Hey!
IMPORTANT A/N:
I know this chapter is so early, but I wanted to get it out as soon as possible. I have been reading your reviews with great amusement and thought. I see the majority of you would like option #2. People who want option #1 convince me on other factors and can't help but agree with them also. Because honestly, I do want to see both. It is a difficult decision indeed.
Another reason I have dropped this chapter so fast is that I will be going back to college soon. Big sad, really. I'm not sure if I'll much time for this fanfic so I'm trying to knock off as many chapters as I can in advance. So that is why I am so insistent that we pick a route so I can get typing away XD.
I have an idea, that I may just post an update after this if enough people want it. I may post snippets of what I have written so far for both routes. Just tiny little tastes of what they both contain. Hehe~ I'm such a nice author, no?
-If you do want some snippets, just send me a DM or post a review on your thoughts. Otherwise, if no one really comments on it, I will select a route by random.
Anyways, enough about my indecisiveness. OMG THE TWINS BIRTHDAY! YAY! ITS FINALLY ARRIVED. Wait, I shouldn't be excited about that. LOL
In truth, I actually cried making this chapter and was listening to sad music to deepen the mood. Ugh, you guys are gonna hate me for what I did.
I shall let you read now, thanks for any comments about the chapter or the route.
I really appreciate it!
0-0-0-0-0-0
The snow sprinkled to the ground reminding me of powdered sugar. Snow always brought a childish sensation out of me. I enjoy making snowmen every year with boys. Speaking of the twins, today is officially their tenth birthday. Man, I can't believe they grew up so fast. I was on my way to Ciel's bedroom because they spent the night together there.
I open the door quietly to not disturb their sleep just yet. Only to find the boys sitting on the bed already awake. I blink surprise, not expecting them to be up. Their gaze swings over to me and they both smile when they see me.
With a big grin, I dash over and wrap my arms around them. "Happy birthday!" I shout gleefully.
They hug back with not as much force. "S-Sis, you're suffocating us." Ciel squeaks out.
Bashfully I back away while rubbing the back of my head. I laugh in embarrassment, "Whoops." They both take deep breathes, trying to regain the air they lost. "So, how does it feel to be ten?" I ask happily while walking over to the outfits I laid out previously the night before.
"The same as yesterday when we were nine." Ciel drawls. I huff and shake my head in disappointment, I smack the back of his head playfully in response. "Ow! What was that for?!" Ciel cries, rubbing the back of his now wounded head while Fenian watches with a giggle.
"You're in the double digits now! You should be feeling different!" I urge loudly. Fenian shrinks back slightly, trying to not get hit by me also.
I can feel Ciel's glare on my person, "You're never going to get married if you are a brute all the time!" he comments with a taunting smirk.
A tick mark makes home above my eyebrow that twitches also, "What did you say, you brat?!"
He sticks his tongue out at me and dashes off the bed. "You heard me, you gorilla." Ciel repeats while he walks into the bathroom to get ready for the day.
A growl of irritation tears out of my throat; how dare he call me a gorilla! Over the past couple of months, he's been becoming more like Vincent every day. I already must deal with one, but two now! He's a complete angel usually, but occasionally, he's a little brat with me. He must be in a special mood because it's his birthday.
I turn to look at Fenian who was quietly sitting on the bed. I sigh at seeing his docile attitude, "Why does Ciel hate me so, Feni?" I wail sadly.
Here I was hoping he would be nice on his birthday, that spoiled brat. Fenian giggles lightly, "He doesn't hate you; he loves you."
My heart warms at the notion, "Funny way of showing love." I say drily with a huff. I don't take it seriously though.
"Don't worry about it, Rina. He's grumpy because I woke him up really early."
Oh...well that makes a lot more sense. He is way sassier this morning than his usual off mood day. I nod, not looking forward to his backtalking. Though, I shall overlook it as today is a special day. "Ciel! ~ You better come out here or you're not getting your birthday present." I holler teasingly.
Fenian perks up at the thought of a present and I hear the door creak behind me. I smirk deviously at how easy it was to lure him out.
"Present...?" Ciel mutters.
I take out two small boxes that were in my maid pockets for both to see. "Yep, so if you don't come out, you'll never receive the handmade present that I put time into."
I flash the boxes excessively on purpose and Fenian's eyes sparkle at the blue wrapping I used. "No, no. I want it really!" Ciel exclaims as he rushes next to my side.
He went to grab it from my hand, and I swipe it away before he could. "Ah, ah, I believe I deserve an apology first."
I tap a finger to my cheek to show what I wanted. I hear him sigh and I feel his lips brush against my cheek. "Sorry..." he mumbles in embarrassment.
Feeling satisfied, I toss the box at him and Fenian which they both caught. "Thank you. Now, I hope you enjoy my presents."
They begin to tear the box open and unlatch the lid. "Uh, sis, what is this?" Fenian asks innocently.
I watch as both take the woven bracelet out with perplexed expressions. "Not to be rude, but this is different from your previous gifts." Ciel comments.
I chuckle and show them mine by sticking my wrist out; I wove three bracelets. Using three different colors which were blue, black, and purple. "I call them sibling bracelets. I know they are made from thin yarn, but I could not think of anything to get you guys that you don't already have." I take the bracelets from each of their hands and slip them onto their own. "What do you think?" I ask curiously, not sure if they liked them or not.
"I love it! Thank you, Rina!" Fenian exclaims first with light blush and a wide grin.
I turn to stare at Ciel, waiting for another bratty reaction. "It's...nice." Ciel comments with a soft smile.
Happy that they enjoy something so small, I hug them more gently this time. "Happy birthday, kiddos."
0-0-0-0-0-0
After I helped bathe and dress them (the boys were demanding I dress them up for the day), I send them out to go wherever they want and clean up Ciel's bedroom quickly. They made a mess the night before it would seem. I had to help the staff today and decorate some of the manor. Humming a song under my breath, I feel a bit sad that they were turning ten.
It reminds me how old I am and how long I have been here. It's about eleven years since Vincent found me or somewhere close around there. I was getting old, soon my metabolism will slow down and I can't eat cake much anymore. That thought almost puts me into a state of depression.
Trudging down the halls, I walk to the kitchen to help bake the birthday cake. I can't cook, but baking is a lot easier for me. Walking into the kitchen, there was a crowd of chefs and staff. I pale at the sight, not wanting to get smashed into the crowd.
Tanaka was helping and I smile seeing him, "Tanaka!" I call out while weaving through the crowded kitchen.
He was mixing some frosting when I came next to him, "Ah, Rina dear, good morning." Tanaka greets with a friendly smile.
"So, what flavor is the cake?" I ask as the chief's bustle around us.
He chuckles with a knowing look in his eye, "I know better than to tell you. You will tell the boys what kind."
I avoid his gaze by staring at the ceiling, "I have no idea what you are talking about."
He shakes his head in amusement and speaking of the twins, they shall appear. They burst into the kitchen while pulling the most innocent faces. A staff member spots them immediately and raises her arm in front of the counters, "Ahh! Not one step closer, you two!"
A chef glances back at the two with a chuckle, "You'll have to wait until dinner time to find out what kind of cake it is!"
The twins send a pleading look to me to help them and I look away in guilt for being a bad spy. I hear an adorable but disappointed 'aww' from them.
"But we can't wait that long..." Fenian whines with a pout.
Ugh, my heart will not shatter due to your adorableness. Must. Not. Give. IN. I try to focus on setting up the tray for food later. Ciel smiles prettily at the staff, "Can we at least have a hint?"
A different servant answers them, "It's a cake that you both love!"
"Maybe it's strawberry." Fenian wonders with a smile.
"Might be chocolate!" Ciel guesses.
Finishing the setup of food, I walk over, "I will come to help you dress for the dinner party around six o'clock, alright?" I inform the two.
"Alright." they answer simultaneously.
I watch the two run out of the kitchen to go enjoy their day. Well, back to work I think sadly.
0-0-0-0-0-0
It was about two hours away from dinner and I was in my bedroom. I took a quick bath because I smelt like flour and food. Not to mention, I was sweating like crazy in the kitchen. Whoever made a maid uniform have so many layers are insane. I sat in front of my mirror stand while combing my damp hair out. The strands of my hair making the top of my robe wet.
I hear a blood-curdling scream come from down the hallway suddenly. Frozen in place, I turn to look at my door in fear. That didn't sound like a scream of I-dropped-something-by-accident, but this one was full of dread. Just what in the hell is going on!? I jump to my feet and rush to lock my door. I back away from the door and pace over to my bed.
Kneeling onto the floor, I reach underneath it and drag out my makeshift backpack I had handmade. Inside contained all the clothing and personal items I had specifically created throughout my time here. I unbuckle the strap of it in a hurry and slip on my bra and panties. Next, I take out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Shrugging my robe off, I put those on quickly. I buckle the backpack up and swing it onto my back. Slipping on my specially made woman's footwear oxfords, I dash for my sword that sat in my closet.
I place two daggers that fit into my belt loops in case of an emergency. I was already panting from panic. The screams were growing in magnitude.
The time has come for the enemy to attack.
Striding over to my door, I turn around one more time behind me in hopes of seeing my bedroom again after this. I unlock my door and open it very slowly. I peek left and right of the hallway to not see anything yet. I need to get to the boys, now.
But I have no idea where they are! Their bedrooms? Maybe they left them already left them from the sounds of murder in the hallways? Goddamnit!
I pace down the hallway and make sure to silence my footsteps as I do so. Lady Midford's training was beginning to take control. I turn the corner to find a random person stabbing a maid in the hallway. I sneak up behind him and immediately end his life without any hesitance. I don't think I can care about ending someone's life who already ends someone else's. It was an unforgivable act.
I know for a fact I will feel guilty later, but I do not have time to dwell on the matter currently. I keep my ears open for any footsteps that may come up behind me. I remain calm and rational with effort. An enemy appears in front of me again not long after and he charges at the sight of my person. He had a knife and I kill him immediately by slinging my sword across his chest.
What an idiot, the person with a sword was going to win that no matter what. Screams ricochet off the walls making me feel very afraid internally. I hear a shout somewhere in the vicinity of my person and I find Vincent and Racheal's door ajar. I stare at in fear of what is inside, please don't tell me their dead. I open the door further and find the back of the enemy. Racheal was already on the floor, dead with blood pooling around her body rapidly.
Tears prick my eyes as I follow the sight to find Vincent holding Racheal in his arms on the floor. More blood surrounded his figure, but his raspy breaths were coming out. Feeling anger take hold of me, I feel my feet move and stab the enemy in the back with a raged scream. I stab the person plenty of times in a fit of hate till he could no longer stand. The person slumps to the ground and I don't spare them a second glance.
My knees give away with a cry at seeing Vincent dying on the ground. Blood splatters onto my clothing and legs but I couldn't care less.
"V-V-Vincent..." I whisper in fright at seeing his wounded body as I push myself toward them.
He turns to look at me, his expression full of pain. "R..ina..." Vincent gasps out in agony.
My vision becomes blurry with a rush of tears, "Y-You'll make it, right?" I ask to reassure myself but it was foolish to think so as blood was pooling everywhere.
I reach out to stop the bleeding on his stomach, but I knew it wouldn't do any good. He already lost too much blood. Oh god, Racheal, I never wanted her to die either. I continue to sob loudly and Vincent somehow flashes a wry smile, "S-Save..y-yourself...the...b-boys."
I shake my head, not wanting to leave his side. "I-I can't just leave you here." I cry.
Ugh, my heart throbs so much. It feels as if it's going to burst. "You...promised." he coughs out, blood leaking out the sides of his mouth.
My body trembles, "I-I...please don't l-leave me. I-I need you..." I glare at him with angry tears, "You can't leave me! You promised you'd take care of me!" I scream in anger-filled sadness.
He raises his shaking arm to wrap his fingers around mine that were pressed into his wound. I choke at the action and my head bows as tears continue to pour out, "I-I'm...sorry," he coughs violently, and more blood comes out of his wound. "...I-I couldn't...a-better...f-father..."
A tear leaks out of his eye and I watch as a certain light flickers out of existence in them. I was glued to the floor in shock, my mind denying his death. Father?...no, no, you can't leave me yet! I let out another cry, my throat rough from my crying and shouting. "Dad!" I scream so loud; I probably alerted every enemy in the vicinity.
I collapse against his chest next to Racheal's head and cry all that I can. I clasp his bloody jacket in my hands in hopes he would come back to me. I never truly got to tell him how much I loved him, cared for him, and appreciated him. My head was very light, but it also throbbed annoyingly. Everything felt blurry and numb. I just want to lay here forever.
I hear the door creak open slightly and my gaze flickers briefly over to it. I find Tanaka standing there with a serious expression. He walks in not sparing the married couple on floor another glance. He bends down and holds a hand out towards me, "Rina, dear. We will have time to grieve later. But I need your help to finish off as many enemies as possible."
I sniffle and lift my head slowly, my vision a bit foggy from unshed tears. He takes out a handkerchief and whips at my face with it. "Old man..." I mumble, trying to push the grief away temporarily.
He moves over behind my back and lifts me up gently. My legs wobble and if he wasn't holding me up, I would have fallen right back over. "We must find the twins." he clarifies once I was standing on my own.
My sore eyes were focused on the dead couple before me. I bend down and grab my sword once more, feeling resolve takeover my sadness for the time being. I drag my sword behind me, "I'm going to kill anyone who gets in my way." I ramble, wanting to erase the existence of these enemies with my own bare hands. Perhaps, my sanity is slowly slipping but it was the last thing on my mind. "I'm going to find my brothers, Tanaka."
He comes up my side and clutches my shoulder, "We shall try our best to honor the earl's final wishes."
I nod in determination and exit through the door without another glance back. I will make you proud, Vincent. Tanaka and I fought for a short time near the bedroom the noble couple was resting in. Eventually, we gradually made our way down the hallways. I'm not sure how long for, but enemies were beginning to pile up. No mercy for these sons of a bitches. I was down the hallway and Tanaka was behind me watching my back.
They were growing, I can't believe how many enemies infiltrated the mansion; it was absurd! I let out a grunt as one brings a sword down in front of mine. I block naturally but my opponent was clearly stronger. I was struggling, my strength no match. I may be unusually strong, but I was beginning to tire out physically and mentally. Tanaka's much older, I will attempt to reduce the numbers for him. Not that he isn't strong, but he is older, and it takes more energy for him to fight.
I push back with a block and stomp on the person's foot. Their posture weakens and I punch them in the face with my empty hand. I run him through right after and wait for the next opponent. That move was quite dirty but I'm not going to complain that I live, and he dies. My breath was coming out in heavy pants and my body was sore with exhaustion.
I'm surprised I lasted so long honestly. Only being taught a short amount of time worth of techniques. My abnormal strength was primarily taking control more than anything. Natural instincts were keeping me alive! Although, it felt as though something was missing. I can't quite pinpoint the feeling exactly. The twins were the only priority left on my list, so I don't have much time to worry about that.
My next foe was charging at me and I hold my sword at the ready. The minute I get ready to strike, they duck my blow and hit me strike me through my shoulder. I let out a yelp in pain and he rams me into the wall. He dashes past me as I slide down the wall. I hold my shoulder that was crying blood. A mountain of bodies sat next to me and I realized I killed around twenty men. Ah, Vincent, it seems Midford training was a good idea.
I swivel my head in Tanaka's direction to find him battling with the man that just hurt me. I internally root for him, hoping he survives.
"Is...is someone there?!" I hear someone shout.
My eyes widen in relief, one of the twins were alive. I couldn't tell who over the sound of swords clashing.
"Tanaka!"
Tanaka spots the twin and I stand up realizing his mistake. He was wide open! Damnit!
"You mustn't come over here!" Tanaka warns Fenian I realize.
I push myself up against the wall while gritting my teeth in pain.
"Help!" Fenian cries out.
I trudge as quick as possible to try and kill the enemy about to run Tanaka through. I don't think I was going to make it on time! Old man, you fool, turn around for just a moment!
"Please run away! Master Ciel is...this scene is much too harsh for you!" Tanaka warns Fenian, thinking it was Ciel.
"Tanaka, look out!" I scream as a sword pierces through his back as it was turned toward Fenian.
I force myself to run as fast as possible and come to around the corner. I kill the man who injured Tanaka swiftly. There was another man standing behind Fenian and my eyes narrow in anger. I take one of my daggers at my hip and throw it right into the enemy's head. Tanaka was bleeding out on the floor and I hold back a sob at the sight. Fenian was shaking like a leaf and stares back at me with terrified eyes.
"R-R-Rina!" Fenian cries.
I clutch my shoulder and my sword drags behind me in my other hand. I fall on my knees beside Tanaka and Fenian was above my height for once. I pant heavily still, my shoulder bleeds severely. "Are you okay? W-where's Ciel?" I ask in worry, not seeing him anywhere.
Fenian shakes his head right after a curt nod, "I-I don't know, h-he took off before me." I nod back, realizing Ciel went out to find help and left Fenian to wait. "Y-Your hurt..." Fenian mutters, staring at my injured shoulder.
"It's nothing, don't worry about it. We need to get out of here." I state as I look around wildly, still on alert. He nods slowly, scared out of his mind. I stand back up with a yelp, "Let's turn back towards where you came and find your brother."
Before we could take another step, Fenian is grabbed from behind suddenly. My eyes widen in panic and I was about to slaughter the enemy, but someone does the same to me from behind. I struggle in their grasp, trying to get out. I saw a cloth go under Fenian's nose and he too struggles in his captor's grip. "Fenian!" I shout in fear and concern.
He escapes the cloth for a moment with a dreadful scream, "Sis!"
The person had a strong grip and I couldn't get out of it no matter what I try. I saw his teary eyes scream at me for help, but I was powerless. My shoulder was injured, even the adrenaline could barely block the pain; not to mention I was so exhausted. I let out another scream in annoyance, "We'll meet again, Fenian! I don't care what I have to do to find you!"
The man holding me down stalls for a moment, "The Phantomhive has a daughter?" he questions while staring at his partner.
I couldn't hear anything more after that. My captor strikes me in the head with the blunt of a blade and before I know, I'm drifting into unconsciousness. I'm sorry, Vincent, I couldn't save the twins...
