A Novice story

[converseHacz]

This story is dedicated to all perma novices and super novices who trained without cheating(if you know what I mean). For them to reach to levels like 85 and above is an incredible feat, given their limitations in HP/SP and use of certain equips. Here it is, enjoy.
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Chapter 1: The decison

12.30pm @ Novice academy - Level 2, classroom 3

"You all came to learn about the different job classes? You know when I was young…. I was going to become the king of..Well… Answer the questions that are going to be asked and you will find out what job best suits you…HEY PEOPLE, SOME ATTENTION HERE PLEASE!!" Maki shouted over the crowd of restless recruits.

"Yeah yeah, weren't you talking about yourself just now?" shot a reply from the crowd. Instantaneously, everyone burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.

"Shut up and sit down! Anyway, to make it short and snappy, you're all gonna get tests to find out which job best suits you according to your personality. When you're finished just hand 'em to me and wait in the hallway corridor." Maki said in a firm and strong tone.

"My friends were right to ask me to switch jobs but nooooo...I had to say I love my job as a novice instructor. I swear I am going to retire after this batch graduates..."


1.05pm @ Novice academy - Level 2, hallway corridor

"Wonder what job I'm gonna get?"

"I wanna be a mage, you'll see that blasting monsters will be easy.."

Excited whispers emerged from every novice along the corridor, making the usually quiet corridor hallway a bit different as usual. Everyone gathered in their own social groups to discuss about their future jobs and job skills, while some sat around, showing neither enthusiasm nor interest at all in the coming results of the test.

"Hey Rayie! What job you think you're gonna get? I hope I get a merchant, I always wanted to deal with zeny and stuff..RAYIE!!" Erii shook the shaggy haired boy who apparently wasn't interested in her conversation.

"Ok, ok, I'll listen..just get your hands off me! Its just a stupid test, why do you even care so much?" Rayie grumbled under his breath while trying to shift his attention away from her.

"Whatever, don't you know how much it means to your future, you aren't planning on staying novice forever right? Anyway, let's go, our test results are up!" Erii said as she dragged along the ever reluctant boy towards the notice board.


1.13pm @ Novice academy - Lobby, notice board

"Omigosh, I got my dream job!"

"What, a thief?!"

"Hey move aside! I wanna see my results!"

The scene right now was no difference from a market life at the heart of Prontera. Everyone was shoving around while desperately trying to take a peek at each individual's test results which was being pinned up high on the notice board. Erii, still dragging the stubborn Rayie, made her way through the tough crowd with much effort. She strained her neck and squinted at the ink-written names and results on the piece of paper. Within seconds, Rayie and Erii got pushed out by the crowd like what had happened to the earlier 'victims'.

"I can't believe..I..I.." stuttered Erii.

"What, what, speak up girl!"

"I"M A MERCHANT!! YAY ME!!"

"Wh..ha.."

Rayie was almost deafened as Erii shouted right into the poor boy's ear. He was totally caught off-guard.


1.45pm @ Novice academy - Graduating Hall

"Blah...blah..and so I am happy that you graduated and wished you success in your future jobs and life."

With that, Maki finished his speech and bade farewell to everyone. Standing right outside the academy was a Kapra receptionist and two staffs of the Novice academy. The first one handed out novice farewell kits to everyone which consisted of some potions, herbs and equipment. The latter was in charge of collecting test result slips and warping them to their job reporting venue. The Kapra receptionist was in charge of those who had no business in wanting to follow their test result slips or those who had not made up their decison yet, as to where to go. Erii and Rayie collected their novice kits and made their way to the other staff. Erii turned to ask Rayie what job his test result got him, only to find him strolling in the direction of the kapra receptionist.

"Hey, where're you're going? Aren't you following your result slip?" She rang out admist the noisy atmosphere.

"Ahh..er..you go change to your job, I'll meet you in Prontera."

"But..but..never mind," Erii knew there was no stopping Rayie since he made up his mind. He had been like this since young. She took one last look at the boy and handed her slip to the warping staff.

"Merchant aye? You're heading towards Alberta then, good luck,"

[Ivalice.]

Oo. So this is what you were talking about. Nice.

[Trax]

Hmm, I don't really like the way you need to put the time and location. It's more confusing than helping really.

[isildur29]

actually, i like the concept of using the time to help tell the story. i like this this fic! keep it up!

[converseHacz]

@Trax : Sorry for the inconvienience but I can't change that. Just try imagining that the time and location aren't there.

@Ivalice : Hey, thanks!

@isildur29: I got that idea from somewhere, not really that original literally.

I hope you guys don't mind, this is a rather lengthy chapter for being the 2nd one >.< Also, 2 new characters have just taken a sneak introduction here, look out for them!
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Chapter 2: It all changes here (part 1)

1.48pm @ Alberta - Central city square

"Hi, welcome to Alberta, I hope you'll enjoy your stay here!"

"Uhh..you don't happen to know where a bathroom is, do you? Errp,"

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1.48pm @ Prontera - West entrance

"Well, here I am, I guess she has reached her destination, just hope she doesn't get warp-sickness,"

Earlier on, Rayie had used the Kapra receptionist's service to get to Prontera. Like others who had used the service, he had still not made up his mind on what he had wanted to be. Deep in thought, he was interrupted by a Kapra receptionist.

"Hi, welcome to Prontera, if you're interested in the job change areas available here, please consult a Prontera guide. Also, remember to sign up for your personal counter, all adventurers be it novice or another class will find it indispensable,"

"Uh, ok..I'll just look around first,"

Rayie had never seen such a majestic city before, and he was awed by the sights and scenes of lively Prontera. Merchants everywhere were displaying wares, adventurers consisting of novices and other job classes were strolling around or resting. The city was just bubbling with activity. Before long, Rayie had found himself at the South entrance of Prontera. He equipped his handy knife and stepped out of the city gates.

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2.15pm @ Alberta - Alberta Merchant's Association

"Yes, may I help you?"

"Oh yes, I'm here to register,"

"Ok, sign your name here. May I see your personal counter?"

"Huh?"

"Your personal counter? Don't tell me you haven't signed up for one yet, you must go get one, it displays your level and status and etc," Explained the Association's staff patiently.

"How come Maki has never explained this before? That's so not like him,"

"Don't worry, we'll still keep your name here until you're ready to go for the job application"

Erii pushed the creaky wooden door and stepped out once again into the busy sidewalks of Alberta once more. She felt lost seeing such a huge crowd of people. She then made her way to the personal counter application centre.

"And so..just push this button here and you're ready!"

"Thanks!" Beamed Erii as she strapped on her personal counter to her pouch.

The personal counter was indeed like what the Merchant Association's staff had explained. It displayed vital data of an individual's current stats, zeny, equipments, level and so on as the list goes..

2.35pm @ Alberta - City entrance

"User: Erii
Current Base/Job Level: 5/3
Zeny: 507
Equipment: Knife[3], Cotton Shirt, Novice Sandals, Novice Hood, Eggshell Hat, Beginner's Guard..."

Erii herself was amazed, with just a push of a button, her information practically filled the screen. Taking a deep breath, she entered into the wilderness, away from the safety of the blue and white striped city gates. As though she had just entered another dimension, the view of her surroundings exuded an aura of peacefulness. Before long, her attention had been shifted to a pink transparent blob at her feet. She picked the blob up and squealed. It was the cutest thing she had ever seen, in her excitement, she squeezed hard on the blob. The blob exploded, leaving a horrified expression on the girl's face.

"Experienced gained for base and job: 2, 1" Beeped her personal counter.

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3.00pm @ South Prontera field

"Did you hear..?"

"Potions, dead branches, get em' all right here!"

Even as Rayie exited the city of Prontera, its exterior entrances weren't spared from the ever busy numbers of adventurers. He found a shady spot under an empty tree and lied down to rest. *Drip, drip, drip. A faint dripping noise was heard, Rayie sat up immediately to look for the source. Suddenly, he realised that his shoulder was turning red..dark red.

"Yarghh!" Rayie hollered.

Finally catching his attention, a figure dressed in purplish-black clothes was seen sitting atop a tree branch. He stared at the figure, but the leaves on the tree provided a camouflage.

"Didn't your mum ever tell you its rude to stare?" The figure spoke coldly.

"Are you bleeding?" asked Rayie with fear and concern.

"What about it?" The figure answered, still retaining the same tone of voice. "I've been trying to get a heal but apparently, I scare too many acolytes and priests,"

"Are potions able to heal you then?" Rayie spoke in his normal voice now, his fear dissipated.

"..Yeah, 'cept I don't have any on me right now,"

Without a word, Rayie threw his novice kit up the tree.

"Take it, you seem to need them more than I do,"

"..Thanks," The figure finished, only this time the "cold shoulder" treatment was gone.

In a flash, the figure was gone. All that was left was Rayie's kit hanging down a branch, the potion bottles in the bag were empty. Grabbing his bag from the branch, he let out a yawn and fell asleep almost immediately.

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4.57pm @ Alberta - Central city square

"Thanks for helping, but I'm still not used to killing these things. I can't believed people actually kill them to level up," Pouted the relieved girl.

"Thank later, job change first."

"Ok, wait right here, I'll be back in a jiffy,"

5.08pm @ Alberta - Alberta Merchant's Association

"Ah, I see you're ready! Would you like to take the test now?"

Erii nodded her head.

The staff led her to a classroom, half filled with novices. Like her, they were all taking the job change test.

"Alright people, settle down. To prove that you're making a right choice, pass the test and do a small errand and you'll all be qualified merchants. You may start the moment you received your test paper,"

"Qn 1 :What do you think are some of the personalities a good merchant should have?

Erii took one look at the question and began scribbling answers confidently.

Half an hour later...

"Ok everyone, the results are out! If you see your name on the board, please report to the waiting hall to take the final test," announced one of the association's staff.

Erii searched her name and leapt in the air. Humming a happy tune, she made her way along with those who passed into the waiting hall.

6.10pm @ Alberta - Central city square

The sky had a romantic setting as Erii brought out a package with a note. Scanning the sea of people, she walked to familiar eyes.

"If I complete this, I'll be qualified!" She squealed excitedly, a habit Erii had for as long as anyone could remember.

"Congratualations! What does the package say?"

Closing in on the note for a better view, she read out the words.

"Please pass this package to Kapra receptionist Jessica, who's stationed on Byalan Island. Remember to collect the receipt and don't lose the package!"

"Let's go for a warp via Kapra"

"Hang on..WARP PORTAL! Now isn't this faster?"

Erii grinned and stepped into the mess of bright blue light, praying that this time she wouldn't get warp-sickness again..

[Ivalice.]

Wow. At least you explained the job/base level thingy, unlike other who randomly scream 'Yay job level 10!'. But you could specify it a little more.

[converseHacz]

Originally Posted by Ivalice.

Wow. At least you explained the job/base level thingy, unlike other who randomly scream 'Yay job level 10!'. But you could specify it a little more.

Suggestion taken, I'll try to improve on it but if I specify too much, you'll probably be reading a even more lengthy chapter than this one.

[Rikimtasu]

Originally Posted by converseHacz

Suggestion taken, I'll try to improve on it but if I specify too much, you'll probably be reading a even more lengthy chapter than this one.

Right,make it much longer!

[isildur29]

i tried reading again and again. but i didn't see when a priest came into the picture. i was a little confused at the last bit about the warp portal and blue light. kept thinking.. "i don't remember a priest"

gah. i'm a little slow. please bear with me.

[aldoteng]

Hey man I like it, good job!

[Ivalice.]

Originally Posted by isildur29

i tried reading again and again. but i didn't see when a priest came into the picture. i was a little confused at the last bit about the warp portal and blue light. kept thinking.. "i don't remember a priest"

gah. i'm a little slow. please bear with me.

I think teh Kapra did it.

[converseHacz]

@Rikimtasu: you asked for it! >=D

@isildur29, Ivalice.: what makes you think its a priest?

@aldoteng: Thanks, but compare to your fan-fic, mine's still lightyears away. But I'll improve on it!

I'll post either later or tomorrow (latest) because I have an 'O' level maths paper next day, gotta practise for it since my maths no good.

[wjie20]

Nice job...a 8.5/10? But was the blob a poring???i din know u can kill it by squeezing it...

[aldoteng]

Originally Posted by converseHacz

@aldoteng: Thanks, but compare to your fan-fic, mine's still lightyears away. But I'll improve on it!

I disagree, I find I have lots to learn from your writing!

[converseHacz]

@wjie20: porings are rather soft and fragile, besides, Erii was squeezing it rather hard.

@aldoteng : I'll be learning from your fan-fic too!

chapter 2 is a long one, but since suggestions asked details to be more specified, here's part 2. And those who thought the warp guy was a priest or kapra, you thought wrong.
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Chapter 2: It all changes here (part 2)

6.12pm @ Byalan Island - pier

"Hey!! I don't feel sick anymore!" Erii giggled as she walked out of the warp.

"Congratulations then, we'll be using my warp portal more often then, heh!"

"Hilarious, very funny Hiko,"

Erii and Hiko had reached Byalan Island in search of the Kapra receptionist, Jessica. Earlier on, after the "blob" incident, Erii did not like the idea of of training at all. Hiko, who was training in Alberta forest saw the forlorn girl and asked her what happened. And the rest is history.

"Oh yeah," Erii started as they made their way to the Kapra stand. "Your clothes..they look like a clothing of a certain someone I know. What job are you? And I thought only acolytes and priests are able to cast warp portal, and how come.."

"Er, why don't we just head to our destination first, then I'll start answering your questions?"

"You promised, now hurry, its getting dark! Race ya!" With that, Erii raced off.

"She can be a bit out of control sometimes..oh well, can't blame her for that since I was once in her shoes,"

6.19pm @ Byalan Island - South Byalan

Within minutes, Erii and Hiko had found the Kapra stand. Byalan Island looked like a perfect setting for a haunted scene during sunset. Every step they made forward, the salty sea air was soon replaced by fresh forest scent. A stand soon loomed into appearance.

"Erm, is anyone there?"

"Yes? How may I help you?"

"Are you Jessica?"

"Why yes, you're looking for me?" Jessica had a tinge of surprise in her voice, she normally wouldn't expect anyone to know of her name, especially since it was a first meeting.

"Here you go, I was asked to give this to you!"

"Ah, my package, it's finally here! Thanks, I'll give you a receipt!"

Jessica turned and headed to her wooden work desk. Tearing a piece of receipt slip, she carefully signed her name and wrote a message addressed to the Merchant's Association. Passing the receipt to Erii, she bade farewell to the duo as they disappeared beyond the sunset.

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7.20pm @ South Prontera field

"Snrgh..err, crap, I must have overslept,"

Finally awaken from his slumber, Rayie sat up and glanced around his surroundings. The South entrance looked entirely different from the one Rayie saw a few hours back. The place looked as though fairies had did their magic all around. The street lamps were brightly candle lit, the human traffic around had reduced but still a significant amount. The people camping around the area had mini bonfires set up and tents raised. Some wizards could be seen displaying their magic to entertain others. Near the stone path to Prontera entrance were a dancer and a bard. Rayie decided to look around a bit, he had apparently taken an interest to Prontera's warm nightlife.

"Wow.."

"Extraordinary beautiful, I've never seen combos like this,"

"So charming, the music and dance balance perfectly,"

These were comments by everyone who were captivated by the bard's and dancer's performance. The ginger long haired dancer was doing a 'Slow Grace', one of the slow and calming dances in which nothing can resist. The orange-yellow haired bard beside her was strumming his mandolin while singing the 'Song of Lutie', an extremely catchy tune originated from the Land of eternal Christmas. The two perfomances formed a harmonious combo that melted hearts. The slow beat and tempo allured every of the audience, some even had teardrops in their eyes if one looked observantly. The dancer waved her delicate arms and swung around with her transparent hung-over and the bard strung an ending beat. With that, it was over. Everyone applaused with gusto and threw coins into the sweet gents that was placed on its top in front of the couple. Some even wanted an encore, the dancer and bard held hands and did a curtsy and a bow respectively. Rayie, who was standing amongst the crowd was impressed as well. But not to the extent that he would want to go through the life of an archer to reach bard-hood. Throwing some zeny into the sweet gents, he made his way into the bright night city.

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8.00pm @ Alberta - Alberta Merchant's Association

"And from today onwards, I confer you all the title of merchants," The association staff proclaimed.

Everyone stood up and clapped for the new batch of merchants, among the graduates, Erii waved her hand at Hiko. Hiko replied with a wave back.

8.15pm @ Alberta - Central city square

Sitting at a bench, the two chatted on their thoughts.

"So..what plans do you have in mind now?" Questioned Hiko.

"Ah, I wanna head to Prontera right away, there's a certain someone I had scheduled to meet," Pausing for a moment, Erii took a glance at her personal counter and looked up again. "Is this thing able to contact people?"

"Hmm, it should be funtional now. The personal counter has a newly implemented private messenging (or PM) system that allows one to contact another without meeting face to face. Just key in the name you want to contact, and speak into the recorder. It will convert voice sound waves into a message to be sent," Hiko answered while scratching his forehead.

Punching a few buttons, Erii spoke into the recorder.

"There is no such name or the user has not registered "

"Guess the person you want to contact hasn't registered a personal counter yet," Hiko broke the silence as he saw the flashing words on the screen.

"Never mind, that is so like him. He will get it from me eventually," Erii fumed in a comical manner.

"Better not mess with her, girls are dangerous when they're angry," Hiko reminded himself.

"Wouldn't you like to see your merchant skill tree instead?"

"Oh, ok! I heard merchants get a pushcart, I can't wait to get my very own. I'll put potions, dolls.." Erii spoke excitedly in a different voice, way different from earlier on that is.

"Must be especially wary of ones like this," Hiko made another mental note to self.

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9.07pm @ Prontera - Prontera Kapra branch

"Ah-htchoo!"

"Somehow, I get the feeling that someone's talking about me, must be that bigmouth.."

Walking into the Kapra centre, he could see people strolling in and out. They were probably in there to do their business. After all, the Kapra Corp. is famous for their storage system, information check , and managing of save points. Rayie decided to enter because he was told that he could get his personal counter here. Not paying attention to where he was going, he bumped hard into a body.

"Wha-t the?!" Came a gruff male voice as the body Rayie collided with fell to the ground. Likewise, Rayie fell to the floor with recoil. Rayie took a glimpse at the body he collided with, it was a well-built orange haired hunter. The hunter was not a very exactly happy person right now.

"Hey punk," he spoke rudely. "You don't look where you walk, do ya?"

"I'm sorry ok, there's no need to get all macho about it,"

"I ain't very satisfied with you right now, give me your zeny and I'll forget about it," The hunter demanded unreasonably.

"In your face," Rayie muttered without fear.

The hunter's face had turned a shade of darker red. Taking his bow and pulling the arrow out from his quiver, he took a deadly aim at Rayie.

"This won't hurt..me," His grin curved.

The commotion had attracted people to see what was going on. Everyone gasped at what was in store for the young novice. Letting go , the hunter's arrow made a sharp swishing noise and flew towards Rayie at unstoppable speed..

[Rikimtasu]

Nice change,it make the fic much better~

[aldoteng]

Hmm I didn't notice any change? It's a cool as always.

[Ivalice.]

Excellent job.

[Knifemare]

Can't.. stop.. reading..

[Doober.Gooch]

Interesting! I'll be following this..

[converseHacz]

Its chapter 3 finally after long specific chapters of 1 and 2(especially 2).
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Chapter 3: Speed trap

9.09pm @ Prontera - Prontera Kapra branch

A few women fainted. Gasps from the Kapra branch filled the air. The young novice closed his eyes and prepared for the worst...

"S-ching!"

Everyone huddled in fear, all too afraid to even peek. Rayie opened his eyes, he looked at his chest and felt all over with his shivering hands. No wounds, no blood, no arrow..?

"Hey, look at that!" A shrill female voice of an acolyte broke the atmosphere of fear.

Everyone, including Rayie saw what the acolyte was referring at. Strangely, the arrow had stopped in mid air, still shaking a little from the impact when it was being released by the hunter's bow. What was most puzzling was that no one was holding it, just an invisible presence.

"Sight!!" A wizard stepped out and casted a swirling flame that revovled around him.

The harmless but incandescent flame revealed a figure, an assassin to be precise. Judging by the assassin's slim figure, everyone could tell it was a female. The hunter however was in no mood to be surprised by such a 'common' child's play. It was in fact undeniable that one of an assassin's forte were sneak attacks, katar mastery and the well-versed knowledge of all poisons. But the hunter was too incensed to even care about that as the 'busybody' had grabbed the arrow that was meant for the novice. There was no need for words as he dug into his quiver to pull out multiple arrows to prepare another shot...at both the assassin and the novice.

"Cr-ack!"

Before the hunter even had a chance to take aim, he felt a cold metallic sensation at the back of his neck. He shifted his eyes to meet eyes with his
assailant. All he got was a stare..a stare of a killer. He shifted his eyes again to where Rayie was standing. The assassin was not there. And the arrow she was holding earlier on had been broke into two pieces, a clean flawless cut.

He gulped and growled, "You wouldn't dare,"

The figure replied in a voice that sent chills down one's spine, "It's my job to kill. What makes you think that I dare not to kill you right here, right now in front of these people? Or do you want your head to be like that arrow?"

With that, she dug the metal object closer and deeper. The hunter felt warm liquid streaming down his neck. Desperate, he surrendered.

"Now apologize," She commanded.

Like a servant to a master, he did as he was told without any further probing. He walked to Rayie and bowed down his head and apologized in a solemn tone.

"Now get out of here before I decide to change my mind," The female assassin calmy spoke, but still retaining that composure of a cold-blooded person.

The hunter, defeated, picked himself up and walked out of the Kapra centre without further ado. Everyone who had been watching the entire episode hushed and spoke among themselves, all eyes were one the 'heroine', the one who was notorious for killing with no mercy, the shadow of the night. Rayie did not know how to react, his legs were stiff and words were trapped in his mouth. The assassin walked over to the counter and asked the shivering Kapra receptionist for a personal counter with the information of the novice, the one she tunred her eyes to. The Kapra girl, still in fear, adjusted a few bits and pieces and passed a metallic device over to her.

"Don't worry, I don't bite," She spoke to the blonde Kapra receptionist as she grabbed the device.

Still whispering among themselves, The assassin paid no attention of what was happening all around her, grabbed the stunned Rayie and walked out of the centre. Within minutes, the centre was as busy and lively as usual, as if nothing had ever happened

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9.13pm @ Prontera - sidewalk

"Do I know you?"

After much moments, Rayie finally found his mouth to be in working condition again. Questions spewed out of his mouth, why did she do that, did he know her, and so on. She turned back and a metallic device came flying towards Rayie. Rayie, who was not prepared by such a sudden reaction, fell to ground in bid to cushion his personal counter.

"It's what I do best, repaying a favour. Now we're even,"

"Huh? When did you owe me anything?" Inquired the confused novice.

Without a word, she threw an empty potion bottle in front of the novice.

"Does this ring a bell?" She asked, while looking straight at him.

As if in a trance, the boy went into a sitting position and took out his novice kit. He peered into his bag and then at the empty potion bottle. Something suddenly jolted into his memories.

"You're that figure on that tree earlier on!"

"Well, we all can't be fast can't we," The assassin stated as-a-matter-of-factly.

"What's your name?" Rayie asked, suddenly more interested about his benefactor.

She stared morbidly at him, her thoughts suddenly paused for a second. Her thick black scarf swished gently in the wind as she pondered her answer...

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"...What's your name?"

"I..my name?"

The girl had dreaded that question, the truth is, she never knew her past, where she belonged. In the harsh deserts of Morroc, that's how life were for kids like her. Homeless. Starving. But at least the more fortunate ones had a name. Was a name even important? What was the meaning in having one. She cringed at the thought.

Years passed, leading a desolate life without love or being loved, she matured fast. The rule was grim but simple - 'survival of the fittest'. She mastered battle skills on her own. Talented, she was soon recruited into the notorious Assassin's Guild, reputed to be one of the most dreaded professions. Their job was simple - assassinate. With people like her in the Guild, devoid of all emotions, killing seemed easy enough. The Guild trained her and she learnt well. She turnt out to be the top assassin with excellent skills. Stealth, wide knowledge on the array of poisons ever known to the world, as well as having the reputation of speed, surpassing even her seniors and masters. She led the nickname 'Speed trap', she indeed was the ideal assassin.

Being a female, this fact often lets down the guard of her opponents. Her double fatatlity on stealth and speed often showed who had the last laugh. To date, her number of victims had piled up to an uncountable amount. Even she herself had lost count. Her rule of 'not letting the mouth do all the talking' proved useful. That was how she took down the toughest of all with just a snap of a finger. Her toughest victim so far was an unnamed lord knight whom she was assigned to assassinate.

She was not exactly sure how it just began like that. While she was injured, no one cared. No one except the novice. Something she used to thought of as destestable and had absolutely no place in the world had found its way into her heart. She could not fight this incredible force despite her experiences in never to hold back to others. This force seemed to have soothed the savage storm in her heart. This familiar force she used to know as 'love'....

How was she to answer his question now? One that she had avoided repeatedly from young. Not even her seniors or her masters back at the Guild knew what her name was. She was a total enigma, she was only known by her nickname. This uncontrollable urge, she could not with hold. It was the urge to let the world know of her presence, so she could be loved..and understand more about this special emotion. Tears welled up at her eyes at this very wish, she was shocked.

"I..I cried," She thought to herself in disbelief.

She was astounded, her hardened heart, it was melting. It was accepting..and wanting 'love'

The boy kept very silent. He cursed himself as he probably just asked a question that was not supposed to be answered. He did not see the shining tears at her face, however. They were hidden from view by her long fringe. Within the darkness on a moonless night, they were further camouflaged.

She lunged forward and did something she never thought she would have done. Her emotions had taken control now. She was hugging the novice, who was extremely surprised at her sudden action.

"Thank you," She whispered gratefully.

Rayie was taken aback, but he just hugged her without saying anything. It felt good, she finally knew how good the emotion 'love' was. Words failed her..

[aldoteng]

I love this scene. It's certainly making me wait to see what happens next.

[Knifemare]

More.. MORE!!!

[isildur29]

i remember the reaction when Dot, Shadow, Myth, Rahu and the other readers of my fic read about an Assassin crying.

i believe the words were "shame on you"

hahahahah joking
really liked this one, especially the bit where the Assassin's life story is detailed... mmmm..... keep it up!

[converseHacz]

@isildur29 : Really! I didn't know about it, but an assassin crying seem rather interesting. People always think of them to be heartless. But look around the fan-fic section and you'll see more and more fics about assassins having other emotions.

@everyone : Chapter 4 may be delayed a bit cause I still have to study for my exams, the next update will be probably around next thursday or so.