The sun rose over the hills, shedding light across the East end of London. Rays of light shone through the narrow streets that twisted and winded like a well thought out maze. The curbs were dirty and it wasn't unusual to see a rat or too skittering about. The houses built slim and tall, were all right next to each other and clotheslines were strung across some alleyways, shirts and pants blowing in the breeze.

It wasn't much, but it was what I called home. Though the word 'home' wasn't something my family knew of. My 'family' consisted only of me and I lived wherever I needed. The old abandoned lofts or the gutter, it was all the same. My name is Erin Collingwood, the last name being something I choose out myself.

I pulled myself up in a sitting position from the pile of blankets I used as a bed and stared at myself in the long dusty and cracked mirror leaned up against the wall. My long auburn hair was hanging limply around my face and my green eyes looked dull. I was a little worse for wear but I managed. I was dressed in loose black cotton pants and I white cotton blouse, stained.

I had added a vest and some fingerless gloves. It was spring so I wasn't too cold at night. I tied up the leather boots I'd come across a few months back and dropped myself out the window with my small bag of belongings. I landed easily on the roof below and jumped to the ground. There wasn't much activity this morning, it was still early: the perfect time to snatch up some breakfast.

My head poked up over the edge of a large wooden crate, like a little red tomato with my auburn hair. My eyes were wide and eager as I looked over the local fruit stalls. One big juicy apple, if I can get that them I'm good till lunch, I thought while my eyes scanned the produce. I spied a bunch of ripe green apples opposite me and to the right and my lips pulled up into a smile.

"Come to mamma", I murmured and leapt from my spot. I darted through the people browsing the fruit and snatched two apples like lightning. Just as quickly I dashed down the street and out of sight before anyone could yell at me. I didn't stop till I reached my favourite elevated spot in what we called the 'town square'.

I licked my lips and took a deep bite into the bite, savouring the excellent crunch it made. "Oh yeah, that's what I needed", I moaned in satisfaction and I heard some giggles below. I chucked a glance down and saw three troublemakers I knew only too well.

"Rin the fox strikes again!" Cried Deon, the little one with a mop of mousy brown hair. His best friend, Johnny, grinned at me. "You going to play tag with us again Rinny?" I took another bite of my apple and contemplated this, lazily leaning over to look down on them. "Sure", they cheered and I was honoured with a small smile from Johnny's shy little brother, Ben, who shared their bright blonde hair and blue eyes.

I felt no guilt being fifteen and playing tag against little 12 year olds. "We'll meet here later", Deon yelled and I gave him a little wink and a nod.

Darkness had set quickly over London. Plenty of light still shone down on the streets but hints that night was drawing near had made themselves known. I sat, slumped on the boxes below my favourite seat, my eyes flitting about warily. "Boo!" High voices cried and the two boys jumped over from behind me.

I raised an eyebrow and ruffled their hair, "Better luck next time kiddies, you gotta get up pretty early to get a jump on Rin!" I told them with a grin and our eyes all met, the same fire burning in them. "Rin is it, the time limit is total darkness", Johnny said in a low voice and a sly grin crept over my face. "Just try and catch the fox", I whispered and that was it, I set off running like the wind.

I ducked under wires and over boxes, my eyes scanning everything. Tonight felt stranger than usual, darker and scarier. The air got colder and as I paused at the corner of a building, my breath fogged in the air. I stopped, something felt…wrong. I kept still and listened carefully, I was right, I couldn't hear any other footsteps.

Deon, Johnny? I thought to myself and the crease between my eyebrows formed, there was definitely something up. My back was aching, a stinging pain that only happened in serious situations. That's when I heard it.

A young boy, his high voice whimpering in pain. I heard someone else near him, whispering things quickly. The second boy sounded like he was crying. "Johnny?" I yelled, my voice breaking the silence pressing down on me. The sobbing got louder and I turned my head, it was coming from near the docks. My breathing hitched and my lip quivered.

I hurried through the night, ignoring the ominous darkness that seemed to be leaking into the streets and absorbing everything it saw. My heart was beating at a hundred miles an hour and there was sheen of sweat across my neck. I saw it, the green of Johnny's shirt and I crumpled down next to them.

"What's going on?" I asked breathlessly as a clap of thunder sounded in the sky. Shit, rain wasn't going to help this situation, I thought and looked over the boys. Johnny was fine, but Deon was another story. His left leg was sticking out at a funny angle and I could see blood on his forehead. "He fell and hit his leg?" I guessed and Johnny nodded, sniffling.

"Wbat are weeb donna do?" He asked me through his sobs. "We're going to get him to a doctor", I decided and gently picked him up.

My shoes slammed into the pavers and rain fell on my face, chilling me to the bone but I kept going. Deon was what was important. I had forced Johnny to go home and was desperately running through the twisted alleyways. I couldn't find anyone. I was alone. "Please!" I screamed, trying to compete with the heavy rain, "Please! Someone help him!"

But I knew there wasn't anyone there to answer my plea. I burst out onto one of the main roads and my eyes flicked around, searching for another face. I found two. Shadowed by the strange black and silver coats they wore they walked through the street, getting further away from me. They were my only means of hope. "Hey! You over there!" I cried, but it didn't seem like they could hear me.

If they were ignoring me, the crazy screaming girl on the street, I was going to be furious. I took after them, trying not to fall on the wet pavement. "STOP!" I screeched, my voice reaching an octave higher and I collapsed on the ground, Deon cradled in my arms covered in my coat. It was hopeless. No one could hear me.

A no body was what I was, a rat to most people. Stealing their food and their blankets, who would want to help someone like me? Then, a glimmer of hope? The one in the longer coat turned his head and saw me crumpled in the gutter.

I collapsed in the small wooden chair with relief. It was warmer inside the small Inn, and with my clothes completely soaked, I eagerly accepted the warmth. They had stopped, the hooded figures. I had made my voice heard. A small smile flowed onto my lips and glanced to where the still hooded figures and a doctor where leaning over Deon.

"A broken leg and slight concussion", I heard him say quietly and the taller of figures walked over to join me. His hood slipped off to reveal a young boys face, no older than me. He had grey eyes and weirdest of all, white hair. There was a thin red scar running down the left side of his face. I felt fear in my heart but his warm smile melted that fear. "You must be freezing", he stated looking at my wet clothes and I shrugged.

"A little, but I'll be fine", I said and resisted the urge to shiver. My head was aching; today had not been my best day. I didn't deal with stress well, that's why I preferred my carefree lifestyle. I leaned over and slumped on my knees and caught him staring at my back.

I was only wearing the thin white blouse now and that was completely transparent now. "What are those?" He asked curiously and I sighed. "My marks", I explained and met his eyes.

I pointed a finger to my back and kept my position leaning on my knees. I've always had them there, they may be black but I assume they're scars not tattoos. I can't remember much from my early childhood so maybe I was in a fire?" I suggested in a weary voice. "But so intricate…" His voice trailed off and a hand reached out to touch them.

As his hand connected with the top of the right patterned scar a buzz of electricity shot through me and I sat up quickly. His hand had pulled back as soon as we touched and he was staring at me with wide eyes. "Ugh. I-I'm sorry", he stuttered and stood up quickly. I nodded quickly and my hand reached back to touch the scars, they wouldn't stop stinging now… I was so immersed I didn't notice the tall, dark figure enter the inn's lobby.

Suddenly the white haired boy yelled, "Everyone get down!" I didn't know what was going on but I slammed my chest into the ground before an explosion erupted. I glanced up in shock and my mouth dropped in horror as I saw him shooting at the tall man. White haired boys left arm had turned into a huge mechanical arm. A high-pitched scream broke through the tension, and in surprise, I realized it was mine. I felt light headed, what the hell was going on?

The tall figure had also transformed. Into a grotesque, mechanical looking ball with huge guns sticking out of it. My back was hurting more than ever but I tried to ignore it. White haired boy's companion, someone revealed to a tall girl with long green ponytails. She was carrying a small box with something glowing inside of it.

I found myself drawn to the little thing and couldn't take my eyes off of it. Then it started shaking in the box and ponytail girl looked down in shock. "W-What?" She asked and her and white haired boy exchanged a glance as he avoided a blow from the grotesque monster. Smash, the radiant ball broke from the box and flew towards me slamming into me with enormous force. I stood up and picked up, it felt warm and loving in my hands.

My long hair flowed up around me and I smiled softly, I felt happy? It left my hands and moved to my chest, my skin absorbing into it. I gasped out at the slight pain and felt my own shimmering. "Her back!" The white haired boy cried, he had destroyed the monster. I glanced back and in the glass I saw the winged scars on my back lit up, glowing a light blue. "Dear lord above…" I whispered in shock and felt everything go black.

I was slightly conscious but my body felt too heavy, I could open my eyes or move my body. My body was being carried by strong arms and heard two voices discussing quietly.

"The innocence, she has to be an accommodator!" Said a soft voice and I recognized it to be ponytail girl's one. "I wonder what Komui will say", another voice murmured and identified it to be white haired boys.

"He'll be ecstatic, brother is insane…" Ponytail replied and sounded slightly annoyed. I stirred in his arms I heard a soft chuckle. "Hey girl?" He asked me quietly but didn't expect an answer. "Welcome to the Black Order".