Chapter Text
“I'll protect you. I promise.”
He holds his brother close, their warmth fighting away the coldness of the air around them.
It was supposed to be a joyous occasion that day. He and his brother were turning ten years old and preparations were being made. Their mother had greeted them that morning and gave them a sweet hug, their servants wished them a happy birthday and it was overall, a special day with smiles all around.
… At least it should've been.
It was almost seven by then, the party was supposed to be at six. “Why is no one coming?” Astre asked; concerned.
It was odd… something felt off….
“I'll check downstairs and take a look, you wait here.”
– "I'll come with you-”
“No.”
Ciel stood his ground, proud and firm.
“This is my duty as the eldest son.”
“—CIEL!”
He heard his little brother call out to him. Ciel felt his hands shaking but he had to do this. He was the heir to the Phantomhive name, the first born; the older brother. He was the one who had to protect Astre. He pressed forward, walking through the dark halls of the manor, the entire journey felt eerie, he walked on and tried to call out to the servants, but to no avail.
“MOTHER! FATHER?! –TANAKA?! IS ANYONE THERE?!”
His yelps were met only with silence.
“SEBASTIAN!”
Even his dog was not answering. By now, the borzoi would be running over his direction, barking passionately, but none of that was happening.
“What is going on… “
He whispers to himself, until he is met with the dead body of a maid. Blood splattered all over the walls, dripping down to the tiled floors.
Horrified, he runs further into the manor, calling for someone, anyone desperately, that was until he tripped on something…
someone.
A bloodied servant, his eyes upturned, skin pale, showing no signs of life.
“AH- MOTHER!! FATHER!!!”
“Mother… Father… are they alright?! Where's Tanaka?! Is everyone.. everyone..-”
The young Phantomhive started running frantically over to their parents’ room, tears in his eyes, ignoring the chill spreading across his small frame.
Once he reached the door of their parents’ room, he turned the doorknob so quick his hands slipped, then tried again, slower this time.
“MOTHER, FA–”
BEAT…
His heart was probably the loudest thing in the room right now. His eyes bloodshot as more tears welled in his eyes. His breaths unstable and rapid, his brain not wanting to process the scene before him.
His father and mother locked in an embrace, it seems that their father was protecting his wife before the attacker—
“F-Father…? Mother…?”
Tears forming in his eyes, it suddenly felt like it was impossible to move.
He forced his body to walk towards them. Forcing himself to take in the gruesome scene.
He took a few steps forward, his breath getting heavier as he got closer.
Huh… ?
His eyes turned towards the shining piece of jewelry on his father's finger.
Carefully, he removed it from his father's cold hands and kept it in his.
“F-Father… I- I won't let them take anything else from us!-”
With that, realization hit him. He left his brother completely alone in the bedroom.
Panic sets in.
And before he knows it, he's running. Running for Astre. What if they get him next? What if-
Anguish fills his soul, holding back the tears, he starts to run. Running away from the room, running as fast as his little legs could take him.
He ran
And ran
And ran
Until somebody caught up to him. The next thing he knew, the world went dark.