Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon, or it's characters. I assume you know who does?

Hello again, readers! First of all, a thousand apologies for the delay.

Well, now the Assassins will be looking to get their hands on their client now. The girls don't trust them anymore, because of Paul's maniacal attempt on Zoey's life, so Ash, Drew and Paul have nothing to lose! But do they have anything to gain? Let's find out!

Enjoy chapter 7!


The scene: Veilstone City.

Ash, Drew and Paul sat at a table at a popular diner in Veilstone. It was crowded, so they decided it was a good place to blend in and avoid being overheard. It was comfortable, but nothing could dampen their inner turmoil; their despair at being separated from those they secretly loved combined with their rage at the client who commissioned this contract.

Despite the food in front of them, none of them had much of an appetite. If not for their instincts of devising a strategy before attacking, they might have been at the Guild hours ago and would be demanding the client's identity.

They were in the middle of a quiet, but heated discussion about when they should infiltrate the Guild or whether to head there at all. Ash was speaking. "We have to assume they already know we haven't killed them. They could be searching for us right now; and who knows whether they'll kill us or take us captive. We were told there would be grave consequences if we failed. But right now, I don't really care." Under the table, his fist tightened.

Drew was not looking at Ash, but over his shoulder. Ash raised his eyebrows questioningly, knowing better than to turn around and see for himself what was troubling Drew. "I think we can safely assume that, Ash." the other Assassin said, lowering his voice further. "Do a casual 180; the nearest table about 5 degrees to your left, two men. Tell me if they're who I think they are." He twiddled his thumbs casually, staring at the ceiling.

Ash picked up his drink, casually turned around and pretended to study it in the light. In the process, his eyes passed over the table Drew had specified, managing to take in the occupants' features in a short timespan. He turned back and sipped the drink in his hand, swearing silently. He indeed recognized them.

"Ken and Rafael." Paul affirmed, who had also sneaked a glance at the suspicious patrons. "Figures."

Ken and Rafael had long been proud members of the Assassin's Guild. They had heard about the rather impressive reputation of Ash, Drew and Paul that had built in a relatively short time and seemed to have put them in the category of rivals. Ash would bet that they would be very happy to end the lives of three traitors, even if they were not familiar with each other.

"They must trust those two to take out us three." Drew smirked. "Bad mistake. They're outnumbered and less skilled." Paul set his jaw. "I would agree," he said. "but overconfidence is something we can't afford, especially now."

"What do you propose?" Ash asked. As Paul considered, they tried to eat, casting around vacant looks in order to remain incognito. Finally, he answered. "In this case, there is no orthodox scenario to get out of this. We'll have to be creative. Although." he paused. "In any case, we can't leave them alive."

"That's fine." Ash said rather coldly. Paul gave Ash an 'Oh, really?' look. "I don't see how there's any greater benefit in leaving them alive, anyway. So, what do we do? Whatever it is, we need to make our move before they do." Ash concluded.

"They won't." Paul assured him. "It's a basic strategy to never make the first move. I doubt they underestimate us. We should not do so, either. But, if this works, our first move will ultimately result in their last. Let's just get up, head to an isolated area, then dispose of them."

Ash smiled. "That's it? I thought there was no orthodox strategy, anyways? Plus, you left your blade at the hotel." He reminded.

"Maybe I misspoke; there are no complex orthodox strategies for this situation. But this should work. We have the advantage whatever we decide to do." Paul explained.

Ash shrugged. "Let's give it a go. Perhaps we can learn something when we're done with them." They finished their meal, paid for it; all the while pretending to ignore the other two Assassins. Now Paul's theory would be put to the test.

Sure enough, out of the corner of his eye, Ash saw Ken and Rafael rise and follow. He was bringing up the rear, so he signaled to Drew they were being followed by quietly clearing his throat. He seemed to get the message, for he whispered something to Paul.

Paul led them through winding paths of Veilstone, possibly trying to shake their stalkers; but Ash knew they were still on their trail. He heard their footsteps, despite their attempts to disguise them. As they went, the number of people walking around dwindled. Even this late, it seemed eerily quiet After another series of seemingly random turns, they wound up in a deserted alley. The three turned and, sure enough, saw Ken and Rafael standing there, who did not seem to care they had been compromised. In fact, they were wearing triumphant smiles.

"Well, well." Ken began. "I sure am glad they gave us the honor of destroying you three. You were too weak to kill three girls, traitors!" Ken was tall, about Ash's age and had blond hair. His face suggested arrogance, almost as much as Paul.

"You did not carry out the contract, despite being warned of grievous consequences." Rafael added. "Your client is furious, and has demanded your lives. You did not understand the urgency of the contract; and now you will pay the price for your lack of vision."

In high contrast to Ken, Rafael had a disciplined and dignified look. Quite an unlikely partnership, in Ash's opinion.

"You only voice the words of your masters!" Ash said harshly. "What do you really think about this? Do you even know who were ordered to kill?!"

Ken smirked coldly. "Watch your tongue, Ketchum. Our masters-"

"'Our?'" Drew managed a small smile. "Not anymore. We're through with the Guild." Drew interrupted. Ken's patience was clearly withering.

"We do indeed know who your targets were." Rafael answered Ash, which angered him . These clowns had been informed of Dawn, May and Zoey, but not the actual Assassins sent to kill them?! "Their appearence should not have deterred you in any way, yet you let them seduce you!"

"I was given permission to look into those girls' history! And what I uncovered was not enough to convince me that they needed to die!" Ash shot back. Anger and hatred were boiling in him. In his mind, Ash could only think of the pain the Guild had put him through with one contract.

He had found love with Dawn; now she hated him.

His original despair had become hatred directed at every member of his former brotherhood; from his fellow Assassins to the accursed client himself. Beside him, Drew and Paul seemed to feel the same. The three rogue Assassins were in hostile stances, while their opponents seemed relaxed enough with their feet spread apart.

Paul finally spoke. "You can't hope to take us, Ken. We have the advantage. In more ways than one. We'll let you go if you tell us who commissioned this blasted contract!" His voice grew steadily louder and more fiery with hate.

For a moment, there was only silence; then Rafael spoke. "You seem to have forgotten everything the brotherhood taught you; from the discipline to the skills."

Ash snorted. "Oh, we still have the skills alright. Want us to prove it? Or perhaps you have forgotten the bravery required to be an Assassin." It gave him immense satisfaction to taunt them like this; even though he knew it did no good.

Ken shrugged. "We'd be happy to put you in your place." He and Rafael unsheathed two daggers similar to the one Paul had threatened Zoey with; they were both a shiny silver and had the crest of the Assassin's Guild forged onto it. They tensed into combat stances.

"Have at you!" Rafael exclaimed, before rushing forward. Drew rushed back, despite the fact he was weaponless. Just before Rafael got within striking range, Drew suddenly slowed, twirled and swept Rafael of his feet, sending him sprawling. Furious, Rafael got to his feet, this time acting more cautious. The two circled each other for a moment. Rafael jabbed at Drew a few times, his strike missing every time. Realizing this could not go on for much longer, he opted for a new strategy.

Drew feinted towards Rafael's right. He fell for it and tried to defend that side, leaving Drew a perfect chance to grab his left arm and twist it; causing a sickening crunch, but the inury was not too fatal.

Rafael fell to his knees, dropping his knife and panting in pain. He was staring at Drew, his face contorted with rage. Glaring coldly, Drew hauled the wounded Assassin to his feet and shoved him towards Ash and Paul, who kept him in a solid grip.

Ken had watched the whole thing; and now his astonishment was clear. He seemed terrified that his partner had been defeated so quickly; and by an unarmed opponent, no less. He suddenly seemed far less confident about the prospect of being able to kill the three renegades before him. Nevertheless, he raised his own blade, targeting Ash and Paul warily, but with murder in his eye.

Paul smirked. "Come on, Ken; you just saw how easily one of us defeated Rafael, who seems a much greater threat than you." He knew this would only incite the other Assassin further, so he would definitely make the first move. Sure enough, he was right.

Ken charged madly at them, his blade ready to pierce whoever got in his way. Ash moved to intercept but Ken seemed intent not to be fooled the way Rafael had been. He swerved away from Ash, spinning and attempting a slash but Ash evaded it. This evasive maneuver sent Ken heading straight for Paul, who made to disarm his opponent.

Desperately, Ken managed to turn Paul's lunge for the dagger into a fall, raising the dagger out of reach and landing a blow on Paul's neck with his unarmed hand. He felt Ash approaching from behind and spun around; a mistake. Paul quickly got to his feet, despite being fazed and gripped Ken's arms. Ash snatched the knife away and tossed towards Drew, who now held the weapons of the two Assassins.

Paul shoved Ken into place next to Rafael on the floor. The two had a vengeful hate in their eyes, mixed with a twinge of fear. "How is this possible?" Rafael asked, still shaken from his dislocated arm. "Not only have you defeated us without weapons, but you did so with the greatest ease I have seen." He seemed almost envious, which made Ash, Drew and Paul feel rather awkward.

"Well," Drew responded. "I wouldn't say you were being very careless. It's just that we may still have a reason to fight. You, on the other hand, only kill for money. And vengeance is a powerful stimulant." Ken's usual egotistical face was now one of madness and fear. "Perhaps it is so." despite his expression, his voice was cool. "But beware! We are not the strongest you will face; you have proven that much. In the end, you will be overwhelmed." This was certainly not the Ken they knew. But then a maniacal grin split his face. "In the end, you will die. As will your targets."

He had struck them deep with that last statement and he knew it, although they did not visibly show it. The horror that they were still after Dawn, May and Zoey quickly turned to blazing anger. Paul grabbed Rafael by his shirt collar, who screamed as his injured arm protested this sudden movement.

"Who commissioned this contract?!" Paul had a wildfire in his eye. "What sadistic, mindless being commissioned a contract for these girls?! I suggest you answer; my patience wears thin." his voice dipped to a dangerously cold level and Rafael looked genuinely frightened.

"Don't you dare tell these scum anything, Rafael!" Ken shrieked. Ash grabbed him by the hair and slammed his head into the brick wall of the alley. He cried out in pain and covered his head. Ash noticed blood on the wall, but it only slaked his thirst for vengeance. "Keep your mouth shut, if you have any respect for your worthless life." his voice was colder than the night. The stricken Assassin looked up at Ash in horror.

Meanwhile, Paul was still trying to force answers out of Rafael, with little success. The usually dignified Assassin now seemed petrified with fear at the hatred he was facing. He just kept babbling and finally, Paul snapped. He snatched one of the daggers from Drew and slit Rafael's throat. Blood poured out of the wound onto the alley floor as Rafael's dead form as he hit the floor.

Ken was the one petrified now. He looked into the three pairs of merciless, bottomless eyes of the Assassins standing over him.

"If you don't have anything to tell us..." Drew growled, stabbing Ken with the knife he held. Ken gasped in pain, clutching the blade stuck in his midsection.

"...you are of no use to us." Ash finished, taking Paul's knife and driving it into Ken's heart. He died with an expression of pure terror on his face.

They decided there was no point in hiding the bodies. It might serve as a message not to mess with them. But they took the weapons; they might turn out to be useful, unlike their former wielders.

With the darkest of intents, the Assassins headed to the abandoned warehouse. It was time to even the scales.

***

At the hotel...

Dawn, May and Zoey sat solemnly in the room where they had banished... them from their lives. It had pain beyond pain to feel betrayal of that magnitude, then to hate the one you love.

It had been an hour since they had left; and nobody had found the will to move. Zoey was gingerly studying the knife Paul had left behind: the one he had tried to kill her with. Even to her eye, it seemed of the highest grade with no wear visible. Plus, the blade shone a bright silver. But there was an odd marking on the hilt; a kind of insignia. If Zoey had to guess, she would say it was a single letter of a forgotten tongue.

This only escalated her pain. In a better situation, she might have dismissed it. But now, all it told her that they had not only been killers; but hired killers working for an official organization. Hitmen. Assassins.

From the moment they met, they had lied, deceived. But in the end, they had not done the job; and that was what intrigued Zoey. After all, she had seen the feelings in Paul's eyes.

Dawn seemed to know what she was thinking. "Why didn't he do it, Zoey? What stopped him?" Her tone was sad, but at the same time longing for a reason to believe the Assassins had genuine feelings.

For the life of her, Zoey could not put into words why Paul had hesitated. She just knew; so she just said: "He couldn't. He just... couldn't." Dawn buried her face in her knees, shaking with silent sobs. May looked at her sympathetically. "Maybe they had no choice. Maybe they were forced to do it." They all knew she was voicing what they wanted to believe.

But deep down, even May knew that now, for once, they had to face the truth. The cold. Harsh truth that was betrayal.

***

Near the warehouse...

As they headed to the Warehouse without a glimmer of a plan in their minds, Ash, Drew and Paul were still concerned over something Ken had said: 'In the end, you will die. As will your targets.'

Despite their thirst for vengeance, a new desire for the girls' safety matched up with it. As they walked in silence, they considered their options. Finally, Drew stopped them. "Guys, we can't all go to the Guild. Let me protect the girls."

"What?!" Ash asked in disbelief. "How are you going to protect them from possibly dozens of Assassins by yourself? Besides," He lowered his head. "they're probably long gone by now." Drew shook his head. "Think, Ash, it's only been hours! I'll patrol the hotel's exterior in the shadows and detain anyone who tries to head that way. This late, it's most likely to be an Assassin, so I won't hesitate to use lethal force. Trust me, I can do this. You and Paul have to get in the Guild and find out who the client is." His voice had a fiery resolve to it and Ash knew there was no changing his mind. He simply nodded. "Take this, too." Ash tossed one of their stolen blades to him.

Drew gave him a look of gratitude, then raced away. Paul said nothing.

"What do you think of this?" Ash asked. Paul shrugged. "It is... risky, but I trust Drew enough to do this right. We have our own problems to worry about. The Guild is waiting." Ash nodded curtly and they set off into the darkness.

***

Outside the hotel...

Drew reached the hotel building in a short time at a sprinting pace. The side of the building he was on seemed deserted enough, but Assassins were hardly likely to take a ground route. He found a small building adjacent to the hotel and climbed his way to the roof. To his surprise, he saw someone already there; his or her back luckily facing the opposite direction. Good thing he had arrived at such a quick pace.

Drew had to assume this was an Assassin. He hoisted himself silently onto the roof, then silently approached from behind, knife at the ready. The figure seemed to be waiting for something; a signal, perhaps.

Taking no chances, Drew stuck to the darkest of shadows and hid behind any cover as the distance between the two closed. Taking his chance, Drew grabbed the figure, holding the knife over his throat.

Definitely an Assassin. With amazing reflexes, the man ducked, nearly snatching the dagger from Drew's grip. With the intent of ending this now, Drew let loose a series of complicated punches and kicks; many of which were countered with equal skill. Realizing he had no choice, Drew began slashing with the knife.

Slowly, but steadily, the man's evasions became slower and clumsier and finally, a slash penetrated him across the chest, piercing his heart.

Breathing heavily, Drew examined the man's face as best as he could in the dimness of Veilstone's night. He did not recognize him, but Drew felt convinced this was an Assassin and he would no doubt be missed before long. Meaning the others would accelerate their plans.

Quickly, Drew began his patrol on the rooftops of buildings nearest the hotel of their former targets.

***

At The Abandoned Warehouse.

Ash and Paul stood in the place where they entered the Guild not as friends, not as allies; but as brothers to those who resided there. To enter now, as foes was painful. But they knew that this needed to be done. Not only that, they actually wanted to do it. They wanted to kill and torture those who had made them lie to Dawn, May and Zoey; to punish those who had commanded that they deceive and trick the girls so deeply that when they were compromised, a bitter hatred and betrayal shattered their relationships.

They slid the boards into place and the raised door opened. With the cold smile of the Assassins on their faces, Ash and Paul entered the Assassin's Guild. The time for vengeance was now.

I know, I know, that wasn't worth the delay in the least! I'm sorry, really, I don't know what's come over me. HOPEFULLY, I'll be able to redeem myself later. Please don't hate me for this sudden dip in quality! OK...*deep breath* I still want reviews though, I really do. Unless your a writer, which I suspect most of you are, you can't know how good it feels to read a review from someone for one of the results of your effort. Anyway...

R&R, dear friends!

Daijobu!