A/N:

Hey guys!

This chapter was a bit rushed so I apologize for any grammar or spelling issues. I am going out of town for a mini-vacation and I will fix them when I come back. Anyways, what will be Rina's decision, hm? Haha, we will see XD. Thank you for all the love you guys have been giving for this fanfic. I really appreciate other people are enjoying it. Don't be afraid to leave a comment!

Hydra77 Review Question:

What is Rani's ethnicity?

A: I planned her ethnicity to revolve around an American. Although, if you envision her as a different ethnicity, go right ahead.

That's it for now, folks. Bye!

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The rising sun blares down onto my closed eyelids with the intent that I must wake up this early. A reminder to set for me to exercise. I shuffle out of the bed feeling exhaustion haunt over me. The daunting sun plagues me with an identifiable illness called: Rise and Shine. Sitting up from my bed, I trudge over to my dresser and take out my cloth shorts and shirt. Easily changing from my nightgown, I head to the bathroom for the standard hygiene routine.

Once I was finished, I grab my gray cloak to hide my legs and arms from others who might be awake. I have stumbled upon others by accident before I had these twenty-first-century clothes. So, learning from that, I began to use a cloak once I received these clothes. Tying the front of it shut, I walk out of my room at a tired pace; not exactly fully awake yet. It was around six in the morning after all. Letting out a sleepy yawn, I race down the main foyer's stairs.

I usually exit at the back doors, to not get caught by any other servants while heading outside. Going in that direction, I continue to my destination. I have not seen a person in sight and that was fine by me. Many know I go outside in the early morning to go for a 'walk' or so I tell them. Yet, the feeling of sneaking out always brought a thrill that went throughout my whole body. It didn't take long to arrive at the back door, I slowly crack it open and peek outside.

Again, not a soul in sight and I make my way outside, closing the door behind me. I pace toward the woods quickly. Arriving at the beginning of the woods, I shed my cloak and hang it up on a tree branch to fetch it later when I was done. Now, many would think it would be hard to run in heels or fancy shoes. I snatched up a cloth pair at the market once and they were way more comfortable. Even though they had less support; they were easy to move in.

I would give anything, anything for tennis shoes. The amount of walking I do is ridiculous but sadly expected in this era. Cracking my neck, I begin to jog into the woods. I could jog for a long while surprisingly, then again, I've been doing this for about a year. I suppose if I really did accept Vincent's offer, I won't be suffering too much stamina wise. Vincent's offer...I've thought about it long and hard. It's only been a couple of days since I last talked to him about it.

Heaving a breathy sigh, I pick up my pace slightly to really get my legs moving. The most concerned thought I have about the whole matter would be how the twins would react one day to me. Would they be proud? Disgusted...Happy? It brought an onset on unfathomable questions I could not ask nor answer. I'm not a killer, I'm a soft-hearted person. A soft-hearted person who would do the absolute best to protect what I love.

I feel a frown make its home on my lips in a debate. Perhaps, I should ask the twins opinions on the matter. Of course, it would have to subtle. Deciding that may have to be the best course of action, I take a left on my run. If they had no objection to it, then I suppose I will try my best to do this mission Vincent has set out for me. Otherwise, why else would he have brought the topic up with me if he did not think I couldn't do it?

Quickening my pace with determination, I sprint while running different scenarios in my head; all the while thinking about to approach the twins about the matter.

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I was drenched in sweat by the time I reached the back door again. My legs and arms felt limp from how much I ran. I went over my time limit and now I was on a late start for the day. I think I may have pushed my limit by accident. Huffing, I wrench the back door open and slouch myself inside. The noise of servants rushing about the manor dictated how long I've been gone. I checked my pocket watch in my cloak pocket, and it read seven twenty-two.

My eyes widen at the time in panic, and I run to the main foyer. I whizz by a handful of servants without giving a single thought. I bolt up the stairs, three at a time; I dash to one the twin's doors and open it quickly when arriving. The one I opened was Ciel's and he was not inside.

Dread begins to fill into my every pore while I greedily suck in air from the race to the room. I was sweating more, and I still wore my cloak. Who woke them up? I swear to god, if it was Racheal, I'm in due for a long lecture.

"Rina?"

I let out a shriek in surprise and whip around to find Fenian staring at me with wide eyes. I place my hand on my chest, above my heart in hopes to calm it down. "Oh my god, Fenian, don't scare me like that." I warn.

He smiles sheepishly and walks toward me, "Sorry, I did not mean to."

I nod in understanding and toss him my own smile, "I should apologize. I lost count of time by accident. Who woke you guys up?" I ask hesitantly.

He tugs on my cloak curiously and frowns slightly, looking at my shoes. "The head maid, Ester did. Sis why are you wearing cloth shoes?" he asks abruptly, peering at me in confusion.

I sweat drop and flash a big fake grin in response, "Err, I suppose they are more comfortable." I shrug casually, not exactly lying. Before he could ask another question, I interrupt before he could. "Hey, I need to talk to you and Ciel privately. It's important. Can you go fetch him and meet me at my bedroom?" I ask in hope.

Fenian shakes his head, denying my request. "We have lessons soon, remember?"

I smack my forehead, feeling idiotic; being late really threw me off it seems. "Oh, yeah. I forgot." I answer dumbly, I feel a headache developing near my temple.

I sigh heavily, and Fenian gazes at me in concern. "Are you sick, sis?"

Shaking my head, I pat his head teasingly, purposely messing up his hair. "I don't think so, but I promise to monitor myself." I smile reassuringly.

He giggles at my treatment with a nod. "Mhm! I got to go now. I promise to tell Ciel about meeting with you later to talk!"

With that statement, he ran back out the door with a small wave. I smile and walk out of Ciel's room too. I should probably change I think and begin to head toward to my bedroom. I had to sneak kind of because I'm sure the head maid was most definitely not happy with me. Not that the head maid had any problems with me usually. If anything, she seemed to be thrilled about me working more for her. Which causes me great happiness, sarcasm intended.

It took a little longer to reach my bedroom and I close the door with a quiet snap. I do not have time to bath and the sweat clings uncomfortably against my skin. Feeling gross, I wipe a dry towel across myself in hopes to feel cleaner. Dressing into my maid dress rather quickly, I run a hairbrush to detangle my winded hair from running. My wavy brown hair rested below my shoulder. I used to have it cut short, but Racheal kept bitching at me about it; so, I let her have her way with it.

Rolling my eyes at the old conversation, I close my bedroom door and head out to find the head maid to apologize. Not to mention, she also holds my list of chores to do. It did not take long to find her, and she did appear to be mad, but I soothed her down. I said I would gladly take on more chores today in exchange for my tardiness. She agreed without a second thought.

So, here I stood, cleaning almost every window upstairs in perpetual boredom. My arms already felt sore from the run and the pain was increasing slowly. I don't even want to know how I will feel if I do accept Vincent's request. I groan outwardly at the thought and dip the cloth into the soapy water again. I had my hair tied back and sleeves rolled up as far as possible. I was becoming sweaty again from the damn dress; it was comparable to an insulator.

Something that would pass time, would be some good ass music. I want to lie and say I could listen to classical all day, but let's be real. Once you've had a taste of what the twenty-first century provides, it's hard to leave it; not to mention, I have been listening to it since I was young. I mean there's nothing wrong with classical, I love the violin and piano as the next person. Though, I can get sick and tired of one constant pattern since being here.

I try to think of a song to sing that would make this process more fun and faster. I remember various lyrics to my favorite songs, not to mention catchy ones. I almost snort at the song I thought of and realize how similar some of its lyrics are to myself.

"Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality. ~" I sing out loud, trying to not laugh.

I remember when this song would come on, if you don't know it, people will take pity. Good 'ol Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. I practically sing without a care in the world, getting lost in its lyrics. I can't remember the last time I sang now that I think about it. It feels good, brings back a lot of good memories. Smiling happily, I continue the song full throttle, trying to hit all the notes.

I moved on from window to window, switching to songs every time I finish one. I can hear the instruments of them. I find myself dancing wildly, like at the music videos they come with. I go back and forth between various rooms that have windows. Before I knew it, I had a song stuck in my head and I had finished the last window. Pulling out my pocket watch, I check the time it read, one thirty-two.

Not bad, I think humorlessly. I drop the soaked cloth back into the soap bucket in relief. Stretching my arms out and cracking my strained back, I grab the bucket by the handle and hurry off to dump its contents outside. Once it was empty, I set the bucket down in one of the various cleaning closets. The head maid did not assign anything else for the day; knowing that this would take up plenty of my time. I got done earlier than I thought.

I make my way back to the laundry room to gather some water for an afternoon bath. I felt nasty and I was wondering if I was smelly from all the running. Smiling I grab the hot water from the mini-boiler and practically pace my way to my bedroom. The weight of the buckets made my arms scream in pain; my hands hurt also from scrubbing the windows. I ignore the pain as much as possible, huffing my way up the stairs to my destination.

Finally making it to my bedroom, I set the buckets down and open my door. My bath was very relaxing and made my muscles take a nice long break.

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It was about two hours later till I heard someone knock on my door. Confused, I drop the Victorian romance novella I was reading and stand up from my bed. Opening my door a crack, I find no one in front of me till I look down to find Ciel and Fenian standing there. Blinking in realization, I open the door further, "Oh, hey guys. Done with your lessons?"

They walk in side by side with small smiles on lips, "Yes, they were most drawl." Ciel speaks up first.

I chuckle in response as I watch a small pout form onto Ciel's face, "How terrible." I say a bit sarcastically.

Fenian giggles at my reaction, "I will admit, they were."

I close my door with a firm shut and walk towards my bed. Picking up my novella, I bookmark it and set it down on my nightstand. "Did Fenian inform you about my request for a talk?" I ask Ciel, sitting on the ground crisscross style.

They follow my example but sit on their knees and feet behind them. "Yes, he did. What is it?" Ciel asks curiously.

"What I am about to ask you guys is of utmost importance. Take this as seriously as possible." I sternly say, staring intensely into their eyes.

Their faces harden in understanding, "We understand." Ciel assured calmly, Fenian nods also.

Clearing my throat, I begin my question, "Let's say I could learn to protect you guys by fighting. Although, there is a consequence I must pay for it." I watch their reactions and Ciel's face flashes with shock. Hesitating slightly, I gulp nervously, "It all comes down to a life and death situation. Would you guys hate me if I did something bad? To try and protect you?" I ask and explain, feeling dreadful about the matter.

Ciel and Fenian stayed silent, Ciel seemed to be lost in thought; Fenian stared at me like he was looking through my body. I bite my lip again, giving them time to digest what I was saying/asking. I knew these boys weren't dumb enough to not understand what I was insinuating.

Fenian's eyes flash up to mine suddenly and I watch a big grin appear on his face. Leaning forward, he grabs my hand gently around his tiny ones. "Rina, I love you and nothing will ever come between that. I would be proud if you tried to fight for us."

I feel tears prickle my eyes and I glance over at Ciel, whose facial expression was slightly stony. "I-I agree with Fenian. But why not have a bodyguard to protect us instead?" Ciel asks curiously, wanting to know why I was chosen to do this.

A bit stumbled on his question; I blink owlishly in thought and to blink the tears away. "I think your father chose me because of his trust in me. I mean I've been taking care of you guys since you were newborns for Pete's sake."

Ciel accepts my answer with a nod, also agreeing. "Yes, I suppose that makes sense. Well, either way, I think you have the power to do this, sis!" Ciel cheers, with a smile of his own.

Feeling encouraged, I raise my fist in the air. "I can do it; I know I can! Thanks, guys, I love you so much!" I exclaim with a cheer of my own. Leaning forward, I pull them to me with a laugh.

They laugh in my embrace too and I kiss the top of their heads, feeling very relieved. I will do anything to keep these boys alive. My body or someone else's is damned. They were all my family after all, and I was going to do what I had to do. The feeling of resolve settles in my heart and I stand up, letting go of them.

"I'm going to go speak to your father before I talk myself to backing out by accident. Bye-bye!" I wave and dash out the door, my nerves on fire.

Pacing to Vincent's study, determination fills me up with every step. Knocking on his study door, I wait for a sign to come in. Not hearing anything, I curiously open the door slowly. Peeking inside, I found Vincent snoozing against his hand that held his head up. A pen was still in his grasp and I noticed he had dark bags gathering underneath his eyes.

Frowning, I shut the door quietly and sneak over to him. He must not have been sleeping well lately and judging about the amount of paperwork on the desk, I can see why. I begin to shake him on the arm to wake him up. His eyes widen in surprise and he whips his head so fast in my direction; it sorts of startled me in the process from his quick reaction. He relaxes once he saw me and sits back his chair with a relieved sigh.

My eyebrow raises curiously due to his reaction, "Vincent, are you well?" I ask quietly, feeling concerned for my caretaker.

He nods slowly, avoiding my concerned gaze, "Yes, I apologize. I didn't know I fell asleep."

Smiling, I give his shoulder a squeeze, "Ah, was it a bad dream you had?"

His eyes flicker up to mine, looking a bit nerved. "Perhaps, but it's fine." Vincent reassures. "Did you need something?" he asks, wondering about my random presence.

Letting go of his shoulder, I cross my arms around my chest. "Yes, it's about your offer. I have come down to a decision." I proclaim confidently.

Vincent's eyes widen in surprise once again at my statement. "Oh? So soon?" he muses slightly. "I was expecting you to think over it for a while longer. Anyways, if you are sure, then proceed."

I nod and bite my lip nervously again, "I-I will proceed with your offer to protect the boys and learning to fight." I vow proudly, albeit a bit anxiously.

He smiles in response which shocked me slightly. "You shall start on Monday next week." he instructs.

Frozen in my spot, I feel my mouth drop, "W-What? You're not gonna ask me why?" I splutter, putting my hands on his desk to lean forward.

He smirks and stands up from his chair, next to me. "I didn't need to. I already knew you would choose this in the end." Vincent professes. "Thank you, Rina." he smiles warmly and pats my head lovingly.

Blushing a little, I squirm in my spot from the display of affection. "Vincent. ~" I whine in embarrassment. Chuckling, he takes his hand off my head and sits back down in his leather chair. Shaking my head, a question pops into my mind, "Say, Vincent, who is teaching me?"

I watch a scary smirk appear on his face and I shiver at its extent. "Why, the Midford family has gladly accepted the offer to train you. I hope you prove them and our family proud, Rina." he informs, a smug look in his eyes.

I bet my skin went pale and I felt very scared, "NO! You can't leave me with them! I'll die, Vincent, you monster!" I screech loudly.

No way was I being trained by them! While they're nice and all, I will be killed by the time I step past the gates to their mansion. Not sure if I want to cry or be enlightened now. I glare at Vincent who only smirked at my pre-arranged doom. Ah hell, why did I accept the offer again?