A/N: Thanks to all my wonderful reviewers, and welcome to Chapter 1! In this chapter, we'll see many familiar faces, as well as some new ones. Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: Only the characters you don't recognize belong to me.

A Whole New World: Chapter 1

The streets of the Corus marketplace were bustling, for at this time of year—two days before Midsummer—was chaotic. Last minute preparations were being planned, and people rushed around, trying to buy what they needed before someone else got to it.

In the middle of this ant hill of activity, two girls around the age of eighteen threaded their way confidently through the masses of people, ignoring the stalls laden with Midsummer goods as they moved towards their destination: The Dancing Dove, a popular tavern and headquarters of the Rogue in Corus.

Looking at the two girls, you would never have guessed they were anything more than civilians, out wandering the marketplace. The first girl was of medium height, with a full face that pointed to some Yamani heritage. Her green eyes took in everything around her, and they were constantly moving. She wore a simple breeches and shirt, and wore a knife on her belt. Her straight black hair came halfway down her back in a braid, and it was entwined with white orchids, making her hair seem darker than it actually was. She held a beautiful bouquet in her arms, with all kinds of flowers in it, and she occasionally adjusted it to keep from crushing the petals. Looking at her, you never would have guessed she was one of the best thieves the Rogue had ever seen.

Her companion was strange, even by Tortall's standards. She was taller than her friend, with a willowy and graceful build that pointed to dancer's heritage. She had ivory skin that had tanned over the summer, but not much. Her eyes were as blue as the cloudless summer sky above them, but they were constantly changing hues. Her silvery-white hair flowed down to rest halfway down her back, and was highlighted with bright blue tips at the ends. Clearly this girl had immortal blood in her.

As they neared the Dove, the first girl turned to her friend. "Dahy," she asked quietly, "do you think they'll send us on another raid in broad daylight?"

Amadahy, her best friend and half-Elemental, turned to her. "I don't think so," she murmured, her voice sounding like water tripping over rocks.Her friend's voicehad always soothed Yasmin, but she didn't know why.Amadahy'seyes changed to a dark blue. "They might."

Amadahy was half-human, half-Elemental. Elementals were a rare breed of Immortal that controlled the elements. Fire, water, earth, wind, stone, plant—they controlled them all if they wanted to, but an Elemental could on control one specific element, assigned to them at birth. Being half-human, Amadahy didn't always have the best grip on her water magic at all times, but she had enough control not to flood the city when she got angry. Yasmin had discovered her wandering the Royal Forest one day, and had taken her in. The two were inseparable, and Amadahy's powers had saved them at least once.

Entering the smoky and ale-smelling tavern from the bright sunlight and clean air outside was always an adjustment Yasmin had to make. Her green eyes wide, she realized the Dove was more packed than usual. A man approached them, and Yasmin relaxed as she recognized the older man as Lightning, one of her thieving cohorts.

"Did you get it?" The man asked eagerly, his curly blond hair bouncing on his head as his golden eyes lit up with excitement. In answer, Yasmin held out the bouquet she was carrying, and Lightning reached for it eagerly.

Holding it out of the man's reach, Yasmin plunged her hand down into the maze of stems. These were the first Midsummer blossoms, and Yasmin didn't want them ruined. How often did she have an excuse to by fresh flowers?

Finding what she was looking for, Yasmin carefully extracted a golden chain from where she had hidden it amongst the bouquet's stems. At the end of the chain swung a rather large diamond, and Lightning took it eagerly.

"You've done good, Flower," he murmured, staring at the large gem in his hand. "His Majesty will be pleased." Disappearing into the crowd, he was replaced by an even more familiar figure.

"Da!" Yasmin cried, running to hug him. Even at eighteen, she was still a daddy's girl at heart. Being two inches shorter than he, she had to lean up to kiss his cheek in greeting.

"Hello, Flower," Shadow replied, holding her close. His black hair had begun to gray, but his green eyes, so like his daughter's, were still sharp. "Have you seen your brother?"

Yasmin shook her head. "I haven't seen him since this morning." At her father's worried expression, she added, "Don't worry Da, he's probably out finding something to eat." Her brother's appetite was infamous among the Rogue, and he could be most often found in a kitchen, begging food from the cooks.

Chuckling, Shadow hugged his daughter once more. "I wish I could stay and talk, but His Majesty needs me." His gaze sharpened. "You got the necklace?" Yasmin nodded, still holding her bouquet. Shadow sighed. "He's getting bolder, and I don't like it. Attempting raids in broad daylight?" He looked her over. "Did you get out of there okay?"

Yasmin winced; she knew this question would come up. "We broke a window getting out of there." She murmured, staring at her feet. Shadow growled something unintelligible, and Yasmin looked up, wondering if he was mad at her. Seeing her nervous look, Shadow soothed, "I'm not mad at you."

Yasmin nodded, then looked around for the rest of her family. "Where's Ma?" She asked her father. Her mother was known as Lady Ice to the rest of the Rogue, but when she wasn't thieving, she kept a stall in the market, selling kudarung statues.

The sound of wings on the air grabbed Yasmin's attention, and she turned just in time to see her miniature kudarung mare, Sera, float towards her. The mare was the size of her hand, with a snow white coat and ivory wings. The mare settled confidently on Yasmin's shoulder, tugging at the strands of black hair that had fallen out of her braid. Stroking the mare with a finger, Yasmin swung around at another familiar voice.

"I've got it!" The triumphant cry could be heard all across the tavern, and the patrons quieted, wondering what was going on. The Rogue all tensed, recognizing their king's voice and wondering what he had.

Malik Sword appeared next to Shadow, looking more excited than Yasmin had ever seen him. A tall, lanky man with graying blonde hair, his gray eyes sparkled with mischief and excitement. "I've got it!" He repeated excitedly, still holding the diamond necklace.

"Malik, what going on?" A whispery voice behind Yasmin made her twist around to find her Aunt Glissa, also known as Haunt, had arrived. She stood next to Amadahy, her hand resting on her adopted daughter's shoulder. The two could be mother and daughter. They had the same hair, the same face shape, the same skin and the same willowy build.

The King of Thieves turned to face her, and spotting Yasmin and Amadahy, hurried forward. "You know how there have been rumors that Scanran spies have infiltrated the palace?" Yasmin nodded, her brow furrowing as she tried to follow his train of thought. By the confused looks around her, no one else knew what he was getting at either.

"What's your point, Malik?" Shadow snapped, not liking how the King of Thieves was eyeing his daughter and her friend.

"They'd be perfect." Her murmured, still staring at the two young thieves.

"Perfect for what?" Shadow growled, his tone warning the King of Thieves that he was approaching his boiling point.

"I need someone to infiltrate the palace and find the spies for me." Malik explained, and Shadow relaxed somewhat, but he was still tense.

"What would be their assignment?" Shadow asked quietly, curious.

"They would be posing as ladies of the court."

A/N: Semi-cliffy! What will Shadow's reaction be? What about Nara's? Tell me what you think by reviewing, and please no flames!