Chapter 1

Red, crimson red stained the stone ground. The blood flowed and pooled around her lifeless body. His sky colored eyes gazed down on her in all that red. He felt...nothing. The coal colored night grew darker as it swallowed the Queen's guard dog and his once charismatic aunt.

A look of despair formed on his face but only for a moment. Ciel's face quickly resumed it's normal serious tone. His first and foremost objective was to ease the Queen's mind and defeat Jack the Ripper. Now, with Madam Red dead, he could say he had achieved his goal. Regrets were pointless, though he found himself feeling empty and cold. He was numb. Whether it was from the chill in the air or the seldom, barely noticeable heartache he felt, he could not tell. Regardless, it was done. Her death marked the end of Jack the Ripper. This case was officially closed. It was as simple as that.

A few moments passed before he found himself standing. Slowly, he dragged his feet against the pavement. It was fine...everything was fine. He told himself over and over again. He would not submit to that bitter anguish that was trying to form in his chest. Such feelings were unacceptable and unwanted. He would not allow anything so useless into his mind. If it tried to form, he would simply remove it. He would not wallow in 'what if's'. Silently he and his butler, Sebastian, made their way to the town-home.

While the Queen's request had been dealt with, a new problem needed his attention. With Madam Red gone it meant, his elder sister would be in need of a place to live. She didn't seem to fancy the mansion or town-house. However, it couldn't be helped. Her options were few.

Since their parents' death the siblings had drifted apart. Christine became withdrawn but had managed to move on. She had been well cared for by Madam Red. Their aunt-niece relationship had been strong. Her brother did not have that same luxury. After the events of his kidnapping, he could never move on. No matter the cost he would have his revenge. Still, they cared for each other, though Ciel would never admit anything of the sort. He could not afford to have any kind of feelings, not even for his own kin.

"Sebastian." Ciel halted and turned to the tall form that walked besides him.

"Master?" The black haired man questioned. His red-eyes gazed down on the young boy.

"Prepare my sister's room." Ciel ordered, his face remained stoic. "She will likely be living with us once the funeral is over." As head of the Phantomhive family, it was his responsibility to ensure his sister was safe and well taken care of. He would not waiver in that duty. Sebastian nodded.

"Yes, my Lord." He replied without hesitation. He had suspected this and had already began preparations for his Master's sister. "I shall have it ready for her well before she arrives at the manor."

Ciel nodded and the two continued to walk. His concerns continued to fester. Soon, Christine would know of Madame Red's death. While they hadn't spent a lot of time together, he knew exactly how she'd react to the news. He could almost picture it as if it was playing out in front of him. Her face would drop while the look of utter shock formed. Her face would whiten even more pale than she normally was. Tears would swell, then softly flow down her cheek. She would proceed to occupy herself with small meaningless tasks to distract from the pain of loss. Midnight black would suddenly become her color of choice for clothing. Yes, that was exactly what she would do. He knew her that well, at least.

~3 days later~

The sun shown brightly, it's rays warmly caressed the green grass as it danced in the wind. It was a beautiful day, there was no sign of grief or despair. It didn't reflect the heart shattering emotions that filled the two young women as they stood by the window of a tall church. Both wore dresses of ebony while great sorrow filled their eyes. One had hair of gold while the other's was a soft brown.

They remained quiet as memories of Madame Red, trickled through their thoughts. Another mother, well parental figure, was gone. Emptiness and loneliness filled the seventeen year old woman. Christine's gaze remained on the ground, while her arms were folded around herself in comfort. How could Aunt An be gone? How could she have died so suddenly? Something was off, though she couldn't quite place her finger on it. However, she did not believe her aunt's death was natural.

Tears threatened to leak, though she attempted to fight them back. Her eyes closed while her fists balled. Damn, why couldn't she control her emotions the way Ciel controlled his? How could her younger brother be so much better at that than her?

"Have you spoken with Ciel at all?" Elizabeth softly questioned. Christine's eyes opened and lifted to the younger girl. "He will be here. won't he?"

"He said he would be here." The young woman answered with a nod. Her thoughts turned towards her younger brother. He had been so calm and collect when he told her their aunt was dead. "I have yet to see him today, though."

"I hope he'll be here soon. People are already arriving for the services." The golden haired girl commented. Christine's stormy eyes turned to see Elizabeth was right. People were starting to arrive and Ciel was no where to be found.

'Brother.' Christine thought as she looked out the window once more. Minutes passed quickly and there was still no sign of him. 'You can't miss this, please.'

Her gaze, then, turned to her aunt's coffin. With heavy hearts, Elizabeth and Christine made their was over to it. Soon, the funeral began, without Ciel. Aunt An was wearing white. White was far from the color her red haired relative had treasured so much. Her original plan had been to bury Madam Red in her beloved cardinal gown. The attire the church insisted upon was far too plain and bare for such a spirited woman. It simply didn't seem right for her to be buried without acknowledging her fiery personality.

The two young ladies remained in front of the casket. Elizabeth cried while Christine's continued to stare at her aunt's body in disbelief. The scene that was playing out before her seemed surreal, like she was in a haze. The preacher gave his sermon, though she found little interest or comfort in his words. Tears again began to form. How she wished, Aunt An could simply open her eyes and return home with her. Her eyes closed and her head turned away. Suddenly, they heard the large church doors open. She turned to see her brother standing at the door way. In his arms, he carried a scarlet red dress.

...

Later that evening, the servants of Madam Red began to pack up their late mistress's house. Walls that had been full of color became bare and empty. The halls that had been filled with happiness and laughter were cold and unfeeling. Aunt An had been a good mother-figure. She had encouraged her niece as well as been fun-loving. Yet, that joy suddenly vanished. Loneliness filled it's place. This house now felt hallow and barren.

She stood by the window while the servants continued their work. Her own room had begun to be packed into trunks, though their destination had not yet been decided. Christine let out a sigh, as she held back her remorse. She was a Phantomhive; like her brother she would strive to maintain a severe demeanor. Not matter how much it hurt.

"Christine." She heard a familiar voice say. She turned to find her younger brother, in his coat and top hat. They hadn't had a lot of opportunities to talk since the funeral, her lips slightly turned up, into a soft smile. While felt as though her heart had been shattered into a thousand small shards, seeing her brother did make her happy. At least, they still had each other.

"Ciel." Her voice quivered slightly. He walked up to her and greeted her with a small bow. She returned the gesture before she caught sight of her now desolated room. A deserted feeling came over her, before she turned back to the young boy. Quickly she fought back her emotions. If her younger brother could do it, so could she. "You were late to Aunt An's funeral."

"Yes, I apologize. I wanted to make sure everything was set before I entered." He commented, referring to the red rose petals that had swarmed the church. The girl's smile widened slightly. Aunt An would have loved that, that was certain.

"It was a very beautiful display. I had been worried you weren't coming." She confessed as she took a step closer to him. "The dress you brought with you was one of her favorites. Thank you for that." At least one of them had, had the courage and been in the right mind to stand against the church on that. Since their aunt's passing, Christine found herself in a haze, her mind muffled. It became harder to process what was going on around her. It was pathetic she was having a harder time dealing with this death than her brother. She was the older sibling. She should be the strong one.

"Have you thought at all, what you wish to do?" Ciel asked her. His gaze turned to her. "I know you originally wanted to stay with Madam Red. However, circumstances being what they are, that is no longer an option."

"i know. I honestly haven't thought that far." She confessed. The melancholy look remained on her face. "My mind has mostly been on funeral arrangements the last few days."

"I understand." The young noble nodded before he continued. "I won't pressure you but you could always come home. You would be welcomed there." Christine's face dropped slightly. Her face began to flush at the thought of returning to the replicated manor. Despite her brother's effort to rebuild everything exactly as it was, she found no solace in those walls. Those raw and carefree memories did nothing but released the pain she had worked so hard to dam up.

"Perhaps, I shall." Christine replied, though it was clear she didn't like that particular option. She would soon be old enough to marry or live on her own. While, Ciel was the head of the family that didn't change the fact that she was the eldest. She did not want to become a burden on him. Not when she was capable of doing things on her own.

"I suppose you could go live with Elizabeth." Ciel suggested. He was sure she would refuse that particular choice. While his sister adored his fiance, he knew Christine would never want to live with the younger girl. She was as good as moved back to the manor. He watched as Christine slowly, shook her head.

"No." She whispered as she turned back to her brother. "I would intrude on them."

"Then return home." Her brother urged. "It is peaceful and quiet there. You can take you time, deciding what you want to do. I will have Sebastian arrange tutors for you. You will have everything you need." She was quiet, carefully weighing through her options. Again the haze set in, she could hardly believe that were to leave her lips.

"Allow me a couple days to finish up here." Christine said after a few minutes. "Then, I will join you back at the manor."

~2 Days Later~

"Was that a carriage I heard?" Finny asked while he and the two other Phantomhive servants waited excitedly for their Lady to arrive.

"I don't think so." Baldroy commented with a smile as the three continued to look out the windows for an arriving carriage.

"Young Lady Christine will be here soon, yes she will!" Mey-Rin beamed, glad to finally have permanent female company at the manor. Sebastian had given her the important task of being Lady Christine's handmaiden. Oh she couldn't wait to prove how useful she could be. Suddenly a shadowy figured appeared behind them. With a quick clear of the throat and the trio turned to find the Phantomhive butler, Sebastian Michaelis. Alarmed, the servants quickly formed a line.

"Alright you three, behave. I don't want any, any trouble from you today. Understand?" Sebastian instructed with a smile. He would not permit any nonsense from his staff. Not today. The master had made it clear, everything was to be perfect. "Lady Christine will be here momentarily. Our lord and master wishes to show her the gardens before she retires to her room. Mey-Rin, you remember your task?"

"Yes, Sebastian!" Mey-Rin nodded, vigorously.

"Good, now remember, it's been some time since our mistress has set foot in this house." The tall, dark demon reminded them. "Let's do our best to welcome her as pleasantly as possible."

Meanwhile, Ciel made his way down the stairs. Christine would be arriving in the near future and he would receive her as warmly as possible. He knew, for whatever reason, she had come to hate the walls of the Phantomhive manor. She spent little time at the manor since it had been rebuilt. Still, he was sure he and Sebastian could change her attitude. She would come to feel at home here.

He stepped outside as the sound of galloping horses was heard. Already outside stood Sebastian, he held his silver pocket watch in his hand. Everything looked to be in order. With Sebastian in charge, he wouldn't accept anything less.

"She's right on schedule." The butler commented before he glanced down to the head of the house. Ciel returned his gaze before he paused next to him.

"Indeed." Ciel nodded as a carriage appeared in the near distance. "Shall we go over our plan again?"

"No, my lord." Sebastian shook his head. There wasn't time nor was there need to. "Everything is in place."

"Good." The Lord said as a carriage pulled up in front of them. "Don't disappointment me."

"Of course not, Master." The demon nodded. "I would never." With that he took a few steps forward and opened the door to the now stopped carriage. With steady hands he opened the door.

"Lady Christine," Sebastian greeted, his white gloved hand held out to help her out. A black gloved hand rested in his as the young woman stood and stepped out into the bright sun. Her gaze turned up towards the mansion. It was elegant as ever. Her brother had spared no expense to revive it just as it had been. "Welcome home. We've been expecting you."

"Thank you, Sebastian." Christine said before her gaze fell upon the small figure of her brother. "Ciel."

"Christine." Ciel formally greeted with a bow. Christine's first inclination was to run up to him and give him a hug. However, all he did was bow so formally to her. Perhaps they had drifted further than she realized. Instead of a hug, she returned the bow. "I trust you had a pleasant trip."

"I did, yes." She replied, with a nod. "You look well."

"As do you." Her brother complimented. She looked better than she had at the funeral at least. Though, he wished she had left her dreary black dress back in town.

"Lady Christine, I trust you remember Baldroy, Mey-Ren and Finny?" Sebastian questioned as he motioned towards the house staff that had gathered to greet her.

"Naturally." Christine said as she sent them a small forced smile. "It is good to see you all again." The trio gave her a variety of replies, mostly along the gist of 'good to see you to' before they bowed to her.

"Shall we take a walk through the gardens before you head up to your room to settle in?" Ciel questioned as he offered her his arm. A small smile formed on the young woman's face. When did her brother get to be such a gentleman? She nodded and too his arm. He was such a cute little escort, though he'd probably murder her if she ever said such a thing to him. Her smile widened at that thought as he guided her through the grounds. Behind them walked Sebastian and the rest of servants. They kept their distance but were still close by.

"You've replicated this place well." Christine complimented. Even the garden was the same as it had been. "It's so beautiful, almost like walking into a memory."

"Yes, well, it is as according my instruction, isn't that right Sebastian?" Ciel glanced back to his butler.

"Quite right sir." Sebastian agreed as he walked a few steps behind his Lord. Flower petals seemed to pirouette against each other in the soft breeze. Birds sang happily in the trees while the trickling sound of water was heard. Yes, everything was as it had been. A nostalgic feeling came over the young woman. Shadows of her parents seemed to appear out of the corner of her eye. However, such ghosts were only illusions. Nothing was there. Still, memories of growing up here began to fill her.

"Even the fountain is the same." Christine admired as her arm left her brother's and she approached the water filled fountain. Ciel paused as he watched his sister. She looked more relaxed as she watched the water fall into the cool pool. He knew it had always been her favorite part of the garden. She was right, it was like walking into a memory. "It's still so beautiful. Do you remember playing around here?"

"Yes." Ciel commented a soft smirk formed on his lips. "If I remember correctly, you always managed to fall in."

"Well, I was a lot younger then. I shan't fall in today." The young woman said with a joyful smile. This, this is how they used to be. However, that moment was short lived. She, then went to approach her brother when she began to slip. Suddenly, she felt herself fall backwards. Eyes widened as everyone realized what was about to happen. Sebastian's and Ciel's hands shot out in effort to prevent her fall. However, a loud splash was heard as water flew in the air.

"Oh no! Lady Christine!" Finny, Baldroy and Mey-Rin exclaimed, while Sebastian quickly and calmly made his way to retrieve her from the fountain. She's was proving to be a handful already. Still, this day could be saved.

Christine's face turned a bright tomato red, embarrassed at her own clumsiness. So much for that last statement. This was not the impression she wanted to make on her first day back at the manor. She had wanted to appear sophisticated and well-mannered. This didn't reflect either of those things.

'At least the only ones who saw were Ciel, Sebastian and...the entire house staff.' She thought before she turned away from the small crowd. A few seconds passed before she heard someone clear their throat. She turned and looked up to find Sebastian's hand lifted for hers. Without much though, she took it and felt herself being lifted from the fountain.

"My lady, are you alright?" Sebastian asked. He glanced her over, looking for any sign of injury. He couldn't see nor smell any blood on her. Nor did she seem to have broken bones. All she seemed to need was to dry off and dry apparel. Yes, she would be fine.

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you." Christine mumbled, still ashamed of her current state. She then turned to her brother. "I apologize for this..."

"You have nothing to be sorry for." Ciel interrupted, a grim scowl appeared on his face. "It appears the base may be a bit uneven. Sebastian, have that fixed."

"Yes sir." Sebastian nodded before he turned back to the young woman. "We should get you dried off and in a new dress."

"That would be much appreciated." She mentioned. It was a warm day, still it would be a shame to catch a cold.

"Very well, I will see you for lunch, sister." The boy once again bowed. "Again, I apologize for this morning's event." Few more words were spoken before Sebastian and Mey-Rin led the young woman into the mansion. Through the halls, up the stairs and down another hall they walked before they arrived at a new but familiar door. The black-haired butler opened the door and held it for the noble woman as she entered.

"We've been hard at work, preparing your room for your stay." Sebastian commented as Christine glanced around the room. The room was a crisp white color with splashes of amethyst and gold. To her right, was a bed with a floral purple pattern, an abundance of pillows and topped with a flowing canopy. She then caught sight of a white, almost glittering vanity. A selection of brushes and perfumes rested there. Her wardrobe, a nightstand and a desk were also present in her room. Fresh boutiques of white roses and other greenery were scattered throughout the room. A large window with a small balcony joined to the room. Yes, everything looked very similar to what it had. "I hope everything is satisfactory."

"Yes, it's quite lovely." She complimented. It was a more adult version of what her room once looked like. This was much more to her liking than what she had expected. A side of her feared, her brother would put her in a room of stuffed animals and small toys, purely for his amusement. She was grateful to see that was not the case.

"I leave you in Mey-Rin's care." With that the butler bowed slightly and left the room. Silently he hoped leaving Mey-Rin alone with Christine wouldn't be too disastrous. Still, it couldn't be helped. A woman's dressing room was no place for a butler. He continued down the hall until he reached his Master's study.

"I've done as you asked." Sebastian informed the young Lord. Ciel's glanced up to him. It quickly became clear to the demon that he had entered the room while his Master was deep in thought. "I've shown Lady Christine to her room and have left her with Mey-Rin to dry and dress for this afternoon's lunch."

"Are you sure that was wise?" Ciel questioned, knowing his maid's weaknesses. The last thing his sister needed was a nuisance for a handmaiden. "Why have you not hired a handmaiden for her?"

"Lady Christine will be fine with Mey-Rin." The butler reassured his young Lord. "She is clumsy but Lady Christine has seen Mey-Rin before. What she needs in this time of mourning is familiarity not a new face." The boy though a moment before he nodded. Perhaps his butler's words were true.

"That didn't as well as I'd hope it would." Ciel commented while his mind drifted back to that morning. He had hoped to impress his sister with the peace of the gardens. They had always enjoyed playing in the garden as children. Her smile had been bright and full life, then, as had his own. For a moment, he had seen that same bright look in her eyes. Keeping her at the Phantomhive manor would be easier, if she actually wanted to be there. He didn't want to have to resort to forcing his sister to stay there.

"Indeed it didn't." Sebastian acknowledged. "Though, it seems like Christine held herself well."

"She looked as if she was about to cry. She won't want to be here, if incidents like that can't be avoided." The young Lord informed his butler. That was unacceptable. Nothing of the sort could happen again.

"Yes, but, if I may ask, why is it so important for Lady Christine to be here?" The demon butler inquired. "It seemed like she was happy back in town."

"She's a Phantomhive. My enemies are hers whether she knows and acknowledges them or not." Ciel replied, his thoughts slightly drifted back to his captivity. A cult like that could easily swoop in and snatch her away if he wasn't careful. "I can better protect her, if she's with me."

"Of course, my Lord." Sebastian nodded. It was natural for the young Master to want to guard her. Still, there were other measures that could have been used to ensure her safety. However, he would not argue with the boy. There was far too much to do for that. Respectfully, the butler excused himself from the room and shifted to his attention to the kitchen. Lunch and tea would not make themselves, after all.

Meanwhile, Mey-Rin and Christine worked on getting her dried and dressed for lunch. First all was quiet, so much had happened in only a week's time. Never did she think she'd return to the Phantomhive's mansion to live. Yet, here she was. Wet, cold and empty. She could still hear her mother call her name as she stood in that room.

"Are you sure you're alright Miss?" Mey-Rin asked as she helped her new mistress undress from her damp clothes. "You'r mind seems far away."

"I'm fine." Christine nodded as she began to dry herself off. "It's just been...a hard week." The Lady let out a sigh. Her aunts death, packing up her home, moving into a new home where she manages to make a complete idiot out of herself. It had been a busy week if nothing else.

"You need not be ashamed my Lady." Mey-Rin tried to comfort the woman. "I fall all the time. Though I must admit, you so it more gracefully." A smile formed on the noble woman's lips. There was such a thing as gracefully falling into a fountain? The thought of it almost made her laugh. The two continued to talk as Christine changed into a fresh, dry dress.

"Is there anything else, you need, my Lady?" Mey-Rin questioned, eager to help the young mistress any way she could. A small smile formed on the noblewoman's lips. She found she quite liked the maid, though she hadn't known her very long.

"No, I'm alright." The young woman insisted before she thanked the maid and offered her a grin. "You are free to continue with your other chores. Thank you Mey-Rin."

"As you wish my Lady." Mey-Rin bowed, proud that she had done something to make the girl smile. "I shall be back shortly, to help you unpack the rest of your belongings. Please, don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."

Christine nodded and Mey-Rin left, leaving the young girl alone. Again silence filled the air while the young woman stood still for a moment. Slowly her feet lifted off the ground and over to the trunks she had brought with from her aunt's home. Her finger glided over the top trunk before they curled under the top and lifted it open. Soon, her eyes rested fondly on her aunt's beloved red hat. Many of Madam Red's clothing and items had been stored, sold or given to charity. However, Christine found she was too sentimental with this particular hat. There were too many memories with it, even back before her parents died. Again she began to walk, only this time towards the window.

The sun shown brightly on her face as she glanced outside at the beauties of her brother's garden. Christine sighed and leaned against the window frame. Her head rested between the pointer and thumb of her right hand while her left hand clutched Madam Red's, red hat to her chest. What a disaster the day had been, thus far. A waterfall of tears began to trickle down her cheek, while hate burned deep in her bosom. She was going to find whoever was responsible for her aunt's death. Once she found them, they were going to pay.

~Author's Note~

Hi everyone! Thank you for joining me for this chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who is following/favoring my story! You all made my day! A special thank you to Bookaholicgurl78 for reviewing! Thank you for your review! I hope you continue to enjoy my story and know you made my day by reviewing! :)

I hope you all will join me for the next chapter! It should be a fun one! I will update as soon as I'm able. Feel free to leave a review if you have a moment are so inclined! Constructive criticism is always welcome! Thanks again everyone!~Lin