Prologue Painted with Red (3)

It was dark out, the cities lightbulbs were already on and the amount of horses doing labor decreased majorly. The moon was a light blue ghostly like color which had a sort of melancholy feel when staring at it. The temperature went down even more so you could see people wearing there cloaks and robes more, which covered there suits. The zeppelins and other tiny airships went down in count too, however there were still plenty out and beaming lights from the front of them like a lighthouse.

The shower I was in felt like heaven running down through every part of my skin, the hot water didn't steam up the bathing room due to the window being open, the reason for the window being open was that I was currently on the top floor of the apartment building. This building was connecting to the bar earlier and the bar was only two flights of stairs down. I was currently residing in the old mans apartment for only the night. I also found out his name was Ronaldin.

When Ronaldin told me his name he tried to ask for mine, I realized I actually had no name, or at least I don't know it. I ended up telling him that I never had a name and was forced to steal of the streets, living on anything I could find for substance. After a very dreadful day The shower I took calmed me off a ton so I got to reflect on how my day went.

Firstly, I was in a new world, not 2 centuries ago. Second, I have a new body, the body of someone I do not know, or maybe the body that was created just for me? It was surprisingly easy to feel the steamy water that trinkled down my hair because it was perfectly combed out, even though it was dirty when I woke up. So... The body that I inhabit now comes from the slums... However my hair isn't tangled? I let out a sigh at the confusing situation then stare down at me new body.

"heh.. heh hehe" I guess this is an apology from god because I died a virgin. However I wasn't in the mood to do anything.. "inappropriate." so I kind of just sat there staring at the shower curtain. I wonder if I'm gonna get to see my parents again... If I'm truly in another world probably not, and it's not like I'm gonna wake up and be back at my house. I wonder why I don't feel bad about me not being able to see my parents.. probably ever again. I know I loved them, with my entire heart but I don't get why I feel nothing, maybe it's the excitement I've had earlier about this new world. I think I can live on my own, or maybe I'll be drafted to an orphanage.. If this city can even afford something like that though lol.

And speaking of this new world, what is with the fashion? I mean, robes and cloaks for just walking around? Did they belong to some cult or magic association..? Well magic in this world is one thing I can hope for! 

Old man Ronaldin didn't have any soap so I kind of just out after awhile and was staring at the mirror in front of me. A girl with rose Pink hair, with amber eyes and a decent rack stood in front of me. That girl was now me. I decide to take a deep breath and dry off with a towel that hung from the sink. The overall bathroom wasn't nice which made sense due to the other part of the building, the bar. Walking in to the bathroom you could see a window straight ahead, to the right the shower and to the left a sink. Behind the shower and next to the window was a toilet, in the corner, the floor was smoother here thank god. I didn't know whether or not this was "advanced" for the 19th century but it nice. On the other side of sink were folded clothes Ronaldin had prepared. It was a pure white night gown that reached to only a little bit above my knees, which was kind of odd, seeming he lived all alone. I put on the night gown anyways though not questioning too much, since I'd be gone by dawn.

His apartment itself wasn't too big. It consisted of a living room when walking in which had only a couple chairs laying around and a long carpet. There was also a closet and a clock showing the time was 10 pm almost 10:30. Then was his room to the right, the bedroom was pretty small to compensate for the medium sized living room and the kitchen. I was due to sleep on the floor with an extra blanket since there was no other room. I wasn't fine with it but it was better then being basically half naked on the streets.

"Sorry for your temporary living arrangements" Ronaldin said walking out of his room into the living room before heading to bed.

"Oh no it's fine, This beats the streets by a mile... Thank you for everything you've done for me." 

"When your in a world with no one to help you, only you can help yourself, I'm giving you that push before you help yourself little miss. You won't be thanking me for long because after this you'll be trying to work your ass off at some shop hehe!" He said in a light mood.

"Y-yeah... I guess you're right huh." I said with a smile on my face. I know he's right but I'm still grateful for his generosity. Ronaldin headed back into his room to sleep. I was left staring at the ceiling before I went to bed.

"I wonder what my parents are thinking right now." "I wonder what my friends are doing." "If my parents saw my dead body how would they react?" "Where am I going to go tomorrow." "Why am I here?" "Who am I now?" These thoughts ran through my mind as I starting zoning in and out of sleeping. Soon before long I realized I was scared for tomorrow, I was scared without the warmth of my parents telling me that I would do great at my first job interview before I went, but now they wouldn't be here to push me on. I felt alone.. Before I knew it I fell asleep.

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I heard a voice calling me in the pitch black darkness.

...

"h-h" "he"

...

It was the crack of dawn, The sun just started to rise. Surprisingly, I already woke up. I had a decent sleep but had to get out of my make-shift sleeping bag that just looked like one of those tortilla blankets kids wrap themselves in. I went to the bathroom and washed my face off and took a deep breath. I looked outside the window to already see one horse pulling a carriage that looked quite fancy. I thought this city was poor funded so why was a high class looking carriage here, However not only the carriage looked high class but also the horse which was pure white with blue horse shoes. However I didn't have time to think of that, I could only think of the places on where I might try to apply. Maybe I would go back to one of the restaurants I saw while walking and ask them. 

I walked back into the living room to see a pair of clothes laid out for me on one of the chairs. I picked up the clothes and it was a puffy dress that was all black. White socks that went up to a little below my knees and black shoes. Then of course were the underwear, they weren't panties so it kinda sucked so I just put them back down. The whole attire looked like it was definitely from the 19th century. I was stared at the clothes for a bit then the room still in shock that I'm genuinely in another world. I proceed to go back into the bathroom to change which was when I realized something.

Why would this old man have two outfits fit for young women?

It shocked me quite a bit but I still put on the outfit. Maybe Ronaldin had a daughter before? but there aren't any pictures around his apartment or any traces of another person living there. He only had one bed and looked like he barley even touched his kitchen.

I decided to put the topic on hold, or rather not think about it since I might not even see him again. I walk back into the living room opening the door to leave. I get one good look before leaving the apartment since I didn't walk to wake Ronaldin up. I walk downstairs and go through the entrance to the exit. opening the door I'm behind the bar counter, where I see Ronaldin stand there.

"Figured you'd try to leave without trying to wake up the senile old man huh" He says smiling

"Ronaldin! I uh... Yeah." I couldn't help but put a light smile.

"How are you going to apply without a name..?" He states, to which I hadn't even thought about yet.

"..."

"Well then, I've got a name for you... How about the name 'Linette?'" 

"I uh... Yeah that works I guess!" Why did I accept my new name so quickly!?!

"Well Linette, I've got a shop for you that might just be looking for a new hire. It should be a block across from this one. The name of it is 'Lanes Best,' It's a furniture store so how about you go try that out yeah?"

Wow, the old man already had a job in mind for me? To be honest I was scared doing this all alone without the help of my family or friends and this guy who I barley know helped me. I thought I was all alone but maybe..

"Thank you Ronaldin. At first I thought I was gonna be alone for awhile but just knowing that you care about me really relieves me." I said with all the gratitude I could put into my words, I truly meant it. Ronaldin just gave me a nod a pushed me out of the counter.

I was out the door once more. The Zeppelins were out and I saw more people walking outside even though it's only been around 15 minutes since I've woken up. The atmosphere still feels a little dingy but I'm starting to get used to it.

Walking down the street felt way more nice since I actually had shoes on, though they were a little uncomfortable. It felt a little weird having a different shoe size too, and wearing a dress. I wasn't mad with being a female but It would take a little to getting the hang of. 

I walked for a bit while listening in on some conversations.

"Hey have you heard about Goodwins new campaign.. He might actually be trying to help this city!"

"Dude, you serious need to try out Cindras new bakery its so good, you should try getting the appeli-."

"Your glasses are twisted Damian.... Again."

I never heard of of a person saying "dude" in the 19th century. However The first conversation I heard peaked my interest. "Goodwins new campaign" sounds like Goodwins a mayor? And, him making a campaign means he's trying to win a higher rank over. I wonder who is actually in charge here. Maybe Goodwin was the one in the fancy looking carriage earlier.

Eventually I arrive at the place "Lanes Best" I've rehearsed some lines in my head in my past life when I was going to get a summer job. But I found out I have summer school so It was kind of useless.

I walked into the store which had multiple couches and chairs laid out on display in the window. Inside had more chairs and couches, along with 2-4 tables. The chairs looked fairy poor and in bad shape while the couches had the most variety. Some were poor, others looked mid-class and there was one really soft looking couch. The tables were mostly wooden besides from one glass table. There was no counter in this store so I walked up to what who I'd assume was the owner.

"Uhm, excuse me?" I said with my most polite voice.

"Hm? oh, are you looking to buy anything here miss..?" The says after He turns around, He had dark purple hair with Purple eyes corresponding with his hair color. He had a semi-built figure and stubble build.

"No I'm actually looking to apply for a job here... Sir." 

The man stares at me for awhile then grins.

"Sure!"

...

Huh? What?

"Don't I have to apply first though..?"

"No need, My shops been getting a decently good amount of customers recently so I'm gonna need all the help I can gather, no matter who it is."

"Oh, I see... So wait... I have the job!?" 

"Yep."

I guess I lucked out there... I didn't actually expect to get the job even with my impromptu application. 

"When do I start!" I say with a smile.

"Tomorrow if you can please.. oh! and your name is, miss?"

"Linette, sir." I reply

"Nice to meet you Linette, I'm Lane, but you probably already knew that huh."

I walked out the store happy at my achievements of gaining my first job. Ronaldin decided he would give me some extra money, so, with it I decided to eat something because ever since I've been in this world I've craved something to eat. A celebratory dish! Guess I'll go to one of the restaurants I seen when I first got here.

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It was still morning by the time I finished eating. I had some kind of pasta that you would dip in tomato soup which basically took all the money I had. I still didn't understand this worlds currency since Ronaldin just handed me some Golden looking coins and I went along with it. I was walking back from the restaurant when I found the same semi-high class looking place I saw on the first day. I still had a large crowd occupying the place so I couldn't see much. Maybe it was a protest? I mean a high class looking place in the middle of a low looking city would be kind of disrespectful. An high authority figure must be in there... I don't want to get wrapped up in any of this so I think I'll just pass by.

I was heading back to Ronaldins place to tell him of my acceptance. I know he said that he wanted me to get out but I still wanted to talk to him a little before I left to live somewhere. 

It took me a while to get back so I could assume that the bar was open, I really didn't want to go into a bar with all those stares again, I mean you never know what drunken people are capable of. So, I thought of a plan to just straight book it past the counter and go through the back door. However when I got there to my surprise the bar was closed. However the door was open so I went in. 

As I went in I opened the little door that's on the counter and opened the door behind the counter which led me to the stairwell. I slowly Walked up the stairs to go to his apartment. It was quiet, The air felt still and had a cold feeling. I ended up in front of his door and opened it, which no one looked to be inside the apartment, regardless i went in. 

I looked around, the living room: empty, kitchen: empty, so next was the bathroom. I went into the bathroom to find nothing. Well, nothing besides a mumbling voice coming from somewhere. That somewhere was his room. I realized this voice was grunting.

Is he okay?! I rush into the room hoping to find out what's causing him trouble. I find Ronaldin doing something to my night gown. He turned around.

I was disgusted. It was mix of shock too.

"O-oh... back so soon Linette..?" he said with a creepy smile.

"I-I" The only thing I could do was run out the room and go back outside. I opened the door and saw the man who hired me, Lane standing outside.

"Well if it isn't Linette, long time no see" he says with a smile walking in.

...

everything felt silent. I didn't want to believe it, but I had to. I had to realize the situation I'm in currently. I fell to the ground.

"Please. Don't."

"Well you are the one who walked into a bar and asked for a job.. You were kind of just asking to be fiddled with" he said, with a tiny chuckle at the end. "You know I was there yesterday when you first walked in." As he finished what he was saying Ronaldin came out of his room .

"Hello there Lane." he says still smiling.

They know each other... They we're planning to rape me. "Please.. Don't... " I say stuttering "please.. I promise I'll leave... I won't speak to any of you again, I swear you won't see me." They ignored me and Lane pressed his body against me.

I don't want to be here anymore. I wish I died, I wish that stupid car never rammed into me. Lane starting touching around my body as all I could do was start crying.

Why... why me... All I wanted was to live life in this world, all I wanted was to have fun. Please... God... I'm sorry I'm sorry I-I'm so sorry... I won't wish for anything like that ever again I PROMISE PLEASE.

"MOM.. PLEAS-" Lane covers my mouth before I could say anything more.

"It's ok Linette all we're doing is just having you repay us for our generosity!" Ronaldin says, still grinning cheek to cheek.

I managed to bite Lanes hand which stunned him and kicked him off of me before runing out the door.

"shit."

Mom.. I'm sorry for not listening to you, You're right people can't be trusted people suck, people are stupid I'm sorry I'll be a good child I'll listen to you, I won't make anymore mistakes I promise.. I PROMISE PLEASE. GOD... GOD... please.. if you can here me help me. I'm scared for my life, I think running through the streets.

"Please! somebody help me!" I try saying..

..

Nobody even glances at me.

Why...?

All I asked for was a place world where I could have fun and practice magic... not... no... I never ASKED FOR ANY OF THIS. I NEVER ASKED TO BE BORN DIRT POOR. I NEVER ASKED TO BE RAPED. WHY. GOD. Just please tell me why me... please..

...

...

I had no idea where I was heading off to, no idea where I was running I was just running to run away, I didn't care where I just needed to leave.

I end up running out of breath and running into some abandoned workshop that was falling apart.

...

Looks like Lane already caught up to me.

...

"Come on Linette, It's not going to hurt. Quite the opposite! It's only for a little then we'll put you out of your misery or whatever, promise."

"..." 

All I could do was accept my situation.

Each second lane inched closer, and closer and

*BANG*

A gunshot rang through my ears.

"Aw hell yeah! perfect bullseye baby!! did you see that Kal!?! Said a guy with dark red spiky and curly hair. Who also had red eyes.

"ahh... ahaha y-yeah I see the GAPING HOLE THROUGH HIS BODY WHY WOULD YOU SHOOT HIM WITH YOUR DILIGENCE BULLET!!!" said another guy, with green hair bed head hair, glasses, and golden eyes.

"huh.. oh oopsie teeehee!"

Lane fell over on his side with a gigantic whole in the middle of his body. His eyes faded the original purple they were and soon his body turned completely lifeless. And blood splattered everywhere including my body.

...

"Told you following the chick would lead us to some bad guy ass kicking!" the spiky hair guy shouted.

"Great... now another person knows something supernatural is going on... Didn't Lady Diane tell you that next we did they we're getting our intern licenses revoked..."

"ehhh we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, now as for you pinky!" He said turning to me.

"Nice to meet you! we just saved your ass huh?!"

...

W-what...?

PROLOGUE: PAINTED WITH RED - FIN