A/N: Hi, everyone! I am very happy all of you are enjoying my very first Kuroshitsuji fic and are being so patient with me. So, how was that torture scene? I'm not really good at writing dark stuff, but I think that went pretty well. Special thanks to everyone that reviewed! You guys are awesome!

*AngelSayori - I got the name Strigoi off a website on the internet. There were a lot of other ways to translate vampire, but I picked that one because I thought it sounded better. Anyways ... thank you for reviewing! You're awesome! ^_^

Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroshitsuji. The only thing I own are my OC's.

(Scarlett's P.O.V)

"So, let me get this straight. This is a different dimension, in which Shinigamis, demons, and all of that crazy stuff are real. Also, when my blood spilled it opened some sort of portal that sent me here. You seriously expect me to believe that? I may have a concussion, but I'm not dumb."

Will nodded and replied sternly.

"That is correct. Now, stop moving, so I can bandage you properly."

I simply sighed and stayed perfectly still. My impression of Will had considerably changed as of late. I had thought of him as a strict, stuck-up, jerk, but he was actually pretty cool. He was nice and he was also really polite. To be honest, he was a pretty cool dude. I took a deep, calm, breath then said.

"Can you please give me some more details? Why here? Why me?"

He finished bandaging up my leg and replied cooly.

"Well, it is stated that every millennium or so, a human from a different dimension shall leave their reality and appear in a different one. Portals are usually opened by spilling the blood of the innocent, or the blood of a virgin. The human may land in a dimension that is from very long ago, or in a dimension that is in the very distant future. There are also occasions they land in dimensions in which their sanity is tested, and do not survive. Many times they land in places that are only present in their worst nightmares. Those unlucky people never survive."

Okay, so this was a different dimension. I could sort of grasp that. It would've been so much easier for him to tell me that he was just kidding, but life wasn't always that easy. I knew that for a fact. I had the scars and bruises to prove it. I was actually amazed at how I still had my sanity intact after what happened to me. I wasn't going into shock, and I was having a perfectly normal conversation with Will.

Although, that didn't mean I wouldn't get my revenge on those crazy psychos. I would get my revenge on them even if it was the last thing I did. Nobody placed their hands on me and got away with it. I had learned that from my brother, at a very young age, and I was going to use that knowledge wisely. Nobody humiliated me, hurt me, and simply got to walk away. I was an extremely vengeful person, and that was probably one of my biggest sins. I stopped at nothing to make those who harmed me pay the price for their insult.

However, there was one thing that still bugged me. Why had I precisely landed here? Where exactly was "here?" Almost as if he could read my thoughts, Will instantly adjusted his glasses and replied.

"Your location, as of right now, is London, England, January 5 of the year 1888."

So, that guy wasn't exactly nuts when he mentioned the queen. Okay, so now I knew where I was, but why was I here? Why was I chosen out of everybody in the world? Will simply sighed and replied.

"You are taking all of this very calmly. At first, you rejected the idea, but now you seem more ... accepting."

I slowly nodded and replied honestly.

"There are many things that happen in the world that are unexplainable. My father always told me to be very open-minded to the possibilities. He taught me that nothing was impossible, and that's why I should always be prepared and focused. So, yeah, even though all of this seems a bit whack. I do not discount the possibility that it could actually be real. Besides, you don't seem like the type of guy that would rescue me just to lie to my face."

He simply gave a slight nod and replied seriously.

"That is correct."

I merely leaned back against his comfortable, leather, couch and said.

"So, what I saw back there was an actual demon?"

I quickly noticed his face twist in disgust, and heard him reply stiffly.

"Yes, that repulsive beast was a demon. He wanted your soul."

I merely gave a small smile and replied.

"Yeah, I got that much. I told him to go to hell. Though, I get the impression you don't like demons very much."

He narrowed his eyes and replied almost annoyed.

"Those filthy creatures make contracts, and take the souls that are supposed to be reaped. They make our job a lot more difficult. We have to fill out a great amount of paper work concerning any lost soul. Those beasts use a human's weakened state to their advantage, without a care. Their only desire is to feed, and are willing to do whatever it takes to claim the soul they desire. They are disgusting, vile abominations."

Did I say like? I meant to say hate. Will truly hates demons, like no joke. I smiled slightly and replied.

"You seem very passionate about your beliefs, Mister Spears."

Will carefully moved his head to the side and gave a small nod. I simply smiled at him then said.

"Okay, I understand how I got here. Now, can you please tell me why I came to this time period and dimension? Also, why me ? I'm not that great of a person. I'm manipulative, a liar, and when I'm angry my mind thinks up various gruesome scenarios on how to harm someone. I have cursed quite a few times in my life, and my therapist told me that I have psychopathic tendencies. Not only that, but I am an extremely vengeful person."

Will simply stared at me intently for what seemed like an eternity. He then gave me a slight nod and replied.

"Indeed, you are all of those things, but there is still goodness in your heart. You do remember how you got here, correct? You saved a young boy that was about to be hit by that motor vehicle. You placed his life and good health above your own. That shows just how caring you can be towards others."

Well, he did kind of have a point. I didn't have to think about saving that little boy. I just sort of went for it. Why? Because it was the right thing to do. I merely caressed the side of my arm gently and replied.

"I suppose you're right, but that doesn't answer my questions. Why exactly here? Why me?"

He sighed and replied with narrowed eyes.

"That is the difficult part. It is said that the person that does travel between dimensions is sent to a certain dimension for a reason. They may have to die there. If they are sent to a dimension that takes place in the past then they are sent there to change what happens. That way that occurence doesn't affect the future or present. Sometimes people are sent to the future due to the fact that the future may be in complete chaos and they must change that. Other times it can be something a bit more personal. Something that goes beyond helping society as a whole, but helping a single person in deep need or pain. That actually has a name to it. It has been labled, The Ultimate Sacrifice."

That sounded interesting. If it even had a label to it then it must have been something incredibly special or bad. Therefore, I slowly sat up straighter, wincing slightly at my injuries. Then I gave Will a slight smile and asked.

"What is The Ultimate Sacrifice?"

Will merely turned to look out the window and replied coldly.

"The Ultimate Sacrifice is something that occurs very rarely. For example, somebody may come from the future in order to save someone from the past. Or, it could be reversed. It works either way. The thing is that they are not only leaving the home they have known all of their life, but they are in that certain dimension to die for someone else. They are going to sacrifice everything they have ever had; their home, their families, their grip on reality, and finally their own life. It is quite tragic actually."

Wow, that certainly did deserve the title of, The Ultimate Sacrifice. Having to leave your dimension, your family, everything, just to die for someone else. You would first have to adjust yourself to whatever dimension you were sent to. Then, at the end, you would die sacrificing your life for someone else. That was quite tragic. Would I be willing to do that if that was my purpose in this place? Maybe. I had nearly died saving that little boy. Speaking of which, was I dead? I was just about to ask Will when he instantly replied.

"You are not dead. I have already informed you that you are in a different dimension. Dying and traveling to a different dimension, have no connection whatsoever. Your blood was spilled, and the portal was opened. That is simply how traveling in between dimensions works. Why would a dead corpse, or a body in a comatose state travel in between dimensions? That makes absolutely no sense."

I instantly nodded at that then said.

"Okay, I know that I'm supposed to be here for one of those reasons you just said. What I want to know is, why me?"

Will simply turned around to stare at me with a completely focused stare on his face then replied honestly.

"I am not fully aware of how humans are chosen to travel between dimensions. All I am aware of is that the humans that do get the opportunity to travel, travel for a reason. You, personally, I have no idea why you have landed here in this era and dimension. Your home is no where close to this place."

He did have a very valid point. I wasn't even from London. I was only visiting there. I was actually from America. Then suddenly a question struck me. How on earth did Will know I wasn't from London, and that I had saved that little boy? I instantly turned around to ask him, but realized he was now standing directly in front of me. I instantly leaned back against the sofa and didn't speak. He merely stared at me with a calm look on his face then said.

"I am a Shinigami. I am supposed to be aware of when these portals to alternate dimensions open. I was actually on the job when I sensed that a portal would be opened in your dimension. I instantly traveled towards your dimension and searched for where the power seemed greatest. The trail led towards your school, so I infiltrated the school posing as a mathematics teacher in search of the key."

I simply frowned and replied curiously.

"The key? What's that?"

He merely leaned away from me, and went to go sit back down at his desk. He sat down elegantly then folded his arms across the desk and answered seriously.

"The real question is, whois the key."

What? He simply sat up straighter in his chair and replied.

"I have already informed you that there are only two ways for a portal to open. The first is by spilling the blood of the innocent. The second is by spilling the blood of a virgin. I am not sure if you are both or simply one. Either way, that is none of my concern. The point that I am attempting to make is that the key to open a portal is pure, innocent blood."

I slowly leaned more forward and asked curiously.

"So, you were following the blood?"

He gave me a slight nod and replied.

"That is correct. Fortunately for me, I didn't have to look far. Since, you clumsily bumped right into me."

I blushed at that comment and looked the other way. Then suddenly a very obvious question struck me and I decided to ask.

"Wait a minute, you went to my school looking for me? You knew that I would travel to a different dimension?"

He simply gave me a slight nod then replied.

"Although, I was slightly perplexed as you weren't at the exact place the portal would be opened. You were far from it, and the portal was supposed to open that exact day. I even came to consider that I had made a mistake and you weren't the key."

I instantly raised my hand and waited for him to call on me. Wow, I still acted as if I were in school. How lame was that? I saw Will simply raise an elegant eyebrow at me then say.

"Yes?"

"Didn't you say blood was the key?"

He simply turned his chair slightly to the side and replied.

"Indeed, but what is the source of human life? What keeps your heart pumping? You are not able to live if your heart does not pump blood. Therefore, you, your blood, were the keys to open the portal."

I merely tilted my head to the side slightly then asked curiously.

"Why me, though?"

He simply sighed and replied calmly.

"As I have already said, I am not fully aware how humans are chosen to travel. All that I am aware of are the few reasons why they are allowed to travel. Why those humans are selected, specifically, is not known to me. There are thousands of innocent and pure humans around the world. How only one person is selected from so many is not known."

Okay, I could understand that. No one knew why specifically I had been chosen to be here, but I was here for a reason. I was either going to change something to make the future better, or I was going to die here. Or, I was going to make The Ultimate Sacrifice and die to save a certain person. Man, that was a bit depressing. Two, out of three, I was going to die in. Hopefully I was only here to prevent something bad from happening that would affect the future. Wait, did Will know why I was here? I was brought out of my thoughts by the sound of Will clearing his throat. I immediately looked up and said.

"I'm sorry. You were saying?"

He merely placed his hands lightly on the desk and replied.

"I was trying to inform you that I am not aware of why, you, specifically are here. To be quite honest, I am never aware why a certain person travels to a different dimension. Like I just explained, there could be several reasons, but the person themselves must figure out what it is. They must figure out what their purpose for traveling to a different dimension is all on their own."

That was fair. Life was never easy, and just because you traveled to a different dimension things weren't going to change. Now that I had accepted that, all I had to do was find out what my purpose here was. Whatever it turned out to be, I was going to take it and not complain about it.

My brother had always told me to be tough to the end. Even when staring death in the face, I should always stay strong and not crumble down. He showed me to never show weakness in front of strangers, and to always be confident in myself, but not too confident because that could ultimately lead to my downfall. He claimed that over-confidence and stupidity were too closely related. Therefore, I should always be careful.

I gave a sad smlie as I thought of my brother. Yeah, we argued, but he was my brother and I cared about him. Man, if I survived this and I was able to return home. When I told him about what happened to me ... I didn't even want to think about what he would do. He would probably curse in every language he knew then break possibly everything in the house. Well, he would first take me to a hospital and yell at everyone to check me out. Once, he knew I was better and safe at home. Then he would destroy the house. He would probably take me to see my therapist after that too.

I simply passed my hand carefully through my hair and smiled slightly. Damien was such a good brother. I missed him already. Yeah, he was a bit tough and arrogant, but who cared? He was my brother and I loved him just the way he was. I was brought out of my thoughts by Will saying.

"Anymore concerns or questions?"

I instantly thought about it and immediately replied.

"Why couldn't the portal open in America? Why did it open in London?"

He merely leaned more forward in his chair and replied calmly.

"Many times the person must be located at the place in which the portal will transport them. Even though, it is a different dimension and reality, it is still the same location. You, for example, you were in modern London, and the portal transported you back to old London. It could be the same for anyone else. They could be in modern America and the portal might send them to the way America was two-hundred-years ago."

Well, that made sense. If you really thought about it, it wasn't all that complicated. I then heard Will continue saying.

"Although, sometimes the amount of suffering located in a certain place can be responsible for the opening of the portal. Other times, portals simply open wherever the blood of that chosen innocent is shed. It may be due to the fact that they are needed urgently at the dimension they are traveling to. Or, it could be some other significant reason. It all depends. To put it simply traveling between dimesions is easy, but understanding the why's and how's is the difficult part. Many quickly grasp the idea, while others are much more slower and need more time."

True that. I definitely needed a break. Therefore, I slowly leaned back against the couch and closed my eyes. I then heard Will rise from his chair and say.

"Would you like some tea?"

I simply shook my head and replied.

"No, thank you. I'm okay."

He didn't reply to that, but I did hear him quietly walk away. I simply adjusted myself carefully in his comfy sofa and closed my eyes once again. If Will hadn't rescued me who knows what would have happened to me. I was safe right now, but who knew about tomorrow? I slowly lifted my hand and touched the side of my cheek. It was swollen. That bastard! What kind of man hits a woman? He was nothing but a filthy, cowardly rat, and I couldn't wait for the day that I could squash him like the pest he is. Yeah, I'm a vengeful person and that may be my downfall one day, but I really don't care.

I wasn't exactly sure what Will had given me, since I passed out before we reached headquarters. What I did know was that it was very effective. I was about 99.9% sure one of my ribs had been broken, but for some reason they were fine. The only thing Will had bandaged up was my leg, and my palm.

I was taken out of my thoughts by the sound of the door opening. I slowly opened my eyes and was completely amazed to see an extremely handsome guy standing right in front of me. I simply stared at him with my mouth slightly agape and didn't say anything. He was somewhat tall with beautiful blonde-orange hair and emerald-colored eyes. He had a pair of black-rimmed glasses, and a huge smile on his face. Who on earth was he?

Hold up! Hold up! I know this! I've seen him somewhere before! Just let me think for a bit. Okay ... he wasn't Grell. He wasn't Will. Then he could only be ...

"Hello there, my beautiful maiden. I am from The Shinigami Dispatch Association Collection Division: Ronald Knox! It's a pleasure to meet you."

No way! Ronald Knox! TheRonald Knox was talking to me! Being completely honest, I thought he was pretty cute the first time I saw him. Now that I was seeing him in person, I definitely had to rephrase that statement. He was beyond handsome! How did this guy not have a girlfriend? He should've had at least fifty by now. He was seriously that good-looking. I realized that I was still gaping at him, so I instantly shut my mouth and replied.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mister Knox. My name is Scarlett Phantomhive."

I then stretched out my hand to shake his, but he surprised me by grasping me firmly and placing a soft kiss to the top of my hand. I instantly blushed three different shades of red. He simply smiled at me then said.

"Please, just call me Ronald."

I smiled brightly at that then replied.

"Okay, but you have to call me Scarlett."

He frowned slightly at that then stated seriously.

"I do not believe that would be very appropriate. We are not ... "

"Well then I'm just gonna call you Mister Knox until you call me Scarlett."

He gave a slight smirk and tilted his head to the side as if he were studying me. I smiled warmly back at him and he merely chuckled. He then straightened himself up and replied.

"Very well then Ms. Scarlett ... "

"No Ms."

He looked back at me and asked.

"I beg your pardon?"

I merely shook my head with a slight smile on my face and replied.

"Please, don't call me, "Ms." Just call me, Scarlett. I know that this is a time period that people have a bunch of formalities and stuff like that, but I'm not like that. My name is Scarlett and that is what I wish to be called."

He stared at me for what seemed like an eternity then suddenly broke out laughing and said honestly.

"I like you, Scarlett. By what you've just told me, it appears to me that you do not conform to standard society and their ideals. I greatly admire that. Not only that, but your manner of speech shows that you are very positive and humble. You refuse to have any sort of title and feel superior to me. That is a very good thing."

I simply gave him a soft smile and replied.

"Thank you for thinking of me in such a way. I am truly grateful, but I merely speak the truth. I do not wish to feel superior to anyone else. To me, everyone is the same and I am nothing special. I am merely a girl that wishes to lead a normal, happy life."

Even though that kinda already went out the window. I wasn't too concerned about the details, though. I was going to make the best out of this confusing dimension traveling stuff. I was brought out of my thoughts by Ronald saying.

"Well, that's not what I heard. I heard from someone that you are this millennium's dimension traveler. Doesn't that deem you as special, my fair maiden?"

I merely blinked at him then replied honestly.

"Well, no, not really. I mean, it could have been anybody. I'm not that ... "

He then surprised me by placing his index finger right in my face and shaking it from side to side. I merely stared at his moving finger and heard him say.

"That is incorrect, my beautiful maiden. You were selected for a reason. It couldn't have just been anybody."

I merely stayed silent and didn't reply to that. He then moved his finger away and said with a bright smile.

"Now, let us get you out of that unpleasant attire. A beautiful lady such as yourself should not be dressed in such a fashion."

I stared at him for about ten seconds straight and didn't reply. I then saw him laugh at me, and I instantly snapped out of it. What had he said? He wanted to change my clothing. Why? I then looked down at myself and realized that I was still wearing the, no longer white, white gown covered completely in blood.

Wait a minute ... where was my suitcase? Also, where the heck was my Kuroshitsuji sketchbook! Nooooo! I had probably lost it back at that psycho's place. What was I going to do? I had to get it back! I instantly attempted to stand, but the entire room seemed to do a complete 360 as soon as I moved. I immediately crashed back down and groaned in annoyance. I hated being so weak. I was brought out of my thoughts by the feeling of someone lifting me up. I immediately squeaked in surprise and turned to stare at a deeply amused Ronald. He simply laughed at me then said.

"Now, now, no need to be impatient, my fair maiden. I am going to take you to your bath shortly. Your water should already be warm and ready to go."

I simply blinked at him then replied with a deep blush coating my cheeks.

"I ... um, thank you, Ronald."

He simply chuckled at my expression then replied.

"No problem."

With that, he carried me out of, what I assumed to be Will's office, and took me to a room on the second floor. He easily opened the door and placed me on the bed as gently as he could. I gave him a grateful smile then asked.

"Um, Ronald, do you might happen to know if my ..."

Before I could finish, he instantly pulled out my suitcase from a closet nearby. I immediately squealed in joy and said.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much! I probably would've ..."

Ronald simply raised his hand politely and replied.

"You should thank Senpai for retreiving it from the street. You are quite fortunate, since many people were already thinking of making attempts to take it. Ah, no matter, it was a good thing Senpai rescued it before then, correct?"

I instantly nodded and replied.

"Yeah, I will have to ... to ..."

I slowly reached to my throat in an attempt to caress my necklace when I felt it was gone! I instantly felt my body tense and my hands instantly clench into tight fists. I grinded my teeth together and could feel myself slowly begin to seethe with pure unadultered fury. I closed my eyes and asked Ronald in a dangerous calm voice.

"Ronald, did Will by any chance find a necklace?"

"Hm? Necklace?"

I could feel my anger rise, but I replied calmly.

"Yes. That necklace is very important to me."

"Now, that I think of it he did not. Why is ..."

As soon as he said that, all hell broke loose. I immediately rose to my feet and snarled furiously.

"I will murder them! I will kill them all! I will make them beg for death! I will make them pay for what they did to me! How dare they!? How freaking dare they!? I will hunt them all down and send them straight to the feiry pits of HELL where they belong!"

I then did the only reasonable thing I could think of and kicked a dresser next to the bed. Suddenly, I could feel my anger slowly dispel and turn into sadness. I kneeled next to the bed and sobbed into the sheets. I clutched them tightly in my hands and sobbed.

"Why? Out of everything they could have taken away from me why that? Why? Issac. Damien. Why? It's gone. My baby brother. My older brother. My family."

I then started pounding into the bed with my fists screaming and cursing the psychopaths that had broken me. It wasn't until I felt someone wrap their arms around me and pull me away did I realize that I was acting like a crazy person. I leaned into them for support and simply sobbed into their chest. I remained like that for a while until I heard Ronald say.

"A maiden shouldn't ever shed tears for those who do not merit them. Come now, Ms. Sca-, Scarlett. As a Reaper, I have learned that bad things happen to good people. It is simply the way of life, and depending on how you respond is how we determine what happens to your soul. I am sure that you did not mean ... "

I slowly lifted my head to stare at him and replied coldly.

"I meant every word I said. You may or may not know this about me, but I am an extremely vengeful person. Maybe that will be my downfall one of these days, but that is simply how I am. I will get my revenge on those freaks, and I will make them pay for the humiliation and pain they put me through. Nobody disrespects me and my family and simply walks away. I hope all of those bastards are good at sleeping with one eye open because I will be coming for them. I will hunt all of them down and destroy them even if it's the last thing I do."

Ronald simply regarded me with a small smile and gave me a simple.

"I see. How would you feel about going into town for some more proper attire?"

It was then that I remembered that I was still the same blood-covered dress from when Will rescued me. I nodded then replied.

"Yeah, I should shower first."

He gave me a bright smile then said.

"Unfortunately, we do not have many female reapers staffed at the moment. Therefore, there isn't really anything for you to wear. Would you be fine with wearing something from your time period?"

I instantly nodded and replied.

"I am way more than fine with that."

Ronald smiled at me then replied.

"Very well then. Your bath is ready, so go ahead and bathe. We will leave as soon as you are decent, my beautiful maiden."

I gave him a grateful smile and quick nod then made my way to the bathroom. I carefully removed my clothes in an attempt to not hurt my bandaged palm and leg. I then slowly stepped into the bath and let myself enjoy its warmness. I sighed as I watched my bandages get wet. I took a deep breath and quickly untied each bandage. I was prepared for a stream of blood to seep into the water, but to my surprise there was none. I stared at my palm and leg and realized the wounds appeared to be completely healed. They each only had a scar and small bruise marks around the wound. What the he ... I mean, what in the world did Will give me? Well, whatever he gave me he better have more because I would need him to bandage me up again.

I actually deadpanned at the thought of asking Will to cure me again. What the heck would I say? Oh, hey Will, thanks for taking care of me again. Anyway, my bandages got wet. So, I need you to cure me again. Yeah, I could already imagine Will's pissed off look and tick mark. I sighed and carefully began to wash myself.

Once I was done, I carefully stepped out and wrapped a towel around myself. I slowly opened the door and peeked outside to see if the room was empty. To my good fortune, it was. So, I carefully stepped out and made my way to my suitcase. I grabbed a knee-length, layered, blue skort along with a long-sleeved blue shirt. I quickly changed my undergarments and clothing. Then I grabbed my small pair of black flats and slipped them on. I then slowly made my way to the door when I heard someone knock. I took a quick step back and said.

"Come in."

Ronald sheepishly poked his head in and said.

"Um, well it seems Senpai thinks you wearing your Era's clothing wasn't such a good idea. So, he told me to give you this coat to help cover your clothing."

He called that huge thing a coat? Wow, Will really didn't want people to notice me. I gave Ronald a small smile in return and replied.

"That's fine, Ronald. I understand."

I quickly took the large, light-brown, trenchcoat from him and slipped it on. Once I had tightened the belt around me properly, I looked up at him and said.

"Alright, I'm ready. Let's go do some shopping."

He gave me a bright smile and replied happily.

"To London and beyond!"

With that, he stretched out his hand towards me and I hastily took it. He then quickly pulled me forward and placed me on his back like a piggyback ride. I gave a small flinch as I felt a jolt of pain spread through my leg. Ronald gave me a small apology then requested.

"Please close your eyes, Scarlett. We will be there in no time. You just are not allowed to witness how we travel into the human world."

I frowned then quickly began to question.

"And why is ... "

Ronald's blunt response was a simple.

"You will go insane."

I gave a small nod then pressed my eyes firmly shut against his back. I then felt him start running. The running stopped abruptly and was replaced by us instantly free-falling. I felt my heart rise up into my throat and I screamed in terror as I thought we were plummeting to our death. My hands clenched tightly around his neck as I cried out.

"Jesus Christ! We're gonna die! We're gonna die! Aaaaaaahhhhhh!"

To my utter amazement, I felt Ronald lightly pat the top of my head and yell back.

"You will if I am not capable of landing properly because of your chokehold."

My entire body was trembling in pure fear, but I loosened my hold on his neck just a bit. My shaking fingers were placed lightly on his shoulders. However, my legs were firmly around his waist. I heard him sigh then say.

"Oh dear, at this rate my legs will snap when we land. I guess there's no other option then."

With that, I felt him quickly reach behind towards me and immediately pry my hands and feet away from him pushing me away. My eyes snapped open immediately and I stared at him in absolute terror. I did the only logical thing I could do at that moment and screamed my lungs off in horror.

"RONALD! I'M GOING TO DIE! HELP ME! OH MY GOD! HELP ME!"

Ronald simply winked at me and yelled back, "Trust me!" I then saw him adjust his position to where he was falling face first towards the earth, pushing his legs out and causing his body to fall quicker. I closed my eyes once again and decided to trust him. He was a Shinigami. He knew what he was doing. Hopefully. I fell straight down for no more that ten more seconds before I landed in a pair of soft, warm arms. I quickly looked up and realized Ronald was standing on top of the roof of a building carrying me right over the edge. My entire body shook in pure fear as I stared at him completely terrified. He simply gave me a bright smile and pulled me towards him.

My hands instantly latched themselves around his neck and I immediately said terrified.

"I'm going to die. I'm going to have a heart attack. Jesus, Lord, I'm going to die."

Ronald's simple reply was.

"I don't think so, Scarlett. You're not on the list for today."

Smart-ass.

I took several deep breaths then replied.

"Can we please just go? You have just reinforced my fear of heights. Let's get off this roof please."

Ronald smiled at me and was quick to jump off the side of the roof in an alley. I felt my heart leap to my throat again, but I quickly swallowed it down. He was quick to place me on my feet and I immediately moved towards the nearest wall. I placed my forehead on the wall and attempted to regain my breath and sense of gravity. Ronald came up behind me and questioned with geniune curiosity.

"Eh? Why are you so out of breath? It wasn't that bad, you know."

I turned to face him and said obviously.

"I'm human. I'm not used to my sense of gravity being tested so quickly and to such extreme."

Ronald gently placed his finger to his chin then tilted his head to the side and replied.

"Hm, I'll have to remember that. It makes a lot of sense. It would also make for a great prank."

I gave him a small grimace then slowly pulled myself from the wall and said.

"So, we should go get me something to wear, right?"

He quickly came out of his stupor and replied.

"Yes, of course. Let's go."

With that, he took hold of my hand and began to quickly drag me out into the busy London street. We walked for no more than a block before we came across a small dress shop. Ronald was quick to drag me inside and ask the clerk to find me a simple dress. I came to know the clerk's name was Amelia and she was very quick guide me to a dressing room to take my measurements. However, when I removed the long trenchcoat her face was quick to shift into one of surprise and even slight embarrassement. I was slightly confused by her reaction, but then recalled that I was wearing short skort. No doubt showing 'leg' constituted as improper during this time. I gave a small gulp then quickly covered myself with the trenchcoat and stated as carefully as I could.

"I am quite sorry if my attire seems inappropriate. I am not from ... England."

Her face was quick to shift up to mine and reply carefully.

"Ah, yes, I understand. However, ... it would, no doubt, be best if you wore much proper attire. We wouldn't want people in polite society to believe you are a lady of the night. That would surely tarnish your gentleman's reputation."

Who was my gentleman? I slowly followed her gaze and realized she was nearly drooling in Ronald's direction. I gave a slight roll of my eyes and a small huff in response. Of course, in this time period it was all about making 'my gentleman' look good, and not tarnishing HIS reputation. My tastes and reputation didn't matter.

A part of me wanted to correct her, but then that would raise questions as to why we were alone together if we weren't dating, I mean, "courting". I gave a small sigh of annoyance then quickly placed the coat on a nearby chair as I questioned.

"So, how do measurements work?"

She was quick to turn in my direction with a bright smile and exclaim.

"Oh! First time?"

"Umm ... yes."

"Oh, we are going to have so much fun."

Highly doubtful, but I had to comply. My face shifted several different colors as I removed my clothing in order to get more accurate measurements. Unfortunately for me, Amelia was a very ... blunt person. It was a bit embarrassing when she exclaimed I was very well-endowed, but it would help if I were to lose as few pounds. Or, at the very least become with child because people could be quite cruel.

She then proceeded to say that it was very kind of my fiance to accompany me to get a new dress. Many gentlemen simply sent their wives and their maids to get clothing. No doubt he would be a very caring and kind lover. Therefore, I should work extremely hard to look my best and keep him satisfied. Many noblemen were rumored to be coming out of brothels late at night. A bastard child or a greedy whore were sure to cause problems between us.

I was beginning to run out of patience.

I was attempting to be understanding considering this was a different century, but her ideals were grating on my nerves immensely. I actually gave a deep sigh of relief when she walked out saying she had something for me in her backroom. When she returned, I wasn't at all surprised to see the dress was very plain. Definitely not like the dresses found on Google Images. The dress was white with only a small amount of floral designs along the edges and where the U-shape of the front dipped.

She was quick to reassure me that this was the only thing she had in my size and would start working immediately on dresses with better fabrics and colors. My only response was a small nod, as I slowly turned around to allow her to place a corset around me. I pressed my eyes firmly shut as I felt her start pulling on the strings firmly from the top. My body instinctly lurched forward and I was quick to place my hands against my abdomen as I felt a jolt of pain. I saw Amelia frown through the mirror then say.

"No, no, this won't do. You must remain still. Surely you do not wish for your gentleman to think lowly of you simply because you cannot handle a small amount of pain."

I gave a small gasp then muttered.

"Right. I won't ... Oh! ... I won't ... move. Just ... please be quick."

She continued on pulling on the strings of the corset and my response was to wince at each tug. How could people honestly do this to themselves? I felt like I was suffocating. Once the tugging stopped, I was quick to tug the front in an attempt to loosen the tight hold the corset had on me, but no luck. Amelia then proceeded to help me step into the dress and began to tighten it around me as she started to speak again.

"Ah, yes! Now, you look like a proper lady. I can completely understand why your fiance requested you cover up before he escorted you here."

She then seemed to think of something as she quickly looked up at me through the mirror and casually stated.

"Now that I think of it; would you perchance be his mistress? Or, maybe even be contracted to work for him late nights? You are quite an exotic beauty. Your hair coloration is definitely ... unique. You are sure to garner much attention from even the upper class ... "

That was it! I had had enough! I quickly jerked myself forward and turned towards the woman in anger as I began to snap.

"Listen here, you st... !"

"Scarlett! My lovely maiden! Are you by any chance finished?"

I quickly stomped towards the curtain and threw it open, as I replied with gritted teeth.

"Yes, I am done. Let's go, please."

Ronald gave me a small mocking smile and commented with a slight bow.

"You look lovely, my lady. I am honored you allowed me to accompany you to get fitted for your new wardrobe. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to ... "

I quickly narrowed my eyes at him and snapped.

"Mr. Knox, I do not believe William will be happy if we return home late."

That quickly wiped the smile off his face. He gave a small gulp and said.

"You are quite right, my lady. Let us retreat at once."

Ronald then hastily pulled some money out of his coat pocket and moved to pay Amelia. I distinctly heard her say.

"If I may be so bold to ask, is she your betrothed? Or, does she belong to this William gentleman?"

Was she looking for a fight?

I took a deep breath and quickly walked out of the shop to wait outside. That lady was going to make me get arrested. How on earth had I given the impression I was a whore? Just because I wore a skirt? That meant I was a whore? I had a very strong feeling I was going to end up getting into a lot of trouble because of my different views and ideals.

I gave a deep sigh of annoyance then moved to lean against the side of the building as I patiently waited for Ronald to return. However, after a few seconds I heard the sound of a pained groan coming from the alley next to the building.

I knew how this went. Screw that.

I ignored the slight shuffling and pained moaning coming from the alley. I even attempted to go back inside when I heard.

"H-Help! Somebody ... please! C-Can any ... one ... hear me? Help, please!"

Don't do it, Scarlett. Don't be dumb. Go inside. Don't turn around.

"S-S-omeone! My daughter ... p-please save her. She's still ... a-alive."

Dang it! Dang it all to flip! Crud!

Maybe I could just take a look into the alley without actually going in. I cautiously moved towards the alley and stood from the outside peering in. It was suspiciously dark inside. I could barely see the small trashcan that was only like about five feet away. I cleared my throat and called out.

"Hello? Do ... Do you need help?"

Instead of the man with the pain-filled voice, coming from further down the alley, I heard a little girl's voice call out.

"Yes, please. I think ... I think father is with the angels now."

Oh man. Like that wasn't messed up at all. I gave a small nervous gulp and replied.

"Sweet-heart, I need you to come with me. You shouldn't be down there by yourself. Come over here and I'll get somebody to get your father."

Then I heard the beginning of tiny sobs along with what sounded like small footsteps heading towards me. My eyes grew wide with shock as a little girl, no older than five, was walking towards me. She had long strawberry curls with pale-white skin, but her attire was quite disturbing. Her dress, that was once a beautiful baby blue, was now covered in dirt and soaking in deep red blood. I placed my hand over my mouth as realized the litte girl had blood dripping down her small arms as well.

Jesus Christ. This was so wrong. What kind of sick fuck would kill someone in front of their child?

Without even thinking about it, I quickly moved towards the little girl in order to take her in my arms. When suddenly, in the blink of an eye, she disappeared.

NO! Damn it!

I instantly felt a hand wrap around my waist from behind, and another hand immediately latch around my throat. I felt my blood run cold as I heard the supposedly dead man's voice say.

"You appear to be quite intelligent, but unfortunately for you ... I'm hungry."

The last thing I felt were razor-sharp teeth pierce painfully into my jugular.