Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Haibane on 16-07-2008, 20:51:39</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>16-07-2008, 20:51:39</strong>
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				Name: Paix<br>Age: 16<br>Gender: Female<br>Height: 5'3"<br>Weight: 128lbs (9st 2lbs) BMI: 22.5<br>Stats: 32C, 23, 34<br>Hair Colour: Brunette, mid-back length, straight, fine. She often wears it in a straggly ponytail.<br>Eye Colour: Red-hazel flecked with gold<br>Figure: Athletic<br>Style: Post-Modern hippy, jeans and vest tops predominate with tribal jewellery<br>Personality: Paix is quiet and withdrawn, however she is not shy, she merely prefers to observe. She has several good friends and a number of acquaintances and she makes friends easily. She’s bright, sassy and streetwise, more so that her quiet character lets on.<br><br>(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk137/HaibaneR/Paix08_400.jpg)<br><br>Ptamos is almost paradise. Almost. It is a large island, we might think of it in terms of the size of Malta, and it enjoys a similar Mediterranean or almost tropical climate. It has one principal port-city in the east; Hallitta and several smaller towns and villages, most of these clustered along the east and south coasts. The north coast is rocky, bounded by high cliffs and inaccessible except to the Defenders. The hinterland is ancient volcano, the rich soils of which allow the growing of vines, olives, dates and lemon, lime and orange trees. Lower down the slopes sheep and goats graze and there is good arable farming for vegetable crops and wheat. There is a good deal of self-sufficiency on Ptamos and for good reason.<br><br>There is nowhere else. Nowhere that counts, in any case. The rest of the world has descended into anarchy. The social and economic chaos of the early 21st century led to the fall of governments, the discrediting of formal religion, western, eastern and middle, and the rise of the Gangs. Taking the formats from the American street gangs and the Chinese Triads, the Gangs eventually reigned supreme, devastating what was civilization; if you were in a Gang you followed the rules and fought and died by their laws; which were none. If you were not in a Gang, you struggled alone – death or being conscripted into a Gang was the fate of many.<br><br>After several years of Gang Anarchy, seventy percent of the world’s population were dead. For the planet this was good news; the fragile ecosystems recovered, the eccentric weather patterns of the late 20th and early 21st centuries stabilised and the mad scramble for the last fossil fuels ended in a no win situation; there were almost no internal combustion engines or power stations that required them.<br><br>However there were small pockets of sense and wisdom, most commonly on islands; several Mediterranean, Pacific and Atlantic island communities survived but isolated from each other except by communications; they cannot easily share resources. Ptamos is one such island; out of sight of land it is accessible by boat and jetcopter. The inhabitants of Ptamos are divided into the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The Good are the very rich who have bought themselves places: ex-politicians, entrepreneurs, those with old money and influence, some media personalities. The Bad are the criminal masterminds and overlords, those who practice the dark arts of coercion and exploitation but who did not descend into chaos with the Gangs. These men and women also bought their way to safety and security on Ptamos but they also used other leverages, blackmail and simple threats being but two. The Good and the Bad live in an uneasy harmony, a delicate balance and the population is great enough that it is now growing again after several years. New schools are being built, children play in the parks and streets and the maternity wards of the two city hospitals are busy.<br><br>Then there are… the Ugly. The Ugly is another word for the Defenders. These were the original local inhabitants of the island, they have formed a self-defence force and negotiating with the Good and Bad have bought and manufactured comprehensive defences, which it is their job to man and maintain. While the Gangs hold sway on the main land masses they lack the resources to venture far from the main coastlines and the risk of sea- or airborne assault to Ptamos is minimal. However the Defenders have modern radar, missiles and computer controlled artillery that is on constant watch from their numerous bunkers. Pilotless drones fly a 24/7 defensive ring around the island and piloted jetcopter gunships are on standby with a small army of conventional ground troops as a last line of defence. In the many years since Ptamos declared itself ICH (Independent and Closed Haven), the Defenders have not been significantly tested. A few small seaborne raids were easily repulsed and the one airborne attack was defeated more than 70 miles from the island by its missile defences.<br><br>While Hallitta with it's tiny oil field of four wells and power station and it’s surrounding towns and fishing ports is the economic and industrial heart of the island, the deeply rural centre and the beautiful and isolated western coast are its true paradise. Here small villages and large private villas dot the landscape and the communities keep themselves very much to themselves.<br><br>* * * * * * * * * *<br><br>Paix doesn’t know anything. She thinks she knows all there is to know, but in fact she knows nothing. She has lived on Ptamos all her life, at least all of it that she can remember. She vaguely recalls a time from <em>Before</em>, of ruins, explosions, men running and shouting, guns… during <em>Before</em> she was almost an infant – three or four years old, after that her mind has blanked much of her childhood out. Her childhood was <em>Before</em>. Her short life, the twelve years or so of it she can recall has been spent here in father’s villa at Ashfodael on the western promontory of Ptamos. It’s truly beautiful here, the villa, which she simply calls Ash, perched high on the hillside has gardens that run down to the boat dock and beach. There is a pool and shady trees and enough oil fuel and stores to last – well, forever if necessary. The electronic seaboom defences off the beach are merely an inconvenience, Paix never rides her jet-ski that far out anyway.<br><br>Paix lives alone with her father. They have a number of servants and father of course has his many associates and business partners based in Hallitta and Paix has several friends from the other villas and villages, teenagers her age. But her days are spent in a long never ending stream of perfection, her tutor comes four days a week the other three are free time which she spends in the gym, by the pool or swimming in the sea or ‘out’. ‘Out’ can mean walking and climbing in the hills and exploring the Defences and talking to the Defenders; it can mean visiting her friends villas and laying by their pools and swimming off their beaches; or it can mean ‘out’. Alone. On The Dog. The Dog is her bike, a machine of her fathers design which Paix has tinkered with. The Dog is a combination of Old-World Kawasaki ZZR1400 ABS, Defender technology and one or two tweaks of Paix’s own. Almost silent and far too powerful for the twisting mountain roads of Ptamos’ interior, The Dog is her escape.<br><br>Not that Paix really needs an escape. After all, who wants to escape from paradise?<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>17-07-2008, 01:05:38</strong>
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				Name: Joshua<br>Age: 29<br>Gender: Male<br>Height: 6'3"<br>Weight: 207 lbs<br>Hair Colour: Black and short.<br>Eye Colour: Grey/Green.<br>Figure: Tall, broad shoulders and moderately muscular.<br>Style: Always wears suits, very rarely wears blue shorts and plain white shirts.<br>Personality: Joshua is a man with two personalities. In front of Paix he is a warm and gentle person, even slightly playful. However, when talking to strangers or even people who consider him a 'friend', he is very cold, straightforward and rarely opens his mouth. He has a great eye for detail and is extremely intelligent when it comes to technology, though has poor social skills.<br><br><br><br><br>It all happened so fast, it only took a week for the very promising looking society to completely collapse. Joshua was only 14 years old at the time being. One day he was playing a video game with his little sister in the living room, next thing he knew he was fighting for his life in the ruins of a city he once called his home. His entire family had been brutally murdered like many other people, there was no order, no law. The city was plunged into complete chaos, the only thing left of the once beautiful streets were shattered memories, blood and alot of fire. At first the military had tried to suppress the countless of rebels, but alot of these soldiers were facing their own family, friends and neighbours. Innocent people killing one another for food or even due sheer paranoia.<br><br>The amount of clans and gangs increased tremendously in the entire world. There was little communication left between people and even when there were no more soldiers and police officers to fight, the clans had instantly turned against one another. There was no end to the chaos, due the lack of communication it didn't seem like the war was going to end. The weapons used however changed drastically, there were no more factories or employees left to create missiles, explosives or any other combat vehicles like tanks or helicopters. There were some of them scattered over the world, in possession of the gangs who had flourished over the years, but these were now so valuable they were rarely used, unless the gang in question was in a desperate situation.<br><br>Like the many gangs and clans who had evolved and adapted to the situation, so had Joshua. Every man on this planet had a talent hidden deep inside of him, his talent surfaced when he became fifteen, how ironic that the thing he was good at was the thing that had led him to all this misery in the first place. Joshua was born to kill..<br><br>The first victim was a man at least twice his size and there was no doubt he would be able to snap Joshua's body like a twig if he hadn't stopped him. Joshua and a few of his fellow gang members has targetted a rival gang to steal their ammunition, weapons and food. Apparently the fools were having a party and left their entire supplies unguarded, it was supposed to be a quick hit and run. Their inside man would let them enter, they would all grab as much crates as they could and would all leave together. Their rivals would never see it coming. Something went wrong however, Joshua was suppose to be the last one to leave the building but a gigantic man had spotted him and immediately dashed to him. What happened next were pure reflexes, Joshua grabbed the knife that was dangling from his belt and dodged the giant of a man, slicing his throat in the process.<br><br>His first kill.. he was unaware how long he had been standing there, but eventually one of his companions found him and had dragged him back all the way to their clan's hideout. The sensation he had felt when he saw the lifeless body on the ground as if it were a puppet was one he attempted to experience again his entire life. Though nothing could ever compare to what he had felt that moment, the adrenaline, the power, the thrill and at the same time being so afraid his own body was shaking. <br><br>That was the first of many kills that would follow. Intrigued by his swift execution despite the fact he had never killed a man before, his gang leader knew Joshua had alot of potential. He was extensively trained each day and had been given many missions to assassinate specific targets, each missions was accomplished flawlessly. He had become a killing machine.<br><br>At first he was careless and blunt about the way he took his targets out, but he evolved quickly. By the time he hit sixteen, he was able to kill someone and vanish before the body of his victim hit the ground. He was the youngest man everyone feared, his gang leader had made sure he was a ghost. He was the only one who knew of his existence. Though even that changed drastically with the last mission Joshua would do for the gang. It had been a routine for him, killing a rival gang leader, infact he had killed more gang leaders in one year than an entire clan would have managed in five. Killing the gang leader himself had been easy, he broke into the building he called his house and just waited for him, sitting on his couch. Through observation it had become obvious that the man refused to have personal bodyguards in his own home. Very noble, but it only made it easier to kill him.<br><br>The man was also a father, apparently he had a daughter of three years old, his orders were to just leave her behind or kill her as well. <em>'It's nothing personal.'</em> were the words that came out of Joshua's mouth as he pointed his pistol with silencer and shot a bullet straight through his head. He didn't even bother to dispose of the body, there was no way they would know who did it thus he would just have wasted precious energy. Once he had reached the bedroom where his daughter was sleeping however, whatever was left of his human side refused to pull the trigger. There was something in his young but cold heart that made him unable to kill her, or leave her behind.<br><br>Despite knowing it wasn't the best option to survive, his instincts had forced him to take her along with him. He never returned back to his old gang, vanished with the little girl off the face of the earth. Joshua was one of the first to move to Ptamos with the little girl. The many assassinations he had done were the source of wealth beyond imagination. Since the only thing more rare than money was a man who would be able to kill whoever you pleased, people tended to pay millions just to get a chance to talk to him about a deal.<br><br>As the years slowly passed by Ptamos evolved to the most secure place of the entire earth. It was only at the age of 25 that Joshua stopped to function as an assassin and started to dedicate his entire life to Paix. She seemed to had forgotten everything that happened before she lived here and thought Joshua was actually her biological father. He had always been vague about her mother, made up stories about her and even had fake pictures that were suppose to represent her. He had told her he was a business man, bargaining, buying and selling products in such a way he made alot of profit. Though he never went into much detail about it. <br><br>There were many things he feared though, many of the men on the island were fully aware of what he had done and even payed him themselves for his services. Not to mention old enemies who might would try and get back at him in many ways. It was a good thing he was still feared and that there was a zero tolerance policy concerning violence on the island. Still, Paix had no clue about his past, and Joshua would not think twice about killing someone that could be a risk of changing this.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>17-07-2008, 22:15:22</strong>
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				I loved this time of day, this time of year. The summer sun was yet to scorch the lush green grasses August-yellow and the hot days were still bearable, though come June two weeks distant, that would change and even at high speed, bike leathers were not something I’d wear out of choice. Sure Hallitta’s Schwarzenegger Civic Hospital had excellent facilities and I didn’t doubt Josh would pull out every stop, press every button and bash together every head to get me the best treatment human skill and technology could provide but that didn’t mean I was going to abuse his love and risk some stupid injury by riding half-naked just to keep cool. Some kids went out riding in tees and shorts and without helmets and yes, I’d come across the results of high speed tumbles on unprotected bodies. Not pretty. Call me vain if you like but I'm fond of my face having two eye sockets instead of one big central one and a nose in the centre rather than somewhere up on what’s left of my scalp.<br><br>So even in the hottest weather I booted and suited and put up with the discomfort. It was nothing a shower or a dive in the pool wouldn’t fix and the compensations - the adrenaline rush of speed, the feel of the world tearing away and being left behind, dying in the dust of my laughter, the hot sun-miraged blacktop peeling away in front of me like those old-world movie reels off a drum of film… that freedom and excitement wasn’t something I was going to give up just to avoid a sweaty crotch.<br><br>I rolled The Dog slowly across the springy turf and halted him facing up the slope. I dropped the jet inlet line to idle and it auto-cut, the powered stand dropped and took the bike’s weight, it’s gyroscope detecting the slope of the ground and tipping the machine over to the right so I could dismount left leg raised. I’m ambidextrous but left leg up when getting on and off a bike was just more comfortable. We all have our little ways, hm? The glazeshield retracted allowing me to dismount. I pulled my helmet off and hung it on the side rack, threw down my gauntlets and shook out my hair, scooping it up off my neck to let the breeze cool me. Walking twenty paces to the cliff edge I drew down the top twenty centimetres of the suit zip enjoying the air on my skin. <br><br>Aymee and Art were just behind me and their motors died in the heat, the two of them resuming their endless argument, the second their helmets came off, about whether caffeine really was the spawn of the devil or not. Ahead of me Tank was already sat at the cliff edge, his legs crossed, elbows resting there. Today I’d followed him, he took point. Some days it’s me, some days it’s him. Aymee and Art are content to follow us, but I wondered about Tank: who was leading whom?<br><br>I didn’t sit; sitting by him would have sent all kinds of signals – I’d be following his lead still and then there would be the stuff about how <em>close</em> I’d sit – too far would probably annoy him, too close would annoy me. Things were at that funny stage and in recent weeks I’d had too many of these Thinky Moments; Paix didn’t do Thinky, it wasn’t her style. Hm, well, no, it <em>was</em>, she just didn’t like to admit it. Or let people catch her doing it.<br><br>Hands in my hair holding it up on my scalp in an untidy knot and feet planted apart I stood a metre behind Tank and two to his left. I watched the sun heading down one more time, the world spinning around again, it must be about six, still a good three hours of daylight. Below us the sea an aquamarine sheet, so beautiful, played its endless rustling tune against the rocks. Further out the pale green-blue darkened revealing dun masses of bottom rock breaking up the sandy bottom. Out further still the green gradation grew stronger until it merged into the grey horizon and the haze of another dying day. As usual, not a single ship. Apart from the fishing boats they were rare these days. Even the Good and the Bad were conserving their oil fuel more, luxury yachts were a less common sight now.<br><br><strong>“Beautiful,”</strong> I said, <strong>“It would be so good to dive in from here.”<br><br><em>“Better make it a good one then as it’d be your last,”</em></strong> Tank shattered my daydream, <strong><em>“A hundred metres down cliff into four metres of water? No thanks.”</em><br><br>“Hn,”</strong> was my only response. <em>You're missing the point. Again.</em> He bit his lip and looked at me like I was stupid. Behind me more lip biting was going on: Art tasting Aymee’s; she growled and giggled. It sounded like their caffeine argument had progressed to the initial stages of cannibalism, like it often does, starting with the tongues. I didn’t look round, they’d probably begun to shed their leathers already, not a pretty sight.<br><br>My mood was breaking. I didn’t want to witness this evenings tongue Olympics and the seaward view with the over-possessive Tank occupying it had lost it’s charm.<br><br><strong>“I’m going back,”</strong> I said to no-one in particular, <strong>“Kaede’s coming tomorrow. Homework not done,”</strong> I lied effortlessly: Tuesday was Kaede’s first tutoring day of the week, never Monday.<br><br><strong><em>“Sure,”</em></strong> Tank said, his close-cropped blonde head not even turning, <strong><em>“Later. I’ll ping you.”</em></strong> As I turned, a raised hand emerged from the writhing pile that had once been two individuals, two fingers wiggled a bye-bye. Either Art had taken to lilac nail polish or the fingers were Aymee’s, I had no other point of reference. I dapped the wiggling fingers once and went back down the slope. Gauntlets on, zip up, helmet on, leg over, power online, watch the systems signals all wiggle up to green, brace, stand retract, stoke the jet, engage gear and we were off. I swung The Dog round, his sleek iron grey flanks coloured russet with the westering sun. By the time the grassy slope converted to tarmac I was touching sixty.<br><br><em>Home. And a shower. Or a swim. Hm… yeah…</em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>17-07-2008, 23:37:27</strong>
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				<strong>"I thought I specifically told you <em>not</em> to move the stock before Friday?!"</strong> I hear my own voice echo through the living room as my desire to throw away the phone into the pool grew larger each second I had to talk to that idiot. Ever since I took over that company it seemed like everyone around me turned into idiots, and quite frankly it was a miracle I didn't have to tell them that they were suppose to breath regularly to stay alive. Nor was it particularly helpful that I had to repeat myself fifty times to a young man that didn't even seem to care his boss was getting angry at him. <br><br>With a sigh I hang up and toss the wireless phone on the couch, it was a beautiful day and it felt like such a shame to waste it talking to someone who didn't even comprehend basic English. As I finally open the curtains again the sunlight immediately causes my pupils to adjust their size, once again it is beautiful outside. There were many things that made his stomach turn upside down, however moments like these when the warm yet bearable temperature surrounds my body and there was barely any cloud in sight were definitely not one of them. It were the little things in life I really enjoyed, of course Paix was the main reason I still found myself able to wake up early in the morning.<br><br>Ever since I took a new turn in my 'career' I feel easily irritated and frequently bored out of my skull. Naturally it was and is still the second best choice he ever made in his life, the first best choice being Paix. There is nothing I wouldn't do to see her smile, luckily for me she smiles rather often. Perhaps it was the guilt inside of me that made me unable to be strict and stern around her, but ever since the day I took her to raise her as one of my own she had stolen my heart. A quick glance to my watch lets me know that it was about time to order a pizza, the technology had advanced so much and this island is very accurate and precise in so many ways, but experience tells me that delivering pizza's on time is not one of them.<br><br>As I walk towards the couch I pick up the phone again with a sigh, technology is great but just the thought of having to communicate with another teenager with the attention span of a goldfish made me feel like cooking myself, but the idea of food poisoning wasn't very tempting. A laugh escapes my lips as I think about it, if one would ask him to completely design and create a vehicle or computer from the basic materials he would probably be the fastest one on the entire planet who could create and finish it without a single flaw. Cooking and cleaning however are definitely not my cup of tea. Of course, that is the reason I had alot of servants to work around my house, but for some reason I cannot remember I gave them all a day off.<br><br>Every number I dial is carefully chosen, making mistakes is not something I enjoy and just the idea of having to restart dialing the number because I pressed a wrong number sends a shiver down my spine. People were too hasty these days, always trying there best to make things go faster and faster. I find it hard to understand others, why try to speed things up in a world where the future is anything but positive? It was that way of thinking that ruined the once great society they had in the first place. Shaking my head I finally hear a voice at the other end of the phone.<br><br><strong><em>"Hello, welcome to Pizzamania my name is Elisabeth, how may I help you today?"</em></strong> the young woman's voice immediately sets my mind at ease, for some unknown reason most women took their job more seriously thus I know I won't be repeating myself five times to place a simple order. <br><br><strong>"Hello, Joshua here, I would like two large pizza's with extra cheese please, that would be all."</strong> I place my order and as soon as she confirmed what I needed I hang up, one of the good things about being me is that everyone on the island knew me and noone else shared my name. I was surprised I didn't start laughing at the ridiculous name of the place when the woman said it, you would assume that people would stop joking around with names of shops but apparently it was still very popular to get a name for your shop or business that sounded like a ten-year old had come up with it. <br><br>Tossing the phone back into the couch I slowly make my way to the pool, due to all the phone calls it had nearly slipped my mind I was going to take a relaxing swim in the pool. When I dive into the cold water my muscles immediately relax, it had been a long time since I took the liberty of relaxing and my body seemed to appreciate the fact I took some time for myself. As I enjoyed the wonderful view I couldn't help wonder where Paix was, rarely did I bother to ask where she went but often I would worry if she didn't end up in an accident. Despite the fact I trusted her with every fiber of my being and even though I didn't doubt her ability to ride The Dog, I still never could shake the feeling that something had happened to her. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>18-07-2008, 23:12:07</strong>
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				The pizza delivery girl arrived as I was keying the security code on the outer gate. I’d just removed my helmet and slung it on one forearm when I heard her horse walk up. I turned at the clip-clop of hooves. She sat on the driving board of the two-wheeled delivery buggy, the sides of it’s plastic food warming bin garishly painted with the restaurant logo, a yellow name emblazoned across a green-white-red field, the colours of old Italy, a country that now existed like so many others, only in memory.<br><br><strong>“Delivery here?”</strong> I asked.<br><br><strong><em>“This is Villa Ashfodael isn’t it? And if the name’s Joshua then yes.”</em></strong> She spoke in jest, she knew the place well enough, Josh ordered take-aways as often as I rode The Dog.<br><br><strong>“My father. I’ll take it.”<br><br><em>“Thanks, saves me a ride down the drive. And having to give a DNA sample to get into Fort Knox.”</em><br><br>“No problem.”</strong> I smiled at her humour, dismounted and took the boxes from her. <em>Josh, you idiot, junk food again. If you’d waited I could’ve fixed us something.</em> I turned back and stowed the boxes in the top pannier, then…<br><br><strong>“Oh, wait, here,”</strong> I dug out three energy bars and gave them to her as a tip. Paper money was long extinct, almost all transactions were digital and cashless these days and small change wasn’t worth much so it had become common to give tips in low value gifts, sweets or light transit tickets being common. I wasn’t much of a one for candy but the cereal bars were just as good for currency.<br><br><strong><em>“Hey, neat!”</em><br><br>“Sure, be seeing you.”</strong> I made the sign.<br><br><strong><em>“Be seeing you!”</em></strong> She returned the ‘okay’ circle with thumb and forefinger and flicked the pony’s reins and set off up the hill. I watched her go for a few moments, the girl seemed genuinely pleased to be given a tip. And she was one of us. The number of bars, her response and the circle sign were all codes. I committed her face to memory. I noted the pizzeria’s phone number on the buggy, it was one of Josh’s usual places.<br><br>I descended the drive slowly, the bike rolling silently downgrade, letting the breeze lift my hair, turning my head from side to side to catch the cooling wash. Josh had three security perimeters the final one of which was the building itself which I thought excessive but if it kept him happy I was happy. I’d never asked why he felt the need for such measures but I could guess. The garage door lifted on its tracks and swung up as I approached, The Dog’s transmitter and the garage’s responder conducting a brief digital conversation when I was still 30 meters off. Inside the house, if Josh was in his office he’d already know I was here from the key-presses at the outer gate, but this protocol would tell him I was home. He’d know it was me because The Dog’s transponder included in it’s packets a signature identifying my bodyweight and more important, the driving pattern. It was impossible for anyone else to gain entry to the villa grounds on this vehicle. I eased the heavy machine down the concrete slope to the underground parking bunker and shut him down, the stand descending and my left leg lifting all in one linked smooth motion.<br><br>I got rid of helmet, gauntlets and boots and stored them in the locker, plugged in the diagnostic and servicing umbilical and retrieved the food.<br><br>I walked the short distance along the bland military architecture of the bunker’s concrete access corridor to come out at the side of the garden. Up the steps, past the glorious bougainvillea and the vines to the poolside.<br><br>Suddenly, a different world.<br><br>Outside the villa, security and defences. Inside… paradise.<br><br>I stopped at the top of the steps listening to the splash of water and saw him swimming, doing lengths. I dropped the pizza boxes on a table and undid my suit, the zipper purring down to my crotch.<br><br><strong>“Hey, pizza delivery!”</strong> I called loudly, shrugging out of my leathers and kicking them off, the calf and foot protectors were always the trickiest bits if it was hot, and I hopped on one leg disentangling myself from the suit. The only thing I wore under my leathers was a white lacy thong and I peeled that down and dropped it, running the six or seven paces to the poolside, diving in with a not very co-ordinated splash and sliding underwater towards him. I surfaced next to him and gave him a hug and a kiss.<br><br><strong>“Hey, I’m back, good day? I need a few lengths to cool off, I can warm the food up again in a bit.”</strong> I swam to the side and stood up in chest deep water, running my hands trough my hair and loosening out the ponytail, leaving the band round my wrist.<br><br><strong>“Unless you want it cold.”</strong> It was good to be home.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>19-07-2008, 17:02:13</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong><em>"Pizza delivery."</em></strong> when I faintly hear Paix' words in the distance instantly a smile appears on my face. Not because I was so hungry that the word pizza immediately made me drool, well, maybe a little, but mostly because of her voice. I never figured out why, but her almost angelic voice never failed to make me overjoyed. However, I didn't bother to peer around and look for her, opening my eyes was something I didn't seem to be capable of anymore as the water relaxed my tense muscles.<br><br>It was as if my eyebrow raised itself once I opened my eyes to catch a glimpse of Paix, who appeared to be naked again. As always I had to stop myself from telling her to put something on. Her body had fully developed a while ago and ever since then I personally feel slightly uncomfortable when she decides to run around naked. Though, since she didn't seem to mind herself. Besides, if it made her happy, there wasn't any reason for me to worry about it anyway. Still, that initial feeling of wanting to wrap a towel around her was not something I could shake away.<br><br>Besides, it wasn't like I hadn't seen her naked before, I raised her!&nbsp; <br><br>Even though I have my memories and Paix herself to prove this, the words still sound strange to me. I actually raised this little girl all the way to now, where she was a lovely and gently young woman. She was the complete opposite of me, even more so than she realised, which somehow made us perfect for eachother. <br><br>As I shake my head in an attempt to get rid of the thoughts currently lingering in my mind I feel her giving me a hug. I couldn't help wonder how long I had been silently thinking, I was well aware that I had the attention span of a goldfish when it came to conversations. <br><br><strong>"You know I would eat it cold if I had to."</strong> I replied with a chuckle. Even though I said this as if I were joking, a slice of leftover, cold pizza equals breakfast to me. <br><br>Out of nowhere I could hear the phone ringing, I groaned and stepped out of the pool. The tune of the phone is about as enjoyable to me as someone repeatingly stabbing a nail into my eye. <strong>"I couldn't describe my day better than that phone just did."</strong> I finally respond to her question with a smile, I much rather continue swimming but the importance of that phone could range from something petty to something life-threatening.<br><br>It took me almost no time at all to reach the couch, completely forgotten to dry myself, and pick up the phone. A sigh escaped my lips, <strong>"You know I haven't done that in years, nor do I intend to change that fact."</strong> I tried to keep my voice calm, it was a challenge to not starting yelling. Phone calls like these were the reason I did not care for social contact among these people.&nbsp; <br><br><strong>"How did you find out my number anyway? If you call me again I will personally see to it that your wife may mourn your death in the near future."</strong> my voice was cold and harsh, but since Paix could not hear me so it was safe. No matter what I would attempt, my past would still always come back to haunt me. I return to the pool to continue the conversation that was abruptly ended, <strong>"I swear, those guys couldn't manage a company for an hour if it weren't for my help."</strong> I could only lie about who was on the phone, <strong>"But nevermind that, how did your day go so far?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>20-07-2008, 00:37:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				No sooner had we begun talking than the phone rang and he went to get it. I stood and bent my head back in the water, letting my hair hang, swishing it to and fro. The cool water felt great on my scalp. I let myself fall backwards into the heavenly water and rolling over I began to lazily do lengths, breast stroke.<br><br>I proceeded to let my worries about Tank slide away with the water and contentedly emptied my head of cares… one thing remained constant in this world where fewer yachts steamed off the island and pizza was now delivered by horse drawn buggy… this place, this wonderful villa, this private paradise. Given what had happened in the outside world and what was still happening, I was not disillusioned about my own good fortune. I refused to act like some spoiled brat airhead and be ungrateful for what we had, on the contrary, every day, though I may not go down on my knees and show it, I was truly humble about my place in the world, our secure lives here on Ptamos.<br><br>And for that I had to thank one man. Josh. Dad. <em>Father</em>, I reminded myself. Every day while I might be playful and wayward or quiet and studious, in reality I was so full of gratitude that if he ever found out, he’d probably think I was some soppy love-struck fool. So I didn’t show it, not in displays of deep affection, but I did like to remind him now and again that his daughter was happy and appreciated everything he did for me. If he wasn’t here… well, it didn’t bear thinking about. I’d survive, I’m certain of that! In terms of running the house I think I did better than he but living isn’t about being a survivor is it? It’s about having those very basic needs taken care of. Being loved and protected, having trust: things of real value.<br><br>And that’s why the situation with Tank was bugging me. I felt drawn to him yet I knew he was a Bad Boy, one of the rough lads, he was a no good dropout, his dad was one of the old oil magnates, dripping with money and Tank was his second son, so he had no responsibilities and he lived like it too. He was fun though, huge fun and gorgeous, but around him I just did not get that vibe like I got from Josh. And that is why I was holding Tank at arm’s length right now, I knew he wanted to move things on, and I also knew he knew I didn’t. And there we sat, at some awkward impasse.<br><br><em>Ahh… shoot, forget it. Deal with it another day.</em><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"I swear, those guys couldn't manage a company for an hour if it weren't for my help. But never mind that, how did your day go so far?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I stopped swimming and trod water, <strong>“Its your fault Josh!”</strong> I playfully berated him, <strong>“Pay peanuts and you’ll only get monkeys. Sack the lot of them and employ people with brains in their heads instead of their pants, you know you should. There’s enough hungry young people needing work in Hallitta now.”<br><br>“My day was fine,”</strong> I lied, <strong>“Went over to Aymee’s and we went into town. Hung out with the usual crowd. The Defenders were doing a missile test on the north headland. Pretty noisy! Impressive though. They hit drone targets with five shots out of five. It was cool.”<br><br>“But I’m going to hang around here tomorrow. Kaede will be here Tuesday for math, applied technology and system design abstracts so I need to do some homework for that….”<br><br>“But today’s not over yet! Shall I warm the food up? Or do you want to swim with me? It’s <em>so</em> good in here!”</strong><br><br>I recommenced my breast stroke.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>20-07-2008, 18:56:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				I forced a smile for Paix' sake when she started babbling about how I should just fire and rehire new employees. Sure she was just joking around, but having irritating employees calling me all day didn't really make me in the mood for such jokes. <strong>"Of course, the young people are obviously more motivated."</strong> I intentionally used a sarcastic tone, even though Paix proved otherwise I had little faith in the youth. Well, fair enough, I didn't have faith in mankind itself.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"The Defenders were doing a missile test on the north headland. Pretty noisy! Impressive though. They hit drone targets with five shots out of five. It was cool.”</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><strong>"Yes, it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye."</strong> a wide smirk formed on my lips as I said this, it was my duty to make sure Paix was aware that the outside world was far from enjoyable like this safe haven they lived on. By the means of subtleness of course, I did not want to come across as some strange man who kept complaining about <em>'kids these days'</em>. However, since I did not really have a normal childhood myself, it was hard for me to criticise the youth comparing it to how things were before. Besides, I am not an old man just yet!<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">“But I’m going to hang around here tomorrow. Kaede will be here Tuesday for math, applied technology and system design abstracts so I need to do some homework for that.”</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>I raised my eyebrow immediately, it happened more than I would have like that I did not understand a single word of what she was talking about, exactly the reason why Kaede proved to be very valuable. Since I have no clue how to even begin educating a young woman, Kaede is like a gift from an angel who made sure Paix was well informed to this brutal world.<br><br>Sometimes Paix gives me the idea she is oblivious to how the real world is like, yet at other times she proves she is very aware of the situation. At least she isn't like the other kids I met with exceptionally wealthy parents, who tended to give me the urge to smack them around all day long. No, at least she doesn't walk around like she is the queen of the world.<br><br>Again I come to realise I was thinking too long about nothing important again, it seemed to happen much more often now that I was living life 'care free', if you could call it like that. I run towards the pool and take a dive, letting the water wash away all those pointless thoughts and troubles. As I get to the surface I couldn't help but smile mischievously, <strong>"Well, if it's so good in here, you might as well go and warm up the food."</strong> I couldn't help tease her, there was something about that sweet and cute face of her that always makes me feel like teasing her.<br><br><strong>"Maybe I should try to take the day off tomorrow as well, without phones. We could do something together if you'd like."</strong> I suggested this because I somehow got the idea she wasn't very anxious to do homework. Besides, I could use a <em>real</em> day off myself and it has been quite a long time ago since I spent the day with just her, I kind of miss those moments where it was just her and me.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>21-07-2008, 20:33:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				We swam a little more and chatted more and it struck me that something was putting him on edge, he made snappish comments and seemed a bit down. I left it for now, I knew he could get into his blue moods, his business was tough enough at the best of times and having me dragging him kicking and screaming back into Happy Land wasn’t the way to improve his mood. After a half hour I jumped out and wound a towel round myself and went inside.<br><br>In my room I towelled off properly, found my lilac silk wrap and pit that on. I’m happy going about the house and poolside, even the garden in my skin, always have done, right since I was tiny, my friends when they come round do so too, girls and boys. We’ve all seen it, we’re matured kids, it’s not like we’re going jump on each other like rabbits. I’m told it was different in the old days, nudity was rare but out here where there’s often no-one else for miles and you’ve only got close friends and family round you it’s fine. Josh is cool with it too, though he keeps shorts on.<br><br>But when we’re eating I always cover up, it’s only decent. Besides cooking with nothing on would be inviting disaster wouldn’t it?<br><br>Coming out of my room I grabbed the pizzas and took them inside, reheating them in the cooker in a jiffy.<br><br>We sat by the pool and ate watching the night come down.<br><br>Later we cuddled on the sofa and watched a movie. It was funny watching these ancient films seeing the world as it once was, I guess it would be no weirder if the Pharaohs had had palmcorders and made home movies of the pyramids being built.<br><br>I told him I really did need to do my homework in the morning, Kaede would go mental (or rather more mental, bless her) if I didn’t, but we could do something in the afternoon if he’d like to go into town, or walk along the cliff path or maybe play tennis. I went to bed, leaving him up on his own. He said he had a few things to do in his office.<br><br>He works too hard. He frets about it too, letting it wind him up. Some days… some days he worries me.<br><br>* * * * * * * * * * * *<br><br>I rose early next morning, like I usually do, long before the staff get here. I sleep naked and after doing the necessary bits and showering I padded into the kitchen in my skin and drank juice and made a pot of tea. Leaving it to stand so Josh could fix himself a cup when he got up I went outside and wandered around the garden.<br><br>I love early mornings, the cool of the day and the clear sweet air, you can see for miles off the headland out to sea although there’s rarely anything see unless a drone goes over or a fishing boat comes by.<br><br>I walked down grassy paths and smooth tiled steps to our little verandah on the lower level above the boat dock. There’s a summerhouse here, a big brick built barbeque and a table and seats. I rested my elbows on the low wall and looked out to sea, sipping my tea.<br><br>I so love this place. It really is paradise. I’m so grateful to Josh for all his hard work that allows us to live here, safe and secure.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>21-07-2008, 23:42:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Pizza, despite not being healthy considering the stuff they throw on it nowadays it is still my favourite food. Especially when eating it outside while enjoying the sunset, those little things in life I adore. Even though it rarely happened, I truly felt in peace with myself at the moment. I could only hope Paix felt the same type of peace alot more than I do, I'm normally not the superstitious kind of guy, but if there is one thing I would not change in the world, it was the name I had given her. It matched her personality perfectly, and each moment I spent with her, I feel at peace.<br><br>No matter how bad my mood is she manages to gradually make me feel better, something that will not ever change. The movies give me an awful feeling of nostalgia. Even though it probably seemed ancient history for Paix, I still remember the days I could watch such movies with my parents, not a care in the world. It makes me both happy and sad to see them again, I long to see such days again yet I'm happy that they are not forgotten. <br><br>I was glad to hear she was so dedicated to her education, granted I know how strict Kaede was about those things but she took care of the discipline I could not possible provide for Paix. I am fully aware that I am a softy around her, but I would challenge any man to act mean to the one thing he loved. <br><br>Once she decided it was time for bed I made my way to the office, even though I had many enemies I also had many allies. The phonecall earlier was still lingering in my mind and I needed to know more about it. The voice of the man sounded so familiar yet I find myself unable to associate it with a face. Not to mention the man got a hold of the phone number of my house.<br><br><br><br><br><br>When I wake up I feel terrible, I slowly open my eyes and notice the cause of my problem. Apparently I fell asleep on top of my desk once again, it had become a terrible habit of mine to continue working until my body finally collapsed. Nevertheless I was awake now and going back to bed was not an option.<br><br>As I make my way to the kitchen I try to hide my morning wood, no doubt Paix would be running around naked again and the last thing I wanted to do was give the wrong impression. Even though people seemed to be quite comfortable with nudity, it is something I can live with, but still find awkward.<br><br>Along with the feeling of not having had enough sleep, I had another terrible feeling I could not put my finger on. For some reason I have the strange idea something bad is going to happen today. I shake the thought away from my mind and pour myself a cup of tea, how Paix managed to get up so early, I would never know.<br><br>As part of my morning routine I start to look for Paix to greet her, it took me quite some time but eventually I manage to find her. Even though it was her usual spot I somehow always had to make sure she didn't decided to go somewhere else for a change. <strong>"Good morning!"</strong> I yell out to greet her in advance so I would not startle her. Seeing her now was like looking at a painting, no wonder I sometimes had dubious feelings about her and her friends running around naked with eachother.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>22-07-2008, 00:04:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Good morning!"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I turned and waved as he approached, <strong>"Hiya! Sleep well? I see you found the tea, I hope it hadn't stewed too strong."</strong><br><br>I leaned back on the wall sipping my own drink and let him come next to me if he wanted. For a while I was silent.<br><br><strong>"Look at that view. Isn't that beautiful? I could sit here all day if I didn't have studying to do."<br><br>"But this afternoon we can do whatever you want. I'll make time for you, it looks like you need it."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>22-07-2008, 18:46:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A smile forms on my lips but I do not say a word, instead I just nod my head in agreement. It was certainly a good way to start this day, a warm cup of tea to please his tastebuds and warm up his body, a view that was a pleasure to eyes and my little girl standing next to me. Could life get any better than this? I highly doubt that it could, aside from the obvious of course. <br><br><strong>"I'm glad you are responsible enough to not postpone that what is urgent."</strong> I say casually, I'm not exactly good at giving compliments or just talking in general, but at times I do my best to make sure I tell her how proud I am. <strong>"I'll stop bothering your for now."</strong> I smile and go back to my office, some of my staff already arrived and I made sure they were aware of the fact that I would be gone with Paix in the afternoon. Especially one of my gardeners seemed unusually interested in where we were going and what we were going to do, but he was a reliable young man and most likely just had a crush on Paix.<br><br>It was something I couldn't blame him for, not to mention he seems rather shy and just a very quiet kind of guy. Still, I did not reveal where we were going, call me paranoid but I have no intentions of anyone knowing where I am with my little girl outside this house.&nbsp; It's almost as if I am a prisoner in my own house lately, sometimes I can't help wonder if I'm better off now than I was before.<br><br>I took the liberty of resting abit while Paix was doing her homework, this way I could let my body gain some energy while not getting the urge to disturb her. I know myself and getting bored easily is certainly one of my bad traits.<br><br><br><br><br>It took quite some time but eventually I managed to get out of bed again, the short nap did wonders and I feel superb right now. Glad to see Paix was finished with her homework I didn't wanted to wait for another second. For some reason I could not explain I was very excited to be able to spent the day with her. My excitement quickly vaporized once we actually arrived in the city. I forced a smile on my lips the entire time, pretending I was listening to every word Paix had to say, but I was distracted. Eyes keep gazing at me the entire time, it makes me feel uncomfortable and slightly annoyed.<br><br>While some of the eyes were merely those of women smiling at me, there were those of men as well. Their eyes monitoring every step I take, every word that comes out of my mouth they recorded. I was not being paranoid either, since some of them did not ever bother to be subtle about it.<br><br>Walking in the streets makes me nervous, so I quickly suggest to take a bit to eat in the nearest restaurant we could find, not that I wanted to wait for her answer, I basically dragged Paix inside. Once inside I laugh it off, as if I was just being silly. <br><br><strong>"So what would you like to eat?"</strong> I try to change the subject as quickly as possible, knowing that the last few seconds probably confused her, she had no idea what kind of troubles I could be exposed to by just a simple day like this. Why did I not just take her for a walk on the cliffs?!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>22-07-2008, 21:37:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"So what would you like to eat?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I rested my elbows on the table, my hands folded together to make a shelf for my chin. I made a small pretence of looking at the menu that was laid on the cloth in front of me and then looked up.<br><br>Our drinks arrived and I took a sip of my mineral water, replacing my chin on my hands after I put down the glass.<br><br>I lifted my eyes and regarded him carefully, steadily and as kindly as I could. Throughout what I said I never took my eyes off his.<br><br><strong>"Hm, let's see. To begin with... I'll have some of the 'I'm a grown up girl now, you can talk to me.' Then, for main course I'll have the 'Josh, I know something is wrong, you are so on edge, what is it?' and for pudding how about some 'let's get out of here right now and go talk somewhere private'."</strong> I smiled warmly then let that drop so my face was calm and serious.<br><br><strong>"What do you think? Does that sound fair?"</strong><br><br>(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk137/HaibaneR/Paix01_300.jpg)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>23-07-2008, 06:27:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				I want to laugh with how Paix responded to my question, I really do, but I felt too nervous and uncomfortable even here that I probably would only make her more worried about me if I did. I could hear a sigh escape my lips, even if I could never explain to her how I truly felt because of my past, the offer of leaving this place to somewhere more private felt like a gift from heaven itself.<br><br>Again I gave only a nod, knowing if that every word that would come out of my mouth now would reveal just how nervous I was, not that I did a good job so far in covering it up. I grabbed her hand and guided her all the way back to outside the city, fortunately that was not a long walk at all.<br><br>The natural environment soothed my nerves, I finally got the feeling again that I could talk. The entire walk was awkward and I could not help feel terribly ashamed about what had happened. I find it hard to lie to Paix, but perhaps this time I could tell her the truth and just.. leave out a few important details.<br><br><strong>"I am sorry Paix.."</strong> I could hear that my own voice still betrayed me, giving away just how nervous and uncomfortable I was, <strong>"The way people were looking at me, it.. just felt uncomfortable. I have made many enemies in the past and even now I am still making new enemies."</strong> I tried to be as vague as possible, it was normal for a wealthy businessman to have enemies, but I could not let her know just how serious a threat these enemies were, nor what line of business I did to make so many enemies.<br><br>It was easier to lie to her when she was younger, actually, it was easier to hide it from her when she was younger. <strong>"I much preffer surrounding myself with nature than with other people."</strong> I quickly changed the subject, acting as if I was merely just anti-social.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>23-07-2008, 10:18:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				We walked out of town up the hills, in fact every road out of the port-city of Hallitta is up a hill... and turning off one road across a field by a footpath we came out on a rise set back from the cliff edge. The sea lay before us and behind us a small stand of cypress tress rustled their leaves in the breeze. A couple of goats bleated in a field behind the cypress.<br><br>I sat on the grass, pulling my knees up and resting my folded arms on them. I patted the grass next to me, inviting him to sit. I'd been tuning in to his mood all the way back from the restaurant; even before then I'd caught the looks from one or two people as they scanned his face when we passed them. Distrust. Hatred even.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"The way people were looking at me, it... just felt uncomfortable. I have made many enemies in the past and even now I am still making new enemies."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I didn't look at him, but picked at the grass between my feet, pulling out random strands and throwing them up in the air to watch the breeze drift them away.<br><br><strong>"Sure, Josh, sure. In business you make enemies, from what I know of history and how the great corporations and businessmen made their deals and exploited people, everyone's always done that, I guess, so having enemies is a natural part of being successful - even if it's just envy."<br><br>"But acrimony in business is just that, it's not life-threatening. These guys hate you but they're not going to killl you! Not with the strict laws here. Come on, be reasonable, they'll just try to get an advantage back in the line of work you do - uh, offer the suppliers or clients a sharper rate or something."</strong> I stopped and stared at the sea, two fishing boats were out, their mastheads bobbing on the waves. <em>What line of work <span class="bbc_u">do</span> you do? Did we ever discuss that?</em><br><br><strong>"Duh! Why am I even telling you this? You know business better than I do. You're a tough guy, very strong, just beat them at their own game. Fight back, screw 'em! Eh? There's no use fretting over it, that's not the Josh I know."</strong><br><br>I looked across at him, waiting for his reaction. We talked for a while more and then he said something quite odd.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"I much prefer surrounding myself with nature than with other people."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> <strong>"Well, out here that's easily done. We've plenty of land and gardens back home, lock the gates and chill, it's the perfect haven. I know we can't avoid people completely, the island is too crowded for that and I have my friends, Aymee, Art, and so on... but really if you want to have peace and quiet why don't you retire? Face it, you've earned it, and you're not short of money, so there's no real reason to carry on dealing with idiots all day if it just raises your blood pressure."<br><br>"And when you retire everyone you've upset in the course of your dealings will breathe a big sigh of relief and get on being nasty to each other. Job done!"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>24-07-2008, 03:43:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sometimes I just can't hold back my laughter when Paix starts talking, no matter how serious the subject at hand is, I couldn't stop laughing. It is cute that she worries about me so much she even would take the time to talk with me about something she hardly understood anyway. Here she is, trying to understand what makes me so nervous and a wreck, yet I cannot explain to her. The only thing I can do is be vague about it and try to give her the idea that the problem is partially solved. One of the things that eats at my soul daily, but I know I cannot tell her.<br><br>But what was I suppose to say? <em>'It's not envy honey, they actually want me dead because I either killed their relatives, killed their friends, didn't accept their deal to kill someone or better yet, they might want to kill me to prove they're the best assassin now!'</em> <br><br>A laugh escaped my lips at the thought, even if I actually said that to her she would probably start laughing and think of it as a joke, I could not blame her if she did though, even I sometimes can't believe it. Laws on this island were extremely strict, but I know better than anyone else just how easy it is to bribe people. Since nearly everyone on this island is very wealthy, bribing is probably something that happened alot. Perhaps Paix is slightly naive when it comes to things like that, though I don't want to shatter her dreams by telling how cruel and selfish human beings can be, even in a time where all they have is eachother.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> "There's no use fretting over it, that's not the Josh I know" </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The words lingered in my mind, she certainly made a good point, I normally am very strong both mentally and psychically, but even I am allowed to have a mental breakdown right? Perhaps it is just Karma, I have been so used to living in danger and with the thought that my life could be taken away from me any moment that now, now that I am living in peace and quiet, am suspicious that nothing happens. Heck, I still have to get used to waking up without the help of a nearby explosion.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> "... but really if you want to have peace and quiet why don't you retire?" </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><strong>"And what am I suppose to do then? I am still a young man! If I were to retire right now, I would probably end up boring myself to death"</strong> I force a faint smile on my lips, she does not even know my actual age. It was only natural I did not tell her I was actually twenty-nine, so she now thinks I am four years older than my actual age. Fortunately a child has blind faith about whatever their parents say. <br><br>No.. even if it tears me apart on the inside, I had many secrets to keep away from her, secrets I am going to take along with me all the way to my grave.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>24-07-2008, 22:50:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"And what am I supposed to do then? I am still a young man! If I were to retire right now, I would probably end up boring myself to death."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I laughed at him and gave him a quick hug, leaving my arm round his shoulder in a loose embrace, <strong>“You’re so thick! Did you look in the mirror recently? Did you look round the house this morning? Did you take a step back and actually <em>think</em> about your lifestyle any time this year?”</strong> I shook my head in disbelief.<br><br><strong>“Josh… Dad. You’re a gorgeous looking guy. You’ve got money coming out of your ears, a wonderful home, and a relaxing easy lifestyle many women would jump at the chance to be a part of. This island is stuffed full of pretty women, bored out of their brains sat at home, wanting company. You just attend a few parties and society functions, hold a few dinners maybe and within six months I guarantee you’ll have stylish women fighting each other to get at you.”<br><br>“Josh, you klutz. There are some stunning intelligent women on this island. Retirement need never be dull. Get married, mom would want it, I know she would. I can check them out for you and weed out the freaks, social climbers and money-grabbers. Just hurry up, before you get grey, old and fat and your thingy shrivels up!”</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>28-07-2008, 01:41:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was almost as if Paix was my mother. Granted, I was very grateful that she is so worried about my current love life she feels like she needs to help me, but it is impossible for her to understand how complicated the situation it. Well, perhaps not as complicated as I make it out to be, just.. well.. I can't explain it to her.<br><br>With a sigh I let the idea linger in my mind, perhaps it is not an entirely absurd idea, despite of how much I want to, Paix can not be the only woman in my life. Not to mention I can feel my body protesting against my antisocial behavior, sometimes I even scare myself when I see one of her friends naked, occasionally even Paix! I know it is wrong, but my body sometimes seem very glad at the visual stimulation.. a good thing I wear boxers. <br><br>No, neglecting my body's urges, not to mention someone I can talk to about my actual problems would be great. A laugh escaped my lips when Paix mentions <em>'mother'</em>, though I don't laugh because it's funny, I laugh because I feel terrible and sometimes laughing is just the best way to deal with these situations. It would probably explain <em>alot</em> if I mentioned her I never had a relationship with a woman before, let alone had a child with one!<br><br><strong>"You make it sound so easy, Paix."</strong> I finally open my mouth and gaze into the distance, <strong>"Though it isn't that simple at all.."</strong> another sigh escapes my lips, times like these make it really hard...<br><br>I shake my head trying to get rid of the many thoughts roaming in my mind, <strong>"Besides, who claimed I don't like freaks?"</strong> I joke around trying my best to cheer myself up, I know she is excellent at picking these things up, sometimes she makes me wonder if she is able to read my mind. However, I've always been a good actor.<br><br><strong>"Besides, compared to what I have seen in my life everything is dull."</strong>&nbsp; ...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Darn! A slip of the tongue! I faintly smiled and laugh, <strong>"Everything being life at home."</strong> a nice save, even if I say so myself. Moments like these reminded me exactly why I refrain from talking too much, it wasn't so much the words I used, but the tone I said it in. Perhaps she didn't even notice, there was no reason for me to panic yet! 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>29-07-2008, 11:42:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"You make it sound so easy, Paix."<br><br>"Though it isn't that simple at all."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I grinned and let drop the torn grass between my fingers and gave him a little squeeze with the arm still laid across his shoulders, <strong>“No it’s not. I know. I’ve met a few people my age in town and I know it’s not simple. But, you know, I was joking! I didn’t really mean to farm you off to some voluptuous dripping rich society debutante!”</strong> I looked up at him, grinning, <strong>“If it happens, it happens, but I was just teasing you.”</strong><br><br><em>Though really, I haven’t a clue why there aren’t flocks of women hammering on your door already, you’re hardly ugly, poor and a misery guts.</em><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Besides, who claimed I don't like freaks?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I laughed out loud, <strong>“Well if it’s freaks you want, plenty of those around here! Not that I have ever been in any of those weird clubs down on the quayside at one a.m. on a Sunday morning, I’m waaay too young and waaay to un-freaky for that stuff!”</strong><br><br>He made a comment about his life not being dull and I had to agree; he’d always been busy in business and though I had only hazy memories of it, he’d told me that he and I were some of the first of the Outsiders to arrive on Ptamos. As I grew up in the half built villa Ash, living in some rooms while others were still little more than piles of stone and bags of cement, workmen bustling about, I recalled him always being busy, off for days seeing his associates and business contacts, concepts a little girl didn’t understand. He was one of the early prominent forces and names on the island and the structure that worked now and was divided into the Good, the Bad and the Ugly had grown under his – well not <em>tutelage</em> as such – but it had grown and developed while he was a big name on Ptamos.<br><br>Sure, I silently agreed, everything around here now might seem dull. I can see that.<br><br><em>But life is what you make it, Josh. You have to go out and get it, it won't come to you.</em><br><br>I got up and offered him my hand, <strong>“Let’s walk,”</strong> I said intending to go higher up the field path towards North Cliff and look at the view.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>29-07-2008, 20:27:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A smile forms on my lips as I take Paix' hand and get back up on my feet simultaneously, <strong>"Exactly, if it happens, it happens. If it does not.. well, then it doesn't."</strong> sure I didn't sound too optimistic, but every woman on this island around my age I could remotely feel attracted to were most likely scared due to my unpleasant history. Even though she was joking about it, somehow I realise that would be the only way for me to actually get to know another woman.<br><br>The sunlight and the comfortable temperature made a simple walk like this seem like a dream, <strong>"For now you are the only woman I need in my life Paix, I don't think I could handle two."</strong> I say while my thoughts are somewhere else. The colour of the sky was almost enchanting, I could feel it taking away my worries one by one. As if the clouds themself were taking them away and made them dissapear, so relaxing..<br><br>Perhaps dull wasn't so bad all the time, sure I would need more excitement every once and a while, but things like these are certainly things I can get used to. <strong>"All I need is a woman who is intelligent and enjoys the finer things in life, not to mention she must have a playful side."</strong> at this point I was just daydreaming aloud. It is harder than I ever imagined to try and create your perfect woman with the only limits being your own imagination.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>29-07-2008, 23:39:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				We walked up the hill path a little way, winding through orange and date groves and over stiles until we got out onto the higher hills above where the plantations and crops grew. Here where the soil was too thin to support regular planting the hillsides were dotted instead with sheep and goats who nibbled at the grasses.<br><br>Hand in hand we eventually crested a rise and found ourselves at North Cliff, the high headland that projects out on the north side of the bay in which Hallitta is nestled and which forms one side of the huge natural harbour of Hallitta Bay. To the south, down the slope up which we’d walked a gentle rolling landscape of farmland and small farms and villas cascaded down to the sea and the industrial quarter and quaysides. But to the north where we were now facing was the sheer drop off that was famous. This was the eastern end of North Cliff and it ran in a more or less unbroken face thirty miles westwards. There were gullies and re-entrants and pathways down at some points. I’d scrambled down a few times with the gang and we’d picnicked and swum on the tiny isolated beaches you’d find at the base of the cliffs. But essentially North Cliff was impassable and it made defending one quarter of the island’s coast easy. A few radar stations and missile silos on the top at regular points and a few soldiers on patrols and it was secure.<br><br>It was however quite simply beautiful. One of my favourite places on the island. I loved the tiny hidden beaches that it seemed only us energetic teenagers had found. I loved the huge sweeping views of endless sea, like freedom personified. I loved the colour of the water, the brilliant aquamarine of the shallows and the deeper turquoise further out. I loved the sun on my back and the sounds of gulls, the space and the silence.<br><br>Yesterday afternoon Aymee, Art and Tank and I had stopped on a smaller cliff edge right along on the western end of this fantastic feature.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"For now you are the only woman I need in my life Paix, I don't think I could handle two."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I squeezed his hand, <strong>“Dad, I’m really glad, cause you’re a brilliant father and my bestest friend ever!”</strong> We stopped walking and I turned to him and standing up on tip toe leaned against him, hugging him gently, <strong>“And if some woman does come along, she’ll have to satisfy me before she gets anywhere near getting her paws on you!”</strong><br><br>We hugged for a while, then he said:<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"All I need is a woman who is intelligent and enjoys the finer things in life, not to mention she must have a playful side."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> <strong>“I’m sure she’ll come along one day.”</strong><br><br>After a while of standing and looking at the view I suggested: <strong>“We seem to have missed lunch, and I’m a growing girl, I need my food. Shall we head back and I’ll cook us some dinner?”</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>30-07-2008, 20:00:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>'You’re a brilliant father.'</em> things like these mean the world to me. Those special moments of happiness only a father and daughter could share. It is rather warm yet the cool breeze on my skin makes it perfectly bearable, <strong>"Be nice to whatever woman actually wants talk to me though, else I'll make no chance at all."</strong> I replied with a wink and gazed to the ocean. One of the reasons I chose this island, tranquil and even though we are all limited to this island you still have this feeling of freedom.<br><br>It is almost mind-numbing to think that this is one of the few places where you can sleep without being disturbed by the sound of guns, or without having to fear for your life every second. It is always enough to make me cry.. <em>almost</em>.. I can't remember the last time I actual shed a tear though.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> “We seem to have missed lunch, and I’m a growing girl, I need my food. Shall we head back and I’ll cook us some dinner?” </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The words snap me back to reality, once again I had spaced out to think about things that did not matter anymore, "That might be a good idea.. wouldn't want to end up starving." I absently mumble while trying to stare at the sun, even though it hurts my eyes to do so it's beauty keeps calling to me. If she wanted me to I would stay here all day with her, just staring at the ocean while holding hands. But since both our stomachs were begging to be fed it was out of the question.<br><br>During the entire trip home we made small talk, nothing important, which is exactly what I am avoiding. Just this one day I am going to just ignore everything and do what I want to. Nothing could bring me down now! Once we finally are almost home, I cannot help myself singing 'Perfect Day' by Lou Reed. The favourite song of my own father, and one of the few good memories I have left about my childhood. Music.. the only form of art I can truly appreciate, but like everything else all good music had vanished. The only place music of my parents' generation and the generations before them lived on, was in the mind of people such as myself and others. Of course, there were a few exceptions of old computers and Cd's that have been saved, but that is just a mere glimpse of how it used to be.<br><br>Once we arrived I let a content sigh escape my lips, as much as I loved being outside with Paix, though there certainly is no place like home. Home.. I never expected to be able to say that about a place, and look at me now. <strong>"I'm so lucky I have you Paix, you mean the world to me."</strong> I said with a smile, <strong>"I'm just going to take care of something, I'll be right back."</strong> before I make my way to my room, truth was I just didn't feel like bothering her while she was cooking. The fact that there was no real sign of any of my staff slightly surprised me, but it was highly likely they were all on their break.<br><br><br><br><br>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - <br><br>... What happened? I shake my head trying to remember, when I opened my eyes all I could see was darkness. My body was still partially numb though I could feel that I a rope is keeping me in place, making sure I could not move. I walked up the stairs.. then stepped into my room.. then.. someone smashed something to the back of my head. I tried to keep my head cool, who would be able to sneak passed my security without being noticed? Though no one in particular popped into my mind, it is almost ironic that just when I feel like my life is going the right way something like this happened.<br><br><em>"So you finally woke up eh?"</em> I recognize the voice immediately, the gardener, the young kid. Even though he might have suspected me to be surprised, nothing surprises me, especially not in this position. What was his goal though? Money? Revenge? ... Paix?<br><br>The last one send a cold shiver down my spine, if this was the case, that boy would be dead before he can manage to get out of this room. Even though the boy certainly didn't do a poor job with tying me up, it would only be a matter of time before I could get out. Despite of what he might think things like this are what I am born to work my way out of it. <strong>"If you untie me now, I'll fire you. If you don't, I'll snap your neck like a twig."</strong> I made sure my voice was cold and serious, how long had I been unconscious anyway?<br><br><em>"Just like you did with my father then?"</em> the boy's words pierced my body like a sharp knife, from all the possible reasons he could do this, it had to be his past haunting him. <em>"You have no idea how long I waited for this moment, thanks to my uncle I was able to get a job here. I've waited for this for <strong>so</strong> long."</em><br><br>His uncle? The man who suggested him was his uncle? The brother of one of his targets? I should have known, how could I be so reckless? It was highly unlike me. Still, it was pointless to waste my time on something I can't change, I just had to make sure this would all end without Paix ever knowing it happened.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>02-08-2008, 10:20:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				We returned to the villa and he went up to his office to sort out some business. I went into my room and changed out of my stonewashed jeans into cutoffs which were much easier to wear in this heat. I kicked off my shoes too and went barefoot through the house, in semi-tropical style the floors being mostly tile and stone, cool in the heat of the day and warm in the colder night. Where we needed the hard floor softening, Josh had bought various rugs and throws, mostly Persian and Moroccan.<br><br>I washed my hands and got to work in the big modern bright kitchen. There was a set of folding shutter doors down one side of the room. These didn't face the pool but the side of the house looking towards the lawn, a fine stand of palms beyond and the azure wall of sea and sky as a backdrop. I slid these shutters fully open and humming a tune to myself prepared a vegetable and pepper paella, some garlic <em>cibatta</em> and a salad.<br><br>It took a while, reducing the paella being the tricky bit but a half hour later it was ready. I'd laid a table out by the pool with cloth, cutlery and wine glasses. I went through the kitchen into the dark cool hallway, <strong>"Josh!"</strong> I called up the stairs, <strong>"It's ready!"</strong><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>04-08-2008, 03:32:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Paix' voice send an indescribable chill throughout my body, like a slap to the face I realise this is a real situation. In my own house no less! <strong>"You might want to consider responding to her, <em>Joshua</em>."</strong> the way he says my name somehow manages to anger me, who is this man? How did he get in here? More importantly, what is he after? If it is my death then I would not be breathing right now, no, there is definitely something more behind this. Whatever it is, it is a mission that he is soon to find quite impossible to accomplish. <em>'Know thy enemy'</em> comes to mind at a situation like this, no matter how well prepared he is, the only way he is going to leave the house would be as a corpse.<br><br><strong>"Unless you preffer I involve her of course, heck, I might even have a little fun with her come to think of it."</strong> he tells me with an arrogant tone, apparently actually believing he has won the battle already. Nevertheless, even I can't deny I am not in an exactly favourable position, tied down to a chair with who knows what type of gun pointed at me. <strong>"I'll be right there hun, just have to finish some pesky business, won't take longer than a minute!"</strong> I yell out to her, making it very clear to my attacker that I do not intend on letting him have his way. <br><br><strong>"I was going to grant you a quick death, but you can forget about that now."</strong> I tell him calmly, though I really was not planning on giving him a quick death at all. Information is what I need from him, and asking a corpse questions is not exactly an effective way to get it. Infact, information was the only thing keeping me from killing this son of a bitch right now. The tricky part isn't getting out of the situation alive, the tricky part is making sure <em>he</em> stayed alive. There has to be a rat in one of the many organisations I am allies with, a very powerful one if he, or even she, is able to get a hitman to bypass my heavy security like this. As expected the man has done a lousy job as far as tying me up was concerned, the rope practically falls off my body with every slight movement of my body. Of course, this was to blame on his poor execution of this pathetic attempt at extracting information from me. Far too hasty.<br><br><strong>"Ah, the master of death and destruction himself. You have no idea how long I have been waiting to be able to meet you in person. Sadly I am only suppose to deliver a message, a pity really, I would have loved to squeeze the life right out of you."</strong> even though I am fully aware that that is what he is here for, it certainly isn't a shame that he confirms my suspicions. <strong>"There have been many rumours about you when you had disappeared, apparently it is very hard to get a hold of you or anything that involves you. Heck, at first I did not believe you had a daughter, but apparently it's true."</strong> the man has not even said that much at all, and already have I grown weary of him. It is painfully obvious he simply adored his own voice, if <strong>"<em>The Ghost</em> living the simple life, who would have imagined?! It's alm-"</strong><br><br><strong>"If you don't shut up right now I'll make sure to strangle you with your own tongue."</strong> I interrupted him for my own sake, <strong>"I'm sure boring targets has proved to be very effective in the past for you, but it will only cause me to fall asleep."</strong> it is almost ironic how along with my gift to take life, I hold my own in a conversation far better when my lives are at stake. There are many types of killers, all of them I can easily decipher. This one isn't so different from myself, the urge to get close to your victims, to get to know every little detail concerning them. All traits we share, only he obviously has an ego problem, which already leads me to belief he has underestimated me greatly, despite knowing of my social status.<br><br><strong>"Aha! A typical '<em>The Ghost</em>' response, against all odds he remains calm and even slightly humorous. Splendid!"</strong> only now do I notice the thick British the man is abusing, wether or not that is actually his or just a ruse to make him seem even more interesting I don't know. <strong>"Sadly it looks like I have to remind you that you're not in the position to talk to me like that."</strong><br><br>A shot was fired, a Five-seveN with silencer, a sound I instantly recognize. Actually the first gun under my possession, a very old but reliable and accurate gun. Even as the bullet penetrates the flesh of my foot, that is all I can think about. My body has long accustomed to the pain, and even though it still feels like being stabbed over and over again on the same spot with a knife as hot as lava, the typical reaction of crying out in pain is something I have mastered to resist a long, long time ago. Already could I feel the adrenaline rushing through my body, a cheap thrill, something I crave for every day, finally I feel that sensation again. The danger, the pain, the feeling of all five of my senses getting sharper as my entire body prepares itself.<br><br>Now was the time, now that his gun was still pointing to my food. Like most times my body almost seemed to act on it's own, like an animal driven into a corner I leap from the chair to the attacker, the rope feels like a thin string of silk woven around my body and hardly provides any resistance at all. With my blindfold still on I grab the wrist of the hand that is holding the gun, making him unable to aim for a more vital part of my body, with the other I push my opponent's face away as both our bodies fall towards the ground. Surprisingly enough the man seemed to have the strength of a helpless puppy once beneath me. I can feel him struggle but it's like holding down a twig against the ground.<br><br>The only thing stopping me from snapping his neck like one is the fact I still need that minuscule brain inside his skull for information. His loud voice echoes through the room, but goes into one ear of mine and right back out of the other, whatever he has to say it is probably about as useful to me as the recipe of making a cake. Before giving him a proper chance to react I make sure to grab the gun from under his grasp and remove my blindfold. <br><br><strong>"Funny how the tables can turn around like that isn't it?"</strong> I tell him with a grin and use the hilt of the gun to give him a firm blow to the back of his head, instantly bringing him unconscious. While the adrenaline slowly faded away from my body I try to think of a plan to handle this further. It seemed only logical to properly tie him up and gag him while I go back downstairs to eat with Paix, who so far did not seem to have noticed anything. So far..<br><br>The man himself seemed around my age and very skinny considering he has about the same height as myself, this makes it easy to throw his unconscious body in the chair. As I use the same rope that has previously restrained me to keep him put for the time being. Perhaps it is the adrenaline still inside my body, but to see his lifeless body tied up in that chair with his own shirt stuffed in his mouth, makes me feel great. This is probably someone who his enemies trust, and the fact he got in my mansion proves he is one of the best. Yet.. I still overpower him just as quickly as a young kid can overpower and old, defenseless old man. <br><br>I shake my head and grab the phone on my desk, I still had to take care of my wound before finally returning to Paix, so staring at my victim feeling good about myself was not something I can afford wasting my time on. Using the speed dial I contacted the one man I know I could really trust, someone with just as much enemies as me. Someone who is exactly like me, even though we rarely contact eachother due safety reasons, he is the closest thing to a friend I will ever have.<br><br><strong>"I'll make it quick, I need your help with something as soon as possible, come to my house around midnight."</strong> the less words are used, the more important it is. Besides, if my attacker knows how to bypass my security, it would be foolish to assume he didn't install a bug on my phone. Granted, that is not exactly a problem and easily fixed, but I did not have the time to check. As I leave the room I make sure to lock the door. The blindfold I used to stop the blood from falling onto the floor was starting to get drenched in my blood, causing me to get to the bathroom as fast as I could.<br><br>The pain is almost unbearable and it is going to be difficult to find an excuse about what has happened. Fortunately I have always been prepared for things like this, and it did not take me long before I successfully bandaged my foot. It would do for now, as long as I one of my doctors to look at it tomorrow I should be fine. I use shoes which are too big for my feet to cover up the bandage itself, luckily for me I tend to buy things by the use of a magazine and end up with shoes or clothes too big for my body, too lazy to return them.<br><br>All I can hope now is that I didn't make Paix wait too long, <strong>"I'm sorry! I'm coming! I bumped my foot against the door on my way out and it hurts like hell!"</strong> I yell while making my way downstairs to both find out where she is and simultaneously create an excuse to explain why I am having a hard time walking on my foot.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>11-08-2008, 21:27:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>“What on earth were you <em>doing</em> up there? It sounded like a herd of mountain goats got loose. And I called you ages ago,”</strong> I chided him as he hobbled out onto the patio. I was sat at the table, already on my second glass of soda, my legs crossed, tapping one foot impatiently. He came to sit down, <strong>“What did you bang it on? Shall I take a look for you? You may have broken a toe.”</strong><br><br>I’d much rather make sure he was okay before I went in the kitchen and served dinner, just in case I should need to drive him to hospital, or call a doctor.<br><br><strong>“Well?”</strong> I enquired again as he sat down, obviously in a good deal of pain.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>14-08-2008, 19:37:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"I was just rushing myself to get ready and didn't wanted to make you wait for this long, my apologies."</strong> I said and sat down on the cold chair which had been waiting for my arrival for some time, fortunately for me what actually happened sounded far more unlikely here than any other excuse my mind could create, <strong>"Another employee called me despite the fact I made sure they'd know it would be forbidden to do so on this day. I had to be strict and make sure I would get to point across, else they would never leave me alone."</strong> as I tried to decide wether or not this excuse was appropriate enough, the man upstairs was probably regaining consciousness and becoming aware of how screwed he really was. The thought alone of him struggling with the rope formed a smirk on my lips, which somehow I knew it was giving me a somewhat mischievous look.<br><br><strong>"You'd think I would realise wether or not my toe was broken or not, wouldn't you?"</strong> perhaps it was the adrenaline still inside of me, or perhaps the event had released a side of me I had been trying to hide from Paix, but even I knew I wasn't being my usual self once my own words reached my ears, <strong>"You don't have to be worried about me, I can handle myself far better than one might suspect."</strong> I quickly added, <strong>"Again, I'm sorry I kept you waiting, you know I wouldn't do it deliberately."</strong><br><br>The days ahead of me were definitely going to be busy ones, the person who thought he could do this and get away with it was sorely mistaken. Although sadly this made me realise, the things I hated most about myself were the things I need to survive, the things that kept both me and Paix safe and would remain to do so until I died. It were things like these that I needed to remind me just how precious she was to me, even my own life lost all it's value if it was an item to bargain with.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>24-08-2008, 23:29:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				I wasn’t thinking of calling the hospital or the police or the toe-stubbing Special Branch. I’d only asked, out of simple concern. But the way he went on and on about it made me think something was going on.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"I was just rushing myself to get ready and didn't want to make you wait for this long, my apologies."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> <strong>“Hm, hm, sure. It’s fine.”</strong><br><br>My birthday was a way off but even so he might have brought a gift and been looking at it, perhaps dropped it on his toe? If so what could it be? Something heavy that was sure.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Another employee called me despite the fact I made sure they'd know it would be forbidden to do so. I had to be strict and make sure I would get the point across, else they would never leave me alone."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I sighed, oh, so that was it, an unwanted caller. <strong>“I don’t get it Josh. You’re their boss. You give them instructions yet they don’t heed them. Why do you put up with such annoying idiots? Disturbing you at home. You’re in charge, don’t let them tie you down like that.”</strong><br><br>I got up and fetched the food, placing the big paella dish in the centre of the table so we could help ourselves. I gestured to him to start.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"You'd think I would realise whether or not my toe was broken, wouldn't you?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I patted his shoulder, <strong>“Hey, calm down, I’m cool with it if you are. And anyway lots of people break fingers and toes, small hairline cracks and never know it. Happens all the time.”<br><br>“But for me, would you call a doctor over tomorrow? Or let me take you to one? I’d feel better knowing you had, hm?”</strong><br><br><em>You know, you great big idiot, you're important to me. I care. Yes?</em><br><br>I went to get the garlic bread and salad, putting the bowls on the table.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"You don't have to be worried about me, I can handle myself far better than one might suspect."<br><br>"Again, I'm sorry I kept you waiting, you know I wouldn't do it deliberately."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div> I finished spooning my food on my plate, then got up and went round to him. I bent and hugged him round the neck, <strong>“I don’t worry about you. You’re a big boy now, I think you can take care of yourself. But I do love you. So whether it’s annoying employees you have to deal with or… I dunno, drug crazed terrorists, you take care, hm? Coz I want you to stay in one piece.”</strong> I kissed his cheek and sat back down, <strong>“Now, eat up, I wanted to take you for a walk along the coast path later but it looks like now I’ll have to implement Plan ‘B’,”</strong> I smiled at him with a wink.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>30-08-2008, 09:25:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>“I don’t get it Josh. You’re their boss. You give them instructions yet they don’t heed them. Why do you put up with such annoying idiots? Disturbing you at home. You’re in charge, don’t let them tie you down like that.”</strong><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><strong>"Well, it was just some new guy, so firing him seemed a little too harsh. But I made sure he realised not to do so again.. ever. Also, I was already planning to go to the hospital tomorrow, so you don't have to worry."</strong> even I heard that my tone of voice was rather harsh and cold. Perhaps it was my body trying to get rid of the extra adrenaline, or most likely it was the bullet trapped in my foot. Heck, even the idea of this happening again was still floating around in my mind, so it could have been that as well. Whatever it was, it seemed I was no longer in control of how the words came out of my mouth.<br><br><strong>"But no need to dwell on it, let's eat!"</strong> my faint attempt to break the tension I had single-handedly created for myself seemed to work so far. <strong>"So anyway, plan B?"</strong> I curiously asked while I filled my plate with food. While I hadn't really counted on leaving the house with an assassin still tied up in the room, I highly doubted he could escape. Not to mention by the time we finished dinner, my associate would probably send someone to pick him up. Of course I had to be careful that Paix would not notice a thing of this event, but I highly doubted this would be a problem. The house wasn't small after all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>03-09-2008, 21:29:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				We ate and I dropped the subject. Clearly his argument with his dumbass newbie employee had left him a bit wound up, so the best thing I could think of to do was to drop the subject.<br><br><strong>"Well, in fact I didn't have a plan 'B'. All I had in mind was a walk to look at the view but I think you'd better rest your foot until the morning."</strong><br><br>When we had finished I packed away the dinner things and loaded the dishwasher. Sometimes in the evenings I'd ride into town and hang out with the gang but tonight I decided not to. He seemed happy that his foot was just a sprain but it was clearly painful to walk on so just in case it got worse in the evening and he needed a taxi driver I decided to stay in.<br><br><strong>"I think I'll turn in for the night, Josh. Listen to some music in my room or do some homework. Okay? Night!"</strong> I gave him a peck on the cheek and went to my room, throwing off my clothes and then padding into my en-suite bathroom to wash. I lay down on my bed and put my headphones in and tucked my hands behind my head and let my music take me away.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>14-09-2008, 18:58:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As expected the minute Paix vanished from my sight an incredible amount of guilt overwhelmed me. Though even if it weren't to late to call her back to me and tell her we could still go for that walk, I knew she wouldn't agree to it, since she seemed to be worried enough as it was. Besides, this was the perfect opportunity for me to think things over carefully, due circumstances I moved it to the back of my mind, but now I was by myself again.<br><br>There was one thing really bothering me about what had happened, perhaps it wouldn't be such a problem if the man who assaulted me had shown more experience, but with the things the way they were there was simply no way he would've broken into my home by himself. Even if someone had told him how to bypass the many security systems installed, it was highly unlikely he knew about every single one. And that was where my intuition told me this was far from over. Aside from myself, there was only Paix and a select few people who knew about everything in such detail. <br><br>Paix being the one giving away information was a thought I'd love to instantly remove from my currently paranoid mind, but sadly if there was one thing I had learned in my life, is that no one could be trusted. Absolutely no one. Fathers asking me to murder their son, wives their husbands, sisters their brothers, no matter how strong natural bonds were suppose to be, all these requests were not strange to me. Still, with this in the back of my mind I rather preferred to think she was completely unaware of anything that involved this side of my life.<br><br>What was worse about it all was no matter who of the select few people that knew about my house in such details, it was certain to be someone powerful, as all my 'friends' were in one way or another. What could either of them possibly gain by trying to kidnap me, though? It couldn't be money, that was for sure. Either way, with the tables turned I could easily get whatever information I wanted out of this assassin, something told me he wouldn't be able to keep his mouth shut.<br><br>With this in mind I finally made my way to the front door, awaiting the arrival of my companion. Though about half an hour later he still hadn't arrived, it didn't take me long to figure out that it would probably be best to check up on the man who was currently tied down in my study room, perhaps do a little interrogation work myself.<br><br><strong>"First.."</strong> I quietly mumbled to myself and stepped over to the keypad near the front door, a keypad which opened far more doors than Paix or the staff knew about. The only reason why I placed something so important in a place where everyone could access it was to avoid suspicion, of course, the keys themselves scanned my fingers as I pressed the buttons to make sure it was me. After that there was a hidden scan of my face, followed by a voice activated password. Aside from me it was impossible for someone to actually access any of these hidden chambers. Not to mention the doors themselves were perfectly blended in the walls, and it was impossible to force your way in them, making them excellent hiding shelters as well.<br><br>After dialing in the code, I had to make sure to keep my face perfectly still, it had been a while since I last opened this particular chamber and I had hoped that I would never had to use it again. <strong>"WC FG2LP 66."</strong> a rather simple combination of letters and numbers was all it took. "<em><strong>Access granted."</strong></em> instantly followed, shortly after that a hidden weapon chamber was revealled. If you didn't know where to look, one would probably still didn't see where it was. I couldn't deny I was proud of the collection of weapons in my possession, most of them were old models, though from my personal experience these guns were far more reliable than the new ones. Plus they had some sort of sentimental value for me.<br><br>Without wasting too much time I grabbed a Desert Eagle from my collection and made sure the chamber was concealed once more. The only reason I chose this particular kind of weapon is because it was small, yet still looked as frightening as a shotgun. Of course I wouldn't shoot it inside the house, the risk of Paix hearing the loud gunshot without a silencer was far too high, but the man upstairs didn't know that. Hiding the gun beneath my shirt I made my way upstairs, the pain caused by the bullet still freely roaming in my foot made it hard to climb the stairs, trying to focus on the task at hand for distraction proved to be of little use.<br><br>When I finally entered my study room I couldn't help but grin when I noticed a still unconscious body in the chair, a familiar voice however wiped the sensation of victory away. Although I couldn't deny I had been expecting this, it was human nature to cling onto this tiny string of hope, hope that you could avoid the inevitable. Before the man could even form one word I grabbed my gun and pointed it to the dark corner. His body was partially hidden in the shadows but I could instantly recognize the voice, especially due to the thick English accent. <br><br><strong>"Ey, Joshua, it isn't very polite to point gun towards one of yer old mates, innit?"</strong> I didn't even need to see his face to know there was a large grin plastered all over it, <strong>"Besides, we both know ye ain't going to shoot me, with the possibility of that little brat hearin' it."</strong> no doubt he was talking about Paix, though her being able to hear the gunshot wasn't the only one stopping me from pulling the trigger right away.<br><br><strong>"What the hell are <em>you</em> doing here?!"</strong> I asked him, not bothering to hide my anger. I could sense he was pointing a gun towards me as well. While his presence did confirm my suspicions and cleared up many of the questions that had been wandering in my mind, it only meant trouble, trouble not even I couldn't avoid. <strong>"I am here on behalf of our employer as you probably already realised."</strong>, as if I wasn't annoyed enough the man decided it was a good thing to light up a cigarette, <strong>"I won't lie to you mate, I much rather shoot ye right here, right now, but we both know disappointing the big man isn't recommendable."</strong><br><br>Just the way I remembered him, Marc McKenzie, one of the three professionals known all over the chaotic part of the world. One thing we all had in common was that we worked solo, and we we never failed. Another thing was we all worked for the same person, while for me I had a middleman, but in the end everything with great importance in this chaotic world trialed right back to him. No one actually knew him, yet everyone had heard of him. The money I owned was but a fraction of his and more importantly, so I was sure this wasn't about that. Frankly, I couldn't think of anything he would want from me, aside from my talents and abilities. Though I knew I could count on McKenzie to get straight to the point. <br><br><strong>"And what stops me from shooting you then? I'm not an idiot, I know why you're here, what stops me from shooting you right here, right now, and everyone who'll ever try to try and get anywhere near my property?"</strong> although I meant every last word, even I knew what my weakness was. I could easily defend myself at all times or dis sapear in one of the many deserted places on this planet, though that would nullify the reason why I stopped doing what I did and came here for in the first place.<br><br><strong>"Look mate, I'm not here to chit chat, I got better things to spent my time on. Not to mention this island is starting to give me the creeps, everyone acting like it's all fine and dandy. As you probably realised thanks to this no good chump right here,"</strong> through the dark shadows I could see Marc glancing at the lifeless body in the chair, <strong>"Apparently it's been really hard to replace ye. Now you know, I never really liked competition, but ever since the rumours started that <em>'The Ghost'</em> disappeared, I've been swamped with work. I don't give a rat's ass, but the big man himself thinks you'd come in handy. Y'see, the gangs are starting to get more organised, more confident.. more arrogant. Thus more people need to learn their place."</strong> a rather loud laugh filled the room, Marc was only a few years older but sometimes his attitude made him look like a teenager, I didn't doubt that this worked beneficial to him though.<br><br><strong>"I didn't wanted to believe it at first, <em>The Ghost</em> himself tamed by a little girl. It's pretty darn ironic that the girl you're trying so hard to protect will probably be your downfall eh? Well, just know should you try anything funny, she's the one who's going to suffer the consequences of your actions. Makes me feel a lot safer as well, wouldn't want ye to come and chase me after all. You know how it works, you make sure he's happy, he'll make sure you're happy."</strong> that was what I was concerned of, they knew exactly where to hit me. My life didn't mean nothing to me, but Paix.. I couldn't keep her hidden, take away her social life, take away her happiness. If continuing to put my own life at risk plus ending the lives of many others would keep her safe and happy, then that was what I would have to do. Of course, they already knew that would be my decision and in the back of my mind I already knew this was going to happen.<br><br><strong>"Now, it'd be a darn shame for me to go through all this trouble without leaving some sort of mark on you. I couldn't help overhear that one of your friends is on his way, might want to secure those lines by the way, so that means I can at least take some satisfaction in just injuring you."</strong> without a warning I could hear a gun being fired, a flash of light illuminated the room for a fraction of a second. A sharp pain spread throughout my entire body as I could feel the bullet penetrate my shoulder, the bastard knew I couldn't return the favour. Perhaps he was hoping I'd lose my cool and squeeze the trigger, but I learned how to not let emotions affect my decisions a long time ago. Chances that I'd miss were high, so were the chances that Paix would hear the shot.<br><br>Pressing my teeth together I tried to bear the agonizing pain overwhelming my entire body, and as Marc slowly started to make his way outside all I was able to do was groan in pain. <strong>"He'll contact you soon enough, better get that wound fixed eh."</strong> the words barely reached my ears, while I had been shot many times, there was nothing that could prepare a man to such pain. I knew it would leave soon, but by that time Marc would already been disappeared. Many questions were left unanswered, but that was the last on my list of concerns right now.<br><br><strong>"Fuck!"</strong> I finally managed to yell out a word, what was worse about it all was that I didn't have the time to let it all sink in. They never gave me enough time. I dragged myself to my desk and clumsily opened one of the drawers, revealling a small bottle of painkillers. Never before was I this thankful of keeping such a miracle drug close to me at all times. After I gulped down a few of the pills I foolishly expected the pain to decrease instantly, knowing this wouldn't happen at all. <br><br>Tossing my gun on the desk I grabbed my cell phone out of my pocket. I had to do my best not to let it fall, the pain was almost intense enough to numb my body, this wasn't a mere wound anymore, if I didn't get this checked out quickly I would probably die due blood loss. <strong>"SHIT!"</strong> my shaking hands let the cell phone fall down on the ground, there was no way I could do anything properly in this condition. But the only person nearby I could trust to help me was..<br><br><br><br>I had made my decision, it was either getting myself killed trying to drive in this condition.. or ask Paix for help. I had already prepared a story for her, an expert criminal had broken into the house hoping to threaten him and steal some of his money. Somehow I overpowered him after he shot me twice and broke his neck after I refused. I did my best to make it seem as realistic as possible, with what little power I had left I hid my own gun back to where it belonged, planted the assassin's gun in place should investigations start by the defenders. I was fortunate Marc and the assassin used the same type of gun, the bullets would match and they wouldn't look into it more. Besides, it seemed logical the assassin picked me out as a target. I was the one with money, and people could get desperate once they wouldn't be able to afford to live here on Ptamos.<br><br>Despite of all my efforts to hide all evidence that would conflict to my own made-up story, somehow I still felt very uncomfortable by it. Paix was a very bright girl, she knew more than anyone else it was near impossible to break into here. The Defenders wouldn't look into it much further, besides, even if anyone would get suspicious. Chances were the same man who forced me to work for him again would make sure no one would get in my way. <br><br>Even though I had made sure none of my blood had spilled anywhere else but the crime scene and the path from my study room to Paix' room, I still had lost a lot of it, and with it my strength and consciousness. I was slowly falling into darkness, if I didn't get my act together fast, this would all end. I knocked on her door with all the strength I have left, hoping that the music had distracted her until now. I didn't wait for a response, I didn't have the time to act like everything was normal. Fortunately she never locked her door, <strong>"Paix I.."</strong> suddenly, no more pain. Everything was turned completely quiet, for a moment I felt extremely blissful. What had happened? I couldn't recall, everything was so vague. Did I pass out? I had to do so many things before I could finally call for help, I had to make sure everything was flawless so she wouldn't find out. Did I die? Will Paix be alright?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>30-09-2008, 21:36:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				I heard the noise as I was listening to some Debussy. A bang, like something heavy falling over, a vase breaking on the floor maybe? I popped my earphones out and listened...<br><br>...nothing.<br><br><strong>"Josh?!"</strong> I called. Still nothing. <em>Huh...</em> I shrugged and went back to my music and picked up my cybernetics text again.<br><br>A while later there was another noise. I knew this one at once, it was the main outer door locks releasing. The electric bolts thumping out of their female recesses. Someone was leaving the house.<br><br><strong>"Josh?"</strong> I sat up and listened again, then threw on my wrap and went to the door. As my hand reached for the handle there was a heavy thud against the other side of it, something - or some<em>one</em> falling against it.<br><br><strong>"Josh!"</strong> I pulled the door open and was met by a sight that took a few seconds to register.<br><br><strong>"JOSH!"</strong> I squatted down beside him. <strong>"Oh my God! What! What happened?"</strong> There was blood. Lots of it. Everywhere. <em>Oh shit!</em><br><br>I didn't move him. Basic first aid, don't move an injured person unless you're qualified to or there is imminent danger. He was breathing but pale. I just got a sweater and laid his head on it. There were two ways to get him to where he needed to be. I could drive him in the landcruiser or a jetcopter could fly him. A jetcopter would do the distance in a quarter of the time, even with a two-way trip it was a no-brainer. I grabbed my phone earset and voice activated the hospital line. It only took a few seconds to get through, being a small island with a low population and fortunately accidents being rare, there were few delays for the emergency services.<br><br><strong>"I need a jetcopter ambulance. Fast. Joshua ---------."</strong> I gave his full name and our house name. although the hospital would know it, Josh had donated generously towards building it and many funds for equipment. He may even have paid for the jetcopter that would in a few moments be on its way here.<br><br>I finished the call and closed the line and sat back down beside him.<br><br><strong>"Help is on its way. Just hold on. A few minutes, okay?"</strong><br><br>I ran my fingers through his hair, brushing it away from his eyes. His forehead was cool and clammy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Le RandomBloke</strong> on <strong>12-10-2008, 12:50:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				On several occasions I heard someone talking, though what this person was talking about and who it was, was a complete mystery. It was impossible for me to move my body, that was certain, no matter how hard I tried nothing would happen. While darkness was surrounding me entirely, and I felt as if I were in an alternate reality, for some reason I felt happy. Strangely enough I felt calm, I knew it wasn't normal to feel this way in such a situation.. but still.<br><br>...<br><br><em>"His vital.. stable.. let.. rest."</em> distant words broke the blissful silence I was, immediately reminding me why I should hold on tightly on the little thread that was now supporting my life. Judging by the scent however, I was already in the hospital. Probably the best place to be in, considering my condition. Perhaps it wasn't a smart thing to do, though while there was no doubt the defenders would have been 'encouraged' to leave this situation alone, every effort I made right before collapsing was for Paix. All I could do now was wonder what she thought had transpired back at home.<br><br>It was a good thing it was merely bloodloss that had gotten the best of me, no vital organs were hit, not would my recovery take long. I extremely confident in the skills and experience of the doctors on this island. They were the best of the best, so with my life in their hands, I could be sure to walk around as if nothing had happened in no time.<br><br>Of course, as soon as I'd be able to resume my 'normal' life again, I could expect a phone call. The person who got me in this mess in the first place probably wanted me up and running as soon as possible. This could be problem, how was I suppose to explain to Paix that I needed to actually leave the Island for a few days for business? Sure, I could lie that I would be somewhere on the island, but it would only be a matter of time before she would find out the truth, she was a clever girl after all.<br><br>Well.. at least she was safe, and this way she could resume her normal life. Figuring out a solution to the most complicated situations was something I was good at after all.<br><br>I couldn't stop a loud groan from escaping my lips as I tried to open my eyes, my vision was blurred and I could see someone in the room, though I had no idea who it was. <strong>"Paix..?"</strong> I asked, hoping I was correct. After such a long time of darkness, my eyes needed time to adjust to the light that filled the room. Even though I could open my eyes once more, moving my body was still a hard task.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Assassin's Daughter (RandomBloke and Haibane)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Haibane</strong> on <strong>14-10-2008, 23:48:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was in critical condition for twenty four hours and they needed a lot of blood but finally he stabilized under the transfusions and they moved him off the intensive care ward to a private room. It was two days before he came fully round. All that time I didn't leave his side except to do the bare minimum that nature demanded. After two days I was exhausted, dirty and stinky but I refused to even go and shower and wear the spare clothes the hospital offered.<br><br>In that two days I had time to talk with the surgeon and a consultant that had been assigned to his care. There were two bullet wounds, one in his foot and one in his shoulder. The foot wound was messy, the bullet had passed right through and shattered bones on the way out and some scraps of shoe leather were embedded deep in the trauma. The surgery on the foot was the tricky part.<br><br>The shoulder wound was less risky as the bullet had passed under his collar bone, above the first rib then turned over inside him, losing much of it's velocity before striking the shoulder blade a glancing blow and lodging in front of it. Removing the bullet was relatively easy though it was this wound that had caused the blood loss, there was a good deal of traumatised muscle tissue and his arm would be sore for a while.<br><br><strong><em>"He is not going to leave here for a week and he is not going to exert himself for a month after that. Complete rest. And I mean <em>complete</em>"</em></strong><br><br>I nodded, in full agreement with the consultant and told this to Josh when he came round, though I should confess I wasn't very coherent. I was just so glad he would make it.<br><br>I noticed the man outside within an hour of him coming out of surgery. He was a lean, tall, slim man, dark haired and dark skinned. Rather greasy looking. A Hispanic type. He wore faded blue jeans, motorcycle boots and a scuffed leather jacket and shades. His hair needed a wash and he seemed to have a kids lollypop stick permanently clamped between his teeth. He sat with arms folded and head tilted to one side. He looked to be asleep but I got the impression he wasn't.<br><br>I used the loo a couple of times while Josh was in intensive care and he was there on a bench outside both times.<br><br>After Josh was moved to a private recovery room, the apparently sleeping Hispanic appeared outside that room too. On the third occasion I stopped in front of him.<br><br><strong>"I know you're awake,"</strong> I said calmly, hands on hips, <strong>"Now either you tell me who you are and what you're doing or I call security."</strong><br><br>He never moved or gave any sign of having heard me. Behind his black shades his eyes were hidden. I'm pretty sure they were wide open.<br><br><strong>"Suit yourself,"</strong> I said and turned to punch a security cam console on the wall. My finger had almost hit the button when a voice said,<br><br><strong><em>"I am security."</em></strong><br><br>I turned back to him, my finger resting on the button. He sounded Mexican. Like some old-time classic story book bandito.<br><br><strong>"Prove it."</strong> I began to apply pressure to the button.<br><br>He lifted his left arm and with it the lapel of his jacket. I saw the leather straps first, then the handgrip of the pistol.<br><br>Now on Ptamos <em>no one</em> carries guns. Not normally. There are security scanners <em>everywhere</em>. Literally. Every shop and restaurant. And there are two places you would <em>never</em> get into carrying a gun; the police headquarters and here, Ptamos' only hospital. Now this guy either had to be one of the good guys, and since the medical staff hadn't moved him on in twenty-four hours that seemed a reasonable conclusion... or he was bad. And I mean <em>very</em> bad. So bad he or his bosses had paid (or threatened) the medical staff <em>not</em> to move him on or call the police.<br><br>And I couldn't afford to ask which. If he was a bad guy, asking for hospital security would do me no good. If he was a good guy it would... but could I risk it?<br><br>I stared at him and for two minutes neither of us moved or spoke.<br><br><strong><em>"I'm jus' doing my job. Now why don' you go do yours?"</em></strong> and he nodded his head towards Josh's room door.<br><br>I gave up waiting for more from him and went inside the room. The door had a lock but I got the feeling that wouldn't do much good.<br><br>Maybe I was worrying for no reason. If our <em>compadre</em> was a Bad Guy he could, by now, have come in and finished the job. I settled for the conclusion that he was a Good Guy. Or a Bad Guy doing good, if that makes sense.<br><br>Josh was awake and looking better than before. We'd talked a few times starting with almost incoherent stuff after the operation to more and more lucid conversations. Josh knew I knew. Josh knew I knew it wasn't a bashed toe anymore, he'd been shot. Once before he came down to dinner and once <em>after</em>, when I had heard <em>someone</em> leave the house. I had told Josh all this already though he had yet to offer me some answers.<br><br>I sat beside him and hugged him, kissing his hair, I squeezed maybe a tiny bit too hard. But you know? I'm concerned okay? It's not everyday that your father is shot by hoodlums.<br><br><strong>"Well, that employee you chewed out on the phone turned out to be more pissed at you than you were at him..."</strong> I joked, <strong>"Be straight with me, Josh. I want to know what this is all about. And who the heck <em>El Hombre</em> is out there,"</strong> I jerked a thumb at the door. I'd not mentioned our personal security but wondered if Josh would know who I meant.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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