl Phantomhive, has yet to understand the true meaning of prudence.”

“I am no Batilla, nor am I Kenway.” Sebastian sipped his tea and hummed his approval, earning a contented nod from the gray haired man. “Those men were players in a game far too advanced for their own meager minds.”

“Although they had allied themselves with such strong forces, in the end they were snared with ease.” Tanaka sighed unhappily. “The life of a Privateer has never known liberty from condemnation and persecution.”

Taking another sip, Sebastian had a sudden thought. “Who were those two allied with?” He asked curiously.

Tanaka knitted his brows as he reflected back on the information he had acquired on the pair.”Was it some sort of assassin’s group?” He wondered aloud. “Or a type of assassin’s syndicate? I assure you, young master, that it was a clandestine affiliation.”

“Assassin’s crew?”

“How low class, no.”

“Assassin’s guild?”

“No, no, that does not come to mind.”

“Assassin’s league?”

“Ah, it escapes my poor feeble mind.” Tanaka yielded tiredly. Although still sharp about his wits, the elder had become fully aware of his slackening memory. “Whatever may be, those scoundrels shall never surpass your talents, reputation and most indubitably, the power you have accumulated.” He praised.

Taken aback by the generous accolades from his servant, Sebastian coughed into the back of his hand and attempted to conceal the heavy blush painted across his face.

“Rubbish.” He muttered, returning his attention to the documents on his lap.

Tanaka watched Sebastian with amusement and walked around his chair, stopping directly behind him. He began untying the captain's long thick braid and found his fingers catching on the inky tresses. They poured like a wavy waterfall down the back of the chair and emitted an aroma which hinted of crushed flowers and mint.

“Where is your brush? It is almost your bedtime and for the sake of God I haven't the faintest idea why you choose to cause me suffering over this outlandishly long hair of yours.”

“I am quite capable of brushing it myself, Tanaka.” Sebastian retorted, swirling his tea with the silver spoon provided to him. “And I shall go to bed when it suits me!” He added indignantly.

“What you are planning is to manhandle that poor unfortunate child.”

“He is no child, hence why I would ‘man’ handle him.” Sebastian teased.

Tanaka looked at him disapprovingly. “I raised you far better than to lay hands upon an innocent soul.” He lamented.

The smirk on Sebastian's face disappeared. “No one is innocent.” He retorted. “Every man, woman, and child is a greedy leech.”

“Do not sass your old caretaker, young master.” Tanaka pulled at the braid, earning a surprised yelp from Sebastian who nearly spilled his hot beverage all over his papers..”If I am not to take care of you, teach you lessons, guide you away from the dark path of death, whatever shall be my lot in life?”

Steadying the papers and giving up on finishing his tea, Sebastian placed the cup on his desk, silently reached into his drawer, and removed a fine ivory handled horse hair bristled brush. He held it in the air, allowing Tanaka to take purchase and proceed brushing his long tresses. Tanaka diligently brushed out every knot, tenderly passing the bristles along sections of Sebastian's locks until they shone blue black against the flickering candlelight.

It was so ingrained within his daily life that Sebastian had almost forgotten when it had started.

Tanaka was no late in life acquaintance to the steel hearted pirate. Since Sebastian could recall memory, the seemingly timid man had been by his side, faithfully offering his services as a personal butler for Sebastian. Highborn and wealthy, the captain had been reared to expect excess and luxury as part of his ordinary life. Noblemen of the most delicate qualities were fortunate enough to have at attendance, a servant of their own.

The stately man hailed from the far reaches of Asia, from the sunlit shores of islands off the coast of Japan. His knowledge of various languages, etiquette, elegance, and finery were unparalleled among the aristocrats of Spain. Having been rendered from the comforting arms of his homeland by marauding pirates during his early 40s, the manservant nearly lost his mind to madness and despair.

Until he was gifted with Sebastian.

Smiling to himself at his earliest memory with the scarlet eyed man, Tanaka placed the brush down on the desk and commenced braiding the thick locks. He recalled the look of awe the then 6 year old Sebastian had given him upon their first meeting. How the boy gawked and pointed at Tanaka with wonderment.

“Your eyes are strange!” He had chirped. “Why are they shaped like that?”

Taken aback by the blunt commentary, Tanaka stared back at the precocious child and found himself laughing heartedly at the blunt observation. Understanding several languages certainly helped the man and so he cleared his throat and placed a hand flat against his chest, bowing low to the child.

“I am your humble servant, Tanaka.” He introduced himself.

“Ha! You sound strange too!” The miniature brat chortled.

From that day on, through years of handling the rambunctious child right into his hair raising adolescence and into adulthood when Sebastian veered off the coarse his family had assumed for him, Tanaka diligently followed. The kindness and daily mirth supplied by the beautiful faced noble pulled Tanaka from out of the darkness of his misery. There was no payment too large nor expansive, nothing he wouldn't do for the pirate captain.

“I shall not meet the same ends of Kenway and Batilla.” Sebastian proclaimed in a haughty voice.” Certainly not by the likes of Britain nor France.”

“You shall not.” Tanaka agreed, separating the mass of hair into three equal sections. With nimble fingers, he intertwined the parts, tightly crossing the indigo strands over each other until they became one long braid. Wasn't this just like life and fate? He wondered idly, lives crossing with other lives, becoming drawn into a tightly wound form which could not be separated? Pulling a deep red leather string from his pocket, Tanaka tied the end of the braid. “You, nor I, shall allow it.”

--------------

Everything in its place and a place for everything.

One of the reasons for the success of El Cuervo Negro was its attention to detail. Everyone had a job, a responsibility, a purpose and it was this code the Pirates lived by and felt motivated to keep doing their best.

Mey Rin was charged with using her keen eyes for finding land and spotting other ships which to the normal man, appear like dots on the horizon, and so she was relegated to the crow's nest most days. They were never surprised by an enemy attack and they were never caught off guard. She could even detect the change in cloud and wind patterns and foresee oncoming storms.

When he wasn't oiling the cannons or counting the shells for the muskets, Bard was busily hovering around the kitchen bothering the cook about some recipe he had wanted to try his hand on. When artillery was regularly adjusted and attended to, guns never failed and their was always a sharpened sword or loaded pistol to be had. One could not claim great feasts were also a result of Bard’s influence, but the commotions he instigated in the kitchen were always entertaining.

And Finny….

Well, it is Finny….

Finny was in charge of feeding Ciel.

“I-I am truly s-sorry!” Kneeling on the floor, with shaking hands hovering over a broken plate and spilled food, Finny wailed uncontrollably while Ciel watched with detached interest. Ever since the day he had been kidnapped, Ciel had been kept in a small windowless room below deck. With only a chamber pot, a bare cot and a single oil lamp, the blue eyed boy grew mute and emotionless.

Finny was to have served him his dinner but in his excitement to get the prisoner to eat, he had cracked the plant into a multitude of pieces, sending the food splattering straight onto the floor.

“I-I'll fetch ye another plate!” He cried, scrambling to his feet. “I'll be right back licketty split-!”

“No.”

Stopping short at the door, Finny thought he misheard the young man. “Wha’ did ye say?” He squeaked.

Ciel's eye looked bland and lifeless against the faint flickering of the candle. “No,” he repeated dully. “I have no desire to eat anymore.”

“But ye have to eat!” Finny panicked, hopping from one foot to the other. “If ye don't ye’ll get sick and die!” He cried.

Ciel lifted his head up and stared at Finny through his long blue grey bangs. All he did was sit and drink water, it was all he allowed himself to do but even now he wondered if he should forgo that simple task of survival. Abberline was most likely dead and Lord knew where he would eventually end up, why should he wait to meet his end?

“Let me die.” He spoke in a monotone voice, impassive and low. His scrawny frame shivering terribly from the cool musty air settling into his bones. “Be merciful, just let me die already.”

Just as Finny opened his mouth to protest, Ciel lunged off the cot and onto the floor. His body slammed against the wood with a loud thud and before Finny could utter a sound, Ciel had already snatched up a piece of broken glass. Rolling over to his back, Ciel fixed his gaze up to the ceiling and raised the shard to his left wrist.

“Begad! Ciel!” Finny cried, grabbing the boy's wrist and lifting the waif off the floor as if he were made of feathers and fluff. “No! No! What are ye doing?!?”

The creaking sound of the door alerted Finny of company and without a second thought, he flung Ciel like a rag doll onto the bed, wrenching the glass piece from his hand and tucking it into his pocket. Ciel hit the thin mattress so hard that the wooden pegs holding the frame buckled and gave way, sending the entire bed, along with the hapless boy, crashing noisily to the floor.

Alois bolted into the room, a short knife gripped firmly in one hand and his other hand balled up in a fist. The commotion sent him into high alert and the scene he just entered into nearly confirmed his worst fear.

“Blimey!” He shouted, shaking the knife in Finny’s face. “You mutinous monster! You've killed the captain’s lad!”

“No!” Finny protested, stepping back away from his enraged crewman. “On my honor! He's not dead! He's alive! Look to him!” Finny reached down and caught Ciel by the scruff of his neck and pulled him up easily from the mess of sheets and shattered wood. The boy was dazed and mildly confused since he had slammed his head against the floor and the best Finny could do was force Ciel to stand up straight on wobbly legs.

“See? He's jus’ fine!” Finny laughed nervously, giving Ciel a few rough shakes. “No harm done!”

“Quit shaking him, blundering brute!” Alois barked, landing a sharp smack against Finny's temple with the handle of his knife. “His brain’ll turn into mush and then what? If he goes lame brained, it will be the rope's end for your hide!”

Tears welled up in Finny's eyes; large pools of sudden despair. “B-But I said sorry!” He whimpered.

“Enough!” Alois took purchase of Ciel's face, clamping the semi-conscience boys jaw with his hand and squeezing his cheeks until Ciel's eye popped open. “Avast! Wake up, sniveling slag! The captain wants to see you!” He watched closely, worried that Finny had cause irreparable harm to the slight boned prisoner.

“If you've damaged the goods, God help your worthless hide!” He snarled at Finny.

“Kill me.”

Alois and Finny snapped their heads to look at Ciel, startled by the grunted request. Ciel's head lolled to the side, his hair slipping over half of his face. His lips quivered as he reached out and clutched the front of Alois’ shirt, pulling at him in a pleading manner.

“P-Please, be merciful!” He begged plaintively, digging his thin fingers into Alois’ chest.”Kill me before he lays hands on me!”

Finny shook his head emphatically. “Don't say such things!” He cried. “Captain Michaelis won't allow it! He ain't that sort o’ man!”

Alois snorted, “Shut up, Finny. The Captain’s whatever he wants to be.”

The misery bubbling up within Ciel's throat finally reached its limit and he broke down sobbing. He was unsteady and exhausted from days and nights of being holed up in the poorly lit room and the refusal to eat had nearly sent him into convulsions. Losing his family, his home, his freedom and finally being stolen by a pirate captain who most likely had some insidious plan in store for him was sending Ciel head first into hysteria.

Abberline had given him a taste, a sinful nibble on the proverbial Apple, and even he was taken from him. What else was left for him now? All Ciel could see was the nebulous future yawning widely like an open grave. Death would be generous in its peace; the permanent silence and forever freedom from suffering and shame.

Ciel recalled the pirate captain and knew right then and there that the devil eyed man would rip him apart and swallow his soul whether or not he consented to it. If he were to leave this world with his pride, his virtue, and his fine family name intact, then he would have to end his own life before Captain Michaelis had his way with him.

With much effort and struggle, Ciel fought to compose himself by gulping down the grief and drawing his head up to properly face Alois. Gritting his teeth, Ciel sniffed back the rest of his tears, took a deep breath and reminded himself that he was no mere mortal placed absentmindedly upon the earth.

“I would rather die than allow that heathenous bastard lay his filthy hands upon my person.” He growled, baring his teeth at the shocked pair. “Now hand me forth the glass so that I may cut mine own throat and be done with this!”

Chapter 8

Notes:

Greetingzzzzzzzzz!!!!!

Thank you sooooooo much for the amazing feedback and lovely comments! I'm extremely amused at how some readers have already pegged characters and how others mention plots and subplots that will actually happen. Maybe I should throw a little mayhem into this story just to shake things up......

Who am I kidding?! If you know me well, I live on angst and drama with a heavy dose of smut so you know shit's gonna get real lol

And kudos to those readers who identified the game "Assasin's Creed"! The next time I play a little story game with you guys, I'll use the reader who guesses first correctly as a character in the next chapter.

Now, onwards Buttercup! There's fuckery to be had!!!

ozozozoz

Chapter Text

Mey Rin eased her head back against the wooden mast and propped her long legs up on the circular rail of the crow’s nest. The night was still and silent, stars sparkled prettily above, and the endless sea rocked the boat with a motherly hand. She could see for miles and miles and the coast was clear of any immediate threats. No shore lines were visible, no looming clouds nor distant rumblings of thunder gave note to impending natural disasters. It was the type of evening in which the Pirates could lounge in their rooms or play cards and drink with ease below deck in the communal quarters. These were few and far between moments for the crew of El Cuervo Negro and one had to take advantage of such a languid opportunity. To her relief, Mey would be able to catch a few hours of sleep once her night shift was over and if she was lucky, soak in a hot bath.

As soon as the dawn spilled into sight, another crewman would stand in her place. She had already eaten her dinner, sipped some water (with a splash of rum) and checked to make sure her trusty musket was loaded. Efficiency made her trustworthy and reliable, two invaluable and uncommon traits for a pirate.

“Peace.” She exhaled, cracking her knuckles loudly until each one had been properly popped and loosened ”Just the way I like-”

“Kick me one more time and I'll skewer your gizzard!” A shrill voice pierced the night like a knife through flesh and disrupted all tranquility “Go ahead you one eyed bilgerat!”

“Alois?” Mey bolted upright upon hearing the outburst and immediately recognized the young man's voice. She peered over the rail and nearly toppled over from the comical sight.

“What do you think you are doing?!?” Ciel screeched, pounding his fists against Alois’ back as he was carried over the first mate’s shoulder. “I say! Put me down! Put me down!!!” His bare feet kicked repeatedly into the air, his entire body thrashing wildly, while he fought to free himself from Alois’ iron grip. Alois had lost his patience with the upstart Earl and decided to fling the young man over his shoulder and haul him outside to the upper decks. Finny followed, frantically begging Alois to not hurt Ciel lest they all answer to Captain Sebastian's hellacious temper.

“Keep fighting me and I'll definitely break your legs!” Alois snarled, delivering a hard pinch to Ciel’s bottom.”Maybe you want me to toss your scrawny arse by accident overboard?”

“Go ahead!” Ciel cried, pulling Alois’ shirt out of where it had been tucked into his pants.”Send me to my maker!”

“Holy Mary Mother of God!” Finny wailed, making the sign of the cross.”Forgive ‘im!”

“Blast you and your stupidity!” Alois snapped at Finny, landing a swift kick to the boy's backside.”Go on ahead and open the door for me!”

It would have proved more useful for Alois to have kicked a brick wall, the minute his foot retracted from Finny’s body, a dull throbbing pain emanated from Alois’ toe right up past his shin.

“You duck-knee'd dung munchin' crap sack!” He hollered, shaking his foot vigorously while trying to keep Ciel from sliding off of his shoulder. “If you've broken my foot, I'll keelhaul your worthless hide!”

“You kicked him!” Mey interjected. Her booming voice echoing loudly “And Bard won't let you within a fathom of that boy so keep your threats to yourself!”

Alois bristled at the idea of facing Bard, the one person on the ship who could easily snap his neck in two out of sheer rage. He wiggled his toes and was relieved to feel them all moving without pain.

“Lucky dog.” He bristled at Finny whose eyes were already brimming with tears.

Standing in front of the entrance of the Captain's quarters with his irate prisoner still struggling to free himself, Alois made a mental note that the next time he and Ciel were alone he was going to box the blue haired boy a few good ones until the he bled out of his hole.

Which hole? Came the brief thought.

“Any fucking hole.” He grumbled, narrowly missing having his nose smashed in by Ciel's flailing heel.

Mey Rin doubled over laughing.”Oi! Ali!” She called out gleefully while waving her hands over her head.”Got yourself a new lad, eh?!”

“Shut your face!” Alois yelled back, flicking the redhead his middle finger.”Mind your own, harbor hog!”

“Scalywag.” Mey shouted back, resting her arms on the bucket shaped structure and leaning forward to listen in on the heated exchange between Ciel and Alois.”Looks to me like you've met your match, Ali!”

The blonde scowled at the sniggering female. “Don't place the likes of him besides me!” He spat.

“Let me go! Unhand me!!!!” Ciel demanded, twisting his body around until Alois had no choice but to drop him onto the floor with a sickening thud.”Ow! That hurt!” He shouted, rubbing his bruised ribs. He glared angrily at Alois.”Have you no gentleness? No humanity? I've done nothing to you and yet you treat me as a galley slave!”

“Get up.” Alois snarled. He grabbed Ciel roughly by the collar of his night shirt and forced him to stand on his own feet.”I'll treat you however I see fit!”

Ciel wrenched himself free from Alois’ hold.

Like a burst of stormy skies, Ciel’s eye darkened and flashed as he recalled every abuse delivered to him by the blonde who seemed to be his same age and build. “Vous êtes cruel et mal élevé!” He hissed venomously at Alois.

Finny gasped, awestruck over the fluidity of Ciel’s voice.”Master Ciel knows French!” he exclaimed.

Alois was at first taken aback by Ciel's Insult but he quickly recovered with a sly smile. “Et vous allez être la salope du capitaine” He sneered, visibly pleased with his rebuttal.

“Your lack of couth and enunciation of French are both deplorable.” Ciel huffed, turning up his nose with a distasteful air.”I've no idea how you are able to regurgitate such garbage and yet be considered a man.”

Alois’ mouth twisted into an ugly snarl and he raised his fist in the air, ready to land punishment on the uppity prisoner. “Son of a-!”

Before he could dole out the blow, Finny jumped in between the pair, who incidentally were of the same height and build, and pleaded with Alois to calm down. “The cap’ll be mad if you hurt ‘im!” He pointed out.”And I think your French is jus’ dandy!”

“Stuff your gob!” Alois shoved Finny aside and swung open the door.”Get your arse in there!” He commanded, grabbing Ciel's arm and dragging him into the Captain’s quarters. Finny wisely slinked away, hoping to find shelter in Bard’s company.

Mey Rin had watched the entire scene, amused and entertained, and decided that she liked the little noble very much. He certainly was easy on the eyes what with his creamy beautiful face and slender build, but she admired his fiery temper and the way he spoke without looking down at his feet.

The young man was proving to be quite a handful, she reasoned.

Stumbling into the office, Ciel pulled his arm away from Alois and adjusted the front of his garment. “Cretinous oaf” He snapped, his face pinched with annoyance.”Never lay your beastly paws upon me again!”.

Before Alois could respond, he caught a look from Sebastian and mentally retreated from his hateful thoughts. The Captain’s face wore a bemused smirk complete with narrowed soul searching eyes and it was best for the first mate to heed the nonverbal warning and stand off from further arguing with Ciel.

“Sir.” Alois bowed and presented Ciel with an open hand gesture.”Your prisoner.” He grumbled.

Sebastian nodded “You are excused, Alois.” He commanded softly.

“Aye, capitan.” Turning sharply on his heel, Alois exited the office red faced and with fists balled up tightly at his sides. Sebastian Had heard most of the commotion occurring right outside of his quarters and he was well aware of how much self control it must have taken for Alois not to have beaten Ciel to a pulp.

“I suggest you speak with a far more respectful tone towards my crew.” Sebastian spoke evenly, his chair was skewed to the side with his leg crossed over his knee and one arm rested on the back of the chair “I may not always be present to protect your delicate self from their anger.”

Ciel frowned and regarded Sebastian with a contentious glare. “You, who is seated on a miniature throne wearing a nightdress with your hair braided, has the audacity to accuse me of delicacy?” He snorted.

Tanaka shot a look of disbelief at the words pouring easily out of Ciel's mouth. He chanced a peek at Sebastian's face and felt dread as he saw a hint of color rising on the man’s cheeks.

Drumming his fingers against the leather bound arm of his chair, Sebastian fixed Ciel with a hard look. “Do you understand your position here, Earl?” He asked in a curt voice.

“I understand that an immoral coward has taken purchase of me.” Ciel snapped, his hands shook slightly as he studied the intimidating man seated with ease and oozing confidence before him.”I also understand that I may not survive this miserable trek forced upon me, however, I refuse to remain silent about it!”

His stomach flip flopped and he was sure he was bound to faint at some point, but Ciel had resolved it within himself that he would not tread lightly amongst thieving marauders. Death was sure to come but he would fight back and uphold his familial name until his last breath had been sucked out from his body.

Abberline would be proud of his efforts, he reasoned.

Humming deeply, Sebastian cocked an eyebrow at Tanaka and wagged his finger. “Such a sharp and well bred tongue for a boy his age! Very amusing!” He chuckled.

Offended by the remark, Ciel stomped his petite foot against the ground and bared his teeth at the pair. “I am no boy. I am a man!” He stated loudly, lifting his chin with pride. “Earl Ciel Phantomhive, only son of Vincent and Rachel Phantomhive!”

“Your title is bigger than you.” Sebastian scoffed.

Ciel's face went aflame with indignation. “My title is bigger than your brain.” He countered.

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” Tanaka covered his mouth with his hand but it was too late to stifle his unexpected burst of laughter. Red eyes blazed with fury and it quickly quelled Tanaka’s brief levity.

Standing abruptly from his seat, Sebastian strode over to the quivering prisoner and loomed over him like a menacing giant. The top of Ciel’s crown reached the point of Sebastian's elegantly shaped chin and the smell of flowers and earthy musk rolled off like sensuous waves from the captain’s alabaster skin. It was a heady rush for Ciel and the gnawing fear he had felt seemed to suddenly dissipate. The young man realized that was no regular human towering over him; Captain Michaelis was an unnatural brute force, however, he was completely fascinated by the man who had brazenly captured him.

Swallowing hard, Ciel tilted his head back and bravely locked eyes with his captor. “Need you stand in such close proximity?” He inquired willfully.

“You continue to spew rubbish out of that pretty mouth of yours, yet you know not what lies ahead for you. I am not sure if it is born from immense courage or plain stupidity, but you will learn your place.” Sebastian rested his hands upon his hips and allowed his sight to slowly study the waif-like frame of the elfin man before him. Truth be told, he found Ciel unbelievably beautiful, almost angelic in appearance. The patch over his eye only added to the tragedy of his appeal and it made Sebastian want to see him weep even more. “Kneel before your new master, boy.” He commanded heatedly.

Ciel scrunched up his nose. “I refuse.” He retorted.

“Come again?”

“Are you daft? I said, I refuse.”

“Are you begging me to lay hands upon you and force you to your knees?” Sebastian growled.

“Are you so weak brained that you do not recognize the difference between a proclamation and a plea?” Ciel shot back.

“Mind yourself” The dark haired man warned lowly.

Determined to remain in his heightened state of courage, Ciel straightened his back and mimicked Sebastian by placing his own hands upon his waist. “You mind yourself, villain!!”

Scarlet eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.“Why you foul mouthed brat!” He roared.

Tanaka hurriedly sidled up to his master and clapped his hands rapidly in an effort to divert attention. “Sebastian! Do remain calm!” He beseeched.

Whipping his head to the side, Sebastian stared wide eyed at his caretaker. “Are you bearing witness to this, Tanaka?!” He raged.”How is it that I must endure this impudent and churlish behavior!”

“Perhaps he speaks from fear of his situation.”Tanaka offered weakly.

“I am not afraid!” Ciel interjected. “I speak purely from loathing of this man who thinks himself so high-flown that he expects me to prostrate myself before him after kidnapping me and murdering my entire ship's crew!”

Sebastian returned his attention back to Ciel, his face contorted with an intense anger and ferocity simply because he could not fathom how he had not killed Ciel yet. “I expect you to do as you are bloody told!” He bellowed. “I am Captain Sebastian Michaelis of El Ciervo Negro! El Demonio Del Mar! The scourge of the seven seas! Master of the dark crew!-”

Ciel sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes. “How pretentious” he responded dismissively.

“Belay that tongue of yours!”

“Pompous blowhard!”

“I say, hold your words-!”

“Arrogant fool!”

“Enough!” Sebastian raised his hand to the air and felt a surge of fury urge him to snap the boy's neck in half. Ciel had felt the pains of Sebastian's strength before and he did not want to go through that again, but he refused to flinch or cower and opted to continue staring the man down.

And why in heaven’s name did everyone on this ship want to hit him so badly?!

Fortunately, for Ciel’s sake, Tanaka's firm grip on the captains shoulder halted his actions.

“My master, it would be of grand distaste to strike this child once more.” He advised sternly.

“He is no child!” Sebastian protested angrily “He is a spoilt and insolent man with no proper upbringing-!”

“You dare accuse me of an improper upbringing?!?” Ciel cried.

Tanaka was fed up, this was now bordering on the ridiculous. “Please! I beg of you both! Allay this quarrel for it befits neither of your persons!”

“Behave and obey!” Sebastian barked in Ciel’s face.

Yanking his collar down until his neck and chest were in full view, Ciel delivered the seething captain a toothy grin. “I'd sooner cut mine throat!” He challenged.

“That may be arranged, you insufferable imp”

“I invite you to try, you lowly cad.”

“Insolent urchin!”

“Lecherous rogue!”

“Jackanape!”

“Scoundrel!”

“No more with you!” Sebastian wrung his hands in Ciel’s face and stomped away towards his chair, his ebon braid swinging behind him like a tail.“Remove him from my sight lest I gut him!” He fumed. “I shall not be made a fool by a midget noble with no sensibilities, no respect for authority, no regard for his own proper safety in the presence of danger and death and no logic to stand down when told to do so! I shalt be taunted by no one regardless of who they may be nor how lovely they are!” Whipping around, he pointed at Ciel while shouting at Tanaka like a large raven squawking its complaints. “Ungrateful, malcreant, conceited, poorly raised, sniveling shit! Of noble lineage my arse! Since when am I to be charged with sitting for this abuse upon my title?! If he were any other man I would have flogged him until his bones showed!”

Ciel stared in wonderment over the lengthy and impassioned rant from the fearful captain and nearly forgot to muffle a giggle over how he was able to push the great Demon of the Sea to a near hysterical state. Tanaka gave the smug faced boy an apologetic look, shrugging his shoulders slightly as if to reassure the boy that a tantrum from the captain was an everyday occurrence.

“Sir, the wind has chilled the night air” Tanaka ventured carefully, mindful not to push Sebastian more than necessary.”And it would be most prudent to offer our guest here a proper change of clothes and boots-”

“He is no guest! He is my prisoner!” Sebastian glowered at Ciel, daring him to open his mouth again. “I own that measly slab of human skin and bones! I care not for his well being, allow that fiery attitude of his to keep him warm tonight!”

“Sebastian, please do not lose focus. What good would a corpse serve you?” Tanaka reminded him in a gentle voice, hoping to soothe his master’s slain ego.”A shirt and pants, is all the boy requires.”

“With his comportment, he should be fitted with bloomers and a corset-!”

Ciel's face burned with rage “What did you say?!?”

“Master Sebastian!” Tanaka scolded sternly.

There was no winning with Tanaka, Sebastian thought miserably. “Fine, fine!” He relented, “Inform Nina to outfit this wiggly maggot and have him ready to work on deck bright and early in the morning.”

Ciel was shocked at the news. “Work the deck?” His jaw slightly dropped from the absurdity of it all. “I've never worked a day in my life!” He protested.

Satisfied with the owlish look on Ciel’s face, Sebastian leaned back in his chair and smiled broadly. “Welcome to a pirate’s life,” He crowed “Most esteemed Earl Ciel Phantomhive.”

----------------------------

Chapter 9

Notes:

Greetingzzzzzzz!

So I'm thinking it's got to be totally unrelated, but Yana Sensei released a drawing of Sebastian as a.......

-----Wait for it-------

A FREAKING HOT ASS PIRATE!!!!!!

I'm sure it's a phenomenal coincidence and I'm trying to allow only my fantasy realm to believe that she's reading my measly fic and was thinking "oh yeah, Sebastian would make a yummy pirate!" So allow me this delicacy of ego and I'll just keep writing my stories in peace lol

Ok, enough nonsense! Thank you for the support and wonderful feedback! I've got lots of suprises in store, lots of plot twists, lots of OPT magic and excitement coming your way in the following chapters so I hope you enjoy this latest installment!

Love you all to pieces oxoxoxo

Chapter Text

By the time the sun had finally peeked over the swaying horizon, most of the morning crew had already eaten their breakfast, washed up, and reported to their stations. The noisy chatter of friendly bantering amongst the crew was punctuated by the cries of seagulls and lapping waves against the side of the massive ship. It was a crisp and clear day, warm to the skin and yet comfortably cool whenever an ocean kissed breeze sifted through the men and women working the deck.

Several pairs of hands busied themselves with sewing torn pieces of canvas on the sails while shipmates, who boasted carpentry skills, carefully checked the stability of the masts and other large wooden poles. The rigging was an intricate system of ropes, wiring and chains throughout the masts, booms, and yards of the ship and thus, it took talented hands and a keen eye to ensure the safety of this system since it supported such a large portion of the ship.

Having already secured the powder kegs in the artillery storage room, Bard took to the kitchen with Finny in order to teach the lad some delicacy in handling cups and dishes. Serving the new prisoner his meals on broken plates was not going to be tolerated for much longer and The ex navy man wanted Finny to remain trouble free. But after the fifth plate was shattered into infinite pieces, Bard quickly ended their lessons.

“Go up to the crow’s nest and relieve Mey.” He growled, tossing the glass shards in a small bag “And don't let me catch ye breaking anything else!”

Finny was now stuck way up high watching the endless turquoise blue sky while Mey made her way down to the main deck. From the look on the boy’s face, she knew he was upset over angering Bard but It figured that he would place his ward somewhere safe and out of reach for his own safety as well as the crew’s.

Mey felt the fatigue of the long night weigh down her body and desperately wanted for her bed. She swore only the soft down stuffed mattress was going to be her immediate destination but she caught sight of Ciel and quickly changed her mind.

The boy, who appeared lost and forlorn, stood by the entrance of the forecastle where most of the crew had living quarters. He wore dark brown pants hemmed at mid calf and a grey Henley shirt with the sleeves rolled up just past his elbows. Barefoot and shivering, he held a rather large and heavy handled mop in one hand and a wooden bucket in the other. His slate grey hair was tousled and mussed but it caught the sunlight in such a way that the bluish hues wrapped within the deep dark tresses shone brilliantly. He was almost ethereal, almost angelic, with ivory skin and tulip glossed lips; Mey had never seen anyone so almost perfect. Even the worn square shaped black patch secured over his eye could not remove his naturally innocent appearance.

The watchman smoothed down her cherry stained hair with the flat of her hands and adjusted her shirt and britches to appear more presentable. Her thick round spectacles were slightly crooked but it added a bit of charm to her loveliness. She wore soft soled woolen boots which made her steps almost undetectable since she boasted a light and stealthy step which made it almost impossible for anyone to sense her arrival. Crossing over to his side, she padded up behind him and tapped his shoulder with a lone finger.

“Good morning, love!” She happily greeted him, causing Ciel to jump at the sound of her voice and nearly dropping the mop. Amused by his reaction, she tipped her head and extended her hand out to him “Welcome to our crew!”

Ciel returned the smile uneasily, but lowered the water filled bucket to the ground and shook her hand “Thank you, I suppose.” He muttered, casting his eye down to his feet “As a prisoner I am hardly welcomed here, but who may you be?” He asked.

“My name is Mey Rin, I hail from Stratford Upon Avon.” She introduced herself. Her large eyes studied Ciel closely, scrutinizing his build, the pallor of his skin, the impossibly blue eye, even his fine row of well kept white teeth. He was an impressive young man to behold, she deduced.

“Your name is Ciel, am I correct?”

Feeling the weight of her gaze, Ciel shifted his feet unsteadily and leaned against the mop handle for support “Yes, yes I am.” He responded quietly. Her brash and heavy accent had taken him by surprise. Echoes of his native home resonated loudly within the garbled and often clumsy uttering of the local countryside people, but he had loved listening to the Cockney speech of the working class East Londoners, the Estuary accents of SouthEast Britain, and Welsh dialects when he was a child. They all had been welcomed relief from the stale and proper King’s English of the wealthy upper class. Sadly now, a new painful longing tugged at his heart.

“So I see your first day on the deck and they've got you swabbing it?!” She laughed merrily, delivering a good natured slap against the side of his arm “Lucky you this here is a ship with no labels!”

Ciel frowned, rubbing his arm where Mey had struck it. “Labels?” He asked.

“Everyone does their share of grunt work.” She informed him, pointing at the mop “Swabbies on a ship are the lowest rank job, but not here. I man the crow's nest most times, but the Captain has me mopping up when it's my turn. No one here is above anyone else, except the Captain and Tanaka.”

“Tanaka? The slant eyed gentlemen?” Ciel clacked his teeth contemptuously “He seems more like that overgrown child's milkmaid!”

Mey was startled by Ciel's spiteful remark. She looked around to make sure that no one was within earshot and leaned in until her face was a mere inch away from Ciel’s “Tanaka’s a fine man, a good and righteous person. He is the captain’s manservant and closest friend and you best understand that if you cross Tanaka or speak disrespectfully to him, you will most surely die.” She warned.

Ciel sucked in his breath and swallowed hard. “Noted.” He croaked, squeezing the handle of the mop until his knuckles went bone white.

“But other than him, everyone else is fair game for some ribbing!” She waved towards the incoming morning crew coming up from below deck, offering her greetings as they ambled past the pair “Although there are some of us who consider themselves a bit more valuable than others, for the most part, this is here is a steadfast crew.” She added.

Mey jerked her head in the direction of Alois who was pulling Snake by the arm along with him while they headed towards the quarterdeck “Mind your ways with The Tongue Twister.” She counseled “The captain doesn't say it, but he's mightily favored as well.”

Ciel bristled at the sight of his nemesis “Favored as what?”

“I don't know, just...favored, I suppose.” She shrugged, “The Captain seems rather sweet on him, and Ali follows him about like a lovey puppy.”

“What are you implying?” He gasped, his face stricken with disbelief, “That beastly blonde haired ruffian who spoke those languages to me is the captain's lover?”

“Not sure.” She replied simply, “But it doesn't matter, Captain Michaelis treats us all equally.”

“No ranks?”

“Exactly!” Mey beamed “The captain has no quartermaster, no boatswain, no cabin boys, no regular titles for us. Everyone has a duty and everyone works together. I've known him since I'm a young lass and he's never been any different.”

“How is that possible?” Ciel retorted “A ship must be run according to set rules and positions!”

“Our positions reflect our talents! And whatever the captain says is absolute. Behave and obey, it is all that he asks from us.” She was pleased with her explanation, scratching at a dry patch on the back of her hand “Captain Michaelis is the only man I trust wholeheartedly and I'll follow him to the bottom of the sea if I must!”

Ciel was taken aback by the bold declaration “But why? He's obviously a brute, a bully, a scoundrel who kills without reason-!”

Flicking some dry sky flakes from her wrist, Mey looked up from her hands “He is fair and powerful, generous and brilliant.” She defended firmly “When we are in line, handling our chores and following his orders, we gain great fortunes while being protected and safe from this savage world. Ciel, look at us, we don't belong anywhere, at least anywhere normal, and here we are accepted as such.”

“As long as you behave and obey.” He replied bitterly.

Mey heartedly slapped Ciel's other arm “That's it! There see? You catch on pretty quick” she chuckled.

“By our Lady!” Ciel grunted, now rubbing the other arm at the stinging blow “Must you be so rough?”

Mey doubled over, laughing so hard that she had to wipe tears from her eyes “All skin and no bones!” She cackled, squinting as she tried to control herself “You poor pretty thing! How are you going to survive if you can't even take a hit from a sweet girl like me?!”

#black butler fanfiction

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