DISCLAIMER: THE NIGHT WORLD IS OWNED BY L.J SMITH!

Step by step: First Mission summary: It has been two months, and Circle Daybreak finally trusts Ash. What does this mean? That he is going on his first mission, of course! But when an unexpected enemy shows up, will the mission end in disaster?

BTW! Theres a fight scene, but I don't know much about fighting so it wont be very deatailed but I'll try!

Enjoy!

Ash Redfern was very excited. No, mare had not come for him (pshh noo he wasn't wishing for that or anything...) He was going on his first mission for Circle Daybreak! Exciting right? Well, it was for him, because it meant that circle daybreak FINALLY trusted him, after two months of extremely annoying "guarding". Ash was heading towards the soulmate meeting room, the same one he had been in the day he came. It was called the soulmate meeting room because, since Thierry is RICH, he uses different rooms for different groups of circle daybreak. So all the soulamate's got there own group and meeting room. Well, there were some exceptions, like Iliana. Ash thought this was because both of the other wild powers had soulmates, and her closest friends had soulmates. Ash slowly walked into the meeting room, knowing he was early. Had to make a good impression right? And besides, he had nothing better to do. Believe it or not, spending two months locked in a mansion (no he was not allowed to leave) can get pretty boring, no matter how many TV's, gaming systems or even books the guy has. That was another reason he was so excited that he was going on a mission. I wonder how much has changed in the outside world? He thought
seriously ash? it's only been two months. try being around for a couple hundred years and see what changes. He heard Quinn's voice in his head.

WTF Quinn! Get outta my head! He shouted mentally. Sometimes he really hated that his best friend was an extremely powerful telepath.

He heard Quinn mentally laugh. Who the hell actually spells out WTF?

Uh… everybody! NOW GET OUT of my head and get to the meeting!

Alright, alright gosh... Quinn receded from his mind. Ash rolled his eyes. He was going on the mission with Quinn(yes!) Rashel (she's a good fighter so it's all good) and Keller (meh) (A/N: personally I love Keller but I would think her and Ash would not be very close) He finally noticed he wasn't alone in the meeting room.

"Hey, Rashel." He said.

She looked up from her book, startled. "Oh, wow, hey Ash. I didn't even hear you come" in she laughed then started to read again.

Ash waited a moment then put a hand to his chest. "Rashel, I'm honored!" he exclaimed

She looked up at him, puzzled "Uh okay? What for?"

"This us the first time I've walked into a room that you haven't pulled out a stake." He smiled. She just rolled her eyes and went back to her book

Ash smiled bigger "Come on, just admit it, you like me"

She snorted "Ya, ok, whatever helps you sleep at night."

"Oh, come on! You must like me a little, teeny bit."

"Well I can't exactly hate you can I? You are my soulmates best friend!"

He leaned in "Well I like you too." He saw her try to hide a smile. Hey look I'm making friends! He thought to himself, smiling even wider and taking the same seat he always sat in, on an angle from the window. Just then the door opened and Quinn walked in, followed by Keller. Quinn sat next to Rashel, kissing her cheek. No matter how many times Ash told himself he was used to it, he still had to look away from all of the soulmates displays of affection. And no matter how happy he was for his friend, sometimes he wished he understood that he didn't want to see him kiss his soulmate. (lotta his, him and he in that sentence lol)

Quinn turned to Ash. "Glad to see your finally getting along with Rashel."

Ash smiled "Well I never had a problem with her she was always the one who hated me!"

Before Rashel could think of a smart-alec response, Keller broke in. "Ash she finally likes you don't ruin it."

He smirked. "Well next time you guys shouldn't be late to the meetings.

Quinn looked puzzled "What are you talking about? We are on time on time, your just early"

"Ya, well, like my old gym coach used to say, early is on time, on time is late and late is just terrible."(lol this golf dude that I hated at my camp used to tell us this when he was yelling at us for being on time!)

Quinn laughed "Wow! Ash you actually learned something in school!"

"Hey! I'm not stupid!" Ash said, slightly offended.

"Ya, ok Ash. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Ash rolled his eyes. Wow they even think alike! I wonder if me and Mary-Lynette will ever be like that...the door opened and in walked Thierry, whistling happily. Ever since Hannah had come and had killed Maya he had been so happy knowing he had her and she was safe. Ash was happy for him, really, but now there was just one more soulmate couple to remind him that he didn't have Mare. Circle daybreak still did not know her name. Well, except for Quinn, since he was a strong telepath so he had heard her name in Ash's thoughts and told Rashel. Ash was still kinda pissed even though they had promised not to tell anyone.

"Alright, down to business." said Thierry, plopping down onto the sofa next to Ash. "Congrats, Ash, you are officially part of circle daybreak today!"

Ash smiled and shook his hand.
"Alright so it's not a major mission, but we have proof of a vampire organization starting, thanks to our spies in the council, and we believe that this organization is kidnapping human children. The motivations are still unclear. We have reason to believe that these vampires are from your island, Ash." Thierry paused as if waiting for an answer

Ah, he thought so this is the final test? "I never liked anyone on the island" Ash stated "They were all arrogant bastards deliberately ignoring the advanced technology around them."

Quinn laughed "Well you were one of those arrogant bastards!"

Ash retorted "You were as much a member of that damned island as I was."

Quinn smiled "And that's why we became friends."

Thierry cleared his throat. "We were able to find their next victims. A little girl named Rachel Gillman and her twin brother Brian. He held up two pictures. The little girl had light brown hair and bright green eyes, freckles spread over her pale cheeks and nose. The little boy had the same color hair but his eyes were blue-green and he had tan skin.

Thierry continued "They are both 8 years old. They live in a small community not far from Las Vegas called Littleburg. (lol its not real such an original name right?) I want you four to watch the children, and when the vampires come, I want you to capture them and bring them to me alive."
"Wont that be bad if they see you?" Ash asked

Thierry shook his head "starting an organization without the council's permission is technically illegal so I have every right to capture them. Just be sure to hide your identities in case people know your a part of circle daybreak."

Keller spoke up. "Where are we going to stay?"

Thierry smiled "It has all been set up for you. Now go pack and you'll leave at 6."

Ash checked his watch 5:45! Crap! He jogged upstairs and walked to his room grabbing his bag and stuffing in what Keller had told him earlier to bring, and he also stuck his star book in that he had bought soon after he left Briar Creek. What? He wanted to be able to understand next time Mare took him star gazing. If there ever is a next time...
He shook his head. Shut up! There will be a next time!

Ya, you just keep telling yourself that! Quinn said sarcastically in his head.

That's it! I'm telling Rashel !

No please I promise I won't do it again!

Better not. Ash growled. Now get out! as soon as Quinn had left his mind he put up
barriers. There that should keep him out! He grabbed his bag and ran downstairs where everyone was waiting. Glaring at Quinn, he followed them all to one of Thierry's(numerous) limos.

"So, Ash," Quinn asked, smirking "Why does all your stuff have stars on it?"

Ash quickly flipped his bag over, hiding the design "I don't, this bag just happens to have a star on it."

Quinn rolled his eyes "mhm"

Ash turned to Nilson, who was driving. "How long is this ride?"

"About 2 hours, sir."

Ash nodded "Thanks." turning to the others he said. "Wake me when we get there." And promptly fell asleep.

Can anyone guess what, or rather who, he dreamt about?
Ash woke up by falling on the floor. He looked up to see Quinn laughing. He had pushed him off. "What the hell Quinn!"

"What? you said to wake you up so I did."

The twins just rolled their eyes and exited the limo Ash
growled at Quinn. Quinn laughed. Ash rolled his eyes "see ya, Nilson!" he said saluting him and exited the limo. "Oh, goody." He remarked upon seeing where they would be staying wow thierry is like a multibillionare and this is the best he could afford? ash was standing in front of a run down motel that looked like it had been designed In 1920's. The inside was not that bad it was clean enough and none of the holes or stains were major. Thierry had gotten them 2 adjoining rooms.

"Sorry Quinn but I'm staying with Rashel, cause I'm not staying with Ash. No offence, Ash." Keller said.

"None taken." Ash said "That probably would have been awkward."

Quinn sighed "fine…" he streched out the e

"Oh, stop whining like a little baby." Ash sneered. Quinn stuck out his tongue and unlocked their room door. Ash crinkled his nose as he walked in. It smelled like cigarette smoke oh yum he thought sarcastically. Besides the smell, the paint chipping, and the fan not working it was an altogether pleasant hotel room with two comfortable beds a couch and a medium tv. ash sprawled himself lazily onto the bed closest to the window (hmm wonder why...)

"So, when does this whole mission thing start?" He asked

Keller and Rashel walked in through the adjoining door in-between their rooms. "Actually we were wondering the same thing." rashel stated

Quinn shrugged "Thierry said he would call us later."

Ash smiled "Cool then I can get some beauty sleep!"

they all rolled their eyes. "Hey Keller want go to the pool?" Rashel asked.

Keller stared at her like she was asking her to sing Hannah Montana songs. "uh, Rashel, I'm a cat. Cats hate water remember?"

Rashel shrugged "I don't no maybe I thought since you were half human..." she shrugged and walked toward the door "c'mon Quinn!" she called

"See ya, suckers!" Quinn laughed and ran after his soulmate.

Keller rolled her eyes "Think I'll take a nap too." she yawned and walked back to her room. Ash called "Wait!" she turned around. "So how do you shower?" Keller rolled her eyes and started to walk away. "Please don't tell me you lick yourself!" Keller slammed the door. Ash smiled and turned and looked at the sky. Too bad it's light out. I wouldn't mind looking at the stars right now. a sharp pang shot through his chest. Goddes knows I miss her he closed his eyes and pictured her beautiful mahogany hair and deep denim blue eyes. He wondered is she ever did the same? Gently he reached down and tugged on the silver cord, softly enough as to not alert Mary- Lynette. He did this sometimes just to ensure she was real. Sappy, huh? He thought so himself. He turned to look out the window again thinking oh Mary-Lynnette if only you could see me now. I wonder if she's really waiting for me? I wouldn't blame her if she changed her mind and moved on… Suddnely the phone ran, preventing him from pondering that thougt.

"Hello?" he said into the phone.

"Ash? Are the others there?" asked Thierry.

"No, Quinn and Rashel re at the pool and Keller's sleeping."

Alright, then just explain to them later…"

"…And he said we would be working at the kids school as student teachers, since it's a private school and they often get groups of student teachers."

"Oh, yea, we get to teach." Keller snorted. "Fun"

"Oh and he said he got us into the twins class." Ash finished explaining what Thierry had told him an hour earlier.

"Well, we better get to sleep, since we have to get up early for 'school'." Rashel used air quotes for school.

They all groaned and reluctantly went to sleep.

"Hello, my name is Mrs. Thomas. Welcome to our class, we are very excited to have student teachers! Aren't we, class?

The 3rd grade class chorused an unenthusiastic "yes."

After introductions were made, and an awkward conversation after a kid had asked "are you all, like, models or something?" The class got to work, the 'student teachers' silently observing. It was not hard for Ash to pick out the twins within the small class. The girl, Rachel, was sitting in the back whispering to those around her. The boy, Brian was making a fool of himself in the front, being the class clown. Ash smiled. This was his type of kid. At first he was confused as to why being a student teacher was helpful to this mission, but he soon figured out why. Being a small private school, even the student teachers got all of the teachers and students address. Also, the Daybreaker's were able to get to know the kids better. Ash liked Rachel better. She was just so calm and understanding, with eyes that looked like they held years of knowledge. She reminded him of Hannah. Maybe she's an old soul?

For the next week or so, the routine stayed the same. They went to school, taught a few things, learned a few things, then set up a watch outside of the Gillman's apartment. And for a week or so, nothing happened. It was on the 11th day that the Night Worlder's attacked.

Ash sat on a lounge chair outside the house, binoculars slung around his neck though he didn't really need them with hs vampire sight. It was 11:00 and Keller and Rashel were sleeping, he and Quinn were on the lookout. Ash had his iPod, Quinn had his PSP and they were sharing a huge bag of chips. Ash took out his signature Circle Daybreak knife. It was like a swiss army knife, with one large wooden blade, one large silver blade, and one large steel knife. He had found it to be very helpful, and also very persuasive.

Suddenly Quinn sat up, listening. "Do you hear that?"

Ash listened carefully. Yes, he heard it now. Footstep's. Footsteps so quiet no human could create, or hear them. The night worlder's were here. "shit!" he cursed under his breath. He and Quinn both turned to wake Rashel and Keller. They both sat up wearily, rubbing sleep from their eyes. Rashel yawned. "What is it?"

"Shhhhhhh!" Quinn and Ash both hissed. The twins were instantly alert, heightening their senses. Rashel withdrew her Bokken, and unsheathed her small silver blade from her boot. (she preferred two separate weapons,) Keller took out a knife very similar to Ash, except while his was brand new, hers was old and worn. Quinn also had the Daybreak signature weapon.

"Keller," Quinn whispered, "Can you shift and track their life force?"

Keller nodded and Shifted to her panther form(she was wearing her shifter-skin jump suit). No matter how many times Ash had seen a shifter, well, shift, it still managed to fascinate him. Keller's whole body seemed to ripple, like a shock wave had gone through it. Then for less than half of a second, she almost disappeared, and if not for his vampire sight Ash would have missed it. Then suddenly in her place was a gleaming black panther, already walking in the direction he assumed the attackers were in. He shook his head in amazement, then hastily followed the others.

Ash asked Keller mentally, Can you tell how many there are?

Ya, uh hold on a sec…She responded, since he was in her mind he cold hear her. Uh, I think theres about 12 to 15, mostly vampires, a few shifters, werewolves and I think two witches.

Ash blinked in surprise. Witches, really?

Yup. Probably some of those darker members of Circle Midnight.

Ash considered this for a moment, then shrugged and relayed the message to the soulmate couple next to him

"15?" Quinn sounded slightly concerned.

At the same time Rashel shout/whispered "15? Awesome! We can so take 'em!" She sounded enthusiastic. Ash was bending towards Quinn's point of view. 15 was a lot for just two vampires a shapeshifter and a human. But he wasent about to turn around, oh no. He had really started to like those kids, and h was almost certain that Rachel was an old soul. There was no way he was letting those goons get to them. Keller suddenly stopped, and shifted into half and half form.
She motioned to them, there just around the corner, coming this way, be ready!" she whispered, crouching into a fighting stance Ash gave keller a quizzical look.

"I don't know whether I'm going to need to fight in panther or human form yet, so this is helpful." She explained. "They're coming!" she hissed, and they all slipped on their ski masks.(Lol like bank robbers!)

As soon as the first member of the group came into view, they sprang into action. Rashel, quickly recognizing the male as a vampire, stacked him quickly and silently, but the others were close enough to see. From there the fight was a confusing mess of spells,(Damn witches-ash thought) knives and stakes. Ash quikly formed a technique with his knife, keeping the blade he was using just above the handle so he could flip it up in a matter of moments, if need be. He struck down many vampires, and one witch, using not only his knife but the karate he had been learning for the past two months. For a moment it seemed like they would win. They were each finishing off one or two Night worlders, and they were very proud of them selvs.

But it was only a moment.

Suddenly two big vans pulled up, and about 40 more goons piled out, smiling evily.

Shit Ash thought One of them must have called for backup. What was so important abot these kids, anyway? He could tell the others were thinking the same thing. He glanced at Rashel, whose face was pale. Oh goddess' help them. if Rashel Jordan was scared, then you knew you didn't have a chance in hell.

Suddenly the Night Worlders, surged foard, surrounding the four helpless Daybreakers. He saw Quinn reach fo his radio to call for backup, but he knew it was a lost cause. Backup would never get here in time to save them, or even the children. I'm so sorry, Rachel and Brian…

The Night Worlders attacked. For only four tired Daybreakers, h had to admit they did pretty good. They put all they were worth into this fight, And Ash was pretty sure they killed at least half of them before they managed to confiscate their weapons damn, I liked that knife!

Ash's arms were twisted behind his back painfully, causing him to drop to his knees. He wasn't sure what happened to the others, because at least 6 goons surrounded him completely. The one holding his arms lifted his hand and whaked Ash on the head with a wooden stick. Ash fell to the ground, blackness filling his vision. He felt himself being lifted to his knees again, but he was quickly losing consciousness. He then felt his ski mask be torn off. Shit, now they know who I am! So much for doing undercover missions…If I even live through this, which I doubt. Im so sorry Mary-Lynette, I tried so hard…

The last thing he heard before succumbing to the darkness was a voice. "Well, well, Ash? What an unpleasant surprise"

Ash knew that voice. It was a voice even he feared.

Oh…fuck

Ohhhhhhh cliffie! Kinda! Lol I always wanted to leave off in a cliff hanger! BTW im sorry it was like really slow then kinda rushed I just really wanted to end with this cliffie without it being too long :)

Imaginary cookie to whoever can guess who the "Voice"is!

PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE REVEIWW! The more reviews, the sooner I update! And the sooner you get to find out who it is!