Encased within Darkness

Chapter 2

"Here is your tea young master," Maria said softly, placing the teacup down on the desk.

Her master, sixteen year old Vincent Phantomhive, stifled a yawn and laid his head on the desk, "Thank you Maria," he muttered, closing his eyes lazily.

"You shouldn't sleep right now, you will be heading to Weston in an hour," Maria stated.

In response, Vincent merely smiled and uttered a soft, "Mmn,"  as he slept.

Turning away, Maria began walking to the door ultimately deciding it was better to let him do as he wished. Pausing at the door, she took a glance back at him asleep on the desk and, despite herself, could feel the heat rising to her cheeks and the hammering of her heart. Placing a hand on her chest she exited the room, confused and slightly perplexed.

"There you are!"

The clicking of heels against the floor alerted her of Vincent's approaching sister Francis.

"I'll never understand why you dote on that brother of mine," Francis said, "but regardless, it's time for our duel!"

A sword was flung towards her and Maria grabbed it, eyeing the other sword in Francis' hand. Without warning Francis launched forward in perfect form.

Maria blocked the blow, taking note of Francis' quick counter attack that aimed at her feet.

As Maria quickly enacted  her own counter attack aimed at Francis' chest, as  Maria predicted, Francis quickly changed the course of her sword and deflected the blow. A flurry of movement was all that was heard as both ladies' swords clashes, the sound of the metal clinking against one another drawing unwanted attention to them.

"Sister, would you stop bothering Maria and let her continue her duties?" The voice of Vincent interrupted. 

There was a slight pause as the final clash sent both sliding back. 

Francis breathed heavily and dusted a strand of hair out of her eyes as she huffed, "I don't want to hear any of that from you." She said, pointing her blade at her brother peaking out from the door.

Maria bowed suddenly, "I enjoyed our practice match. You are a formidable opponent Lady Frances. I would hate to be on the receiving end of your wrath."

Frances frowned and placed her sword down as she brushed another strand of hair out of her eyes, "Why such a skilled woman like you dotes on my brother is beyond me," She grumbled. With a stern expression Frances pointed her sword at Vincent and shouted, "Brother! Duel me!"

Although a smile was on his face Vincent quickly responded with, "No," before shutting his door.

"Typical! Afraid to lose?" Frances shouted.

"Yes!" Vincent's voice answered through the door. "You're impossible to beat. Let your big brother keep some of his pride."

Francis rolled her eyes and turned to depart down the hallway. "Maria, make sure that idiot behaves," she said, sheathing her sword.

"Of course," Maria answered, bowing.

When Frances left Maria stood up and glanced back.

"Young Master, You must get ready to leave," Maria said.

A groan was heard from behind the door and Vincent whined, "I don't wanna,"

"If that's what you wish," Maria responded.

The door opened and Vincent poked his head through the door to give her a pouty face, "You know, you don't have to agree with everything I say. It's okay to disagree once in a while."

"I see..." She mumbled, frowning slightly. "Then, you must get ready this instant."

She looked at him with a serious expression and stepped closer.

"Eh? I didn't mean this instant! Don't disagree! Don't disagree!"

Vincent let out a heavy sigh as he climbed into the carriage and produced a smile as he waved to a stern Frances who was seeing him off.

"Don't slack off and do your best!" Frances ordered, glancing at Maria and nodding.

Maria held two large bags in her hands and was carrying them to the carriage. Ignoring the help of the footman, she climbed into the carriage and placed the bags down before settling across from Vincent.

Vincent continued to wave at Frances up until the carriage began moving and his younger sister was out of sight.

When he stopped waving and looked at Maria there was a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

"There's something I need you to do," he began.

Maria closed her eyes and bent her head forward, already anticipating his words. "If that is what you wish."

Vincent smiled and reached down to dig in one of the bags. "Great! But shouldn't you get ready? The show is about to begin!"