I do not own Kuroshitsuji.

I apologize for the delay with this chapter. I haven't written anything in a week due to a death in the family on Sunday and then I was sick from Wednesday through Friday. Anyway, better late than never.

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!: Okay, everyone. There is a reason this story is rated M (R, if it was a movie). This chapter is for mature audiences only. This chapter contains extreme graphic violence, blood, extremely disturbing thoughts and images, and implied rape. The latter does not go into too much detail, but the act is pretty obvious. If you are offended or disturbed by any of these then please do not read any further. You have been properly warned.

Artfan: Thanks for the review. You're going to feel really bad for Ronald in this chapter.

Poison1234: Thanks for reviewing. Ronald's story is in this chapter, but it's very sad, I'll go ahead and warn you.

Red Cookies: Thanks for the review. Grell doesn't show mercy in a fight regardless, but I feel if he was protecting someone he loved, he would be even more brutal. I hope you like this chapter.

Ronnie: Thanks for the review. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Fleya: Thanks for the review. I hope you like this chapter about Ronald's story. I have a feeling that having to face William would be pretty intimidating (at least I think Will is intimidating). Anyway, I hope you enjoy the new chapter.

Sebassy-Chan: Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you enjoyed the Grell fight scenes. He is the most brutal fighter in the Kuroshitsuji world (in my opinion at least), and when motivated he can become even more merciless.

Violoveless: Thanks for the review. I hope you like this chapter.

A few notes:

1) There is a slight William/Grell subplot here, but it's not the focus of the story. If you're interested in Grelliam romance I have three other stories devoted solely to that. Not to mention there are at least twenty other Grelliam stories on this site alone. But I digress...

2) Eric and Alan do make an appearance in this chapter. I wasn't too sure about using them, but while writing I came up with a reason for them to help further the plot. This is the first time I've written them, so please tell me if they are written horribly and I can fix it.

3) Once again, this chapter is intended for mature audiences.

4) William might be a tad bit OOC at the end of this chapter. Hopefully not too much though. :/ However, I couldn't make him too cold after hearing Ronald's story without making him seem heartless, so hopefully it's not too bad. If it is awful, please let me know.

5) Seeing as how much Ronald respects Grell, I feel he would refer to him the way he wants to be, so to avoid any confusion, anytime in this story that Ronald is referring to Grell he will by using female pronouns (ex: "she" and "her").

On with the story!


Norton led Grell to a holding cell within the low-security prison. Norton carefully unlocked the metal handcuffs. William had to admit to himself that in the several brief fantasies (which were never spoken aloud) he had of Grell's wrists locked in said device he never imagined him looking so livid.

The redhead glared at the timid investigator before turning his back on both him and William. The door was shut and quickly locked. Norton stepped back, somewhat still opposed to his decision to release Grell's shackles.

William watched with a heavy heart as the door was locked. Norton explained that it was only a precaution and once Grell's story was at least verified he would be released until the court date. That was all depending, of course, if Ronald was willing to talk.

The dispatch supervisor walked up to the cage against the Norton's warnings. He clamped his gloved fingers about the slim, steel bars. He could feel their frigid surface temperature through the leather gloves.

"Sutcliff," William said catching the attention of the reaper within the cell.

Grell took a long look at him then turned back around, both hands on his hips. William sighed. That was not the first time he had spoken to his subordinate from the outside of a jail cell. Only this time he was more than certain of Grell's innocence.

"Listen to me, Sutcliff," William said, not sure if his words were getting through Grell's thick skull. "I know you're not happy with me right now." He received what sounded like a scoff from the other man. At least Grell was not ignoring his words. "Trust me. I'm doing everything I can for you."

Grell sent his boss a glare that made the great Spears nearly tremble. If that was the way he stared at those demons before dismembering them, then he could actually feel a smidgeon of pity for them.

William looked over at Norton and asked, "Is this really necessary?"

"It's only a precaution," Norton said shakily.

William sighed with a nod. That reaction caused Grell to turn sharply from him. William tried calling to the smaller shinigami again, but Grell pretended to be more interested in his nails that had suffered imperfections from the battle. He sat down on the cold cot inside the cell while his yellow-green eyes stared out the barred window.

The head shinigami from the dispatch sighed yet again. He spoke a quick farewell to Grell without any reply then turned.

"Did you confiscate the chainsaw?" William asked when the two were out of earshot from Grell.

"Of—of course," Norton cried. "You don't think we'd let him roam around with that thing while under suspicion of murder. Even if he's tightly locked away." With a nervous smile Norton shook his head. "No, I don't even want to think of how stupid that would be."

Over his shoulder Grell watched the two of them leave. He brought his legs upon the cot. He leaned back with his arms under his head. It was a given that he would receive no sleep that night. Everytime he closed his eyes Ronald's screams echoed through his brain.

"I'm sorry," Grell said as a tear slipped. The clear bead broke into a splash as it hit the red rims of the shinigami's glasses. He turned over on his side and silently wept. "I'm so sorry, Ronnie."


William and Detective Norton stepped into the shinigami hospital. After having witnessed three of his reapers confined to that place, and one passing in said building, William hoped to never see another under his command being forced into one of those beds with medication dripping into their bodies.

The two stopped at the receptionist's desk. A woman with bright, blue eyes and heavy eyeliner stared up at the two. It was obvious that she needed a pay raise and a few days off.

"Can I help you gentlemen?" she asked.

William stepped forward. In his usual cold demeanor he said, "My subordinate, Ronald Knox, was admitted here earlier. I hear he is taking visitors now."

The receptionist checked the files. She nodded then said, "Yes, he's been awake now for a good twenty minutes. I'll page a nurse to take you back." She picked up the phone and pressed a button. A few words were passed between the two before the black phone was placed back on the receiver. She looked up at the dark-haired shinigami. "She'll be right out."

"Thank you," William said then stepped away with Norton by his side.

A few moments passed before a slim woman in a nurse's woman stepped through the door. "Friends of Ronald Knox, I presume?" she asked. William confirmed her statement. "Please follow me," she said waving for them to take her lead. Her short, brunette curls bounced as she walked. "The physical injuries are almost near healed."

The two stopped outside of Ronald's room. The memories of having to travel those hallways when visiting another injured reaper surfaced in William's mind. Four times Alan had been checked into the hospital due to his chronic illness. Then there was that time Eric had to have two of his fingers stitched back on following a battle with a high-class demon. It was a surprise to all that two severed limbs and a punctured lung was the extent of damage he suffered from such a bloody fight.

Then of course there was the tragedy of Hawthorne. William knew from the moment he heard what happened that Hawthorne was fated to never leave that hospital bed alive. They buried him a few days later when the extent of the injuries finally stole him.

The others rarely spoke of him, it was only when Ronald Knox first joined the team did he have curiosities of who he replaced. There was a long, awkward silence which caused the new shinigami to blush in embarrassment. Later, while on a mission, Grell explained to him why they never spoke of Hawthrone's untimely demise in the office and why it was a taboo to mention the ones who had passed while on duty.

The nurse turned to face the two with a stern look. "Physically he will heal fine," she said. The look in her eyes clued the two in that there was more. "I'm afraid whatever happened has mentally traumatized him and he will require some counseling over the next few months at least."

"Has he said anything about what happened?" Norton asked.

The nurse shook her head. "Not to me or the doctor, I'm afraid."

William sighed. He hoped that he could get his subordinate to confide in him. However, going off what Grell said earlier that was not going to be an easy feat.

Norton placed a heavy hand on William's shoulder. The latter stared at the former permitting Norton to speak. "Maybe you should talk to him alone."

William nodded. If what happened was as bad as Grell informed them, Ronald might be more comfortable with less people in the room. Still Grell's confession that Ronald desired his boss to never find out what happened gave him little hope that the youngest reaper in his office would talk.

William stepped through the door to see Alan gently speaking with Ronald. Eric was off to the side. He looked up to see his boss entering. He nodded at William then placed his hand on Alan's shoulder. With a toss of his head he silently told the smaller shinigami that they needed to take their leave.

Alan nodded to Eric then returned his attention to Ronald. "Are you going to be okay?" he asked.

Ronald blinked as though he was coming out of a trance. He offered his concerned colleague a weak smile and a nod. Alan looked down at his feet then over to Eric. In that moment both knew what the other was thinking.

Five years prior while out a reaping mission a group of fifteen demons ambushed the two. They fought off as best as they could, but Alan's health had not quite recovered after his last attack. Eric suggested that Alan not go on active work in the field until he was feeling up to par, but Alan was tired of being treated like an invalid.

Five of the demons grabbed Alan and pinned him down. His death scythe was tossed aside and a large fist met with his face. The ugliest of the bunch ripped off Alan's clothes as the others laughed while the small reaper writhed in their grip. Later he discovered heavy bruising from how tight they held him.

Most of the lower class demons enjoyed raping and humiliating the reapers just to feel slight power of the higher creatures for a moment. It was a prohibited act on both sides, and if a demon (or shinigami) raped (or attempted rape on) one of the other species then by law the victim, or one acting on his/her behalf, could end the life of the offender.

The instant Eric realized what those creeps were doing to his beloved something in him snapped. He slashed through of all those who stood in his way then hacked the ones who dared to touch Alan. Blood littered the tarmac (however it was only a tenth of the gore fest that was Sutcliff's handiwork). It was not until all the demons were dead that Eric's adrenaline subsided and he returned to his normal self.

He wrapped his arms around the shaking, naked torso of his lover. Eric kissed every inch of Alan's face while refusing to release his hold on him. He gently rocked the smaller shinigami until the shivers ceased.

Fortunately, in their case, there were two witnesses to the act who willingly testified in Eric's defense. The charges were thrown out before a trial could even start. For Alan's privacy and the sanity of both, no one ever spoke of that night.

"Just let me know if you need anything," Alan said. He reached out his hand to give Ronald a reassuring pat on the shoulder, but the slight recoil from the blond ceased the brunette's touch.

Ronald nodded, but chose not to speak.

"Has he said anything?" William asked Eric, having witnessed the exchange.

Eric shook his head. "Very little," he replied. "Maybe you'll have better luck."

Alan stood and lightly bowed his head before William. Eric allowed Alan to exit first then followed soundlessly after.

William made sure there were no others in the room then shut the door. The action caused Ronald to jerk and shrink further against the wall. The blond pulled his knees up to his chin which made it even more obvious that his entire body was shaking. The shuddering increased with every advance of the older shinigami.

William suddenly stopped upon hearing Ronald whimper. He sighed and pulled up a chair if only to leave some space between the two.

"Knox, I'm glad to hear your physical injuries are healing well," William began. The words did little to offer the younger reaper any comfort.

William sighed; he was the head shinigami of his office, all problems were reported to him. It was no secret that William T. Spears was the epitome of a control freak. Everything always had to be in order and done by the book: his way, or no way. Now, when one of his men was in desperate need of comfort and another was facing a possible death penalty, he was left hoping there was vital information that could spare the both of them. Never before had William felt so helpless.

He crossed one leg over the other then adjusted his glasses. It was a nervous tic, some even attributed it to his OCD.

One look at Knox and anyone could tell he was not in any mood to speak. However, unfortunate for him, there was no time for silence and secrets. William wanted nothing more than to console his employee, but until the cause of the tremors were established, there could be no healing.

The absent look in Ronald's eyes clued the other man in that the scene continued to replay in his mind. Every once in a while Ronald would release a whimper that resembled a suffering puppy. Whatever he had seen, whatever those creeps did was bound to haunt him for decades, perhaps even centuries. William made a mental note to request to the doctor that Ronald seek mandatory counseling following his release from the hospital.

"Knox, will you please look at me?" William asked. Ronald glanced up then immediately returned his gaze to the floor. William sighed, he could already tell it was going to be a long night. The head shinigami knew how everyone in the dispatch felt about him, so there was no sense in feigning compassion. "I need you to tell me what happened," he said.

Ronald slightly shifted. He opened his mouth then shut it, then opened it once more as if he was internally deliberating just how much he should share.

"Knox," William said a bit too harshly.

Ronald winced at the amount of force behind that single word: his name. It was now a name he despised. With every breath within the last two hours he felt the need to vomit for his own filthy existence. Without making eye contact he shook his head.

William irately sighed. Despite the fact he cared for his subordinates and wanted nothing more than for Ronald to heal, he knew that time was a lifelong enemy.

"Please, not today," Ronald said in a shaky voice.

William adjusted his glasses. It was common sense that demanding the truth out of one in such a fragile state was a horrible idea. He decided to go with a different strategy. "Ronald," he said, the name sounding foreign on his tongue. As with Grell, the use of the first name seemed to calm the one being addressed. "I can't help you if you don't tell me what happened."

Ronald leaned his chin over his arms that were tightly gripping his knees. "Can't you ask Grell?" he asked. Merely speaking the red reaper's name brought back flashbacks. The images of Grell shredding up his attackers played like a silent movie behind his eyes. If he closed his lids the memories were more vivid, but the longer he kept them open, the more he was tempted to cry.

"I tried that," William said slightly leaning forward. "He shared the graphic details of the murders."

"Then that should be enough," Ronald mumbled into his forearm.

William sighed. "I'm afraid not," he said. "Ronald, look at me."

Ronald began a second attempt at making eye contact with his boss. The instant his eyes met with the cold ones belonging to the older shinigami, he immediately averted his gaze.

"Why won't you look at me?" William asked. That calm, yet intimidating voice sent chills down Ronald's back. While William had never struck him (as he had with Grell on several occasions), or given him any logical reason to fear him, the truth remained that Ronald was just as afraid of being alone in a room with his boss as he was the evil creatures that sought him out for the sole purpose of harm. Everytime he was asked to stay after for a few words, private conference, or to turn in paperwork he shook from the moment he stood on the outside of Spears' door until whatever required his presence had been completed.

Instead of a verbal answer Ronald replied with only a shrug. William inhaled sharply. He was losing his patience, but if he desired any words from Ronald he had to keep his peace a little longer. Ronald feared those cold eyes scrutinizing him, judging him. Even without making eye contact he could feel those eyes hacking him into smaller pieces that resembled the worthless scum those demons reduced him to.

"Knox," William said in a softer voice. Ronald sensed that his boss was attempting to show sympathy. The kinder voice relaxed him, if only a bit. "You can tell me what happened." He paused for a few seconds to see the younger man still resisting. He then added in a compassionate voice, "Whatever happened, I won't think any less of you as a reaper…or a person."

Those words were what was needed to break Ronald from the metaphoric cocoon. He glanced up at William to see that rare display of kindness on his face. He stretched out his legs then leaned over them, still finding it difficult to look his boss in the eyes.

"Me and Grell…" Ronald began. He stopped and wrapped his arms tighter about himself. "We—no…me—it was my fault."

"Please, don't start with the blaming," William said harsher than he intended. "I've already heard enough of that from Sutcliff." He heard a muffled whimper then collected himself. "Just tell me what happened."

"Why?" Ronald snapped. He finally found the courage to look William in the eyes. "Why can't you just go by what Miss Grell said?" He wiped away falling tears. "Don't you get it?" Ronald turned his head as another stream of tears poured. "I just want to forget the worst night of my life!" In a weaker voice he added, "Is that too much to ask?"

Usually William would allow no one to speak to him in that manner. But this one time he could forgive it.

William debated whether or not he should use the next tactic. It was low, but someone he cared for's life depended on it.

"Sutcliff kept his promise," William stated. Ronald looked up at him, trying to understand why William was sharing irrelevant information. "Even though he claimed he was protecting you, without any witnesses, and…because of the Jack the Ripper incident…he can still be found guilty." William stared darkly into Ronald's eyes. He suppressed the urge to shake the smaller reaper. "He'll be locked away for a very long time, if he's lucky. If not the judge will have him executed."

Ronald gasped with wide eyes. There were a few moments of silence between the two in which neither person moved. Ronald suddenly blinked and lowered his gaze to his toes.

"They can't," the blond said in an almost inaudible voice. "He was just protecting me."

"Knox—Ronald," William corrected himself. He waited until he had the other shinigami's undivided attention before continuing. "I know it's hard…" William remembered the details from Grell's story. Having to witness their partner tear apart another in that manner would be traumatizing for anyone.

Still there was an obvious reason that Grell went to those lengths to send a message to the rest of the demon population. Something happened that enraged him to the point of snapping. William knew Grell, and his influence was a deciding factor in Grell's fate last time, but it would not be enough for this trial. Though William was certain that Grell's reasons were sound, he was going to need absolute proof—proof that only Ronald could provide

"Okay," Ronald said. He swallowed collected saliva then took a deep breath. Just as he was about to speak the flashbacks hit him. He placed his face in his hands hoping to block out their faces. All that remained behind his eyes were the bloodstained carcasses with faces contorted into masks of pure horror. Ronald stole a glimpse at his boss then continued. "I know that Miss Grell doesn't like taking the souls of children. She wants to be a mother so bad. I—I—I just wanted to protect her feelings this one time."

William held his breath. While the dispatch encouraged camaraderie among the teams there was a reason they preferred to keep the relations professional. It was the reason that William kept his distance from Grell despite how his heart pounded everytime he set eyes upon the eccentric redhead. Even friendships (as in Grell and Ronald's case) were dangerous.

"Me and Grell parted," Ronald said. The tears welled up in his eyes, threatening to spill at any moment. Yet it was his determination not to appear weaker than he felt in front of his boss.

Ronald smiled as Grell disappeared from view. He knew the risks of entering a territory with dying children. He knew how evil creatures, namely demons, desired the freshly deceased souls of young humans. Still he felt it was silly to have to keep depending on Grell when he was perfectly capable of handling a simple task.

He knew that William felt that he was still a rookie, so he planned to use that moment to show his boss and everyone else in their office that he was more than competent at taking care of a double reaping. Besides, he hated to see that pained look on the senior shinigami's face when he had to remove a child's soul from his body. Twice he caught Grell wiping a tear from beneath his glasses after having to steal the soul of a little one (though he would never admit to it).

Ronald turned on the lawnmower and with a heavy heart slashed into the first dead child. Unfortunately for him and his brother they were too young to have accomplished much in life. Had Ronald the ultimate decision he would have spared everyone under the age of twenty from an early demise, but alas he was merely a reaper.

The death scythe was turned off and the two young souls rested in his palms. From what he gathered they were kind children and would be sent to a peaceful realm where there would be no more suffering.

"You'll have nothing to worry about anymore," Ronald said in a calming voice as he began the transferring process.

"Well, well, well, what have we here?" said a scratchy voice from behind him.

Ronald spun around, keeping a tighter hold on the souls. There staring back at him were two men. One of them looked way too large to be a human despite the fact he wore the skin of one. The other appeared to be a normal gentleman walking about London streets late at night. However there was a sinister stare in their eyes accompanied by a devilish smirk on their mouths.

"I told you patience would reward us," the smaller man said in a much gentler voice than the other. "We just had to wait for the pretty, little reaper to release their souls."

The larger man licked his lips. The young shinigami gasped at the sight of a purple tongue. It was at that moment Ronald realized how much danger he was in. In hindsight he knew he should have called for Grell right then and there, but the situation kept him from thinking rationally.

His heart raced in his throat. Other than his occasional run in with Sebastian Michaelis, Ronald had never come face to face with a demon before. Thus far he had been lucky for the dark demon butler had no reason to cause him harm, but those two standing before him had the darkest intentions in mind.

"So tasty," the larger creature said in that gruff voice.

His friend smirked and asked, "The souls or the reaper?"

The one dressed in orange, in a style that stood out from the latest English fashions laughed. He replied, "I think the souls for dinner…" his stare fixed on Ronald, "Then the yummy reaper for dessert."

Ronald stood in place. Sweat began to pour from his forehead and palms. He swallowed and stepped back. The obvious signs of fear caused the demons to laugh.

"Not as pretty as his redheaded friend, but he'll do," the one in orange stated.

Those words sent chills down Ronald's back; they had been watching him since before he and Grell parted. They were just waiting for the chance to make their move and his stupid decision handed them that opportunity.

The giant growled and the three horns protruded from his enormous forehead along with the black claws from his fingertips. He yelled as he charged towards the blond.

Ronald snapped back to reality. He quickly retreated giving him some space from the demon. He barely missed being grabbed by the enemy. Ronald swiftly kicked the blond demon in the shin before making a hasty retreat from the house. He stood beneath the moonlight, hoping and praying that Grell had finished his assignment. If anyone could take them down the red reaper was the one.

The clatter from behind caught Ronald's attention. He sharply turned to see the pair slowly making their way towards him. The shinigami could tell they were only toying with him for extra fear. Grell once told him that demons enjoyed the taste of fright—whether or not that rumor was true he did not know and at the moment he did not want to test the theory.

Ronald had only one choice. He quickly transferred the souls to the shinigami realm before the demons could charge him a second time.

Seeing the spirits of the deceased children vanish forever the two stopped. Ronald could only hope that the loss of a meal would lead them to depart…he was sadly mistaken.

Ronald began to hyperventilate.

"Knox! Knox, stay with me," William said as he moved towards the smaller reaper. He placed a firm hand down on Ronald's shoulder in hopes of calming him.

At the mere touch he flailed, nearly smacking his supervisor in the face. William caught Ronald's wrist and held tight enough to control any further movements, but not enough to inflict any pain upon the young blond.

"Take a deep breath," William instructed, his free hand still clamped down on Ronald's shoulder. He repeated the order once more, his chest unclenching at the sight of Ronald following along. "Again," William stated in his usual stoic manner.

That routine was repeated until Ronald resumed normal breathing. William gently lowered Ronald's arm back down to the bed. He released and watched as Ronald's fingers hung limply over the edge. He stared out into a void ahead.

"Ronald," William said causing the mentioned to flinch at the sound of his putrid name.

He slowly lifted his head and blinked twice, staring into the eyes of his boss. The young reaper coiled into himself. He noticed he had been crying and wiped away the fallen tears.

"Do you need anything?" William asked.

After a long pause Ronald asked in an almost inaudible voice, "Please, can we continue this another time?"

"As much as I would like to, we don't have time for that," William replied. "Do you need a few minutes?"

Ronald shook his head. Seeing as how there was no way for him to get out of testifying, he figured it was better not to delay any longer.

"I sent the souls here and—and they weren't happy about it," Ronald continued. He could still clearly see the rage displayed in the eyes of the larger demon. It was a sight that no amount of medication could erase from his memory.

"You're going to pay for that, you little shit!" the giant creature snarled pointing a bumpy finger at him.

Ronald stood his ground and reached out his hand. His eyes widened as he realized that in haste he left his death scythe in the house. The only way to retrieve said item was to pass the two creatures who desired his blood. It appeared that running was his only option. It was what Grell instructed him to do if things turned ugly.

Ronald swallowed the fear and dashed off in the direction that Grell headed. Before he could make it three feet the smaller demon appeared in front of him and kneed him in the stomach. Ronald let out a squeal resembling an injured puppy. He landed on his back and elbow, skinning the latter. Ronald cringed as he looked up to see the approaching monsters. He tried to lift himself only for the giant demon to grab him by the front of his shirt. The massive fist painfully collided with the left side of Knox's ribcage. He then landed a hard punch to Ronald's lip. The skin cracked as the demon released his hold on the reaper.

Ronald plummeted to the ground. He slightly whimpered then looked up to see the two approaching him. The smaller demon grasped his arms and tugged them at painful angles, listening to the splendid melody of Ronald's cries. He tilted Ronald's hand over the other. The agonizing screams only gave the demons a reason to laugh. The one who had a hold on him pushed his wrist further in a direction it was not intended to bend until he heard the bone snap.

"He sure can yell," the one in blue laughed. Ronald tried to ignore the shrill, staccato sound of that creature's laugh, but it resounded in his ears.

"A beautiful sound!" the one in orange screamed as he sent a fist into Ronald's stomach.

The shinigami gasped and a wad of spit dripped down his chin. His head lulled forward while the pain throbbed through his abdomen. The demon showed no signs of letting up any time soon. He sent another fist into the reaper's belly. The action was repeated three more times until Ronald could take no more.

"Please, please stop!" Knox cried.

The blond nuzzled his head against Ronald's hair. "Do you hear him, Lon, he wants us to stop?" His piercing ice blue eyes met with Lon's red ones. "Do you think he's learned his lesson?"

Lon licked his lips. "I don't think so, Roe," he said with a cackle. He gripped Ronald's chin and lifted it so that their eyes were meeting. "You reapers get on my nerves." The blood from the busted lip covered Lon's fingers.

Ronald struggled in Lon's grip and turned his face away. Lon glared down at the writhing reaper.

"I think he needs a little more to show him who's boss," Lon said. He smirked with a cackle as his hands lowered to his own waistband. "Hold him good and tight, Roe," the larger demon ordered.

Lon unbuttoned his pants while Roe pushed Ronald down on his knees, keeping a firm hold on the shinigami's arms. Lon grabbed Ronald's hair and jerked his head up.

"Open your mouth, reaper," he ordered.

Through blurred vision Ronald could clearly see what the demon wanted him to do. Ronald's green eyes met with the sadistic ones belonging to the burly creature.

Ronald frantically shook his head. With pleading eyes he begged, "Please, no, no, don't. Please." Tears began to pour down his cheek. "Please," he cried louder.

"Oh, you'll be begging me soon, but for the opposite," Lon said as he gripped Ronald's face again. He roughly caressed Ronald's damp cheeks and laughed. "You're gonna love it, you naughty whore, you. Now be a good little reaper and open your mouth." Ronald shook his head. Lon grabbed Ronald's hair and forced him to look forward. "Look, you little bitch, you better do what I say, or I'll kill you and your little redheaded friend." With those words he slapped Ronald sharply across the face.

Roe leaned forward and added while laughing, "He'll make that pretty red one scream while pounding him. He'll make him bleed so bad." Roe licked the side of Ronald's face, tasting the salty tears.

At that moment Ronald wanted to die. He struggled harder hoping that the two would grow tired of his resisting and kill him. Roe bit into the tender flesh on the side of Ronald's neck making im hiss. Roe inserted his snakelike fangs deeper into the pale skin. Two streams of scarlet trickled down his neck and pooled along the collar and right sleeve of his shirt. Roe licked away the red beads lining his lips.

"That's just a taste of what I'll do to you," Roe whispered harshly. "I won't be nearly as gentle with your friend and neither will he." He nodded in Lon's direction.

"I won't tell you again," Lon added. His clawed finger sliced a small segment of the outer layer of skin along Ronald's collarbone, shredding the cloth. "You wanna live you better put your mouth to good work."

Their threats left him with no other choice.

The demons laughed as Ronald finally submitted to their wishes. Lon shoved himself into Ronald's throat, laughing at how the shinigami gagged and sobbed. The whole time Roe whispered terms such as "whore" and "slut" in Ronald's ears. Ronald tried to push his conscious mind far from reality.

He wondered where Grell was and why his superior had yet to come to his rescue. The only reason remained that the blaring noise from the cinematic record deafened Sutcliff to Ronald's cries. The tears leaked like twin waterfalls while Ronald's brain reminded him over and over that the separation was his own fault. He sent Grell away. Then came the worst thought of all—because he made the foolish error, he deserved the harsh punishment.

Finally Lon granted him mercy. Whether or not it was from boredom, or because he had something worse planned, Ronald could not say, he was only relieved that the torment had temporarily stopped. Ronald shook in Roe's clutches. He shuddered, feeling so putrid and disgusting inside. The bitter taste remained in his mouth, one that he could never rinse away. He wanted to implode. Maybe one of them would be gracious enough to bash him upside the head. Amnesia would be too wonderful of a blessing.

Roe leaned forward and his long hairs draped over Ronald's shuddering form. Ronald closed his eyes, praying that those creatures would just go away already. They already robbed him of so much, what more could they want from him.

"It's my turn," Roe whispered. Ronald tensed at the hot breath against his ear. "I won't be as gentle as my friend." His icy hand caressed the center of Ronald's back all the way down. Roe grabbed Ronald's bottom and squeezed. The demon then licked the back of Ronald's neck. "Don't worry, I'll be doing all the work this time."

Ronald shook his head while struggling. "No, no! I'm not! No, please let me go! Please, you've already done enough!" He knew good and well what Roe was insinuating. The tears flowed harder. He writhed in the demon's hold. Even if his life was a casualty, he wanted nothing more than to be free of them.

Lon stepped forward and with a growl seized Ronald by his golden hairs. Ronald cried out as Lon gripped the locks tighter to cause as much pain as possible. With all his strength he tossed Ronald hard against a stone wall.

"That'll teach you to disobey!" Lon snarled. He then jumped forward and shoved his knee into Ronald's throat, causing the back of his head to smash against the wall once more. Ronald wept as the final thoughts of doom surrounded him.

That was when his rescuer made his arrival. Ronald opened his eyes to see Grell battle the two demons. There was no glory, nor any showing off, all he could see was an older sister doing her best to protect her baby brother. All that was visible in Grell's eyes was a sister who could only be satisfied with severe bloodshed of her brother's attackers.

"Miss Grell killed them," Ronald shakily stated. There was no sense for either one to admit the understatement there. "I—I had to stop watching," he confessed. "It—it was too—too much." Ronald brought his knees closer to his body. The tears increased. He sobbed into his arms which were supported by his bent legs.

While he suspected the possibility, the news was hard for William to hear. It was not the first time demons double-teamed a reaper to humiliate them, in fact it was the second occurrence within his own office, and the main reason for that law to be instated.

William clenched his fists. What little pity he once held for the remains of those monsters evaporated. If he had been in Grell's place he would have likely done the same, giving William yet another reason to loathe those creatures.

He caught Ronald's stare and gave him that rare look of pity. The head shinigami could never comprehend the amount of pain Ronald suffered in addition to the extra of having to relay that story to someone he respected. Not to mention how many more times he would have to tell that story and the various nightmares that would follow. Ronald would require serious counseling and possibly medication in order to merely sleep.

"Don't look at me like that," Ronald said. William was taken back from the sudden comment. Ronald averted his eyes once more.

"What are you—" William began.

For the first time in decades, someone interrupted him. Without making eye contact Ronald replied, "That look of pity. And judgment. I don't want it." A fresh batch of tears replaced the dried ones. "I know it was a bad decision." He sniffled then added, "I've already paid for it."

William felt an intense stinging in his heart. He suddenly stood catching the attention of his underling.

"Knox, look at me." He placed a hand on both of Ronald's shoulders, nearly causing the younger shinigami to shriek. Ronald looked up at him with fearful eyes.

Despite the uncontrollable shuddering William refused to release his grip on the smaller male's arms. It would be a long time before he felt comfortable being touched by another of his own sex. William made a mental note to pass the news to Grell when he was released from his cage.

William's stoic glare remained, but his voice contained a rare passion. "You didn't deserve what happened. Don't go blaming yourself for something you had no control over." Even though in the back of his mind William housed the thought that if the two stayed together the horrible event never would have occurred, he knew that it was unfair to blame them for the demons' deeds. William released his hold on Ronald and adjusted his glasses before resuming his normal calm voice. He added, "The only ones who are at fault are dead."

Ronald swallowed a forming sob, though the tears flowed down his flushed cheeks. He slowly wiped them away, hating to see his own weakness displayed on his fingers for the world to see.

"You know," Ronald said in a voice that was barely audible. "Miss Grell came over to me after she—well you saw what she did." William only nodded in response. Ronald sniffled then continued, "I begged her not to tell anyone." Especially you, Ronald added in his head.

For the second time that night William found himself speechless.

Ronald wiped away another stream of hot tears. His pleading eyes met with the ones belonging to his superior. "Please, Mr. Spears, please, don't tell anyone."

William sighed. "I can't make that promise, Knox," he said.

Though Ronald knew that was the case it still pierced his heart to have to hear those words. Those same fears he housed while the demons violated and humiliated him resurfaced. He felt so disgusting, so worthless, so weak. Even with them dead he could still feel Roe's filthy hands all over him and the memory of that rancid taste would never be forgotten.

Ronald knew the next morning would come with talk. He could already hear the murmurs and laughs of those who caught wind of the distorted version of the incident. His colleagues would never look at him the same way again. Those thirty years of hard work were tossed away. No one would ever come to respect him now.

"Knox," William said breaking the blond from his thoughts. Their eyes met, though that glimmer that defined the youngest member of the dispatch had vanished. William knew it might be years, decades, or even centuries before it returned, if it ever returned. The heavy burden on the supervisor's heart begged to be relieved. William spoke, "You're not weak, Knox."

The scoff full of hatred for himself told William how much Ronald disagreed. "If only I had fought harder."

"They could've killed you," William countered. "You were outnumbered and they threatened you and someone you cared for. You were protecting his life as much as your own."

"But obviously Grell could've taken them," Ronald argued.

"You didn't know that," William retorted. "You did not do anything wrong."

Usually William would have left without bothering with the comforting words, but even he could not leave the shinigami only thirty years out of the academy full of such misery and disenchantment. As much as he had hoped to avoid it, William had become close to his team, perhaps too much for comfort.

"I have some things to tend to," William said heading to the door. He stopped just before leaving and turned towards the blond once more. Seconds before his exit William added, "You did well, Knox. It took a lot of courage to tell me."

William stepped outside to see Norton standing there with a hand over his mouth.

"I take it you heard," the dark-haired shinigami said.

The investigator nodded, still stunned. "I can't believe it," he said in a low voice. "He's so young."

"It happens too much for my liking," William replied as he walked in quick strides with Norton at his feet. "I'm glad that law was put in place so that people like Sutcliff can eliminate refuse like them."

The two walked silently for the remainder of their journey. Back in the hospital room a shuddering Ronald cried himself to sleep.


That wraps up chapter four. There will be one more chapter to this story.

A few closing notes:

1) I know it seemed longer, but the incident was all supposed to happen within the span of three to four minutes.

2) For the purposes of this story, the cinematic record makes a lot of noise. It's the only plausable reason I could come up with for Grell not to hear Ronald's cries.

3) Eh. I know William is rather OOC there at the end, but I couldn't just leave Ronald there to suffer alone after what he went through. Hopefully it doesn't come off as too OOC. If it does, please let me know.

Thank you to everyone who read this chapter. The last one will be up soon.

Until next time!