A/N: And I'm back! I'm so pleased with this one. Done in about a day or two. Kinda amazed me. So here, our awaiting cliff hanger is resolved. I tried explaining her true nature as best as I can, but if there's any more confusion, do tell in the reviews so I can address it in future chapters. Also, I may make a little quick Halloween omake. I've been mulling it over a while and decided it's worth a shot. Thirdly, we will be encountering our first mystery with the Phantomhives although it may be the last concerning Vincent. You'll have to forgive me for any lapses in plot since it is my first time writing a mystery. However, I'll try my best.

As for reviewers, much thanks to AwesomeFangirlOtaku01 and 8shadesofmadness. I'm so sorry for neglecting to respond and give a shout out last chapter since I was in a rush to upload.

8shadesofmadness: No problem, and I mean 18 yrs old. 21 years old is when we're finally allowed to consume alcoholic beverages, so just slightly out of reach (in case you didn't know). And yes, thanks for your concern about college. Thankfully, it's been smooth sailing. Hopefully, I can keep it up for the next semester.

AwesomeFangirlOtaku01: No, this isn't a crossover with Vampire Knight, but it's a bit funny that you mention that. I haven't watched the animae nor read the manga, but is there a character like/named Zero? That would be interesting to know. And as for the theories, great ideas that I've entertained when I was creating Rachel. However, your closest one would be the demon which will be explained in the chapter below. I did temporarily think about making her a vampire, but I think what I have is much better. I kind of got the inspiration from Supernatural from the episode that concerns a being like Rachel. And thank you for enjoying this story. I really hope it continues to meet your expectations because if I write something, I'd like it to be something I would enjoy reading, myself. As for the Two Ciels, it is canon, but also, it spices up the plot, so I figured why not? After all, it is the defining feature of Kuroshitsuji, so who can deny that? Anyhow, please read on and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroshitsuji nor will I ever. Everything read not included in Kuroshitsuji are my ideas and characters alone unless mentioned otherwise.

Chapter 8
Rachel's POV (1st)
Keep your cool, don't freak out. I had expected him to catch on eventually, but certainly not so soon. But I also hadn't expected him to wait this long to interrogate me about my true nature either.

Subtly gathering my composure, I made myself relax, putting down the pen in favor for the biscuits and tea. Nothing works better than a distraction. "Why are you asking?" I blew at the hot tea before taking a sip, decidedly feeling calmer since the anxiousness wore off.

He still had that sly smile on that face as if he knew I'd been busted. "You're not even going to deny it?~"

I shrugged. "What's the point? I didn't think I was that obvious, but then again, you may as well have already figured it out. I kind of did expect you to notice anyways." I looked down at the beaker, the warm glass heating my cold hands.

"Oh? Seems the time traveler has her secrets, eh~ Hihihi!" At this point, he'd finished hemming the coffin and decided to settle on one of his coffins for a more focused discussion.

"I suppose. So, what gave me away?" I looked up nonchalantly, curious at his answer. I was sure to not have been too obvious. Being passed out was far beyond my control however. Was it because of how fast I healed?

"Nothing. Rather, you were far too cautious~"

I lifted an eyebrow. Wasn't that a good thing. Unless if he meant…

"Call it intuition, if you will~" He grinned crookedly at that, as if amused at his own choice of words. He pulled a biscuit from his sleeve and broke into it, disregarding the mounting tension in the air. "You're quite evasive in your mannerisms, a bit too perfect in my opinion. You might want to watch for that, love~"

Ah. So it was that.

"But, you are correct~ I must say, you'd have to know a bit about me to have had those expectations, no?"

I had to smirk a little bit. So he noticed that, too. "Correct." I had to appreciate how he subtly directed the attention back to me, to try and make me spill my secrets. But, if he wanted to play games, then so can I. "So, then, what is it you wanted to know?"

For a second, Undertaker seemed taken aback. Maybe he wasn't expecting me to be so compliant?

"Just because you know something doesn't mean I'm going to tell everything. You can ask, doesn't mean I'll always answer." I rose an eyebrow at him, berating him for thinking I'd be that open.

He snickered, understanding the rules of the game that I'd established. For now, he looked content to play along, but I'd bet you that he had something up his sleeve. He steepled his hands, leaning his chin on them as he played his first move. "Very well. First of all, let's start with me~"

I snorted. "Of course."

He smirked. "How is it that you're familiar with me?~"

If he purposely arranged his words to make them suggestive, I paid them no mind. "It's not just you, but all the central characters. What I mean by characters is that all this, you, the Earl, his sons, are all a plot from a work of fiction. I'm not sure if this is some kind of alternate universe or the same universe I've been in all along, but it's safe to say that I know my way around the plot. At least, the important bits."

He tilted his head, taking a moment to digest everything. It was quite overwhelming to process, but knowing him, he'd take any advantage for the upper hand. "Mind telling me what this plot entails?~"

I stayed silent. I couldn't risk him knowing for fear that he'd alter the future, and it seemed he came to the same conclusion based on his growing grin.

"Alright, then next, why are you here?"

I shrugged again. "Your guess is as good as mine. I don't know if I'm supposed to do something or fix something. It's unnerving if its the former since the latter would be easier." He nodded his head in agreement, understanding why which meant, so far, he was still with me.

"And how is it that you came here? Can you go back whenever you wanted?" He was leaning forward now, his childish persona slightly gone in exchange for his curiosity.

I was quiet for a moment before hesitantly pulling out the broken hand watch, the glass cracked from when I struck it with my sword during my last assignment which was still ironically stopped at the exact time before I came to this universe. It dangled from its chain, glinting off the dying sunlight. "Just when I was finishing my last assignment, my target had this pocket watch which allowed her to control time." Undertaker perked up suddenly but I ignored it in lieu of finishing my story first. "I had planned on destroying it first to make eliminating her easier, but she was adamant against it. However, I was too preoccupied, and when I destroyed it, I ended up here. I don't remember anything except waking up in your coffin."

Undertaker was frowning at this point, and it made me quite apprehensive. There wasn't much to make this fool upset, but right now, it made him unpredictable. "Have you thought of fixing it?"

I blinked at him before glancing at the broken watch. "The thought has crossed my mind, but I would think it's a bit more complicated than that."

His mouth quirked upward in agreement, yet he still smartly replied, "You'll never know if you never try~"

I glared sourly at him. "I'm getting there."

He chuckled, dropping the serious facade. Truly, it didn't suit someone like him, but it did make him terrifying. To a degree. "So I take it you're stuck here for the time being~"

I nodded, focusing on the broken hand watch before a sudden movement caught my eye. Black robes entered my line of vision and I looked up to see him lift the hand watch closely to his face with his clawed hands, inspecting it for clues, possibly. Surely the fringe didn't help, but I remained silent.

"Stuck here and no way home, hmm?~" He contemplated to himself silently, turning the watch this way and that before letting it go to see it swing from side to side as I was still holding up the chain. "I do know of someone who can repair these kinds. It is worth looking into if it means finding your way back home~"

Well, that's nice of him. I nodded but pocketed the watch anyway. "It's not that big a loss, really." Based on the look of his face, I knew he was skeptical. True, there would be some people I would miss and maybe the convenience of the lifestyle itself, but change was a nice alternative to stress. I shrugged. "My home isn't as welcoming as you've been the past few days."

Undertaker smiled a bit softly, a hint of a sharp edge to it as if understanding the grim underlining of truth there, and based on the little regard I gave of my world, he didn't think it'd be worth questioning. So, he moved on to the next question. "Very well. Leading to my next question~ Although you did answer how you know about this world quite vaguely, I'd like you to address how you know /me/ specifically.~"

Oh boy, he's a sharp one. He definitely noticed that I tried skirting around that. Oh well. "About that… Well, I'll be blunt. What I know of so far, you're a reaper, retired around a half century ago and you have ties to the Phantomhive family as their informant. That's it. Anything else is beyond my knowledge other than speculations of my own." Rather than beat around the bush, I preferred to save time.

His silence was quite daunting, but the faint smile on his lips was a bit comforting. I'm guessing he wasn't worried about me knowing that much then. "And this information derives from this fictitious work, you say~?"

I nodded. "To be honest with you, it's quite popular, but in terms of world population, it's not common knowledge. This would only pertain to the small percentage of manga/animae fans which don't account for much. For example, if you took a walk in the park in my world, chances are, people won't know you, but you never know. They may think it's just really good cosplay however."

He tilted his head. "Cosplay?"

I half-heartedly shrugged. "Basically you dressing up as yourself. For example, if I dressed myself to look like the Earl, even getting a wig for his bluish hair, that would be considered cosplay."

He giggled at the idea. "My, how amusing~" He leaned back and crossed his legs.

Well, I suppose I survived. For now. Maybe it's just me trying to look like Vincent that hit his funny bone. After all, I was still quite stuck-up, if you could call it that.

"Now then, about this demon of yours~ Tell me how it works since it feels like there's two presences but only one of 'you'."

Ah, yes, that. I do so loved messing around with my targets with that. Especially when they get confused. "Alright, well, first of all, I'm what you would consider half-demon. Therefore, I maintain human qualities but I also have some demon qualities. For now, I'm in my human form: Rachel, if you will. This is the form I prefer most since I'm mostly in control. I do have urges every now and then, but they're not as powerful and this is pertaining to sins such as killing, pride, lust, etc. My demon form: Ruth, is more powerful considering I would be a fully-fledged demon, but I haven't shed my 'human' self. However, me being a half-demon makes me stronger than either breed which gives me an edge.

"Unfortunately, my 'demon' self is somewhat of a separate entity so it does require high maintenance to sustain it. How I do so is through my missions. Whenever I eliminate my target, the soul replenishes it's power via my sword. Therefore, I don't need to eat souls per se. However, I can't fully give in to my demon self as well as I'm not as conscious to make decisions as I am now. You'd pretty much be talking to a different person but in the same body. Also, they can take over, although its not often, but the times they do, I have no awareness of their actions, so full disclaimer, but I'm not actually in control of what Ruth may do or say. I can only prevent it so long as my demon is compliant."

"Ah~ Well now, that's quite convenient, I must say. A demon with a conscience! Hi hi hi, who would've thought?" He seemed more amused than threatened which I took for a good sign. "And what would happen if you happened to give in to your demon or fully surrender your human form?"

"Well, for one, if the demon took over, I'd be in some kind of limbo and not know that Ruth had taken over unless if someone told me. Second, if I gave up my human self, 'Rachel' would cease to exist and all that would remain is simply 'Ruth'. At least, that's what I think. I'm not sure, but this isn't one I'd want to experiment with."

Undertaker nodded, agreeing on that thought. He was, however, still insatiably curious, I could tell.

"Anything else you wanted to know?" I rose an eyebrow, wondering whether or not he wanted to end the interrogation.

Undertaker hummed, tapping his nail on his chin before perking. "These traits of yours~ Are they interchangeable?" He was grinning excitedly, even leaning forward as his hands rested on the edge of my desk, trying to tower over me.

I leaned back, uncomfortable with the sudden intrusion. "By interchangeable, you mean borrow my demon power while in human form? Yes, but there's a limit. If I wanted full access, I'd have to fully convert, and you can tell since you can sense it. And yes, my appearance changes, too. Calm down."

I glared at him disapprovingly as he shut his mouth, but he grinned, indifferent. I shook my head but continued.

"Even as a human, my senses are quite heightened, so it'll come off as though I'm extremely talented. Hence my skills in piano and even drawing. Really, I could be a perfectionist in everything like a demon, but even I'm bothered to a degree of how perfectly I can do things, so I limit them as much as possible. This can apply to pretty much anything, as I'm sure you're aware of. But to be honest, I'm enough of an asshole as it is, so I practice self-control."

Undertaker laughed at that, leaning back to give me my personal space. "So you say! Hihihi! Mighty honest of you for a demon~"

I shrugged. "I suppose."

He grinned. "I see~ Very interesting, love, interesting indeed." He suddenly walked behind my desk, plopping right next to me on the coffin I was sitting on and put an arm around my shoulders. "This clears things up, now, doesn't it? How lucky I am to have such a talented assistant~" He squeezed my shoulder, smirking as I shoved his hand off but he replaced it anyway.

"Sure," I replied, blankly glancing at him before sighing. "Are you done now?"

He grinned but said nothing else, opting to instead remove his arm and lean back on his hands and enjoy the silence. I followed suit, glancing back at the forgotten biscuits and tea. I decided to eat them anyway to pass the time, and his head turned to me while I was munching.

"What? They're gonna go to waste if I don't eat them."

He snickered. "Did you want me to warm up your tea?"

I shook my head. "Cold tea is fine. I don't care either way." He snickered but I ignored him, finishing up my snack.

We sat there in companionable silence for a while. I was sure he had other stuff to do, but ever since he'd decided on the impromptu interview, I felt less stressed. Perhaps this meant I could relax a bit more around him. I suddenly frowned. But that meant he could, too. And knowing people like him, he wouldn't be afraid to showcase his talents.

I glanced at him, viewing his calm profile as he mulled over the information quietly before his gaze rested on mine, tilting his head inquisitively.

"I'll finish up the paperwork for today before retiring for the night, if that's okay with you."

He chuckled. "I'm sure you will. As for I~ I have my much needed beauty sleep~"

I snorted as he grinned at me, patting my shoulder before taking my beaker and the empty tray. I was already finishing up by the time he'd finished washing his dishes and settling into the coffin.

"Nighty night, little demon~"

I glanced at him, playfully grinning at me with a wave before I snorted again. "Yeah, night to you, too."

His laugh was the last thing I heard before I closed the door and headed to my room.

…

The next morning started out as normally as any other day. Except this time, I could tell he was up to something.

The extra bounce to his step either meant more guests were coming, or something was up. Neither meant well for me either way.

I rose an eyebrow as I entered the kitchen, donned in a simple black shirt and pants. He was humming and swaying all over the place, cooking eggs and bacon based on the scent.

"Well, you seem to be in a good mood…" I glanced sideways at him. "…Er, better mood than usual."

He grinned widely at me, giggling like a naughty schoolboy. I could only sweat drop in response. What could he possibly be up to?

The question must've been all over my face since he giggled and twitched, a little bit of drool tracing its way down his chin which I eyed with distaste. I waited patiently for him to speak as he flipped the eggs. "Well now, m'dear, it seems you'll have to wait for the surprise~ I'm sure the Earl can explain in detail later. After all, he'll be dropping by for a visit~" His voice had adopted a mysterious narrative-like tone which, of course, implied the obvious.

"And this has nothing to do with pleasantries, I take it?" I played along, keeping a blank face as he grinned pleasantly. He looked pleased that I'd caught on.

"Correct, m'dear~ Lately, a riot's going on about a murder mystery. The death of a few young bachelor's who's involved with a quite well-known noblewoman! Speculation's been going around, hihihi~" He was hugging himself, apparently more than excited about the actual bodies than the case itself.

"I see, and I'm guessing the bodies will be making their way here?"

He nodded fervently, his top hat bobbing with the motion as its liripipe danced with the motion. "That it has been, m'dear~ Why don't you be a dear and clean up a little after breakfast? I'm sure this place needs a touch here and there."

"Say no more." I couldn't have agreed more heartily.

Naturally, he replied with a giggle.

An hour later found me sweeping the floor with a broom. I'd taken it upon myself to clean this place top to bottom. Not an inch of his shop would be spared. The egregious layers of dust had me wearing a thin cloth over my nose and mouth to spare me the amount of sneezing I would've otherwise suffered.

Undertaker, of course, claimed innocence for the apparent crime he was oblivious to. Sure, he had bad sight for a reaper, but that didn't give him any excuse. Even if it did contribute some creepy factor to his occupation as a mortician, he wouldn't be doing justice to his guests. And apparently, that claim more than convinced him to give in.

So now, fast forward to poor ole me, wiping down the shelves. Even his books were coated in dust, and that in itself was an insult to literature. The nerve.

After pointing one rightfully deserved glare in his direction that had him pouting, I resumed my work with a huff, replacing books I'd taken off the shelves. Skimming the select literature he stored, although the majority were of anatomy and scientific texts, he did have the odd genre here and there that I filed in memory for a read if I ever had the time. Hopefully that would be often. Currently wiping down another book, I stared at the title. /Les Misérables/.

Yup. Definitely a must read.

I glanced back at the Undertaker before holding up the book. "Did you know that this book is considered a classic in my time?"

Undertaker looked up curiously with a smile. "Oh?"

I hummed. "Literature like this are incredibly popular in our education system. They had us read /Jane Eyre/ by Charlotte Bronte and even /Adventures of Huckleberry Finn/."

"And I take it you enjoy them?~"

I shrugged. "Some. There are a few that I've made it a goal to read, like /War and Peace/ or /Anna Karenina/. Possibly even /Wuthering Heights/ if I have the time."

He tilted his head for a moment, glad for the distraction since he was currently tortured with paperwork for the time being. A rather much deserved punishment in my opinion. (He had whined about it for quite some time, but having proved to have a backbone he couldn't fight against, he gave in.) "I do believe I have some in my collection that you are more than welcome to browse for entertainment, if you'd like?"

I rose an eyebrow at him. Was he trying to appease me?

His innocent smile seemed to prove that theory, but I'll take it where I can get it. "Sure. Thanks, I suppose."

"Hihihi~ You're more than welcome, my dear."

Okay.

The bell ringing as the door opened grabbed our attention to a London police officer who had two others carrying a stretcher with a body covered with a white cloth.

"Delivery for the Undertaker from Lord Phantomhive."

"Ah, that's my cue~" He giggled as he stepped forward with a slouch.

The officer looked up before paling significantly. I had to hold in my snort as best as I could.

"R-right. Anyhow, where would you like the body, sir?"

Undertaker pointed at the examination table with a wide grin, making the two other police men gulp with fear before approaching cautiously. Then, they all noticed me and there was a pause.

They blinked.

I blinked.

"Sir, who is this?"

Undertaker giggled, walking until he was behind me and draping his arms over my shoulders like he did when the Earl was here. "Why, my dear assistant~"

The police blinked dumbly before looking at me again. Then back at Undertaker. "Um, sir, we'll have to ask her to leave. This isn't an appropriate sight for a woman-"

"She's my assistant~ She'll have to get used to these if she is to work by my side, after all, so don't worry your little minds about it!"

Um, hello? I'm right here.

I looked up to find that he was grinning a bit madly, perhaps why I was garnering some pitying looks, but I paid them no mind. I was an assassin so this was no big deal. It's not like they didn't know.

Seeing that had no other purpose but to drop off the body, they quickly took their leave. It was almost pitiful how desperate they were to escape Undertaker. Speaking of which.

I looked up at him, feeling his chin dig into my head as I did so. "You need to stop making a habit of doing that."

He blinked owlishly. "Doing what, m'dear?"

"That and this. Whatever you're doing to me right now."

He blinked again. "Why not?~"

I sighed. "Because this is why you have no friends."

He pouted with all his might. "What about the Earl?"

I looked at him like he was an idiot. "He doesn't count since you're his informant."

Undertaker huffed before removing himself from my person, crossing his arms defensively. "I, too, can make friends!"

I lifted a doubtful brow. "Oh?"

"Mm-hmm!" His head bobbed vigorously.

"How so?"

A pause. Then a wide grin. "Starting with you~"

I stilled, face blank as a slate.

No.

No way.

Not in a million years.

I was pretty sure that whatever was left of my soul just flew out the door with those police men.

10/26/18