The Choosing

The Final Test

I bit my lower lip nervously as the scenery changed once more. I blinked once in surprise, suddenly in a crowded human city. I quickly hid my weapons, rubbing my palms off on my jeans. I knew exactly what this was testing. My ability to resist and blend in with the people around me.

Luckily, human relations had been a favorite subject of mine in highschool. I quickly plastered a small smile on my face, brushing past those around me slightly. The smell of blood was easy for me to block out, as my genes weren't fully vampire.

I kept walking, letting my nose lead me. A comman place for humans to go to were malls and coffee shops. I could smell beans being brewed not far from me so I picked up my pace slightly, patting my back pocket to sure my wallet with human currency was still there. Just as I reached back I felt it being whisked out of my pocket.

I turned around quickly. Of course they'd add a twist. A young man in his twenties started sprinting away from me, my wallet in his hands. I gritted my teeth and chased after him.

I kept at his heels, not losing sight of him for a second. Occasionally his figure would disappear into the sea of people but his scent was still a giveaway. He smelled of smoke and dirt, as if he spent most of his life in the woods.

Finally he turned sharply, into a alley. I followed in after him, not slowing down. I wasn't like most characters from human movies. They'd offer them a chance to turn themselves over and the theif would play along then run off as soon as he got the chance.

My eyes bore into him, looking into his mind, but not prying too much. I didn't want to know the life details of any delinquent. I sprinted forward, taking advantage as he looked for a place to run off to. I grabbed his arm, twisting it behind his back. He let out a yelp of pain, my wallet slipping out of his fingers and about to hit the floor. With my other hand I snatched it out if the air, putting it back in my pocket then placing my hand under his chin so he couldn't try to yank his other arm away from me.

His heartbeat increased "P-please, let me go. I won't bother you again!" His voice seeped with pain as I squeezed his wrist between my index finger and thumb. "Why shouldn't I turn you in? You might not pester me, but you'd probably rob someone else the first chance you got.."

"I-I swear on my life, I won't steal again!" I retracted the arm under his chin but kept my other hand at his wrist. "I have no faith in your word. You lie as easily as you breathe..." He flinched "You know, your really upbeat. Always seeing the best in people". Sarcasm. I grit my teeth "You're one to talk, theif"

He finally sighed and lifted  his hand. I immediately prepared to defend myself from a posssible strike but he just chuckled. "You see this ring. My mother gave it to me. I'll give it to you as a sort of keepsake. I don't steal, and you keep it safe. If I do, you can destroy it." I gave him a skeptical look "Destroying a piece of metal would have no effect on you" At this he gave me a grin "Trust me, it will, princess, though you might not believe so" "Don't call me that!" I huffed and slipped the ring off his finger with my free hand and clutched it, letting go of him .

He immediately stepped back, but stayed still for a while "You are dangerous, princess, making one give up their deadly weakness with just a sentence" he muttered softly before sprinting off.

The sun grew around me until I was swallowed completely. The light dimmed again and I was back in the throne room. I blinked multiple times, before finally registering the kings face. But something was wrong. His expression was one of shock. I frowned deeply. Had I done something wrong?

Before I had time to ponder that thought he stood, face now bright and grinning "Well, that was stunning. Spectacular. Marvelous even. I knew you were special!" My eyebrows furrowed, expression now one of confusion "E-Excuse me?"

The king walked over, clapping me on the back, soldiers hovering over him. "Of course you aren't aware yet! Silly me! You're a neutral!"

My mouth gaped as the word left his mouth "I am?!" A guard shot me a dirty look so I reclaimed my non-expressive attitude and bowed slightly. "It is a honor, your majesty."

He grinned and sat back down "I will send a guard to retrieve you later so you can choose your mission partner and place of dispatchment." I nodded then turned as one of his men stepped forward and led me out. Since I'd taken the test successfully I was now considered a adult. I would live on my own until I chose the region I'd like to work in. Then I would be assigned a place to stay.

He came to a stop in front of one of the many doors down the hallway then gave me  a silver key before promptly walking away.

I glanced up, memorizing the number. Seventy-four. I placed the small key in the lock and twisted it, the door creaking open.

I stepped inside quickly. Despite how the door's creak sounded, the room seemed up to date and as if it had been cleaned that evening.

Once I located the closet (Which had been stocked with clothing) and bathroom I prepared a bath.

I set my weapons on a dresser and tugged my hoody off and put my wallet over it before heading to the bathroom

I stood in front of the mirror for a second before meeting my own gaze. My eyes held a look of determination I planned on keeping.

From today forward I will stay strong. My old life ends and a new one begins. I unclenched my hands which had balled up into fists before turning away. I had to prepare for tonight's events

~Timeskip~

I tied up my long hair before heading to my closet and opening it. A variety of clothes laid inside, all with tags. I pulled out a nice pair of black jeans and a burgundy semi-formal shirt with ruffles. It would have to do.

I closed the door and walked over to the dresser and opened a jewelry box. Honestly, they thought of everything. I pulled out a simple gold chain with a red stone and put it on.

I glanced in the mirror sighed, putting my hair down. It was kept long, reaching just beyond my bottom, and a pain to brush.

I braided it to the side with a twist before grabbing a pair of red vans and putting them on. Just then there was a knock. Right on time.

I grabbed my wallet and tucked my dagger into pocket discreetly before opening the door and smiling. I could do this.