hey there readers. Sorry for the late update. in light of recent canon events, I have had to completely rework all the chapters I have had in reserve. Also, my tablet decided to take its last charge. so I had to order a new tablet which has just arrived. I have wasted no time in typing up this chapter. Once again sorry for the delay.

Prominent AC characters(for this chapter) : Ryunosuke Chiba, the normally reserved sniper whose eyes(rumored to have black sclera instead of white) are always covered. Rinka Hayami, th best sharpshooter of the class, Megu Kataoka, female class rep.

"Irina and myself will be splitting up to speak to Chang and Balalaika. Irina will be taken a couple of you for extra support." Karasuma informed the gathered students. The lobby of the former hotel had been filled with furniture. a large TV, various couches and armchairs, even a few beanbag chairs. most of the items had been found in other parts of the hotel and brought to the lobby-turned common room.

"what about you Sensei?" Maehara asked from where he sat in a beanbag chair.

"I will be meeting with Balalaika alone." He said. The room erupted with the students' protests.

"Sir, I don't think that's wise." Suguya said from the other side of the room. All of the students gathered had concerns. would the Russian take Karasuma meeting with her alone as an insult or a compliment? Even before the decision had been made Karasuma and Irina had spent a lot of time weighing the pros and cons regarding which of the two of them would be meeting with the Russian. Bitch-sensei with her Scandinavian background and her ability in the Russian language, or Karasuma with his military background. The speculation that Irina would be able to better sway Chang to their side had decided it.

"It's been decided. I am of the opinion that Balalaika-san would not take kindly to my having child bodyguards." Karasuma's tone brokered no argument. He left before anymore protests could be voiced. a strained silence as class E worried for their training instructor's safety.

"We can't just let Karasuma-Sensei go meet with Balalaika alone." Isogai said, giving voice to everyone's thoughts.

"But what are we supposed to do? Karasuma-Sensei is right. If Balalaika isn't against child soldiers, she would take offense to Karasuma giving the idea that a couple of children could take down her and her men. We can't go with him." Fuwa said, her brow crinkled with worry.

"I'll go." They turned to see it was Chiba who had spoken. the normally quiet sniper stood, a sniper rifle slung across his shoulder and a pair of I-goggles perched on his head.

"there's a building next to there base I can use. I can keep and ye on the situation from there. If things go wrong I can at least create an opening for Karasuma-sensei to escape." He told them. The others considered. It seemed like a good plan.

"are you sure you want to go alone?" Isogai asked. Chiba nodded.

"The less people involved in an operation like this the better. I'll radio you in case of trouble." he smiled, tapping his I-goggles.

And that was how Chiba ended up on the roof, watching Karasuma speak with Balaika and two of her men. The window into her office was covered, but Itona's goggles allowed him to watch their heat signatures move within the room. Things seemed to be going well so far. there was no increase in body temperature for those within the meeting room. Karasuma seemed to be doing well. The bug Itona attached o his clothing was only receiving muffled messages. Karasuma must have noticed it. Time would be Chiba's only companion.

(I don't know how to make a line break)

Irina Jelavic walked into Chang's headquaters like she owned the place. She oozed confidence and style. Flanked by her students Hayami and Kataoka, the three easily turned heads.

"Where might I find boss Chang? I've heard so much about him, I'd love to meet him." Irina asked the gathered men, many of whom were already under her spell.

"And what business do you have with him?" A man who was obviously the boss asked from further back in the room. Even if Irina hadn't looked up all the information she could on Chang, she would have known immediately.

"I have a few matters to discuss with you. Should we find a more...intimate setting?" She asked coyly, flipping her hair back over her shoulder. Kataoka and Hayami stood beside her, trying to look as non-threatening as possible. For a moment she began to doubt her choice to bring these two girls with her. While both had skills at the top of their class, their serious demeanours could be an asset or cost them dearly. Perhaps it would have been better to bring someone who appeared less self assured, like Okuda or Kayano. Maybe even forcing Nagisa to dress as a girl again. Nagisa could appear as a sweet flower, or a dangerous foe in equal measure. Irina was still unsure what the boy's true personality was. Was he the boy that got flustered and embarrased by her overt sexuality or the ruthless assassin she had seen take down Takaoka. She wanted to believe it was the adorable boy who struggled to escape her grip.

"Very well. follow me." Chang finally said. If Irina were a lesser assassin her shoulders would have relaxed at his voice. But she had never allowed her body to betray her worries. she and her students followed the Chinaman into a small meeting room. two couches faced each other over an expensive looking coffee table. He sat on one and gestured for Irina and her girls to sit on the other. She sat gracefully, crossing one smooth leg over another and leaned foward.

"well then ladies. What brings you to my humble abode?" Chang asked leaning back in his seat. despite being indoors his sunglasses remained on his face, sheilding his eyes from view and making it more difficult for Irina to get a read on his thoughts. Her companions shifted slightly, less able to mask their tension.

"We're a little new here. Strangers in a strange land as it were.I'm sure you can see why we would come here. " Chang leaned forward, matching Irina's gaze.

"Ah, speaking of, I had heard of some 'strangers' sighted wandering about town recently. I suppose these also belong to you? opening a new brothel perhaps?" He asked, one bow raised in question. Irina shook her head, managing to make the simple motion appear elegant.

"Nothing like that. They are my students. We are... refugees of a sort. Which brings me to our reason for being here. We are a rather large group moving into Roanapur. No doubt you will see my students about town. We only wish to clear the air. We do not plan on trying to undermine you power or control over the city. We are only two adults caring for thirty odd children." She told him.

"I see. I suppose you coming here means there is reason for me to feel concerned by your presence here in this town. Pray tell me, what is it I would have to fear from you and your students? Let me in on the secret and I might be persuaded to ensure you remain unmolested by the Chinese Triad." Chang told them, the threat he did not say was clearly heard by the three assassins. Kataoka and Hayami tensed. Despite that, their hands didn't do so much as twitch towards their weapons and Irina felt proud of that fact. Unlike Nagisa, very few people had a natural ability for controlling their every move. For Irina it took years. Her students were learning quickly.

"Ah, that is the reason we are refugees. My students are considered too dangerous to be free." She told him. Chang raised his eyebrows in interest.

"Child soldiers then. I can see why I might feel threatened by your presence. Balalaika's crew of soldiers is bad enough. Although, you do not look like much of a soldier, if you don't mind me saying so." Irina allowed herself a small laugh, and smiled sweetly, her eyes twinkling.

"My partner is the soldier. I taught languages." She admitted sheepishly. Chang laughed.

"Languages is it? I suppose they were to be mercanaries? very well. An arrangement can be made. We won't bother you and you won't bother us. You will owe us some favours though."

"I think we can agree to that. Within reason." She added as she shook hands with Chang to seal the deal. Chang grinned.

"Very well, I'll accept that. Let me show you lovely ladies out."

(Meanwhile with Karasuma)

Karasuma was brought into Balalaika's office by one of her men. He was clearly a soldier, Karasuma could see that even without the mans rifle and pistol. And the man could tell he was also a soldier if the looks he was receiving were any indication. Balalaika was an intimidating figure, even while seated she exuded a dangerous and powerful aura. A lesser man would feel afraid, Karasuma merely held a great respect for the woman in front of him. He bowed graciously.

"Miss Balalaika, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Tadaomi Karasuma." He introduced himself. The woman's lips twitched upwards slightly.

"It is not very often we see the Japanese. Tell me soldier, What brings someone like you here?" She asked him. Adressing him as soldier was her way of acknowledging my abilities, Karasuma thought.

"Breaking away from those who gave me orders." He told her. She raised an eyebrow. Karasuma remembered the advice Irina had given him. 'she will have tells. watch her closely, every little twitch is important.' He had taken that to heart and watched her every move.

"Oh? You look like a loyal sort. What would make one such as you desert?"

"They ordered me to train children, and then they ordered those children imprisoned or dead. I refused and we ran." Karasuma informed. The Russian frowned, her scar pulling slightly.

"I see. Now we can get to why you came to see me. Is it protection you want? Perhaps revenge?" She asked as she leaned forward, her clasped hands coming up to hide her mouth. She was trying to hide her reaction to what he may say next, he thought.

"Neither. My students and I are capable enough to defend ourselves. However we will be staying here for quite a while. We merely ask for a peaceful coexistence." He said. Balalaika's hands dropped, and she laughed.

"You came all the way here from your hotel for that? I like your honesty. I will admit to having known of you and your students' arrival. I suppose I would not have known about your lack of ambition without you coming to meet with me. Very well. You and your children have an ally in Hotel Moscow. Feel free to come to me if you need to. I wouldn't mind trading war stories with you. be welcome soldier, dismissed." She told him. Karasuma bowed once again before he exited the Russian woman's office. He was escorted out by the same soldier who escorted him in.

(Chiba)

"He's on the street, clear. Seems it went well. No changes in body temp." Chiba reported through his radio link. a spark of static followed, and then;

"Got should head back before Sensei arrives. He'll put two and two together if he catches you with that rifle." Isogai's voice crackled into his ear. The sniper smiled.

"You know it. Heading over rooftops now." He gathered his things quickly and made for Class E's new home.

AN/

Okay then. I hope I did okay with the character of Balalaika. She's a tough nut to crack. Now, once again sorry for the wait, the warranty curse as it were. I'll do my best from now on. Also regarding canon events. I am aware not everyone who reads my story is caught up. with this in mind I will do my best to remain vague regarding the later chapters.

As always, thank you for liking my story, Leave a review if you would :)