(bus stop detour / portrait & pursuit / ciel’s standoff)
I’m on a bus heading home, but I need to stop at a convenience store for a drink, so I get off a bit early near the center of town. The rest of my classmates say goodbye, but then get off at the next stop and walk through town. They wave when they see me, but I keep walking like I have somewhere to be.
I pass the town information center and reach a bridge where parade preparations are happening. In the river below, a group of giant turtles spins in formation. On the bridge and along the shore, a Shinsengumi squad practices swordplay.
I continue to a small museum for handicrafts and ceramics. Everything is written in English, even though the setting is clearly in Japan. I go into a workshop and end up being the last visitor of the day.
Right before me is a Chinese or Taiwanese girl with short brown hair, Xue Tsun. She has a watercolor portrait done, then draws her own picture of herself and me, the next person in line. When it’s my turn, I only get the portrait. I like her drawing and ask for a copy, but I’m told I’ll have to get it directly from her.
I run out to catch up with her and find her just before the bridge. She’s being harassed by a man. I step in and fight him off, and he turns out to be her boyfriend.
I walk down a nearby street to a mansion that belongs to Ciel Phantomhive. He has been dealing with difficult negotiations with someone trying to take what’s his. He suspects they might try again, but still invites them in, confident he can win.
As they arrive, he realizes something is wrong. He hears his own voice coming from the door and understands that they may be creating copies of him each time to replace him.
He runs and locks himself in the bathroom, nervously turning his ring. The opponent has the advantage—they only need to destroy, while he has too many things to protect: his claim to the ring, his estate, possibly Lizzie (Elizabeth Midford).
He knows he has to think quickly, because if he shows any weakness, it will be over almost immediately.
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