The young theives slipped into the darkened ally and pulled off their hoods. The first was a boy about fourteen summers with long black hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a ragged brown cloak, a shirt that was once white, and a pair of tan trousers. His companion was a girl about sixteen summers. She had long blonde hair, braided to one side, and green eyes. Her outfit was similar only with a blue blouse under her cloak.
"I hate this!" exclaimed the boy looking and the stolen coins in disgust.
"Sorry you feel that way cousin, but its the way of the world," said the girl as she pocketed her own loot.
"You know, I distinctly remember you hating this as much as I do, Jana."
"Things change Ryo. We have to live, don't we?" she paused until her cousin slowly nodded affirmation, "You'll get used to it soon enough."
"That's just it, I don't want to get used to it!" These were the last words spoken between the cousins this day. Ryo didn't realize it, but it would also be the last time he would see Jana.
That night Jana left the old shack were the two had lived while her cousin slept unaware. She crept back to the ally where they had hidden before.
"You were right my Lord, he is unsuitable to be your servant," she said to a shadowed figure.
"Then so be it. I must admit that he does possess hidden strengths that might have been valuable to us. Have you lost your sentiment for the boy?" asked the figure.
"He will die by my hand if need be," replied Jana.
"Then you have passed the final test. Well met Jana."