/AN: So, in case you weren't aware, this may be a pit of a parallel to my first story. Honestly, this is supposed to be the improved version, but I've yet to "finish" it since I still have the option to continue it. Anyhow, this already got 11 views, so that's a good thing. And, in case anyone is confused, /text/ are supposed to be in italics. I didn't realize that the format wasn't copied, so my apologies for that. But without further ado, I bring you the next chapter of NYSMSYW./

Special Note: the profile image on the story is the closest that I see Rachel in my mind. She looks a bit older, but it works just as well.

Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji nor will I ever but my own ideas and characters introduced in this story.

Chapter 2
"Ughh, what the hell…" She blearily opened her eyes only to be confronted with pitch darkness. She frowned, shifting a bit. She felt confined, and although it hurt like hell to even lift a finger, she could tell she was in some kind of container. Then she suddenly realize that the only time you would ever be confined was if you were in a coffin… buried underground. She groaned aloud, "Oh, for fuck's sake, tell me I haven't been buried alive!"

At that moment, a high pitched giggle pierced the silence and almost made her jump. "Hi hi hi~ Seems a guest has arisen from the dead…"

She mentally cursed herself for her carelessness. Despite the fact that she hasn't been alone all along, it was comforting to know she was still among the land of the living. Compared to being underground, I can handle coffin confinement. Despite it taking some extra effort on her part, she managed to push the lid up with a grunt. Only when she tried to push herself up did she feel the stretch of stitches along her wounds. Someone took the time to stitch my wounds? The momentary shock had her forget about the other occupant of the building they were currently in, and a mortuary she could safely guess, until the clack of a heel sounded on the floor. Her head snapped to the sound as she narrowed her eyes, senses instantly heightened to assess the potential friend or foe. Her gaze settled on a shadowed figure, tall albeit slouched, but slim as well, but a male, nonetheless. "Who's there?" Her posture stiffened and she stifled a wince of pain but scowled at the giggling reply.

"My, my, seems we've landed ourselves in a bit of a scuffle, hmm?~ Hi hi hi…" The mysterious figure skirted around the edges of the light provided by the lit candles, giggling every so often. Her silver eyes traced his movements, but once he trailed past her line of sight, she began to panic, but remained stoic. She was already weak, he didn't have to know more. "You wouldn't mind answering some question, now, do you?~" His sweeping voice which sounded like he had to restrain himself from laughing appeared behind her, but a bit close for comfort, and she stiffened, uncomfortable that she couldn't see him nor what he was up to.

"That depends on the type you ask," she replied tersely. She had to be careful not to reveal too much, but at the same time, she was indebted to this man who may or may not have saved her life. It wasn't a position she was comfortable with, but if she eventually had to kill him, then so be it. So long as he didn't rat her out, she was fine with him going along his business.

A flash of silver and her sword was drawn before her, its blade under her chin. She stilled as the stranger giggled low under his breath, amused. "Hi hi hi, so she has spitfire~ But, as you may know, you aren't in the position to deny my curiosity since I can just as easily throw you out as I saved you, and we wouldn't want that, now do we?" He snickered, having effectively cornered her.

She glowered, but at least he confirmed her suspicion. "Tch, fine, ask away, then." Taking care not to touch the sword, she fought the urge to slap away the hand that petted her head.

"Good girl," he cooed, in a sing-song tone. "Then, mind telling me what a girl like you is doing playing around with /this/? Surely a lady of your stature should know not to play with such dangerous things or else she gets hurt." He tilted the blade towards her to emphasize his point, a high-pitched giggle

Her eyebrow twitched. He's definitely mocking me. Closing her eyes, she straightened, taking care not to nick her skin on the blade and mustered her dignity before turning her head to where she thought he was and spoke, indignant. "My job demands that I be able to defend myself, hence the weapons." She decided to make her occupation seem like a job, making it as vague as possible.

"I see, and what of these?~" She saw a clawed hand with overgrown black fingernails gesture to the right, and there she saw the rest of her belongings laid out neatly; her gun, kunai, along with her wallet and ID cards.

She grimaced faintly, slightly bothered that he knew about her, but she couldn't blame him for his wariness. He was taking in an armed stranger who, no doubt, had no problem utilizing the tools she owned, and hence his interrogation. I, personally, would've done the same, and probably not as nicely. "Backup." Even she knew that arrogance meant certain death on the battlefield.

Her short but direct response must've appeased him since the blade lowered an inch as he chuckled. "Rightly so for you to think ahead~ Smart girl, hi hi~" The blade disappeared from sight and Ruth felt a stab of panic as she fleetingly wondered if he was going to kill her only to hear him sheath it and walk past her. He turned as he cocked his head, grinning widely, white teeth flashing.

The sight of him had her freezing in place. Don't tell me…
But what was in front of her, there's no denying; a black top hat complete with a liripipe, mourning robes, a belt of charms around his waist and the grey scarf slung over his left shoulder and tied at his hip, the waist length silvery white, silky hair and the bangs, the diagonal scar partly hidden that ended at his right jaw - every minute detail couldn't deny the reality she was now in. The Undertaker? "Well, now, I believe it's past time for introductions~" He wandered to the middle where she could give him her undivided attention and bowed gracefully as he introduced himself, although he had no need since she already knew he was. "My name is the Undertaker, and this is my humble abode, hi hi~ You are welcome to stay here for as long as you need given your current condition, but we can work out the payment later on when needed, so if I may know the lady's name?~" He straightened, leveling a smirk on her.

She pursed her lips, wary of him despite being her savior. But, there was no getting around it. Until she could fend for herself, she'd have to rely on him for a while longer, no doubt wounding her pride the extent of her vulnerability and weakness. Looking up at him, she narrowed her blank silver eyes at him, disclosing no emotion as his grin curled at the ends with growing interest. "The name's Rachel."

"Hi hi, very charmed, Miss Rachel, charmed indeed~"

02/26/2018