Odd one out

Disclaimer: I own nothing, zip, zilch.

AN: I dedicate this fic to my friend Drowning Rooster as she has ordered me to write a story

Chapter 1

Marina sprinted down a passage and found herself facing a dead end. Cursing, she looked around and something caught her eye. She stepped back a bit and took a running jump. She caught the windowsill that she had noticed, swung herself up and landed on the wall. It was only then that she allowed herself to look back the way she came. No one had followed her but that didn't mean anything, as she couldn't see round corners. Taking a deep breath she dropped down on the other side of the wall. Tucking herself into a corner she was finally able to catch her breath. 'I just had to do that didn't I.' She thought, 'I couldn't resist.'

Marina was a thief but not just any thief; she was one of the best. She was part of a group that kept themselves separate from the Rouge. She was thirteen and had been on the streets since she could remember. She had shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes. She wasn't anything special but she liked that as she could melt into a crowd.

This particular adventure had happened when she had gone 'shopping' in a merchant's house. She noticed a valuable item that had obviously been spelled with an alarm. She had found this outing to be very boring and she wanted to have some fun, so for no reason at all she set off the alarm. That was how she had ended up sprinting as fast as she could away from a group of rather angry people. Luckily for Marina she was small and quick. She had never been strong but she was very fast.

Marina stretched and looked up she could see the sun just beginning to rise over the housetops. She listened very carefully but as she couldn't hear anything she walked off to find Robert. Robert was the nearest thing she had to a friend and she hated him. He was the leader of the group she was part of and about four years older than she was. The group mainly consisted of teenagers on the street. They had a run down house where they had meetings and Marina decided to look for Robert there first.

As she entered the house - she had to pick her way though a couple of people sleeping - she heard loud voices, well actually Robert's loud voice.

"You put all of us in danger! That was such a stupid thing to do." "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, I just got scared." " Well if that ever happens again, I'll not be so nice."

Marina walked into the room where Robert was yelling at a terrified looking girl. As Robert sat down the girl practically sprinted out of the room. "Is terrorising little girls a new hobby of yours?" Marina asked leaning against the wall. "Hi Marina. Have a fun night?" Marina walked forward and dropped all she had stolen, with the exception of the spelled necklace, on a table.

All the money that the group stole went to Robert; he made a note of the amount and bought food and stuff for everyone. Marina only did this to show off, as she knew that she almost always brought in the most.

"Wow, that is huge." Robert breathed. "Any problems?" "Only ones that I made myself." "What?" "Well, it was way too easy so I decided to have some fun." She held up the necklace. Robert put his hand out for it but Marina just put it back in her pocket. " It was obviously spelled with an alarm so I took it." "What!! Marina has to be the stupidest thing you've ever done!" "Robert, you can talk to scared little girls like that but not me." "You may be good but I'm still the leader and you should show me some respect." "Should but won't. I don't need this group; I can survive on my own. Can this group survive without me?" "Your small amount talent has given you an extremely big head." "You head has been bigger than mine for years and still is."

The two of them were standing three feet apart screaming at each other. A few people had woken up and were standing in the doorway watching with fascination.

"Robert, do you really think that this group will live as well without me? Shut you big mouth and actually think. You can go over to the records and work it out yourself." Marina stared at Robert and crossed her arms. "I'm waiting."

Robert threw up his arms in frustration and stalked out of the door. Marina smirked and headed outside. She made her way through the streets and into the market place. At a sudden thought she took the necklace out of her pocket and, when the shopkeeper wasn't looking, put it down on his stall. She didn't want the thing; she didn't need that sort of trouble. If the merchant recognised it the shopkeeper would be a bit of trouble. She wished she could see it.

She walked around completely bored - there was nothing for her to do. She needed a challenge, something that would really test her skill. Nothing in Corus would do. Suddenly her gaze drifted to the palace. That would definitely be a challenge.

AN: What do you think? I know it's not very interesting yet but it'll get better. This is my first fanfic, I know lots of people say that to try and get reviews, but it really is. Review please!

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