#and um. what era they're from/what era they'd like to dress like

[lulubeanie]

I love putting characters in outfits btw. this is a high honor for them because it means I like them enough to think about what they'd wear

[ze-land-fill]

Breathe - A The Dragon Prince Oneshot

Warnings - None

Ships - Ezran and Callum (PLATONIC)

Type - Hurt/Comfort

Adittional Tags - Ezran-centric - Callum had ADHD - Ezran has anxiety - angst - crying - hurt/comfort -

Word count - 4,989

~ * ~

Summary “Now, Welcome our new king, who will reign in an era of peace and prosperity. And lead us all to greatness. King Ezran of Katolis!”

~

A few more steps, and he would be exactly where he needed to be. Next to Opeli, facing the crowd. The crowd…Oh God…it was massive. He could see people, crowded into the courtyard of Katolis Castle, and even more people, spilling out of the structure, onto the bridge and even in town. And Ezran froze.

Or

Ezran is scared to be king, Callum finds him on coronation day.

~ * ~

“It's okay. I'll be alright.”

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Ezran held eye-contact with his mirror, straightening out his robes. However, it seemed no amount of straightening could ease his nerves. He gathered up his hair and tied it into a ‘presentable’ style. He met his eyes again in the mirror. He really did look like a king.

It hadn't been long since his 10th birthday. Almost a year had passed since the battle at the storm spire. Almost a year since his father had died. Almost a year since he gave up being king. Today was his coronation. 

Opeli and his fathers’ old council had taken the weight off him for a year. They'd run the kingdom wonderfully, and for that, Ezran is forever grateful. However, it was time to step back into his duties. Now was not the time to be children. He'd met the Dragon Queen. He'd seen the hope, and the horrors of the battle. He knew that now, of all times, was the most important to push peace. To show his people that there can be peace between the Five Human Kingdoms, and Xadia. For that to happen, he knew he needed to be a leader, a king , for his people. Someone to look up to and think: ‘He is a brighter future’

This had all been a very convincing argument when he went before the Council to explain that he was ready. 

Of course, that was then. Looking at himself now. His long, crimson robe, bejeweled overcoat, and tied up hair. He just felt heavy. His heart quickened. He didn't like this. He would be standing - speaking - in front of a million men and women, dressed so formally. Just months ago he was running around with Bait and Zym in the forest. 

That calmed him. He missed Zym, he'd stayed with Zubeia after the battle. He visited sometimes, now that he was a stronger flier. Not as much as Ezran would have preferred, but he was with his mother. Where he belonged. 

A low grunt came from Ezran’s feet. He smiled and looked down, to find Bait, looking right back at him. He picked him up, and lifted him so that they were face to face. “At least I still have you! Right bait?” Bait smiled his crooked smile and went on to glow a bright orange. Ezran's smile widened and he hugged him close. “Aww! Who's the best glowtoad in the world? You are, yes you are!” 

A knock interrupted their cuddling. “Yes?” He called out. “Prince Ezran? The High Cleric says that they're ready for you.” The guard called from outside the door. “R-right! Just- um- ten more minutes please!” He hurriedly said. The guard simply replied; “Of course, Your Highness.” and walked away. 

Ezran sighed heavily, and sat down onto his fathe- his bed. Bait spun around in his lap, before looking back up at him, his skin glowing grey. Ezran stroked his back and held him close. “I'm scared Bait…What if I mess up…or I lead us into danger. Or what if I make bad decisions, and the people of Katolis have to suffer because of them, and what if I can't make peace between the Five Kingdoms and Xadia?! Then what?! What if I-” 

Bait grunted sadly, and Ezran was knocked out of his pessimistic rant. He blinked. His heart was beating quickly, and so were his breaths. ‘Stop it. Get it under control.’ he thought to himself. Bait grunted again, this time towards his desk, where there was a mess of notes, letters, books, quills, and everything else Ezran had so intently been focusing on in the past months. But Bait was gesturing to the wall behind it. Where the wall was adorned with many drawings. Sketches of Zym, comic panels of their journey. Detailed art of specific things and people. Ezran sighed again, sadly. 

“You know how Callum's been. It hasn't been easy for him. You know... since Rayla left. I don't- want to force him…to do this for me.” Bait looked up at him with a sad look set on his face. “But, Hey! It's just one coronation, how bad could it possibly be…?” Ezran tries, as hard as he can, to sound convincing. He doesn't think Bait believes him. And all he does is circle himself and snuggle against Ezran’s robes. 

Ezran tries to keep the tears in.

~ * ~

He meets Opeli and Soren at the doors. The great, big doors…with a million people standing below the balcony…was his coat on right? Had he fixed his hair enough? What if he forgot what to say?! Even though he had rehearsed. It could happen-

“I can practically hear you thinking too much.” Soren remarked, startling Ezran out of his thoughts. His sword rested at his side, his signature grin stretched across his face. It was comforting. Ezran just laughed nervously. “Nothings going to happen! You'll go out there, get the crown, give the speech. And…BAM! You're done!” Opeli shook her head in disapproval. Soren really did try to encourage the young prince. It didn't do much, but the effort was appreciated.

“Is Callum here yet?” Ezran asked. Trying to take his mind off his impending doom. Opeli and Soren shared a look, and a frown. “No, unfortunately, the high mage hasn't been seen all morning.” Opeli replied. Ezran nodded, and smiled sadly. “That's okay. I told him he didn't need to come today, if he didn't want to.” 

Opeli nodded, and as a loud cheer escaped through the closed doors, she told Ezran it was time. She walked out, and began her speech. About King Harrow, The Battle of the Storm Spire, Ezran, so on and on. 

With every word, however, Ezran’s breath quickened. ‘Calm down. Calm down. It's like Soren said. Walk out, get the crown, give the speech, wave a little, then back in again. So just. Calm. DOWN.’

“Now, Welcome our new king, who will reign in an era of peace and prosperity. And lead us all to greatness. King Ezran of Katolis!” 

Wild cheers broke out as the double doors opened. Ezran stood still, for just a second, before he forced his legs to take a step. Then another. Then he was halfway across the balcony, and his eye caught the glinting of metal in sunlight. 

A servant boy held the Crown in his hands. Ezran had come to Opeli, bearing his fathers’ sword, and requested it be turned into a crown. It was symbolic. A sword. A weapon . Something meant to split apart. Turned into something that gave him the ability and power to put things back together. 

A few more steps, and he would be exactly where he needed to be. Next to Opeli, facing the crowd. The crowd…Oh God…it was massive. He could see people, crowded into the courtyard of Katolis Castle, and even more people, spilling out of the structure, onto the bridge and even in town. And Ezran froze.

He couldn't- his lungs wouldn't work, his breath wouldn't go through him. All he could hear was his heartbeat. And all he felt was the horrible feeling of something cold and sharp climbing up his spine. 

There were so many people- so many eyes- looking at him, expecting from him- his eyes darted around frantically. Nothing was clear anymore, everything was melting together, but everywhere he turned. There were people. Staring at him. Watching his every move. Every word-

And he couldn't take it.

He turned on his heel, and sprinted. Past the double doors, and confused guards, and shocked gasps. He ran through every twisting hallway. Every shortcut and open door. His vision didn't get better. But years of doing nothing but roaming these hallways alone had etched every pathway into his mind. There truly was no one who knew Katolis Castle better than Ezran. 

He burst through the double doors of the throne room. The guards were all asked to stand nearby the new king, for safety. There was no one but Ezran, the throne, and the portraits of his ancestors along the walls. 

He strode up to the throne. It sat empty. And he leaned against the wall in the space next to it, and slid down. He pulled his knees up to his chest and stared aimlessly at the doors. 

He was breathing again, but he couldn't feel it. As if the air was there. But he couldn't feel it. Couldn't feel the heavy air meant to fill his lungs. What he could feel, however, was that horrible cold feeling, and his heart. Beating too fast. Too hard. It felt like it was in his throat. He glanced down at his hands. They were shaking. He pulled them into his chest. And his vision blurred again, 

but this time. With salty tears.

~ * ~

He didn't know how long he sat there for. And in complete, brutal honesty, he didn't actually care that much. But he flinched when the doors burst open. Only to reveal Callum standing in the entrance, bait following close behind. He stood there for a minute, their eyes met, and in an instant Callum was at his side, kneeling down on the plush carpet next to him. Ezran tried his best to wipe at the tears, but they just kept coming. And he couldn't understand why .

“Ez? Ezran?! Ez, what happened?!” Callum, asked. Ezran shook his head in reply, unable to fully articulate an answer. Callum's voice sounded muffled, like he was standing far away. “Ez, c'mon, you have to tell me what's wron-” 

And the voice got further and further. Until he couldn't hear it anymore. He couldn't hear anything. Except the thundering of his heart. He couldn't see anything but the blurred darkness of his eyelids. But what he feels. That's the scariest of all. Because he's feeling everything, and nothing, all at once. 

His breath quickens, and it's uneven, he can feel his chest heaving, but not the air that's meant to fill them. His hands are shaking, but he can feel the fabric of his coat. He can't feel himself . Where has he gone, why is this happening this wasnt supposed to happen he tried so hard what's going on why is this happening why is thIS HAPPENING-

A sudden jolt forced him to open his eyes. Callum is holding onto his shoulders tightly, his mouth is moving, but words aren't coming out. Then they do.

“-ran?! Ez! Hey, look at me! Please look at me, okay!” He uses one hand to still hold onto Ezran, as if his little brother might float away if he lets go. He uses his other hand to motion to his own chest. And he holds his gaze with Ezran. Then he takes a breath. A long one, and holds it, then he let's it out again. 

“Ez, I know it seems really hard, but just- look at me, okay! Breathe, Ez. Breathe in… Breathe out.” He makes the motion again. And Ezran takes a shallow breath, holds it in, and lets it out. 

“Y-yeah! See, you're doing great Ez! Breathe in, breathe out.” He does it again, and again, and again. Every breath that Ezran takes, he takes with him. 

And slowly, after several minutes. Ezrans breathing becomes even, his sobbing quietens down. And his tears stop streaming down his cheeks. But his eyes won't meet his brothers. And after a few more silent minutes, he says the only thing he trusts himself to say without crying.

“I- I'm sorry.”

Callum just stared at him, a bewildered look on his face. “Sorry? Sorry for what?” he asked, genuine confusion in his eyes. 

“For the coronation. For the nerves. For this !” He gestured wildly with his arms at himself. Frustration laced into his voice. 

Callum furrowed his brows. “Ez…None of this is your fault-” “But it is, Callum! It is!” He cried out, finally meeting his brother's gaze. “I shouldn't be feeling like this…Today's a happy day! A good day. A hopeful day… and- and my job was so simple! All I had to do, was walk onto the balcony, get the crown, say some words, wave, and come back. Easy! But instead, I'm here. Crying. And I don't even know why! I'm being pathetic! Just like they all said. Maybe Opeli was right… Maybe I'm not ready for this-” 

Callum cuts him off with a hug. It was the first one since the morning of Callums birthday, several months ago. “Dont- don't say that sort of stuff! You are so much more than that, and- and I won't stop saying it to you until you believe it!” he tightens his grip on his little brother. And Ezran can't help himself, and he tries to resist it. Resist the urge. But he succumbs, and wraps his own arms around Callums back, clutching tightly at the fabric of his coat. His forehead pressed into his brother's shoulder, and his body shakes with sobs, as tears begin to seep through the blue fabric. 

And- Gods, He’s missed this!

Missed the warmth of someone's arms wrapped around his little body. Whispering soft nothings into his ear, and wiping away his tears as they stream down his cheeks. 

And he knows he's pathetic and weak for wanting it, for wanting this. But he knows it already. So does everyone else. What's the point in proving them wrong…

So he lets himself be held, be comforted. He lets himself fall and cry into someone else's shoulder. And for the first time in months… 

He lets himself feel like a kid.

~ * ~ 

A soft grunt catches both boys off guard, and they lift their heads in unison to the grey glowtoad sat in front of them, a sorrowful expression on his face. Callum let out a laugh, and Ezran cracked up a smile while wiping his tears. He then reached out his arms and picked up Bait, pulling him close into his chest. He looked up at Callum, who was smiling to himself. 

“Callum?” Callum hummed in reply. 

“How did you know that I'd be here?” 

He opens his eyes and taps his chin, like his deeply on thought, then he turns towards the doors and shrugs. “I was on my way to the balcony, 'cause’ I was, y'know, running late.” He grinned sheepishly. “Then I got there and Opeli looked really confused, and apparently you'd ran away. And then…I don't know, I just thought you might be here. So I grabbed Bait and ran here. Ezran smiled sadly. 

“Sorry that I worried you.”

Callum opened his mouth to say something. Then he closed it. And then he opened it again.

“Why'd you start without me, though?” He had this funny pout. Not really upset, just there to draw out a smile. And it does. A little bit.

“I didn't want to rush you. I know you're still upset about Rayla…leaving. So I didn't want you to feel like you had to be there.” Callum flinched at the mention of Raylas name. Admittedly, he hasn't gotten completely over her. Yet . He'll be fine. Eventually . Besides, right now was about Ezran. “Ez…Sure, she ran away on my birthday and all, but…This is your coronation! Or, well, I guess…recoronation? Has that ever happened before? Is that a thing? Could you get recoronated a third tim- ack! I'm getting sidetracked!” Ezran giggled, it was amusing when this happened. His brother's mind was amazing. And how he could ask so much about something so little was a mystery Ezran had long given up on solving. 

“The point is-” Callum gently grabbed Ezrans shoulders. “-This is your big day. And I wouldn't miss it even if the whole world was on fire!” He said it with such reassurance and determination in his eyes, that it took them both a minute to understand what he said. “Well, maybe not on fire. But, a storm could do. You know, like a thunderstorm, at least I can get rid of that one.” He smiled, then frowned. “As soon as I figure out a spell for it…”

He turns towards Ezran. “But nevermind that. I have a question for you.” Ezrans smile widened, “And what's this one about?” “Why are you in here in the first place?”

Ezrans smile falls, and he lowers his gaze. He shouldn't tell him. It'll just go to show how miserable he really is. How's he ever going to be a good king, if he keeps telling others about his problems?

For just a second, he glances up at Callum. And then he thinks. ‘But it's Callum, he'll never hurt me. Not on purpose. He's my brother. And…he trusts me. So I need to trust him too.’ So he does.

“I'm not…really sure. I just- I didn't want to be there. There were so many people. And everyone was staring. And cheering. And-” he places a hand on his chest. ��-I couldn't feel my breathing. And then everything froze, and I couldn't see anything except all the eyes, and they were expecting so much. And- what if I failed as king! What if I make worse mistakes than Dad. Or I can't create peace! There's so much that could go wrong, and I don't know if I'm ready for it anym-” 

“Hey!” 

Callum tightened his grip on Ezrans shoulders, and started shaking him gently, but rapidly. “Snap out of it! That's my little brother you're talking about!” Ezran just looked at him silently, mouth hanging open from his unfinished ramble. Bait lay in his arms, grey still coloring his skin. Callum sighed heavily and lowered his head. “Ez, be honest with me, right now. Do you want to be king?” Ezran was about to answer. But he closed his mouth instead. 

Did he? He was given the option of having a regent. He would be able to go back to being a kid. And playing with Zym, and exploring Xadia. But did he really want that? 

“I need to be king right now.”

“That's not what I asked you. Do you want to?”

He was about to say no, but his mind shifted. What would happen if he did say no. Then what? They'd be right back where they were before Viren came to power. A cycle of blind justice and no peace. He didn't want that. He didn't want to become someone who left the lives of millions into the hands of anyone who was an enemy of the state. He didn't want pain. He wanted peace. He wouldn't get his childhood. But then again, he'd lost it anyway. 

But…

He would be able to play with Zym, and explore the forests and go on journeys to Xadia. And spend time with Callum. And go on Jelly tart hoists with Bait. And just…

Be a child. 

“I…think so…” It was uncertain. But there was truth to it. A part of him truly wanted to be king. To be a good king. But…

“I don't know if I'm ready…” He whispered it out. But as soon as he did. A sense of relief washed over him. He'd realized this a while ago, but being able to admit it to someone was different. It was…freeing. But relief only lasts so long, and Ezran didn't know what to expect with Callum. But whatever he was expecting, it was not whatever Callum did say. 

“Then dont be.” 

It was so simple. He said it so bluntly. As if it was the most obvious solution to ever have been discovered. As if every problem he had at that moment would disappear at the uttering of these words. 

But the strangest thing of all. 

He felt like it was true. And a part of him wondered if Callum had put a spell of some sorts on him. He felt a lightness in his chest. He didn't have to be ready . Then doubt reared its ugly head once again. And the lightness was replaced by a new kind of heaviness. Guilt .

“I need to be king, Callum.” He said, his voice was firm. Like the one his dad had used the last time they spoke. When he told them to go to the banther lodge. 

Callum took a seat next to him, wedged between Ezran and the throne. Bait looked between the two princes. The grey glow faded into yellow. Callum turned to look at Ezran. 

“Yeah, maybe you do. Or maybe you think you need to. But the point is…You don't have to be king alone .” 

Ezran blinked in confusion. Callum smiled. “You know…Harro- Dad, had a council. They helped him with hard decisions, and stuff. But they also helped him when he didn't know what to do.” The young prince squinted his eyes. Obviously he knew. He'd been studying the laws and customs for months now. He'd had to work up the courage to consult the council. After Saleer's treason, and Virens coup, Ezran had been wary of the council's standing. The only person he truly trusted was Opeli. And maybe the thought of having people he didn't fully trust be his closest consultants was…terrifying at the least. He didn't want to mistrust them. He wanted them to know that they were a vital part of the kingdom. But he couldn't help the fear. 

And Callum, practically reading his thoughts, replied. “He chose his council.” Ezran's brows furrowed. “I know?” he stated, or, maybe it was a question? Was Callum playing tricks on him?. Callum shook his head, smiling. “No, I mean- He chose his council!” He said again, as if saying it again would magically clarify what he meant. Another confused look from Ezran prompted him to explain. “You can make your own council too, you know.” Ezran is about to say something in objection. Then he stops, because. Well. That…wasn’t something he’d actually thought of. But…

“I don’t know everyone that well though…How am I supposed to choose a council?” Callum smiled again. “Anyone can be on the council.” Ezran stayed silent, so Callum continued. “Anyone you trust can be on the council. Friends, family, important people, and so on.” 

Ezrans eyes widen in shock, he turns to look at the carpet under him.

He could do that. He could actually do that. He wouldn’t have to rule alone. Sure he would have to call some of the shots. He would have to make some difficult decisions alone. But, he didn't have to do that all the time, he wouldn’t be alone. He could have friends. That he trusted. And he wouldn’t be so alone. And then another thought. 

He turned to look at Callum. 

“...Will you be on my council, Callum…?” 

“Of course!”

~ * ~

Bait grunted happily as Ezran carried him down the hall, Callum at his side. Both princes spoke animatedly about old adventures, friends, and what Ezran wanted to improve about Katolis. 

“I want to fix the relationship between Katolis and Xadia.”

Callum nodded in understanding. But Ezran wasn’t finished. 

“I know it’ll take time…But I know we’ll make it happen!”

He smiled a close-eyed smile at his older brother. And Callum blinked in surprise, but he smiled twice as bright. It had been a while since he’d seen his little brother smile so brightly. Since he’d seen him smile at all . It was lovely. It was a lovely smile. All teeth and crinkled eyes. Bright and hopeful. 

Yeah…Callum smiled, but he knew it couldn’t compare to Ezran’s. 

It didn’t falter as they met a frantic Opeli, at the great double doors. She was talking with a pair of guards. Or- Talking, is the wrong word. She was technically yelling, but her posture and her (almost superhuman) ability to keep herself composed, masked the reality of her words. She turned as the princes approached. Her face had a hard expression and her features said that she was annoyed. “There you both are.” Her words were cold, but her eyes had a glint, as if what she wanted to ask was, ‘Are you alright?’ 

Ezran nodded, and bowed his head, “I��m sorry for running away.” 

Opeli’s features softened, and she placed a gentle hand on the young prince’s shoulder. “Nevermind that…Are you ready?” 

He lifted his head and nodded. Opeli’s brows furrowed, as if to say; ‘Are you sure?’

Ezran smiled. He handed Bait to Callum, and pushed at the double doors. 

~ * ~

He was met with a panicked Soren, along with Corvus, attempting to calm the restless crowd. They were asking about their king. Where was he? Why hadn’t he appeared? Had something happened?!

The whispers and shouts were all silenced as the doors opened for a second time, This time, with Prince Ezran at the front. 

Soren turned around, and let out a sigh of relief. Opeli followed after Ezran, and finally Callum walked through the doors, with Bait in his arms. Soren took his place, on the far right of the balcony, Corvus took his on the far left. Opeli stood at the edge, and addressed the crowd once more. Ezran got closer and closer to the railing, and when he finally reached it. He stopped breathing.

Under him, stood the crowd. It seemed like they had multiplied. Every inch of the courtyard was flooded. Men, women, and children all looked up at him. His heart beat faster. There were the eyes again. A million pairs of eyes, all looking up at him. Waiting. All of them. Expectant. His hands slid off the railing, and he almost inched his way back. Back through the doors. Back through the halls. Back into the throne room. On the to-large throne. Under the portrait of his father. Into his corner, where no one could hurt him-

A playful breeze tickled his neck, the only part of him that wasn't covered in heavy velvet robes, or his unruly tied up hair. He turned a little, only to see Callum, holding his finger up, the same way he did when he cast a spell. He had a smile on his face. It reached his eyes, and Bait smiled with him. 

And then he heard it

The cheers.

Then he saw them.

The children. All of them, barely visible from where he stood, but he could see them. Little beings. Bundles of light. All of them, exactly how he had been mere months ago. And he smiled back. Because, that. That was why he was doing this. The children in that crowd, amongst the million. They were the future. He was the future. 

“...King Ezran, of Katolis!” 

And Opeli took the crown from the hands of the servant boy. The crown. Made from his fathers’ sword. And now a crown. His crown. It was born a weapon, made to split apart. And Ezran had forged it, into a tool, made to bring together. 

Ezran kneeled down, The same way his father had, 10 years before him. And Opeli, with her rare smile. Placed the crown on his head. The same way she had done, 10 years before. 

And as he rose, a new weight on his head. And a new responsibility on his shoulders. So did the crowd. They cheered, as they had cheered, 10 years before. 

Ezran opened his mouth, and took a deep breath. The speech he’d spent months writing, and re-writing. And fussing so much over. It was all gone. Now, he spoke from his heart. 

“Hello…I am…Ezran…”

…Alright, maybe his heart was still a little nervous…

He took another breath, a deep one. His eyes flicked to the side, and Callum was there. Right there by his side, smiling at him, and nodding. He made that motion again, of breathing in and out.

So he did.

Breathe in, Breathe out.

“I am King Ezran. And I’ve been given a big responsibility. And…Honestly, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to fulfill this responsibility all alone.”

A chorus of gasps snaked through the crowd. Even Opeli looked a little panicked. But Ezran continued.

“But I’m not alone! I have amazing people around me, and…I know I’m young, but I know that we can achieve peace if we really try!” 

Another breath

“I don’t want more bloodshed. I don't want more lives to be lost because of the mistakes of the past. My dad was a good King. But I want to be better. I know that if we work together, not just the Pentarchy, but the elves and dragons as well! Then we can achieve peace. It won’t be easy. I know… But I believe in us, and I believe that we can be better than our ancestors. Better than the past. And…We can be a brighter future!”

The crowd was silent. The anxious butterflies in his stomach fluttered wildly, and with each passing second, his resolve crumbled. 

Then a cheer

Then a second

And a third

And before long, the whole crowd was cheering. Loud. Enthusiastic. Hopeful .

~ * ~

Ezran looked to his right, Callum looked right back at him. Smile, broad on his face, Bait, in his arms, smiling his toothy green. Opeli stood on his left, her rare smile, and the beautiful glint in her eyes, smiling right back at him as well. Corvus, and Soren stood at the prin- King's sides.

He let out a breath.

He wasn’t alone. He stared out, over the walls, the forest, and all the way past the border. 

Rayla was out there too. 

He wasn’t alone.

He closed his eyes.

He took one last deep breath. 

When he opened his eyes again. There weren’t a million eyes staring at him anymore. There were a million ears instead. A million hands. A million hearts .

They were ready to listen . To help rebuild . They wanted peace .

And he wasn't ready. But he was here . 

And he wasn’t alone. 

~ * ~

Thanks for reading! :) ~ Remzy

[the-letter-horror-lover]

As They'd Been Before

orphan_account

Summary:

The butler would greet them

And they'd be a family once more

As they'd been before

Work Text:

The butler lay on the ground

The steward bowed his head and frowned

The gardener cried

The butler had died

The chef had lost another

whom he called a brother

The Master would be so upset;

the maid began to fret

He was just a little boy

And had yet to realize the butler was not a toy

Who could be bent but not broken,

suffering to retrieve his Master's token

Who would fight until the last

of his breaths had passed

His lips as he lay dying,

and the Master was crying

not to die, Sebastian, this isn't a joke

Even as the yolk

was removed from the butler's shoulders

and the coffin's holders

could only pray

That someday

in Heaven, they could see him

The butler would greet them

And they'd be a family once more

As they'd been before

Series this work belongs to:

← Previous Work Part 5 of Black Butler Drabbles Next Work →

First Impressions

ArkeydaWinters

Summary:

I just wanted a better idea of the place, a sort of behind the scenes thing you know? If I had known it would lead to all of this! Well.... Maybe I would've thought twice.

Notes:

I do not own Black Butler, It's characters, Katie, Or Jurney

Edited by KaiYamori

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Chapter 1: Chapter One

Chapter Text

"Sebastian!", shouts a girl from near the front of the ogling fans. "If you had to serve one celebrity, who would it be and why?" Sebastian sat behind a table with Ciel puts a finger to his chin and taps thoughtfully. The fans are seated in neat rows before them facing their direction. He looks up in a satisfied manner.

"I suppose Mr. Johnny Depp, for three reasons. For one, he's had many accomplishments for his age. Second, his diverse acting career makes him seem like quite the diverse gentleman. And third, I simply enjoyed his role as Mr. Sweenie Todd."

*Good choice.* I think to myself. I lean against the wall near the door in the back. All the seats are full, leaving a few girls, including myself, to stand off to the side.

"Oh, Ciel!", squeals another girl closer the middle of the room. "What's your favorite flavor of tea?"

"Earl grey.", he says very monotone voice. Poor boy. This entire time, his butler has been getting all of the semi-interesting questions (if you can even call them that) while his questions seem purely based around his appetite. Well that and the dress he was made to wear over TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO! I mean come on, two immortals who have seen the passing of time and experienced nearly every pleasure and suffrage that the universe has to offer, and these girls are asking him about teas and cakes. And looking at his bored expression, I decide I can't watch this much longer, so with a sigh I raise my hand and wait my turn. Upon this, Sebastian sees my elevated arm and calls on me.

"Yes, you in the back."

"Uh yeah, this one's for both of you." I say settling against the wall again. The two of them look at each other then look back at me.

"Um alright," Ciel says "what is it?"

"I'm curious," I say shoving my hands in the pockets "in the last two hundred years of your vast experience, what would you say is the most interesting event and or era you've witnessed?" The two of them look at each other as if they're surprised by my question. I mean can you blame them? Having to deal with the same half witted questions all day. But still, I can't help but smirk to myself. I look at my friend Jurney who's seated right in front of me, she's giving me this cheery grin like she's happy I participated. To which I just smile back shrugging.

"Well," says Sebastian thoughtfully, "that is a difficult question, considering I have lived a very long time. I mean many events have been very interesting, but." He leans forward on the table, seeming to have made his decision. "I suppose it would've been the plagues cast down by god onto the Egyptians. I was fascinated to see how long it would take the Pharaoh Rammaceeze to give in and end the suffering of his people." He chuckles to himself, resting against the back of his chair. "I must say he was a most interesting soul."

"So you're saying the story of Moses and Egypt actually happened?!" I ask enthusiastically. His eyes widen a bit in response, but then it quickly melts into his signature smirk.

"Yes indeed miss, it did." He says, obviously quite amused. All I can do is smile like a baby with candy. A bible story confirmed to be fact! Incredible! Ciel just chuckles at what I assume is my childish demeanor.

"Well," he says "unfortunately I haven't been living for as long as Sebastian. But actually I would say mine was the Great Depression. Everyone was forced to dig deep into the strongest part of their soul to merely survive. It was quite invigorating."

"Ah yes, I agree, that was a good time to be a demon." Chuckles Sebastian. "Are you satisfied with your answers miss?" He asks me.

"Yes I am." I say happily "Thank you."

"Our pleasure." Says Ciel.

In a split second, my friend Jurney urgently shoots her arm in the air, eagerly twiddling her fingers above her head.

"Yes?" Asks Sebastian.

"Okay so Mr. Michaelis?" She asks "Since you don't return Grell's feelings for you, will you put in a good word for me?" Optimism and hope fills her voice and all I can do is cover my mouth and try not to giggle. I should've known she would request that. She's been head over heals for Grell since before I've known her. And apparently, I'm not alone in my amusement. Sebastian bursts out in genuine laughter and smiles at her.

"Of course I will miss." He says wiping a tear from his right eye. "It will be my pleasure."

"Oh thank you!" She exclaims. She turns around and smiles broadly at me. I return the expression and give her a supportive thumbs up.

"Oh oh Ciel!" Screeches a random girl. "Tell us about the corset scene!" The echo of giggles from the rest of the audience allows me to groan audibly in irritation without judgement. *I can't take this anymore!* I quietly lean forward and tap Jurney in her shoulder to get her attention.

"I'm going to go explore." I whisper to her.

"What?!" She silently screams at me. "Are you kidding, you'll get thrown out if your caught!"

"Well then," I say in amusement, "I'll just have to not be caught then won't I?" She looks at me in disapproval and I sigh. "All I know is if I have to sit here and listen to these twittering idiots another moment longer, I'll have all of their heads. Are you coming?"

"No," she sighs, "I still have questions. Just be careful okay?"

"Always am." I say, then I slowly sneak out the door.

////////////////////////

As I make my way down the halls of the Phantomhive manor, I sigh contently. It's incredible just to be here. Black Butler has been a favorite of mine since I was in ninth grade. The philosophy, the action, the comedy, the suspense. It was all very captivating. Then two years ago, the characters came to our reality. The world thought it impossible and that they were all mad at first. But after a bit of convincing stunts, it was assured. Then last month, Ciel announced he would accept a couple hundred people selected from a drawing to go on a tour of the Phantomhive manor and have a Q and A with Sebastian and himself. My friends Katie and Jurney and I never thought we'd actually be picked, we just put our names in to say we tried. Then two weeks ago, we each received a letter in the mail saying our names had been drawn we would be picked up by a bus that would take us to an airport to be shipped to London. We were so ecstatic it was insane! London. The Phantomhive manor! Places I thought I'd only see in my dreams, yet here I am.

My only complaint is that Katie, who's more like my sister then my friend, was organized into a different group than Jurney and myself. But she made me promise that our separation wouldn't ruin the tour for me. Which is part of why I'm doing this, I know that if she were here, we would've slipped away to adventure together eventually.

I make my way to the manor's library. It's spacious and welcoming. The decor presents it with a feeling like you know more simply by entering. The ceiling is highly elevated with the far wall taken up completely by a glass window facing the main grounds. The other two walls on the right and left sides covered entirely by bookcases, all filled to the very brim with elegantly bound volumes of the written word. The rest of the room is adorned with a brown painted globe, a wide rectangular table holding a pile of paper, a quill in a bottle of ink, and a stack of misplaced books, and is surrounded by darkly polished wooden chairs with crimson velvet cushion. I feel as if I've stepped into the Victorian era. Strangely enough, I feel at home.

Taking a breath I walk over to the table and examine the stack of books, at the top is an edition of hamlet. I open it flipping through the pages, scanning over the familiar text. I can't count how many times I've read this play. It's easily my favorite.

I shuffle through the pages, stopping at certain intervals to read some of the more entertaining bits.

"To be or not to be." I read aloud. "That is the question. Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them. To die, to sleep no more." As each word leaves me, the sense of Hamlet's anguish ripples in my soul. "Oh Hamlet." I say to myself, in a voice no louder than a whisper. "What suffering has life dealt you? What madness have you endured and suppressed to meet the revenge you burn for?" After a few moments of silent thought. I force myself to laugh aloud. "Listen to me. I'm talking like I knew him." Inhaling, I comb my fingers through my bangs, exhaling as I grip the roots. "Okay, enough melodrama." I turn about the room reading silently as I skim 'Mouse Trap', Hamlets angry tirade on his mother. His confession to the murder of Polonius. Ofelia's suicide. Laertes plan for revenge. Then I come across my favorite part. Hamlet's remembrance of Yorick. I stop in my tracks, smiling at the words.

"Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio. A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. He hath borne me on his back a thousand times. And now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here hung those lips that I have kisses I know not how oft." I sigh to myself. Here is one of the very few times the prince of Denmark seems genuinely happy. My heart aches for his torment. And I can't help but wonder if I could endure his trials with his strength.

"Where are your gibes now?" I continue. "Your gambols, your songs-"

"Your flashes of merriment," interjects a voice from the door. I jump in surprise where I stand. Quickly, I spin on my heel and turn to see Sebastian standing there. He smirks at me, his hand holding the heavy dark wooden door open. Fear shoots from my head to my toes and I swallow the lump in my throat.

*Fucking shit! I'm so much trouble!*

"that were wont to set the table on a roar?" He continues as he enters the room, walking towards me, and (much to my dismay) letting the door close behind him.

*I'm not in trouble. I'm gonna fucking die!*

"Not now to mock your own grinning?" He continues as he slowly makes his way around the table. Never losing that devilish grin that seems married to his face. Not once taking his blood colored eyes off of me. "Quite chapfallen?" He finishes as he takes his final step, standing directly before me.

His eyes burn into me, filling me with what I can only describe as dread. I can only imagine what will happen next. The sun will rise tomorrow morning, shining light into my hotel room, but only Jurney and Katie will be there to complain about it. I will have disappeared to all my loved ones. Them thinking I ran away on my own accord, but in reality, this butler, this ruthless demon is making me suffer an unimaginably painful death for intruding upon Phantomhive property.

I grip the back of one of the chairs nearest me so not to faint from fear as I grip the open book tightly to my chest to keep from shaking. *I can't manage to look away from him.* I try to turn my gaze to collect some courage, but it feels like my eyes just won't leave his. *This is his doing.*

He lifts his hand towards me. At last able to look away, I cringe. I squeeze my eyes shut and tense my shoulders to prepare myself for the blow.... that he doesn't give.

"I wonder," I hear him say. I look up at him, shocked. He's standing closer now, looking down at me as if examining a jig-saw puzzle, again tapping his lip thoughtfully. He smirks again, causing me to tense once more, but not look away. "Why would you say that passage is such an important aspect to the story of Hamlet?"

...

...

...

?

?

?

"Wait, you aren't going to kill me?" I ask, staring at him in disbelief.

"Pardon?" Sebastian response as if he didn't hear me.

"Y-you know, the classic Phantomhive deal. Erasing someone from existence, no one knowing what happened. While secretly they are dealt a most horrifying death?"

"Oh my," he chuckles, gracefully bringing his fingertips to his forehead for and elegant facepalm. Looking as if I've made an adorable blunder. Like a toddler tripping over it’s first steps. "Now what could you have done to warrant that?" I step back in surprise.

"But- but my being here-"

"You came for a tour of the manor did you not?" He asks, dropping his hand slightly looking down at me again. "You wanted to witness it's likeness for yourself?"

"Well... yes."

"Then where exactly is there need for my killing you?" He says smiling childlike as he tilts his head to the side, letting his black raven hair sway in his face. "In fact, the only blunder here is of my fault." He says.

"What?" *Okay, he's got me all confused now.*

"As head butler of the estate," he informs me, placing a hand on his chest "it's my duty to tend to the individual needs and preferences of our guests." He bows at the waist and I can't believe what he says next. "And I didn't prepare myself for your individuality."

"M-my...", against my better interest, I feel my cheeks heat up into a faint blush. *He's good at smooth talk I'll give him that.* Then I remember, this is just smooth talk, I mean come on. This is Sebastian Michaelis. He's just trying to weaken my defenses, like the nun at the abbey. *Well hopefully not exactly like that.*

"Please," he continues, "forgive me miss...?"

"Oh! Winters." I tell him. "Ha-" I stop, my first name is the same as that of the demon who stole Ciel's soul from Sebastian. Hannah Annefellows. No way am I telling him that! I don't want to give him any influence to kill me. "Arkeyda." I blurt out at last second.

"Arkeyda." He says to himself. "Quite an unusual name if you don't mind me saying."

"No it's fine, I mean I've never met or heard of another Arkeyda, so I'm aware of how odd it is." I say, laughing a bit. My personal reminder of his insincerity in everything helps me focus on the matter at hand.

"Indeed." he says, "One would wonder where it came from." *Is he accusing me of something?*

"My mom liked the sound of Arkeyda Marie." I say shrugging. It's true, my mom wanted to give me that name but my father thought it was ridiculous. So it never happened. And in all honesty, I love my dad, but I wish he would've kept his mouth shut.

"It certainly is an interesting name." He says smiling. He steps to the side, holding out his right elbow to me, and his left arm in front of himself.

"Well, Miss Arkeyda. If you'll allow me, I'd like to give you a personal tour of the manor."

*O*

*M*

*G!*

I'm about to jump and fist pump the air with excitement! A tour! Of the Phantomhive Manor! By Sebastian God Damn Michaelis! Who could ever say that they were given this opportunity?! Then, again I hesitate. Sebastian, a snake, a crow, a demon. Though he never tells a lie, nothing he says is completely the truth. God knows I couldn't trust him as far as I could through him. He's probably going to show me around a bit, then when I feel totally at ease, POOF! He'll pull me around a dark corner and that'll be the last of me. *Ohhh, but I really want this.*

"Uhh, sure." I say gently pushing his elbow back against his side. He blinks wide eyed at me. I can tell he didn't expect me to reject his arm, but my life is my first concern. "Lead the way Mr. Michaelis."

"Please." He says with a friendly smile. "Call me Sebastian."

*I knew it. I'm going to fucking die.*

Notes:

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