To Love a Killer

History Lesson

"Natalia, it was lovely to be with you once more," said a faceless stranger. I tried to reach out to him, but the voice was fading away. 

"No, no, wait!" I screamed, wanting him to stay longer. But the shadowy figure disappeared as the beams of light shone through. 

"No, wait!" I cried, but my fingers caught only air. I woke up, alone in my bed. I turned to see if the stranger would still be waiting here for me, but he was gone. I was sure he was male. But he seemed so...different. Not like anyone in our Sect. 

On the way to class again, I saw the fan girl, Sakura, but she wasn't walking with her usual fan club. Instead, there was a tall figure beside her. Someone new that I had never seen before. I laughed gently, knowing that there was no fighting me. Like hundreds of others, he, too, would learn who is the best fighter.

 "Class, we have a guest today. A guest that will stay and train with us," chirped our instructor. The boy next to Sakura stood up, and as he did, I felt something I shouldn't have. He seemed...warm. Nothing like glitter in the air, but I felt a rush of affection towards the boy that I did not know. 

"Please welcome Gantetsu," said Sakura. She was holding his arm gently, and was smiling. I felt a surge of jealousy. 

"As you know Gantetsu is a...exchange student from the Kage Sect. Hikaru from our own Sangria sect had been sent to the Kage. Gantetsu, you do know the story of our people?" asked the teacher. He nodded, but the instructor continued anyway. "Class, please take our your books and turn to page 1."

Eager to read the story once more, the students flipped their pages. Claude volunteered to read the story. I rolled my eyes, irritated. Any story that was read by Claude sounds like a child story. "Once, the Sangria and the Kage Sect were one. A group of well-known assassins and ninjas joined together to form one group. It was briefly known as the Order of Shadow. The students in both Sects are a mix of assassins and ninjas, all originating from the Order of Shadow. The Order had a powerful leader. But he, or she, made a deal with a demon. Power for the Order in exchange for a human host. The demon controlled our former leader, and led the Order into desctruction. The Order split into two, the Sangria and the Kage. Both Sects had ninjas and assassins, to balance things out. But there was still conflict. To stop the bloodshed, both Sects agreed that every decade, the best fighter from both Sects would fight each other. The victorious would lead his or her Sect to victory, and have the honor of assassinating our traitorous leader."

"The last time, the Sangria Sect claimed victory. We honor brave Sturm, who brought honor, but perished in the hunt for the the traitor. After nine years, there will be another competition on who receives honor," cried the instructor. I heard Gantetsu snort slightly, and I frowned. He really thought that he would be able to defeat me? I sniggered. The instructor started again."Gantetsu, this is where you show what you have learned all these years in the Kage Sect. From today, you will find have to find a way to defeat our assassin, Natalia!" 

He turned to me, and as his eyes met mine, I saw a burst of color fly throughout the room. I admit, I have never felt so...attached to a person before. His posture and strict face...it was undeniably attractive. I stood up, ready to face this mystery boy. No matter how good-looking he was, his skills could not be as perfect. 

I struck first, thinking that he would not be able to counter it. My arm was blocked by his, and he used this opportunity to kick. I caught it just in time, and swung around, trying to strike him once more. It was again blocked. This went on again and again. I could feel the stares of my classmates, amazed that this stranger was as skilled as me. I struck harder and quicker, but the boy was able to keep up. I was amazed. Nobody before came even close to beating me. We eventually called it a draw when the class ended. I couldn't believe it. 

Well, I could depend on Claude to make sure the whole school knew of this match. Everybody gave Gantetsu respect and awed glances. The boy who was able to keep up with Natalia. It was obvious that Gantetsu was a ninja. His fighting style I vaguely recognized. I was an assassin. Very similar, but I always worked alone. I thought about that match Gantetsu and I were about to go in. Assassins and ninjas were both all about stealth, so I would have to work on my skills. 

"Hey Natalia, great match! Gantetsu is the perfect counter for you!" chirped a voice beside me. It was Claude. Why could he not see that I preferred to be alone? I didn't want company from him, at least. I peeked ahead and saw Gantetsu, but then Sakura talking to him. It made me more sad than angry inside. 

"Look Claude, I don't have time for this," I said, and made my way home.