=== Chapter 5 [Blossom]

With a step and a two, I move the stage with my dance. I hop and skip, I turn and jump, light as air I fall down on the clouds. Like the wind I'm agile, like a bird I fly, there are no barriers here for me as the space around bends to my desire only.

On the tip of my toes I gently walk towards the right. Feet in feet, my position moves to the left. With the gentle hands I draw a circle above my head. With my flexible body I hold my position. My figure is perfect, as it should be—the true essence of the swan’s beauty. It's marvellous.

How much I do love this act as the people watch, how much I love as I raise towards the sky. There, in the gardens of the stars, I find myself floating into the endless sea of splendour. I am the one with them and the sky. On this stage tonight I wonder, will a wish be granted?

[It... seems that fewer people came today however. I wonder why really.

My performance was perfect, down each and single move, I do undoubtedly admit that.

Maybe people just don't like ballet? I'm going to try something else next time.]

I walk a little on the streets of Maremoda again—it seems that even less people are up tonight. What a shame, it almost look like I'm the only one awake. It wasn't like this normally. A lot of things were happening at night, like parties and people meeting up at bars and stuff.

So like, I think that it’s the free to play thing which is the cause of it. Ever since the fee went down, I guess people felt less and less compelled to playing this game. Nowadays what I can see online are...mostly AIs that sell things. Maybe their owners log in from time to time but that's not really my worry.

[The sky looks cool, though only recently it got stars I think? It wasn't like this before,

but don't worry. I think that dancing for myself is pretty much what I want in the end yes?

I don't dance for others or to be watched right? I dance for the beauty itself mostly.]

Yes that is true, ever since I was little I took ballet classes. Nowadays I guess things are different, but I can still enjoy just the act online. I remember when the first time I went to the ballet class with my brother, it was truly a magical experience. Like...we went to this empty space with mirrors and bars and a lot of girls.

Strangely, most of the kids there were girls—we were the only boys. I was getting strange looks, like if it was that strange that I was a boy and wanted to dance ballet? Anyway I think they were shy, especially since we only had one changing room. I had to change in the corner because I was also a little shy.

Anyway, once we dressed up our leotards and tutus we were doing sit ups. Basically to learn the basics, you had to make your body flexible first. It was pretty tiring and my legs hurt a lot. But eventually, I have managed to master the first position and move onto the others, more difficult ones. After that, we actually learned how to dance. But nowadays I'm a little too old to continue my ballet career.

[Everything thanks to that one accident... well that's in the past. Now I think I should just enjoy dancing.]

While I was talking to myself, further down the road I saw a person waving at me. I wonder if that was my fan or something, but he looked like he wanted something from me. What would he want from a dancer? My outfit was quite light, which I basically wore most of the time and during my performances. It wasn't just for ballet though.

I made this character to be kinda muscular and tall, with Arabian skin, grey eyes with little eye shadow, and medium wavy dark hair. I have a violet leotard that is a little shiny, but not strictly skin-tight and restraining.

On the lower part of my body, mauve knee-length harem pants with pink thighs underneath. As for the shoes, I wear pink ballerina-like sandals with lavender laces up the knees. On my neck, left hand and right ankle, there is a tulle-like bracelet with a purple ribbon that swirls as I dance and twist. It's quite stylish looking.

[Hey, do you have a minute? You must be Havah, so I assume from the clothes.]

[Yes, that's me. Do you want an authorship perhaps? Wow, it's really cool that I have fans!]

[No not that, I mean your other job. I came with an offer for you.]

Oh I see, so this guy was just asking about that other thing I do in the game, right? Well, I don't usually mix the two, but since everyone recognises me either way, I guess it can’t be helped? I probably need a better disguise but I will work on that when I get famous.

[Okay then, what's the offer I wonder? Is it something dangerous like...]

[No, I have an actual request, since I wouldn't be asking this if it was something I could deal with myself.

You just need to ask one of my competitors politely to leave the business. By that I do mean harassment,

and anything you can think of. If you can bring me the proof that they quit, I would gladly reward you.]

[Wait a second... are you talking about anything I can think of right? Right now I can’t think of anything,

because I am not sure what do you want actually. Like um... if I ask that person politely then surely...]

[No I just want you to kill them. You can do that right? You're an assassin of profession after all.]

This was true, my other job in this game was an assassin. I belonged in a guild that you could hire, and they would do dirty work for you. I do say it was kinda pointless for targets within the city, since the guards would attack you right away, so there was little chance an assassination would work.

You had to be more cunning than that, like leading the target into a non protected zone and then killing them. I didn't have a long history of successful killing attempts but I can't say I did try. One time I did succeed, and managed to lure someone out of the town, saying that I wanted to show them my dance. But in the end however...well they really liked my dance and I couldn't really kill them after that. I got to be strong from now, I said.

[Okay, just give me the name and I will do it. I promise you swift results so await no further.]

[You accept? Then okay, here is the link. Use that note to gather info on your target and stuff,

and then return to with me with a screenshot or something. I want that person begging for forgiveness.]

[Wow this looks like an actual assassination information! Like it's not even in the game,

so it's secretly hidden. No one will ever know we even talked, this is so cool, right?]

[I... well do what you want kid, I rather not care whenever you tell someone or not,

it's your skin after all. I don't need to tell you the essentials or how to do your job.]

Right... I shouldn't raise my voice in public like this, maybe someone is watching? Anyway, I left that guy and studied the information I received. It seems that person is...is a fashion designer and she is named Avaria. I can find her during day time in the upper part...

===

Okay, I have the target in sight, it seems she is alone and defenceless. This is good. If I could simply kill her here my job would have been very simple. But I know it's impossible. I have to lure her somehow outside of the city and reading about what she likes I think...

[Oh hello, you must be the lady called Avaria, who is a fashion designer,

has a boutique, always carries a bag, has a very glossy-looking and fashionable dress,

has a princess look and most of all is very attached to expensive things, right?]

[Oh my, such complements from a simple dressed dancer boy like yourself? If my ears didn't play a trick,

yes, every single little detail you have just mention fits my glamours descriptions like a delicate glove.

I'm splendidly pleased to meet your acquaintance, my dear Arabic looking man, what can Avaria be of service for you?]

[Ah okay, so I guessed right. It's annoying that you don't see player’s name labels in this game,

but I will trust that you say the truth. Otherwise, let me say why I’m here. I am a merchant and I sell materials,

very unique Arabic materials that you can use to make clothes from. Are you interested?]

[Well then, as much as your flattery can do for me, my designs are quite European I'm afraid.

Not that I wouldn't be interested in borrowing from the Middle East fashion, but naturally,

those two things didn't mix well in the past. History is where I take my inspiration from, naturally.]

Well this didn't work well. I need to think about another way to lure her out of the town. Think man... what would a person that only cares about her money want? Well she likes clothes then... maybe I can offer her my beauty instead? Would that be fine I wonder? I got to try at least.

[Okay how about I show you my dance? I have a special stage only for that kind of stuff,

but I can show you the way. It's not far from here and I must say I do get a lot of visitors.

On top of that, I will offer you a free sample, just today. Does that sound cool with you?]

[Oh my, you are a very persistent and lovable person, aren't you mister?

What is your name, is this fine lady is even allowed to know? ohoho~]

[My name is Havilah but I tell everyone to call me Havah. Anyway, what about it?]

[Well now, isn't that a precious name Havah? I wouldn't want such a persona's talent to go to waste,

especially that he offers me a very special dance as a free sample. I will tell how you can entertain me,

let us both go to my boutique and I will allow for a display of your beauty in a more fabulous way. Of course,

there will be clothing involved and cameras, so don't be surprised. Wouldn't this way we both benefit?]

Wait a second, both benefit? I guess she wants a photo session of me dancing in my and her clothes. I mean I did say I sell material but I didn't say I make clothes? I think she did misunderstand me, I'm not a model or something, I just dance and do stuff. This is my passion after all, so...

But on the other hand, maybe going to her boutique wouldn't be that bad of an idea. I have heard once, that in testing zones you can kill anyone and you would be penalised in any way. This was my chance, I could use an excuse of modelling to lure her into a false sense of secure and kill her on the spot. Yes, this was a great plan I figured on the spot. I just need to be very discreet about my true intentions.

[Okay, I agree to that. I don't have many different clothes on me, but I reckon that wouldn't be a problem.

By profession I am a dancer however, thus I rather move than stand still in a pose. Anyway, is that okay?]

[But of course my dear little Havah, I can accept the mutual terms. However, I must say one thing first,

I mainly deal with clothes for fashionable females of all age who can't resist giving away their girly charm,

therefore I don't have many male clothes. However, maybe you don't mind after all? By a quick glance,

your name and assassination with dance and ballet I find already a little girly, thus it is fine with you?]

[No... I'm not a girl. That's a lie, I was born a guy, Really!]

[Oh okay, pardon my mind's slip and we shall talk no longer. Let us proceed.]

Phew... I managed to make her walk after all. What is she thinking calling me a little girly anyway? I was born a man, even if my voice is not that manly, so that shouldn't change who I am really. Everyone always says that, I get really upset when they lie all the time. When will they learn?

===

Okay, we finally arrived at her shop, called Brilliant Dream. It is shiny as the name suggests, but a lot of clothes are for girls there. I feel a little confused, all this cuteness is necessary? Also there are pictures and drawings of little girls doing stuff like drinking tea or trying on clothes...

[Well then, the clothing room is this way, so if you please...]

[Right to the point Havah? My dear, first I need to collect the clothes for you to pose in...

I mean dance in so I can take pictures for our little agreement right? You wanted to show me,

and I shall provide you in return. Just that would be acceptable, of course if you don't have other plans.]

[No no... no other plans that just showing you the dance. I mean surely I guess,

I would prefer if you did go to my special stage but this works as well. Okay.]

I went on ahead, trying to get into the ambush position before she returns. When I entered through the curtain, I found myself in a wide dressing room with a lot of mannequins and cutesy stuff. There were mirrors, drawing of designs and shiny materials in tiny boxes everywhere. It was quite spacious as well.

This place actually reminded me of a place I used to train my dance skills. I can't remember well, but there was that one day when my brother got sick and I stayed with him instead going to the class. Be strong, I said, you can definitely get that major role even if you miss a day of training, more or less he said.

What happened after that I don't remember but I stayed with him the entire day, as if I couldn't leave my bed either. We were twins so naturally our room was joined. Two boys doing boy stuff all the time, together and forever...but that changed however, that one day. I do miss my brother and I would do anything to bring him back.

[Are you ready Havah? I'm back with the clothes and they are most splendid.]

[Surprise! HAa!]

I attracted without hesitation, just like a proper assassin, just like my brother would. But strangely, my kama didn't connect with the target. What was this trickery? Normally when I click attack, it attacks. But this was different, the animation was playing but nothing happened on the screen. How could I miss?

[Oh my, aren't you ready and all fired up? This butler outfit should be perfect for you,

but I see you prefer something with a lot more freedom of movement, right? ohoho~

how about this layered coat? It does look a little steampunk but also cutesy like a dress.]

[No! I don't want that. It looks girly and I don't like it. Anyway, I didn't came here to drink tea,

or for a fancy dress up party. I came here to kill you and I will, so be prepared to die you witch!]

Again and again, I thought I might have been too far the first time, but my strikes didn't connect. It was always the same situation as from the first time. I didn't know what was happening, but the woman laughed in her girly voice, while having her hand to her chin. That look annoyed me the most, I wanted to erase it.

[Oh my, aren't you a cute little boy, and amazingly naive as well. I trusted you, as a lady should,

but it seems that this dance wasn't meant to be for us both. Quite silly don't you think? Anyway,

what is that you really want, now that you realise this was pointless from the start? Let's sit and have a talk.]

Instead of an aggressive stance or a defensive one at least, she extended her hand, pointing on a stool. It was at a fancy terrace, with the view on the city, but I cared less. I guess I have to agree with her, this is pointless, so I sheathed by blades, and followed her step by step, keeping an eye on her all the time.

[So tell me young boy, have you really came to kill me? Then you must be an assassin right?

I have dealt with your kind before, and my, they are truly entertaining bunch of fellows. ohoho~

But enough about them, how about you my sweet darling? Would you fancy a cup of green tea?]

[Oh man... I didn't think I would be discovered this quick, but shouldn't you be afraid?

I was just about to kill you when something happened. Why are you so calm, smiling all the time?]

[Isn't it obvious my dear? The secret to that smile is to take the pleasure of life one step at the time.

Furthermore there is no point to being afraid—no assassination can take place here or in the city,

because it is programmed so. I find you personally an enchanting person, one that offered me a dance,

thus I returned that gesture with mine. Isn't that only fair my dear Havan? Now don't be a shy boy...]

[Oh my gush, I'm not shy! Can you guys ever get that? Anyway, I wouldn't say I'm done here,

especially after all you have said. I'm angry, if you don't stop with the bulling I will...]

I will do something, but I'm not sure what yet. I was just in the middle of thinking about that, but it seems that lady won't take a fight easily. I need to somehow provoke her. I wonder though, if she even knows why I was hired. Certainly from the description she appeared rotten to the core, but now she is simply enjoying her leisure and offering me a tea like nothing had happened. This sucks.

[Are you going to cry? A big man like you shouldn't cry darling, you were not the only one.

You see, I completely don't understand why that person keeps sending assassins after me.

All I do here is fair businesses and no under-the-table or shady dealings are involved. ]

[Oh I don't know either, I was just ordered and you had a note of information and stuff.]

Perhaps I shouldn't have said that, she now looks at my face directly from her sitting position. Like a lion's anger, her eyes burned and nearly ignite me. That was scary... but I managed to evade. I'm standing near her, not sure what else to say. I must to be strong, that's what why brother would do.

[So they were stalking me after all, it seems. It is quite reasonable, for a fair lady like myself,

to have followers and men running around her, but the shady kind is what I do frankly dislike.

Maybe the person before me will be kindly enough to inform me of the filth they insinuated onto me?]

[Wait, why would I do that? Isn't this supposed to be my job to clear the streets from filth?

I mean I only got a few pointers here and there, but I don't get anything from revealing them.]

[But of course, how could I forget that you were a lawful contract abider mister assassin. ohoho~

As I recall your bunch specialized in harassing opponents until their yield? Relentless multiple strikes,

until the victim surrenders to their will, they inconvenience their lives. A simpleton's scheme I dare say.]

You got to be stupid not to understand what an assassin does. They just kill people. They kill, so they can get stronger and not die. In this world you can get killed just by anyone. Therefore, the best way to stay alive is to be strong. Bulling is not what I do, you must be lying Avaria.

[That's not what Assassins do! You must be wrong about your claim. When did you even...]

[A more important question, what do you do as an Assassin? You say you clear the filth,

but isn't killing wrong from the start? It's quite unfortunate to say, but are missing the point.

You came here with an objective yes? And here I am, a kind lady, trying to help you accomplish that.]

[Wait will you help me? I mean how can you help me anyway?]

[Just tell me the dirt you got on me and I will gladly allow you to fight me.]

Fight me? I mean if I win that fight it's my victory in the end. All I have to do is to kill her, and them make a screenshot. That is enough proof that I killed to the guy so I get paid. Simple, right?

[Okay so, here I go. Just don't tell anyone else okay? So the first thing I got was that you steal.

You steal the designs from other sources and put them into the game claiming that you made them.

It's clearly a plagiarism, so it's bad don't you think? I would never steal because doing so is wrong.]

[Quite the opposite my dear, and whoever wrote that is probably not an artist himself. You see,

every and single bit of artistic expression is a form of the brain. A brilliant mind can't simply copy,

it transforms the information by getting inspired from various sources, then connects the spots into something splendid.]

[I see, I don't know much about art other than what I learned from ballet. But there is more,

you stole a twin sister and made her into a personal assistant, or more like a slave, without her will.

Wow, that does sound a little strange, however that was written. They also stated your reason,

you wanted to make the sister of the assistant angry and force her out of the business possibly.]

[Ah, they must be talking about my dear little assistant Pina? Then I shall explain again,

she was not forced into doing anything, she choose her clothes, her job and her fate by herself.

I honestly don't mind you asking her, but that will be at a later date I'm afraid. Above that,

the reason is clearly made up, because if she did it herself, I'm not a fault. Anything else?]

Anything else she says? Well... she is right, that's all about her crimes I could read. I wonder though, is that enough to want someone dead? More or less, in my opinion, if they talked with each other, maybe they will get into an agreement. But for the time being, I lower my head with my hands gathered my pelvis in a gesture that my talking was finished.

[Thus if that is all, I presume you want your end of the bargain as well right?

I'm a fair lady after all, I would never say no to a dance from a gentleman. ohoho~]

===

We were finally outside, the place where we could duel. She positioned herself above me, on the straits. We were on the narrow streets of Maremoda, a perfect spot for killing. I was ready as well and waiting for her confirmation. I hope she is not thinking I would go easy on her.

[Are you ready Havah? Then, without further ado, we shall begin at once.]

Suddenly, she reached for her bag she was carrying all the time and pulled out a sceptre. It was expensively looking and had shiny gems embedded onto it. With one of her hand pulling out a rod from it, the bag changed a shield that she held with her other hand. She was playing a Priest, I thought.

[Okay, don't run or it will hurt badly okay?]

I warmed before dashing at her with full speed. Rogues are very fast, they deal a lot of damage, and they are quite versatile. My dual kamas allowed me to take things at a longer range then unusual, so I was always trying to take advantage of that, forcing the opponent to a defensive stance.

After I finished my dash I used my basic attack, but she imminently jumped in the air, anticipating my attack. This was my chance to deal damage, so I used my shurikens, which were fast and would without a doubt hit her. I was right, she did get hit, but that alone doesn't stagger people, I only did that so I could move away afterwards.

With her being in the air still, she created a chilling sphere near me. I don't know what that skill does, but I felt it had to do something with my movement. I was slower than usual now, and on top of that, she wasn't finished. With a flick of her sceptre she made the white form collapse and knocked me on the ground.

[How nice of you to show me your tribute, but it would be long from now.]

Returning to the stairs herself, she created a circle of light that was enclosing onto me. But I didn't pay attention to that and quickly attacked her with my Kamas. It seems she was careless, and allowed me to get a free attack. With the fearsome swing, I initiated my combo and started dealing damage.

Between throwing shurikens and my basic attacks, I used my Blade Thrust and Edge Pirouette to finish her. However, I also become forgetful and did not notice that her light circle has reached me. Oh well...In a flash of light, I was staggered and unable to move, enough though I was close to finishing my combo.

Now it was her turn and she used whatever tool was available to her. With her hand raised in the air, she summoned a brilliant light from the sky that enveloped the space around me. Then, with quick swings, she approached me and dealt little damage. But I also noticed something, the green light on her sceptre.

[Are you enjoying this my dear? We could be duelling like this all you want, until you surrender.

Just please let me know when you had enough and I shall serve you the finishing blow. ohoho~]

Clearly I didn't know what was happening, as I was flung down the stairs and onto the ground. But this was just the beginning I thought, I could still win if I continued attacking. Before I did so, she enchanted her weapon, now it had a green dancing light around it. It must have been a skill or something.

Anyway, I dashed at her fast, realising that I had to deal damage before I would die myself. Additionally, I used my special skill, Showdown Dash which was really strong, at least in theory. I had to use it preferably as a combo finisher, to deal more damage, but using it raw was also fine, I thought.

Unfortunately, she jumped again, evading my attack once again. I wonder really, is jumping overpowered? What can a Rogue do against this technique I wonder? Anyway, she was in the air so I thought I would attack her. I used my own jump to reach her in the air and used Eagle Dive, which is a skill that dunks the enemy in the air.

[You think you can just jump over my attacks and win? Fight seriously please,

if not this would be an easy kill for me, too easy for my sharp blades I'm afraid.]

And as I boasted, we both hit each other at the same time. She used a strange skill I had no idea it ever existed, that made her weapon glow with a gold light. As it connected I was thrown back and she was smashed into the ground. Of course, she was the one that was back up first and thus, she had the advantage, while I was forced to react to her actions.

Well she used that other skill again, and her sceptre had three glowing lights onto it. They also changed colour, into a darker red one. I wonder what could that mean, but I didn't want to find out just yet. I still had to get to her, and make a successful attack somehow. I decided not to dash and simply moved close. I think my skills were faster but...

Just as I moved and decided not to dash, she created a crystallite mirror under her feet. All the stairs now were now glass. I had no idea what that did, but I learned it soon. As I jumped up and wanted to use my Fox dive, she moved back slightly. I continued attacking with my Blade Thrust but something happened. Before I could finish my move my body was shocked in a flash.

[So how do you like my little season for you, dear Havah? I told you I wanted to see you dance,

and somehow that wish was granted. Can we stay for a while like this? I must say I'm enjoying this.]

And with her little smirk, she looked most delighted by our duel. But then she smacked me, not with just one swing but several in a row. I understood what those painful red light were, they were her damage amplifiers. I wish I could have a skill like that really. In the end...

===

I was defeated with her breaking no sweat. I thought I was good at the time, all this practise and stuff, but if in the end I couldn't defeat a single Priest. I was pathetic. Maybe I was born like that from the start, unable to take fights on my own. That's why when my brother was there... but now I must be strong for him.

I train my reaction timing, motion by motion. With each movement I feel getting better—it almost looks like my dance practices. Eventually you get can better and faster and more precise. But even with that will I be able to defeat Avaria and kill her? It was my job after all.

Still, the guy who asked me to do that in the first place has said that I should quit, he even paid me a little. He eventually came to an agreement with her it seems, thus he no longer required me to kill that rowdy princess. Though that still did not satisfy me, I had to simply beat her and for that sake I had to become ever stronger.

[Hya! Hya!]

[Hey, what are you doing?]

Doing my impromptu self-training a young boy who had black clothes has waved at me. What did he want from me, interrupting me in the middle of training? I only saw him for the first time so I didn't pay him any attention.

[Should I call this training even? This is not how you get stronger in this game at all.

You must be out of mind if you think actual physical exercise is going to help.]

No matter how many punches and kicks you do, you won't become a better ninja, sorry.]

I was indeed dressed like a ninja, that's the outfit I choose when I work as an assassin. I have a black ninja mask on my face and my usual leotard is hanged onto one of the shoulders, with my other side warped in bandages around my chest. It looks really cool, so I went with that look.

As for the bottom, my harem pants change into ninja long pants and my shoes to ninja tabis. They are all the same colour, though darker. Furthermore the accessories on my neck, left hand, and right ankle are removed and I have like a ninja gloves and shuriken belt on my chest.

[A better way you say? Isn't concentration and reflexes the most important skill when fighting?

Without it you can't become stronger, that is most certain and you can't deny it, can you?]

[Of course I can, this is just a game after all. Listen, I can't say I'm surprised,

but was just told by a certain girl that I should be more helpful to others and stuff.

I don't see the real reason behind that, but since she became almost as good as me, I have to listen to her.]

[I see, so you must be someone who knows about this game a lot. Maybe that will help,

can you teach me? Can you become my teacher and improve my game so I can become stronger?]

If anything, his purpose for helping me was that only, I thought. I didn't even know his name or anything, but soon he showed me a couple of online tutorials I could watch. They had very basic information, though I couldn't really understand much from them. I did learn one thing, how the Priest skill work.

[Yea, if you know how they work now, I can beat her right?

I should be helpful, for at least that stranger. May I have your name?]

I posed with one palm open, reaching towards the boy, with the other downwards close to me.

[What the hell? I don't understand body language, but if you want to know my name it’s Albert.

I play this game, and even if some people disagree, I find myself the best Rogue on this server.

You can't be serious though, you will probably be defeated again if you go in like that.]

[That can't be, I know her every moves thus she can't surprise me no longer.

It is simple as that. All I have to do is to attack her knowing what she can do.]

[Damn, how stubborn are you? When the best Rogue on the server says you need training,

you just don't say I will be okay. Listen here son, you probably don't know how to play fighting games,

but let me tell you, it's not just knowing your opponent, it's knowing that they know what can you do.]

[Sorry... I don't understand. Can you explain it a little further?]

I clearly had no idea what was he saying. Fighting games and knowing what your opponent...this all seemed like new terms for me. Furthermore I could see his disappointment showing.

[I have met with your opponent before and I did see you fighting, so let's talk about that.

Basically when you were going to dash, she countered it with a jump every time right?

What can you do about that? Obviously not dash instantly right? But what you do then...]

This all came back to me. Tracking back my memory that was indeed the case, her reaction was a jump. It was like in dancing, when you remember the first step you instantly recall all of them in a sequence. This was called muscle memory or something and it was basically that the brain remembers movement you perform.

Ever since the accident the doctors said movement should help me with my condition after coma. Thus I decided to start ballet again, though after ten years the teachers said it was already too late. That's fine, I wasn't practicing it for myself, but for my brother who was unfortunate and never woke up.

That was the memory I would give him every day with my practice and that is why I danced in the game. I wanted to at least make him happy, whenever he was now. The more I danced the more memories of him came back. Like this one time when I had to defend him from other kids, he was pretty scared and covered his face. I told him to run, that I will take care of the bullies alone... At least that's how I remember that happening.

[It's simple, when you get the chance to do a mix-up, you just take the safe option.

But that's what they expect so don't make it obvious. You can simply move behind them,

or eat their skill with an delayed armoured launcher. That way you will hit them when they land.]

[That might be useful, right! I have to try it out first, so give me a minute...

you say either to move behind them or to delay a launcher. If I did that then...]

I tried to picture this as a sequence in steps, but without my legs moving I couldn't. Something hazy and obscure came out so I couldn't really tell what was going to happen. With my hand pitching my chin and the other on my back, I was deeply in thought when...

[I knew you wouldn't get it. Jeez this is a pain, but oh well. Tania,

you better give me a dinner or something for this. Okay, what is your name?]

[My name is Havah, you already introduced yourself to me.]

[Okay Havah, we are going to spar, but you will probably lose, don't worry about that.

Think about what mistakes you made and learn from them. That's the only way for you okay?]

And so, going a few times, we sparred. It was only the last few rounds I managed to land a hit, but I lost like ten times in a row. This guy was really strong and had an answer for everything I did. With his help I will become strong, I hoped, as strong as my brother was. Then I will get my revenge.

===

In front of eyes something is swirling, a darker than night cloud that twists the vision around, selective memory.

Deep in red and without a light, only those that have sinned are the evil doers, revenge with conviction.

After a long last, it seems that I have found all the puzzle pieces and now my plan shall be set in motion.

Before me is the lost soul that was forgotten by its watchers. Havah, the one who consists by two halves, is someone who I am not sure about in the end. He is strong and she is weak, he is deceive one and she is unsure. It is something that even for me is unexplainable, but so it exists. In one body, two souls somehow reside.

[Greeting Havah, whichever half I am talking to. I am called by the name Schuld and I came today for you.

I require your assistance in matter which is not a difficult task, I assure you. What you say to that? Decide now.]

[Huh? You are someone that I have met for the first time. I have no idea who you are mister.

Maybe if you tell me more about yourself I will be able to possibly help you or something.]

[Assistance is but a simpler way to say that you will be required to join a party at time soon from now.

Then you shall follow my orders and perform. There are no other tasks I ask for after that, I can assure you.]

[So it's like an assassination contract? I got better that fighting so I should be fine.

But all in all, if you don't give me a fancy piece of information online or something,

I don't think I could count that as a job. Sorry, but I only accept official requests.]

How much dense could this person be to desire something that supposed to hidden so openly? In any case, as my gut tells me, there is an easier way to convince this person to my plan.

[I do not form or give you job because this is simply a matter of a greater value. I can give you however,

something that is more than just a reward, the very chance of making you strong and fulfilling your wish.]

[Oh that sounds interesting. Can you tell me something about that more?

Like what is exactly my wish you are talking about and that gift or something...]

[It is simple— I will give you a chance to kill someone. Not just in game but...]

[Wait what? How... kill someone?]

His pose changed desperately. His waving hands and twisted legs stopped with his jaws dropped, an expression of surprise and euphony. I knew how to tick him and so I simply used the right tool.

[Yes, I can promise that you will see on your very eyes someone being killed.

Whatever you will do afterwards will be up for you, thus is my offer to you.]

[Before my very eyes... someone dying? That's sounds cool! I'm totally into this!]

And so the young boy, not knowing what he was saying, has accepted my offer in the end. His story is also an interesting one. All started when he was a target of a terrorist attack, ten years ago. He and his brother was a victim of a bomb that put both of them into a coma.

When Havan woke up, his brother was no more, at least physically. It was inside of his brain he remained. After the coma, she created two distinctive personalities, one of herself, a shy and weak girl who likes ballet, and the other one of the brother, strong and decisive, one that protected Havah during the attack. This was all happening in the mind, so to speak the truth first, Havan was born physically a girl.

Because of her two personalities, she created fake memories that would protect her from becoming a weak prey again. In her head, the strong qualities of the male sex overwhelmed the frail female ones and thus she eliminated them. The coma caused her to think that she had a sex change operation after the accident, but her parents denied it. Whatever they say, she thinks they are lying on purpose. Unknowing and oblivious to her DID, she carries the desire to murder, all for the sake of becoming strong.

[Yes to become strong Havah, you have to kill yes? Thus I will grant you that wish.

Do not fret for I will return and give you prize soon. For now I must finish my final preparations.]

[Wow this is going to be soo cool! I can't wait.]

Additionally, this person is not all that developed in terms of the mind. Due to her coma, she couldn't have developed well and acts like a child, not knowing the grave sin that is murder. I considered her as the most unknown, but I have hope in others. For now I shall part until the next time.