The Ch'en Mansion

Loud chopping sounds echoed throughout the kitchen as a lone chef sliced through with with incredible speed. It was rather early in the morning, not even a time with most would awake, but the long haired chef, with her hair tied into a ponytail, continued to hack at the vegetables for the day. Maribelle Lockheart sighed as she finished preparing the vegetables for lunch, dropping the knife against the counter. She was almost tempted to stop then and there, perhaps set fire to the kitchen, and leave. But she knew Kage would have her head for that. Besides, it would be a shame to tarnish a kitchen she had just finished cleaning.

"Maybe if he hired an assistant or two..." Maribelle grumbled to herself as she moved all the vegetables into a small container and set it aside. Without any help she knew she had to start preparations for lunch now or she would never get it done on time. Not only did she have to cater to the Master's meals but everyone else in the mansion. She only continued to grumble until she heard a ringing sound. The phone in the kitchen rang without care for the Chef's precious eardrums so she had no choice but to clean her hands and rush over to it quickly. Kage was on the other end, once again signaling that the Master had just awoken and his meal would need to be ready soon.

Maribelle gasped lightly as she affirmed the order and quickly went to wash her hands again before running over to the stove. She had a few omelets ready in multiple frying pans for the Master and the rest of the staff. Giving them all a quick look over she affirmed that they were ready and quickly set it on one of the plates on a small wooden counter next to the stove. She almost paused to stare at the flame but shook it off and went back to work. Sprinkling various cheeses, vegetables and shredded ham on top of the omelet she then carefully folded it over as to not spill any of her careful work. A knock was heard on the kitchen door as a maid with a small tray awaited the meal. The maid and the Chef only gave each other a quick morning greeting before Maribelle set to finish her work. Adding a small amount of chopped and fried potatoes, something a friend of hers called a hash brown, and a slice of toasted bread beside the meal, Maribelle then gave it to the maid, thanking her again for the trouble.

The woman only sighed as she was tempted to slump down into a stool nearby.

'A Chef doesn't sit till everyone else does.' Maribelle reminded herself before she set off to do the same meal setting for the other servants; now that the Master would have his meal, everyone else would be able to as well.

(Crap post.. Tried to write it in a hurry, sorry.)

Alarm, the ringing echoing through the room. The twins lay on the same bed, their foreheads touching as their eyes slowly opened to one another. Their finger's group loosening on the other's as they awoke. Both their eyes narrowing on the small clock above their heads. With strange precision they both raised an arm grabbing the clock from each side, the ringing dieing down quickly by the surge. Pushing themselves up to a siting position on the bed, they nodded to one another before hopping off and quickly getting dressed into casual uniform. Next came their morning ritual, once again joining their hands together joining in the same stance staring at each other. "As a new day begins", one began, "May us continue on" the other one finished. Both of there heads fell to the same side, the same smile spreading to their lips. Near identical motions, characteristics, and dreams.

The two exited the room entering the halls, barely catching a glimpse of Kage. Their eyes widened as they glanced back to each other. "We are late aren't we?", it was Akiri who spoke. "It would seem so.", Akira replied taking a few steps forward, before turning around. Once again the identical pair took the same movements, giving a huge grin and raising their hand closest to the room door to give a peace sign. Both turning on their heels and walking opposite directions.

Akira continued through the halls, loneliness taking her slowly. She began walking a little faster in order to get to the kitchen hoping that preparations were already made. If only they did not wake up late, then her and Akiri could work on the same task together instead of apart. Just before the kitchen she opened a small pantry door shuffling through the different trays before finding the small platter generally used for the quick breakfasts. Stopping in front of the kitchen door she knocked, impatiently waiting for the chef to answer. The confrontation was rather short, not that she minded at all, in fact she liked it that her and the Chef never seemed to talk much unless Akiri were around too. It just meant that she could meet back together with her sister that much faster.

Akiri walked down the hall and entered the guest room. Digging through the shelves in the dresser and grabbing a new bed sheet as well more pillow cases. Hurriedly, she rushed back out of the room, holding the new sheets tight against her chest as she made her way to the Master's chambers. It seemed like she made it before her sister, which put her in a state of nervousness. With her free hand she hesitantly went to knock on the door, only to fail and drop her hand. A bump to her shoulder made her face her side where once again her sister was. A quick smile exchanged as they looked back to the door.

"One Two!" They both chanted before knocking on the door with their free hand. "Master Ch'en, it's the beginning of another day!"

Chiyuki remembered she had no idea how to get into the public part London without getting lost or going back to face William. She needed help desperately, not wanting to be monitored again. She snapped her fingers, once again changing her clothes to something more England traveler style. She ran up to the mansion doors quickly and knocked on the door. She paced around, thinking to herself. "What happens if they know me? Will they tell William or Ronald or Grell?' She was working herself up too much. Of course that wouldn't happen. She distinctly had two different appearances. She tapped her foot impatiently; she was actually considering using her death scythe to break down the door and let herself in. Instead, she decided to wait a couple more minutes and if they didn't answer, she would go with what se was considering earlier.

The morning was way to bright for him. Aki yawned loudly as he straightened his shirt alittle, the garden had been well taken care of, he had just gone over it giving most of the plants some water, which he'd probably get to the rest later after a moment of relaxation. He really had no other duties other then to tend to the plants make sure they stayed healthy, so he spent most of his time just enjoying the nature that surrounded him. He found a decent spot to sit down between a group of scarlet pimpernel, and calla lillies. He pulled out a book from his pocket and dove back into the story.

Aki's mind turned to the story and just stuck with it, though part of it wandered to how he ended up in this situation oh how betrayal was so much fun, when you were the one committing it. He let the book rest in his lap a sigh of displeasure escaping his lips as he closed his eyes and just laid back. He didn't mind being a gardener now, actually he rather enjoyed spending most if not all of his day amongst several different kinds of flowers and other plants. He found it more relaxing to be around nature and animals, least they didn't stab you in the back. He thought to himself, removing the band around his hair and letting it fall out of it's pony-tail as he ruffled it up and sighed, his mind closing off the memories again, and slowly he was beginning to relax. Though he couldn't help but wonder how long it would last, it wasn't like he was forced to do anything else, at least not yet anyways. He wasn't sure if he'd be asked to do other things amongst the mansion, he tapped his chin trying to think of other skills he could offer; well that weren't ment for killing people anyways. He shrugged his shoulders when none came to him as he picked up his book crossing his legs as he sat up resting on hand on his knee his chin in his palm as he returned to the story to get away from reality.

Kage's face remained hard as stone when the trader spoke to him. He resists the urge to reach out and gnarl his fingers in her hair, shake her around to snap her scrawny neck. Not only does Wuya dislike her (therefore Kage must) but as a guardian demon he is highly aware of anyone trying to harm his master at all times. Especially trespassing trollops her drag their filthy kin into a home that does not belong to them. Kage could also see how distressed his charming twins were. This displeases him further and he bristles, catching Wuya's message and forlornly watching his master being stalked by the trader. He leans over Akira and Akiri, kissing their dear little heads. "She...wants cake. I shall fetch it. In the meantime my little cherubs do not let her out of your sight. I don't want her alone with Wuya. You tell me if she does anything else unsavory."

The tall demon coos to them, wanting them to feel better. He's glad they see reason to distrust the trader. Nuzzling the maids' pretty heads he walks out of his master's chambers and heads into the kitchen. Kage flourishes his arm and smiles at the hard working chef. "Maribelle, I have a surprise for us today. I'll be organizing a picnic and you don't have to lift a finger for it. I'll be cooking for us all." he'll need to invite the gardener as well. Eyes scanning the bustling kitchen he tilts his head at the girl, "We do require a small cake. That trader has invited herself in and is leeching the poor master.", a knock at the door stops his surmounting rant, "Ah...thank you for making the master's breakfast but now I do require a cake. One moment my swan, I hear someone at the door."

Going to the large double doors of the mansion front he opens it to find a small girl. Although she doesn't smell like one clearly. Kage arches a groomed brow inquisitively. "May I help you? This is the Ch'en residence." in the background he spies the gardener and nods towards the ex-assassin.

The demon surveys Chiyuki with disdain, glowering eyes lidded partially in a haughtier-than-thou expression. He knows what she is, he can smell it on her. Fortunately she is weak and inexperienced, barely over a decade, thusly she cannot yet detect what he is. Kage hides his true identity from mortals (save for his master and his darling girls) and weak immortals. Such as this whelp reaper before him. The male's visage cracks into a steep scowl as he leans over somewhat, eyes seething with his aura. "Listen carefully, reaper. I will humor you and lead you to where you must be. In return you must promise not to step foot on this estate uninvited again. I will not have my precious mortals threatened by some newborn imp." he hisses lowly before rising again to his staggering height of a little over six feet tall.

Kage clears his throat, eyes dimming to their normal hue as he tilts his head and uses his punctual tone. "Well miss. We can't have any lost little lambs prancing about...I was about to take my master and some friends on a picnic. You are more than welcome to join us and be properly escorted to your destination." formal and terse, everything in his arsenal fully prepared to shred the reaper should she make a mistake in front of a legendary demon. Kage moves to the side to allow her to enter peacefully should she so wish it.

Wūyā's eyes shot up at the trader with a pissed off look, a little more than usual. "Anna, I'm Wūyā Ch'en. I have the best security in the world. Nothing will happen to me." He stood up all of a sudden, flicking some of his pale hair back. "Kage, will never let anything happen to me." Walking to his door, planning to get away from Anna, soon as possible. He glanced at her again. "If he doesn't,"he smirked wickedly,"then he will be severely punished."

Walking quickly down the hallways of his mansion, he spotted his demon at the door. He raised an eyebrow. I wasn't expecting any visitors today. His eyes narrowed as he strutted over to the door, snaking his arms around the taller one and scowling at the girl at the door. He didn't even knew the person, but he already hated her. "Who is this, Kage?"

Chiyuki hissed when he mentioned what she was. "I will set foot here if I wish to do so. Nobody can stop me." She smiled before Wuya walked up. She glanced at him and made a quick observation: he seemed scrawny; mortal to easily be defeated.[i]Who is this, Kage? "I am, as your butler announced, a Soul Reaper. My name is Chiyuki Harinabi." She looked back to Kage. "The only reason I'm here is because I'm bored." Her frustaion, anger and annoyance was building up quickly.

"I'll gladly accept your offer for the picnic." She whispered ungratefully. "Such luck, I'll be able to practice my Death Melody." She smiled and used Wuya's head as a springboard to hop over into his mansion. "By the way," smiling sweeter than before, she continued. "It's nice to meet you Kage." A rose appeared in her hand and she held it out to Wuya. "And hello to you too." She looked around the mansion. she thought a little bit and carefully chose her words. "I take it your the of this house, no?"

A portal opened up behind her and William stepped. "So this is where you went?" He looked at Kage with disgust. [b]"You shouldn't be here with this filth."[b] He grabbed her wrist tightly and started to walk back. Chiyuki yanked her wrist away. "I don't want to go back. There's nothing to do." She declared angrily.

((Sorry for the blank post, my little sister posted it. =_=))

Kage's dark heart beats joyously as Wuya's angered tone utters his name. The taste of such energy from the mortal is exquisite! The demon licks his lips and glides over to wrap an arm around the boy's shoulders, his hand running from the boy's wrist up to his shoulder. "Come now dear master...but a lost lamb looking for its herd." although Kage elevates his brows at the inexperienced reaper's threats. The demon is not in the least worried.

Although it is clear she'll be nothing but a trouble causing headache, perhaps as, or even more annoying as the trader. "Oh listen, master. She knows our names without us telling her. Common parlor trick." he sniffs gingerly before William suddenly appeared. Kage merely grins devilishly when the stranger calls him filth. "Only in a dark alley, I assure you. In the light I'm quite transparent but in the dark I'm such a dream." he snorts lightly as the reaper balks at her duties and responsibility. Although he does recall being that young. Kage sighs and steps forth, grabbing William's arm to break it from the reaper's wrist. He moves, enigmatic energy forcing William to step out onto the porch.

Naked to the mortal eye (save for Wuya whom is always welcome to see the demon's true form although none know his true name) Kage's tail, wings and horns erupt from his body. His ears grow a tad longer as he frowns at William. "Now see here. I am taking charge of the reaper, she is a guest of my master's now. Should you wish her back it is her choice while she remains here."

Wūyā glanced up at Kage enticingly, liking the feel of his hand gliding over his arms. His expression on his face was brought to a immediate scowl as the Soul Reaper held a rose to him. If it was possible, he would make the red rose turn black and shriveled by looking at it. Being the cruel kid he was, he slapped the throned plant away from him, the thorns cutting his fingers lightly. It left red marks over his hand, but it did not hurt, it actually felt sort of pleasant. How masochistic he could be.

His eyebrow started to twitch when another Soul Reaper popped in, making him start to form a headache again. He was tired of all these unwanted visitors coming in without his permission. He smirk when the other man started to talk down at the female, but it quickly went away as he caught the glimpse of a thorned tail.

How much he loved Kage's true form, it was as beautiful as his human form just with some added features. He found himself licking his own lips suddenly, hoping none of the others saw him do that. Not wanting things to get messy, there were gonna have a picnic not a blood bath, he went passed his demon in-between him and the Soul Reaper. "I want no blood, Kage." He turned his head to the other. "And I would gladly let you accompany your friend to the party, but seeing as you aren't very fond of my butler, I ask for you nicely to leave."

Chiyuki frowned slightly when he slapped th rose out of her hand. 'Now that wasn't very nice, was it.' She thought looking at the events unfolding. William was opening a portal and stepping into it, glaring as he went. "Gosh. That was the first time William left without using his weapon." She thought, looking at Wuya and Kage once more before she ran up the stairs.

"Whose room is this?" She thought, walking over to the bed. A letter envelope was sticking out a small corner of it. Since nobody was there yet, she ripped it out and looked at it. It was a threat letter from the Thornhill's heir. "How weak." She said bleakly, opening the bedrom windows widely. She snapped her finger, changing her outfit once again, before leaning out to let the sun fall onto her face.

((Green Frills It's thedress~))

As the ungrateful young immortal left without so much as a thank you (although he did just save her centuries of boredom) Kage couldn't expect anything less of such an uncouth imp. He briefly wonders where his little maids are. Hopefully they'll find the intruder and keep an eye on her. Worse still where is that wretched trollop, the trader? Kage's eyes narrow briefly but he shakes his head. "This is why we need a picnic. We are not safe nor at leisure to be comfortable in home. Let's forget those maggots, sire. We have much more important matters. Such as the picnic."

He gently curls an arm around Wuya's sides and guides the boy into the kitchen. "Maribelle, my dear, do pardon the intrusion. Some annoying leeches have attached themselves to our presence so...we've come here to escape. I hope you don't mind if I help you bake that cake? I'd so love to lick the spoon." the enigmatic male purrs, his true form having faded from sight. Kage, not wanting to dirty his out, simply unbuttons and removes his tunic. Now with a bare torso he finds a white body apron and pulls it on, tying it securely. "Now then. What sort of cake shall it be? Strawberry shortcake, fudge chocolate..? So many recipes at your disposal, Maribelle." he marvels politely as he fingers through a cake book. Honestly they'll have to figure out better security to keep out the riffraff and such undesired elements. Then again Kage knows he can hire demonic minions from the underworld with his high status to help out but it could cause too much of a fuss.

Wuya was slight surprised when he felt an arm slide around his waist, letting Kage guide him into the kitchen. His blush was very bright, he gritted his teeth. Even though he was open with his demon, he didn't like show this kind of weakness near him. He attempted to hide said blush with his hair, semi working.

As the approached the kitchen, he was a little enjoyed to see Maribelle. For some reason out of all the other workers, he liked her the best after Kage. He gave a small waved to his pyro chef, giving a bad attempt of a smile before his face turned red suddenly. He turns his head as he sees the older male take his shirt off, completely getting the young one off guard. Kage, you idiot.

His eyebrows furrowed as he stood in a corner, a hand covering his nose making sure nothing happens. As he heard the the demon question on what kind of cake to make, his mind went directly to the name fudge chocolate. He walked over to one of the counters, resting his elbows on top, and licking his lips, oblivious to his own red face. "Fudge chocolate sounds good to me..."

The twins sat across from each other, the grass of the yard under them. Engaged in childish games as they once again forgot about their duties from boredom. "One two" Akira would speak to immediately be followed by her twin sister, "One two!". A childish game of patty cake on the job, what better fit for the two twins? "Say Akira?" Akiri spoke, her voice somewhat trailing off. Her sister replying with only a noise of interest. "Weren't we supposed to be doing something?...." Both of them slowed to a stop in their game, taking a moment to stare at each other. "Something.." One began, "We were supposed to be doing?" A moment paused before both shut up right, screaming at their own ignorance, "Master Wuya!".

Both ran into the building, frantically looking around. They first went for the study, wondering if they were still there. But the room was empty.. "Akira! What are we going to do!?" "We lost Master Wuya, we lost Master Wuya and Kage's request!" The two clinged to one another sobbing for a moment. "We have to find him!" Both joined back together with confidence as they ran back down the hall. Perhaps he just went back to his chambers right? The energy of the two made them lack common sense, for when they reached the door they barged in, "Master Wuya!!!!" Both hit the ground as if to already beg forgiveness. Akira was the first to look up. "Say Akiri.... There is a girl here." "Ehh!?" Akiri joined in looking up. Glancing at each other for confirmation they looked back towards the girl, their heads tilting opposite of one another. "Who are you?"

Aki literally ignored all that happened around him; it wasn't his business. Though the yelling and the raised tone of voices, it made reading hard as he marked his page and closed the book. He watched as their young lord finished talking to Kage, and a young girl bolted in towards the mansion; oh how he wished he'd had paid attention now. He stood up dusting himself off as he strode towards the kitchen area; already beaten to it by Kage and Wuya. He bowed to both to Kage and to Wuya, "I've finished the gardening for the day.." He stated in a monotone voice, it wasn't like he actually cared for either of the males, this was business nothing more.

He rose standing straight. "Is there anything else you need of me to do, or am I free for the day?" He had ignored most of the ruckus going around him, so it wasn't like he knew if he was needed for something else, his main job was gardening, he kept reminding himself. That's all he was needed here to do, but he couldn't help offer more of his services, it made things alittle more interesting; and less boring if he got to do something more around the estate; it's not like gardening lasted all day.

He crossed his arms his body weight shifting so he leaned against a wall; acknowledging the head chef with a nod of his head, he hadn't really gotten to know the staff; he stayed to his area of the place, and to his job; he did spare a wave or a nod of acknowledgement when he did see them but it wasn't like he went out of his way to spark conversation. He kept his focus on the little lordling, he'd need his indication on what to do, even though it was always in Kage's voice.

(ugh shitty post i know i hope it's acceptable enough)