Hello again!

So, for once, I'm going as planned.

I'm going to be updating like a crazy person on the weekends, and maybe, just maybe, I'll update on week days because I feel like being awesome.

Amy: I'm the awesomer one!

Erin: Who's story is this?

Amy: Story of the asshole, butt crack chronicles.

Erin:...

Amy: Book one, how to be total piece of shit.

Erin:...Bro...

Me: I just wanted to post a chapter...A pretty long chapter, now that I think about it...

...And so...

ONWARDS!

Fourteen year old Anastasia woke up early on that fated day, the sounds of birds chirping outside being her only company, at the moment.

A truly peaceful day.

She yawned, before a mad grin spread across her face. She leapt out of bed, not having to look out the window to know that Erin was outside and waiting. Erin giggled, jumping in, before smirking, "Happy fucking birthday!"

Anastasia laughed right back, accepting a hug, and the clothing shoved into her face. It was only now that she noticed Erin's odd attire. It was a ratty old brown shirt, shorts, and a large white coat. The coat held many knives on it, with a belt to hold her revolvers. The hood was shaped a bit like an eagle's beak, an interesting thing to wear indeed.

Erin smirked, "Like my coat? I nabbed it from an asshole in the slums, met two boys as well."

"Oh?" Anastasia asked, taking the clothing, "Who?"

"Two guys, Oliver Schmidt and Mathew Ride." Erin murmured, rubbing the back of her neck, "Or something like that. But, that's not the point! It's your birthday! What do you want to do?"

Anastasia shrugged, "Anything! I just want to get out of here, and hang out with you!"

Erin nodded, "Good." She murmured, before gesturing to the clothing, "Go get dressed then! can't look like a rich bitch running across rooftops now, can you?"

Mere moments later, the two were running across the rooftops, jumping from one to the other, laughing as they did so. In this period of time, girls only had so much freedom.

Erin finally came to a stop, breathing in deeply, before letting the breathe out, "Come on, I need to show you something." Erin murmured, pulling Anastasia up.

They got to the highest tower, before Erin helped her up, looking over the side, "What do ya think?"

Anastasia couldn't say anything, only to watch with wide and open eyes. It was beautiful. The outlines of the houses and towers looked better with the still rising sun, with the people looking like ants.

Erin laughed, before climbing up a tall antenna-like structure, shouting, "I'M THE QUEEN OF THE WORLD!"

Anastasia giggled, watching Erin come back down, before sighing, "Is this what your life is like every day?"

"Till the day I die." Erin nodded, before pointing out some places, "You see that smoke? Comes from the biggest factory in the slums. I've been in there at night, snuck in to see what it was really all about. Got nice kids down there, Tyler, Kian, Cameron, John, Ethan; all real good guys."

Anastasia nodded, before focusing on the next point, "Over there? That's the line between the middle-high class and the middle-low class. Why the hell can't we have a simple middle class?"

Anastasia shrugged, "Because people are lazy?"

Erin nodded, "That, and all of the gangs and such…" Erin let out a dreamy sigh, leaning back, "Some day, I hope to have my own gang, but I'm going to run it all differently. I don't want to rule in fear, I want them all to know that they're loved. I'd take in anyone, from runways to orphans. I want to make a difference, you know?"

Anastasia nodded, before saluting, "I'll be your second in command!"

Erin smirked, ruffling her hair, periwinkle eyes sparking, "Damn straight. Now then, what would my second in command want to do? Anything you want, we'll go!"

Anastasia thought about it for a moment, pulling lightly on her hair, before an idea popped up, "Let's get out hair dyed!"

Erin laughed, "Okay, what color?"

Anastasia shrugged, giggling, "Something weird, and for both of us! So we can be twins!"

Erin nodded, "Okay…What about green?"

"Nah."

"Blue?"

"No."

"Teal?"

"No! I want something that no one's ever used before! Something new!" Anastasia murmured, before snapping her fingers, "Like Wisteria!"

Erin gave her a look, "…That's a color?"

Anastasia nodded, "Yes! Let's go and do it!"

Erin was about to object, only to sigh, "The birthday bitch will get what she wants! Now, all we need is a bitch to steal from…"

Erin and Anastasia walked down the streets, many people giving the two girls weird looks, only to turn away, taking their kids with them.

Anastasia squealed, looking at her hair, "It's beautiful!" she said, looking at her double braids.

"I've never been much of a purple person." Erin murmured, rocking a new boy cut hair cut, only to shrug, "Fuck it, it looks nice."

Anastasia giggled, before looking around, "What else can we do?"

Erin shrugged, "Anything you want to." She murmured, before looking off to the docks, "You ever seen the docks before?"

Anastasia shook her head, "Why?"

Erin shook her head, smiling, "I've never seen open ocean before."

Anastasia nodded, "I've seen it before, it's a great place. Granted, it smells weird, but it's nice."

Erin nodded, "…So, you wanna go?" She asked, only to huff when Anastasia shook her head, "then what do you wanna do?"

Anastasia nodded, looking around. There was so much to look at, but one thing kept coming to mind. So far, Erin had acted a bit distant, quiet at moments. She took a quick look at her eyes, seeing those happy periwinkle eyes droop ever so slightly.

Something was wrong.

"Are you okay, Erin?" Anastasia asked.

"Huh?" Erin murmured, shaking her head, before smiling, "I'm fine…I'm just…remembering something."

"Is that why you look so sad?"

"I look sad?" Erin asked, forcing a small smile, "I'm sorry, I'm not sad at all. Nope, not I, no way that's happening right now."

Anastasia sighed, "You can't lie to me, Erin. I've known you for four years. Don't hide from me." She grinned, poking Erin's side.

Erin sighed, shoving her hands into her coat pockets, before murmuring, "Today's not only your birthday…It's my sister's birthday as well."

With that said, Anastasia's eyes widened, before squealing, "Why did you tell me?"

"Because I haven't seen my sister in four years." Erin murmured, feeling slightly embarrassed, "I…I made her a promise, a long time ago. It was one that I couldn't keep."

Anastasia tilted her head to the side, "What was it?"

Erin sighed, looking up, before murmuring, "I promised to come back for her, but…I can't."

"Why?"

"I don't want to go back."

In a second, Anastasia knew what to do, "I want to go and get you sister."

Erin stopped in her tracks, giving Anastasia a look, "You're joking."

"I'm not. You said anything."

"It's a death errand. The place is probably fortified. They'll be waiting for me with guns!" Erin yelled, before smirking, walking off, "Let's go."

On the way, the two chatted a bit. Or, no, they didn't chat. Erin told stories while Anastasia nodded, listening, before laughing, "Did he really?"

"Yeah," Erin laughed, tears in her eyes, "Hank Kilrain is hilarious, man. He plans to help me join a gang."

Anastasia nodded, before the two entered a comfortable silence. Finally, when it became too much, Anastasia cleared her throat, "Erin, do you miss them?"

"Huh?" Erin asked, throwing off her train of thought.

"Your family. Do you ever look back and miss them?"

Erin thought about it, before sighing, "No, not really. I never thought of them as family, Judy was the only one that was ever around for me. I don't miss any of them, besides my grandmother."

Anastasia nodded, "What was her name?"

"Erin."

Anastasia nodded, "Your real name is Erika, right?"

Erin stifled at the name, only to laugh, "Yeah, yeah it is. I haven't heard that name in a while now. I guess I left that behind here."

Anastasia nodded, before pointing, "Speaking of which, we're here."

Erin looked up at the towering manor, shivering a bit, "I hate this place." Erin murmured, pulling her hood down, "This'll be loads of fun."

"What's the plan?" Anastasia asked, following Erin up the gate, before balancing on the thin metal.

Erin smirked, "Do you know anything, kiddo? We never use plans!" She yelled, tossing her gun, Anastasia catching it, "Just go in, and have fun!"

"You're mad." Anastasia murmured, before smiling to match Erin's, "I like it."

The mansion was surprisingly desolate of anyone and anything. Erin stalked about, gun ready, as they headed for Margret's room, "Gotta stay low, kid. Keep moving."

Anastasia nodded, holding the surprisingly heavy gun, breathing lowly. She began to regret it, sneaking through a mansion like this, it was scary.

And yet, she felt a spike of excitement with every step.

Finally, they arrived at a door, Erin stopping to stare at it, as if expecting it to explode, or something. Erin breathed heavily, before knocking on the door, "Judy? Judy, open up, it's me."

It was silent for a few seconds, before Anastasia sighed, "She's not here-."

"The door opened.

One the other side, girl around the same age as the both of them stood. Her eyes were wide with shock, "…Erika…"

Erin pulled her hood back, and before anyone could speak, tackled her sister into a hug. Erin was crying lightly, holding Margret tightly, "My God…Judy, I'm so sorry…"

Then, the girl scowled, before pushing Erin back, a frown on her face, "…You took so long…Why is that?"

"I…I was scared." Erin admitted, "I'm sorry I took so long, but now I'm back-!"

Margret scowled, "You're too late, damnit!"

Erin's eyes widened, "What…What do you mean?"

Margret scowled, before shouting, "I got married off already!"

It was silent, as Erin dropped to her knees, head down, "…How long?"

"Two years now."

Erin shook her head, grabbing her wrist, "Judy, I don't care! I can still take you away! Let me help you!"

"No!" Margret yelled, ripping her hand away, eyes glowing with hate, "I trusted you once, it won't happen again." Then, she looked down the hall, before screaming, "HELP ME, ERIKA'S IN MY ROOM!"

"Shit!" Erin growled, pushing Margret away, before grabbing Anastasia's hand, "We've got to move!"

As they ran, Margret laughed behind them, an evil cackle, a shriek almost, "You think that she'll save you, Annie? Once she's finished with you, you're dead! When you need her most, she'll leave you to die, to be married away!"

Anastasia forced herself to run faster, trying to despite to ignore her, as the two made there way for the door. Erin stopped suddenly, looking up in horror, as Anastasia ran into her back. She was about to ask what was wrong, only to see the issue.

The stairway downstairs was guarded, a barricade of gunmen waiting for them, guns open and ready to fire.

"Alderich, Conway, Nicky." Erin said, her tone growing more and more irritated, "Peter. If I didn't know any better, I would have assumed that this is just a welcome home party."

Nicky, having had enough of this, growled, "Aim!"

Guns were cocked back, aimed for Erin's chest. Erin smirked, "Try me, Nicky. I'm not afraid to die."

"Maybe not, love." Peter smirked, before facing Anastasia, "But is she?"

Erin's eyes widen slightly, "You couldn't dare."

Conway shrugged, licking his lips, "If only she were a bit older; I'd love to have her all to myself one night."

"Fuck off." Erin growled protectively, giving Anastasia a knowing look, before pulling out smoke bomb, "I'll see you guys in hell!" Erin yelled, throwing it down.

"SHOOT!" Nicky yelled, to which many guns went off, as the smoke dispersed. By the time the smoke cleared, the two were gone, nothing but a bit of blood on the ground.

Peter growled, "Damnit!" He yelled, before facing the men, "AFTER THEM!"

"Run Anastasia, run!"

The two were running as fast as they could, one of them leaving a trail of blood. Anastasia's vision was beginning to grow dizzy, waving from side to side, before Erin grabbed her, holding her bridal style, "Come on, we've got to move! They're right behind us!"

Erin pushed herself to run faster, ignoring the pain on her body, as she limped forward, trying desperately to get out of danger, far away from here.

She knew that this would be a bad idea. She knew this wouldn't end well. "Damnit, Annie," Erin growled, before hearing a gun go off, she turned around quickly, seeing the men running after her, before forcing herself to limp faster, the blood trail giving them away, "Fuck my life." She groaned, before forcing herself into a run.

She was on the dirt path that connected the Ackerman estate to London. All she needed to do was make it to London, then she'd be home free.

She ran, hearing the insults behind her, as she kept running, "Eyes open, Annie."

Anastasia looked sickly pale, and Erin knew why, before cursing, "Why the hell did you push yourself?"

"You…Told me ...To run…" Anastasia stuttered, feeling fatigue taking over.

"Stay awake." Erin growled, urging herself to run faster, "God damnit, stay awake!" Her adrenaline would only last for so long, but finally, she'd crossed into London, quickly, she ducked behind a building, trying to make her voice and breathing low, as she heard the rally of men passing by, placing Anastasia down.

Adrenaline coursed through Erin's veins, as she forced herself to stand up straight, fists out and ready. She just had to wait for them to pass, that was it-.

"Hiding in an alleyway isn't very becoming of you, love."

Erin whipped around just in time, grabbing the barrel of Peter's gun before pulling him forward, right into her knee.

Erin jumped back before he could make a grab for her, standing in between him and Anastasia, mind racing.

She was cornered, she didn't know how to get out of it.

Meanwhile, Anastasia groaned from behind her, eyes blurry. She could see a faint outline of two people fighting, but other than that, she wasn't able to do much.

That changed, however, when she heard a bloodcurdling scream.

Erin's scream.

"Aww, now look at what you've made me do." Peter seemed to mock. Anastasia forced her eyes open, watching as Erin attempted to crawl backwards towards her, one hand covering her side.

Peter slowly advanced them, a bloodied knife in one hand, gun in the other.

He eyed Anastasia, before throwing his head back, laughing, "What are you doing with the Ashford brat?"

"None of your business," Erin growled, using the wall to pull herself back up, eyes red with murderous intent, "Now back off!"

"I don't think so," Peter yawned, before leveling the gun with Anastasia's head, pulling the hammer back, "She'll be my...coverage, I guess."

"You dirty bastard!" Erin shouted, lunging for the gun, only to have Peter pull the trigger, shooting the brick wall next to Anastasia's head.

"Go ahead, turn tail and run." Peter said with glee, stepping over Anastasia's slumped body, "But I'll find you, you won't be able to elude me forever."

Just then, his eyes widened, laughter slowly growing louder, "Oh my God, I've figured it out! I know what I can do!"

Erin kept her eye on him, barely noticing as Anastasia slowly stood up from behind Peter, missing the fire in her eyes entirely.

"You won't be able to escape." Peter sneered, "I mean, how will it look when they find out that you kidnapped and killed the young Anastasia Ashford?"

"You wouldn't dare." Erin spat out, ears ringing.

"Oh, but I could." Peter jeered, before throwing his arms out, "Just picture it now! 'Wanted criminal, Erika Ackerman, or by your prefered title-." He said, making air quotations, "Erin Dust! Wanted for the kidnapping and death of Anastasia Ashford' It's almost too perfect!"

"I'll kill you." Erin growled, hands shaking as she slowly took a limping step forward, "Hurt her and I won't stop at anything to kill you. You won't have to frame me, I'll come straight for you, and when I do-."

"I'd be careful with your threats, if I were you." Peter grinned, too lost in his apparent win to notice the sparks from behind him, "Why couldn't you just be a good little girl and follow daddy's orders, Erika?"

Erin shrieked, tackling for Peter, only to have him grab her by the collar, throwing her up against a wall, "Bad move," He grinned, before forcing his knife right into her abdomen.

Erin shriek was enough for Anastasia to lose it. She had no idea that she was glowing, she didn't notice the sparks her fingers were throwing, none of it mattered.

Peter was going to kill Erin.

And she wouldn't just stand by and be helpless.

Not anymore.

Anastasia screamed, fire collecting around her before exploding out, forcing Peter off of Erin. The force was enough to blow Peter into the opposing wall, knocking him out.

Anastasia, on the other hand, was slowly growing warmer, the heat almost unbearable. She couldn't control it, she couldn't stop herself. This anger, this RAGE, it pushed her to consume everything.

Burn it all away.

She didn't notice Erin behind her until a hand grasped her wrist, pulling her down. She didn't notice that she had been flying, as Erin pulled her back down to earth, ignoring the heat that the smaller girl was giving off.

Erin hugged her close, patting her head, "It's okay, calm down, it's okay." Erin muttered, trying her best not to cough up blood all over her friend, "Calm down, we need to move."

Slowly, Anastasia's body temperature came down, the intense heat disappearing as if it had never been there in the first place.

"Thank God…" Erin chuckled, before her eyes rolled back, going limp. In her stupor, Anastasia caught her, only to fall over herself.

Her breathing was heavy, hands shaking. She didn't have time to understand what had just happened, she only knew that Erin's breathing was faint.

"Erin? Erin, stay with me!" She shouted, shaking the girl, before standing back up. Taking a deep breath, she hefted Erin onto her back, not daring to turn around to look at Peter. He wasn't dead, but still, Anastasia didn't want to look at what she had done.

"We need to leave," The little girl muttered, each step feeling like her own personal hell.

"...Undertaker's."

"W-what!?" Anastasia yelped, nearly falling over.

"Take me...To the Undertaker."

Anastasia wanted to protest, what could the Undertaker do for her? He only worked with dead bodies- No, Anastasia thought to herself, taking a deep breath as she began walking. If this is what Erin needed, than nothing would stop Anastasia from getting there.

"O-okay."

Undertaker was surprised by the sound of his front door opening, he didn't have any appointments today, "…Can I help you, poppet?" He asked, confused as to why some homeless-looking little girl walked in, only to have his pulse quicken when he realized who she was carrying, "By God, Erin! Is that you?"

"Help us, please." Anastasia begged, her knees finally giving out from all the effort she had exerted.

The Undertaker picked Erin's body up from the tiny girl, placing her on the only comfortable surface he had at the moment: a coffin.

Anastasia nearly threw up at the sight.

She didn't listen as the older man rushed about, she couldn't hear anything that Erin was whispering from the coffin. All Anastasia could do was sit there and let the guilt finally settle in.

This was her fault.

All of this, it was her fault.

"...Poppet?"

Anastasia was shocked out of her head, eyes dull as she stared up at the Undertaker.

"She wishes to talk to you."

Anastasia stood up, legs working on their own, as they brought her to stand over the coffin.

"Hey, don't cry." Erin murmured, shaky hand reaching up to cup Anastasia's cheek, a smile attempting to form on her face.

Anastasia couldn't bring herself to say anything, instead staring straight down at Erin. She felt numb, nearly missing it as Erin passed something into her hand, some sort of trinket.

"Go to the hole in the wall, fine Fero. tell him that the phoenix has been reborn," Erin said, voice shaking, "If he doesn't believe you, you show him this."

Anastasia didn't process any of it, unable to move as tears continued to stream down her face.

She didn't hear as Undertaker seemed to scowl from behind the smaller girl, "Why don't you go ahead and leave? I'll take care of her."

She couldn't process the Undertaker pushing her outside, nor had she really noticed the smile Erin had given her before she'd been forced outside, the door clicked shut behind her.

Numbly, her feet began to walk her away, as if her body was carrying out this final quest, leaving her mind be.

It didn't stop her from feeling the cold shiver run down her spine, her hands shaking as she dropped to her knees, crying. She didn't have to be there in the room, she could feel it.

Erin was dead.

Anastasia stood right outside of this "bar", if you could call it that, staring at the door for a bit too long before walking in.

She would have normally winced at the smell of alcohol, instead moving forward through the crowd. From what Erin had told her before, spotting Fero would be simple and easy.

It really was.

In the back of a bar, a man sat, laughing his head off, a bottle in hand, and yet, not much of the drink was gone. Was this man sober?

Anastasia shambled over, her tiny figure easily overlooked in the sea of grown men, before tugging lightly on the man's trench coat, "Excuse me, sir."

The man turned around, a large smile on his face, "How can I help you, child? Kids like you shouldn't be in this bar."

"Unless your name is Erin and you've got the mouth of a sailor!" Another guy shouted.

That man laughed, "Damn right, Val, damn right!" He shouted, before facing the girl, waiting.

Anastasia couldn't speak, her lips instead quivering. Fero backed up a bit, eyes wide in surprise when the little girl began to bawl, hands covering her face, "Oh my, what's wrong, sweetheart?" He asked, taking her to a far corner of the bar, using his body to shield the girl from the others.

His only response was her throwing her arms around his neck, crying right into his coat. Fero, unsure of what to do next, just let the girl cry her eyes out, patting her back awkwardly.

"The phoenix has been reborn." the girl finally spat out, as if the words were poison.

Just like that, the man's smile faded, his eyes slowly growing dull. The man, Val, spoke up, "Is something wrong, Fero?"

"Of course not!" Fero insisted, standing up, while leading Anastasia out, "I just need to speak with the girl."

He didn't even wait for Anastasia, before going outside, her wide, before he grabbed her shoulders, "What happened to Erin?"

Anastasia shook her head, crying harder. She couldn't speak, unable to force herself to relive the memories. Her fault, it was her fault, all of this was her fault! All she could do was take out the trinket, a necklace with a ring dangling from the chain.

Fero's shoulders shook, before he whipped around, kicking a nearby barrel in his rage, the sight enough to make Anastasia stop, eyes widening in surprise.

"GOD DAMNIT, NOT HER TOO!" He shouted into the night air, before pointing to the sky, as if calling some higher being out, "YOU COULDN'T JUST LET ME BE HAPPY, COULD YOU? YOU HAD TO TAKE ERIN TOO!"

Anastasia could only watch as the man broke down, holding his head as he cried. Numbly, Anastasia walked over to him, staring down at this man, this guy that Erin spoke so highly of, crumble down in front of her.

She never wanted to feel like that.

Finally, he stood back up, albeit a bit shaky, before turning to face her, "Are you Anastasia Ashford?" He asked, voice hollow.

Anastasia nodded, "And you're Fero?"

"The one and only." He said, attempting to look dramatic, only to have the look fall flat, "Where is she...you know…"

"At the Undertaker's." Anastasia replied, watching as Fero huffed, slowly calming back down.

The man sized Anastasia up, before chuckling bitterly to himself, "The phoenix has been reborn, huh? God, even at her end, she had to be all dramatic."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Anastasia asked.

"Phoenix was her nickname," Fero said, smiling fondly as he held his hand out to Anastasia, taking a knee, "And if she told you that, it could only mean one thing. She wants you to have it."

Anastasia's eyes widened, "…But then-."

"Yes. She wanted you to continue her work and legacy."

Anastasia shook her head, "No, I can't do that."

Fero frowned, "Why not?" He asked, voice tight and cold, as if he took a personal offense to her declination.

Anastasia sighed, her sadness turning to frustration, "I can't do it! I'm not..I'm not strong enough..."

Fero sighed, hands raised, "Look, kid; I'm just saying it how Erin did. She wanted-."

"Well, she can't have anything. She's fucking dead!" Anastasia yelled, her eyes burning with a bright fire, "She's gone, and I can't do anything about it! How DARE you tell me what Erin wanted! How DARE you try to guilt me more! I KNOW IT'S MY FAULT, I DON'T NEED SOME STRANGER TO TELL ME WHAT I ALREADY KNOW!"

Fero's eyes widened as he looked at Anastasia's hands, "What?" She growled.

Fero pointed, causing Anastasia to look down, only to gasp. Her hands had caught fire, but it didn't burn. It just stayed there, until fizzing out, her anger going to confusion and slight fear.

Fero breathed in deeply, before sighing, "Look, kid…Erin wanted a gang. She believes that you could have what she couldn't. If you change your mind, or if you want help. I'll be here."

Anastasia nodded, unable to say anything more. She...She needed time to herself, all of this, it was just too much.

She didn't even realize that she had been walking away, walking back home, her mind absent from her body.

Fero watched as Anastasia walked away, before shambling back into the bar. He took a seat, ordering as many shots as he could get.

Tonight was a good night to drink.

She had climbed in through the window at the right time, being how, the moment she changed into a dress, her father walked in, a large smile on his face, "Ah, my dear; I've got something to show you!"

Anastasia remained stone faced, nodding, "Yes, father?"

He walked out the door, silently ordering her to follow her out, "My dear, today, you turn fourteen! And so, I decided to introduce you to someone special!" He smiled, before looking over her hair in horror, "My God, what happened to your hair?"

Anastasia sighed, before murmuring, "It was something that I've wanted for a while, to remember today."

Her father gave her a look, before sighing, "Aright, but I will have no more of this while you live under my roof. Preston's moved out for college, which means that you've now got a lot to live up to." He said, as the two walked into the awaiting coach.

Anastasia nodded, "Yes father." She murmured, sitting quiet and still.

The ride was a short one, or maybe it just felt short to Anastasia at the time. Anastasia's dull eyes scanned the manor, the building much taller than their own.

Her father led her to the door, knocking on it, before a maid came out. Normally, Anastasia would have gasped at the women's bandaged eye, "Welcome to the Trancy manor." She said, "The young master is expecting you."

She lead them up the stairs, down many hallways, before stopping at a door. She opened it, revealing a living room like area, two other people waiting inside.

Inside, a boy in the strangest attire sat, his pale blonde hair and dangerously bright blue eyes widening as she walked in. Anastasia gulped at the sight of the man, the butler, behind him. She looked into those inhuman golden eyes.

Something wasn't right with that.

Her father smiled warmly, "Anastasia, meet young earl Alois Trancy."

Alois stood up, a wide smile on his face, "A pleasure, my lady."

Anastasia winced at his high voice, curtsying, "The honor is all mine, young earl." She said, her voice sounding automated.

Alois clapped happily, before her father backed out of the room, "I'll just allow you two to get to know each other."

The door closed, causing Anastasia to flinch a bit, before sitting down on the stairs across from him. Alois had sat down as well his eyes drinking in her image, "…Claude, go and get us some snacks."

The butler bowed, before walking out, leaving the two alone. Anastasia really didn't like this guy, not a single bit. Alois smirked, spearing his arms across the back of the couch, "So, I've heard quite a lot about you, Ms. Ashford."

"Oh?" Was all that Anastasia could manage at the moment.

"Why yes. You're an adopted little one, am I right?" Alois asked, smirking, before leaning forward, "The black sheep."

Finally, Anna couldn't handle it, "What is it you want from me?"

"You."

"…Excuse me?"

"It's simple, really." Alois insisted, "I want is you."

Anastasia unsure of how to respond, took to silence. She forced her hands to stop shaking, forcing her nerves down.

"Is something wrong?" Alois asked, before leaning forward, face too close to her own, "Annie-."

"Please don't call me that." Anastasia cut in.

Alois raised an eyebrow, only to have the butler return with a cart of sweets. The boy clapped like a child, before taking a plate of cake, "Go ahead, take one, Anastasia!"

She really didn't want to, but judging by the cold glare he was giving her she didn't have much of a choice. She picked up a candy, unwrapping it slowly, before popping it into her mouth.

It tasted dull, almost plastic-like.

Alois grinned, before leaning back, "So, what do you like to do on your free time?"

Anastasia was about to say something unladylike, like "Oh, I break out of my house and learn to shoot with my best friend; a poor homeless girl now dead.", or even "I jump off of rooftops", but she managed to control herself.

, "I enjoy playing the violin."

Alois nodded, "Of course! Such a pretty little thing should know how to use a great instrument like that!" He said, taking a sip of tea, before looking her over, eyes narrowed, "…You're hiding something."

Anastasia flinched slightly, only to have him laugh, "Oh well, it doesn't matter! Once we're married, we'll have all the time in the world to share secrets!" He said, winking.

Anastasia thought she knew what being numb felt like, but this...This was a different level of numb.

Her hands shook, eyes growing wide as her mind trapped her.

Alois gave her a look, "…Are you alright? You look pale."

Anastasia nodded, before Alois stood up, walking slowly over to the window, "…There's something I'd like to tell you."

"Go on, my Lord."

Alois nodded, before chuckling lightly, "…There are two kinds of people out there, Anna. There are the strong…And there is the weak. The weak...They are worthless. They're useless, using others to try and climb to the top. You and I, Anastasia, we are not weak." He gave her a small smile, before walking back over, "If I've learned anything, my lady, it's the fact that strong people stand even stronger next to each other."

Anastasia nodded, pulling at the collar of her dress, not entirely sure where he was going with this, "…I don't mean to be rude, but, what do you mean by this?"

Alois gave her a look, before sighing, "…The strong that band together are the great…But, those who oppose the strong…The strong- no, the rebels that decide to fight the strong, they don't get to live."

Alois turned to face her, before grabbing her chin, forcing her to look him in the eyes, "Those that oppose the strong, those that oppose me, will fall. Do you understand?"

Anastasia shook her head, standing up, "I am so sorry, but, I would like to go home, please. My head hurts."

Alois's eyes softened, "Ah, yes. Yes, of course." He said, before taking her hand, placing a kiss on the back, "A pleasure, my lady."

"My lord." She murmured.

Suddenly, Alois gave her a look, "…I'd prefer 'your highness', but, for now, that'll do." He said, winking, as he watched her disappear behind the door.

Once she did, Alois's frown deepened, "Claude, I order you to overlook the wedding preperations. I want her."

Back at home, she'd changed into the white shirt and black pants, pacing about. She didn't know what to do at this point. She knew she had to marry him, but didn't want to.

What to do?

Suddenly, an idea struck, as she went into her closet, taking out her scarf, a cap, a pair of gloves, and boots. She then went into her drawer, finding a knife, before cutting open her palm. She winced, before squeezing the blood onto the carpet. She did her best to get it all over the place, before turning to trash her room.

Once that was done, she headed over to the window. Ah yes, the window. Once her bridge to Erin, and now, her bridge to freedom.

She climbed out as Erin had taught her, before landing in the backyard. The first part was easy, it was always easy.

It was what she'd have to do next that scared her.

Slowly, she reached the oversized dog house, whimpering a bit. It had been six years since she'd last been out here, the faded scar of a bite mark on her leg enough of a reason to do so.

She heard a low growl, but forced herself to keep walking.

On her first birthday in the manor, her brother had gotten her the worst gag gift ever.

A white tiger.

But, by surprise, she'd come to love it anyway. All afternoon was spent with Fang, until the one eventful day, where Preston thought it funny to try and hit him with a stick. Fang pounced, only to have little eight year old Anastasia push him out of the way, biting her instead.

Since that day, she hadn't been allowed to go into the backyard.

It didn't matter, she never HAD to go into the backyard.

Not until now.

She sighed, watching as the big cat walked out, eyes narrowed, fang's bared. She pulled a glove off, slowly approaching, hand out, "Do you remember me, big boy?" She asked quietly, "Remember all we did?"

Fang only growled, causing Anastasia to jump bit, only to come closer, "I know you didn't mean to hurt me, I know that you're a good boy. Now, come on, let's go."

She walked up to the chain that restricted him to the backyard, saying a quick prayer, before unlatching it.

As soon as the chain slackened, Fang growled, pouncing on her. She wanted to scream, only to find her voice gone, as the tiger jumped on her…

…And licked her face.

Anastasia giggled, "Stop that, your tongue's rough!" She giggled, before scratching him behind the ears, "Good boy…Now, let's go."

She walked for the backyard gate, pushing it open, before walking out. Fang was right behind her, purring lowly. Even if he'd bit her once, he was a very well trained tiger. He always listened, and besides, he wasn't even aiming to bite her.

Anastasia cursed her fear, only to shake it off. She'd have a lot of time for that later on.

Right now, she had to focus on the task ahead.

She ran out the gates, heading for the tall buildings. Fang was right behind her, dashing right next to her. As large and strong as he was, he was still only fast enough to keep up with her.

She made her way back to the Undertaker's place, each footstep feeling heavier and heavier. But no, she wouldn't back down, not from this.

She was going to hurt those that did this, and that was a promise.

Undertaker's head peeked out from the back, and to her surprise, Fero was there as well, "So, the little girl decides to come back? What for?"

"I want to do it."

"…I'm…I'm sorry?"

Anastasia wore a grin, looking like an exact copy of Erin, "I want to make a gang."

Fero gave her a look, before laughing loudly, fist pounding onto the wall in his laughing madness, "Ah, jolly good! Jolly fucking good!" He yelled, laughing.

Undertaker scowled, "Why would the rich kid want to give it all up to live like that?"

"I've …I've got my reasons." She murmured, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly, before clearing her throat, "But that's not the point! Fero, will you help me?"

Fero nodded, ruffling her hair under her cap, "Sure thing, little Anna!"

Anastasia giggled, before shaking her head, "No, can't have that. As far as the world knows, Anastasia is dead."

Fero gave her a look, before Undertaker disappeared once again, "What are you talking about?"

Anastasia wore a small smile, "Anastasia died last night, not Erin. Erin was reborn."

Fero gave her a look, before it clicked. He smiled, nodding, "The Phoenix has been truly reborn, I see."

Anastasia shared the smile, laughing to match Fero's, before undertaker walked back in, a bunch of items in hand, "I found these, I figured that Erin would want you to have it."

Anastasia nodded, taking the coat, before looking it over. Both of her guns were inside the coat, Fero taking one, "Those use to belong to me. She loved those so much, I gave them to her when she became ten. I'll never forget her expression."

Anna- no, Erin nodded, "Give one to Undertaker to bury with the body; she should have one in the other world."

Fero nodded, while Undertake grinned, "Will do, Eris." He murmured, before pulling something out of his pocket, a ring, "Here, she'd want you to keep this as well."

Erin shook her head, "No…Could you hold it for me? I'll lose it."

Undertaker nodded, pocketing it, before looking at the lone coffin in the back, "Where should we bury her?"

Erin thought on it, before snapping her fingers, "I know where."

At the break of dawn, Undertaker had finished burying the body under the old shipping container, a shovel over his shoulder.

She'd been buried in a secret location, where no one should be buried in any physical sense. It took a while to move the dirt over, but it was finally done.

"I'll come by the make it a bit nicer later on." Erin murmured, shivering slightly.

Fero pulled off his jacket, "Here." He murmured, watching her pull it on.

She gave a small nod of thanks, "You know, I'm not that cold."

"Just take the jacket, kid."

Undertaker laughed maniacally, before walking off, "I'll see you two crack jobs later on, I've got other bodies to bury!" He said, cackling madly, as he walked off.

The two gave each other a look, before cracking up themselves, "Come on, we've got a lot of work to do if we want to start this Phoenix gang of yours."

Erin nodded, walking with him, only to stop suddenly, "…Something's watching us."

Fero stopped as well, nodding, as he slowly pulled out his gun. They walked about the crates, the two covering each other, as they followed the sounds. Something sounded…off. They were whimpers of pain, no real threat.

Finally, they arrived, seeing the mess.

There was a small girl, maybe two years younger then her, curled up, crying. She was in clothing much to big for her tiny frame, her head down.

Erin walked over slowly, placing a hand on her shoulder, only to watch the girl back away, "Hey, kid; you okay?"

The girl looked up, eyes filled with fear, "…Are you here to kill me?"

Erin winced at the sound of her voice, even with he foreign accent, she sounded on the brink of death.

Fero gave her a look, as Erin helped her up, "…What's your name?"

The girl shivered, before whispering, "Konomiya Ziguya Rimono."

Erin shook her head, "No way I'm going to remember all of that…I'll call you Zig."

Fero scowled, giving her a look, before turning back to "Zig", "Your accent sounds Japanese, what are you doing here?"

She whimpered, "I…I escaped. They were killing Japanese people on the ship…I'm…I'm not supposed to be here."

Erin could have left her to die. Simply kicked her to the dirt and walk off. But, she didn't. Know why?

Zig was just like her before Erin came into her life.

It was only right to help her out.

"I'll help you out." Erin decided, smiling, as she took off the scarf, pulling around Zig, "I'll take you in. I'll be having a gang soon, so we'll have a large family!"

Zig tilted her head to the side, confused, "Why are you helping me?"

Erin smirked, before leading her out of the shipyard, Fero in front, "Because, kiddo, there is a chance for everything. Besides, the Phoenix will be reborn somehow."

Zig squinted at her, as if she couldn't believe what was happening, before laughing, "If you could, can we go get glasses? Mines broke, I can't see."

Erin nodded, "Sure this, Zig-aroo."

"…Please don't call me that."

"Zig Zag?"

"No."

"…Zigzagoon?"

Zig gave her a look, making her jump back, "Never in a million years."

Fero laughed hugging the both of them, "This journey is sure to be fun!"

Erin grinned, Zig doing the same, "Damn straight!" Erin yelled, as they walked out of the docks, leaving behind the Phoenix's old life.

Just like a fire, the Phoenix could be born anew.

Love it?

Hate it?

Got the reference?

Oh yeah, a new question...

Do you feel mind fucked yet?

This has been the plan all along, guys. I'm actually a bit suprised that someone guessed it.

MuffinsAreBae, holy shit, good job. I need to step it up.

But, you guys want to see the clues?

Here's the main one, the one that's been with you since the start.

The title.

"From Ash to Dust"

What is Anstasia's last name?

Ashford.

What is "Erin's" nickname?

Dusty.

Feel stupid yet?

Lol, Jk, it's alright. I'm just happy that I got to throw you guys through the biggest loop hole yet.

Also, on the side, I was thinking of sort of Q&A for the characters.

In the reviews, just put a question for a character or myself, and in the author's notes, it'll be answered!

Fun, huh?

Also, I plan to have some short stories, more on the pasts of these characters,so go ahead and tell me what you think in the reviews!

That's all the time I've got for today, hope you enjoyed it, and I'll see you guys later!

Till then, bai bai!