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;3 It's not going on yet. It'll be my last year when it starts, though.

Nothing is true, but everything is permitted.
-Al Mualim (Assassin's Creed)

We reached the city, Tainya and I. She knew what to expect, but I could still see the childish hope in her eyes dim. At the home city, Lanya, we heard tales of the big city's beauty, of it's glorious towers, and handsome guards, of the riches waiting to be made, the finely dressed people, and the royalty, of course.

The city was well enough, in the finer districts. There were tall towers, but they had faded with the sun, and guards patrolled them, keeping an eye on the city below. They watched for thieves and murderers, who used the rooftops as escape routes.

The guards were well enough, but they wouldn't stop to help anyone in front of them, not one that wasn't rich, anyhow. The rich people were the only ones finely dressed, the rest made do with what they had. The royalty were well enough, but it didn't pay to get close to them. They could be on our lists one day.

Tying up Star and Nerita, Tainya's brown house, up to the city gate, I stepped inside the gate, keeping Tainya close to me. The guards let us pass, we looked no different then any daughters of the merchants who would explore outside the city. Someone paid well enough by our masters would come and collect our horses, but in the mean time we had a job to do.

Exploring the market, I found the highest point in the city, then sighed. “Tainya, I'll meet you at the wall to the rich district.” She followed my gaze, grinned, then nodded, blending into the crowd. I had no worries about her being attacked, she knew her skills well. And she had to take care of herself, or else she wouldn't survive in the future.

Making my way to the tower, I ignore the merchants hawking their wares. One has carpets and silks, brought from far away lands. He hasn't said the name, so he probably got them second hand from the royal palace, or stolen. I smile secretively, pushing past a crowd gathering before a bakery.

The merchants have to make their way how they can, I make no judgments. After all, I'm called a murderer. A hidden alcove offers a secret way to ascend to the roofs so I take it. Now the running gets harder. I have to hide in the shadows, making sure the soldiers don't see me. They'll cut me down faster then I could come up with an excuse.

Climbing the tower is simple, compared to this. As long as you don't look down, and don't lean back, it's almost easy to forget how high you are, how one mistake will cost you your life. Ignoring the tightening of my stomach, I grab another hand hold and then push myself up. Finally, I reach the top, a small square of rock. Perching on it, I take a deep breath, then look down.

It's almost dizzying, if you let yourself go. There's so much to see, up here where only birds venture. I push that feeling away, then scan the area. The finer districts, on the other side of the walls, is not as big as I originally thought. The target is said to go to this district at night, to complete his work. I smile. There was only one entrance from this to the next, and no way to climb the wall without being visible to the palace guard. Perfect. If there was a god, he must have planned this almost perfectly.

Now. Now I have to get down. Swallowing, I begin my descent slowly, putting one foot down, then feeling gently for another. Twice my grip almost breaks, and I cling to the narrow edges with all my strength. When my feet finally touch the ground, it does not seem soon enough.

“Turn.”

The male voice breaks through my revere, and I curse myself. Stupid! They watch the roof! I turned, keeping my face down. Even though my veil would hide it enough, some guards are good enough to remember a girl's eyes. Especially my eyes. Tainya would tease me, saying the earth passed some of her goodness into me when I was born, giving me those leaf colored eyes.

The veil didn't accent them, but it didn't hinder the color either. My dress was brown and patched, plain enough, but I secretly wore the trousers underneath, in case I ran into trouble. My hair is hidden beneath a coif, a piece of cloth the women wear here over their heads. It gives me the look of having longer hair then I do. It only reaches my shoulders, just enough to be braided. I was a fool not to braid it.

The man is considering me, watching me with his eyes. Then he tips the end of his knife under my chin, and tilts my head up. Now he gets the full brunt of my stare. Most people are unnerved, but he smiles. “I hadn't thought we would meet so soon, Nigra Cati.”

Oh gods, he's my target. Quick as the cat he's called me, I unsheathe my dagger and stab at his arm. He too, is quick, grabbing my wrist and twisting my arm around behind me. My dagger falls to the ground. Now he's behind me, and his breath feels warm against my neck. I grimace, then elbow him, grabbing the same arm he was using to hold me and slamming him face first into the tower's wall, pinning him there.

Now I have a dilemma. To grab my dagger, or my sword, I have to let go with one arm. He could then get away, or pin me down and take me in for questioning. He laughs, and it is then I figure he knows what I am going through.

“Ya might as well let me go, lass. Ya can't kill me that easily.” Now that the rush of battle is over, I faintly recognize his accent, like a faint memory of a lullaby sung when I was a child. It startles me, this feeling. Enough to loosen my grip. In the time of one of my heartbeats, he twists his leg around mine, tripping me onto my back, then pinning me down with a boot to my throat.

“Go back to yer hole, Cat. Ya can't kill me, and ya won't want to try.” He lifts his boot off, enough to let me answer as he sits back down. I don't believe my eyes, and I stare. He knows he's hunted, and he sits back down. In front of the person who is supposed to kill him.

He knows he's startled me, and I curse him for it. “I know who you're here to kill.” Now his voice changes, and his accent is the same common that we all share. I blink, wondering if I've run mad. “You're here for my sister.” He starts to sharpen his dagger on a stone, not bothering to look at me, but he's watching out of the corner of his eye.

Who is this man? He's more powerful then I could have imagined, and he's been trained in our ways. I cautiously sit beside him, stowing the dagger I dropped. Might as well hear what he has to say. He might be useful.

He hasn't stopped smiling, and keeps on sharpening his sword, the rock bringing small sparks against the steel. “You didn't take the deal I offered either. Wherever you come from, you're very good.” He stops, and a colder glint comes into his eyes. I don't think I care to know the thoughts behind this gaze. “But I'm better.”

I snort, then stand up. “If you're going to gloat, then I'm leaving.” I answer, my voice low. It's amazing how secrets get out when you think there's no way they can. A hand on my wrist halts me, if only for a moment.

“Let. Go.” I enunciate, counting to five, mentally. He lets go at four, and I look down. “Please...just let me get my sister to her relatives. She's only a child, she has no place in politics.” He's begging me, actually begging. “You don't want innocent blood on your hands, and you don't want to end her life so early.”

His plea reaches to me, and I stop, then sigh. “I'll give you till sunrise. Then I'm coming.” I look back at him, and let a little humanity reach my eyes. “She's only a child, and I don't want to kill her. But I'll need a replacement.”

I sense him stand, to try to prolong my leaving, but as he catches my wrist for the third time, I let myself fall backwards, into a basket of rugs. Not as soft as I would have liked, but it would do.

“Sunrise.” I whisper, and head off to find Tainya.

* * * * * * *

“You..talked to him.” Tainya's eyes can't possibly get any wider as we eat our small lunch of mutton and cheese. “Goddess' tears, you actually talked to him. Not assassinated, but talked.”

Tainya believes in the Mother Goddess of the Earth, as well as the Sun God. She always teases me I look just like her, but when she swears by them, she's shocked beyond words, almost.

I ignore her and work on my food, too tired to go over more. All I want is a nice bed, and some kind of alcohol. Maybe wine. Wine sounds good.

“Kila, are you listening to me?! The masters would think you have betrayed them!” I smile over at her. “What they don't know won't hurt them.” I sighed, then put down my bread crust. “Did you listen to me? He was armed, like we are. Disguised, and he can hide his accent easily. He's been trained, Ya-ya.”

She dislikes my pet name for her, but I only use it when I'm at my utmost serious. “I don't think I could have actually killed him by myself. And I don't want that girl's blood on my hands.” I fall silent, leaning back.

“It's a cruel thing to end someone's life, but a necessary evil. A child is different. They have no yet experienced the world, or committed any real “sin”.” Tainya lies down next to me, on our almost soft blankets. “I just hope you know what you're doing.” She murmured. “I have to go find a merchant, and tell him the masters aren't pleased with him not paying their taxes.” She shrugged.

Some merchants pay taxes to our group, to pay for protection, or to not get assassinated, hopefully. When they make a pledge, they have to keep it, and when merchants suddenly stop paying a tax, we are sent to investigate.

“At least it's easy for your first job alone.” I murmur to the darkness. She chuckles slightly in response, then rolls over and goes to sleep.

I lay awake and look at the stars, wondering if I've made the right decision. And somehow....Tainya knowing she was going to come, the night before the masters gave their approval....it's odd. But not so odd I'm going to worry about it. I roll over, facing the wall, and slowly let my eyes shut. Maybe I'll have a night free of dreams, for once.

Chapter 12

The first thing I thought was, that it was so cold. So bone numbing cold. I couldn't even breathe. But when I try, I choke on the ice that seems to fill my lungs. Struggling, I pull myself up, and broke the surface. The air is even colder, freezing the water that runs down my face. I choke out the water, then try to pull myself off the ice. It only collapses underneath me, shoving me back under.

The cold is so unimaginable. You go outside, thinking it's cold, shivering in a jacket and boots. This cold is deathly. It freezes your core, making you think you exhale and inhale the cold. I rise up again, but this time there's no air, only ice. Pushing against it, banging against it, it won't budge, or crack. My vision is going dark, and the water is beginning to feel oddly warm.

Zero's face flashes before my eyes as he fights Kaname, anger and rage filling his entire being, poisoning him. In one last effort, I shove my palms against the ice and push the rest of my energy into it, filling it. Then it shatters, ice shooting everywhere. I can't feel pain, only the darkness filling in my vision.....

Until Zero pulls me out. Gasping and choking, I try to cling, but only slip back in. This time Yagari and Kaien pull me out as well, my clothes sticking to my skin. I gasp for air, cough up some more water, then smile weakly. “I did it.†I murmur, snuggling in against Zero. He's so much warmer then me, it's almost instinct. I just want to remember what it's like to be warm again.

Kaien disappears from my view, only to come back with a blanket. He wraps me in it as Zero holds me, standing up. Looking through my dripping hair, I can see the rest of the Night Class huddled around someone. I see his eyes burning at me.

It brings me into a rage, I want to fight, but I have no energy left. I feel so pathetic, just clinging to Zero.

Ichijo comes up,w watching me. He bows slightly, then speaks to Zero is hushed tones. I can barely keep my eyes open, but I do it anyway.

Rima's watching me, her eyes cautious and wide in her small face. Shiki isn't near her. I watch her back, giving her stare for stare.

She looks away after a bit, watching Kaname as they all try to attend to him. I bury my face in Zero's chest, trying not to shiver.

We starts moving, but I don't care where to. I just want to find some place warm and stay there forever.

* * * * * * * * *

Kaname let his friends lead him back to the dorms. Friends. When had he begun thinking of them as friends? Seiren supported him on his left, Hanabusa on his right. He let his hair drip into his eyes, keeping them on the floor.

While Yuki's betrayal had hurt him, it hadn't shattered his being the way he thought it would. Maybe he hadn't loved her after all. No, he had. But was it enough to have been a true love, as his father loved his mother?

Seiren steered him into his room and let Hanabusa out, then began to close the windows. “She's grown more powerful.†she murmured, shuttering the last one and turning to face him, handing him a towel. “Enough to outwit you, in any effect.â€

Kaname said nothing, only listened as he dried himself off. Seiren had some plan, she always did.

“Maybe you should just leave her alone.â€

The silence stretched on, unbroken. Kaname turned, facing the walls of his dark room. “She's mine. I can't let anyone else have her. She has to be mine.â€

Seiren chuckled lightly. “You sound like a spoiled little children, Kaname Kuran, and that might be what you have become. She won't stay with you. She has a mind of her own, and she desires another. You knew she would.â€

Kaname's grip on the towel tightened, but he remained in control. Seiren was faster then he, even if he was stronger. “Kaname, let her go and let's go back to your parents' mansion. It won't be safe here much longer, not with the Senate or Hunter Society....â€

she sighed, realizing she wasn't getting anywhere, then put a hand on his shoulder. “I'll be in my room, should you wish to discuss a plan.â€

Then she was gone, the door shutting behind her.

Kaname sat down on the bed, still holding the dampened towel, his eyes gazing out the window. Seiren didn't know what she was talking about. He would still have Yuki, she still loved him. And the Hunter's Society would stay out of their way, but the Senate....he should take care of the Senate by showing his face. Maybe he could bring Yuki with, present her to society...that would be the last effort, before it became an all out war between him and her.

But the prize would be worth it. No matter what the cost.

* * * * * *
Rima climbed the long stairs, following her nose. Yuki's scent was so unmistakable, it was impossible to lose her. No wonder Zero and Kaname were worried over her all the time. Coming to the door, Rima opened it quietly. Zero was nodding off in a chair, with Yuki in the bed, his bed, her hair spread out over the pillow.

Zero looked up, then left without a word. He closed the door behind him, watching Rima.
She took a deep breath, then sat next to Yuki Kuran. The pure blood princess had the appearance of a vampire, all icy beauty. But underneath all that, there seemed to be something of the softer Yuki left, in the lighter color of her eyelashes, or the soft human fat that still surrounded her cheekbones.

The girl opened her eyes, and in them Rima could still see some of the human girl, the innocent who had not seen the bigger picture. That girl was quickly overrun by the cold vampire, who sat up, looking a little dazed. “Zero...he's okay?â€

Rima nodded, still watching her. Yuki stared back, and it was then Rima came to an understanding. “You have two sides.†She murmured, leaning back.

Yuki smiled a little, even bitterly, and swung her legs over the side of the bed. “Human and vampires were never supposed to be together. So now that the two are mixing inside me, what happens?†she murmured. “Kaname plays dangerous games.â€

Rima noticed she didn't say “samaâ€. She wondered vaguely when this had started occurring, but ignored it, for now. “There's a war coming. I'm not stupid. You and Kaname are fighting for your freedom.†She watched Yuki, her heartbeat slow and steady. “He's going to take you to the ball tomorrow night. Everything will be decided there. And I want you to leave me and Shiki out of it.â€

Yuki turned to look at her, her brown eyes unreadable. Finally, she spoke, softly. “Rima, if you and Shiki don't want to be draw into this, then I suggest you leave. I will do my best not to involve you, but I can't control what will happen, or who will get hurt.†Her eyes softened, and she looked at the ground. “I don't want anyone else to feel more pain.â€

Rima felt cold, instead of being relieved. “What do you mean, anyone else?†she murmured, her eyes locked on Yuki. The girl had the nerve to smile,and then looked up at Rima, giving her stare for stare. “How's Shiki?â€

XD Fun fun.

I agree they're not the most valid reasons; they're just smaller reasons that add up to a whole. Since each situation is different, I can't really think of a huge reason why they can't be allowed in bars. No one in Minnesota does it for certain, unless they want to be branded as "white trash".

If the bar is attatched to a restaraunt, that's a whole different story. There is not as much stereotyping about a restaraunt as there is a bar.

I did as well. There's just something about playing the first game so you actually know what the storyline is...

The only game I've skipped playing the first of was Tombraider, because I don't have the console.

I think flirting is making any sexual suggestions of any kind, and more touching needed then a hello hug or goodbye hug.

I dont think kissing falls under the category, as long as it's not on the lips or lower body parts ;D But I kiss my friends on the cheek and hug them when I leave.

No one, that's just an example of what could happen. It's better to just leave the child with a babysitter, or their older siblings, to prevent anything, even if the parent is responsible. I agree with you there.

They've banned it in Minnesota too, but many places smoke right outside. Not to mention that other people might get drunk there, depending on the time of day. Just examples.

Not that they would lose sight of the child, but if it's a toddler, they can move fast. I used wait until my mum was busy, then bolt for the nearest clothing rack at the mall. Not saying all toddlers do this, but a leash sounds like a good idea. Or a high chair.

Practice makes perfect?

No school is definetly a good thing.

Lovely rant ;D

I hope you don't come back, and before anyone gets on me for how mean that it, I mean that you've only been down since you've come here and met certain people. We haven't talked in a while, but you're a sweet girl, and I hope you can do better then this place. It'll be nice to see you happy again.

Love ya sister.

Naaah. Silly xD Didn't you once mention some kind of internship?

I remember that movie, my sister got it for her eighth birthday and watched it over and over.

I don't think it was really a huge hit, they just cast the woman without reference to anything racial or political. Plus it was a longer time ago, and what littler kids know about the movies twenty years back?

I don't think babies should be able to, honestly. The parent would probably be alone at that point, and what's the safety of drunk driving alone, let alone with a kid? Other then that, if people smoke in bars, they'll get the baby sick. Depending on how old the child is, it could accidently ingest alcohol or other products, or get knocked over if it gets to wandering.

I've seen my parents and family get pretty wasted, and thanked whatever gods there are that I'm responsible enough not to go sticking things in my mouth. It's not fun when a drunken man tries to pick you up, either. So the bottom line would be no,I don't think its appropriate for any child to go to a bar. They'll get to all that soon enough, they don't need to grow up that quickly.

Lovely bump.

I would let other people try to save it. Honestly, it would get done with my help, and I would only get in the way.

If they wouldn't, and I couldn't, or it just wasn't happening, I would make sure some people know I love them, tell one guy I have a lovely crush on him, and get drunk one last time with timexhasxgone. Other then that, play my PS3 so I don't know I'm going to die until it happens.

You guys might laugh, but I had the worst time when you're learning how to fight. One of the buttons got stuck, and i was just a mess.

The other would be Vexen.

Name sounds familiar for some reason. Anyway, back to the original point, it's cool.

Vexen may have been in charge of it, but Repliku and Xion were test subjects, made to see how the program would work. Both were "successes", technically. They acted as if they were real people, so much so that Sora couldn't tell Repliku from Riku for a bit. Roxas and Axel accepted Xion as another Nobody, even a strange one.

The point that failed for the Organization, was that the two test subjects began to act out on their own, Repliku helping Sora, so he could ultimately protect Namine, and Xion trying to find who she was. That was probably why they suspended the project, because they lost Xion and Roxas when that failed, and they lost Namine and Sora when Repliku failed them. Then when Sora woke up, he began to eliminate members, so there was probably no time or members left to be able to continue it.

The game's commercial looked cool, but I don't know what platforms it comes out in. I also didn't understand the story line, and I'd rather spend sixty dollars on something I know I'll like. Probably wait till the ratings come out more extensively to see.