I'm sorry for the long update. I'm not even going to create any excuses as it was just pure laziness. Anyway Thank you to everyone who has reviewed. It makes me smile to see people who actually enjoy the stories I write when I can. Thank you all again for your support and I hope you enjoy the next chapter.

Recap

"An autopsy was done and it was only then that we discovered how they died. They had no hearts."

Mai's P.O.V

I listened carefully. I couldn't care less if some trainees were dying (good riddance) but the case in general interested me. What on earth can possibly steal someone's heart without leaving a trace? I glanced at Naru. I could tell he had practically forgotten the events 15 minutes earlier. There was a look in his eyes that said he would accept the case. This was gonna be interesting and I had a bad feeling. Not really thinking I asked him who were the people missing.

I paled when he answered, "I'm sorry to say that it was Hanzo, Iruka, Hikata, Yuki and Ichigo that have gone missing. Iruka and Ichigo are dead." I couldn't say anything these boys were my sempai by a year or two. Even though I was better than them I still respected them. They had taught Azumi and me a lot of techniques. They were among the five best assassins out there and were quite good looking too (according to many people). Kana continued to explain the situation.

Beside me Azumi was as pale as me and I could see tears threatening to fall. The room seemed to get warmer and it had become harder to breath. Sweat trickled down the back of my neck. Suddenly I could take no more of it. I stood startling everyone and before anyone could speak I had walked out of the front door. I wasn't bothered by the cool crisp winter air as I ran into the park. Many people looked at me surprised. I stopped when I reached the lake. Sitting on a bench I watched the sun sink lower leaving the sky pink. It calmed me down. People slowly disappeared heading for home leaving the park all to me. Tears flowed down my cheeks unable to hold in my anguish any longer.

"Why?" I half screamed, half sobbed, grateful that I was alone. I didn't want anyone to see my pain. If there was a god he must hate me. I mean first my dad then mum and now the five topmost people I respected and actually felt as if they were family; all dead. This is why I hate letting people in. I guess I was slightly happy that when my work family had found out they had accepted it quickly. I pulled my legs up and hugged them, burying my head.

I felt someone sit beside me. The presence was familiar so I didn't bother looking up. "Wh-what do you want?" I asked voice thick from crying.

"It's good to see you again. I'm sorry about earlier. I was just so excited that I wasn't thinking straight. When grandfather met up with me he didn't even tell me what was going on. He didn't even mention them. I know you were closer to them than I was. But I still feel the loss to. Please Mai don't cry anymore. There is still hope. I mean we might still have time to rescue Hanzo, Hikata and Yuki. And you'll even get to bust up a spirit or two," Azumi said. I looked at her and smiled gently.

"Thank you Azumi. Sorry that I cut you. But I swear if you throw another knife at one of my friends without a good reason than there will be hell to pay. And I bring out Yuki."

She nodded understanding. Then I pulled out a small dagger the size of my pinkie. Turn around and let me neaten your hair," I ordered. It didn't take long and when she turned we smirked at each other. Good luck trying to tell us apart now.

We began walking out of the park. "What's going to happen now?" I asked.

"Your boss accepted the case and will be arriving tomorrow. Since it's out of town the sleeping arrangements have already been sorted out...and you probably won't like it."

I raised my eyebrow and waited for her to continue "Grandfather Thought it would be best I f they didn't stay at the school since we don't welcome outsiders very well. So he arranged for accommodation near. Everyone will be staying at... your place."

She winced as I yelled, "WHAT?" I hadn't noticed that we had halted in front of the office door. I twitched slightly as the door opened and Ayako looked out to see what was going on. "Mai!" she cried out, dragging me inside with Azumi trailing in behind. "Where have you been?" asked Monk sternly. I rolled my eyes and looked at the time, it was just after 7. "Out," I said before turning to my grandfather.

"Mai, I know you are unhappy with the arrangement but you live close and you have the room. God forbid your parents spoilt you two rotten," he said before I could speak, "And Mai I will not tolerate any complaints. You will not change my mind." He stood and he and Haruko left. Azumi stayed sipping (and grimacing) at a cup of tea that I guessed Masako had made. Silence descended but I knew it wouldn't be long before it was broken.