I haven't written fanfiction for years, but recently rediscovered this site again. Ah happy memories. Anyways, I'll try to update as regularly as possible, but im pretty busy with uni. I hope you enjoy this, and please review (but be kind) i want to know what you think of my writing. Discworld and all characters belong to the superbly talented Terry Pratchett. Other characters belong to me.
Chapter 1: A New Home
Beck stared up at the large, airy building with blank, dull eyes. In her hand, she clutched what little remained of her life. She knew why they'd come looking for her, of course, why wouldn't they? What fantastic genes she had. Such a shame she was born female...
Her father had been Lord Helio Gregor, the greatest assassin in over three hundred years. Her mother, who had died rather surprisingly in childbirth, had been Lady Farah Maccy, the most brilliant female assassin to enter the establishment, and the only one with the talent to challenge Helio. They were both disgustingly rich, and had instantly hated one another, recognising a worthy opponent. This was why it was so surprising when, shortly after graduating, they married. Word of Helio's deep grief of his wife's passing, and their only child a girl, passed quickly. He wasted the family fortune on alcohol and gambling. Beck had raised herself, and grown cold and distant, exactly the temperament needed to kill complete strangers. Her father had died when she was seven, leaving her alone and homeless. She foraged a living by nicking scraps and sheltering in her large, empty house. She had been more than surprised when Dr. Cruces had arrived at her front door, offering her a scholarship to his school of Assassins. Beck accepted, knowing it was the only way out of the rut she called a life...
And now here she was, a lone twelve year old girl completely outnumbered by the tall lanky boys. She didn't fear boys, she'd seen much worse. She didn't fear the loneliness she knew she'd have to face. She knew all to well about loneliness, about the darkness creeping up on the mind...
"Look mates, a little girl."a high voice sneered. Beck ignored the voice and entered the gates, holding her head high.
"Hey, girly, don't walk away from me."the voice said angrily."You should respect your betters."a hand grabbed her shoulder and spun her around, sending her brown plait flying. A nasty pointed face glared at her, his grey eyes studying her face.
"You're quite a pretty little girl, aren't you?"Beck shook off his hand.
"I respect my better enough to know not to affiliate myself with scum like you!"she snarled."Leave me alone, boy." his face darkened and he grabbed her arm. The whole courtyard of boys was now watching in interest.
"Do you have any idea who I am? I am Talec DeLachi, great-grandson of His Lordship DeLachi, the finest swordsman this place has seen!"there were some impressed noises. Beck smiled brightly.
"Gosh, that's impressive, should I kneel or curtsy?"she said sarcastically."If you knew who I am, you wouldn't be so bold. Release me now." his grip tightened on her arm.
"And just who are you, you nasty little brat?"he snarled. His eyes widened when he realised there was a sharp blade at his throat. Beck always kept it hidden down her sleeve. The effect was slightly ruined by the fact she stood on her tiptoes.
"I am Rebecca Gregor."she said, loud enough for everyone to hear. This comment was clearly much more impressive, and Talec now looked terrified."See, my parents are so famous, I don't even need to say who they were. So leave me alone, rich boy. Don't cross me, or you'll regret it."the blade disappeared, and she pulled away from him and turned, tuning him out. Talec's face grew ashen with rage.
"I'll teach you."he snarled, and shoved her into a puddle left from last night's rain. Beck tried to surface, but Talec pressed his boot to her neck, laughing.
"Let's see your parents rescue you now!"he mocked."If you can yell loud enough they might come."Rage filled Beck's mind, and she shoved herself upwards with a furious roar. Talec stumbled back, caught off balance. Beck rose like a water demon, daggers springing from her hands.
"There's no need for fighting I hope, Miss Gregor."a pleasant voice said from behind her. Beck froze when a hand landed on her shoulder. Talec backed away towards his cronies. Beck's daggers disappeared once more."I am however impressed by your skill. You clearly inherited your parents skills. But I must ask to use them appropriately."
"Of course, Dr Cruces."she mumbled, looking at her feet.
"If you would all move into the building, lads. And lass, of course."he turned and swept towards the building. Beck bent to pick up her bag, and found herself being pushed back into the puddle. She pulled herself onto her elbows, the laughs of the boys ringing in her ears.
I won't cry. she thought furiously to herself. I won't cry, I mustn't show weakness. But she could feel her eyes stinging.
"Do you need a hand?"she looked up in surprise to see a gangly young man standing in front of her, hand outstretched. He wasn't a bad looking boy, clearly one of those who would grow more attractive with age. Scowling, she pushed her wet hair from her green eyes and stood.
"I've looked after myself since I was seven. What makes you think I want or need your help."his smile faded slightly.
"I had three sisters. I know they'd have liked someone to help at a time like this."Beck glared suspiciously.
"You don't act like a nob."she said, slopping out of the puddle.
"I'm not. My name is Brandon Harela. I come from the Shades."she looked up, a touch of respect in her eyes.
"Scholarship too?"he nodded."Why do you want to help me? You'll virtually isolate yourself from the others."he shrugged.
"I have no desire to be the friend of a jealous snob who beats up girls."
"But you desire to be the friend of the weak defenseless damsel?"he sniggered.
"If you were helpless you wouldn't be here, would you?"he winked and picked up her bag."Besides, I desire to be your friend for protection."Beck felt the ghost of a grin on her lips as she took her bag back.
"Well then, shall we go in?"she managed, hiding her smiled unsuccessfully, and squeezed the water from her skirt to hide her embarrassment.
"Sounds good to me."
