Travank

by Ransomslydrale

Aashin has been given a mission by the governement to spy on one of the powerful business families in Zuman. He is assigned as a bodygaurd to the daughter of the head, but this mission wasn't going on as planned. He was an assassin, not a spy, And the woman he is supposed to gaurd turns out is not just some innocent rich girl. How many more secrets will he learn about the house?

Prologue

In this world, life was beautiful. The continent of Kloh was divided into six countries; area 21, violet, zuman, pellet, string and hlybow. These countries were named after the warriors who freed the continent from the hands of the evil region of Arcule. But after 123 years of peace, the beauty of this continent was under threat.

Chapter 1- Zuman

Aashin walked on the unecassarily long hallway. He was directly called in by the prime minister for a mission. He cursed the architect for locating the prime minister's office so far away from the main building . His footsteps echoed as he walked alone until he reached the redwood doors that had the sign " Markul Spi". he will finally be meeting the highly respected prime minister . He knocked on the newly polished door, he immediately heard a deep voice that said "come in. He sighed and grabbed the golden colored doorknob and twisted it open, entering the huge oval room. He saw the prime minister at his desk, surrounded by paperwork " Aashin Kajar, I believe," said the prime minister.

" Yes,". The minister looked up from his desk, he didnt say a word, he kept staring at aashin as if he didnt believe his eyes. The silence was too uncomfortable

" ummmm?" aashin asked

The minister immediately realised that he was being weird.

" it's not every day I meet 18 year old assassins. Although i have to say finding you was a pain in the ass" the minister replied.

" yeah… " said Aashin .

" It's nice to finally meet you," said the prime minister getting up from his seat. " from what I've heard, you're one of the best there is". He signaled Aashin to come take a seat.

" I certainly hope to live up to your expectations ," replied aashin, he stared at the prime minister.. .from what he'd heard, Markul Spi was one of the best warriors in his prime. He walked to the desk and sat on the chair opposite to the minister.

" are you aware of why you are called in?" the minister asked

" you want me to kill someone"

" yes". the minister sat in a very uncomfortable silence as he stared down at his desk.

" Are you going to tell me who?" asked the assassin. He wasnt exactly thinking this would be a jolly visit, but this was more stressful than he thought.

The minister looked up, and sighed out loud.

" I am going to give you a mission of course."

"Thats… why im here"

"The details of the mission will be explained by the general," then he rang a bell that was on the desk.

After a few minutes, there was a knock at the door. The minister let him in. the tall general walked in, removing his helmet as he bowed to the prime minister. He looked at aashin.

"Good to meet you Aashin kajar" he said, in his monotonous voice

" yeah…." replied Aashin.

"You are surely aware that you cannot back off this mission, you are getting well paid for this, you have to complete it even if you have to put your life on the line"

"Yes"

"Well then" sighed the general.

The general looked at the minister before looking at aashin. He walked to the left where there was a map of the continent of Kloh. he removed a pointer from his pocket and pointed towards the large peninsula labeled Zuman. " This is where we are if you know your geography. or, more accurately, down here" he moved the pointer downwards where the capital city Lis was labeled. " your mission now is to go to Travank city in the arkan regions". The general moved the pointer north . "Ever been there?" he asked without looking at him.

"Only heard of it, zuman is a very big country" replied the assasin.

"Travank is the most important city in the northern borders and the buisiest ports we have. This city is the home to all traders and merchants. But along with that, it's also a home for thieves, illegal immigrants, and all kinds of nutorious people. There is a rumour that the house of warun, a family that plays a big hand in the city's crime has formed an allience with our neighbouring country, Area 21. If this is true, then it will be easy for Area 21 to control our port."

The prime minister interrupted, " area 21 was our closest ally for the past 123 years, but…. tensions have been growing between us for a few years. That country claims it's trying to prevent conflict, but it's clear that it's working behind our back".

The general stopped pointing, he turned and looked at the young boy. " You will be our spy in Travank," he gave aashin a document. Aashin looked down to see file about someone named

Theo Rath. "that will be your fake has your backstory, likes, dislikes and other characteristics that sound convincing. Read it clearly, try not to improvise." the general said strictly. "Your report says youre a great liar, and of course your assasination skills are the best''. Aashin gave a small smile. " Improvisation will make it hard for us, and end up screwing up the mission. We can't afford something like that."

"Understood" said the assasin, nodding.

The general continued. " you will get yourself a job in the house of Warun, we will make that happen. A job there will give you access to a lot of information, you will report anything and everything unusual. Is that clear?"

"Yes"

" you will be leaving tomorrow"

" I see"

"all the items for your journey will be arranged" the general walked to aashin and handed him a piece of paper "this is a detailed map of travank, including the hangouts of all the gangs, this might be a bit old, but it's almost accurate. You might run into other spies of ours, do not reveal your identity to them or share information. They are doing their job and you are doing yours. But if you do need some help, contact Rashu, another of our spies in the city. All the information about him will be on that fake identity of yours."

" tomorrow morning, six hours after midnight. You will meet officer Mali, who will escort you to the train. You will get off at Sruyu station. From there you will take a wagon that will drop you in Siren district of Travank. Rest there for a day and try to adjust. Someone from the house of warun will contact you, then your job begins."

" Good luck" said the general and turned to leave.

" Wait" called aashin

The general turned around " what is it"

"I was hired to kill, not spy, you didnt tell me who i'm supposed to kill"

The prime minister answered instead.

" you keep sending us the information about the house of Warun. When we get the right information, we tell you who to kill, until then, you will not kill anyone, unless we tell you to. That is of utmost importance."

" I hope you do a good job," said the prime minister.

Aashin gave a small smile, " Consider it done".

Chapter 2- Sruyu

The chirps of birds annoyed Aashin. The sun wasn't even out yet and they began their nonsense. He was outside the train station, bare handed, waiting for this 'Mali' to show up. To make things worse, there were wagon drivers shouting even at this hour.

" anywhere in Lis, 30 uniks, 30 uniks"

" wagon rides 25 uniks only"

" sir you look like you need a ride, 20 uniks only"

" here sir, here, here,"

Aashin just stared. He wished Lis was a bit quiter. He noticed a small family hurriedly making it's way to the station. The mother was shouting at her children to stop fighting and the father was shouting on how they were going to be late. " families are nice aren't they?" said a voice behind him. He turned around to see a short man in a green suit. He was holding a little bag of baked spine beans.

"Huh?"

" families…... they're nice"

"I suppose so" replied the assassin.

" I believe you are looking for your family"

" What makes you say that?"

"Just an instinct, it also says that your family is in Travank" said the stranger, slightly smiling. Aashin raised an eyebrow, "officer Mali?"

The officer nodded "Theo Rath, I'm here to send you off."

" I see"

The officer turned around and signaled another man near the beans shop. He walked over with a backpack. He handed it to the assassin.

" This has everything you need. Here's your ticket. Platform 23,arrives in 15 minutes."
" I see"

"We'll take our leave now". The officer and his deputy left, they didnt turn back.

Luckily Platform 23 wasn't crowded. The train was headed to a small town, so aashin really wasnt expecting a lot of people. He did notice the noisy family on the same platform. This time one of the children was crying. He could feel himself getting annoyed by that child's cries, but just ignored it. The child stopped crying as it heard the train coming, it started imitating the train's sound that was getting louder every second.

"Choooooo'' cried the little child. People sitting on benches got up and formed a line. The train stopped with a small squeal, and the child took the delight to imitate that noise too. Aashin climbed on, hoping to find a window seat. The moment he got on, he caught the scent of roses, it was so strong it was sickening. He didnt understand the trains Zuman, the previous one he had got on, smelled like honey. The people who got on the train took a deep breath and exhaled and then smiled,as if this was going to be the best train journey of their lives. Aashin wondered why Zumans liked it. He made his way to an empty compartment located at the rear. He dropped his bag next to him on the seat and leaned against the window. He heard the noisy family coming towards him,and he wasn't glad when they chose to sit in the compartment right next to his. The two little children were fighting again and this time it was the father yelling at them to cut it out. The young assasin sighed, he removed the fake identity document to read it again. The train made the squealing noise again and headed up north.

Fake identities were always made up by him, but this was the first time he was assigned one. He was certainly impressed by Zuman officers' ability to make up a very convincing identity. He re-read the first page,

GENERAL:

Name: Theo Rath

Occupation : currently looking for a job, previously worked in scrillers clothing shop in Wisword as a cashier. Lost job due to business bakrupcy.

Birthplace : Marke, Zuman. A hilly town in the east of zuman, a population of 3000 people.

Address: 3rd house on the 5th street of south Marke

Birthday: 12th of Terse

FAMILY:

Parents: Enji and Rieko Roth

His grandfather was an immigrant from violet. His mother died in childbirth. His father was kind when he was a kid, but after losing his job as a fan maker, He became more short tempered. Theo clearly remembers an incident where his father tore down his book about a hero who had Magical powers. Theo's relationship with him kept on disintegrating. They didnt makeup before his father died two years ago due to a disease.

Friends : He had no friends growing up, he had befriended a zurmese sheep who he named 'tiko'. It died when it tried to jump off a high compound

PERSONALITY:

He naturally comes off as a kind person. He has trouble comprehending jokes with hidden meaning.

Aashin put down the document. He looked out the window to hear the pitter patter of the rain. The noisy family was already setting up for lunch. the mother removed a bunch of boxes and plates from her bag. She spread a cloth on the seat and placed the boxes. She was yelling at her husband for not getting the salt.

" What do you mean it's my fault"

"Who else should i blame?"

" youre the control freak, I thought you packed it"

The couple kept bantering, while the children were already stuffing their mouth with sweets.

The wife turned to see a young man in the opposite compartment staring at them. She looked away and signaled her husband.

"Maybe he's hungry too" whispered the husband

"You think so?"

" Why else would he?"

The wife sighed. " if he is hungry then offer him some food,"

The husband turned to the young man, "would you like to join us?"

"Huh?" replied the young man in confusion.

" well, you were staring, so i thought you were hungry"

" Sorry about that, I'm not hungry" said the young man, looking away. The man and his wife shared a look and went on to thier meal.

The husband kept staring at the young man in the opposite compartment. He whispered to his wife, " where do you think he'll get off?"

" why does that matter?"

"Just curious"

" You shouldn't poke your nose into things that don't concern you"

"Come on, he's a young boy, seems no older than 20, perhaps he's looking for a job"

" don't care"

" See his hair? Its black, he must be from the east, or perhaps even a foriegner."

" doesn't matter to me"

" he's pretty tall for a zumanian"

" so what?"

" his skin is too fair, east zumanians are a bit more tanned, he is definitely a foreigner from the east" remarked the husband

" just shut up" yelled the wife. It made the kids turn towards them. She whispered " It doenst matter, stop being weird."

" it's not weird, i'm just curious about him"

"Then go ask him yourself, dont bother me" said the wife annoyed

The husband stood up, and walked across to the other compartment and sat down on the seat opposite to the young man.

The young man looked at the husband, then looked away.

" Hello, Im Wispo"

Aashin didn't know why the short, blonde man was trying to start a conversation. He wanted to ignore him, but he remembered that he was supposed to be a kind man according to the fake identity.

" Hello" replied the assassin.

" That over there is my wife, Shanna," said the blonde, pointing to the blonde woman in the other compartment. "Those two are my kids, Rina and Shay"

" I see" replied the assassin with no interest.

" what's your name?" asked the man

" Theo"

" Good to know, we're headed to sruyu. That's where we're from."

" i see"

" where are you headed, theo?"

" same"

" that's nice". There was silence, Theo looked away. But the Husband continued,

" are you headed there to meet someone?"

" i think so"

"Oh, i know almost everyone in the town, so if you need help contacting anyone you can ask for my help." said the man smiling

" thanks"

" where are you from?" asked the man trying to continue the conversation

" huh?"

" you don't seem youre from here, so i was wondering"

" East"

" East?"

" a small town in the east of Zuman"

" the east Zuman? I thought you were a forienger. Perhaps I can't tell the difference after all", wispo laughed and then continued,

" what were you doing in Lis?"

" meeting someone"

"I see, me and my family were on a vacation"

" thats nice"

The man smiled, Theo smiled back, remembering that he was supposed to be kind.

Wispo wasn't done yet. " Do you work in the farms?"

" no"

" i see", said wispo, " where else then?"

" i currently dont work anywhere"

" looking for a job huh?"

" hmm"

" i can help you know, you could work on my farm if youre interested. A bit of work, but youll get paid enough." Wispo said in a bright tone.

Theo forced a smile, " oh, dont concercn yourself with it, i already have someone who offered me a job."

" oh" said wispo with a bit of disappointment.

" Well, it was nice to meet you Theo, hope you like your visit in our town,." said the man, getting up from his seat. He waved and went away to his compartment.

Aashin sighed, he didn't like people who were comfortable enough to start conversations with strangers. The rain was slowing down as the train stopped at its third station. Two more two go.

Chapter 3- Station

The train stopped with that little squeal. It was late afternoon, the sky was clearing up, hints of blue could be seen between the grey sea of clouds. The loud family was its loudest since the beginning of its journey, picking things up, checking their surroundings for missing items and making sure the seats looked clean. The assassin wondered why they were making a big deal to clean the area. Until he noticed a sign that said eating on trains wanst allowed. Yet the family had made it itself a picnic, right on the train. He picked up his bag and got off the train. The station was more crowded than in Lis. When made his way through the crowd, he noticed a little tea stall on the side, having not eaten anything, the assassin walked towards it. The stall had a wooden board hanging in the side that had the menu of all the tea that was available, and Aashin hadn't heard of any of them. The assassin had to choose wisely as he might end up sick. He stood there for a few moments trying to figure which to get.

The stall owner noticed the black haired boy's confusion. " Shall I recommend one?" asked the owner, leaning over the counter

The young man turned to see him, " sure," he answered.

" Spice tea, the favourite of all my customers" said the owner smiling

" Spice tea then, make sure to add some extra sugar to it." said the boy, which surprised the owner, but agreed to it, he can't help if the customer has a sweet tooth.

" glass size?"

" uhh... small"

" one small spice tea with extra sugar, coming right up!" He turned around to prepare the tea. After a minute, he placed a glass with steaming hot liquid on the counter. The young man picked it up and said "thanks''. He took a sniff of the tea, and gave a small smile. He blew over it and took in a sip. The owner epectantly looks at the boy, waiting to see his reaction.

" do you like it?" asked the owner

" it's good," said the young man smiling.

" i told you it's liked by all"

"Yeah"

The young man fished into his bag and removed 5 coins and placed it on the counter. He turned around to leave " enjoy the rest of your day sir" said the owner.

" yeah" replied the young man.

Aashin spit out all the tea in the bathroom. He had just had the worst tea in history. It wasnt tea, it was just sugar liquid. He had assumed that the spice tea would be spicy. And since his fake identity said he liked sweets, he requested for extra sugar, and that was the biggest mistake he had made. He washed his mouth thoroughly and headed outside. There were fewer wagon drivers comparatively but they made the exact amount of noise as the one in Lis. He noticed a few holding boards with the name of the one they were here to pick up. Aashin noticed a large man with a twisted mustache who held up a board that read 'Theo Rath' as he walked towards the man.

" I'm Theo Rath"

" Who was the one who dropped you off?" asked the man in his deep voice.

"Mali"

The man stared at Aashin, then he replied "come with me Theo, I'm Nuro"

Nuro led Theo to a large wagon parked in the back of the station.

"Hop in" said Nuro. Theo climbed up and put his bag down on the seat as sat by the window.

There was a curtain that separated the driver seat from the back seat. Theo closed it and turned to look outside. " an introvert, huh?" whispered nuro to himself as he started the wagon and headed outside to the main road.

The wagon was on the inter-city road for an hour. Theo hadn't said much since he got on. Nuro had tried to start a conversation but it always ended shortly

" Got a job in Travank huh?" asked Nuro

" yeah"

" Gotta be careful there, has a lot of criminals lately"

"Hmm"

" Train journey was good I presume?"

" yeah"

" are you from Lis?"

" no"

" where else then?"

" east"

" east of zuman?"

" yeah"

Nuro sighed, he had nothing against people who didnt want to talk,but he was hoping the young man would say something.

After another hour of no conversation, the young man finally spoke up,

" what is that on the left?" he asked

" huh?" he said as he turned around.

Nuro noticed the tall wooden statue of a little girl. He answered, " Oh, that's little Mona, she gave up her life to save her school from criminals. A hero to us all, even the prime minister himself made a speech admiring her bravery"

" I see" said Theo. The silence was back again.

Chapter 4- Travank

The sun was almost setting when Aashin noticed the board that read 'Welcome to Travank'. He would have to get off in a few minutes. He opened the window to see the city. They were at the outskirts of town, he noticed the poorly built houses and badly maintained sidewalks. He noticed a lot of people staring at him under the dimly lit street lights as the wagon passed by. The wagon kept bumping thumping due to the bad quality of the road. Aashin expected a commerce city to be more well maintained. As they passed through the city, he noticed that the city was getting better and better. He could see a few tall buildings in the distance, the center of the city, he thought.

The moon was now shining, and Nuro got a bit nervous, they passed the outskirts without trouble but the real problem would be here soon. he didnt know the exact directions to Siren district, he would have to stop and ask. It was risky to stop at night in the city, especially in the downtown. He turned around to Theo

" uhhh I have only driven up to the residential districts, i'm a bit unfamiliar with downtown, i'll have to stop and ask someone so-" theo cut him off,

" dont worry, I know the directions, you don't need to stop"

Theo's response surprised Nuro, he wondered if Theo had been here before.

" you've been to Travank before?"

" kind of"

" oh"

Nuro continued to drive his wagon, he would occasionally hear theo tell him where to turn. He was surprised by the young man.

"We're here" said Nuro as he stopped near an inn in Siren district. Aashin picked up his bag, he shoved the map he had gotten back into the bag. He was lucky it was still accurate. He opened the door and got off. He turned to look at Nuro " thanks" he said.

" Be careful Theo" said the man as he drove off.

" yeah"

He walked towards the inn ,the wooden board shining under the streetlight read 'Travank Inns', this was where he was told to stay according to his file. When he opened the door, he immediately got the smell of tobacco. He walked up to the desk and rang the little bell located on it. The innkeeper came down the staris that were located behind the desk. She was an old woman, who was dressed in blue head to toe. She smiled at Aashin, showing of her blackened teeth, and he forced a smile back.

" staying in for the night?" she asked in her squeaky voice, he could smell the tobacco in her breath.

" Yeah," he replied.

" do you have a reservation?"

" I believe so" he fished through his bag and found a document that said room reservation on it and handed it to the old woman

" Good," she replied as looked at the document with squinted eyes.

" Theo Rath huh? Where are you from?" she asked as she fished for his room key.

" east"

" east zuman?"

" where else?" he asked

" Travank gets visitors from all over. Many of them are from the east, but which east? East Zuman or from a country in the east of Zuman? I always find it confusing and I can't even tell the difference, because east zumanians and foreigners from the east look pretty much the same!'' she smiled again. She finally found the key,and said "Well, Theo, here is your key. Welcome to Travank Inns, we dont serve food here but there are a few drinks you can buy, the bathplace is a common area which is located down this hallway'' she pointed to her left. She smiled as she handed him a key that had the number 12 on it. '' upstairs to the right, if you need anything, you can call me or my assistant Prith'' said the old woman.

" Thanks," he replied.

The door squeaked as he opened it, welcoming him with a scent of century old wood. Aashin put his bag under the small bed, the sheets had a few tears in it, but he couldn't care less. He then removed his coat but he couldn't hang it anywhere since there were no wardrobes, just a little drawer next to the bed. A small sink stood on the other side, he twisted the knob and there was no water. Behind the bed was a small window that let him view the street behind him. He leaned down to see a few wagons, but there were no people. There was only one light source, a small bulb on the ceiling. The room looked bad and smelt bad. He sighed as he sat on the bed which made a creaking noise so loud he was sure that it can be heard below.

He removed the fake identity and flipped to the page where he could contact the other spy, Rashu. His page was small, but enough to understand

Contact:

Rashu- spy of the Zuman army, works in the Shoufi trading market. Owns a street side bangle store ( can be identified with the blue crystal ball he keeps).

Description - light brown hair, grey eyes. A blackspot on his forehead.

DO NOT CONTACT UNLESS NECASSARY.

DO NOT SPECIFY YOUR MISSION TO HIM

USE YOU FAKE IDENTITY WHEN COMMUNICATING

Aashin found it hilarious that the Zumans would actually give step by step instructions to everything. It was like he was being treated as a child. He removed the map, and found Shoufi market. It wasn't far, perhaps he could give a visit tomorrow, even though he had no reason to visit the spy. He also noticed that there were no gang hangouts that belonged to the house of warun only the main house and the business center was marked. This was what made Aashin so intrigued, what was this house? How powerful is it that Area 21 chose to ally with the house? What do they know that even the Zuman intelligence isn't aware of? He would know soon, he just had to wait and be careful. The assassin put down the map and then switched off the light, closed his eyes, imagining a beach, its view, sound and smell. His first day in Travank would begin soon.

Chapter 5-Shoufi Market

The Shoufi market definitely lived up to Aashin's imagination. Hundreds of stalls, thousands of people, too much noise. All kinds of people, from all over the world, in one single place. The market had everything, food, clothing, furniture, art, weapons,even animals. Aashin wouldn't have minded walking around the area if it wasn't so crowded. He saw one of the shops selling all sorts of knives. The one right opposite to him was selling wigs, the one up front sold necklaces made from bones of fish, the next street was selling sweets that had the most ridiculous colors and shapes . But the assassin was most intrigued by the fortune teller he came across.

The crazy woman noticed the boy immediately, she knew he was the one. She called out to him. " you, over there, black shirt, not you, you, come here". The man turned around to see who was calling him.

" me?" he asked

" yes! You, come here boy!" she screamed with excitement, her screams got the attention of the people who were around. The young man in the black shirt came over, looking confused.

" what is it?" he asked.

" I am a fortune teller, I can immediately tell from the people who pass by, who is special and who is not! Let me read your fortune my boy!"

" no thanks" replied the man. The woman enraged,

" please let me! I can tell you! Really!" she begged. The young man sighed.

"Fine,"he said. The woman joyously took the man's right hand, and stared at it intensely, then she closed her eyes and rubbed her thumb over his palm.

" you've come from afar!" she said.

" i am a tourist, most people who visit such marketplaces are" he said

" you are from the east!"

"my features give that away"

" your blue eyes, sparkle like the sun shining on the sea during midday!"

" you're a fortune teller aren't you? Not a poet"

" Wait for it, the real fortune will be told now!" the woman closed her eyes for a few seconds and opened it as if someone had just eaten the last share of her food. "you will have great trouble in the future! I can see it!". The young man was unimpressed.

" everyone will have ups and downs in life, there is no one who will live a completely successful life". He said, smiling. The lady was shocked, she had never met anyone who would refuse her statements.

" This is just the first level, I still have to use my papyrus!" cried the woman.

Aashin couldn't believe the stupidity of the woman, but he thought it was intriguing. He decided to tease the lady a little.

" okay then, fortune teller. If you manage to find out one thing about me that isn't blindly obvious, i'll pay you 30 uniks"

The woman hesitated, but people had gathered around her so she couldn't refuse. "I can do it, but fortune telling doesn't work that way".

She looked at Aashin for a few seconds and said " I'm going to need your name for this". she stared into her papyrusl and closed her eyes, she chanted words in a different language. After a few minutes, she opened them.

" you were born in the month of Spite!"

" wrong"

" it can't be! My papyrus is never wrong!"

" Unfortunately it is, tough luck," said Aashin as he got up and turned to leave.

Aashin couldn't help but be surprised. He indeed was born in the month of Spite, he didnt know how the woman guessed it considering he had given her his fake name. But he left the topic, he wanst here for his amusement. He stopped and went back to the woman. " by the way, do you happen to know about a bangle store?"

It took the assassin a while to finally find the one he was looking for. The bearded man sat on the street with boxes of bangles arranged according to color, he held a little blue crystal ball in his hands. The man had brown hair, and grey eyes just like the report. He looked like someone in his 40's. But it seemed the man also had a scar on his forehead, a type of scar that could easily pass for the one you get when you fall down. Aashin assumed that the man had run into trouble, the scar was new, he must have had a fight recently, perhaps a gang he was trying to investigate about. but if he still hasn't fled the city, it means that no one discovered him yet. Aashin went near the man and examined his bangles.

" how much for one pair?"

" you into bangles?" asked the man with a quizzical look on his face.

" i just thought they looked pretty" he replied

" 5 uniks a pair"

" i'll have one"

" getting it for your lover or something?" asked the man again

" no, just to keep it"

" Whatever," said the man sighing, Aashin chose the emerald green ones, and removed five coins from his pocket and placed it in the man's hands.

" Thanks," he said and left.

Chapter 6- House of Bodygaurds

The assassin waited in the little tea shop down the street from his inn in the afternoon. He sat alone on the bench near the window, waiting for someone to show up. He had received a letter from someone saying that he was hired to work in the Warun house as a bodyguard. His mission would begin soon.

The red haired man in a blue suit entered the tea shop. He scanned around the room, Tall, black hair, blue eyes. That's what he was told, by the boss. He found the one who matched his description by the window, staring outside. He approached the young man, " theo rath," he grunted.

The man looked up, " yes" he responded

" I'm from the house, 10 minutes, get your bag"

Aashin hurried up to his room and picked up his bag. He removed the fake identity document and flipped to the last page:

BURN THIS DOCUTMENT BEFORE MISSION BEGINS

The assassin removed the lighter he had borrowed from the innkeeper from his pocket, he lit up the document and held it up on the sink in the room, he watched the ashes fall. He locked the room and handed the key and lighter to Runa, " bye, Theo" she smiled and waved.

Theo didn't bother to wave back, he just smiled.

The man waited for Theo to meet him back at the shop, he whispered to his attendant, "he looks promising"

" We don't know that yet sir"

The man spotted Theo walking to them and signalled his assistant to start the wagon.

" get in" said the man to Theo when he approached the wagon. Theo opened the door and sat near the window.

The man climbed in, he closed the curtains that were on the windows. " to the house" said the man to his assistant. The wagon began to move. Theo kept staring out the window even though the curtain was closed. The man in the suit just stared at the blue eyed man for a few minutes before he decided to say anything. He then cleared up his throat and said,

" Rath"

" yes?" said the young man turning to him

" I'm Lawrin Trech, I'm the assistant leader of the bodygaurds"

" I see"

" you will address me as Sir Trech" said Lawrin

" yes Sir Trech" said Theo immediately

" Good. We are right now headed to the house of bodygaurds where the boss will decide on what to do with you"

" yes sir" he replied . The calmness in the boy's eyes and voice impressed Lawrin. But Theo hadn't met the boss, so he had no reason to be nervous, yet.

The ride was longer than expected. Aashin had felt the wagon climbing up a hill before they stopped. He assumed that the house of Warun must be located in an estate far away from residential areas. Lawrin got off first, he then signaled Aashin to get down too, even though he was about to do that. Aashin judged that Lawrin was kind of a person who liked being in charge. He reminded himself that should't underestimate him or anyone else he meets, they were bodygaurds to an important figure that concerned the prime minister himself. He grabbed his bag and got off the wagon. When he opened the door to look outside he was impressed. The house he was standing in front of was big, bigger than he thought it would be. Two guards in grey suits stood in front of the House's door, they bowed their heads to lawrin and opened it.

" come on" said Lawrin,

" Yes sir"

The house looked plain on the inside. Aashin smelled lilies when he entered the house. The house opened to a long hallway, with doors on either end, and a big one at the end of it. Lawrin opened the third door on the left.

" go in" he said in an intimidating tone

" yes sir" . The room was a big hall with couches in the middle. There was a desk in the back of the room and a staircase that led upstairs on the left. There was one person sitting on the couch, he was dressed in a black suit unlike the ones at the front door. Upon seeing Lawrin, the man got up immediatly and bowed his head. " Welcome back Trech" said the man in his loud voice.

" he's the new one, take him upstairs" said Lawrin

" yes" said the man

" I'm Kino" said the man in the black suit. He led Theo up the staircase that ends with a long hallway.

" Theo" said the new recruit

" you from the east?" asked Kino. Theo smiles.

" yes, almost everyone asks me that"

" kinda gives it away you know, the black hair and blue eyes and all" said Kino, smiling.

" yeah, I stand out" said Theo grinning

" yeah but that's what makes you easterners special, unlike the rest of the nation" Kino points to his brown hair. He continues, " but don't worry, there are plenty of easterners in Travank, you won't stand out that much compared to the west and southern regions."

" yeah"

" So, you feel ready for the test?"

" test?"

" Trech didn't tell you?"

" he mentioned about me meeting the boss"

" well, that is the test"

" i see"

" yeah, you may be hired, but if you want to actually be called in for duty, you have to let the boss judge you on whether you are good enough"

" i see" said Theo in a tone of curiosity, " what happens if you are not good enough?" he asked.

" well, if you are extremely bad, you'll be removed. That hasn't happened for a long time. If you show potential, you'll stay, you'll go through a lot of training and be tested again. If you are pretty good but still need to improve you'll be placed as the assistant to a bodyguard, your progress will be observed and you end up getting promoted if you do well. This is how most of the recruits become you meet the standards of the boss, you will directly be assigned to a family member"

" I see. The boss seems like a considerate person if he gives so many chances"

" well, he just wants the best for the family"

" Who are you a bodyguard to?" asks Theo

Kino led Theo into a room on the left of the hallway, it had a twin bed, a desk, a closet and a door that led somewhere else. " I'll tell you if you pass," said Kino grinning. " you'll stay here for the night, your test tomorrow will determine if you have to move. dinner will begin in half an hour" he turned to leave but then stopped. "Oh yeah, the lunchroom is the big door you saw at the end of the hallway when you entered the house." he said and closed the door.

Aashin laid down on the bed, putting his bag on the desk. This was much more comfortable than the inn he stayed in. He was relieved to find that the door opposite to the bed was a private bathroom. He removed a journal and a pen that was given in his bag. He was instructed to write down about every single day in the house. He wrote down about the house, Trech and Kino. Kino had refused to tell him which position he served in, so Aashin thought he must be an important one. By his looks, he seemed like he was in his late 20's or early 30's, or he could be much younger. it didnt take much time to write. He put them down and stared at the ceiling. There will be a test tomorrow, thought Aashin, but he didn't know what kind of test it would be. Test of strength? Intelligence?loyalty? Or it could be all of them. Kino hadn't specified what exactly the test was like. He heard a bell ring signifying it was dinner time. Aashin got up and walked downstairs, no one was in the hall where he had met Kino. He walked up to the lunchroom door and twisted the door knob open. The room was small compared to the size of the door, it was as big as the rooms that were on either side of the hallway. There was just one person sitting on the tables that were arranged, he looked up and asked " new guy huh?"

" yes"

" Have you taken your test yet?"

" not yet"

" okay"

" where is everyone else?" asked Aashin

" oh, they're on duty of course, rarely more than three people are available to come to dinner"

" i see" replied the assassin

" well, help yourself" said the person pointing to the table where trays were arranged.

" thank you" said Aashin

Aashin stuffed his face with food, he hadn't eaten properly in the past two days. The taste was mediocre, but the hunger made Aashin not care about it. After finishing, he walked out of the lunchroom and stood in the hallway. there were doors on either side, he wondered about which ones he wanted to take a look at. The assassin chose the third one on his left, and opened the door knob, locked. He went to the next one, also locked. He checked every other room and they were all locked, the only one that was open was the one where he came from. Aashin should have known that they won't just leave the doors open . He walked back to his room and laid down on the bed and closed his eyes, imagining a beach, it's view,sound and smell.

Chapter 7- Test

Aashin woke up to the sound of a loud bell. He walked out the room to look at what happened. He saw a few more people downstairs chattting in the hall. Kino walked into the room, and looked up to see him. He smiled, " well, you're up!" he said

"Yes"

" the leader told you to meet him at the grounds in the back, your test will start soon"

" I see" Aashin turned back and went to his room. He took a really long bath. He had refused to take one in the public bath in the inn, so he made sure to clean himself thoroughly. He looked into the mirror covered in steam. He noticed that his hair had grown down to his nape, but he wasn't in a mood to cut it. He stared at the scar on his shoulder, he touched it, it didn't pain anymore. He smiled and shook his head, this wasn't the time to think about it.

He looked inside the cupboard, there was a suit hung up. It was a bit too big for him when he wore it. Nevertheless, the assassin thought.

Kino watched Theo walk into the training grounds . He had asked more bodygaurds to assemble. Kino smiled, " Theo Rath''

" yes?" answered the new recruit.

" I'm Kino Ward, The leader of the bodyguards to the Family of Warun"

Theo raised his eyebrows,and then bowed his head

" Honor to meet you sir, forgive me for not realising."

" forget about that" Kino placed his hands on his hips " Are you ready?"

" yes" answered Theo

The leader signaled to the guard behind him who held a mannequin. " Our job is to protect the family no matter what. Let's see how well you can do that'' He pointed to the mannequin " this is your boss, protect it". He then pointed to the table on the side, " pick your weapon." . Kino watched as Theo went up to the table, he chose a dagger, and walked back to the mannequin. " Now" Kino said as he signalled a guard holding a club, " attack".

The guard ran up to him in full speed with the club raised, ready to strike the mannequin. Theo blocked the guard's striking hand and kicked him in the stomach. The guard fell back but got the grip before he fell. He attacked again, swinging the club sideways. Kino watched as the young man ducked down, spun on the ground, switching the position of his legs to his hands and kicked the guard's legs, making him lose balance. Theo got up immediatly and pushed the guards back, making him fall on his stomach. Then he pinned his hands on his back. He removed the dagger and held it up against the gaurds neck. The efforlessness in the young man's moves impressed Kino. " Good. you saved your boss. But now, the enemy comes back with his friends'' said kino as he signalled three more people to join in, all of them equipped with clubs. They striked from different directions with clubs scanned the area, he picked up the mannequin and ran at full speed where there was an opening. The guards chased him around the field, theo ran into the garden and hid behind the trees.

Aashin could hear the rustles of the plants, they were close, he picked up a long stick that was lying on the ground. He leaned out the tree he was hiding behind to take a look, one of them was approaching. He extended out his leg as the guard was passing by his tree, the guard tripped. Aashin elbowed the guard's head which caused him to pass out. He snatched the club the gaurd was carrying and grabbed the mannequin and ran. He heard footsteps and hid behind a rock, the second was approaching, he hid the mannequin in the bushes and charged the gaurd. The gaurd turned around and the clubs collided, the gaurd swung his club at him, Aashin ducked and spun and hit the base of the club to the man's scrotum. He took the mannequin and ran as the gaurd cried out in pain. He was making his way back to the grounds when the third guard sprung at him from the left. He blocked the attack with his club, but was caught off gaurd and made the mannequin fall, he immediately shifted his attention to the guard and kicked his stomach, he hit the guard's head lightly with a club and picked the mannequin and ran back to the ground. When he reached, he saw the two guards he had hit by the side of the laeder. Kino stood beside them and was hearing them say something. He kept nodding and turned to see Aashin waiting , and said "ah so you've protected the boss. I have to say I'm impressed by your strength and agility since you knocked down my men who have been bodyguards for years. You made the right choice by deciding to run away when you were outnumbered. But you decided to fight them later on, you were lucky they were separated or you and the boss would have been done for. Remember, fighting is not the goal, protecting the boss is."

" yes sir" replied aashin

" let's head inside, I have more tests to conduct. The rest of you, go back to your duties" said the leader.

It was late afternoon by the time Theo's examination was finished. Kino couldn't help but be surprised by the young man's talent. Theo was able to memorise documents and directions immediately, he was able to tell the difference in voices,appearances and smells. He could perform many activities by just watching it for a few times. It was like he was made for this.

" have you had such practice before?" he asked Theo, as they sat in his office.

" i taught myself fighting in order to defend myself " explained Theo

" ahh, that explains the fighting, but what about the memorization and ability to differentiate?"

" i have always been able to do that"

" It's good to have someone who doesn't need to be trained by us in order to perform" smiled Kino.'' Anyways, Theo Rath, you are now officially a member of the bodygaurds of the Family of Warun. You are assigned to Lady Irina, the daughter of our boss. You will start work from tomorrow, under the name Twenty first"

" Thank you sir" said Theo as he bowed.

" you'll meet Griff, the head bodyguard for Lady Irina, tomorrow eight hours after midnight"

" yes sir"

" good luck Rath"

" thank you sir" said Theo as he bowed again.

Chapter 8- Irina

Aashin sat in a wagon along with Griff, who he was told to call Ninth. They were driving to the main house which was right opposite to the house of bodygaurds.

" Be careful, Lady Irina is just 18, she's still sensitive to the world."

" I see" said Aashin.

" I will give all the instructions, you just have to guard"

" yes sir"

The ride wasn't that far, they drove through the huge gate and the huge front garden. THe huge mansion lived up to Aashin's expectations. After seeing the house of bodygaurds he knew the mansion would be the grandest place he'd ever see. Him and agent 9 went through the huge front door and walked through what Aashin thought was a thousand hallways. They finally reached a room with wooden doors painted white. There were two guards standing in front of it and as they saw Griff walk up to them, they bowed down.

" he is the new member, Twenty first. Theo" said Ninth as he pointed to the newly assigned guard. Aashin bowed down to them.

" These are your fellow guards, Twenty third Luis" he said as he showed his hands to the short blonde man with hazel eyes, " and Sixth,Wendul" he said pointing to the other blonde man with grey eyes. " and I believe Raksha is inside" said the Leader as he knocked on the door.

" milady, it's me" said Griff

" Come in," said a voice. The moment Griff opened the door, Aashin caught the scent of roses. He walked into a little room with couches. This was the waiting area, he thought. It was decorated with pink walls and paintings all over. There was another door at the end of the room that led to the large bedroom. It was colored brown, and had a bookshelf hanging on every wall, there were only a few paintings with a tea table in the corner and a bed on the other end. The little waiting area outside really gave him the wrong idea about Irina's character. There was a large window at the center where He saw three women standing by it . The woman in a suit bowed down as Ninth walked in. That was the bodyguard, Raksha, he thought. another woman stood to the side with a tray which held tea cups. The one in the middle, who had been facing the window, turned around. She wore a loose white gown, which showed her shoulders. Her skin was pale, so pale that if it was any paler, he wouldn't be able to tell the difference between her and her gown. But what stood out, were her long black hair that fell in front of the left side of her face, and her large emerald eyes .

She smiled as she saw Griff walk in, but her eyes fell on the one following him.

Griffed bowed, " Lady Irina, he is the new member of our bodygaurds, Theo" he said and pointed to the one behind him. Theo bowed down too " At your service madam" he said.

Irina smiled, " Thank you"

" This is Raksha, Fourteenth" Griff said pointing to the tall, brown haired woman.

" are we ready to leave?" asked Irina

" yes, the wagons are arranged"

" Good," she smiled

Aashin was surprised to see Irina. Her hair showed that she was an easterner, which meant that her father or mother were from the east. He expected the Warun's to be from the North but this was unexpected. Griff turned to him and said, " lady Irina has some shopping to do, we will go to the Shopping district in three wagons, Twenty third and Sixth will be in the front wagon, I will be with lady Irina in the middle and you and Fourteenth will follow us."

" yes sir" Replied Aashin

The shopping district was in downtown Travank. Aashin sat with Fourteenth as they drove down the hill to the city. Raksha spoke up halfway through the journey, " so, an easterner huh?"

" yes madam"

" don't call me madam and all, I may be older, but you and I are on the same level."

" okay"

" It's rare to see someone as young as you be directly assigned"

" Is it that surprising?" he asked

" yeah, most people who are in your age group, like early 20's are given the duty of being an assistant to a bodyguard"

" I see"

" yeah, most people who are bodygaurds now, were all assistants at one point"

" Hmm"

" You must be really talented if Kino assigned you to Lady Irina," said Raksha, grinning.

" does your skill also determine who you are assigned to?" asked Theo.

" Yeah, the boss is the most important one so he get's the best of the best. The rest depends on how important that person is to the boss, you know, like his daughter and wife are important, so he assigns the best ones to them too. But if you're not that important, you'll be assigned the mediocre ones'' Raksha continued. '' but Kino makes sure all of the bodygaurds are equally trained, the family matters to him, not just the ones important to the boss, you know"

" Kino seems to be really loyal to the family" remraked Theo

" yeah, he is very loyal"

Irina sat in the wagon by the window, staring at the city as they passed by. She turned to Griff who sat next to her, she smiled and asked him.

" Theo, where is he from?". Griff turned to look at her " he's an easterner" he said.

" I know that, but where in the east?"

" I don't know that, perhaps Kino might"

" I see" Irina spoke again.

" I've never had an easterner assigned to me."

" Yes Milady"

" I can perhaps ask him about life in the east," she said.

" Milady you've read about the east"

" I just want to ask someone who had lived there"

" Milady, you've met a lot of easterners before"

" but all of them are from travank, none of them lived in the east"

" What is up with the sudden curiosity?, he also might not have lived in the east, he might be just of eastern descent"

" Nothing, I was just wondering, but he seems like a foreigner. His skin is just like mine, it wasn't that tanned, so I thought….." Griff sighed, he shook his head in disappointment by Irina's unnecessary curiosity.

" you can do what you want, Milady" Irina smiled, " I also want to visit the orphanage"

" your schedule does not allocate any time for the visit"

" come on. This one day, it's been so long"

" I cannot change the set schedule" he replied curtly

" Fine, then. Cancel my visit to the shoe stores" she said. Griff sighed,

" Fine"

Chapter 9- Orphanage

By the time Irina had finished shopping, it was late afternoon. Everyone's hands except, Irina's were full of bags and boxes. She offered multiple times to carry them but Griff would rather die than let her do it. She sighed, " time to go to the orphanage" she said smiling. Griff nodded and loaded all the items into the wagons. The orphanage was located far in the residential areas, she was afraid that Griff would cancel it considering it was late.

Aashin never thought he would hate it when someone else was shopping. The way they jumped from shop to shop and filled their hands with items enough for an entire town, was…. Infuriating. It was his first day and he wanted to quit. Raksha said that this was normal

" Get used to it," she said as they drove into the residential areas.

" Yes" sighed aashin.

They reached a building with a small park to it's side. Irina rushed out of her wagon with Griff following her. Raksha got out of the wagon and removed the boxes and bag, Aashin followed the same. They walked into the orphanage where irina was already surrounded by children. She signalled all the bodygaurds to place the boxes on the table. An older woman came to them and bowed her head. The rest of the bodygaurds except Aashin started playing with the children.

" Theo, come on, play with them" said Irina, smiling.

" yes ma'am". Theo walked towards the children, he didn't know what to do, he had never interacted with children.

" just play with them" said Irina

"I….."

" play with them" urged Irina.

" sure" he said

He approached one of the children who held a ball in his hands

" hi" he said, smiling

" hi" answered the boy

" umm… do you want to play with the ball"

" it's mine" said the boy holding it close to his chest

" it's yours of course, but do you want to play?"

" it's mine"

" I see" Aashin sighed, as he got up and stood by the door.

The sun was setting when they got back to the mansion. Irina walked up to her room, as her bodygaurds followed. Her maid, Mirai waited for her by the door,

" welcome home, your father is expecting you for dinner " she bowed

" I see, I will be there soon"

She walked into her room, Raksha followed. Luis and Wendul stood in front of the door. Griff came to Aashin " I have orders, I won't be there tomorrow. Tell the rest of them and then head back to your quarters, and come to the house tomorrow at the same time"

" Yes sir" said Aashin.

Chapter 10- Garden

Aashin headed up to Irina's room the next day. Twenty third and sixth were already by the door, " Ninth isn't here. Lady Irina is waiting inside" said Luis.

" yes sir" said Aashin

Aashin knocked on the door and went inside. Irina was sitting on the tea table opposite to her bed with Raksha standing behind her. Aashin bowed to them.

" I was just talking about how I wanted to visit the greenhouse" said Irina

" I see"

" But Raksha has to arrange for my visit to the House of Rai."

" I see"

" I was hoping you would take me there," said Irina, smiling.

Aashin looked at Raksha who shrugged and nodded.

" of course ma'am" replied Aashin

" excellent" she smiled. " let's leave immediately"

Irina walked along the stone path to the green house. Aashin walked behind her holding an umbrella. Twenty third and ninth walked close behind them. When they reached the greenhouse, she opened the door and ran inside.

" Madam wait" cried Aashin

" I know, I know" she said smiling, she put on her gloves and headed to the rose bushes.

She pointed to the newly bloomed buds. " I planted them" she said

" I see," said Aashin, looking for the caretaker of the place.

" I even planted those Spotted lilies" she said pointing to the white flowers to the left

" I see"

" Did you know they can grow to the size of a human head?"

" I wasn't aware"

" Yes, I wanted mine to grow to that size too, but this is not their native. They grow in the eastern regions"

" I see"

" Have you seen them before"

" huh?"

" I mean, you're from the east right?"

" Yes, but I don't think they grow where I'm from"

" oh, where are you from?" she asked

" well, I'm from this little town called Marke in the east"

" ahh, that's nice" she turned to him " how is it there in the east"

" well…. It was rather boring, considering there was nothing in my town"

" oh" she said, Aashin could tell she was disappointed. He looked out the window to see the guards standing outside.

" So you're from Zuman?" she asked again

" Yes?" said the assassin, confused. Irina just stared,

" no, sorry, I just assumed you were a foreigner because of your….." she hung her head in embarrassment " looks" she said in a low volume

" oh… no problem, many get confused,". Aashin didn't understand her, he didn't know why she was embarrassed by making such a simple assmption.

" sorry, I don't want to sound like I don't believe you"

" It's okay, I don't know, but, I think my grandfather was an immigrant from Violet, so…. That's why." said the Assassin, forcing a smile. He turned to examine a few other flowers.

" Theo" she called

" Yes ma'am" answered the young man.

" Have you ever been to a Jinth?"

" huh?" he asked again

" A Jinth, you know….. The festival they celebrate in the east, honoring the Zuman warriors"

" I am from a very small town, we never celebrated anything that grandly" replied the assassin

" Oh" the young woman sighed." I have always wanted to see one, I thought you'd seen it...so.."

" I am sorry ma'am"

Irina got up, she looked at the assassin, Aashin noticed that she was short compared to him. " What….. did you do in Marke?"

" um.. Nothing much, did a bit of reading and playing around with…...my….pet"

" you had a pet?" she asked smiling

" yeah…. A zurmese sheep"

" that's pretty cool, father would be mad if I wanted a pet"

" I see" Aashin wanted to end the conversation, but he then realized that this was the opportunity to ask her about her father.

" Is your father that strict?" he asked

" no no" she shook her head " he's just not a fan of pets"

" He must have some allergy then" remarked the assassin

" I don't think so, he would have mentioned that"

" I see" Aashin continued, " Did your father build this greenhouse for you?" he asked pointing to the greenhouse ceiling.

" Oh, he himself likes plants, he had this built before I was born"

" So you must go gardening with him often here, right?"

" well, we used to…. Now he's" she shook her head " he's just gotten busier"

" I'm sure he makes time for you though"

" I'm sure he tries, but he is busy, so is mother"

" Ahh, so both of them are busy"

" yes yes running the family business isn't easy"

" hmm"

" yeah…" the conversation was interrupted by the garden keeper entering from the back door

" my goodness! Lady Irina I'm so sorry. I had to drop my children to this school practice they were having"

" oh no, don't worry about it"

" let's start shall we?" asked the gardener.

" of course"

By noon, Irina finished her gardening. When she saw that her dress was covered up in dirt all over, she tried to wipe it with a handkerchief.

" Milady" heard a voice from behind, and turned to see Mirai with a fresh set of dress for her.

" ah, you're here"

" you should change, lunchtime will be soon"

" I'll be there"

She saw Theo standing in the corner, she smiled. She never had any of her bodygaurds talk to her about her family, they were only concerned about doing their job. It felt good to talk to him.

As Aashin waited for Irina to get changed, he kept thinking about how easy it was for him to get Irina to talk about her family, she wasn't so secretive about it. All he needed to do was ask indirectly and he would get all the information from her.

Aashin came to a he needed information about the house, he would have to win Irina over.

Chapter 11- Fountain

It had been a month and a half since Aashin became part of the house. He tried to get all the opportunities he could to talk to Irina, but unfortunately he was placed to guard the door most of the time. But fortunately, Irina was also trying to talk to him.

He walked down the street of Shoufi market to Rashu's bangle store. He held a letter in his hands, gripping it as tight he could. He reached the little store on the street side and saw the man sitting down with his boxes of bangles. He handed the man the envelope and Rashu looked surprised. " for me?" he asked

" no, to the headquarters," he said.

Rashu raised his eyebrows, "mission?" he asked.

" yes"

" well, okay." said the man

" hmm" said the assassin and left.

Aashin walked to the other street where Irina was shopping, Raksha shot him a look,

" You finally found the bathroom huh?"

" yeah" laughed Aashin.

" come on, Lady Irina will leave to her family's house tomorrow, we have a lot of prep to do"

" yeah"

Irina walked up to her room followed by her guards. She sighed, she would be visiting her grandmother tomorrow, it was exciting. Her Granmother was the only other person who she could talk to about anything. Theo had been talking to her ever since they visited the greenhouse, she was happy that he would listen to her talk about her hobbies, likes and dislikes. She would try to come up with every reason that would let her talk to him, but she was unlucky most of the time since he was always placed to guard the door. She wasn't going to let that happen now. She walked into her room, and saw Mirai packing her their bags. She told her " Mirai, I would like spend some time alone"

" of course, milady" she got up to leave.

" no, outside" said the young woman. Mirai stopped, she sighed. " Madam, it's not right for you to be alone outside"

" But Mirai, I want to be outside"

" you can go outside, but you'll have to take the bodygaurds"

" I want time alone, not with the bodygaurds"

" Then you can't go outside". Irina sighed.

" Fine, I'll let Theo tag along. Is that good enough?"

" fine" said the maid. She went outside to call Theo.

The maid knocked from the other side of the door. Aashin turned around and opened to see the maid. " What is it?" he asked her.

" Lady Irina wants to be outside for a while. I'm assigning you to guard her." said the maid.

" Of course"

They walked along the more hidden area of the garden, and came near a fountain which was oddly placed in the side instead of the center. Irina turned to look at Theo.

" You were talking about your father last time," she said.

" Yes, my father. He was….. Well, a kind person. him and I got along pretty well when I was young. But….. then he lost his job" Theo sighed, and took a deep breath. `` he was under a lot of pressure because of that, I was young and didn't understand that. I kept disturbing him about this book I was really interested in, and one day…. He just exploded. He tore that book and screamed at me." Theo hung his head low, "I developed so much hate for him baceause of that back then, that… I didn't properly talk to him from then on. I then left home to look for a job and then the distance between us increased so much that….. Even when he died, I…. didn't make up with him." said Theo. Irina could hear his voice breaking, she shook her head in disbelief.

" I…..I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to want to remember the past" she said.

" No, it's okay. Really it is. I hadn't told anyone about this, so in a way, it was nice to share things that are hidden inside you deep down" said Theo, managing a smile.

" If you need to talk about anything at all, I'll always lend you my ears," Irina said smiling.

" Thank you, but I'm sure you'll be bored listening to my stories. Since you can't really relate to them"

" Oh" remarked Irina, she was surprised by Theo's statement. Theo panicked and apologized immediately.

" Oh my, I'm really sorry ma'am, that's… not what I meant, I mean…..your parents are…. You know…. I'm so sorry" he said as he faceplamed.

" no no, you're right. Both my parents are alive and well, I grew up in immense wealth and all. And I know that I won't be able to put myself in your shoes, but, I want you to know that I will listen. Relatable or not." Theo smiled. Irina smiled back, she continued, " Besides, my parents are not my real ones," she said, sitting on the fountain.

" what do you mean?" asked Theo, raising an eyebrow.

" well, I'm adopted". Theo was shocked,

" wait, really?" he asked

" yeah, you've not seen father or mother so you may not believe me"

" how?"

" well, I don't have a clue about my real parents. I just know that I was dropped by a man who was wearing a Jinth celebration dress on the doorstep of the orphanage" she said, looking at the water.

" so that orphanage we went to was the one-"

" yeah that's where I was left"

" and that's also why you were curious about Jinth"

" yes. Few weeks after I was dropped, mother and father adopted me and I've lived here since then"

" I see"

" I was a bit curious to find out about my real parents back then, but then I gave up, I didn't want to know about people who left me. Why should I care about them when these two gave me a home? Sure, they are protective of me but that's because of what I did back then" she sighed and stared at her reflection. " I may not hold any resemblance to them, but they are my parents" she said.

" What do you mean when you say that your parents are protective of you because of what you did?" asked the bodyguard

" oh, well, you know…..four years ago…... I was in some wagon accident"

" oh" said Theo, surprised.

" Yeah, one day, my bodyguard and I were in downtown, just walking around and I went to check out a little tea shop and a wagon almost hit me"

" That must have been horrible" remearked the young man

" yeah, but nothing serious happened. Father and mother became really concerned about me and assigned a lot of bodygaurds." she laughed nervously.

" sorry about that"

" Heh, don't worry about it" said the young woman. Theo placed his hand on her's

" no, I have to worry about it. I'm your bodyguard. I can't let something like that happen again.I'll protect you, no matter what". Said the young man, locking his blue eyes on hers . Irina felt blood rush to her cheeks, she immedietly averted her eyes and got up.

" Let's head back" she said in a low voice

" Of course, ma'am"

Aashin sat down on his desk and filled in the journal. Irina was adopted, that was a surprise, he had assumed that her parents were easterners, but it turned out that she was taken from an orphanage. The assassin sighed, he had so much more to learn about the house. But he had to be patient, he had to let Irina speak, he had to let her feel that he would do anything for her. He had to gain her trust, so that she would tell him everything.

Chapter 12- Grandmother

The wagons moved through the farming roads with fields on both sides. Aashin sat in the back wagon along with Raksha as they drove to Mullun, Irina's grandmother's home. They stopped at a waiting area near a field where they could take a break. Aashin noticed Irina get off the wagon to go near the fields so he followed.

" Wait ma'am, you shouldn't go alone" he said and ran behind her.

Griff and Raksha shared a look,

" Twenty first has been really protective of Lady Irina," said Raksha as she put her hand on her chin.

" Yeah, he's doing his job ," replied the leader.

" Hmm, I'll join them, the bugs will trouble the Madam" said Raksha leaving the wagon.

Irina and Aashin walked side by side on the road. Irina hadn't said anything the whole time, which worried Aashin as he may no longer ask her anything. He tried to start a conversation.

" The fields are nice," he said ,awkwardly.

" hmm" replied Irina without turning to him

" I wasn't aware that your grandmother ran a farm"

" hmm"

" You had mentioned that she loved you very much"

" hmm" she replied again. Aashin balled his fists, he couldn't get anything out of her. Had she figured out that he was fake? Did she no longer want to talk to him after what he said yesterday? What was wrong with her?

" Ma'am are you sick?" he asked, putting up a concerned face.

" No, I'm, I'm fine" she replied, not looking at him again.

" Ma'am if you are then we should get a doct-"

" I'm fine," she said, walking ahead. Aashin grabbed her hand,

" what are you-" he pulled her to him and placed his hand on her forehead. Irina turned to a shade of crimson.

" it's a bit hot, but I don't think it's a big deal. Unless you feel sick ma'am, then we can tur-"

" I'm FINE" she screamed and removed his hand. She turned around and ran towards the wagons.

Raksha saw Irina run past her and get to the wagons, she raised an eyebrow and looked at Theo who came running behind her.

" what happened?" she asked the young man

" I don't know, she seemed sick so I tried to check her but then she got mad and turned back"

" hmm, was she really sick?"

" I don't think so, but she was a bit warm"

" I'll go check on her, if I notice signs of her sickness then we'll stop at a nearby hospital" said the bodygaurd and turned. Theo follwed her back to the wagons.

They reached the giant farmhouse by mid-afternoon. The bodygaurds unloaded the bags, while Irina ran inside, eager to meet her grandmother. She ran down the long hallway until she came to the living room. She opened the door to see an old woman sitting on the couch. She townrds her and gave her a hug.

" Iri!" exclaimed her grandmother and hugged her back.

" how are you?" she asked smiling

" feeling great as always" replied the old woman smiling.

" where is everyone else?"

" well, Tybyll had work in town so he left with his family. Ballin had to go meet someone,he'll be back by evening"

" I see. I was hoping to meet everyone"

" don't worry about it"

Irina heard footsteps, her bodygaurds came in with her bags.

" Pleasure to meet you again madam Ophella '' said Griff bowing down and the rest of the bodygaurds followed.

" Pleasure to meet you too," replied the old woman. Her eyes fell on the young bodyguard she didn't recognise. " Are you new?" she asked.

" yes ma'am" replied the boy.

" I see. I hope you do well to protect my granddaughter" said Ophella.

" I will, ma'am" replied the bodyguard.

The bodygaurds dispersed, leaving Irina and her grandmother alone.

" you have five of them now huh?" asked her grandmother

" yes"

" I'm sure it must be disturbing to have them be around you all the time"

" Hmmm"

" When did they assign you the young man?"

" about a month," said Irina looking away.

" I see. I'm surprised they directly assigned him to you, they usually make the younger people assistants, right?"

" I'm not sure about it" She looked away from her grandmother, she didn't want to be asked about Theo.

" That boy, is an easterner" said Ophella as she looked at her granddaughter

" yes"

" have you asked him about the east yet?"

" I did"

" did it live up to your imagination?"

" not really"

" why not?"

" he said his life was rather boring"

" well, I'm sure that wasn't what you wanted to hear"

" yeah, but it's okay. Don't worry about it"

" is he a foreigner?"

" no"

" oh, I thought…..well, never mind"

" hmm" nodded Irina

It was midnight, Aashin paced back and forth at the balcony. He hadn't gotten anything today, it was troubling. Irina had avoided him for the rest of the day. If she wound't give him anything, then he would have to snoop around himself, but that would be risky considering he just joined the house. He would have to ask Irina directly on why she was behaving that way. He heard the floor creak inside and opened the door to check who it was. He wasn't surprised when it turned out to be Irina.

" Ma'am what are you doing here?" he whispered. Irina gasped and stepped back.

" Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," said the assassin.

" No...I just needed water" replied the young woman

" I see"

" hmm" she turned to leave, Aashin spoke up. " Did I do anything that resulted in your dissatisfaction?"

" no. why...why would you say that?" asked Irina, avoiding eye contact.

" you haven't properly spoken to me since yesterday, is it because of something I did?"

" I….I'm…...I'm sorry. I don't want you to think that, I just have something else on my mind. I haven't been able to focus, therefore….sorry" she replied in a meekly voice. Aashin ran through all the possibilities of why Irina could be worried, he didn't find anything worth him being ignored.

" I see. is there anything I can do to end your worry?"

" Oh, don't concern yourself" she managed a fake smile.

" Like I mentioned yesterday, it is my job to make sure you're alright. Please tell me your concern"

" no no. This is…..this is not exactly a problem….it's not something that can be solved. Don't worry. ….You're doing your job very well"

" I see. Hope you sleep well" said the assassin and headed back to the balcony. He cursed under his breath for being unable to talk to her and get anything.

Chapter 13- Uncle

A week soon passed, and it was time to leave Ophella's farm. Aashin was disappointed that he wasn't able to have a single conversation with Irina after that night. She was always spending time with her family or being under the supervision of the other gaurds. The wagon drove past the field area where he and Irina chatted. He tried to remember the conversation, to notice if there was something she said that would give him a clue. but nothing came to mind.

Raksha noticed the young bodyguard's worry.

" What happened? Did an insect bite you in an uncomfortable place?" she asks.

" no….?" answered Theo.

" I meant…..figuratively" she said annoyed

" what do you mean?"

" I mean, did an insect, or...like a person, bite you,or in the sense say something that you aren't exactly okay with?"

" ahh, no, nothing like that"

" then why exactly are you glum?"

" it's nothing. I was just rethinking about something"

" like what?"

" oh, don't concern yourself with that," he said, faking a smile. That was the moment he realised, he was talking like Irina, so something was bothering her all right,and it was something he had said. He would have to immediately apologize in order to get back to her good side.

" your eyes widened, did you figure something out?"

"I think so"

Theo knocked on Irina's office the next day. She let him in. Aashin noticed that unlike her room, Irina's office smelled like freshly printed books. Her maid, Mirai, wasn't there. This made it the perfect opportunity to talk.

" oh, Theo" she said, smiling.

" Good morning, ma'am"

" Ah, yes good morning"

" I want to apologize for the trouble I have caused you"

" huh?" she asked, confused.

" I said something that made you uncomfortable, or even mad. I'm sure you didn't know how to tell me that, but I have realized it myself. I'm truly sorry" said Aashin, bowing his head down.

" No no, you have done nothing wrong. I…..-"

" Please ma'am, you won't refuse to talk to me if it was someone else who had disappointed you"

" no no, it's not like that….I-"

" then why have you refused to talk to me?" he asked, raising his voice a little. Aashin cursed, he shouldn't sound that demanding to his boss. " Sorry ma'am, I didn't realize my tone," he said immediately. He turned to leave, when he heard another knock on the door. He immediately walked towards Irina and stood behind her seat.

" Come in," she said.

A brown haired man opened the door, he was followed by the bodyguard whom Aashin recognised as the one he saw in the lunchroom the first day.

" Uncle" Irina said as she stood up.

" Iri" he said smiling

" What brought you here?" she asked

" just came to check in, is your grandmother all right?" he asked

" She is fine," replied the young woman.

" good, good. Well, then. I just wanted to hand over the reports from Siren district"

" you didn't have to take the trouble to come here yourself, I would have sent someone if you had informed me"

" no no, this is classified information, I can't let anyone handle it"

" I see. Thank you for that"

" oh, yes. Your father is meeting him soon." Said her uncle. Irina didn't say a word. After a whole minute of everyone holding their breath she finally spoke up

" I…..see" were the words she managed to come up with.

" I'll take my leave then" . He turned around and left the room.

Aashin was dying to know what that was about and Irina went back to work. This him was perhaps related to Area 21, maybe they were having an allience after all. But he couldn't jump to conclusions yet, he needed to solve things with Irina, otherwise he'll never understand the situation. " Ma'am….I….-" he tried to start but Irina interrupted.

" I'm really sorry, but I have something to deal with," she said hurriedly.

" of course" . Aashin stood right behind her, as she analyzed papers and signed documents. SIxth entered the room, " Twenty first, switch positions with me" he said. Aashin sighed, he didn't get to talk at all. He looked back at Irina, who happened to look up from her papers too, they maintained eye contact for a few seconds before Aashin excited the room.

Chapter 14- Parents

After hours of work, Irina felt like taking a walk. She got up from her desk, and stretched her arms. " Luis. I am going to take a walk" she said

" We'll send one of us with you madam" replied the guard in his brisk voice.

" hmm"

Aashin couldn't believe his luck when he was assigned to watch over Irina again. It had been 3 weeks after the meeting of her uncle, and there hadn't been much conversation between Irina and him. Aashin himself was rather annoyed at how rare it was for her to be not surrounded by the guards. They walked down the same path as the one last time, but this time Irina didn't say a word. She walked ahead of him, not turning back once. He tried to start small conversations but they ended rather quickly. " hmm" was all he got from her.

Aashin couldn't take it anymore. It had been 2 months since he was here, and all managed to get to know were pointless facts about the house, he hadn't gotten any lead about the connection of the house to Area 21. He hadn't even met Irina's father yet. He had to accelerate and make her speak.

" Ma'am, does my presence upset you?" he asked.

Irina was so surprised about the question, she forgot to watch the path. She tripped on the stone and was about to fall, but Theo moved swiftly and caught her waist.

" Are you ok?" he asked

Irina's cheeks turned bright red, she tried to get rid of his hands. He let her go immediately, and she turned around, her cheeks still flushed. " Is that the answer to my first question?" he asked.

Irina took a deep breath, " Theo, you're just being ridiculous. Why would I be upset with you? I just had some more work to do, so I was just under a bit of stress"

" Then why do you refuse to talk to me?"

" I told it was just some work"

" I see, I'm sorry to have jumped to conclusions."

" You've been doing that a lot lately," Irina said smiling.

" Yeah…" Theo smiled back

" Your uncle, he mentioned something back then, is that worrying you?" Theo asked, looking concerned.

" Oh, no it's nothing, my parents were going to meet some foreigner"

" I didn't know the Warun enterprise was international"

" Well, I don't know much about that. He's just a guest from Area 21, that's it"

" A guest huh? You must also get to meet him then"

" Unfortunately, no, he is my parent's guest, he won't meet with me"

" I see. But you are their daughter, why won't you get to meet them?"

" I...I've never really questioned that. That guest has visited multiple times for the past few years. My parents have never bothered to introduce him, so…" Irina mumbled.

" You don't seem to have have questioned anything" said the young man

" what do you mean?"

Theo sighed, " what I mean is, you don't speak up against them at all, I've only been here for a short time and I can see it. You always seem to agree with whatever they do. If they refuse you to leave the house, you won't leave. If they deny you something you will just let it go. THey assigned you multiple bodygaurds who won't leave you out of their sight. I understand the need for protection, but you have no privacy at all. You don't make any choices for this enterprise you're supposed to inherit. Sure, you also do the paperwork and signs deals for your enterprise, but they will never get approved if your father doesn't agree to it. You never get to try anything new, you're bound by their words. Ma'am you can't let it be like that, you have your own voice. You're 18, you're an adult. Most people at this age would start their own life. They would find their own way to live, that's how the world works." he stopped and took a deep breath.

Irina didn't believe her ears, she never thought her bodyguard would say things like this to her.

" How could you say that?" she said, tears forming in her eyes.

" Ma'am I'm just telling you the truth, you let them do this because you're bound by the feeling that you owe them, that you have to make up to them for adopting you. You're wrong. I agree that you should be thankful, but letting them decide how you will live makes them the most horrible parents"

Irina burst into tears. She had never heard anyone ever speak about her parents like that. But the worst part was that she saw a point in what he was saying.

Theo grabbed her shoulders and leaned close to her face " Think about it, you've wanted to visit the east, haven't you? But they have never let you. You also mentioned that you wanted to ride a train along with people, but they have never let you. You wanted to go shopping with friends, but they never let you. After you were kidnapped, they cut off your ties with other people, you no longer have friends. You no longer mingle with the public without being surrounded by your guards."

Irina closed her eyes and let her tears fall. She remembered the few friends she had managed to make when she actually went to school. She always was a little frustrated by her parent's overprotectiveness, but she never dared to question it. She was surrounded by people who were under the control of her father. She never got to express anything. But, still, she knew her parents loved her. They….just wanted the best for her.

" But, they do it because they care, because... they love me"

" Love you?" mocked Theo

" how can you say they love you, when they don't even see you everyday. You live in the same house for god's sake"

" But they-"

" Irina" Theo whispered looking directly into her eyes.

" I know you want to look for every single reason to defend them, but what I'm saying is the harsh truth."

Irina's tears increased, she gripped onto Theo's suit and cried over him.

Aashin knew he had taken it too far. He didn't even know what he was saying, he just kept saying the same thing but in different sentences. It was true that Irina wasn't given much freedom, but he never knew the motives of the parents to do so. It was just a one-sided conclusion, but it was enough to manipulate her.

" Ma'am, please don't cry" he pleaded.

" I…..they….." she kept mumbling, Aashin knew that he couldn't convince her with one speech, he had to let it sink in naturally.

" Ma'am, I don't want to see you like this. I know you still have reasons to not believe me, but…. Try this, ask them why they chose to adopt you"

" Huh?" she whispered wiping her tears

" I mean, why would a rich family like them choose to adopt a child from an orphanage that is located in some residential area?"

" I…..never thought about that"

" Then find out. Maybe their answer will clear things up for you " he whispered. " I just want you to be happy. Happy by doing what you want to do. With no one stopping you, that's what I want"

Irina was confused yet convinced at the same time. She didn't understand but she understood. Theo had made her question her own existence. But why would he? Why is he concerned about her freedom unlike any other bodyguard?

" Th-Theo" she called

" Yes?"

" Wh-wh-why do you care so much about how my parents treat me?" she asked through tears

Aashin definitely won't tell her that he is a spy. He'll have to lie, but a lie he can live up to.

" I….I…." Aashin tightened his face, he needed to make it look like he was blushing. " I…. just want the people I care about to be happy".

Irina's face turned even more red than it already was from the crying. She just nodded " Thank you" she said.

" Let's head back Ma'am. It's late"

Irina nodded again. She had just experienced every range of emotion, she needed to rest, she needed to be calm. To her shock, Theo held her hand on the way back to the mansion. She didn't know what to say, how to feel, she didn't know what to make of him. He said he cared about her, but why? She wanted to know. But she had something new ahead of her, she wanted to know about her parents.

Chapter 15- Apon

Aashin walked as fast as he could to Rashu's. He had just gotten the first lead about the house's connection with Area 21 and he had to deliver it to them as fast as possible. He had already wasted a week since that conversation hoping that he'll get something new. He walked down the familiar street to reach the store. But when he looked around, he couldn't see Rashu. The place where his shop is supposed to be was empty. He looked around, the other shops were still where they're supposed to be, Rashu's was the only one missing. He walked to the little necklace shop next to Rashu's, he asked the old man sitting down.

" There was supposed to be a little bangle store next to yours, do you know what happened?" he asked

" Bangle? Ohhhh you mean Rashu? He closed his shop yesterday" the old man answered.

" Closed? Why?"

" ehhh, some people came in and shut down his store, they took rashu with them."

" who were they?"

" I don't know, I think they belong to some gang. Rashu had it coming, you know, always poking around in other's business."

" Do you know where they might have taken him?"

" not a clue. But if you ask Apon, over there he might know something" said the old man pointing to a little book shop .

" thanks, rashu was my friend. I didn't know he was involved in this"

"Yeah, yeah. Never trust that bastard though, he isn't any good"

Aashin rushed into the little book store. He heard a bell chime when he opened the door, he walked straight to the billing counter and saw a young boy reading the newspaper. He looked up and smiled " Welcome, how can I help you?" he asked

" I need to meet Apon, do you know where he is?" said the young man.

" Well, you're looking at him right now, how can I help?" he asked, smiling. The young man raised his eyebrow, but then started talking " Do you know Rashu?" he asked

" ahh, yes I do. He used to run a bangle store on the sidewalk."

" yes, him. I heard from the old man next to his shop that Rashu was taken by some gang, do you have any clue about what this is about?"

" I can tell you that. But, I'm going to need some compensation" said the boy, smugly smiling.

Aashin sighed, he removed some of the money the general had given him and placed it on the table. " Now, continue." The boy grabbed the money and smiled.

" Oh yeah, I saw it too. Happened yesterday, they came in their wagon and took Rashu with them" he said

" do you have a clue who this gang might be?"

" hmm, Rashu always tried to get involved with many gangs in Travank, but the one he was recently in trouble with was Wilgur's"

" are you sure?"

" yeah, now that I think about it, one of the people who took him was Wilgur's son"

" I see. Do you have any clue where they might have taken him?"

" I do, but I'm going to need some compensation," said the boy, smiling again.

Aashin placed some more money on the counter. The boy continued

" I've seen them take people before, and most of the times they end up in one of their hangouts in the Ople district."

" I see. Thank you for that" Aashin turned to leave. " Why are you looking for Rashu anyway?"

" He's my friend" replied Aashin and ran out of the store.

Aashin knew exactly where the hangout was. He had memorized the map front and back. But he had the job as the bodyguard, he just couldn't leave whenever he wanted. It would lead to suspicion. He'll have to come back when he'll have the chance.

Aashin headed back to the house of bodygaurds, if he can apply for leave now then he would have the time to go save rashu. He opened the door to see Trech at waiting at the hallway. "Don't fool around young man, go to the one you're assigned to."

" Yes sir. I'll head there immedietly" he said. If Trech won't allow him to apply for leave, then he had to directly ask Irina for permission.

Theo walked down the hallway towards Irina's room. He saw Sixth and Twenty Third standing at the door " Shift is over already?" asked Luis, smiling.

" No, I had to see Lady Irina" replied the young man.

" She claimed she didn't want to see anyone" said Wendul

" No no let him in, it's okay," said a voice from the other side of the door.

The guards looked at each other before opening the door.

Theo stepped inside, he didn't see Irina by the window where she usually stands. He looked around the room, he couldn't see her. " Ma'am?" he called

" Theo" said a lowly voice. He turned around to see a head poke out behind the head board. He walked towards it to see Irina sitting down behind her bed.

" What are you doing here ma'am" he asked

" I just didn't want anyone to hear"

" Is there anything you want?"

" I…...have decided to ask my parents about my adoption". " I see"

" …..and I want you to be there when I do that"

" Ma'am I don't think bodygaurds are allowed into the family conversations"

" I'll somehow manage that. Just be there with me" she whispered. Theo smiled

" Of course, I'll always be with you" he said

Irina averted her eyes, she couldn't let herself be distracted right now.

" I'm going to my father right now," she said. Theo's eyes widened, but he calmed down.

" I...see"

" So come one then" she was about to get up.

" Ma'am think about it..what I said-",

" I thought about it all week, and…..I see your point. That's why I wanted to confirm"

" I….see"

" Let's go then"

Chapter 16-Father

Aashin couldn't be the mess he was in. The man who was supposed to deliver his letters was missing. The girl he was supposed to manupilate was getting ahead of herself. And he needed clues about the Area 21 guest and it looked like that was never going to happen. He followed the young woman through a part of the mansion he had never been to. They walked through multiple hallways and finally stopped at a long lonely hallway with a big door at the end.

Irina walked up to the door and stopped. She started fidgeting, shifting her weight from one leg to the other.

" Do you want to come back later?" asked Aashin, hoping she would say yes.

" No no, I've come up till here, I can't turn back," she said. She took a deep breath and opened the door.

Irina didn't knock, she directly entered the room without thinking, but then, she wished she did. Her father sat on his desk, talking to another man whose back was faced to her. Her father looked up and the man turned around. " Irina," her father said, in his deep, monotonous voice.

Aashin had blindy followed Irina and now he didn't know what to do. He stared at Irina's father, who got up from his desk. The man bore no resemblance to her. He was tall and intimidating, his brown hair and deep hazel eyes gave him a unique look. He wore oval glasses that shone due to the light, his eyes fell on Irina first and then on him. Another man who had his back facing them also got up. Unlike her intimidating father, he looked like a con man you'd find on street corners. The man spoke up " So this is your daughther?" he asked in an Area 21 accent.

" Yes," said the father .

" So nice tho finally meeth you, Irina. I am Joeseph Ward'' he said as he walked to her and took her hand. He then turned to Aashin. '' and this young man musth be…?"

" Lady Irina's bodygaurd" replied Aashin. He bowed down to the men.

" I see. Now Irina dear, is there anything you wanthed?" he asked.

" no...I had something to ask my father, but he seems busy now, so…" the man interrupted

" Busy? Noth ath all. You can ask him whatever you want. We were just talking, some business that's it. You know what? Now thath you're here, you should join us!" said Joeseph, smiling.

" oh..no no. You two must be talking about important things , I'm not going to interrupt." she said.

" Ahh yes, . We were justh thalking about the future of the Warun enterprise, and the future, is you! So definitely you should join us. Isn'th thath righth Armun?" he asked, placing his hand on Irina's shoulder as he looked at her father.

" I suppose so" said the man in his deep voice

" Now then, come on" said Joeseph, taking Irina to the desk. He turned around

" Oh, bodygaurd, could be outhside? Don'th worry, Irina is complethly safe here" he said.

Aashin bowed and left the room.

The assassin leaned against the door and tried to pick up as much conversation as possible, but mostly he heard were some numbers and a bunch of talk about profit and loss. Sometimes he would pick up a " Won'th that be greath Irina my dear" from joeseph but that was it. Nothing worth noting about. After an hour or so, he hear the chairs move

" Ith was greath meething you Irina. Hope we see each other again" said Joeseph.

Aashin heard Irina's footsteps approaching and backed away from the door. Irina emerged outside with an expression he couldn't read.

" Is everything alright ma'am?" he asked. Irina just nodded. " Let's head back" she said and started walking down the hallway.

Irina continued walking, with no thoughts in her mind when Theo suddenly gasped.

" what happened?" she asked

" oh, I think my watch fell down somewhere, I'll be right back," he said, turning around.

Aashin leaned against the door, trying to hear some of their conversation,

" The weapons had some problems in ith, we can't function the operation if all you do is mess up" said a voice

" I'm trying my best, but it's harder now to escape from the eyes of the government"

" we are paying you well for this, you can't make up excuses that ridiculous"

" I told you we are trying"

" Thrying is noth enough, we need resulths. Thee plans are delivered to your old Misui Facthory, geth tho work" said the man, raising his voice a bit.

Aashin tried to listen more, but he heard footsteps approaching, he immediately backed off the door to see Irina enter the hallway, " did you find it?" she asked

" ah, yes I did. It was right here in my other pocket" he said smiling.

" oh. Let's head back then"

They walked down another empty hallway, Aashin's mind was on the conversation he overheard. Weapons, Operation, Government, Plans. It was confirmed that this house was with Area 21. He had to save Rashu, then he would be able to message the government. But his job wasn't complete yet, he still had to find out what this operation was, and what these plans were. Joseph mentioned that he would send them to an old Musui factory. He'll have to find wherever that was, in order to finish his was so absorbed into his thoughts that he didn't notice Irina calling him. Irina was tugging his sleeve with a worried expression on her face.

" Theo" she called again. Aashin came to his senses and apolagized.

" Sorry ma'am. I just got distracted" he said

" Oh, no problem"

" Ma'am"

" hmm?"

" are you still going to talk to your father?"

" I….I'll give it a day. Tomorrow, I will ask him" she said

" I see. You must have gotten intimidated by that man with the accent"

" yeah…..I didn't know what to say throughout that meeting. He kept proposing some plan for a factory, and all I did was nod. Father was the one who did the speaking"

" what kind of factory?" asked the assassin

" well, they were just talking about a factory, those plans would be made later"

" I see"

" God, I was so nervous. In fact, I still am. I almost fell twice when you went back to take your watch"

" Don't worry ma'am. I'll make sure that won't happen" said Aashin, taking Irina's hand.

" What-what are you doing?" she asked, her face turning red.

" I don't want you to fall down. That's why I…..I thought it would be ideal if I held it" said the young man, blushing.

" o-okay" she said,and started walking. Aashin tightened his grip on her hands, making her blush even more. When they reached the hallway of her room, he left it, she walked towards it swiftly and opened the doors.

Inside the rest of her bodygaurds, including Mirai, stood inside, waiting for her.

" Madam where did you go?" asked Griff

" Didn't Luis and Wendul tell you? I went to see my father"

" Why would you go all of a sudden? He hadn't called you in"

" Why does he need to call me in, I'm his daughter aren't I? I can see him whenever I want" she replied, to which all of the bodygaurds widened their eyes. They had never seen Irina act so rebellious. Mirai just shook her head.

" I want to go for a walk, Mirai, give me my walking shoes" she said

" Yes ma'am" replied the maid and opened the wardrobe.

" You all can leave now," said Irina, looking at the guards.

" Ma'am you'll need someone to accompany you" said Theo from behind. Irina sighed,
" Fiiine, you can tag along" she said.

The rest of the guards shared a look before exiting the room.

"I don't know why, but I was so irritated when I saw them," said Irina when they were taking their walk by the fountain.

" hmm" replied Theo

" I mean, they were inside my room, when I wasn't even there. Then they asked me why I went to meet my own father. It's justifiable on why I got irritated, right?" she asked

" I suppose so"

" You were right, you know. If I think about it, I have no privacy."

" I was just stating the obvious."

" yeah, I was the one who never did anything about it. But, now, I want to experience what other's my age do. I also want to have freedom."

" hmm" replied Theo.

" Tell me, what did you do before you came here?"

"well...I worked as a cashier in a clothing store" said Theo, scratching the back of his neck.

" really? How was it?" she asked

" A typical job I tell you, nothing special. I got paid enough so…."

" what did you have to do?"

" um, well...just, collect the money the customers give you"

" That's it?"

" well, sometimes you'd have to return the change and provide refunds, oh and even bargain a bit"

" That's so cool!" she expressed

" I don't know, but, if you say so"

" How long did you work there?"

" not for long, the business ran out, sooooo…"

" I see"

" hmm". Irina sat on the fountain, she kept thinking about how it would feel to have a job, even a small one, where she could be paid for her hard work and get to choose how to spend her earnings. In a way, she was jealous of Theo, he had experienced the real world and she was still at home.

" Theo?" she asked looking up at him.

" yes?"

" How did you qualify for a bodyguard if you worked at a clothing store?"

" Oh" the bodyguard gave a small laugh, as if Irina was asking something stupid.

" I taught myself a bit of self defence to protect myself from muggers and such, I thought of putting that to use when I heard about the offering here"

" I see"

" hmm"

" how is the world, you know, out there?" she asked

" It's hard, you won't survive if you are not good at something"

" I see. Is there a possibility that I can get a job?" she asked,looking hopeful

" well, in a city like this, no chance. But maybe in southern Zuman, you can"

" How is southern Zuman?"

" I wasn't there for a long time, but it's nicer than here."

" I see" there was silence for a few minutes, the sound of the wind hitting the leaves were the only things heard. Aashin finally spoke up.

" Ma'am,"

" yes?"

" I just remembered that I have to meet my friend, is it okay if I take a break tomorrow?"

" oh, yes, of course, go ahead."

" Thank you," he said. The wind pushed Irina's hair into her eyes. She tried to pull it back, but Theo had beaten her to it, he stood on one knee in front of her, their heads level, his fingers carresed her cheek, as he pushed her hair back to her ear. He leaned close to her face, their eyes immersed into each other. Theo smiled.

" You are really beautiful," he said.

" I-I-I…." stammered Irina, she couldn't think of what to do, she just closed her eyes, letting what was about to happen to happen. Theo immedietly pulled back and got up.

" Let's head back, ma'am," he said. Irina couldn't help but feel dissapointed ." Hmm" she replied and got up. They walked back to the mansion in silence.

Chapter 17- Rashu

Aashin drove the wagon deeper into the city's abandoned buildings. He searched for where wagons would have been parked. He was just taken two days ago, hopefully they would have left him alive. He found a wagon abandoned near a short building with broken glass. He parked his wagon in a distance, behind a few cut down trees. He walked towards the abandoned building, taking slow careful steps. Upon entering the building, he saw two people sitting in the back, smoking. He hid behind one of the pillars, to look for a clearing. The two men were drunk, random words spewed out of their mouth. They were insulting each other, complaining about their job and sputtering other nonsense. Theo took the opportunity, he removed the mask from his pocket and put on, it covered his entire face and hair. He took out his dagger and ran at the two men.

" An-an-and th-then, I-I told him thatIcan't, buttttt. Will he listen? Noooooooo…"

" Hee won't listen to mee either, you knowww. Alwayssss Pinta this and Pinta that. No respect to meee"

" hey" said the man to his partner

" whaaat Yuuusiii" said Pinta.

" someone is coming"

" okaaayyyy"

" Nooo someone coming. Running. Right here,look" said Yusi, grabbing Pinta's face in his hands and turning it towards the someone approaching them.

" Wierd face" remarked pinta

" I think he's wearing a mask," said the other man.

" Get the sticks," he said.

Both men grabbed the spears that lay to the side, they tried to stand in a fighting stance as much as possible. The approaching man in the mask stood in front of them only a few feet away.

" Oi! Who are you!" yelled Pinta. Holding up his spear towards the man,

" Where haave youu kepth him?" asked the man in the mask

" Why should we tell?" yelled Yusi

" Thell me and I'll spare your life" he said

" Get lost" said Pinta and launched the spear at the masked man. He tried to stab his chest but the man ducked and grabbed the wooden part of it. He quickly twisted it, making Pinta squeal. The man snatched the spear and hit Pinta's scrotum with the wooden end, making him scream more. Hemimmedietly got up and collided spears with Yusi. Yusi tried to put more force but was losing his balance. The man ducked again and hit Yusi's legs with the spear, making him fall back and hit his head to the floor. Yusi screamed due to the pain. The man grabbed pinta and placed the spear head on his neck.

" Thell me, where have you hidden him?" he demanded

"Second floor left wing third room" he said. The man punched Pinta in the face knocking him unconsious. He repeated the same with Yusi and ran up the stairs.

Aashin ran up the stairs to the second floor. He turned left and walked carefully towards the thrid room. He noticed the door was locked from the inside, someone must be there, he thought. He stood at the side of the door and knocked on it. An angry voice answered, " Yusi I'm not giving you any more to drink''. Aashin quickly changed his voice,

" Oooneee laaast" he whined, trying to mimic the men.

" No more" said the man

" Pleeeeaaaasseee" he whined again

" No"

" Cooooommmeee ooonnnn"

" No"

" Coooommmeeee onnnnn, I wooonnn'ttt leeavvve otttthhheerrwwiisse"

" Ugh, you little shits'' cursed the man. Aashin heard him approach the door; he walked in front of it and readied the spear. He heard the knob turn, and immediately shoved the spear at the man's legs when it opened. The man stopped the spear halfway through and removed his knife and attacked Aashin with full force. He punched Aashin in the stomach which brought him to his knees, and slashed his knife across Aashin's face which caused a tear in the mask, and scratched his cheek. But Aashinwas quick enough to remove his dagger and stab the man's foot. The man screamed in pain and fell, Aashin grabbed his collar and punched the man until started to bleed and finally ended up unconscious. The assassin's breaths were getting heavier as he got up from the man. his hand ached, He was never an expert in physical fights, he would always try to run away rather than exchange fists. He cursed that he had to do all this instead of just slitting their throat.

He ran into the room to see Rashu, injured and asleep. He approached the man and slapped him,

" hey hey, Rashu, Rashu," he said. The man slightly opened one of his eyes.

" I am here to get you out of here, can you stand?" he asked. There was no response, just a small groan. " I didn't think so" sighed Aashin,standing up. He made an effort by tring to carry the man, but it wasn't easy. The man was heavy, Aashin tried to place the man on his arms and failed. Then he tried to place him on his shoulders, the attempt almost made him fall down and hit his head. Aashin cursed, he didn't know what to do, he went outside the room to look for something he could use. He found a rope with a spearhead attached to it, and a few cloth hangers. Pointless, they were of no use. Suddenly, he froze. Wagon sounds, someone was coming. He had to get out of here, but if he abandoned Rashu now, he'll be killed. He looked around for something else he could find, nothing. He heard the wagon stop, the person would get down from the wagon any moment and then come rushing to the floor the moment the person saw Pinta and Yusi. He could attempt to fight, but if he were outnumbered, he could kiss his life goodbye. He sat there crouching down, and suddenly Rashu started groaning again, he opened his eyes and came on his knees.

Aashin looked up immediately, " hey, can you move?" he asked, in a hurry.

" yeah, a bit" said the man, groaning once more. Suddenly, an idea struck Aashin. Aashin took the rope with the spearhead and went to the window located outside the room, he could see a few trees on the outside below, it was perfect. He launched the rope to one of the trees, the spearhead stuck to one of the branches. Excellent, he thought. He then tied the other end to a big hook by the window. He wondered why it was even there, but was thankful for it. Then he dragged Rashu,

" There's no time. We'll be killed" he scolded as he made an effort to get him out of the room.

Zunir got off the wagon and walked into the abandoned building he was followed by his men who walked in a single file. He suddenly stopped when he saw the bodies of Pinta and Yusi lying down, unconsious. He signalled one of his men, who came out of the line and tried to wake up Pinta, no reaction. The man was knocked out cold. " Must've been from the drinking boss, failures they are". He tried Yusi, who gave no reaction as well.

" Let's check on Musin" said Zunir. And all the men nodded as they walked up to the second floor. Zunir stopped again to see Musin knocked out, bleeding. " Hey, Hey." he called out, there was no response either. He immedietly rushed to the room to see it abandoned. Zunir clenched his fist and cursed out loud.

" THAT BASTARD GOT OUT!" he screamd as he punched the wall.

" Boss, the window" called one of the men from outside the room. Zunir walked to the window and looked out to see a long rope, stretching to the trees. " WHAT THE HELL" he cursed again.

" AFTER HIM, HE WON'T BE OUT FOR THAT LONG" he said as him and his men went down the stairs to the wagons.

Aashin waited for a few minutes before coming out of a room on the right wing. He sighed in relief when the wagons took off. He took off his mask and helped Rashu get up and walked down the stairs to his wagon. He placed Rashu in the backseat and drove in the opposite direction in which the boss had come from. " Just stay calm, I'll get you healed up" he reassused Rashu as they drove back into the city. He passed Rashu a bottle of water, which he gladly accepted and emptied it completely, then he spoke up, " You're- that guy, who came like, a week ago was it?"

" Yeah.." he replied.

" How'd you find me?" he asked

" I asked someone"

" that bookstore guy huh?"

" maybe"

" I see". There was silence as they drove for a few minutes before Rashu spoke up again.

" So, boy, why'd you come and save me?" he asked, making eyecontact in the mirror that was above the driver's head.

" I needed you to send a letter to the headquarters," he replied.

Rashu laughed, out loud. " of course! You need me for something! Why else would you?"

"Would you rather have died in there?" asked Aashin, annoyed.

" Boy did you think this was my first time like this? I would have made it out either way" he said laughing.

" Okay then, let me just hand you back to those goons" replied the assassin

" Calm down boy, I'm genuinely thankful for your rescue. I owe you one" he said.

" Just send my letter"

" you can do that yourself, you know. You just have to go down to the Travank post office in Portis district and you'll have to meet the postmaster Gitz then Smila! your letter is in headquarters."

" Thank you for the information, but i'd rather have you deliver them for me"

" yeah we headed anyway?" asked Rashu looking out the window. " these are residential areas" he murmured to himself

" We're going to a doctor. He'll treat you"

" I see"

" I have a question," said Aashin, meeting their eyes in the mirror.

" hmm?"

" why'd they capture you?"

" oh you know, they thought I had some information about their rival gang and other nonsense. So they took me and tried to make me speak. They failed, of course."

" I see"

"Hmm"

Aashin stopped at the little clinic that was metioned in his fake identity document. He helped Rashu get down and walked into the clinic.

The doctor sat inside her clinic, waiting for a patient to show up. She cursed herself again for thinking it would be a good idea to set up a clinic in an area where everyone is healthy and careful all the time. She picked up her book and re-read it for the seventh time, if only she had taken up his offer, then she would be living a good life in southern Zuman. Her thoughts were interrupted by a noise outside. Her face brightened up when she saw a wagon pull up, she walked out to see an easterner helping up another man to walk to her clinic. She rushed to them as she helped the man to walk. " What happened?" she asked

" Dr. Silka. I am 100 years old" replied the easterner. She knew exactly what that meant, he was a spy, from the government. That meant she had to treat him for free. she sighed.

" How many doses of medicine did mia take?" she asked which was another coded sentence, to confirm.

" 12, but 13 last night," he said. That confirmed it, she let the man in and placed him on the bed.

" Heal his wounds" said the easterner.

" why else would you bring him to me?". Said Silka as she examined the man.

" well, don't worry. He'll be fine" she said as she closed the curtain behind her.

Aashin sat on the bench outside, waiting for the treatment to end. He removed his watch, it was 7 hours after midnight. He took a sheet of paper from the doctor's desk and wrote down everything he had heard in the conversation between Irina's father and the man from Area 21. He shoved the letter into his pocket. He heard the curtain open, and then stood up to see Rashu covered in bandages. " It'll take a week to heal" said Doctro Silka.

Aashin thanked the doctor and helped Rashu into the wagon,

" I'll deliver the letter myself this time. You don't have to worry about it" said Aashin as he was starting the car

"You don't need to pity me boy" said the injured man

" I'm not piting you" replied the assassin. He stopped, he turned to look at Rashu in the backseat " where should I take you now?" he asked

" well, take me to my home"

" I don't know where it is"

" I'll tell you the directions''. Aashin was about to start drving when he stopped again.

" What if they know where you live? you'll be in trouble again"

" Don't worry about me boy, just take me where I tell you". Aashin sighed and started driving.

Chapter 18- Dance

Aashin drove to Portis district at high speed. He had just dropped Rashu home, although he wouldn't call that dump of an apartment a home. But at least it was hidden, so he was safe. Since Portis was located by the sea, he could smell the saltiness in the air. He wouldn't have minded if it weren't for the rancid smell of fish that came along with it. He saw many street vendors selling fish that were the size of their arms, he gagged when he caught the glimpse of one of them being cut up. He never liked fish, and this was the worst place he could be in. He reached the little building that read the sign Travank post office. He got off the wagon and covered his nose immediately. He went inside to see a bunch of people standing in lines at different counters, this was definitely the busiest post office he had seen

.

The easterner made his way through the line and got to the counter. The woman who sat there took a look at him and asked " What do you want to post?"

" Oh, umm is postmaster Gitz here?"

" You have an appointment?" she asked

" No, but he'll let me in the moment he knows who it is"

" Listen boy, the postmaster is busy, you can't just meet him like that"

" Please, this is an emergency. My friend might end up dying" pleaded the young man. The woman shook her head, and pointed her thumb behind her to a door. " He's in there," she said.

" Thank you," he said smiling.

Aashin knocked on the door, to hear a soft voice saying " Come in"

He opened the door to postmaster Gitz, sitting on the floor surrounded by letters.

" what is it?" he asked

" I need to send a letter to the headquarters," said the assassin. The postmaster looked up, he raised an eyebrow

" mission?" he asked

" yes".

" well, I was expecting someone else to deliver thaty letter"

" rashu is injured, that's why I'm here"

" I see. Place the letter in that black box below my desk. I'll be delivered in a few days". Aashin did what the man told him to.

" Is that it" he asked the postmaster

" unless you have other letters, you're good" replied Gitz

" Thanks," said Aashin and left the room.

The drive back to the mansion was tiring. The fish stench had increased in a span of 15 minutes, and more and more wagons were moving around in the streets now. Aashin walked to the mansion, even though he had applied for a leave. He passed by Kino, who was making his way to the other side of the house. " 're back" he asked.

" yes Sir" he replied

" Well next time make sure you write it down on the log when you take a leave, asking Lady Irina is not going to her" he smiled

" Yes sir" said Aashin as he bowed down.

" Back to duty, Lady Irina has a wedding to attend"

He walked to Irina's room, and noticed Raksha and Griff at the door. He bowed to them.

" So you're back huh? " asked Raksha

" Yes"

" Well, idiot boy, tell me, what good is it going to do if you request Lady Irina for a leave. She has no right to give you a day off. You don't inform any of us, you don't get to leave" said Raksha raising her voice

" Sorry" he said, smiling

" Don't you smile at me you littl-"

" Is that Theo?" said a voice from inside the room.

" Ugh, go ahead boy" said Raksha as she shoved Aashin into the room.

" Theo!" said Irina as she got up from her chair. Aashin bowed to her.

" How did your visit to your friend go?" she said

" Well, him and I talked a lot"

" I see," she replied. She got up and walked towards him, squinting her eyes. " Is that a scar on your cheek?" she asked. Aashin touched the wound, he hadn't realized about it. It was thone that angry man had given him.

" Well, when we were taking a walk, some thorns scratched my cheek. It's not a big deal" he said.

" Oh, I hope you're okay" she said

" Don't worry about me ma'am" he said smiling.

Irina couldn't believe how much she desired to touch his cheek. if she had touched it, would he have flinched from the pain that remained? How would his skin feel? Warm? Cool? Knowing Theo, would he have placed his hand on her's? Her entire face felt hot by thinking about such things.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Mirai who stood in front of her with two dresses, " which one?" she asked.. Irina usually would have made a big deal out of what to wear, but recently, she felt like she couldn't care less. " whichever, you choose." she told her maid. Mirai just nodded and gave her the green one.

Griff came barging in a few moments later, " madam, we'll be late. Please hurry up" he said, like he had been for the past 7 years.

" the world won't end if we're late, calm down. You're my bodyguard, not my manager" she said, irritated. Griff sighed, " your mother won't like it if you're late for something this important" he said.

Irina was annoyed, " mother won't even be there until afternoon. I don't think it matters to her"

" Madam, what is wrong with you? you 're not like this"

" what is wrong with me? No, what is wrong with you? You're more concerned about my mother's reaction than me, you always want me to be on schedule, like a Train!" she screamed. She sighed, " just send Raksha in"

Griff's eyes widened out of shock, he just bowed and walked out of the room.

" Fourteenth, switch places with me" said griff, coming out the door.

" Yes sir," said Raksha. She walked inside, and Griff stood in her place, next to Theo.

" Lady Irina is in a mood, careful," he said, turning to him.

" Yes sir," replied the young man.

It had only been two days and Irina was already acting like she hated everyone, this was not good news for Aashin. He needed time and information, not a rich girl to strive for freedom. He sat with Irina in the middle wagon. Irina didn't want to have Griff next to her, and Raksha, Luis and Wendul had refused to sit next to her after her lashing out. The middle wagon was much bigger than the others, the seats were more comfortable and it had the partition between front and back seats, just like Nuro's. but this was supposed to be more sound absorbent and therefore conversations in the back couldn't be heard in the front. The wagon stopped near a junction, Aashin looked out the window to see a wagon accident.

" Seems like a big one, it might take time to get out of here ma'am" said Aashin.

" I see. No problem. I'm not exactly looking forward to being at that event anyway" she said, looking out the window.

" Why not? it's a wedding celebration"

" Well, I don't exactly know anyone there, I can't talk to anyone about anything unless it's business"

" Oh"

The vehicle started moving again, and they sat in silence. Irina looked out the window to see people walking on the street, couples holding hands, Friends and family talking and laughing, it seemed fun. This wasn't the first time she felt such desire, she had had that feeling multiple times she had looked outside her wagon, but she had always ignored it. This time, she felt a greater urge, a feeling of wanting to live like a normal person. A feeling to experience the real world instead of being concealed all the time. " Ma'am" Theo called.

" yes?"

" Are you close with your mother?"

" Close enough" she said

" I see"

" well.. Closer than my father, but now, I don't feel like we share a bond"

" don't say that, all mothers and fathers care. Just, some care a bit less, but, I'm sure your mother loves you". Said Theo, forcing a smile. Irina just nodded.

The wagon stopped near a mansion, and Irina got off the wagon before the driver could open the door for her. She walked towards the large doors where guards stood in fancy suits, they bowed to her " Welcome, miss Irina '' said one of them as they opened the door to let her in. The moment she walked in, she was welcomed to a hall full of colors. There were all sorts of decorationas covering up the whole area. Flowers, banners, lamps, vases. It was beautiful. She noticed food being served on the left and an orchestra sitting on the right. All the people were either on the right or the left or making their way from one side to the other. Some of them turned to see who the newest arrival was. They approached Irina to welcome her to the ceremony. " Ahh Irina, good to see you again"

" You've grown since the last time I saw you"

" Is your mother here with you?"

" Will your father be arriving too?"

" Go ahead and try some food"

Irina didn't recognise them, but she smiled. She tried to answer their questions when Theo entered the hall " You should have waited for us ma'am" he said.

All the attention of the people shifted towards him " and you might be?" asked a woman wearing a red gown.

" I'm lady Irina's bodyguard" he said as he bowed to everyone. " oh" she said.

" Well, enjoy the celebration, Miss Irina" spoke up a man who stood to her right.

" yes, thank you" she said as she smiled. The small crowd cleared up, the rest of her bodygaurds had assumed different positions around the room. Irina sighed, she was walking up to the orchestra when she noticed that Theo was walking parallel to her, but he was just sticking to the wall. " Theo it's okay, I'm sure nothing will happen to me if I walk a few feet," she said. Theo shook his head." I can't , I have direct orders. If I disobey I'll be removed".

Irina felt a huge sense of irritation. She sighed, " I can't believe they would go up to threaten to remove you"

" Oh, they didn't threaten was always the rule. I've just been a bit carefree that's it"

" OH" she sighed. Irritation ruined the mood. She turned towards Griff and shot him a look. He looked away. She continued toewards the orchestra, when someone up front announced " Everyone, take your seats. The ceremony will begin shortly."

Irina took the seat in the middle row, she didn't want to stand out by being in the front or look ignorant by being in the last. She chose her seat by the window, and Theo stood right next to her, leaning his back against the window, blocking a bit of the light. The orchestra started to play gentle music as the groom made his way to the stage, holding the bride's looked at the bride passing by, Shanna, that was her name. She had met her once when she was a kid. The woman had changed over the years, grown more taller and had let her blonde hair grow longer. Irina watched as the bride walked with the groom with excitement in her eyes. Irina wondered, like she had everytime she went to a wedding, will she be there one day? Will there be a day where she will be with someone? Till now it was only a wonder, and she hadn't bothered about it at all. Now she felt like it was serious, considering the feeling she has been feeling for the past month. The traditional wedding prayers and vows were told, in the end, the bride and groom locked their fingers and shared a kiss. She couldn't help but turn to look at Theo when that happened. He was also looking at her smiling. The light shone behind him, he looked like the moon during the solar eclipse, his whole body was covered in the shadow. Except his eyes, they shone, like the ocean at midday. She felt immersed in them, like she was floating. She was feeling as if she and Theo were the only ones in the room, everyone else was gone, only gentle music played in the background as if it were a scene from a fantasy book. She lifted her hand and tried to reach him, but it felt like he was too far away. even though he was right there, standing, looking at her, smiling.

Her daydream was interrupted by the sound of the bells and applause. She turned to see everyone standing up to applaud the newlyweds. Irina felt a wave of embarrassment and stood up herself.

Aashin never liked weddings. He never liked anything that involved a lot of people. Griff kept signalling him to follow Irina around all the time. He was annoyed about that himself, why couldn't they just let her walk around in a secure room? It was very confusing. The orchestra restarted the music again, and people gathered around the center to dance. The bride and groom began, and the rest joined in.

Yeline approached the young easterner, he had caught her eye the second he had walked in. She was rather dissapointed to learn that he was a bodyguard, nevertheless, she was going to ask him to dance. The young man stood in a corner, observing everyone. His eyes fell on the young woman in the red dress, as she came toward him smiling.

" Do you not enjoy weddings?" she asked

" Uhm, nothing like that. I just have a job to do" he said

" Aren't there like four more guards for Irina?"

" Yes?" he said, confused on why the woman was asking him that.

" Then don't worry, join the fun. Let's go and dance" she said offering him her hand

" Oh, I'm sorry, I'm a bodyguard, I'm not here to dance"

" like I said, you're not the only bodyguard. Irina is completely safe here"

" I just can't come and dance with you, I have orders. I can't do anything without permission"

" Then go and ask for it then"

" I just can't go and ask"

" why not? Do you want me to ask?"

" What? Don't concern yourself with that" he said

" come on, I'll go ask for permission myself" she said as she took his hand and walked across to the other woman wearing a suit.

Raksha raised her eyebrow as the young woman walked to her holding Theo's hand.

" Bodyguard, I'd like to ask for permission to borrow one of your men to dance with me"

Raksha raised both eyebrows. She looked at Theo who stood behind the woman, shaking his head. She sighed. " Madam, I am sorry. He is a bodyguard, his job is to protect the Lady. He is not allowed to be involved in anything else other than that"

" No fair, there are plenty of you guys, asking one of them to dance is completely fine" she pouted. Raksha knew the woman wouldn't budge. " I have no say in it, but, you can go ask Lady Irina herself. If she agrees, then, we'll see" said the bodyguard, folding her hands. Theo shot her a look, she just shrugged.

Aashin didn't know what the hell was going on, why does this woman want to dance? Why did Raksha send them to Irina? He was just being dragged around, and he didn't like it.

" Irina" called the woman

" Ye- What are you doing?" asked Irina, utterly shocked to see the woman holding Theo's hand.

" I was wondering if I can take your bodyguard to dance with me"

" what?"

" Your other bodyguard said that you need to give permission. So, can he?"

" I-I-I" she stammered.

" It's okay, nothing will happen to you."

" N-n-n-n" she kept stammering when they heard another voice. " Irina"

Aashin looked out to see who had called. It was another woman, she was tall and skinny, as if she barely eats anything. Her dark brown hair was tied up with a few strands left loose. Her cheekbones stood out as they were popping out of her skin. She wore a blue gown and carried a small purse in her hands. " mother!" said Irina, surprised.

" Irina, what is going on?" asked the older woman. The girl in the red dress spoke up.

" Hello, Mrs warun, I'm Yeline if you remember. I was just asking your daughter if her bodyguard could dance with me".

" Oh," said the mother. She looked behind Yeline to see Theo standing, with a helpless expression on his face.

" My dear Yeline, I don't think you should disturb a bodygaurd's duty, especially if he is not interested to dance with you" she said.

" Ugh, why not?" whined the woman

" As you can see, he was hired to protect my daughter. Not for entertaining you, if you stop him from doing his duty, it might be seen as a threat."

" What? No fair" she pouted.

" I am sorry but that is the truth" said the woman strictly.

" Fiiiiinnneee," sighed Yeline. She left Theo's hand and walked away.

" Thank you ma'am" said the young man as he bowed.

" you should be a bit more strict yourself, don't let them stop you from doing your job"

" I will Ma'am" he said, as he bowed once more. The lady turned to Irina,

" Why were you hesitant? All you had to say was no"

" I- I'm sorry, I just got overwhelmed"

" Why is that?"

" Well….."

" It's okay, this is just silly. Back to your position young man" she said as she looked at Theo. Theo bowed and left.

" So that's your new bodyguard huh?" asked the woman.

" Yes" said Irina, hanging her head

" Kino mentioned that he was very impressive during his test"

" I see"

" He is younger than I expected"

" hmm"

" Never mind him, as long as he does his job there is no problem."

" hmm"

" Did you congratulate the couple?"

" I was about to"

" Do that first, then try to interact with people"

" M-mother, I don't know any of them. Not that well"

" That shouldn't stop you, you are the daughter of the Warun family. You should interact well if you want an alliance in the future."

" I-I see". The mother just stared at Irina.

" Is there anything troubling you?"

" N-no"

" Are you unwell?"

" No no. Nothing like that"

" Then why are you behaving like this. You are to be more confident"

" Yes. I will try"

" Trying is not enough"

" hmm". The mother just shook her head. " Where is Griff?" she asked.

" Must be in some corner"

" Why is that?"

" I don't know, he just switched his position with Theo"

" Theo?"

" The new bodyguard"

" I see. Theo…..that sounds like an eastern name"

" Well, he is an easterner"

" He seems like a foreigner"

" That's what I thought too," said Irina, smiling.

" I see"

" Is he doing a good job?" she asked

" Y-yes, very good job". The mother remained silent, she had just realized what the situation was. " I have some people to talk to, I'll see you back in the house." she said as she went ahead.

Irina just stood there, not knowing what to do. The sudden fury of seeing somone hold Theo's hand to the fear of disappointing her mother was the fastest mood transition she had encountered. She slowly took one step after the other, walking toward the married couple. She put up a smile, " Congra-'' she didn't get to complete her sentence, as Theo jumped in and pushed her. She fell back with a thud to suddenly hear the large glass chandelier fall down. The sound of all the glass breaking all of a sudden made her heart skip a beat,. she felt like she couldn't breathe for a second. her whole body shuddered in fear, over the thought of what would have happened, if she was under that. The next second, everyone was screaming including her, her breathing started to increase, the horrible image of her body beneath the chandelier made her feel sick, she covered her mouth, trying to calm herself. she looked around to see Theo fallen a few feet in front of her. '' Theo!" she gasped , he groaned in pain and tried to get up. Griff and Raksha ran up to Irina " Milady!" " Are you okay?" They asked.

" Theo!" she called again

" A-are you okay..ma'am?" he asked, he held on to his leg. It was bleeding, a piece of glass stuck to his foot, letting the blood flow on the carpet.

" Irina!" said her mother running to her, she sat down next to her, " Are you okay?" she asked worried. The next minute everyone had surrounded her, checking to see what had happened. Raksha was trying to tend to Theo's wound, but the blood still flowed down his leg. All of her attention was towards the blood, her breath started to increase again. The sight of it made her want to scream, but she had no voice. Images popped in her head, blood, screams of a woman, a cold room, they flashed in front of her eyes. Irina tried to recall where she had seen it, but she couldn't remember. But that feeling, the feeling of seeing blood, that was what remained. She breathed heavily, as if she was about to die, her heart was aching, her mind went blank. She tried to calm herself but all she could feel was coldness. She closed her eyes, hoping the pain would go away.

Chapter 19-Love?

Irina woke up on her bed gasping for her breath. " Madam!" said a voice, she looked to see Mirai, sitting by her side. " Calm down" she whispered to her. Irina looked around, the sun was setting. She tried to why she was on her bed, nothing struck her mind. " Mi-Mirai, wh-what happened?" she asked.

" Don't worry, I'll call in the gaurds" said her maid rushing up to the door. Raksha and Griff walked in a minute later. " How are you feeling milady?" asked Raksha.

" I-I feel fine. What happened to me?"

" Oh, you don't remember? We were in the park, you were running around, you got too tired due to the heat and fainted" said Griff. Irina tried to recall, but nothing came to her mind. The heat must have been intense.

" I see, the par-" She stopped, that wasn't right. Her fainting due to the heat looked right, and sounded right. But it didn't feel right. That feeling, that horrible feeling, she felt that…..something…...had happened. She shut her eyes, that feeling….it was red….it was like….like blood. An image of blood came to her mind…..ozzing out…..red…..that feeling…...Theo! She gasped.

" What's wrong" asked Mirai, leaning towards her.

" Theo...I remember….he was bleeding. Why was he bleeding? What happened?"

" Oh. That. Theo was the first one to run to you when you fainted, on his way his leg hit a rock and he hurt his foot" replied griff, immediately.

Oh. He was hurt. How was he? Was that the blood she saw, his foot hitting a rock? Was that what it was? She couldn't tell.

" Let the doctor check on her" said Raksha heading to the door

Irina saw the family doctor walk in, and put down her glass of water " How are you feeling madam?" he asked.

" I feel fine," she said. The doctor checked her temperature and heartbeat. " Seems fine now"

" Nothing to worry about sir?" asked a voice from behind. Mother, Irina thought. The woman walked into the room and stood beside the doctor.

" Oh, nothing to worry at all Lady Reina" said the doctor

" good to know"

" Ah, yes. She's perfectly fine. But i will say that she needs to avoid the afternoon sun for 2 two to three days. Then she's good"

" Thank you so much sir" said Reina bowing to him.

" My pleasure" he said and exited the room.

Irina and her mother were left alone.

" How are you feeling?" she asked

" I'm fine, thank you"

" We were lucky no injuries happened to you. You just fainted due to the heat" said the mother placing her hand on her daughter's.

" Speaking of which, Theo was the one who caught me" she said

" Yes. You're right. I am really happy that the young man was quick enough"

" We should thank him."

" I don't understand, he was just doing his job" remarked the mother, surprised.

" But he injured himself to save me"

" yes, but that was exactly what he was hired for". Irina felt irritated.

" The doctor was also paid for saving me, he was doing his job, and you went to the lengths of bowing to him. And you don't see it as right when a bodyguard saves my life, you claim that he was just doing his job" Her mother raised her eyebrows. But she calmed down.

" You do have a point," she said. " I will thank him"

" Let's go now then" said Irina

" Wha-? You just woke up from fainting"

" I'm completely healthy." she said getting up.

" Irina" said her mother, shaking her head.

" Come on, we just have to thank him, it won't be that much of a big deal". Reina was surprised, she had never seen her daughter this determined, if only she showed such determination in other work too.

Aashin sat on his bed, frustrated. He touched the bandaged wound again, letting the pain hit him. He won't be able to move properly for the next few days, and this was a big loss of opportunit, what if another important guest came? What if there was a major incident? He cursed himslef for not being careful enough. But, he was an assassin, not a bodyguard. He wasn't someone who trained all his life in combat. He was just a killer, and this whole spy mission was putting his skill to shame. All this he was just someone who would go in and kill. Now he had to lie, fight and seduce. He felt a huge urge of regret for agreeing for something like this. He heard the door knock and looked up, he heard Trech's voice

" May I enter?" he asked.

" Yes" replied walked in and sat on the chair next to the bed.

" You're okay?"

" I'm fine sir"

" Good. Now pay attention, this is the most important thing". Aashin straightened up. Trech sighed.

" What happened during the day, didn't happen" he said staring right into the young man's blue eyes. Aashin raised an eyebrow. " What do you mean?"

" Lady Irina is a sensitive woman. We cannot let her life be scarred with such a memory. She is currently resting right now so she does not have a recollection of today's events."

" Sooo we're going to keep it a secret from her?"

" Yes, the rest of us have agreed on a modified story, Lady Irina was in the Gushen Park walking around, she had a heat stroke and fainted. You ran towards her first and on the way your foot hit a rock and you got hurt. That's the story you're going to tell if anyone asks. Nothing about the wedding and nothing about the chandelier"

Aashin sighed, so that's how they kept irina under a rock. They manipulated her memories so that it looks like she's been living a good life all the time. He wondered how many times they had lied to her. "Got it?" Trech asked staring at him/

" Yes sir" he replied

" Good. If the word goes out and it turns out that you were the one who spread it, you will no longer be here"

" Yes sir". Trech left the room without another word. Aashin was left alone in silence.

He heard a knock on the door an hour or so later, It was Kino. " What is it?" asked Aashin.

" Lady Reina and Lady Irina are here to meet you," he said. Aashin immediately sat upright as the door opened.

Irina walked in, followed by her mother .Irina stood infront of him and her mother stood by the door. He could tell that this whole visit was Irina's idea. " Oh ma'am you're awake. How are you?" he asked, smiling.

" I am completely okay," she said. Aashin just stared, " Is, there anything you want?" he asked

" ahh, no. We are here to thank you for saving my daughter" said her mother.

" ohhh, don't worry about it. I was just doing my job"

" Still, thank you. Hope your leg gets better" said the mother.

" ah, thank you" smiled the assassin.

" I have something to arrange for, I have to take my leave" she said, opening the door. Kino was standing outside by the wall. " Escort Irina back to the mansion" she told him and left. Kino bowed down and walked in.

" Madam, I'll be the one to take you home," he said.

" of course, but….could...you let him and me talk….for a few minutes" asked Irina, hesitant. Kino raised an eyebrow and looked at Aashin. The assassin didn't know how to react, he just looked away. " Of course, go ahead" he replied, leaning to the wall.

" A-al-alone" she said. Kino opened his mouth to say something, but stopped. He just stared back and forth to Irina and Aashin. he sighed and walked out, closing the door.

Irina sat on the bed by his foot, she looked at it " How do you feel?" she asked

" I'm fine, it will just take a few days to heal"

" I see"

" hmm"

" I want to say, thank you so much. Really."

" I was just doing my job" he said

" No no, if it weren't for you, who knows."

" please don't worry about it"

" Also...sorry"

" why is that?"

" I'm the reason why you got hurt in the first place"

" Like I said, I was doing my job"

" Still….." she said, placing her hand on his foot. Aashin flinched and she removed her hand immediately, " Oh no, sorry."

" Ohh...it didn't hurt. It's… just that, you suddenly put your hand on my foot….so I was just surprised".

" I-I see" she said, turning red.

" Are you okay?" he asked her

" yeah, I just fainted"

" I hope you're good now."

" I am, but...something doesn't feel right."

" Oh?"

" I mean….I got this….odd feeling... like, blood and like my heart beating"

"Oh?"

" I mean, something doesn't feel right. A heat stroke, I've never had one before."

" you must be just confused due to just waking up"

" I hope so"

" Don't worry ma'am. You're fine"

"Hmm" she nodded.

They sat in silence for a minute, Aashin was trying to figure out what to ask next. Irina spoke up.

" My father hasn't visited me yet" she said

" Oh. he should have, you passed out"

" That's not enough I believe" she gripped onto the bed sheets tightly.

" Don't say that ma'am. I think he hid, but you were still asleep"

" How is that going to make any difference, he won't visit me when I'm awake"

" He is a busy pers-"

" WHY ARE YOU DEFENDING HIM?" she yelled, Aashin stopped and hung his head low. Irina immediately appologized.

" Theo..I-I I'm so sorry. I didn't realize" she got up and sat closer to him.

" ma'am, I think you're just desperate to learn about your adoption. You should clarify that first"

" Yeah, you're right. I'm going to talk about it at dinner"

" I see" the young man flashed a small smile. It automatically made Irina smile back.

Irina didn't know why but she wanted to touch him, like, as if she had tried to reach him before, but couldn't. She unconsciously moved her hand slowly toward his face.

Aashin didn't know what to do, he acted like he didn't notice Irina trying to touch him. If this were any other situatioun, he would have shoved her hand off and told her to stay away. But this wasn't the case, he should just let it happen, if he needs information, he should just let it be. Irina's fingers touched his cheek, right where the scar was. He tried to ignore but he felt the warmth, her hand was soft. Her palm almost touched his lower lip, he had to do something now. He picked up his hand and placed it on hers. Irina felt a jolt, and suddenly removed her hand.

" I- I - I-I am sorry! I didn't know what I was doing"

" It's okay," he said, making himself blush.

" Well, I -I think I have to go back for dinner. I'll see you soon" said Irina hurriedly as she stood up and left the room.

Aashin sighed, he didn't where he was going with this whole Irina seduction. On one hand, it was clear she was falling for him. On the other, he wasn't getting much out of it. At the beginning he thought he could get all the information from Irina, but it turned out she knew nothing herself. Provoking her to demand for information seems to have gone in the wrong direction. He would have to give up on the idea of winning her over soon. In fact, he was attracting unnecessary attention. It won't take much time until the other bodygaurds find out about Irina's visit. Then soon he would be ridicouled as Irina's 'loverboy' and won't be taken seriously. Raksha was already annoyed by his antics, it won't take long before the other bodygaurds decide to place him to some other random person.

The assassin touched his wound again, He laid back on his bed, recalling today's events. The fall of the chandelier, it was definitely not an accident, why would the chandilier fall exactly on the day there was an event being held, why did it fall the exact moment Irina was under it. He had heard the creaking sound right on time, otherwise there would be no Irina. He knew it clearly, it was an assassination attempt. But, who would? The family sure does have a lot of enemies, but, why Irina? Was it a mistake? Did they mean to kill her mother? He didn't know, but he had to find out.

Irina sat in the wagon along with Kino. She said nothing, as she was still caught in the moment earlier. Her thoughts were interrupted by Kino,

" Madam?"

" What is it?"

" I know this is weird, but, what do you think about Theo?"

" W-what do I think about him?"

" Yes"

" H-he is a good person. He saved me, I'm thankful for him" she said, looking away

" Is that it?"

" Y-yes"

" Nothing else?"

" W-what else?"

" I don't know, you're not like, in love with him or anything, right?"

" W-WHAT!" her scream was so high pitched that Kino almost missed the turn.

" I mean, your other bodygaurds have also reported that you like to have him around. Even right now, you came all the way to thank him"

" T-that's because he told me a bunch of things about his life in the east. A-and I came to thank him because he saved me"

" I see. But you also wanted to talk to him alone."

" Th-that was because, because-because…...I wanted to see how he was doing, my mother just said one sentence to thank him. I wanted to thank him from the bottom of of my heart"

" Is that it?"

" Y-yes. Why else?"

" I see. Sorry for the wrong assumption"

"Hmmm" she said, turning to the window, her face was heated up, she tried to calm herself down. How could Kino ask something like that all of a sudden?

They stopped at the mansion where Raksha was waiting for her, she got off the wagon and hurried immediately.

Raksha raised her eyebrow seeing as she watched her mistress run past her. Kino gave her a look that said she was in mood. Raksha nodded and went after the young woman.

" Milady, your parents are expecting you for dinner"

" Ahh, yes. I'll be there"

" Actually, I am to escort you directly to the dining room"

" I see" They walked down the main hallway and turned left to enter the large dining room, it could fit almost a hundred people, but Irina never remembered seeing more than six. She walked up to the really long table, and took her seat right opposite to her mother, who sat in the middle. " Took you awhile to get here" said Reina

" I had to go to my room"

" I see. Your father will be here soon"

Dinner at the Warun house where all three members of the family were rare. Irina's parents were rather busy, and made time almost once a week. And most of the time both of them were not parents usually ate in their offices if they had important matters to attend to. But

Irina always sat in the dining room to eat, hoping one of them would show up. Sometimes Irina's cousins and uncle showed up, but they never talked to her unless necessary. But as a family of 10, they have never had dinner together. The door on the other side opened to reveal Irina's father walking in. He was dressed in his coat, as if he had to leave somewhere. He sat at the head of the table and signalled the assistant behind him. "Let's begin, then" he said.

The family ate in silence. Irina just stared at the table, trying to make eye contact with her father. But he never looked up from his plate though, she sighed and returned to her meal. He finally spoke up, " I heard about the heat stroke, are you okay now?" he asked

" Yeah, nothing happened to me"

" I am really glad nothing troubling happened, Irina. I didn't expect such an incident to happen"

" Yeah, I was saved by Theo''. Reina immedietly looked up from her plate to look at her daughter.

" Theo, you mean the new bodyguard who came along with you yesterday?"

" Yesterday? Oh, when the guest was there, yes, that was Theo"

" I am really glad for the young man's instincts, who knows what would have happened if it weren't for him" Irina gave a small smile, " Yeah…" she said.

" Wait, you visited your father yesterday?" said Reina, looking back and forth between her husband and daughter.

" Yes, she did. She said she had something to ask about. She never got the opportunity to. What did you want, Irina?" asked the father.

Irina took a deep breath, " well, I just wanted to know; Why did you adopt me?"

" Huh?" said the couple in unison, staring wide eyed.

" I mean, why would you choose to adopt me?"

" Irina" said her mother, shaking her head. " Is this about wanting to know your birth parents?"

" Just answer me" she said, not looking up to face them. Her father sighed, " Irina, what will you do with such knowledge?"

" I said just answer me. Honestly" she said, poking her food a bit too hard.

" I don't understand, why all of a sudden?" asked her mother.

" WHY CAN'T YOU JUST ANSWER ME? SHOULD I NOT KNOW?" the raising of her voice made her mother choke on her food.

" Reina!" exclaimed the father.

" I- I'm okay" she said, drinking her glass of water.

" Well, tell me," said Irina.

" Irina, I have somewhere I have to go, maybe we can talk after I come back" suggested her father, removing his glasses.

" WHY DO YOU REFUSE TO TELL ME? I JUST WANT TO KNOW. YOU'RE HESITATING TO ANSWER SUCH A SIMPLE QUESTION, WHY IS THAT? DO YOU GUYS EVEN CARE ABOUT ME?" Irina was struggling to breathe, there were tears in her eyes. Her mother looked horrorstuck and her father had closed both his eyes. She waited, they did nothing. Tears were now falling on her plate, she stood up " Fine then" she turned around and walked out the room, closing the door with a bang.

Chapter 20-conclusion

Irina ran to her room, she ignored Raksha's calling " Madam, please. Calm down"

She shoved Luis and Wendul out of the waiting area . " Get out," she said. Mirai immediately stopped arranging her bookshelf and left the room shaking her head.

" Ma'am what-" asked Luis.

" JUST GET OUT" she screamed

The guards backed off in confusion. Irina immediately closed the door and locked it. They turned towards Raksha who sighed, " Just- let her be"

" Fourteenth, we have no choice but to guard. Lady Irina's mood should not affect our job" said Twenty third.

" We are here to guard all right, but that doesn't mean we can ruin Lady Irina's feelings. She wants us to get out, not stop guarding" said the bodyguard

" But we have a jo-"

" come on Luis. It's pointless, Irina has finally entered her rebellious stage. We can't handle her." said Mirai, speaking up.

The rest of them sighed, Wendul spoke up, " We can't exactly leave, can we?"

" No...we can't". The four of them stood in silence, Mirai started to pace back and forth, she broke the silence after a few minutes by letting a small gasp. The others looked at her and saw Lord Warun himself approaching them. They stood straight as he came to them, " Is she inside?" he asked

" Yes, Sir" said Mirai

" I'll talk to her. Just stay here". He knocked on the door " Irina. Open the door"

He stood there for a few moments before knocking again. " irina, I want to talk". The door slowly opened, walked inside. Irina's face was red with tears. She turned her back to him and faced the window. " Irina, turn around" he commanded. She slowly wiped her tears and looked to face him.

" If you want to know the honest answer, then, fine" said her father. Looking his daughter in the eye. "I want to know" she said immediately, she just wanted her answer and him out of the room.

" Well, the reason is simple. We couldn't have a child on our own. And one of my close friends said that he and his wife could bear one for was settled that we would come and take you with us after you were born. You were born during the eastern festival of Jinth. we were supposed to come, but there was a commotion in the town and there were problems due to that… so my friend dropped you at an orphanage where we would adopt you"

Irina sat on her bed confused. It seemed rather complicated to be true but it sounded right. She sighed, it was just a bland reason. She didn't know how to feel, " Sooo….where is your friend now?" she asked slowly, looking at her father in the eye, " Well, he is living with his wife in the east."

Irina was shocked. Her birth parents were alive , and they never bothered to see her?

" Then, why have I never met them?" she asked

" Things got complicated between us and we no longer talk to each other"

" okay, then what about-"

" Irina I have to leave, I'll be gone for a few days. We'll talk it out later" he said getting up walking out the door.

" YOU NEVER ANSWER!" screamed irina, her father turned around with a frustrated look on his face. " Irina I said-"

" I KNOW WHAT YOU SAID, FOR ALL THESE YEARS. YOU JUST SHUT ME OUT OF EVERYTHING. AND ME, BEING AN IDIOT DECIDED TO GO WITH IT" the young woman was in tears. She dropped to her knees and began to cry. The old man tried to approach her, " Irina why are you behaving like this? What is wrong with you?" he said and her crying got louder.

" JUST GET OUT"

" Fine. We'll settle things when I'm back"

" JUST GET OUT" she screamed. The man left the room without making a sound. The guards ran in immediately after.

" Milady! What's wrong?" asked mirai

" I just need to walk," siad Irina, whispering.

"Huh?"

" I need some fresh air"

" Ma'am it's almost dark. We can't let you outside"

" I just need some time alone"

" Ma'am-"

" COME ON. I just need to get out of this house" she screamed. The rest of the guards shared a look and raksha nodded.

" How about we take you to the house of bodygaurds, you can rest there for a while before you come back". Irina nodded. She just needed to calm down. Maybe the house wouldn't be a bad choice.

Chapter 21- Revisit

Irina was walking down the hallway towards Theo's room. It was hard to believe that she just came here two hours ago. She knocked on the door the door to hear his voice say " come in"

She opened the door to find him in the same position. She gave him a small smile as he looked up in surprise " Ma'am what are you-"

" I just needed to get away. Is it okay if I stay here?". Theo just nodded and gave her a small smile. She sat on his bed right next to his injured foot. " What happened?" he asked in a worried voice. Irina sighed, she could listen to that voice for hours. It was deep, But enough to sound boyish, it was, in a way, perfect in her ears. She told him about the dinner conversation and her fathers visit. Anger filled her mind as she recalled the events.

Aashin leaned back and rested his head on the wooden board behind him. So Irina wasn't just some girl who got lucky, she was always meant to be a part of the Warun family. " So, what kind of commotion occurred that made them drop you at an orphanage?" he asked. The young woman shook her head, " I wouldn't know. He won't tell me anything else" she said as she sighed.

" You just need to be patient"

" Hmm". Irina spoke up again

" Theo"

" Yes?"

" Why does your foot look like it's been stabbed?"

" Huh? what do you mean?"

" I don't know, but, that is not how a scratch from a rock should look like"

" The rock was rather sharp, my leg hit right at the sharpest part"

" Oh" she said. " If you say so" she murmured.

" What's the matter?" He asked, leaning a bit closer to her.

" Well, you see, that feeling I told you about earlier, it's kind of haunting me"

" You should relax, it must be your imagination."

" No, actually. When I was alone in my room, I tried to recollect where I had that feeling, I couldn't remember, but that feeling came back. I felt as if, as if, something fell on me"

" Oh, is that right?"

" Yeah...it's this feeling of...I don't know like, like glass…..shattering"

" Shattering…...glass, like a piece of glass fell and your heart felt heavy" he said, placing his hand on his chin.

" No...not like a piece, but bigger….like…." her mind was racing, she tried to recall, but no image came to her mind.

" Like a chandelier" whispered Theo. Irina immediately looked up and locked her eyes into his. Chandelier….a chandelier falling…...she could see that…..a big chandelier, must mean it was in a big hall… she looked back down at Theo's foot, his bandaged wound. She imagined a chandelier falling…..her heart feeling heavy….Theo's foot...it got a piece of glass stuck…...the wedding. The Wedding! That's what had happened, that moment she had with Theo during the ceremony. Her mother, that other girl...Yeline she was holding Theo's hand. Irina remembered.

" We were at a wedding"

" Hm?" asked the young man, trying to sound surprised

" Weren't we? We were at the wedding. I remember now. The wedding, you saved me from the falling chandelier, and a piece of glass stuck to your foot."

" What are you talking about?"

" Don't play with me" said Irina raising her voice " I know it happened"

" Ma'am….." said Theo, he sighed and hung his head low

" I was told that you would be scarred by that memory, so I was ordered to tell you a made up story they created. Otherwise I would be fired"

Irina closed her eyes, she couldn't believe the amount of anger she felt. They were keeping it a secret, they were ready to alter her memories, why? What will they gain? How many other lies was she told?

" I can't believe they would do something like that," said Irina, finally speaking up after minutes of silence.

" I didn't want to lie to you, but my job was on the line."

" But you did give me a clue about the chandilier, why did you do that, your job was on the line" asked the young woman meeting the man's eyes.

" As you kept talking to me about this haunting feeling, I realized that even if you won't remember, you'll still be disturbed. I didn't want you to be haunted by that feeling, I wanted you to recall on your own, I know you're strong enough to handle the fact that you almost died"

Irina smiled, Theo always seemed like he saw the best in her, unlike everyone else. He wanted what was best for her, and she was thankful that someone like him exists.

" But…..you're job" she said, looking concerned.

" If they find out that you remember because of me, I'll be gone" he said, averting his eyes from her.

" I'm not going to let that happend". Irina slided closer to him, and placed her hand right on his.

" I'm not going to let anyone know that I remembered. I will continue to act like I believe their story"

" But Ma'am, if you question your parents about this, maybe you can get answers"

" It doesn't matter, you'll be gone if I do that"

" Well, you'll at least have a lead…." she cut him off

" What's the point if you leave? Without you, I'll be back to being locked. Besides….I can't let you suffer…..you're important" Irina blushed at her last statement, but what she was telling was the truth, these past few months had been better due to his involvement in her life, she couldn't let him go.

" Important? Ma'am I'm just guard" he said, slowly, but he was leaning close to her, and Irina wanted him closer.

" Don't say that. You seem like the only one who actually cares about me here" her face was now right in front of his, only a foot away, but she wanted him closer.

" I do care ma'am. very much" said the young man, his face now only an inch away, he looked at her lips, and gave a little smirk. Irina closed her eyes as his lips came on hers. Irina's first feeling was bliss, like she could do this forever. His lips, they felt beautiful. His hand went up her hair sending chills down her spine. She couldn't stop now, she wrapped her arms around his neck holding on to him, closer, closer. Theo's mouth was locked on her, making small movements. It felt like heaven, she had never experienced anything like this, this fire in her stomach, this feeling on her lips, she didn't want it to stop. A little moan escaped from her, making her want more, she gripped onto Theo, pulling him closer. Theo suddenly let go, catching her off guard. He leaned back,

" I think it's too late Ma'am. You should head back before they start looking for you". Irina just nodded, she had to go back, but she wanted to keep doing what they were doing. She buried her face in her hands, mostly due to the shyness she felt, but also because she couldn't believe the amount of desire she had. " I….okay" she said as she got up. She didn't look at him, she couldn't . She turned the door knob when he heard him say " Ma'am it would be better if they don't find that you came here"

" You're right, I'll tell them I was walking around in the other wing hallway."

" hmm, good night ma'am"

" Y-yes. Good night" she left immediately.

Aashin sat back and sighed, his fingers touched his lips. He'd be lying to himself if he said he didn't like that kiss. He had kissed women before, but it was only in order to seduce. Irina was no different, but, this time, he felt some sort of desire. most people he seduced would end up as corpses. This was the first time it could be going somewhere. He didn't hate Irina, she was a kind woman, who was soft and sensitive. Her being hidden away from the cruel world made her an innocent flower, someone will always have to be there for her or else she won't survive. She was empathetic, and she really respected him. She was different from the women he had met, and he liked that. But he didn't care about her, that was clear. if the situation calls and he'd have to slit her throat, he won't hesitate. But the kiss they had just shared, Aashin couldn't help but think about it. He had found it difficult to pull out from that, her soft lips kept asking for more, and he would have given a moment, he forgot who he was, he forgot he was acting, that moment felt…. real. Which was concerning. He shouldn't forget, not after all that, not after what they had done to him. A woman shouldn't be enough to distract him. He had to let this slide, he would have to focus on other things, not on her. He closed his eyes, trying to imagine an ocean, instead Irina came to mind. Images of Her deep emerald eyes and her soft lips ran all over his head. He shook his head and replaced it with an ocean. He sighed, it was hard to fall asleep that night.

Chapter 22- Accident

Irina woke up the next morning with an empty feeling in her stomach. She remembered that she hadn't eaten anything last night due to her outburst. Mirai was standing right next to her bed.

" Good morning Madam."

" Oh. Mirai" said the young woman as she groaned.

" Your mother is expecting you for breakfast"

Irina sighed, mother was never interested to meet in the morning. This meant she was upset about something,

" Hmm" she said, heading to the bathroom.

Mirai had held her clothes as Irina walked out the bathroom. She wore her dress and looked in the mirror, her mother had always made it a priority to make sure she looked presentable all the time. She herself had made a big deal out of it, but now she couldn't care less. Some cream to protect her face and gel for her lips were enough. Irina pulled out the drawer to see it be loaded with all kinds of powders, creams and gels. She sighed, she hadn't even used half of them, yet her mother had put it in there. She took out the rose scented gel. She picked up some with her hands and was about to place it in her lips when she stopped. Last night, that was the very spot Theo had put his lips on. The thought of it made her blush, she could never forget yesterday's feeling. She wanted to relive that moment, over and over. She was looking forward to something like that happening again. She hadn't realized she was smiling the whole time until Mirai interrupted

" Ma'am, it's good to know you're feeling good now. Your crying worried me yesterday"

" Ahh. That." her smile immediately dropped. She had no expression on her face. She combed her hair and headed to the door.

" Mother will be in the dining room, right?"

" Yes Milady"

"Hmm"

Irina opened the door to see Luis and Wendul standing in the waiting room

" Good morning madam" they said, in unison.

" Mm" she nodded and walked out the main room door

Outside Griff and Raksha waited, in their usual position. Both of them greeted her.

Irina just nodded and headed to the dining room, the two followed.

Mirai stood at the window in his mistress' room. She looked out to see the morning sun shining on the garden, she liked such days, where everything seemed perfect. But things seemed like they were no longer going to be that way. She heard the door open to see Luis come in.

" hey-whoa, were you wrestling or something?" he asked pointing to her hair

" what-oh" she looked in the mirror to see her brown hair ruffled all over. She herself was surprised to see it not braided. Irina would have pointed out, but she didn't.

" I couldn't sleep last night" she replied

" Everything okay?" he asked

" Yes"

"Good. You see, lady Irina is to not go out of the estate for a few days. So you'll be busy"

" Okay" she replied, the Mirai three years ago would have questioned why, now she knows she'll never get the answer. Whatever the bodygaurds told her was the truth, and she had learned to suppress her curiosity. But Today, she couldn't control.

" Man, this is kind of tiring isn't it" said Luis

" Yes. But that's what we're hired for"

" Yeah, yeah"

" Luis" she said, in a serious tone. She came near him, " I want to ask you something"

" Yes?" he asked, confused

" Can you give me an honest answer?"

" What is this about?" his cheeks were turning red, he must be sick, she thought.

" What happened at the wedding?"

" Oh" his face became serious again.

" Well, I can't tell you," said the bodyguard, hesitant.

" Please, I am lady Irina's maid. I am concerned about her, you could let me in one this"

" But my jo-"

" I am not an outsider, I will not tell anyone"

" Well…."

" Please?" she begged, she tried to put on an innocent face. It would have helped if her hair were well braided.

" Look, I know you mean no wrong but….."

" Come on, don't see how lady Irina has been these past few weeks? It would be helpful for all of us if I knew what was happening so that I could be prepared"

" I-" he sighed, " fine"

" So tell me"

Luis was hesitant, but he told Miria most of what had happened

" Oh, I see" she said fixing her hair " That's why Theo is not here"

" Yeah"

" So, was it an assassination attempt?" she asked.

" We don't know, Sir Trech has said that we need to give this situation a rest. An investigation will happen in a few days''

" hmm" she said

" I'm glad nothing serious happened to any of you" she said smiling a bit

" Yeah" he sighed.

" Well, back to work I suppose" She said, turning around. Mirai had a lot of thoughts running through her mind, but she had other things to do.

Irina didn't say a word during breakfast. She had decided to ignore her mother's presence, which was easier than she thought. Her mother kept lifting her head from her plate to look at her, trying to make eye contact with her daughter. But Irina's eyes were on the plate and her mind in another world.

After several failed attempts, Reina finally spoke up. " I heard you lashed out on your father yesterday after he came to your room" she said.

" mmm…." said her daughter, clearly not interested in the conversation

" Didn't you realize that your father, despite having to leave for work, decided to drop by and be open with you, you decide to act like that"

" He wasn't really interested in being open, he just came there for the sake of it". Reina's face tightened with anger, " How can you say that about your own father?" she asked, raising her voice. Irina finally looked up from her plate, and stared at her mother,

" He's not my father" she said and stood up from her chair. She turned to leave

" Irina!" screamed her mother, but she ignored and kept walking. She reached toward the door and unlocked it,

" Why are you acting like this?" her mother asked, standing up herself.

" I am not acting like anything, I just wanted an answer, you just won't tell me" said the young woman, walking out the door.

Aashin groaned as he tried to take little steps around his little room. He held the wall for support as he was about to fall. He was getting better, he thought. Just a little practice and he'd be ready to would have to relax and let the wound heal. But he couldn't afford to rest, he had to investigate about the assassination attempt. Sitting idly will ruin this opportunity. He slowly placed his injured foot on the ground, taking a single step. Better, he just has to get used to it. The assassin was about to take another step when he heard a knock on the door. He lifted his head from the ground as the door slightly opened with Irina's head peeking at him. She smiled as she entered the room

" How's your leg?"

" Oh. Ma'am" he replies not knowing how to react.

" I hope it heals as soon as possible"

" Ummm thank you ma'am" said Aashin smiling. Silence follows for a few minutes, as Irina awkwardly fidgets, refusing to lock eyes with the young man.

" Is there anything you need?" he asked, trying to walk towards her which resulted in him falling down

" Theo!" she ran towards him as he was on all fours trying to stand. Irina held the man by the shoulders and helped him stand up.

" are you okay?" she asked, trying to meet his eyes.

" I'm okay" he said, trying to smile.

Irina had just realized that she was still holding him, very close. Part of her just wanted to let go but a bigger part of her wanted to keep holding on, she inched a bit closer to him, hoping he won't mind. He definitely wouldn't, they did that yesterday She thought. The young man in front of her was pretty tall compared to her, she won't be able to reach him without additional height. Luckily for her, Theo leaned down and touched his forehead with her's. Irina's eyes were closed, she was just trying to live the moment. His forehead on her's, it felt like their minds were connected. Theo whispered, " What's the matter?". Irina opened her eyes, and leaned back. She stared at him for a moment,

" I need your help"

" What is it?"

" I…..remember what I told you about fainting? I felt something, like, looking at your blood and all?"

" Yes, what about it?"

" I couldn't help but recall that it was the same feeling I had when I almost met with an accident when I was a child"

" You mean the wagon accident four years ago"

" Yeah, I always felt that it was not exactly a wagon accident. That it was something else, but I couldn't prove it in any way so I shut up. But now, I realized that not everything that I know is not true"

" I see"

" So, I want your help in finding out what really happened during that time"

" Ah, I can help with that, but I have no leads"

" I have one. The bodygaurd who was assigned to me back then would know what really happened, since you're a bodyguard yourself, she can tell you what happened."

" That seems good enough"

" She was fired immediately, so I don't know where she is" said Irina

"Hmmm" Theo was thinking, he placed his hand on chin looking towards the ground. Irina couldn't help smile a little, it was cute.

" Well" he sighed, looking at her, " I suppose they might have information about former bodygaurds in the registry"

" Oh, if you look for her in that, we might know," said Irina, getting excited.

" I will try," said Theo, smiling. Irina stared at his lips, having a tiny little hope that he would kiss her again. Maybe, she sould kiss him. No, she doesn't have that sort of courage. She could try though, perhaps, he might kiss her back if she did.

" Ma'am?" called Theo bringing her back to her senses.

"Ye-yes?" she said, looking away, trying to hide her blush.

" What was her name?"

" Oh, yeah, Suri. That was the name. I think the rest called her thirtieth"

" I see, I will try to find out about her then"

" Thank you," she said, smiling. She turned around to leave, but stopped immediately when Theo caught her hand. She turned around, her face fully red, " W-what is it?" she asked, trying to act like she couldn't see Theo getting closer to her.

" Well…." he said, his voice strangely seductive, as he came nearer and nearer to her face.

" Y-yes?" she asked leaning close herself, their faces were inches away from each other, just like last night. Theo pulled back, " Nothing. You should head back ma'am. I'll find out about Suri"

" Oh okay" she said. Turning around and leaving the room as soon as possible. What a tease he was, she thought. But, she liked it . She sighed as she walked down the hallway, if she could find out about Suri, she might know the truth.