For once, she felt good. The rain pouring down on her, numbing her body after the assault it just endured. She felt it erase everything that had happened so far that day, removing its traces from her. If only it lasted more than an hour, maybe things would look better. Oh, who was she kidding? This was forever her life. No way out. Well, except death.

The TV's flashed within the little store, showing the latest crime sprees. As of late, a group of serial killers were running New London's streets, causing mayhem and fear. But the more Heather looked at it, the more she saw the good within the actions. It wasn't innocent people dying by their hands, no, it was the dark of the city. Dealers. Abusers. Ringleaders. The works of the ugly world she knew. It was those people who needed to end up dead, and she prayed it happened to her world soon.

"Authorities are in search of the latest of killers, believed to be the Mad Baker. Chief of investigations is warning people not to go to local bakeries or shops if suspicious activities are witnessed. If you or anyone have details of the recent slayings, call-"

The thunderous boom cut it off, but she didn't need the number. There was no phone for her to use there, never would be in that case. Continuing her way, she tried to drag out the walk, making it even longer for her to face the reality. The straight walkway showed no one upon it, proof that it wouldn't be long until she was back. Looking around, she saw the alleyway next to her, wondering if it would give her the extra time she wanted. Glancing between the two, she finally made her way in the alley, hoping to get a few more minutes of freedom.

The rain continued its torrential torment, creating a strange rhythmic melody over the rafters and fire escapes. She tried to imagine what it would be like with a normal life, one without the pain she had endured, but every time she got close to it, it was snuffed out each time. No life was within the shallow, dark area, giving her more peace of mind. Until a shatter of glass and arguing caught her ears. Looking up, she saw them, Drake and Luis, arguing over something as they pointed to their watches. Jesus, this would be her luck. Quickly, she darted down another piece of the alley, shimmying between the two building just to find herself in a darker alley. Fear crept up in her throat, realizing what half of the city she had entered with that little space. She had to hurry back, no doubt about it. She thought life was hell with them, over here, it was even worse.

A blood-curdling scream echoed the area, making her own blood grow cold. She pressed herself into the brick wall, trying to find the entrance back as more screams emitted into the air. Heather wasn't sure what way was what, or what was going on. All she knew was she wanted away from it.

The air grew cold, something was lingering around her. Something dark and cruel. She could almost hear the curl of someone's lips as they grinned at her, feel their breath against her neck. Panic rose in her, just to completely freeze as something sharp pressed into her back.

"Hello, poppet."

Before Heather could see anything, a blinding pain ravished her skull, blurring her world into complete darkness.

Screams. Pained screams. Frightened screams. The screams that even horror movies couldn't get right. It was like a bad dream, or one of the boys left on the TV as usual. But as she tried to find her surroundings, she realized she wasn't back at the home.

Pleas for life and mercy came to her again as a gruntled shout filled the air, proof that death was just received. Heather felt around in the black space, realizing she was stuffed inside a closet. What the hell, how'd she get here? Suddenly, bright lights came to her as the door flung open wide. Blinking her eyes, she saw a frightened woman, looking around as her own wide eyes landed on her.

"What the-"

"Better you than me!" she shouted.

The woman grabbed her hand, yanking her out of the closet just to throw her into the adjacent wall, hiding within the closet as Heather sat there motionless. The hell was that? Rubbing her head, she looked around as horror filled her. Blood stained the walls and floors as it seemed nail marks ran down parts of the walls as others seemed like tools. Broken needles and vials scattered the floor as she looked around, the screams still lifting in the air. Dear god, she was in a real house of horrors.

Gathering her footing, Heather tried to find another place to lay low, hoping that it was only a nightmare. Peering down a hall, she lost her thoughts and breath as a dismembered body laid within, eyes missing as fear was frozen on his face. Jesus, what was this place? Another set of screams came from behind her, no doubt the woman who threw her out. Heather ran, running down hall after hall, turn after turn just to stop at a small door. With sheer luck, it opened. She tucked herself within, listening and waiting for whatever was out there to leave her alone. It was quiet. Too quiet really. She listened for anything really, a sign that this house of horrors was all done. Yet there was nothing.

Heather let her mind trace all that had happened to her. From her parents to the boys, from the abuse to the trades, she let it all cascade through her mind and yet as it did, the more she thought she belonged there. Maybe this was her way out, being killed and never seen from again. No one would miss her and she'd be finally free. Exhaustion claimed her after all that had happened, her legs barely wanting to move. Finally dragging herself to the door and scooting herself out, a strange calm overcame her, no fear of what would happen but that it was going to happen.

"Freedom." she whispered to herself.

She leaned her head against the door, a small smile crossing her face as she felt herself become happy with the very thought.

"Hello, poppet."

She froze, only for a moment as that voice sent a strange chill down her spine. With a shaky breath, she turned to see the face of her savior, just to be awed. A mess of reddish blond hair laid upon his head as bright blue eyes looked at her, the bloodied knife gave way to what was to come, yet his looks and demeanor said more about him. Such bright, pastel colors on a man who was bringing death, how odd, yet satisfying.

"Well, you're different." his English accent catching her off guard, "Why aren't you screaming?"

Why wasn't she? Hell, why wasn't she screaming really? Here was a man that was killing people for the hell of it and yet she sat there like a fool, staring at him like a wide-eyed doe with a car. But she couldn't stop. She wasn't sure if she should be afraid or relieved.

"Since you won't say, how about a ten-second start? I do love a good chase." he smiled as the knife pressed into her cheek, "Makes your blood sweeter."

Was he going to eat her after this? Oh, hell, not after what Drake's done to her. This man would be lucky to survive two bites of her.

"Come now poppet, the night is young and there are so many out there that I need for my cooking. So come on, run off, or do you have something else you want?"

Something else? It came to her, that little light she prayed for most, it now was real and here he was going to make it real. Heather reached out for his hand, watching as his face blended between wonder and worry of her. She placed the sharp blade at her chest, right above her heart as tears fell down her cheeks, at most in pure happiness that it was all finally over.

"Kill me."

"Pardon?" he choked out.

Heather pressed the blade further, feeling it break her skin, "Kill me, please."

Now his face twisted with curiosity and confusion as if he never heard someone ask such a thing. Well, maybe he didn't, but still. He got what he asked for and now so was she.

He moved in front of her, holding the blade tight as she was ready to see it all go away. Well, that was until she felt the pain strike her head again, seeing him before her as he looked down at her. A small smile crossed his face, making her wonder if she did the right thing, "I think I'll keep you."

Oh no, what did she get herself into now? Heather tried to fight what was happening, but her body laid limp against him as he lifted her against him and she finally slipped into the darkness. Loving its comforting emptiness.