Chapter 1- Meet the Cousins:

Lihim:

It felt good to be free. Well, free to a degree. At least I have my own apartment. I looked around, since I wasn't sure where I would put all my things just yet. Due to the lack of time frame given the assignment, the agency was kind enough to pay for expenses and help me move some minor stuff into the apartment. Unfortunately for them, they weren't aware that my 'minor' stuff included: bed, desk, laptop, clothes, gadgets, guns, weapons, knives, glass case, bookshelf, guitar, and many other pricey items. Sucks for them. Kyle held the box as he carried it into my new bedroom.

"Gees," he said as he set it down and popped his back, "what's in that?"

I rolled my eyes,

"You are such a geeky wimp."

"Ah," he said waving a finger, "but I'm a fashionable geeky wimp."

Least he admits it. It was true though. Kyle was fashionable (usually wearing some flashy clothing that somehow matched), but he was also a wimp. He was the techno geek of our team, and therefore he wasn't the strongest. I mean, don't get me wrong, he was strong, just not that strong. I looked at the label on the box and chuckled, there is no way my guns way that much.

"So, I'm done here?"

I nodded, seeing that all the furniture and boxes were here.

"Yeah. I'll contact you if I need you, okay?"
Kyle nodded and headed out. I sighed, damn it. I thought, I should've kept him, he could've helped unpack. Ah well, a little work never hurt.

I looked at my, now, furnished apartment. I had a couch, TV, table, and a few other things in the living room like the bookshelf that held my research books. In the bedroom was my bed the white sheets and blue pillows contrasting greatly with my goth demeanor. My room also held my guitar, the glass case which held all my weapons, and a few other things. The kitchen had the normal junk. All the floors were dark wood, and all the walls were a light gray color. I was surprised that I got done so soon- it wasn't even one in the afternoon. I sighed, now I have to go 'socialize.'

I went to the wardrobe and grabbed some clothes. At least they weren't too far off from what I wear when I am not working- which was just black jeans and some dark shirt. I crinkled my nose seeing that most of the clothes were skirts, but I've worn worse before. Heck, I've worn dressesfor the damn agency. The skirt I grabbed was black and dark red checkered with chains hanging on the right side, the shirt was a simple dark red corset-style shirt, and the shoes were something I was familiar with. They were black knee-high boots. They weren't the prissy boots either. These were sturdy, practical, yet fashionable boots.

I put on the clothes and looked in the mirror. I still wasn't used to the blue hair. At least my eyes were still natural and not contacts. Well, Kyle never wears contacts. His eyes, like the oddball he is, are pink. Not a manlypink either. They were that girly girlpink that was fuchsia or whatever.

I sighed and grabbed my cell phone. I put my guns in their hiding places, and put my knives there as well. I was never helpless. I looked at my cell. Finally, I sighed. I grabbed the phone book and looked at the last name, Gene. I bit my lip. I was a trained spy yet this…this made me nervous.

I swallowed my fear and hit the numbers into my phone.

"Hello," a voice answered.

Suddenly I was uncertain as to what I should say. The agency said that they called my cousins (posing as social workers). Director told me that according to the Gene's, Lihim Espya just lost her parents and they were the only ones available. I was a bit bummed since now I have to play the poor, sad girl. I mean, really. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to put my acting skills on yet. At least Director told them something truthful. My parents were dead, but it happened a long time ago or at least a long time to me. I bit my lip.

"Hello," the voice said again, this time I noticed that it was a female voice.
"Uh, hi," I said a bit nervously.

I heard silence and then,

"Is…is this Lihim?"

I sighed in relief, thinking, at least they remember.

"Yeah, it's…it's little Lee, but…"

"You're not so little anymore. This is your Aunt Kelly, I know it has been awhile… but do you remember dear?"

I smiled, though she wouldn't see it.

"Yeah, Auntie. I remember."

"That's good…are you in town yet? The social workers said you were getting your own apartment nearby. I suppose that's best, since you're grieving and all, but we could always make room-"
I was touched at her offer.

"No, it's fine…I…I wanted to umm…-"
I wanted to hit my head on a wall, I sound like a stuttering idiot…well, I thought, I guess that works since I did 'just lose my parents.'

"You wanted to visit?"

I could hear the smile in her voice and she continued.

"It's okay dear, our address is-"

I wrote down the address and repeated it back to her slowly.

"Yes," she replied, "you got it. Your cousins will be happy to see you, we all are happy really. We haven't seen you in twelve years, I believe."

I sighed,

"Yeah….Umm…what time do you-"

I heard her chuckle,

"Oh, anytime dearie, but why don't you come over for lunch? We usually have lunch around two-"

I glanced at the clock and nodded,

"Okay…see you at two…"

"See you soon, little Lee."

I smiled as we hung up on each other. Little Lee…my old nickname…I used it as my fake name, but it was different…she wasn't calling me Lee as the fake Lee, but Lee as in Lihim. I was surprised to realize, Ireally missed them…

I looked at the clock again, got to go ahead and head up there. I got in my car that I bought with the money the agency pays me and headed on my way. I wondered how Armin and Alexy were doing. As I began to worry about how lunch might unfold, I passed a clothing shop. To distract myself I convinced myself I was in need of more clothing. Well, I do need jeans, no way am I wearing skirts the whole time.

I parked my ride and headed in. A small bell chimed as I opened the door. A strange guy greeted me. He was about my age, possibly a year older. He was wearing some rather odd yet fashionable clothes. However the clothing isn't what made him strange, it was his hair. Though a simple black, his hair was cut short in the back and left to be long in the front. I raised an eyebrow and he held out a hand,

"You are new, I presume? I am Leigh, owner of this fine establishment and maker of the clothes."

I shook his hand,

"Lihim Espya, but my friends," If I had any besides Kyle, "call me Lee for short."

He nodded,
"Do you need any help finding anything?"

I looked around briefly,
"No thank you, I can manage myself."

He nodded and left briskly. I sighed, hope I didn't offend him. I don't need any more enemies. I went over to the clothes. There was a lot of stuff. I saw a shirt I really liked along with a few other things. I sighed again, knowing that I also have to get underwear. I winced, the one thing that Kyle and the agency doesn't shop for…I think they just like seeing my embarrassment.

Nevertheless, like the trained soldier I am, I grabbed the underwear sets and headed to the cashier. Leigh raised an eyebrow at the size of the bra, and I almost blushed. Damn it. Not my fault, my mom had big boobs…I sighed and paid the guy.

"Pardon me if this comes across as rude, but Sweet Amoris doesn't get many tourists. What brings you town?"
I put on my sad eyes, time to get in character,

"My…my parents just…died…and I am here for my cousins."

Leigh bowed his head politely,
"My sincerest apologizes for intruding. My condolences. Who, may I ask, are your family?"

"My cousins…you may know them, Armin and Alexy Butcher…"

Leigh sighed,

"I know them…Your cousin, Alexy, likes to mess up the order of the clothes and buy everything he can."
I smiled faintly and left after saying my goodbyes politely.

Armin:

I moved my fingers like lightening. Alexy groaned and tossed the controller.

"Dude," he whined, "you, like, always win."

There was a knock at the door. Mom poked her head in. She sighed seeing the mess,

"Boys, clean up."

We pouted and she waved her finger,

"No complaining. We spoke about your cousin, Lihim, and your aunt and uncle's deaths. Lihim just got settled in and is almost here for lunch. Be nice."

She shut the door and I sighed.
"I don't see what the big deal is," Alexy complained, "we don't even remember Lihim! We were what, five, but I don't see the issue. I mean, sure it's sad he lost his parents and all, but…."

"I know," I said, "I know, but look at the bright side,"

Alexy raised an eyebrow and I continued,
"He might have a hot friend that's a girl for me and a hot guy friend for you!"

Alexy stuck out his tongue and I laughed. It was always fun to tease him.

"Come on," I said stuffing some trash in the bag, "Mom will kill us if we don't clean."

Alexy smirked,
"I have a better idea…"

…and soon all the trash and dirty clothes were piled to the roof inside the closet. I leaned against the door,
"Phew," I panted, "least that's done…"

Mom poked her head in,
"Just in time, boys! Come on down and see Lee!"

"Lee," Alexy muttered. Mom laughed slightly,

"I forget you boys don't remember her. Lihim's nickname was Lee."
"Her," Alexy said confused. Mom sighed,

"Yes boys, Lihim is a girl and she may even end up staying the night here, if she likes. Please be nice."

Mom's eyes got misty. I forgot…Lihim or Lee or whatever was our cousin, lost her parents, and Mom…Mom lost her sister and brother in law. I could never imagine losing Alexy. I sighed,

"Sure, Mom, we will."

She smiled,
"Good, now let's get down there! Your father is speaking to her and he can only do so much."

She shook her head and I laughed. Dad wasn't very talkative. Alexy and I followed Mom down the stairs. There was a girl in the living room that I could only assume was Lihim. She had dark blue hair that went to her waist, a black and red checkered skirt that had chains, a dark red corset-style shirt, and black boots that were knee-high. She seemed a bit dark. She looked sad too. Especially since she was gazing at us with glazed eyes.

"Hi," she said quietly.

Alexy smiled brightly and went over to her,
"I love your hair! I'm Alexy and that's Armin."

She nodded, a bit taken back from his cheery attitude.

"Lihim, but…call me Lee, my name is a bit of a mouthful."

She smiled faintly. Mom interrupted when an awkward silence began to insue,
"Lee, boys, food's ready."

We nodded. I led Lihim to the kitchen. I sat down beside Alexy and on either end of the table were Mom and Dad. Lihim took a seat across from me.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

Mom smiled sadly.

"It's perfectly alright dear….I made your favorite lunch. It may have changed over the years, but it was worth a shot."
Lihim grinned,

"It's fine…I…I still like it."
Mom kept smiling, but now it was with pride.
"That's good dear."

We sat quietly as we ate. The food was pretty good. Noodles with pieces of chicken was a simple, but always delicious meal. When paired with sandwiches, it made me feel like a kid, but Ah well. I thought, I needed to cut Lee some slack. She did just lose her parents. No judgments, after all for all we know she could be judging us too.

After lunch, I felt even more awkward.
"Well," I said eager to get away, "I think I'm gonna play some video games, bye!"

"Armin you get back down here," Mom called out, "and you stay with your poor cousin!"

Lihim flinched,

"Uh, what video games do you have?"
She said meekly. I smiled,
"We were playing Guitar Hero…"

Her eyes lit up,
"You're going to get your ass beat."
I cracked up with laughter.

An hour later, I stood with my mouth opened. Alexy was laughing,
"You know what, Lihim-"
"Lee," she corrected.

"Lee, I like you!"

She smiled faintly. She beat me twelve times in a row, playing the guitar and I played the drums.

"Damn," I muttered. She chuckled.

Lihim:

Hours later I left with a smile on my face. I had to smile, but in reality, I was confused. Alexy and Armin were good cousins, good people. They were so cheery and preppy, but….who would want to kill them? Or did someone find out who I am and wants to revenge by killing my family?