Nineteen Years Ago – October 20th

Gripping the wooden bars of the crib that enclosed the tiny twin forms of her younger cousins Psyche felt as she grinned. It was a big grin that revealed pearly white teeth, as well as the missing canine that the tooth fairy had reclaimed just four nights ago.

Psyche pressed her face between the bars, wanting an even closer look at the squishy things that were soundly sleeping. It was the first time she had seen a newborn baby – let alone two! Even though they were already ten days old, it was exciting to picture playing with them, laughing with them, eventually.

As she watched, the baby dressed in soft pink opened her dark eyes to spot Psyche, who grinned even wider and started to push her arm through the bars so the baby could grasp her finger. Unfortunately the baby girl, at seeing an unfamiliar face looming close, opened her mouth and let out a loud cry. It awoke the boy. He was dressed in a blue onesie, and he too let out a wail, unhappy that his sister had roused him.

Their cries had only just begun when the door behind Psyche was pushed open and the nannies bustled in. The two women, both well into their forties and very likely mothers themselves, moved immediately towards the crib, tutting all the while. One immediately picked up the boy dressed in blue, cradling him soothingly, when the other finally caught sight of six year old Psyche. She promptly ushered Psyche out of the nursery with nary a word, closing the door behind the girl.

Unhappy that she could not have more time alone with her newly born cousins Psyche sulkingly made her way down the carpeted hallway and out into the gardens. Her father was busy with her uncle, and Psyche didn't have fondness enough for her aunt to willingly spend time with the woman, so that only left the option of Psyche to amuse herself until she could go back home.

Maybe when they're a little older the three of us can play together, Psyche cheerily pondered, a happy skip entering her step when she found herself out of doors.

Surrounded by green lawn, yellow sunshine, and clean country air, Psyche's grin returned.


~X~


Seven Years Ago – March 21st

It was the first of many out-of-doors parties my family would once more host over the course of the spring, summer, and even fall season. Standing out on the manicured green lawn, which was large enough to comfortably allow hundreds of guests to mill around yet still retain a wide berth from any garden edge and beneath the cloud spotted twilight, was I. As always a common doll used as an accessory for my mother to tote around.

I was standing quietly one step behind mother and immediately to her right in the ankle length pearl satin dress that had an aquamarine ribbon tied below the breast line. A matching ribbon was in my hair, used to keep the gently curled brunette locks out of my eyes. Not that I felt such a ribbon was necessary; mother had instructed the woman who had styled my hair to make absolutely sure my hair wouldn't be ruined during the party.

Truly a doll in every sense. At least a real doll however has no awareness that it was a tool being used for another's gain or enjoyment.

My silver flats made a noise as I shifted my feet, fleetingly drawing the attention of my mother. She said nothing however, only giving me a silent reprimand from a glance out of the corner of her eye. Instantly I stilled my feet and reaffixed a charming smile on my lips. Mother's gaze returned to the woman in front of her that she had never stopped speaking to.

Despite my own protests at my attire I could not argue the fact that my mother was a fashion expert. Not only was my outfit chosen with meticulous thought, but it was coordinated to perfectly match the remaining three members of my immediate family.

Mother had clothed herself in a sleeveless aquamarine mermaid tail gown, her neck collared in white pearls and more dangling from her ears and wrists. The deep brown hair, which was my inheritance from her DNA, was collected into a complex style (laced with more pearls) that I could not dream of deconstructing. Not that I would even try.

With a small turn of my head, and the luck of people moving to give me a clear view, I spotted the backs of my father and brother. The first I knew was dressed in a classical black suit, pearl cufflinks, an aquamarine necktie and pocket square, though the lasts I could not see at the moment. Their backs were shielding whoever father was talking with. Chieko, who was hovering just behind my father, seemed to be growing restless too. I watched his black leather shoes shift before he turned his head, presumably to search me out.

Although we were twins Chieko was the only one who would inherit my father's position. He was already being groomed, despite the two of us aware that he detested all of this.

Waiting until his head was turned in my direction I took in the sight of my brother dressed handsomely in a two tone suit, the outfit which was the pinnacle of tying us together; a pearl satin suit jacket over an aquamarine dyed button down shirt and midnight black dress pants.

His body twisted more when he finally spotted me beside mother and I noticed first the aquamarine colored pocket square and second his overjoyed smile. I returned the smile, giving the tiniest of nods before straightening and catching the tail end of mother's sentence,

"-lent work on the gardens and such. Perhaps I shall give you his number, you were complaining about your own gardener not too long ago, were you not dear?" Mother paused in a show of allowing the other woman to either confirm or deny her statement.

Instead, I broke in. "Excuse me mother," a tad too hastily I think, "should I freshen your drink?" My smile remained in place although I knew it was the most idiotic thing I could have said. Waiters were constantly moving around for the adults, a table was set up for the children, but I grasped whatever excuse I could to leave.

Mother's lips thinned as a displeased look entered her light brown eyes when she looked sideways at me but allowed none to enter her tone as she sweetly dismissed me, waving her hand offhandedly.

"A wonderful idea sweetie, but don't forget to fetch one for yourself now," mother's attention flickered to the other woman in a show of hospitality; probably about to ask if I could fetch her a drink as well, but I was gone before mother could even voice the question. That would have been mother's way of ensuring I returned before too long, but I was sick of this party.

I weaved my way across the lawn until I was sneaking up behind my male relatives. The only one to see my approach was an unfamiliar young man with the reddest hair I had ever seen. He was smiling politely and nodding every few seconds as my father talked. The only time when he allowed his strangely yellow eyes to stray away from my father, happening to land on me, I raised a finger to my lips. I was silently asking him to ignore me. Apparently he agreed because his smile broadened, seeming to become more amused and he switched his glass to his opposite hand, the first disappearing into his pants pocket.

Gently I pulled at Chieko's sleeve.

As the two of us stepped away I looked back over my shoulder at the red head. Something in my belly seemed to shift and I felt uneasy, the feeling growing when I was met with those yellow eyes again.

I tried to shrug it away as simply meeting someone new. These parties were my father's way of asserting the fact that we were the most powerful family on the continent (or so my father boasted). Frankly I found them a nuisance, but as I was only eleven my parents ignored my protests and occasional tantrums.

As my brother and I took the roundabout way to the solid glass wall with the triple wide doors (that we slide open for easy access to the house during parties such as this) Chieko and I spotted a few of the other mafia's children. Of course we weren't the only children trapped in endless boredom but due to the others being warned away by their parents, none approached us. It was of no matter. Chieko and I had entertained ourselves for years with no one else to play with, except on occasions where our older cousin was present. It was better this way, I sometimes thought, why would I want to play with other children anyways? Chieko was the only one I needed in my life.

Finally the open doorway came into view and we broke into an excited run. I picked up the hem of my gown so I wouldn't trip and raced my brother through the empty, echoing hallways of the estate and up to his bedroom located on the second floor.


~X~


Seven Years Ago - May

"Come on nii-chan!" Nine year old Misora Miyake raced down the corridor in a bright blue and pink nightgown, calling over her shoulder, "Catch me!" as her faded black hair, tied in twin tails, streamed out behind her and her beloved bear, Mr. Teddy, was grasped tightly in one hand.

"Misa-chan's too quick for me," Hisoka pretended to pant; doubling over as though he was winded from the chase. Red hair fell forward and as he straightened one hand was ran through it to resettle the strands out of his eyes. Typically Hisoka would gel his hair back but, had he done so tonight, his aunt and uncle would have scolded him. His uncle was especially strict when it came to appearances, which was understandable considering his high ranking position.

As the head of the second largest mafia group on the continent, the Miyake's, Hisoka's uncle had a great reputation to uphold. In truth their family's power was nearly equal to that of the Dauphine's influence. And if Hisoka knew his uncle like he believed he did, Hisoka knew the older man was planning on using Misora to close the gap between their families. Namely, he would try (if he has not already) to arrange a marriage between his adorable little cousin and the Dauphine boy – Chieko, he recalled after a moment's thought.

Hisoka had been unofficially introduced to both the boy and his sister at a previously held party on the Dauphine's estate when his uncle had taken him along. From what little the magician had seen of the boy he did not necessarily disapprove of the match, however-

"Nii~chan!" Hisoka grunted as a small body latched onto his back, Mr. Teddy dangling over his shoulder, and quelling his initial instinct to throw her off. Misora seemed to enjoy playing some very dangerous games. "Looks like I caught you instead nii-chan," she giggled before nestling her head against Hisoka's shoulder and tightened her hold.

The two had been playing all day and it finally seemed to have worn her out enough to want to sleep, so Hisoka carried her to her bedroom that was farther down the hallway.

Settling his little cousin on her mattress and pulling the covers up to her chin Hisoka smiled just a little. Misora opened an eye, one hand escaping from the sheets to catch his wrist before he could step away.

"Ne, nii-chan," she whispered, struggling to stay awake just this one minute more, "Will mama and papa come home tonight?"

"Of course, Misa-chan. They always come home, you know that." He tweaked her nose and she gave a sleepy smile in response.

"Okay nii-chan, nighty-night." Misora burrowed deeper beneath her covers, closing her eyes and anticipating her cousin's customary reply.

"Don't let the bed bugs bite," Hisoka cooed into her ear before pecking her cheek. He paused in the doorway, laying one hand on the frame, but did not look back. Softly Hisoka shut the door.


That same night his aunt and uncle, Misora's parents, were killed. They had been taken out by a single bullet each, to the temple and throat respectively.

The hit had been ordered by the Dauphine family. The gun man was easily found shortly after Hisoka had gotten word. It was not hard to catch a killer when you yourself were one (and if you knew where to look). As an experienced professional he had uttered nothing incriminating, even as Hisoka threateningly held a sharpened card to his carotid, but spying the deep green Celtic knot encircling a D tattoo on the man's wrist was a dead giveaway.

Since the Dauphine's had taken away his Misa's future, Hisoka felt obligated to return the gesture and take away theirs. It was Hammurabi's Code after all.


~X~


Seven Years Ago - October 10th

Alone in her spacious ground floor bedroom, pacing from her door to the solid wall of glass that opened into a small isolated courtyard (and thereby giving her privacy from the people who attended her family's numerous outdoor parties in the main yard) was Chiara Dauphine as she anxiously awaited the arrival of her brother. Already dressed and knowing the party was in full swing in another wing of the house, Chiara's thoughts turned to what caused her stomach to flip in anticipation.

Her brother, Chieko, had told her earlier that he would personally escort her to their birthday party and that he would also be bringing her a special present. Something he wanted to give her without their parents being there. Chiara again allowed her thoughts to roam as she wondered what it could possibly be. Her brother always got her the best presents.

Just as Chiara turned away from the transparent wall to make another loop, the door to her room opened to reveal a boy with identical features. She raced across the floor to embrace Chieko.

Looking down in to the eyes of his adoring younger twin, Chieko couldn't help but feel happiness swell in his chest. He just knew this year's present would be the best one yet. He had been jittery all day and now his patience was finally going to pay off… he hoped. As well as he knew his twin he was still nervous to see her reaction.

"Are you ready sister?" Chieko asked, trying to quell his joy and nerves as he dipped his left hand into his pocket, feeling the velvet covered box he had hidden there.

Chiara's own emotions were swimming thickly in her throat. She managed only to give her brother a bright smile as she enthusiastically nodded her head.

"Then close your eyes," Chieko ordered. His twin obeyed without question, trusting him in a way he knew she trusted no one else. The two of them had always relied on one another throughout their lives, trusting the other inexplicably to the point that they were suspicious of anyone else, including their own parents. Pulling the box out Chieko placed it gently in Chiara's hand, curling her fingers around the rounded corners before stepping away with a satisfied smile. He just knew this was going to be perfect. "Okay, open your eyes."

Chiara sucked in her breath when she caught sight of the box and with trembling fingers slowly drew open the lid to reveal the most beautiful necklace she had ever spied. The delicate silver chain stood out brightly against the black velvet that cushioned it, but what really held her attention was the oval pendent nestled in the center. Engraved on the pendent was an intricate Celtic knot that circled a capital D.

Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes just before she threw herself into Chieko's arms again, crying, "It's beautiful brother! It's perfect! Thank you!"

Feeling as happy as his twin, Chieko returned the hug. It always amazed him how happy he could be just by being able to make Chiara happy; it was like her happiness was linked to his own. He never wanted to see her cry in pain, never wanted her to know a moment of sadness… but life was life and even at their young age he knew she wouldn't always be able to smile. All Chieko wanted then was to be able to hold her like this and comfort her.

But those were unhappy thoughts when he should be focusing on what lay ahead. Tonight was their night. It was their birthday.

Gently pulling away he gave Chiara a crooked grin. "Well sister shall we go show our faces? It would be terribly rude if we didn't you know."

Chiara wiped her eyes and laughed, "Yeah, but first help me put this on. I want to wear it right now."

"Anything for my cute little sister," he stepped forward to take the box from her hands and smiled when Chiara gave a happy squeal. Chieko brushed his fingers through his sister's hair just before he stepped away. Chiara turned to him, the new pendent resting just above the valley of her soon to develop breasts, and could not help but lovingly stroke the silver.

She allowed her twin to take her arm and lead her from her bedroom, towards the grand ballroom where their guests were. Tonight was going to be perfect, Chiara just knew it. With her brother beside her and her newest, already most beloved, necklace around her throat nothing could ruin this night.


Excitement and whispered conversations spiked throughout the large ornate ballroom, teeming with fabulously dressed women and conservative men as the grand wooden doors opened. The exquisitely carved wood slowly revealed the two for whom the partied honored.

Chieko Dauphine – the boy who would inherit all his family's estates, wealth, and influence – turned twelve years old today, as did his twin sister Chiara. The two looked stunning side-by-side but they still only showed hints of their not yet fully matured beauty. The boy's short brown hair was brushed back out of the way of his darker brown eyes, which overflowed with good cheer. He knew, just as his sister did, that for this one time a year the party was theirs. It was their night, their spotlight. And though Chiara knew it was really more for her brother than for her, she was still jubilant to be able to stand beside him in this moment.

Chiara was radiant in a ruby red peplos styled gown, with a simple black braided belt to show the beginning bud of her hips. Chiara's own, longer, brown hair had been deeply curled for the occasion though it had remained free of any constraints and framed her smiling face.

They were fully surrounded by the throng of adults who wished to congratulate the pair, although every child who had been present took the opportunity to slip out of sight. There was only one person the twins wanted to see anyways. The burgundy haired woman in question, a drink held high to avoid spilling a drop on her forest green cocktail dress, pushed her way to the center of the crowd. A grin so wide it threatened to crack her face was already in place and without a moment's hesitation she wrapped her free arm around the shoulders of the younger twin, laying a loving kiss on her cheek before turning to the boy and doing the same to him.

"Happy birthday you two," Psyche sang, waving around her still aloft drink and trying to maintain her balance in her high heeled shoes. Chiara laughed while Chieko tried to detangle himself from the embrace of his apparently intoxicated cousin.

"How much have you had to drink already?" Chiara asked with a scrunched nose, trying to sound offended by her cousin's behaviour though the effect was ruined when a giggle slipped through.

Psyche staggered sideways and had to grip Chieko's arm before she righted herself and replied, "Not… a lot. Maybe one… or three, six glasses." Her words were halting; the twins were surprised they came out coherent. Psyche may have been drunk but she wasn't slurring her words as of yet. The evening is still young though, they thought.

A short time, and a couple of hugs, later Psyche left her cousins to the other guests so they could enjoy themselves as she made for the buffet table; she needed to sober up before her father caught her. He and her Uncle Niall (Chieko and Chiara's father) would conclude their meeting soon. Psyche cringed, openly thinking about how her father would react if he smelled alcohol on her breath.

When Chiara saw the older girl disappear she felt a little twinge of sadness. The two never spent much time together anymore, but she just assumed it was because Psyche was seventeen now. A young woman, while Chiara was still considered a little girl. Shrugging away the negative feelings Chiara turned to smile at her brother. It's our night, she thought, and accepted Chieko's outstretched hand.

He led his sister forward, the adults who still hung around parting for them, and he stopped only when they were in position for the next dance. As if on cue the musicians started up and Chieko led his twin with ease through the steps of that song and the following one.

The second song was drawing to a close, and Chieko was just starting to dip Chiara low (like all the older couples were doing) when she thought she caught sight of flaming red from the corner of her eye. She briefly wondered who the redhead was but as the final notes faded away and her brother righted her, Chiara brushed it aside and laughed. The action brought to her attention how parched she was.

Chiara excused herself from her twin, understanding it was time to allow someone else to dance with him; though no children their age attended their company, the older women, and occasionally one a few years older than them, vied for Chieko's attention. The reason being, Chiara surmised, was probably divided between trying to carry his favor (for when he takes over after their father) and his good looks. Siblings or not Chiara admitted her brother was handsome, and with age he would look even better.

Looking around for a tray-carrying waiter, Chiara stepped back in surprise when a hand appeared before her nose holding a flute glass of bubbling champagne. The step brought her back to rest against a strong chest and Chiara peered over her shoulder to see the redhead she had glimpsed earlier. Unfortunately with his bulk behind her and his arm crooked around her neck Chiara had no means of gaining distance. She was trapped.


Psyche repressed a grimace as the ice cold water cleared away the rest of her fogginess. Sober as a new born colt, it was difficult for the teen to keep her smile in place. Fancy social events like this were something Psyche tried to avoid on principle but the older she got the more of them her father dragged her to it seemed.

At least I saw my adorable cousins, Psyche thought with fondness as she spotted Chieko dancing with an older woman, I wonder if the brat is here too.

Psyche quickly scanned the crowd for her other uncle and his son, her last cousin. Three years younger than the twins, Daniel was still shy at large gatherings but it was obvious he was developing a huge ego regardless. She disliked the brat, but since he was her father's younger brother's son Psyche kept her mouth shut on the matter. Especially around her Aunt Gretchen, her father's older sister, who could act like she cared about Psyche (and maybe somewhere in her tiny heart she did on occasion) but born, bred, and married to a mafia man, and her younger brothers running their own operations… there was nothing more important to that woman than blood family. So Psyche just thought to save herself the headache and simply left the insults where they belonged; inside her mind, lest she inadvertently insult her father or aunt and make her life akin to hell.

Not seeing them immediately Psyche sighed in relief, her shoulders slumping before she straightened again. Maybe it was because of all the changes in her life, but it seemed that being around her family felt differently nowadays. Especially tonight, Psyche just felt as though she wanted to go home as soon as possible.

Shaking her head she downed the rest of her water.


Chiara swallowed as she saw the red haired man behind her, cautious about what he intended. The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled, that expression sending a ripple of apprehension down her spine.

"Happy birthday Chia-chan, you look so enticing when you dance," his voice was low, every word breathing against her ear. Color rose in Chiara's cheeks, half in embarrassment at their close proximity and the other in anger when his words penetrated her consciousness.

"Chia-chan," she hissed before forcefully shoving his arm from her face, uncaring that the glass was shattering against the stone floor causing the nearby guests to look at them, and spinning to face the unknown man, "I don't know who you think you are but my name is Chiara, Chiara Dauphine and you should respect my family's name. Now, who are you?"

Amusement shimmering in strange golden eyes, he straightened his posture long enough to lay his hand to his heart and bowed deeply from the waist. "My sincerest apologies, my lady," he said without a hint of mockery, raising only his head to stare into her brown eyes, "My name is Hisoka and I am an acclaimed magician." He produced from his other hand as he returned to his full standing height, a red rose bud. Hisoka presented the flower to Chiara, who accepted it with reservation and tentatively smelled the not yet fragrant petals.

In the face of such gentlemanliness Chiara felt a flush of foolishness for reacting so defensively, but there was still a trace of something about Hisoka that unsettled her.

"I-it's nice to make your acquaintance… Hisoka," Chiara slowly said his name, tasting the strange syllables as they flowed off her tongue.

Hisoka slowly closed his eyes, savoring that wonderful sound. But even more, he anticipated hearing his name spoken with a different tone… however that prize would only be claimed later in the night. First,

"Would my Lady Chiara honor me with a dance?"

Her eyes darted to the still shattered glassware, swallowing before she spoke, "Actually, I was thinking of taking a break from dancing, for now."

"Perhaps later then," Hisoka too glanced at the floor before he turned and disappeared to mingle. A sense of disappointment filled Chiara before she brutally squashed it. Why should she feel anything for a man she had briefly met? Instead she turned her mind to her original quest and went in search of a beverage, hoping this one could reach her lips before it did the floor.


Ria: *awkward wave* Geez, it's been so long since I posted an actual chapter on this site that I don't really know what to say. Um... this story was originally called Hollow Target and I will be using a lot from the original story line, but I felt the title needed to be changed so...yeah. There are going to be a lot of OCs, though I will try to incorporate as many Canon as I can.

This is Part 1/3 for the prologue... if I waited until all three parts were typed it would probably be somewhere around 12 000 words if not more so I'm posting now just to get a general feel. I will be aiming for posting maybe once or twice a month, depending on how much writing I can get done in between classes.

My thanks go out to Charlie-the-Spider for taking on being my beta for the duration of this story. Like always, I enjoy hearing readers' thoughts on the chapter(s) so please review, review, review! And I think that just about covers everything. Bye for now!