Disclaimer:

I do not own any of the canon elements from animes, or characters involved. They are belonged by their respective owners. Only a few things belong to me, so far just Haruko Asuka, while Zack/Daemon Crimm Rougier belongs to my friend Sams. All based off a rp with Sams; events and such are just told from Asuka's perspective.

Summary:

What happens when a high-ranking and lonely assassin, whom has little memory of herself, named Haruko Asuka-whom was never beaten-is finally beaten by her target, Daemon Crimm Rougier? And suddenly finds herself working for him; playing 'bodyguard' for him under a blood oath that can't be broken? Then finds her heart being stolen by the prince, and merely marks it off as unrequited love? Following, Haruko Asuka swears to herself she'd protect him no matter what... would she die for him? Find out by reading :3

Chapter 11: A little wager? Winner takes all!

Amay nodded, and began walking at a casual pace. Zack and Jun followed with me in tow. I watched them, and Jun seemed to be off in her own little world... as for Zack, he seemed to have an uneasy feeling... for his hand was on the hilt of the wanna-be vampire sword, and it didn't leave the spot. Amay looked at both of them.

"Geze, both of you are idiots."

"What?"

Amay smacked both of them with the back of her knuckles lightly. "You, Zackie, relax.

You, Jun, zhut the hellz up."

"OW! Sis! Amay's picking on me!" Jun whined.

"Huh? What? Someone say my name?"

I blinked; I wasn't paying much attention... though I did hear what they were saying, it just didn't register right... my mind was stuck on the image of Zack's face when he first looked at me after Jun gave me a 'make-over'. The lines

'Using my weakness as a guy for a beautiful face.' And 'No you don't. You look amazing Miss Asuka.'

Keep repeating in my head, in Zack's soft voice. Did he really think... that I had a beautiful face? That I looked amazing when Jun dressed me up like I was her doll...? I heard Zack sigh, and I glanced over towards him-he walked on ahead. I decided to keep quiet, and Jun sulked.

"Well you were too loud. We're in enemy territory hear Miss Assassin chick." Amay stated towards Jun with a blink or two.

"So? I can just mess with a few minds here and there."

I rolled my eyes... wanting to hit the slut myself. Amay shook her head.

"No can do." Jun shrugged uncaringly at Amay's words.

Jun walked on ahead of me... and it was indeed quiet... except for my few trips. The stupid heels... I didn't like walking in them. They were killing my feet, and because of so, I could barely keep my balance anymore. I managed to keep from falling the first two times, but the third time... I lost my balance completely. Seemingly, out of nowhere, Zack managed to catch me on the third trip, so I didn't land on my back. I looked up at him... what was that word I was supposed to say? Banks? No... That's not it. Thanks? Oh yeah... that's it.

"Thanks." I muttered lowly, so only he could hear.

"Anytime Miss Asuka," he muttered back just as quietly. He didn't let go... he was still holding onto me for an extra moment or two, before slowly letting go of me. I couldn't help it... I gave him a smile. Although it was quick, it was still a smile nonetheless; something that came about me rarely... or not at all. I followed behind the others, and around noon, I heard light foot steps. I suspected Jun did to, by the quick look change on her face. She started dancing... for reasons unknown. We were approached by another ninja looking person... male. At the same time, our eyes, Jun and mine flickered over towards the new arrival. The ninja put his hand up in a secret greeting that he and Amay-Anni shared.

"This is our contact, Mizimn."

"Okay..." Jun blinked, and I didn't do anything, but watch. I didn't like the looks of the guy... one glance at him sent an uneasy feeling down my spine. I glanced over at Zack; he wasn't paying attention, so I turned my eyes towards Jun as the two ninja talked in low voices. She felt my eyes on her, and looked back. Through her eyes, I could tell she got the same feeling about the guy as well. He was not to be trusted. I tilted my head to the side, and while no one was paying attention, she tossed a small sticky note pad, and a pen at me. I caught it with no problem, and scribbled something as neat and quick as possible after I walked behind Zack. His tall figure would hide my small one. It was readable script, and then pulled the note off. It read:

-Jun,

I don't like the looks of this guy, as I'm sure you're well aware of it. Watch closely, and keep your eyes peeled. I'm going to try to catch him in the act if I can since I believe he's up to something. I could see it when he glanced at Zack. If the time comes, I need you to

Protect Zack... please.

-Asuka.

I sneakily hid the pen and paper in my bra under my dress and hid the note beneath my fingers. Then I heard Amay's voice.

"He's gonna take us to his house."

Jun stood there idly, and I just blinked... his house? Oh great... his turf. Amay tapped her

foot.

"Well...NOW would be nice."

"Now what?" We both asked. Really? Weren't they leading? So we weren't to move until they did. Honestly...

"Let's go, walk." She said frustrated as Mizumn was walking far ahead.

"Okay..." Jun mumbled.

Amay sighed in frustration. I sweat dropped. Zack just stayed silent and decided to hang in the back as Amay and Mizumn led us to the village. Damn... now he was behind me, and might've seen if I gave Jun the note. Shit...

I blinked when I felt Zack's eyes on me. I decided to glance over my shoulder, but when I did, he turned his head swiftly to the side. Huh? I shrugged, and then looked ahead of me again... trying to figure out how to pass my note to Jun. My sister started dancing... and this was my chance. I knew why she was doing it-to cause a distraction. Amay walked far up in front, chatting with the mist ninja the entire time. Jun continued her dancing and slowing down a bit... so much that I had to walk around her. The moment my shoulder brushed hers, I slipped the note into her pocket. Zack then started to drag her.

Upon arriving, Mizumn ushered all of us inside. I sighed a bit, and then groaned a bit to myself... my feet were starting to hurt. Stupid Jun... making me wear the damned heels. Zack glanced at me, stopping in his tracks from moving on inside.

"Are you ok?"

I nodded in response; lying.

"Nothing."

"Okay..."

Amay looked over at us. "Get some rest; we have a bit night ahead of us."

"Oker dokiers." Jun replied, and Mizumn looked straight at me.

"And where COMFORTABLE clothes tonight..." He added. I narrowed my eyes... it wasn't my idea. I pointed at both Jun and Zack.

"Not my idea to wear this..."

Zack whistled innocently and looked off to the side... so cute. I sighed, sat my ass down, and pulled the damn shoes off. Whew... one problem down... I saw Zack glance at me from the corner of my green eye, but went over to Amay afterwards. I began to rub my sore feet, and Jun sat near me... bouncing in her seat like a little kid. It reminded me of when she was a little girl... always so hyper, and trying to get me to smile... even through training and experiments... she was always the same. Cheery, smiley, pretty, and gentle... like... as memory would serve... as mother. I could smell food being cooked, and I kept to myself... as did Amay and Jun. I noticed Jun fall asleep, as she leaned against the wall... at least she'd get some sleep... unlike me. I wasn't planning on it. I continued to rub my feet, as Mizumn drew up a chart.

"They moved the quarry to a safer location; we'll have to go through touch security to get

there."

"Touch security?"

"Tough, tough."

"Tough? Mmm-hmmm..."

The man sighed, keeping his mask on as he walked into another room. A mask...? I raised a brow at that... and now that I thought about it... I never actually seen his face. I followed him with my eyes until he was out of sight, then looked over at Jun, then the floor. Zack looked at me.

"Miss Asuka...um..."

"Yes?"

"Sorry." He sighed.

"Sorry? For what?" I blinked and looked up at him.

"For suggesting the dressing up."

"That's nothing to be sorry for." Zack smiled a bit, and I smiled a small, quick smile in return. His smile widened. This time I didn't smile, and just stared up at him. He sighed, and turned to help with dinner... was he trying to get me to smile just now? I leaned back, and tried to relax... I was just so... tense. I watched food being placed on the table, and I didn't budge. Jun did... and I shot her a look. Not a mean one, but a warning on. I didn't smell poison in the food, but still... some sleeping or paralysis powder didn't have a scent far as I knew. As they sat, I only watched, and Zack made his way over to me and sat by me.

"Miss Asuka?"

"Yes?"

"Is something wrong?" Could he tell that I was tense? And worried?

"No. Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering. You seem so...introverted."

"Oh?" Zack merely nodded at me 'oh' comment.

"Sorry about that then." Zack shrugged.

"Come eat."

"I'm not all that hungry." I lied.

"How come?"

"No reason."

"I see..." he said quietly

"What?"

"Nothing," He stood up. "I'm going to eat with everyone else."

"Go ahead."

Zack nodded, and went to go eat. My eyes followed him before turning back ahead of me just to stare at a wall. Dinner was fairly quiet, and from the corner of my eye... much to my comical dispense, Jun slipped most of her food onto Amay's plate when no one was looking… now if that was drugged, and it'd be a sad thing. Then Mizumn spoke up.

"Everyone, get some sleep. I'll awake you all at 3 AM to get this done."

"Oker dokers." Jun said, and I replied with:

"Not tired."

"Then suit yourself, but you will not be able to function to your best ability. I need you in

tip top shape."

"I'm always in tip top shape." I replied sharply. I didn't like him... not one bit. Zack raised an eyebrow, but shrugged. Jun got up, and sat back where she was before. She was out like a light a few minutes later. I, on the other hand, was still wide awake. Zack and Amay had also gone to sleep, while Mizumn was reading. I turned towards him, just watching him closely. Mizumn glanced at me,

"What is it?" he asked extremely coldly. I knew he could tell that I didn't trust him... or like him one bit. He apparently didn't like me either.

"Don't take that damn tone with me." I retorted, just as cold.

"I'll take whatever tone I please." We shot daggered glares at each other and my eyes didn't flicker away; not even for a moment. He didn't move his eyes either... I was like a stature, just sitting there, watching and not moving an inch. Eventually the ninja got up and I still didn't intend on letting up my stern gaze.

"Stop staring, woman."

"Why? And I have a name, and it's not woman."

"Because I said so. It's rude. And I don't care what your name is."

"I don't exactly have to listen to you now do I? I don't care if it's rude or not, none the

less, I don't care if you care what my name is. It's just not woman. Do I make myself clear enough for someone with your brain size to be able to understand?" I said, with a real frost to each word. Sorry... you were either going to call me by my name, or not address me at all... asshole...

"Yes you did, And I don't care." He walked toward Zack. As soon as he started moving again, my eyes flickered over to Zack and back to him to watch. They narrowed to a glare... and I didn't like the fact that he seemed to untrustworthy... and was moving towards the man I loved... I think it was love... I just knew I never felt this way towards any man... Zack was the first. He just stared at the sleeping Zack for a while, and I sat more upright... a kunai in between my fingers that I stole from Amay's pocket when she walked past me before she went to sleep. The ninja sighed and shook his head as if to say, 'why am I even here?' He walked away again, and hovered over Amay-anni for a moment. My eyes followed him. The male ninja sighed and walked over to Jun next, but only glanced for a moment before going back to his chair. And pouring over a map...planning. When he had gone to Jun, my eyes didn't follow him. I could have cared less for my sister...then again…

I knew Jun wasn't sleeping. She was wide awake... just playing dead. I stared at the wall again. Holding up his map, he walked over to me.

"Would you check outside, over on this side, to see if the lamps at the Manor are lit or not? I have to go downstairs and get the key to the safe."

"You want me to do so right now? If so, let me change at least..." I didn't believe him, but I'd play along for now. The ninja nodded.

"Bathroom's down the hall."

I grabbed my bag and headed for the bathroom. I left the door wide-open... I knew he wouldn't dare try anything if I was watching... and if it meant letting him be able to watch me change to protect Zack, then so be it. I was going to do whatever I could to do so. It wasn't too long before I came out, dressed in a regular shirt, a black sweat jacket, and jeans. My curled hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and I didn't bother to straighten it out again, or remove the make-up.

"I'm supposed to do what again?" I asked.

"Check for lights at the manor. You'll be able to see them from the roof." he replied,

heading for a cabinet.

"Okay..." I sighed, heading out to do what I was asked. However, I didn't leave the building. I opened the door, and shut it, but I didn't leave. I concealed myself in the darkness of the spot by the door. The ninja put the key in his pocket. As soon as he thought I was out the door, he crossed back over to Zack, standing over him... and silently raised a kunai. He was pretty fast... I didn't have time to react.

"And what are you doing?" Jun asked, handgun rose towards his back. I sighed in relief... at least Jun listened to me, and decided to help. Her evil little smile was on her lips. "You must be one bad nin. to think I was really asleep."

"I couldn't care less if you were asleep or not." He still had the kunai poised, the blade was right at Zack's throat.

Jun sighed. "You're quite the meanie. That's MY job!" She fake sobbed, keeping the

handgun up. "Asuka was right... I guess she's smarter than I give her credit for." She

mumbled to herself.

"I'm not an idiot..." I replied from the doorway.

The ninja sighed. I was leaning her back against the doorway's side, twirling a Cerberus

idly on my finger. "This is my only warning..."

"By the time you shoot me, he'll be dead."

The thought made my heart jump in fear for Zack. I narrowed my eyes.

"And how so?"

"I can't miss from here. The moment I'm shot, the point of this blade is buried in his heart." I glared at him, before exchanging a quick glance with Jun. Dammit... well, this was a horrible stalemate. The ninja looked at the girls. As if waiting for them to start bargaining.

"What do you want?" I raised a brow.

"Er..." Jun blinked.

"Well, can you give me a reason NOT to kill him?" No. The only reason I could think of was because I loved him... even if he didn't feel the same about me... I still cared for him...

"Why do you want to kill him?"

"'Cuz he's such a sweetie!...Er..."

"That's my job. That's why."

"How nice... my job is to protect him for now. I cannot let you go through with yours."

"And how do you plan on doing that?" He asked in the same tone.

"Let's make a deal, how about it?" I asked, the only thing that I could think of.

"What kind of deal?"

"What do you want? Let's start with those options..."

"I want him dead."

"Besides that. My end will be for you to let him go... you'll have to name something else..." I stated as soon as he mentioned the word 'dead'. "Unless, you're up for a little match. Winner gets what he wants."

The ninja debated it... I could see it on his face. "Winner takes all, eh?" I nodded.

"Agreed."

I stepped aside, so not to block the doorway.

"Outside. More room." The Ninja nodded. I headed out first, but Jun didn't budge, and kept her handgun ready, as of to watch the nin.

"Go on."

"I'm going," he said following me.