My A/N shall be below this time! Enjoy!
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Bounding up the steps, I begin to travel towards Vincent's study. A servant notified me not long ago that he needed to speak with me. It might have to do with the fact I leave for the Midford's again here soon; my time here was short, unfortunately. Arriving at the study door, I knock and wait for permission to enter as per usual.
I hear a confirmation from the other side and open the door, heading on in. Closing it behind me, I clear my throat, "Uh, you called?"
Vincent was facing the window, the back of his chair in my direction. I hear him sigh loudly and he squeezes the arm part of the chair tightly with his hand. Frowning at his negative response so far, I wait for him to speak. After a moment, he swivels his chair around. He raises his hands pressed together, in front of his lips. His body language in reading pure seriousness.
"Rina, you will be staying here for a while longer," Vincent informs abruptly.
My eyes widen in surprise, not sure why he was inclining this decision. "What? Why?" I ask in confusion.
He sighs again and closes his eyes, appearing tense and weary. "It seems I miscalculated my foes. I believe instead of a few years; they will be appearing in a couple of months."
Positively dumbfounded, my mouth drops slightly. Trying to process this sudden news, I take a seat across from him. "B-But Vincent, you never make a mistake in these kinds of things."
Opening his eyes again, they were filled with an undeniable rage. "It appears I have been fed false information." Vincent grinds out, feeling very pissed off. He lowers his hands, clenching them into fists on the desktop.
My face pales, not believing what I was hearing. "Holy shit..." I mutter under my breath while dragging my hand through my hair anxiously.
"I need you here, Rina."
I look up at that, slowly nodding my agreement. "You know I will stay, count on me. I have some experience to fight, but not extremely well." I say, feeling doubt immediately sprout up.
He calms down slightly and reaches across the desk. He grabs my hand and holds it with his own. "I appreciate it, your sincerity and trust."
I smile warmly and squeeze his hand reassuringly, "Well, I would hope so." I jest lightly. "Is there a plan for the boys I should know about?" I ask seriously afterward.
Letting my hand go, he nods reluctantly. "If you manage to rescue them, go to the Midford's. They have agreed to help and as they are family, I trust them well enough. Stay on the low trying to get there." Vincent explains.
"What if I can't go with them? Like what if I have to stay behind and fight?"
He raises an eyebrow in question, appearing as if he already knew the answer. "Tell them what I told you. Go straight to the Midfords and keep out of sight."
I let out a sigh, not liking this situation one bit. I barely have enough skill to fully take on a dozen men. "I will try my best, Vincent," I vow wholeheartedly. "Although, if I may be so bold, who is it that's orchestrating this whole ordeal?" I ask afterward, the question being on my mind for quite some time.
He frowns and stares coldly behind me, "Assuming if my acquaintances are right, hopefully, I know the culprit. But I cannot say, as I am worried about your wellbeing if I slip something like so. Please understand, dear."
"Okay, yeah. Got it."
I begin to get up from the chair, my mind weighing heavily with questions and self-doubt. Before I could take my leave fully, Vincent speaks up again. "And, Rina..."
"Yes?"
"Please, try your best to stick by both my sons' sides. They need someone to guide them into this dark world. I'm sure by your hand, only the best of outcomes will be provided to them. Can you promise you will, if not for me, but for the Phatomhive family?" Vincent urges, desperate for closure that his sons were safe.
Feeling some tears prick my eyes at the intensity of his question and statement. I muster a weak nod, "For all that you have offered me throughout my life; I would have the deepest of honor to carry out your wish, my lord"
Flashing me a gentle smile, he stands up while stretching his hand toward me. Reaching to grab it for a shake, he abruptly pulls me into an embrace once his hand touches mine. I freeze in surprise by the gesture that he rarely ever shows to me. He wraps an arm around my torso, dragging me further into his arms. I remain stock still; processing his actions completely, but slowly.
"V-Vincent..." I begin to stutter, snaking my hand to wrap around his back in return.
"Ssh...I know I am asking a lot from you. I hope no harm comes to your wellbeing as much as my sons."
He pats my back, coaxing me into the hug. I couldn't help the sniffle and begin to cry into his chest. Clasping his jacket, I try to hold back my shaking. I really was afraid of what could happen. Not to only me, but the boys, Vincent, the household; even for Racheal. None of these people deserved to truly die, no one did.
A hiccup passes from my lips and I try to stop crying, feeling slightly pathetic. "V-Vincent, I, well, I lo-" I begin to say, my heart begging I say it finally. Although, I am cut off by a knock at the door. I quickly separate myself from him, wiping my eyes furiously. I peer at him, my gaze a bit blurry and find him full of shock. His eyes were wide as he kept them trained on me.
I wait for him to allow the person in or say something as I try to seize my sniffling. He eventually hangs his head slightly, appearing lost in what to think. Straightening himself out a minute later, he raises his head tall like the usual. He flashes me a soft smile and he chuckles slightly. He walks up to me again and raises his hand, patting my head gently.
"If I wasn't mistaken, I would say your just like a daughter I never had."
My heart skips a beat when he finishes his confession. I feel tears build in again, but I make sure they don't fall. He walks confidently past me to the door, "Just a second." Vincent calls out to whoever is behind the door.
My feet feel as if they are glued to the floor, still processing what he said. I hear the door open and I turn around to find it was a maid at the other side. Sucking in a deep breath, I smile softly, feeling a bit jittery and warm inside. I head to the door also, seemingly calmed myself down. Looking up at Vincent, I curtsey before him, "Thank you, my lord."
He smiles again with a nod, "Anytime, Rina."
I move past the maid at the door who was asking if Vincent would like any snacks. Now, I think I should tell the boys that I am staying permanently. With that thought, an excited smile makes its way to my lips as I dash down the hallways in search for them. Making a sharp left, I slam a door open knowing they would be here for a lesson.
The old woman teaching them shrieks at my sudden appearance. The boys stare at me in shock from my random arrival. I march over to them with a grin that probably could emanate sparkles. The teacher sputters, "E-Excuse you, you are invading the young masters-"
I cut her off, not giving her presence a second glance. "Guys! Guess what!" I exclaim, slamming my hands on the table they were using.
The twins look at each other and shrug with small smiles, "What?" they ask simultaneously.
"I don't have to go back to Midford's!" I yell happily, throwing my hands up in the air.
They get up from their chairs at the news, both sharing big grins. "Really?!" Fenian asks ardently.
"Fantastic!" Ciel beams, happy that I can stay.
"You! Servant! Who do you think you are? Interrupting their-" the teacher begins again.
Still not caring about her, I make it so I can block out her voice. "I know right. I'm so happy I can stay with you guys." I continue talking over the still angry woman.
They cheer and walk around their desks to hug both my sides. I tickle their necks playfully, feeling even more joy at what today has brought. I hear them giggle at my ministrations and I stop not long afterward. "Alright, you two, back to learning." I scold lightly and they pout.
"Take us with you~" Ciel whines, not wanting to sit in boredom anymore.
I laugh at his complaining and shake my head, "Sucks to be you." I tease, sticking my tongue out at him.
He scowls in retaliation and goes back to sit down at the table. He crosses his arms and it further humors me. I look down at Fenian to find him still smiling at me. I smirk and pat his head as his father did to me not long ago. "Go on, Feni. I'll see you guys later tonight."
He nods with a slight blush and heads back to his chair. I nod once they are settled and turn my attention to the fuming teacher. "Sorry, you can have them back now."
Before the woman could get out another word, I skip out of the room.
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Humming to myself, I scrub the tiles in the kitchen. The head maid was happy to know I was staying and decided it would be fun to stack a shit load of chores onto my lucky day. I even had to clean the grooves in between the stone tiling. I swear Racheal and the head maid are teamed up against me. I snicker to myself at the thought, imagining them at a table evilly thinking of all the dirty work and extensive chores to have me do.
Ah, Racheal, I have not spoken to her since our argument. Frowning, I find my face reflected at me in the wet tile. It's been a couple of days when it happened. For her to be jealous over such a thing, really made me feel pity for her. While I may feel bad, I cannot help what others feel for me. I act based on my personality, not how others want me to act.
I sigh, tossing the cloth back into the soapy bucket. As much as I want to make up with her, I feel as the depth of our relationship is shattered no matter what I would do. The woman who used to take care of me as a pre-teen slowly morphed into feeling uncomfortable with my presence. It's upsetting, either way, I look at it.
I used to compare her to my mother a lot, which is bad, I know. My actual mother was slowly disappearing from my mind. The sound of her voice when she would wake me up in the mornings was ebbing away into the recesses of my memories. Being stuck in the past, it really is hard to be here. I suffered a lot when I was way younger. Stuck in a state of depression, no one really knew but Vincent. It was very hard, as the boys grew older, the sun started to shine a bit brighter though.
Ciel and Fenian were my rays of hope so to speak. Eventually, my depression wore off and I began to adore the two as treasures in my life. Thinking of their adorable faces, I smile almost always. Getting up from the floor, I groan in relief because my knees were getting sore. I grab the cloth and wring it out, then pick up the bucket. Tossing the dirty soap water outside through the door, I carry the bucket and cloth to the supply closet.
Putting the materials away, I wipe my hands on my apron. Letting out a small yawn, I sneak back to my bedroom; I was a bit tired from the excitement. I still had more chores to do, but I could care less at the moment. Making sure no one saw; I make my way inside. Leaning against the door with a deep sigh, I move away from it. Taking the tie out of my hair, I walk over to my mirror. Combing it out of the tight bun, I wince when I encounter a tangle.
Shoving my shoes off lazily, I drag myself to the bed. Flopping down on it with a groan at its softness. Grabbing the comforter, I slide it over my body, not caring about my corset even though it was uncomfortable. It didn't take long for sleep to knock me out into eternal darkness.
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It was dark, very dark. I would say I was inside a black painted canvas. There was nothing to see and nothing to be seen. Although, I could see my own hand as the paleness of my skin shines brightly in the dark. A frown graces my face with confusion.
Squinting I try to make out any shapes in the darkness, only to find absolutely nothing. Letting out a sigh, I hear it bounce all around me. My eyebrows dip in confusion, "Hello?" I call out into the eerie darkness.
All I hear is my voice repeat me back. It sort of sounds as if I'm mocking myself. I blink, not understanding what was happening. Once my eyes open again after a split second, I find myself in the grass and it was night outside. Feeling the blades tickle my toes, I spin around and find I'm back home in the future. It was my old house.
My heart lurches at the sight of it.
This was too good to be true, no? There was no way I was back, right? When I take one step towards it, I feel the ground give away and I let out a screech. The ground was fading away into the inky blackness from before. Black wisps caved down into the hole, caressing my face. Before the hole could drag me down into it, I grab the edge of the hole that manifested around where I stood.
"Help!" I scream out to the night sky in fright, not wanting to be trapped in the darkness.
My fingers were beginning to burn the with the effort to hang on. I let out a grunt, trying to hold myself. I couldn't pull myself up, even if I tried. "Somebody!" I shout, scared of falling into the pit I'm slowly being consumed by.
I hear the grass crunch above me, and I feel hope flare up inside me. Someone's here! I peer up at the night sky, waiting to catch of a glimpse of the person. My fingers were about to give any minute now. I let go with one hand, dangling with my other arm. Pointy tipped shoes extend over the hole suddenly, and I look up further. I couldn't see their face; it was smothered with the same black as the one slowly consuming my body.
"Hello!?" I yelp, sweat trickling past my temples.
The figure crouches down, balancing on their feet. "You're luminous in the darkness." the person compliments in an unstable voice.
It reminded me of when someone's sick and their voice is raspy. My face twists in confusion, realizing the person may not be my savior after all. Gulping nervously, I wince and switch to my other arm to dangle from. "Are you going to just stand there and watch me all day or are you going to help me?" I snap, not in the mood for this person's jokes.
The person goes silent for a moment and reaches down to touch my fingers lightly that was grasping the edge oh so desperately. They soon chuckle afterward, making shivers glide all the way up to my neck. "Same as usual I see. Maybe if you beg for my help, I shall offer it."
Somehow, I could see a condescending smirk on their blackened face. Their fingers felt like velvet and their nails were a bit sharp if I had to say anything about it. I feel them hit a chord in me and I fume from their attitude. "Who the hell are you? Beg? Me? Don't make me laugh."
"You need not concern yourself with who I am." he(?) replies smoothly. He takes one of my fingers and lifts it slightly. I gasp loudly, feeling my other fingers slip more. It felt as if my arm was about to rip off there and then.
"Hey now! No need to try and kill me!" I shout, scared of falling into the dark pit.
He snickers, "Kill you? There's no point, your life is already chaotic enough. No need to make mine even more so either."
Surprised, I raise an eyebrow, "Do I know you?"
"No. At least, not yet. Nor do I though, not till very late into the future." he relays mysteriously.
I gulp, not sure if I'm looking forward to ever meeting him. "This is a dream, isn't it?" I ask curiously.
"Smart as ever. I'm surprised you don't consider this a nightmare." he compliments once again.
He lifts another two of my fingers and I hold back a cry at the pain of holding myself up for so long. I could barely hang on any longer. "H-How do you know I'm from the future?" I whimper.
He leans closer, but his face was still hidden from my sight. "My my, curious, aren't we? Well, let's say you told me."
He lifts another finger and I couldn't hold back a cry in pain. How am I in pain? This is a dream, right? Then again, I'm being a god and hanging from the edge still by using only my pinky finger. I almost snicker to myself at my thought, I couldn't hide the amusement that twists onto my face.
"What's so funny?"
I smirk up at him, "I'm only hanging on with my pinky."
He makes no noise of amusement or shows it. Instead, he sighs, "So simpleminded. What do I expect from you of all people?"
I scowl at his response and stick my tongue at him, "I'll gladly be consumed by this darkness than stick around and be bullied by the likes of you." I begin, feeling triumphant when he went tense.
"Oh? ~" he hums out loud, seeming pleased, but also humored by my answer. "That's quite the statement."
"I shall take my leave now. Goodbye, Mister in the Dark."
I let go completely and fall into the pure dark hole. I watch as it closes and find multiple bright pink eyes staring at me from the top as the darkness webs above me. Making me wonder what the hell this thing was...
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I lurch out of bed with a loud gasp, panting hard. I raise my hand to my heart, feeling it patter obnoxiously against my chest. Sweat coats my forehead as I fumble out of the bed. Pacing over to my mirror once more, I find my face flushed. Lifting my hands up to eye level, I examine them, and they appear fine.
I let out a deep breath, running my hand through my long sweat-drenched hair. It's been a while since I had a dream about that figure. It only happens once in a great a while. Usually, he only stares at me or doesn't take notice of my presence. This is the first time he has ever contacted me like this though. Maybe I really am cursed?
Frowning, I sit down in the chair and try to calm myself down. That was a very intense dream, but it only left me feeling confused. Who was that, what was that, and why was it there? Never endless questions leave a trail of worry and wonder. He says we will meet, but when? It was very odd indeed, but I don't feel scared of him so much. Maybe because it is only a dream?
Grabbing my hairbrush, I put my hair back into a tight bun and walk back over to grab my shoes. Sliding those on, I make my way out of the room to find the twins. Whoever this person was, I hope he wasn't going to appear anytime soon despite my curiosity towards them.
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Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter! Because I was sure as hell did when I wrote it. I wonder who this mysterious black being is? If it isn't so obvious, I bet everyone's wondering why he's there. I shall remain that as a personal secret for now. Ho Ho Ho~ Anyways, the fire will be coming very soon. I would say in a couple of chapters. (so sad ;-;)
Till next time everyone! Don't forget to leave a comment :)
