Hey hey,

Gosh, I had a hard time writing this chapter. I couldn't decide on the weapon and life made me distracted. But! I have chosen the weapon wisely. Anyways, thanks for the support of this fanfic guys. I hope it is going in the direction many anticipate. I can see many are dreading the future and I can't say I am either. I have had many ideas on what to do for the time when the twins become kidnapped. I keep jumping in between two ideas, but hopefully, I will rest on one soon. The fire is slowly approaching, unfortunately.

Thanks for reading! Leave a comment on anything if you will so please!

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Letting out a grunt, I try to strike my opponent in front of me. They dodge already predicting the movement and I fall forward onto my knees. My arms hold me up as I breathe hard from the exertion. I hear my opponent take their helmet off and I turn my gaze up towards them. Lady Elizabeth was smiling down at me and she holds her empty hand out. Grabbing it gratefully, I toss a small smile back.

"You were doing good," Elizabeth comments cheerfully as she helps me up.

I let out a disappointed sigh, "You and I both know that I suck at this. I mean, it's been three weeks already and I can barely grasp the basics." I frown a bit irritated.

Taking my helmet off, I shake my brown wavy hair loose from it. Elizabeth frowns slightly, "Rina, it takes a while to master the techniques. Don't give up." she encourages.

I tilt my head to the side in understanding, "I suppose that's true. I still can't believe you're this good at your age."

Elizabeth shines me an innocent smile, "Yes, my family praises me much. I'm not an expert though."

"Don't worry! You're still young, you got everything to live for. There's so much to do and learn in life, it all takes time to get there."

Elizabeth stares in wonder at me and nods afterward in agreement. "I never really thought about that. Thanks, Rina!"

"Shall we continue our spar?" I ask, revved up to practice some more.

Nodding, she slips back on her helmet and I follow her example. We stand the required amount of distance away from each other with our foils in front of us. Beginning another round of fencing, I fail this match also. I tend to lose every match I spar with the little girl, which is the last thing I thought would ever happen. The girl was a pure fencing genius, I was quite envious of her skill. Although, I didn't expect anything more of the Midford family.

I have been living here at the Midford estate for around four weeks now. I had to leave the Phatomhive family to train. The twins were heartbroken that I had to leave, Fenian most upset. He was mad at me for leaving him. Didn't even try to say goodbye when I left. Vincent sent me a letter not long after saying Fenian wouldn't stop crying after I left, begging for my presence back. Ciel was saddened but didn't let it show much. While I am touched by their love for me, I have a duty I cannot falter in.

I had to keep digging for inner courage because it was not easy training and being away from my home. Frowning, I head toward the guest bedroom I was accommodated in after my match with Elizabeth was over. The Midford's were lenient about being able to sleep here. In the end, Elizabeth convinced her mother to let me sleep there so I had proper rest. Bless that little girls' heart because she could not have been any more right. After every session, I was so exhausted.

Not used to the training and adjusting to life here was tiring too. With a small yawn, I open my door to the bedroom and trudge inside. I take my shoes and long socks off, practically throwing them across the room. I turn my direction towards the mirror stand in the corner of the room and take out my high ponytail. My face was flushed from the torture called fencing and my muscles ached more each day. I miss my daily jogs compared to the shit I have to go through now.

Too lazy to fetch my own bath water, I ask one of the servants passing my door if they could grab me some before closing it again. I felt bad that I asked but training really kicked my ass. It took the servant around ten minutes to come back with it and I grab the buckets while telling them thanks. Shutting the door with my foot, I walk into the connecting bathroom and dump the water-filled buckets in. Steam rises and pecks my cheeks with its temperature.

I shed my fencing clothing off, hopping into the bathtub without hesitation. Leaning back against the rim, I let out a long relieved sigh at the heat. The warm water massages all my aching muscles and it felt marvelous. Ducking my head underwater, my upper body becomes wet along with my hair. The dark brown strands float around my chest and I comb my fingers through it; getting rid of the tangles and smoothing it out.

Grabbing the hair soap, I dab some into my hands and rub it into my scalp down to the ends of my hair. The heat begins to make me my eyesight hazy and I felt more tired. I duck underwater again to rid of the soap once it soaked long enough into my hair. Getting it all out, I come back up for air with a small gasp. The bath did not take long and I got out not long after. Crawling into the bed covers, I knock out not long after.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

I have been here for about two months and my skills have improved somewhat. Elizabeth was proud of me and said I was a bit more challenging to face on. Her mother acknowledged that I was doing well after she put me through a grueling test of skills I have recently possessed. My physique is better, I have a lot more muscle tone and my strength has increased. While it was a bit abnormal before, it has increased by much more. I must restrain myself when facing Elizabeth and other opponents.

One time on accident, I used too much force and Elizabeth was pushed back about three feet. She fell on her bottom and I winced in response at the action. I said it was only good luck and she seemed to buy it no matter how stunned she was. While it was difficult to keep in check, I somehow managed in not hurting anybody.

I turn my gaze to the window next to me as I catch sight of the greenery around. I was currently traveling to the Phatomhive's country house for the Season. It felt like centuries since I have last seen the Phatomhive family, not to mention the townhouse. I miss them greatly and being able to go back brought me much joy. I was practically bouncing in my seat on the way there. They had no clue I was coming today, I wanted to surprise everyone.

Carriage rides took forever though; this isn't my first-time wishing automobiles were invented. Slouching in my seat, I occupy myself with my own thoughts for the time being. Time flew by slowly, but eventually, I arrived. I practically launched myself out of the carriage, not giving the coach the time to open the door for me.

Bounding up the steps without effort, I knock on the front doors rapidly. As I wait, the coach comes up the stairs with my luggage. He didn't seem happy that I left him in the dust, but he can suck it up for all I care. I hear the door click open in front of me and I found Tanaka smiling once he took notice of my presence.

I smile back, happy to see him again. I bring him into a hug, missing his grandfather-like presence. "Old man! It's been awhile."

A bit caught off guard, he hugs me back eventually. "Rina, I missed you in the manor," Tanaka comments while pulling away as I do also. "Here, allow me to grab that for you." he offers while reaching for my luggage behind me.

I glance behind me also and find the carriage already gone. Once he had my luggage, I followed him inside and closed the front doors. The townhouse appeared the same as I last saw it, I observe while gazing at the decorations nearby. This is where Vincent first brought me when he found me in the streets. "Tanaka, is everyone here?" I ask, not hearing anyone but the occasional staff walking about.

"My Lord and the young master, Fenian is. The others are out in town." Tanaka explains, while leading me to Vincent's study I conclude immediately while eying the familiar paintings in the hallway. I smile at the thought of seeing my family again and we both stop at Vincent's study door. "I shall take this up to your bedroom," he informs while walking back the way we came from.

Knocking on the door, I do not wait to open it. I found Vincent doing paperwork like usual, but he did not raise his head. "What is it? I'm busy right now." Vincent asks, signing more documents I recognize as I walk further into the room.

Pursing my lips, I pout slightly at his reaction. "Wow, and here I was thinking you'd be happy to see me." I say sarcastically.

He looks up in surprise at my voice and puts down his ink pen. "Rina? What are you doing here?" Vincent asks, forgetting his work for a moment.

I smile smugly and put my hands on my hips, "Well, you see, I convinced the Midford's to give me a short break."

It was quite the achievement honestly, the amount of begging and extra hours of training I put into was excruciating. He smiles warmly in response, "Ah, I see. You appear more thin, healthy even since last time we've met."

I frown and plop myself down in a seat in front of his desk, "They cut off my supply of chocolate cake. It's not fair, honestly."

He chuckles at my misery and I toss him a tiny glare. "You and that cake, so spoiled." Vincent comments nonchalantly.

I increase my glare at his remark and let out a 'hmph' in response. "Tanaka said Fenian was here. How is he holding up since I left?" I ask him, worrying about the twins.

Vincent frowns slightly and releases a deep sigh. He pinches his fingers between the bridge of his nose, massaging it. "Those boys have been a handful, Fenian being most difficult as I have described in my last letter to you."

I release a tiny chuckle in response and cross my arms unconsciously. "Oh, still? Fenian is being that much of a nuisance?"

Remembering the letter, he sent me last, I recall him describing Fenian's behavior to my missing presence. It seems he has become a bit of a brat lately and incredibly stubborn. He's always been stubborn though, so it came to no surprise to me. Fenian can be quite defiable I have come to discover since taking care of him. Ciel was also stubborn to a degree, but not as bad as Fenian.

I sigh at his recent behavior, "I told you so. They're stubborn because they are spoiled, but did you take my warnings? No." I tell him with a side smirk.

He glares and leans forward, "Are you telling me how to raise my children?"

I freeze in my spot at his look and shrink back into the seat at his serious tone. I've never encountered anything as scary as Vincent's serious face. It was on par to Elizabeth's mother, Francis almost. Getting up from my seat abruptly, I flash him a giant fake smile while shuffling backward toward the door.

"Psh. Me? Tell you what to do? Never in my life, my lord. So, if you'll please excuse me." I say nervously all the while opening the door and smiling as I close it. Once the door closes, I practically deflate against it in relief. That was a close one, although I felt as if he was more humored than serious. I shake my head at that thought and proceed to walk down the hallway.

I smile at many of the paintings I found interesting as a child walking past them. Speaking of a child, I need to find Fenian; I miss that cute kid. Walking up to the second floor, I turn left and head to his bedroom in hopes to find him there. He might be pissed at me I think on my way. Fenian has become very rebellious in my absence.

Frowning I come to a stop at his door and knock softly against the wood. Opening it a crack, I peek inside to find him reading a book on his bed. He did not take his eyes off it when I fully came in. "I thought I said for no one to interrupt me." Fenian calls out, seeming annoyed.

I had to hold back a laugh at his attitude, "Well if you say so." I respond, while slowly turning back towards the door.

Fenian drops his book at his side and immediately finds my gaze. "Rina!?" Fenian exclaims in shock, his eyebrows rise high.

Smiling, I walk closer to his bedside. "Hey, sport. Miss me?"

He lies still in his bed, simply staring at my figure heatedly. He finally cracks and jumps off the bed, rushing toward me. I kneel onto the ground and met him for a bear hug. He squeezes with all his might, but his strength wasn't much. The power of the hug sent a lot more messages than anything. I can't forget the number of sniffles I could hear.

I nuzzle my head against his hair with a smile, feeling my eyes become watery. "You're back." Fenian rasps lightly in my neck, clutching it desperately.

"I'm back," I reassure with a small chuckle.

Patting his back to slow down his hiccups from crying, I hum a small tune under my breath. A couple of minutes later, he pulls back with a glare directed at me. It didn't feel all that threatening due to the puffy red eyes and flushed cheeks. I raise an eyebrow at the look, "What?" I ask curiously.

He huffs angerly, avoiding my gaze while crossing his arms around his chest. "You left us. Me." Fenian says without hesitation.

Frowning, already knowing the way he felt from Vincent, I grab his chin and force him back to face me. "Fenian, I'm sorry I couldn't tell you guys on time. Your father made me leave as soon as possible." I try to explain.

His glare lightens slightly, but he did not seem to believe my words. I sigh and try to convince him some more, "I truly am sorry. Please, forgive me, Fenian." I plead, giving him a small pout.

He gives in not long after and I had to hold back a chuckle. "Fine, I forgive you," Fenian says while uncrossing his arms, his expression was much softer. "Please don't leave me like that again. I missed you too much."

I nod with a small smile, kissing his forehead lovingly. "I won't, swear. I missed you too, kiddo; along with everybody else."

He smiles back and perks up at my presence, "Can I fill you in on what happened since you have been gone?"

"Please do."

Fenian went on a spiel of his classes and what he has learned. About guests that have come to the manor and whatnot as we wait for Racheal and Ciel to arrive back at the house.

0-0-0-0-0-0

Walking down the stairs with Fenian holding my hand, we arrive at the front door in time to find Racheal, Ciel, and Vincent gathered near the door. Fenian let go of my hand and rushed to his family with a smile.

"Mother! Brother! Look! Rina's back!" Fenian shouts out loud, pointing at my figure who was still walking down the stairs.

Ciel and Racheal glance at me, both eyes widening in surprise. Racheal was first to speak, "My what a surprise. We had no idea about your visit."

Reaching the last step, I walk towards them, "Ah, yes. Well, I have come to surprise on purpose." I explain, watching her face contort into displeasure.

"Rina, tis' a bit rude to arrive uninformed. At the least, a bit not ladylike in the sort." Racheal scolds harshly.

It took every muscle in my body to not roll my eyes, "It's nice to see you too, my Lady." I grumble.

I felt arms encircle my waist before I saw them. Peering down, I find a teary-eyed Ciel looking up at me. I smile warmly and ruffle his hair affectionately, "Hey, bud. Been a little bit hasn't it?"

He only nods, not speaking a word. Racheal sends me a disapproving look and clears her throat, "It is a nice change to see you back I admit."

My eyes widen in shock at her confession and she avoids eye contact. She walks away not long after, whilst calling Vincent to follow her down the hallway. I watch them go, not sure what just transpired. Shaking my head, I peel Ciel's arms from around my waist and grab his hand instead. Fenian frowns at the action and grabs my other hand. A bit confused from his behavior; I dismiss it without another thought.

"Now, how about we go find us some sweets?" I ask the twins while leading them to the kitchen.

"Yes!" they both chant, wanting something to eat.

I giggle at their matching tones, "Sounds good to me."

Arriving at the kitchen, the chef had prepared some apple pie not long ago. The boys and I dug into it at a wildfire rate. "Sis, how is training?" Ciel asks while licking his lip.

I slouch back in my chair, stabbing a piece of apple. "Ugh, don't even get me started. It's exhausting, but I will admit it is fun to learn."

The boys had matching 'awe' faces and I cackle at the identical expressions. "What are you learning?!" Fenian asks a bit excited to know.

I smirk and eat what was on my fork, "I am being trained in the sword!" I shout and slam my fork onto the tabletop. I stand up dramatically with an invisible sword pointed up to the ceiling. "The art of the sword is difficult, but one day I shall slay all that is thrown in my way!"

They laugh and I put one foot on my chair in a ridiculous pose. They laugh even harder and Ciel began to hit the table, looking like he was about to piss himself. "Will you join me on this journey, my young masters?!" I ask, trying to hype them up.

Fenian stands from his chair, already prepared to fight for the cause. "I am ready!" Fenian shrieks with a giggle, holding his own invisible sword. Ciel joins afterward, doing the same as his brother.