I put the scissors back down, as I look at myself in the mirror. Blue locks surround my feet, my shoulders already missing their weight. I exhale silently, still unable to believe I did what I just did. I had woken up this morning, feeling surprisingly refreshed and ready to tackle the day. My stomach only hurt a little, and I had re-bandaged it. All I had to do was get new sheets, dispose of my bloody ones and I will be as peppy as a poppy. Until I looked in the mirror and saw my uneven, tangled mess of pink, white, and blue hair. I hate to admit it, but I had gotten rather fond of being Kidd's symmetrical muse. I couldn't ruin that simply because some lunatic slices off a couple inches of my hair! I kick the cutoff locks under the table, deciding I would clean it later. Well, no one had to know, right? I rip the sheets off my bed, unusually calm. For the first time since coming to Death City, I feel serene, and peaceful, almost relieved. I've totally forgotten about my assassin, and nothing could ever bring me down, not today! Oh, if only I had known how wrong I would be…

•••

I walk out of my room, the ruined sheets in hand. I was carefree, and stupidly reckless, so of course I run into Kidd. "Sylva! Symmetrical as always!" He says, before he finally notices. "You cut your hair! Thank god it's still symmetrical!" I can't help but smile. Considering the fact that I had done it myself, I was very happy that someone noticed. Shame he noticed too much. "Oh my Lord, Sylva! Is that blood? Sylva! Why is there blood on your sheet?! Oh god!" He yelps, and I try everything I can to get him to quiet down. "If you shut up, I'll tell you!" He stares at me intently, awaiting an answer. I gulp as nervous beads of sweat form on my forehead. C'mon, think of a lie, Sylva! What would explain why someone bleeds, without causing alarm? "Well?" He asks, suddenly a worried and solemn expression in his eyes. I gulp, again, unable to think of a lie. Really, Sylva? REALLY? You have lied at least once every single day about something, surely you can think of one now!

"I'm on my period."

Sylva sits in class, unable to get over his reaction. Kidd was still blushing. He had started yelling, and apologized profusely, before running away embarrassed. Sylva had found it very entertaining.

"I didn't need you to help me." Sylva complains, a grimace on her face. "I was perfectly fine on my own!"
Hex raises an eyebrow, before his expression softens. He knew Sylva didn't like it when her family interfered with her fights, but he just couldn't stand by and let those cocky NOT students beat his little sister up.
"I know, I know. I just really don't want you to get hurt." He offers her a smile, and she sighs. Everything is just so difficult right now.
Her attacker, high school, the family, the wounds…Sylva just wanted to give up.
She liked it better when her mother handled her problems.
"Tell me what's wrong. Sylva, really. I miss talking to you. So, let loose, and tell me."
Sylva raises an eyebrow.
"Since when do I have to say anything to a mind reader?" She asks, nudging her brother.
Hex lets out a nervous chuckle, scratching his head.
"Apparently, people find it an 'invasion of privacy'!"

"I've been telling you that for years!"
They laugh a little, recapping all the awkward situations his powers had gotten them into.
"Anyways, don't try to change the subject, Syl! If you don't tell me, I will read you."
Her eyes widen, her plan hadn't worked!
She gulps a little, trying to think of a lie.
Okay, c'mon, Sylva. She thinks, trying to motivate herself. You can think of a lie!
"Well, Sylva?" Hex prods, as lite beads of sweat form on her forehead.
Sylva! What's a lie that can quench his curiosity, but he won't question further?
"Okay, guess I'm going to have to read your mind then!" He teases, before Sylva sighs.
"Okay, okay!" She begins, inhaling sharply. "I...have a...a...um...a...crush on someone!"
Hex widens his eyes, suddenly blushing in embarrassment. He now felt very guilty for forcing that out of her.
"Oh...well...um...that's...uh..." Hex was unable to form words at this point. He wasn't sure he should be the supportive brother he'd always been, or be the protective brother in place of his nonexistent dad. Sylva had never said anything like this to him, and he was sure that it was her first crush. Since they lived in the forest, and only occasionally visited the village school, Death City was her first real interactions with teenage boys. Hormone-crazy teenage boys. Sylva stares at him uncomfortably, and Hex tugs his collar shyly.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have told you that." Sylva said, only half honest. She was glad that he wouldn't be asking about this anymore, but she was sure that she had put her brother in between two blades.
"No, no. I'm actually glad we can talk about things like this...I think." He comforts, patting her on the forehead.
Sylva stares wide-eyed. Just as expected, Hex had managed to say exactly what she need to hear.
"It is a 'him', right? I mean I'm okay if it's a girl, or not...yes?" He continues awkwardly, as Sylva's eyes fill with pity. "So, what are they like?"
Sylva heaves a huge sigh. Great, she had to lie some more!
"Well, he's nice. He's taller than me, and he's a meister!" She had started out with a lie, but pretty soon it had turned into all the things she looks for in a perfect guy. "Yes, and he'd have a weird flaw, that annoyed everyone, but I'd find cute. Yep, he's protective, and always looks at me with gentle eyes."
Sylva's eyes get dreamy as the list continues, practically drooling. Oh, if only such a guy existed.
Hex chuckles, the sight of his sister in love bringing him great joy...and worry. He couldn't let anyone break his baby-sister's heart!
"Just remember, of he or she hurts you, I will not spare anyone. No holds barred, I'll bathe in their blood."
Sylva gulps. Her brother was nice to her, but um...he could occasionally be very protective...
"You know Sylva, it's okay to fight for your happiness. It doesn't matter of your different, weak, or strong, smart, or stupid." He beams at her, a proud smile in place. "You always deserve the best, and you shouldn't let anyone stand in the way of your happiness. So, you should go for it, and ask him out."
He ends, patting her on the forehead.
Sylva stares wide-eyed. Just as expected, Hex had managed to stay exactly what she need to hear.
It's decided then, thought Sylva. I'm going to fight for what I want.
I'm going to leave this school. And I'm finally, finally, going to be happy!

"Mom," I begin slowly, glancing at her, then at Lord Death, who was casually sipping a cup of tea, pretending like he wasn't eavesdropping. "I want to leave DWMA, and go to a regular school."