"Isa, this is your last chance if you don't want to come with me. I understand if you don't," I warn as we get ready.

"It's ok. I want to. Just don't leave me alone."

"I won't. I promise."

We're speaking through closed doors as we both change into something more appropriate for illegal business transactions.

I open my door, to see Isa wearing some of my old clothes from when I was younger. She'd chosen a pair of black shorts, a black tank top, and a black leather jacket over it, with black combat boots. She was struggling to strap a knife holder to her leg. I walk over.

"Here, let me help," I say as I quickly buckle it and slip a knife in. She stands up, and I look her over. "You look badass," I say, and I'm not lying. Even with her shy demeanor, she looks threatening.

"So do you," she replies, pulling her black hair into a ponytail. I'm wearing my usual job outfit, black shorts with a black belt, and a black tank top, and black combat boots. My trademark red hair is loose down my back, resembling a wolf's mane. My belt holds two knives, just in case.

"Before we go, I'm going to explain what's going to happen. I'm meeting my most recent client, the gang leader Ramon Mathews, for payment for the job I did. I shouldn't get any trouble, but since I don't work for anyone in particular, I've made enemies on all sides, so there's a chance I've killed someone close to Ramon, and he wants revenge. That chance is small, but we're both prepared, just in case. Since you're with me, you won't get any trouble, but I'll do the talking. My reputation keeps people away, but you don't have one yet, so just keep close to me and you'll be fine. Also, if you want to talk, you can't use your real name, since that puts a target on your back, so either pick a fake name, or, like me, a title, since you'll be posing as my trainee."

"O-okay. I want a title, since that might be more intimidating."

"That's fine. Do you want to think of one or should I give you one?"

"I have one. I want to be called Shadow."

"Ooo that's a good one, and it fits you! Okay, Shadow, let's go."

We walk out of my apartment building and the short distance to the alley where I met Ramon a few days ago. No one's there yet, so I turn to give Isa some last advice. "You'll be fine, Shadow. It's just a business transaction, albeit an illegal one. Just let me do the talking and poke me if you feel uncomfortable."

Isa nods. "Thanks, Scarlet."

"You're welcome."

We wait in silence, until I hear footsteps. Out from the shadows comes Ramon, not wearing his hood this time. I step forward, and hear Isa do the same.

"The money," I demanded, holding out my hand. He placed a stack of bills in it, with a piece of paper on top.

"The paper is my informant's phone number. Her name's Sage. Sage Boman. She'll be expecting your call."

"Thank you. Pleasure doing business with you," I say curtly, turning to leave.

"Wait. Who's she?" Ramon stops us, pointing towards Isa.

"That's my apprentice, Shadow. I'm training her, teaching her the arts of the trade," I replied. "I'd appreciate if you didn't mention that you saw her to anyone, since she still has much to learn. If I hear any word about Shadow from anyone, you know what'll happen," I threaten, placing my hand on my knife.

"My lips are sealed," he agreed.

"Good." I turn. "Let's go, Shadow."

We walk away, and once out of sight, I practically jump for joy.

"What are you so excited about?" Isa whispers, since there's a chance we're still in hearing distance of Ramon.

"I have the number of someone who is apparently the best informant in the city," I respond giddily.

"Why do you need an informant? Aren't you a hacker?"

"A mediocre one, but the files I need aren't easy to get."

"What files do you need?"

I sigh at the question, because it makes me think about what I don't want to think about. I knew the question was coming though, and I figured telling Isa wouldn't do any harm.

"So remember how I said my parents are dead?" Isa nods. "Well, when I was 14, on March 2, someone broke into my house and murdered my whole family. My mom, my dad, and my older sister. I had snuck out to hang out with my friends, so the murderer didn't get me. I snuck back in, and found them dead. I contacted the police, but since we lived on the bad side of this city, the police didn't do much, nor did they contact child services, so I was a homeless 14 year old. A few days later, Ced found me, and took me in.

He taught me self defense, and he and I tried to find who killed my family. I had always been strong willed, and I basically vowed revenge on the murderer. They killed my family, took away my happiness. Whoever it was deserves to die. Ced decided the best way to do this would be an assassin, and I had no objections, since nothing could break me more than I had already been broken. The people I kill are bad people, in one way or another. They all deserve to die," I explain in what was supposed to be a strong voice, though it wavered slightly.

Isa nods. While I had been talking, we had gotten back to the apartment. "I'm not going to say I'm sorry because sorries are empty. I am going to do this, though," she says, surprising me when she turns around and hugs me. I freeze for a second before hugging her back, smiling slightly at her in the darkness of night.