Dai, sweetheart, don't cry. Please....

Then don't go mommy. Don't die.

I don't want to, believe me. Be brave. Jeremy will take good care of you.



There's...something I have to tell you....

Dai woke with the familiar churning in her gut, her pillow damp with tears. Her life had never been the same since that day. Part of her felt frozen in time, always to remain that grief stricken eleven year old. The dreams were less frequent now, but still occasionally made an appearance to remind her of all that she had lost.

She rubbed her face groggily. It was a hard burden to carry alone. And it didn't help that every ounce of her common sense screamed that she would never have the normal life or loves of an average girl. Her life was destined to be a lonely one. But...

Things had been different since she met Hwoarang. He was a friend and...something more. She had tried to deny it to herself, keep it secret from her common sense, but to no avail. Last night she had almost told him everything. She wanted to tell him everything. But, although she trusted him, her secret was too much to divulge - there was too much on the line, too many lives at stake.

She wandered over to the window, pouring a glass of water from the jug and drinking it thirstily. As she filled a second glass, her heart stopped a beat. Outside, there were a group of smartly dressed men acting casually.

Acting casually.

Dai recognised the slight tilting of the head as one of them spoke into a hidden radio. The furtive hand signals, the casual nods.

She rushed to one of her bags and pulled out a multi wired contraption. She twisted a dial, getting nothing but static. Then...

-the target is in the hotel, floor undetermined. Searching registration entries now...

Dai swore viciously, ramming her belongings into her holdall. Experiences like this had told her to travel lightly. She hoped Hwoarang did the same.

She knocked on his hotel door impatiently. She could hear Disturbed blasting out within the room, but there was no answer. She knocked again, a little louder this time. Still no answer...

We need to get out of here...now, she thought. Taking a quick look around her, checking that the corridor was clear, she picked the lock of the door.

She stepped into the room and her blood froze. There had been a struggle, evidently - Hwoarang's possessions were scattered haphazardly all around, and on the wall...

On the wall there was a deep crimson stain. The thick, luxurious carpet was also flecked with red. Dai realised that her heart felt like it was going to burst through her chest, a her stomach twisted uncomfortably.

she whispered.

Then, quite casually, Hwoarang emerged from the bathroom, wearing nothing but a towel around his waist, and a red stained towel around his head. For a finishing touch, he had a toothbrush protruding from his mouth. He stood there like a startled rabbit.

Err, Dai? he began, taking the toothbrush out of his mouth and making sure his towel was secure.

What the hell happened here? Dai snapped, starting to bundle his belongings into his bag. Were you attacked?

he frowned, clearly confused. No, why?

We've got company. When you didn't answer, and then I came in and saw all this, and-

Oh. Oh, he said with realisation, looking embarrassed. I was going to tidy up. Honest...

She looked at him incredulously. Just get dressed, unless you plan on escaping like that.

He went back into the bathroom with a random selection of clothes. I'm usually tidier, really... his voice came from within. The music switched off. It's just, you know, after being in the army it's kinda cool to relax-

Dai exclaimed. How the hell can you relax in a complete and utter tip?! And what are these stains?!

Hwoarang emerged fully clothed and grinning. His hair, still damp, was back to its more familiar deep red. Dai sighed.

she muttered, trying not to smile. Just simply unbelievable...

Thank you, Hwoarang said, stuffing his CD player into his bag. I think that's everything. So, what's this company you're worried about?

A bunch of guys - trained operatives, I'd say from their behaviour and equipment - outside the hotel looking for a target within.

They cautiously looked outside into the corridor - so far, so good. Hwoarang nodded.

Coast's clear. I say we go through the front door - I can't see that they'll do that much with a crowd watching.

Dai shook her head. Too risky. We don't know enough about them to know how they'll act. If they're after you, yes, they may show some restraint. If they're after me, however... She shrugged. We can't take that risk, not when there are civilians about.

I suppose that there's a chance they're not after us at all, Hwoarang muttered as he followed Dai into the service corridors.

It's a possibility, she conceded But I'd rather not risk it.

They ran down several flights of stairs, always looking both up and down for any sign of pursuers. They would be coming to a fire exit soon...

As they approached the doors, Hwoarang noticed that Dai was holding a small device. She pressed a button on it before flinging the doors open.

Waiting for them were four burly men in suits. The one shouted into a hidden radio, but there was no response. He began to reach for his gun, but was stopped by a single kick to the side of his head from Hwoarang, rendering him unconscious. Despite having lost the element of surprise, Hwoarang dealt with the other three with equal swiftness.

Dai shouted. This way!

They headed onto the street, and it wasn't long before they were spotted. Dai ran towards a motorcycle parked nearby - a chromed American type, rather than the more familiar sporty Japanese models. She climbed on and gestured to Hwoarang. He clambered on behind her, glancing round.
Dai? Isn't this stealing? he asked, only to be greeted by an over the shoulder grin.

I prefer to think of it as unofficial borrowing, she said, starting the engine. An angry American voice rang out behind them as they roared off.

HEY! THAT'S MY BIKE!! Paul Phoenix shook his head. I don't believe this...