The Queen's Newest Problem

Chapter 21: Picking Your Battles

Recap

She stopped just inches away from them, topaz eyes shimmering with severity and purpose.

"I know why we've been sent here,

And how to get out."

3rd POV

Rock's brow furrowed in distrust. "What do you mean?" The girl's eyes darkened as she elaborated. "Something dragged us out of our domains and threw us here for a specific purpose." Dead Master's eyes widened slightly. "But... how? What would have the power to do that here?" The blonde shook her head in response. "Look, I'll explain everything, but not here. We need to head inside the manor; we can't discuss this where someone can hear." 

Ciel's eyes widened in rage. 'How dare she even think about trespassing in my manor after attacking my fiancé?!' He suppressed a growl and stepped toward the trio, ready to throw the blonde off the manor's perimeter (or, more accurately, order Sebastian to do it), before his azure-eyed ally stopped him with her free arm before glaring at the stranger. 

"Why would we believe you?" She challenged, the grip on her blade tightening as she shielded her emerald-eyed friend with her free arm. "You've never helped us of your own free will, not unless there was a reward in it. And even then, you've back-stabbed us countless times when we were stupid enough to trust you. What makes you think we'll just go along with your plans now?" Sheer animosity dripped from her tone as she went on -- her flame had very nearly ignited at this point, and Ciel could even see small, blue sparks emitting from her electric eyes.

He didn't know what to do -- he wanted to stop the incoming battle before it happened (as it would be between three very angry Otherselves at his manor's doors, no less). At the same time, however, he wanted to let it continue; he could find out more about the seemingly lengthy history between his allies and this mysterious girl. But, he also didn't want to test Rock's patience; she made it very clear not to step too close.

He was brought out of his dwellings when he heard the blonde's next words. "You want to get out of here, right?" She retorted, stunning both Otherselves into silence. "Then you have to listen to me. I have a way of getting back to the Otherworld." Rock sighed after hearing that, closing her eyes with a growl. As much as she hated to admit it, the former was right. She was tired of being stuck in this world and teetering on the brink of insanity daily, and she was sure Dead felt the same if her melancholy silence was anything to go by.

Glancing back at her friend's near-broken expression, she took another heavy breath and looked at her enemy begrudgingly. "Fine. We'll humor you." She spat, watching as her blonde counterpart sighed heavily in relief. The latter dawned a weak, thankful smile and responded with, "Okay, let's head inside then."

Ciel's head snapped up at that remark, eyes wide and bewildered. "Excuse me?!" His outburst startled the mysterious figure and both Mato and Elizabeth. "Why would you want her in my manor? She attacked Lizzy!" His voice became so loud he sounded like a lion, and Mato would be lying if she didn't feel a chill run down her spine. 

"Um. Ciel?" Elizabeth meekly tried, thankfully calming her fiancé down a bit. "Yes, Lizzy?" He scowled. "She didn't attack me." The cobalt-haired heir couldn't help but spin around on his heel with wide eyes. "But -- " He stammered. "Then what was that huge explosion earlier?! And why did you scream?" Elizabeth rubbed the back of her head. "Bardroy was cooking again... and I was near the kitchen at the time..." was all she answered with. 

The poor girl could feel the stares of the two Otherselves along with Ciel and Sebastian before they all growled out a breath. The cobalt-haired boy facepalmed as he could feel the embarrassment wafting off Dead and the annoyance off of Rock. After gaining his bearings, he sighed and addressed the topaz-eyed girl. "You're welcome in my manor, as long as you leave your weapons out here." He grumbled. The blonde Otherself beamed and nodded as everyone went inside the manor.