Author's Note: Moving right along! Hope you guys are still enjoying the story! (the italics in this chapter is a flashback)

I was nervous, actually. First time in my life when I was giddy nervous, not adrenaline, "I'm-about-to-get-caught" nervousness.

I was nervous of what everyone would think of me. Had Trudge told them I was an assassin? He didn't mind, but what if Yusei did? What if his mother did? I bit my thumb nail, walking nervously through the sliding glass doors of the hospital.

Then my giddy nervousness turned to sheer terror when I saw Bruno's face.

Damn. I had completely forgotten he would be here! I looked away, trying to keep the panicked rage from showing on my face. How could I have been so stupid?!

This whole guilt thing really makes you lose your mind.

His expression changed from one of satisfaction to shock, which he quickly smothered. I guess being his girlfriend had perks, because he wasn't go to say anything, though he glared at me as Trudge grabbed my arm and dragged me into the room.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Yusei's protection." I glanced around as hungry eyes took me in. Jack simply glanced, then turned his attention back to the coffee he was drinking. Crow nodded once, his eyes telling me to not even think about letting my guard down. Kalin remained seemingly indifferent, giving me a slight tip of the head. One of the twins, the girl, gave me a strange look, like she knew something was off about me. She eyed the gun strapped to my thigh. I'd have to be careful around her. "Her name is Tatiana Fortune."

Akiza smiled at me and walked over, her hand out for me to shake. I took her hand. The skin was soft, softer than mine had ever been. She seemed so innocent, though I knew she wasn't. The Black Rose Witch had caused so much pain, was in a constant rage, her angst too powerful to be tamed.

So it surprises me greatly that she was able to get it all under control.

"We really appreciate what you're doing, Ms. Fortune. Yusei…means a lot to us. I couldn't imagine living in a world without him."

She turned to the bed. I saw him up close for the first time, saw him and the damage I had done. There were the beginnings of dark circles under his eyes. His body looked worn, like he had experienced years and years of pain. Despite the tight lines on his face, like someone trying not to scream, he still smiled at me.

"And I thank you very much too. I can't begin to explain what you're…doing for me."

I winced a little at his hesitation of words. I was probably just scared of being discovered. But if he had recognized me, he would have said something already.

So I smiled back at him and told him it was good just to be able to help him out.

That wasn't a lie, either. I've started to think that maybe Bruno is right. Maybe I did have something else going for me- maybe I wasn't meant to be a cold-hearted killer.

When I was young, my master was the only person I had. I was never adopted, my parents were gone. She taught me that the only thing I would ever need is my skills and my wit. She used to talk about how sympathy and love would never get you anywhere.

I believed her right up until the time I met Bruno. Something about him…maybe it was the mystery. His past held something unexplainable, like the shadow of your demons following you everywhere you go.

Besides, I feel like I owe this to Yusei. I almost took the amazing friendships he had formed away from him- and I wasn't just his life I would be affecting. Akiza said herself that she couldn't imagine living without him.

After watching the way he tamed her Black Rose Dragon, I believe her.

Besides, Trudge said he would pay me. Stella never gave me the money this whole mess got started for, so why not give her a little slap in the face?

I almost hoped that Sector Security would find her, bring her to her knees, and make her pay for all the hurt she has caused with this silly little request.

"I want you to kill Yusei Fudo." She stated so calmly, eyes looking out over the city.

"You mean the champion? He seems pretty cool, actually. Why would you want him dead?" I took a sip of water from my spot on the chair adjacent from her desk.

The room was barren, no pictures of herself or mirrors hung on the walls. It occurred to me that maybe she never wanted to look at herself.

"I have my reasons." She didn't turn from the giant floor-to-ceiling windows.

Her voice sounded hollow, like she was trying to keep herself from feeling. Something every killer had to do. Unless you had no conscience, pulling the trigger and watching the life bleed out of someone would make any person with remorse go insane.

"Will you do it?" she asked me, still not turning around.

I knew I shouldn't. I should listen to Bruno and never take up another job again. I should have scared the idea out of this woman, never let her even think about doing this again.

But the money was good and the violence of my mind won out once again. "You've got a deal."

I wish that I could rewind time and go back to that day. I would have changed everything. None of this would ever have happened. I could have gone with Bruno and never had to deal with ending a life ever again.

But all that is just a lost dream now.

I was going to make up for my mistakes for once. I glanced at Bruno as he walked in. he regarded me like he had never seen me before, with a hint of ice on his seemingly relieved smile.

I smiled back at him, radiant for the first time in years.