[A/N] So, some background information so I don't confuse everyone:
Ahiru is an assassin working for Mytho. In no way do I claim that Ahiru is at all like an actual assassin. However, this is my interpretation of what she would be like if an impressionable Ahiru (much like the one we know) had been persuaded to join the 'dark side' by a charming yet evil Mytho. She wouldn't stop to think about what she was doing because of her childlike love and admiration for him.
There is a lot of scheming going on in this fic. Meaning, almost everyone has secret plans, most of which will be unveiled as we go. Try to guess the plot twists as they come - that should be entertaining - and let me know what you think is going to happen.
Also, if you can stick with me until the end, Fakiru is going to happen. I promise.
Chapter 1: The Innocent Killer
The dark night hid her small, lithe figure behind the building she knew he would walk by in moments. She drew another easy breath, having practiced this several times and knowing she could not fail. Tucking an orange-colored strand of hair behind her ear, she shifted the weapon expertly in her grip. The footsteps were coming closer, and this would be her chance.
His slender shadow approached, obscuring the light from the street lamps that reflected on puddles. Finally, he passed her hiding place.
"BOOM!" She said, just loud enough for him to hear, her loaded pistol aimed at his defenseless back. "If I were an assassin, you'd be dead."
The young man turned around, half-smiling, long strands of hair hanging over his eyes. His hands rested in the pockets of his long black coat. "Ahiru, you are an assassin."
"Well, if I was one out to kill you, that is."
He paused, folding his wiry arms. "Forgive me for being caught unawares at our rendezvous."
"It's your own life we're talking about."
"And yours." Suddenly, he had lunged forward, and a silver dagger was now at her cheekbone. Skillfully, he had managed to hide it from view with his hand, yet she didn't have to look down to know what it was from that jagged edge.
Ahiru jerked away, laughing. "You should feel lucky you're my partner-in-crime. I'd have killed you before that knife touched me."
"True, true. Knives are rather messy, and you know my preferred method."
"Mmm. What would've I done if I hadn't met you?"
"Let's be blunt; you would have led a worthless life as a dancer." He said teasingly. "But I saw your true potential. You look so innocent that hardly anyone would ever suspect you of anything."
"What are you talking about? I am innocent!" Ahiru answered, stressing the word innocent.
"Of course. Just as innocent as you look, darling." They exchanged a light kiss, her fingers weaving through his feathery pure white hair playfully.
"So? What did you want to tell me, dearest?" Ahiru asked.
His words became almost inaudible. "You have a new target. Our client is particularly high-ranking—the reward is huge—and the target must die without any suspicion on the part of anyone. It will take a great deal of planning before we're able to execute the operation."
"How exciting!" Ahiru returned, her childish joy almost tangible. "What we do is truly an art. There's not just the killing…but making it look like happenstance is part of the fun!"
She tilted her head slightly. "Is it alright if we simply make the murder untraceable? Like we did with the florist? It wasn't much trouble, and for all purposes no one could tell who it was."
"This is not a simple murder." His violet eyes became stone-cold. "I don't think you understand. It will be highly difficult…like I said…no suspicion. From anyone. We can leave no question unanswered, no loose end that might give cause for doubt. It must appear to be a regrettable calamity, but one that occurred because of bad timing."
"I'm sorry." She answered, blue eyes wide and unassuminng.
He sighed. "You must be more careful. Sometimes, I think you're too young for this."
"No! I'm almost twenty! Not that much younger than you!" Ahiru answered indignantly.
"Do you doubt me?" He asked dangerously.
"Never! I've always trusted you." Ahiru answered. "You made me into what I am now."
"Then you'll trust me when I say that you will fail on this mission if you do not tread with utmost caution. Yes, our last operations have all been successful, but that one at the opera almost went terribly wrong. This one…if we can pull this off, the implications will be enormous."
"I will do everything I can."
"Tonight, I will only give you his name. We can meet later to discuss the details."
Her smile was radiant, although only the faint contours of her face were visible in the dim light of the streetlamps. "All right. Give me his name."
"Fakir Strauss."
