Sooo sorry for the late update! Hopefully the chapter makes up for it. ;)

The Month of Celebrating (December) Age 10

Week 1

I didn't think that Kayley would dare show up on Monday. But she did, entering the Guild through the secret entrance early in the morning, same as usual. Her face showed no emotion, looking blank and solemn as she sat down. I didn't know what to think. I seriously didn't. Or what to do, for that matter. If she really was the spy, then my name would finally be cleared and Kanrik would hopefully trust me again. But telling also meant that I'd be betraying her, the person who saved my life dozens of times no matter how annoying she thought I was. Then again, I probably wouldn't have needed saving if it wasn't for her.

There was another thing bothering me, too. Why, in all of Neopia, did she do it? I mean, of course Masila could be threatening her or her family or something, but Kayley honestly doesn't seem the type to fall for that trick. I'm sure that if that was the reason, she'd manage to slip me a message on what was happening.

Also…did Juliet know? About the whole deal? It sure would've explained on why she believed in me so whole-heartedly, besides her saying that it was just because I was her friend. There isn't really any reason why I should think that, but many, many times she'd let it slip that she knew about Kayley's 'deep, dark secret,' whatever that was. I always thought it was just a girl thing. But what if it was that Kayley was the spy? It would've been so wrong, not to mention dangerous, for them to not inform Kanrik about this.

"Well, at least it can't get any worse," I said aloud.

Then Jacques entered the classroom. He was frowning, as if he was trying to think of a solution to a really difficult problem. Once he banged a foot on a chair, however, and scolded Julius not warning him (which he sulkily replied that he didn't think a professor would actually bump onto a piece of furniture) he said, with a sad tone in his voice, "Bad news, kids."

"What else is new?" I muttered.

"No interrupting," Jacques snapped. "Anyway, the Guild's being put on lockdown mode right after this period; for the rest of this month and the next." All of us looked blankly at him. He sighed exasperatedly. "I never told you what lockdown mode was, did I?" We all shook our heads. "Well, we do it every time someone gets close to finding our Guild. You see, we've gotten word today from a certain person in the Guard- Sam, if you know him-"

"Sam?" I said, shocked.

"Yes," he replied. "He reported that his aunt was bothering him in the Guard, pestering him about the location of the Guild's hideout."

"But how'd she get in? She's a wanted criminal, for Fyora's sake!" Juliet exclaimed.

"Oh, I don't know," said Jacques sarcastically. "Maybe she used some candy." Juliet pouted. "You guys broke into a Master Thief cell when you were seven. She's a full grown experienced murderess, and she's already proven she can do the impossible. Her fighting skills alone would make her a deadly enemy."

"But you beat her," I pointed out. "Or very nearly, at least."

Jacques smiled slightly. "Glad to see that you have faith in my skills, Hanso. But that was actually a bit of an unfair fight. It wasn't really me that beat her."

"What-?" I began.

"To answer your earlier question," he said loudly, avoiding replying, "She's technically a relative of Sam's, which means she automatically gets a visitor's pass. She could go through the front door and no one would bat an eyelash."

"But-but-" Juliet spluttered.

"It'd been many years since any recent person in the Guard has seen her. Nobody except Sam or someone devoted enough to read a book about her would recognize who she really is by her face. The point is, the fact that she's going to her own nephew means that she's getting impatient—she's probably bound to attack soon. All she needs is the entrance to where it is."

"But isn't there a spy?" Kayley asked. I whirled around rapidly to face her. She was still calm, almost serene, and there wasn't a hint of guilt or anything like that in her voice. "I mean, if there really is one wouldn't he or she have already told Masila?"

"Good question," Jacques said. "Everyone here is being closely monitored. Whenever someone goes in and out of the Guild, a spell tells where his or her presence has been. If a thief has gone directly inside the Assassins' hideout, the enchantment will inform the guild leader and entrap the person until Kanrik…deals with him." I gulped, thinking about the time when I nearly went inside—the only thing that had stopped me was that I was looking after Charlie and Hazel as well as Timmy. Thank Fyora I didn't enter!

"Still," Kayley persisted, "The system could be fooled, right?" I frowned, wondering why she was asking all this.

"It would take a very clever thief to do so," said Jacques. "But yes, it can be fooled. Especially when the person is still young," he added thoughtfully. "Magic, medicine, and just about everything affect children more, but in the case of this kind it's actually weaker on them. The younger you are, the better. Perhaps that's why Kanrik suspects certain people." He turned to me. It wasn't phrased like a threat, like most people would do. It was more like a warning. Look out, kid. He suspects you, which equals to nearly certain death.

"Maybe," I said, glancing at Kayley. I wanted to tell him who the spy really was; but I held my tongue. For some reason, something didn't seem quite to fit.

"Anyway," he continued. "Since we won't be here to discuss it next time, I'm suggesting we do our New Years' resolutions now instead of February. And let's mix it up a little- go the reverse order of last year. Twins, you start."

"Our resolution was to never fight again," Juliet said. "Aside from a few sibling squabbles, plus a certain argument on if a certain person could be trusted, we mostly succeeded."

"Our hope," said Julius, "Was to learn more skills. With candy." We all grinned at that. "And I think we have, you know. We're really good at identifying and using them at a moment's notice. But we, or at least I, um, feel sort of a little insecure about that." Juliet looked at her twin in surprise—he stared at the floor. "Maybe not Juliet; we all know she has more common sense than the rest of us combined. But me…well, I'm not so great at anything else except fighting, right? So yeah, I think I'm going to take it easy with the candy this year, to make sure I don't depend on sweets to be actually good at something. You with me, sis?" She nodded reluctantly.

"Razor?" Jacques said.

"My hope was not to be popularity-obsessed again. Of course, that's worked. Nort's a jerk, and I especially hated it when he was picking on some of you guys, too." He glimpsed at me and Kayley. "And my resolution was to use what Dr. Kent taught me. And I have—you guys have been using me as a local medic."

"Hey," I said, smiling cheekily. "If I tell my mom that I have a cold, she'd lock me in my room with the shutters closed under a huge pile of blankets. Your vitamins are a lot better."

"I kinda want to be better at dependability," Razor confessed. "If there's something urgent going on, I really doubt that I'd be anyone's first choice on being asked for help, unless it's with codes and stuff." He had a sly grin on his face; I grinned, knowing that he was hinting about the letter that I stole from Jacques. The teacher himself frowned confusedly. "That's my resolution. My hope's that you guys won't get bullied next year. Better me than you."

I started, "Don't say that-"

"Hanso, we were miserable when you were in a funk. No one notices when it's me." Strangely, it echoed what Kayley said last month—about how no one really cared when they accused her about being a spy, but when it's me it's suddenly an important topic. It made me feel guilty. Maybe I was a bit too used to getting the spotlight.

"Just because no one seems to notice," I said firmly, "Doesn't mean no one cares. It especially doesn't mean that your feelings and stuff don't matter."

He shrugged sheepishly. "I still mean it, though."

"That was a good one," Master Jacques commented. "Let's see. The twins, Razor…it's Kayley next, right?" He turned to her expectantly.

She bit her lip and looked nervous, especially when we all started staring at her. I was the only one in the class that was with her in the lunchroom – Razor was in the library and the twins were practicing somewhere – but I guessed that they had probably heard what happened from some source or another. Thief training is just like any other school: Rumors spread like fire.

She twisted her hands and rocked backwards and forwards on her feet slightly. "My resolution and hope was to stop being a jerk," she said in a quiet voice. "'Cause I was usually so, well, mean to all of you guys. Ignoring most of your opinions. Being controlling. And hating competition." She glanced at me. "I really wanted to fix that." I noticed the –ed in the end.

There was a long silence. After a bit, Jacques pressed, "And did you fix it?"

She hesitated at first, and then opened her mouth to answer. Then the door slammed open; Nort and Kanrik entered. "That's her," said Nort triumphantly, pointing to Kayley. "That's the spy."

I wanted to crush him like a little bug. Sure, I wanted the spy to be found out, but not like that. She would've been totally humiliated, on top of what punishment Kanrik would give her. I turned around to see her face, trying to give her a comforting look. Then I blinked. She seemed so…relaxed. A lot more relieved than before Kanrik came in. Relieved to be found out and to tell the truth? I doubted it. Something else was up.

"Wait," Jacques interrupted. "You're telling us that Kayley's the spy?"

"Apparently," Kanrik replied. "Nort got out of class this morning and asked to see me, claiming that he had information on who was leaking out data."

"I've got proof," he said excitedly. "She admitted it to everyone in the lunchroom. Ask any of them! You can even ask Hanso!"

Slowly, Kanrik's gaze went to me. There was something slightly hopeful about it. "Is that true?"

"Um," I stammered, unsure of what to do. This was the first time he'd actually asked my opinion about something in months. But I didn't want to betray Kayley, even if she was guilty.

Then behind Kanrik, Kayley gave me a barely perceptible nod, as if telling me to do it. Urging me to do it. I took a deep breath to ready myself for the big explosion. Not that I had a choice, anyway. I'm a truth speaker—and supposedly, we're all 'terrible' liars. "Yeah. I guess she did."

"See?" said Nort, smirking at her. "Little Miss Secretive's been the traitor all along-"

"I don't believe it," Jacques interrupted firmly. He strode over to her. "She's been my student for nearly four years, and the one I mentor to boot. She's never done anything to cross the line. Of course, she's realistic, but there's nothing wrong with that. It's one of the best things about Kayley- you can't arrest her for keeping a few secrets!"

"Of course, Jacques," said Kanrik dryly. "We all know your taste for realistic people. Yet some would use the adjective pessimistic, from what I heard." Most of the class had no idea what he meant, but I did. Caylis was very realistic. Jacques turned red, but he held his ground.

"Whatever you call it, that's still no reason."

"Master Jacques, she admitted it herself," Kanrik snapped. "She said she was the spy-"

"I said so," said Kayley, butting in. "That doesn't mean I am." My jaw dropped. All our jaws dropped. And again, there was that eerie, absolute silence that seemed to stretch on forever. She wasn't the spy?

Nort broke the quiet. "Liar," he hissed.

She turned a cool eye on him. "Really?" she said, as if amused. "Am I lying?" She half-directed the question to me. I shook my head—she was telling the truth.

"She didn't admit she wasn't the spy," Nort pointed out. "She just said that that even though she said it, that didn't mean it was true."

"What?" Julius asked, confused. Jacques glared at him, and he shut up.

"Good statement, Nort," said Kayley mock approvingly. "Fine. I swear that I am not the spy. Happy?" I strained to hear any falsehood, act, cheating in her voice. It was smooth and true. Not a hint of a tremor. Not a hint of a lie. She seriously was telling the truth. But then…how 'bout in the cafeteria? Why didn't I realize then?

Kayley read my mind and continued, "I practiced what I said in the lunchroom about five hundred times by myself. I planned and phrased it, too, so that I wouldn't actually say I was the spy. 'Because I am' is exactly the words I used, and I tried to make it as short as possible; I doubt that even the best 'truth-speaker' could detect a lie in four syllables." My eyes widened. Sweet Fyora; only Kayley could figure something out like that! Thinking back, I found that she was right. There was something weird about her voice, but I didn't notice because I was too shocked at what she said. I suddenly felt huge, hot, painful guilt. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Why didn't I realize it before? As if to add to it, she said, "Plus, I also 'lied' with good intentions. A lot of people lie to cover things up because their ashamed, or scared, or just being deceitful. I did it for a purpose."

"And what purpose would that be, Miss Kayley?" Kanrik asked, with a hint of bitterness in his voice. "To be honest with you, I still don't believe completely that you're not the spy."

"Exactly," she said, in a monotone way. "That's exactly why I did it. To show how easy it is to arouse suspicion in this mess the Guild has turned to." She looked at him right in the eye, and he flinched. I knew by experience how being glowered like that could be very uncomfortable. "Do you know how Hanso was being treated like since the whole disappearance act a long time ago? People weren't just mean. They were cruel. Everyone was literally pouncing on him from every corner, pestering with questions and trying to get him to admit being a spy. And he wasn't the only one."

"He did deserve it," Kanrik answered. "Not telling the Guild where he went…we went mad when we were searching for him…"

She stared at the Guild Leader. "Am I really hearing this from the guy who always talked about mercy and trust? From the person who promised to be fair when he became the ruler of the Guild? From the one who said that kids should never, ever be hurt?" He winced. "Look, I can see why people suspect Hanso. And if it was only Hanso, that might've been understandable. But it wasn't. Even before he left, loads of people, grown-ups and kids alike, were treated like scape-goats. People were turning against each other, snarling at petty flaws and problems. And when you start pointing fingers, you might poke yourself in the eye." She took a deep breath. "Like Jacques said, I've never done anything to make any of you suspect me except be myself. And yet a few words, four syllables, got you, the Guild Leader who is supposed to be avoiding risk at all costs, right here in the classroom. So you think I'm the spy, right? What's your proof? Nothing. Just words out of my own mouth. And as you probably know by now, Kanrik, words are more powerful than daggers."

We were all staring at her. She never talked like this to an adult before. Kanrik was listening, actually listening, and I could tell that he hated every word. But I guess you don't have to be a truth-speaker to tell the truth—you just got to have enough guts to say it out loud.

"Impressive," Kanrik said, almost to himself. "Very impressive. In your own way, you are as annoying as Hanso."

"I take that as the highest compliment," she said in a stubborn tone.

"Oh, it was," he replied, giving me a short glance.

She shrugged. "Well, Jacques is my mentor," she said matter-of-factly. The Kyrii Master beamed. "And I think you owe him an apology. In fact, you owe more than one person in this room an apology."

"Then I apologize," he said. But as a general statement. I could see that he still didn't trust me, by the way he wouldn't look at me in the eye. "And I promise things will be better. No more pointing fingers, no more mockery, no more teasing. You have my word."

"Am I still gonna get that promotion?" Nort asked meekly. Kanrik growled and pulled him out of the room by the ear. I heard yelling in the hall and, for the first time in weeks, grinned. Okay, I know it's wrong to take pleasure in someone else's suffering and stuff, but really—it was Nort!

"Ahem," said Kayley. We all whirled around to face her. She stood up straighter, and she seemed a bit happier, too. But there was something in her face that still suggested a bit of sadness and bitterness. "As for my resolution of being a better friend, I'll leave that up to you guys. Did I fulfill it?"

"Heck yeah!" I cried.

"Good," she said, just as the bell rang. With all everything that happened with Kanrik and Nort, we skipped my turn. But I didn't really mind; that is, until I heard Kayley's last words. "Because this year, my hope and resolution is to never ever do it again."

Week 2

I still felt awful about last week. Why didn't I realize it? I was just…ugh. I really hate Masila, and what she'd let everyone been through. It's been a pretty tough year, the toughest I've ever lived, in fact. If all the years of being a thief are like this….eh, I still wouldn't quit. I love stealing too much. Still, sometimes it isn't fair.

I finally started keeping track of the date- I hated Kayley telling me, "Do you know what week of the month it is?" So I pretty much knew that Brynn was going out today. And since I had nothing better to do, I just went by her post and stole a bag of gold. Not that I knew what I was going to do with it—it wasn't like I could hand it to the Guild, like I did anytime. But I figured that a few hours in a jail cell – and a few minutes talking to Brynn – would be better than nothing.

While Brynn and Violet were walking around, I just passed by them with the money in my hand, kinda flaunting it. As expected, Viola went mad and took out her handcuffs—but Brynn stopped her. I blinked in surprise. Brynn was my friend, but I didn't really think that she'd actually let me go after a robbery without chasing me or something first. Again, something was up. Joy.

"Brynn!" Violet snapped. "It's obvious that he's been stealing! He's even holding a bag of money!" I grinned, guilty as charged.

They began bickering, and so I changed my mind about the jail cell. Slowly, I tiptoed away. But I guess I wasn't fast enough, because Brynn grabbed my arm in a firm grip. She looked at me, but I saw she wasn't angry. There was something scared in her eyes. Yup, something was definitely up. Before I could ask her what was wrong – if it was that Harry guy again I was going to throw him to Masila and be done with it – she said simply, "I need information."

I raised my eyebrows. "Usually guards interrogate thieves after they've taken them to prison."

"Yes," she agreed. "But this isn't an interrogation."

"What is it, then?" I asked curiously.

"You give me information," she replied. "And I let you go with an important message for Kanrik, okay?"

Important message? I thought. From a guard? I didn't know what to do, or how I was even going to give it to him. But the 'let you go' part sounded good. And besides, it was important. After a bit of thinking, I said, "Sounds fair. What do you want to know?"

"Who's Masila?" Brynn asked. "What did Kanrik do to her?"

I tensed. I came out here to escape the evil lady, not hear about her again. And talking about her was even worse. Besides, did I hear Brynn right? What did Kanrik do to her? I sighed. If nothing else, I needed to set the record straight. Masila was evil, not him. Quickly deciding on what was safe to tell them, I said, "She was in the Guild before I signed up, before Kanrik was the leader." She frowned, prompting for more. "She….uh, had a habit of using people and making them do the dirty work—but betraying them should she ever lose need of them or should she get caught."

There was a lot of things I could've added on there. She knows who you are, and she's going to kill you if I do anything to help the Guild. There's also supposedly a spy, which I thought was my friend Kayley who also wants to kill you (don't worry, she's actually sorta nice) and I tried to get Kanrik's friend Hannah to help but she isn't here and….and…

But she said, "Okay," and that settled it.

"What's the message for Kanrik?" I asked, wanting my part of the deal.

"She's coming for him," she answered. I stared at her. It was already old news, but if even guard girls knew…Sweet Fyora, things were getting bad. "Think you can manage that?"

"Yeah," I said. I was going to the Guild straight away. "Uh, you can let go of my arm now." She blinked and looked down, then turned slightly pink. She let go, and I ran away at full speed.

When I got through the Guild entrance in the cave, I saw that everything was completely deserted. It was creepy. I mean, it looked like nobody's been here in years, when only last week it was throbbing with loads of people. Kanrik even took the trouble of adding a coat of dust to everything to fit the image. This would definitely fool anyone. Well, except for the recent Altador Cup souvenir that someone forgot to throw away.

I made my way to his office and knocked on the door cautiously. In a flash, I was pulled inside with a dagger on my throat. "Who are-" Kanrik paused. "Oh. It's you. Did you forget that the Guild was on lockdown?" he asked angrily.

"No," I said, rubbing my throat. "But I kind of have a message for you."

"A message from who?" he asked in a dangerous voice.

I glared at him. "I thought you promised no more pointing fingers."

"Who's pointing fingers?" he shot back. "I was only asking a simple question."

"Of course you were," I said sarcastically. "It's from Brynn."

"Hanso!"

"What?"

"I told you to stop talking to her!"

"The Guild's on lockdown mode," I reminded him. "No one is doing their jobs, so it's technically vacation time. So technically, that means no orders from you."

He gritted his teeth. "This better be good."

"It's not anything new," I admitted. "But Brynn said that Masila's coming for you."

"Really? I would never have thought of that. Thanks for telling me."

"Look, I know it's just a warning and stuff, but don't you think it's getting really bad if the guards know about it?"

"It's already bad!" he snarled. "I'm doing everything I can to stop it, without anyone interfering."

"Well, you need some help."

"From whom?" he questioned. "None are truly loyal to me here, you know."

"I am," I piped up. He rolled his eyes. "Don't you believe that?"

"You know what? I used to." That really did hurt; but I didn't say anything. "Go run off with your parents or something. I'm busy."

"You're scared, aren't you?" I said. "About being betrayed? Because you know how easy it is to make one little slip, and people have done it to you thousands of times?"

"I am not scared." Lie. And we both knew it.

"Not everyone's like Masila, for your information," I told him.

He snorted. "I doubt you can name one person who'd come to help me in a moment's notice, who never ever betrayed me—and don't use yourself as an example."

"Hannah," I said unblinkingly. Because even though it's been months and months, I just knew that she really was going to help. She wasn't going to leave us alone. Yeah, I know it's stupid—but I still had a bit of faith in her.

"Hannah? What do you know about her?" Kanrik said bitterly.

"I know she's your friend."

"Was, Hanso," he said. "One thing Masila was right about is that we hadn't kept in touch."

"Still," I said. "Once, I haven't seen Brynn in like nine months. And she still greeted me like nothing had happened."

He shrugged. "But you were only pretending to be her friend. It's not the real deal, is it?" I didn't answer—one lie and that'd be the end for me. "Anyway, Masila doesn't know where the hideout is, like you probably know. The last one was in Terror Mountain, and she can't use that one against us anymore. Just get out; I have enough to worry about without you coming in."

Week 3

It's Christmas, which meant I got up extra early this morning. No, I don't believe in Santa Claus—I just liked checking if presents had arrived yet. Really. Anyway, we had put the old tree up. It was still sad and bare, and had a meager amount of presents under it; but I loved it anyway. Quickly, I slipped in Mom's and Dad's presents. Both weren't nicked. I actually do sort of get paid with looking after Timmy (when Kanrik was captured it was like community service, but now the parents hand the kids to us to get some 'me' time). Mom got a new dagger engraved with small gems (though fake, they were still pretty), and Dad got a magnet concealed in a pencil (you don't know how useful that can be).

"Morning, Hanso," said Dad, who's usually the first to wake up. "Did Santa come?"

"I don't believe in Santa," I protested.

"'Course you don't. You just leave milk and cookies for any intruders who happen in our house for Christmas just because you're nice." I grinned sheepishly and shrugged. "So, want to put the star on top?"

"Let's wait for Mom," I said.

He grinned. "Very mature. You used to try to get the star on before I even went in—I always had to make the decorations Hanso-proof." He looked at me for a moment, and said, "You're ten years old now, right?"

"Yeah."

"Hm," he muttered. "I wonder if Liz will finally tell you…" his voice trailed off, and he looked like he was lost in thought.

"What's Mom gonna tell me?" I questioned.

He started. "Oh, did I say that out loud? Sorry. Don't mind me, I was just kind of babbling."

"You guys are keeping a secret," I said. "Is this because of the whole spy business?"

Dad got this angry, fierce look on his face. "You are not the spy. It's not fair that Kanrik accused you of being that…the intruder or whatever."

"But then, what's it about?"

He bit his lip. "Let's just say that you being missing for two months isn't the only reason why Kanrik suspected you were a spy-"

"Are you telling him anything?" Mom said suspiciously, entering the room. Her arms were crossed.

"Of course not," Dad said innocently.

"Is he lying?" Mom asked.

"No," I said weakly. My voice became all high-pitched. Mom glared at Dad. It's not fair—whenever I lie it's obvious, and whenever I tell the truth it just comes back to haunt me. "Stupid truth-speaking stuff."

"Truth-speaking?" Dad questioned, trying to change the subject. "Someone's been paying a visit to Marie. She's always fussed about that thing. But I never got what's the difference. It's just talking."

I shrugged. "Apparently, I can tell whether someone's lying or not, though that part definitely hasn't been working lately. And I'm also a horrible liar."

"Well, at least we don't have to worry about your nose getting longer," Mom said cheerfully.

"Though how'd you get so honest, anyway?" Dad pressed, curious. "I mean, we never really gave you any sentiments for being truthful now, did we?"

"Maybe he inherited it," Mom said.

"Who'd he inherit it from? Not from me or you."

Mom just smiled, like she had some big secret. "You never know." Mom's interesting like that. I always think that she has loads of things that she could say, but she doesn't tell anyone until the 'time comes' or whatever. Dad and I just shrugged, kind of used to it. And I quickly put the star on top of the tree by bouncing on the sofa and throwing it on.

"Speaking of Marie," Mom said, glimpsing at the clock. "I promised to come visit her today."

"Okay, Lizzie," said Dad, slouching on the sofa and putting his arms underneath his head. "You go have fun-"

"With you," Mom continued.

"Aw, come on," Dad complained. "I wasn't as close to her as you." Mom looked at him, and he stared at the ground uncomfortably. "I mean, sure she's nice and stuff, but she doesn't like me that much anyway." Mom kept staring at him. "Okay, fine!" he groaned, standing up.

"I'll come," I said.

"Absolutely not!" they cried.

I blinked. "Why? I've been to her house once or twice before. It wasn't that bad—I like Marie."

"She might have some unwanted guests," Dad explained.

"And Fyora knows you've made yourself a big enough target for Masila already," Mom finished. I sighed. "Look, meet us back here at around six, okay? Then we could go to the Christmas feast together."

"Wait, it's not canceled?" I asked.

"Unfortunately," Mom said. "I just hope it isn't as chaotic as last year. I have half a mind to not let you go."

"He has to," Dad said miserably. "He's an official guild member now—when he was younger it was optional."

Mom sighed. "Just keep yourself occupied until six, all right? I know we're usually together today, but things have been awfully crazy these days…"

"Yeah, yeah," I grumbled. Great. Masila's ruined my mentor's trust, my reputation, my sorta-friendship, and now my Christmas.

"I promise it'll be different next year," Mom said, hugging me. Dad gave me a thumbs-up sign. "Just wait for a little while."

"Okay." So they left. I stayed at home for awhile, pacing up and down. But after an hour or so, things began to get creepy. It's a little weird to be at home alone. Everything always seems so much louder, darker, sadder, that you could swear that there are ghosts coming. Needless to say, I was completely freaked out, and decided to go for a walk. To clear my head, of course, not because I was scared or anything.

Darn. Even on paper I can't lie.

Anyway, it was pretty, with the snow covering the kingdom up softly like it was a huge marshmallow. For the fun of it, I just jumped up and down to squish some ice. Then I got hit by a snowball.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry," said somebody behind me, meaning it. I was about to say it was all right when I realized he had this thick, strange, and now familiar accent. "I, er, seemed to have missed. I was actually aiming for my friend-"

"Charlie?" I asked.

The Kacheek looked at me. I barely recognized him, since he was so bundled up with two coats, gloves, ear muffs, and a hat. "Hanso?" he said delightedly. "What a coincidence! Hey, Brownie, you better look at who I threw a snow ball at."

Hazel quickly trudged up to us, though the snow kept slowing her down. She smiled at me. "Hi, Hanso," she said sweetly. She looked concerned. "Why aren't you wearing a thicker coat? It's freezing."

"Oh, it isn't," I assured her. "This one's magic. It makes me toasty warm inside."

"Uh-huh," she said disbelievingly.

"Thank Fyora we found you here," Charlie chirped. "I was beginning to think we've driven you away with all our problems; especially with that measly Tradition."

"Of course not," I said, shocked. "And I'm still fully intending to help, you know. It's just…things been awfully bad last month, with the solid rain, the getting accused of being a spy yet again, thinking that one of my sort-of friends has betrayed me…" I began filling them in, and looked at me with wide eyes.

"You have been busy," Charlie marveled.

"Anyway, it's okay for now," I told them. "Though I wish I could find out who the spy is; and that it wouldn't be anyone close to me. Even better, I wish Masila would just disappear and end it."

Hazel frowned. "Do you think people would be happy if Masila would just go away?"

"I would," I promised.

"She doesn't seem all heartless, you know," said the little girl softly.

I stared at her. "Hazel, Masila tried to kill little kids, stab the Guild Leader, sap every single thing from the treasury, betray and leave people in the streets…"

"I know," she said. "But she must've done some good. I mean, no one's completely evil."

"You haven't met Masila," I said.

"Yes I have," she replied. My jaw dropped. "Don't you remember? When I went to that tournament and stuff to save Violet? There was that Kyrii, there…I think she called him Sam. She could've gotten through him and killed Kanrik, but instead she stopped and asked him to join. Even when he said no, she didn't hurt him."

"Well…" I said hesitantly, "I guess that's just because he's her nephew."

She looked at me, frowning. "Just because they're family doesn't mean that she's gonna have any problems on hurting him—unless she really does like him."

I shrugged. "Maybe," I said doubtfully. Then I realized something. "What are you two doing here? Aren't you supposed to stay in the rich kids' neighborhood or something?"

"Daddy's not here yet," said Hazel happily. "So I asked Mum if I could go and see Violet. Then I begged Charlie to come, and his parents allowed Mrs. Daley to take him while she's in the market. Isn't that great?"

"Jolly good," said Charlie, without any sort of enthusiasm. His smile was a little strained. "I can't wait to see Miss Firecracker - I mean, Violet – again."

"Could you come too?" Hazel asked me. "I bet you can navigate the castle and stuff, in case we need to find her."

"Woah, wait just a minute there, Hazel," I said. "Violet and I aren't exactly in good terms. She doesn't like criminals, remember?"

"Pretty please?" she pleaded. "You helped her become okay a few months ago. And you won't do anything wrong, right? So she won't arrest you."

"She once tried to arrest me for talking to her," I muttered, but sighed. The little princess rarely asks for anything, and since I had nothing better to do, I said, "Sure."

"Oh, good!" Charlie exclaimed. "Now, er, would you mind showing us the way? We know that the castle's over there, but we're a little lost, what with all those confusing streets and stuff."

I chuckled. "Don't worry—the number of times I've been thrown in jail there, I've practically memorized the way." We set off for the palace. After a few minutes, we were sitting in the entrance hall warming up. I kind of felt uneasy. I hate going the front way—it just makes me seem so exposed. But I doubted that Charlie or Hazel would agree to sneaking in.

Hazel went up to a Draik man, whom thankfully didn't recognize me. "I'm here to see my sister Violet," she said in a sweet voice. "With them too, of course. Could you please tell me where she is?"

He blinked. "You're Violet's sister?" I could get his surprise. Hazel was so quiet and small compared to her. She nodded. "Oh, well, I believe she has asked to stay for the holidays…she's outside, practicing her archery."

"Okay. Thank you!" she said, and skipped off while sometimes looking behind to make sure we were still following her.

"So, why are you here?" I asked Charlie. "I really doubt that you actually want to see Violet."

"It might be one of the last times I get to see Hazel," he reminded me. "Term for the guards start at January again, and though she says that she only wants to visit Violet…I think she wants to take a look around, too." He sighed. "Seems awfully grand, doesn't it? I bet she'd have a splendid time here."

"Come on, guys! Hurry up!" said Hazel excitedly. She was nearly running to the door now. We followed her.

Like the Draik man said, Violet was out practicing her archery. I saw her in the very first tournament I saw of the guards. She was not good at sword-fighting. But archery? Well…she was aiming at a couple of dummies, getting every arrow in the bulls-eye part. I started to get jelly-legged. She was absolutely brilliant, and I wanted to hide under something.

But she dropped her bow and arrow as soon as she saw us. "Hazel!" she squealed, and ran up to squeeze her. "Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas," the little girl echoed, hugging her back.

It looked really sweet—until Violet glanced upwards. Instantly, she whipped out a pair of handcuffs. Handcuffs! I mean, does she carry that thing everywhere with her? She started out towards me. "Hey, I didn't steal anything!" I said, holding my arms up in surrender.

"You're trespassing on Guard grounds," she replied.

"No he isn't," said Hazel. "I invited him here; and I came with a visitors' pass."

"Hazel," she groaned. "You do not invite thieves to the Guards' headquarters, where they'll be able to see all our defenses."

"Oh. Oops," said Hazel sheepishly.

"I'm not planning to break in any time soon," I promised Violet.

"Right. You'll just start as soon as Brynn gets back," she said sarcastically.

I smirked. "Like she'd ever allow that. Don't worry, Miss Firecracker, Brynn's a good girl and doesn't do much that will risk her job."

She froze. "What. Did. You. Just. Call. Me?" She said it slowly, menacingly, her voice tight with anger. For a second, she seemed as scary as Masila. "Because I thought I heard 'Miss Firecracker,' and the only person stupid enough to call me that is-" Then she glanced at Charlie. "YOU!"

"Merry Christmas, Violet!" said Charlie cheerfully. Before she could start threatening him again, he continued, "I love Christmas, don't you? The day when there is peace in all of Neopia, and everyone wishes good will to all."

"I'll show you good will, all right," Violet muttered, her hands turning into fists. "Hazel, why did you ask the two people that I hate the most here?"

"I thought that was Harry and Ebony," I said.

She closed her eyes. "Fine. The two people that annoy me the most?"

"I just wanted to visit," Hazel said sweetly. "I didn't want to go alone, and no one else would come with me. But if that's a problem, I think I can go…" Violet's jaw dropped, and Hazel giggled.

"Sis, you're learning how to play your cards right," said Violet admirably. "Okay, fine, they can stay. But we," she continued, directing her speech to me, "Are never going to tell Brynn about this, or anyone else for that matter. Agreed?"

"Agreed," I replied.

"Come on," Violet said, taking Hazel's hand. "I'll show you around." After awhile, it became clear what she was trying to do. She painted everything in the best possible light, from the Hall of Heroes (I looked away as we passed a shield engraved with the name 'Summer Vines') to the library ("Sophia's finished everything—now she reads in that public library at the square," Violet said, "There are loads of interesting stuff about princesses and things") to the cafeteria food ("It's okay"). I think she really wanted to impress Hazel about being a guard. A few times, it seemed to be working. Charlie just looked straight ahead, trying not to show that he was upset.

"And to think," Violet continued. "I'd been in the Guard for three whole years! Five more and I'll be completely safe from the you-know-what."

"We don't know that, Violet," said Hazel softly. "Daddy could pull you out-"

"I'm safe," Violet assured her. "I mean, he can't kick me out! Do you know how much money it took to get me in? No refunds—we'd have probably gone bankrupt if it wasn't for the neopoints they give him whenever I go on patrol. He'd have to earn big with his trading caravans and stuff to be able to afford it."

Hazel still looked uncertain. "I don't know 'bout that. Daddy said he has a big haul this year-"

"He says it to sound more impressive," Violet answered dismissively. "Believe me, Haze, once you get in-"

"Could we talk about that alone?" Hazel asked. The girls looked at me and Charlie, so we just shrugged and went outside.

"It's still freezing," Charlie commented dryly.

"Yeah," I agreed. I waited. He was close to a breakdown.

He sighed. "I know why you're looking at me like that, Hanso, and it's not fair. She truly should join the Guard, and I'm not going to say anything to stop her. The best I could hope for is that she won't turn into a mini-firecracker."

"Seriously, though, isn't there some other way-"

"No," he said sadly. "I either get married or sent to my daft grandmother. I don't like either choice, but that's it. The only other way is to completely lose the fortune and title, which I'm trying to find a way to do."

"Wait…title?" I asked.

He laughed. "Of course; the rich people aren't only rich, you know. Your family gets awarded this title of you're suitable. Hazel's is 'Lady Hazel of the Brightvale Greenfields.' Mine is 'Lord Charles of the Meridell Wood Acres.'"

"Meridell?" I queried.

"I told you I moved here," he reminded me. "Truly, rich families have completely unreasonable traditions, not the mention 'The Tradition.' If your family lived on the east side of the neighborhood, you have to live in the east side. If your old mansion had three floors, your new one has to have three floors. If your family is named after something, you and your children will have to be named after that something."

"Your family is named after something, too?" I asked, amused.

"Why yes," Charlie said. "I thought you'd noticed. I call myself Charlie because it sounds nicer, more common. There's this other Kacheek in Meridell called Charlie who owns a rubbish dump, and my parents were very displeased when they thought I'd named myself after him-"

"Sweet Fyora!" I exclaimed, looking at the sun. Or, at least where it used to be. "How in Neopia did it get so late? I had to get home at six!"

"Oh my," said Charlie. "You'll have to hurry, then. You're about forty minutes late. I'll tell Hazel and Miss Firecracker you said bye."

"Thanks!" I called, already racing ahead. Mom was not amused when she saw me, and told me that all I was eating for the feat was asparagus. To which Dad protested that it was Christmas, and she agreed to postpone the punishment until tomorrow.

The whole thing wasn't unbearable, I guess. People kept looking at me acidly, especially Kanrik, but my parents would just glare at them right back and they went away. The food wasn't half-bad, either. At least it wasn't asparagus.

Week 4

We still didn't have school today, so I decided to go hill-hiking. Why not? I did it once before, and it made me feel better. But I guess it was a one time thing, because when I looked at the view, it just got me a bit down. It's weird, thinking my seven-year-old self was lucky. I wouldn't wish I was him…I mean, I've learned a lot, not to mention made loads more friends. But I also had fewer problems. Did that sound weird?

And a bit of the mystery and stuff got taken out, too. I remember wanting to go and explore Neopia one day…little did I know, the chance came sooner than I thought. I wish I did it just for fun, not to save the guild leader. In fact, now that I think about it, I didn't even get to enjoy myself that much. A bit too busy dodging zombies and staying alive in caves, I guess. What did I get out of it? A friend whom I keep hoping would show up, but never does. What happened to her? Did she get kidnapped or something? I wasn't sure I wanted to know. All I was sure of was that Hannah left me hanging for a long time, and I just about had it.

Late afternoon, just before I was about to go down for a miserable mope, I heard a familiar voice say, "Wait up, Lil! You're going too fast!"

"Not that fwast, Kwayely," the Cybunny replied. She bounced and bounced to the top of the hill below me. I crouched down, so I was below their vantage point. "Wook over thwere! Isn't it pwetty?"

"I guess," said Kayley doubtfully. "But how many times have I told you on going too far ahead of me? You could've fallen, or hurt, or…"

"Cwaptured by guards?" Lilia giggled. "I'm okway. Thwanks for letting me go with wou. Mummy and Daddy are vewy bwusy now, with Lisa, and Kenzie, and Mikey, and Goerge, and Fanny."

"My parents can't spend time with me either," Kayley said. She tried to tone the bitterness down for the little kid's sake. "So I didn't mind taking you out. Stop mentioning it, all right? I don't mind at all, though I will have to go soon…" she looked at the sinking sun. Kayley always keeps better track of time as me. "This hill is our last before you're to run along home."

Lilia nodded obediently. Then she said, in a cute way, "I knwow it isn't Chwistmas anymwore, but I gwot wou a pwesent."

Kayely raised her eyebrows. "You didn't have to."

"I knwow," she said matter-of-factly, and then took out a tiny potion. "This wady, a pwink Ixi, came to twown one dway. It was awfuwwy expenswive, but the nice wady wowered the pwice for mew. She swaid it was a mwystewy pwotion—but she swaid that it'd help when you dwon't know who someone is." She smiled. "Wou're wooking for the spy, wight?"

Kayley gaped at her. "Yes…wow." She stared at the tiny bottle. It might actually help her find who the double agent is—and a useful gift like that is definitely rare from a rich kid. "Thanks, Lilia." Then, in a more regretful tone, continued, "I didn't get you anything."

"Oh, that's okway," said Lilia brightly. "Guess I bwetter go now."

But Kayley still looked really guilty. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she said, "Hey, Lil, I do have a present for you!"

"Really?" the little kid said, turning back.

Kayley took something from her coat. My jaw dropped. Her spyglass. Her extremely precious spyglass that she got for her birthday—and she was giving it to her little kid. "Look, you could see and here people from far places and stuff. I bet it'll prove useful to you; but be careful, it could be fragile."

"I pwomise I'll be vewy caweful with it," she said, tucking it into her pocket cautiously. "Thanks, Kwayely!" With that, she hugged her tightly, and skipped down the hill. It was the most shocking sight I've ever seen.

Even more shocking was, once Lilia was out of earshot, Kayley said out loud, "I'm not heartless, you know. Or deaf. If I didn't know already, I'm sure that you'd never be the spy—you're almost as bad at it as lying." She looked directly at my hill.

I sighed and slid down. "Was it that obvious?"

"Try not to hide when there's no cover, Hanso," Kayley replied with her arms crossed. "By the way, the spyglass was how I knew what Masila said to you. You gave it to me before you rushed off, remember? While everyone was straining to hear, I simply put it to my eye. That's when I realized you didn't deserve all that mockery."

"Thanks," I said gratefully.

She rolled her eyes. "No need to say that—I wasn't doing it for you. If anyone, it was Juliet or Timmy."

"Timmy?"

"I owed the kid one, by nearly killing him. If his baby-sitter died of misery, it'd probably affect him a lot, too. Besides, Lilia likes him."

"You are good with her," I marveled. "I mean, you gave her your birthday present!"

She shrugged. "I tend to be generous to those I like. So sue me. I'm not always a grump, you know."

"Of course," I said. "Seriously, though, thanks. That was amazing, how you stood up to Kanrik." For awhile, there was an uncomfortable silence. "So…we friends again?"

Her jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"

"What?" I said defensively. "Hey, you nearly killed my little kid but stood up to Kanrik. I'd say that we're kind of even."

She looked at me in the eye. "You still don't trust me."

I sighed. "Look, it's not that. I didn't even tell my parents where I was-"

"Not that," she snapped. "Though it's part of the reason. It's really clear that we're never, ever going to be friends. The fact alone that you thought I was a spy twice should have eliminated you from my 'be nice' list. And you're friends with guards and rich kids…" she shook her head disgustedly. "No way."

"Hey, you can't stop me from being friends with them-"

"I know," she replied. "But I can stop you from being friends with me. I'm sticking with my resolution—I'm never going to try what I did again. It's not worth the hurt." She turned around and stomped back, and I was too depressed to follow her.

Happy New Year.

By the way, I know this is kinda random/late but have any of you played "Hannah's Wardrobe Adventure"? I mean, the tons of clothes I had to put on her! I could see why Hanso was really irritated. :P