April 03, 1410

Ray woke up, he got up, and went through his drawers, he tried to keep his mind off the fact it was the day he had to attack the village, he mind went to Eda, and what his master told him.

{Master Senya said you already completed two missions, I wonder what kind of battle it was, did you struggle a lot? Or did you manage to kill them easily? I know I can't trust the words of the newspaper since it lied about our village… No matter what it takes I will survive. I will see you again Eda.}

Ray put the clothes back into the drawer, and headed downstairs. Ray briefly saw Viola go into the study room. He went into the room. The study was finally clean, all the books lined up neatly on the shelves, Viola turned around, and smiled at Ray.

"Hey, good morning, today is finally the day." Viola said.

"Yeah, can't wait." Ray said sarcastically.

"Come sit down, let’s talk."

Ray sat in front of her, his hands on hips, Viola sat down, she had on her usual clothing, her hair tied up, in a knot.

"What did you want to talk about?" Ray asked.

"I really don't have anything in mind, so if there is anything you want to talk about feel free." Viola said.

Ray took a minute to think, and finally came up with something.

"Was it ever hard for you, you know killing innocents?" Ray asked.

"No, I didn't have a problem killing them."

"Why didn't you?"

"I basically grew up a hybrid, hated by the people, but as long as I had my brother, I was fine, we were happy, and then… I lost him. The most important thing in the world to me, it broke something in me. From then on killing knights, or innocents it didn't matter, as long as the job was done."

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear about your brother."

{That wasn't the answer I was expecting.}

"Listen Ray we all have our issues, if you do meet the other hybrids, you will see how different they are. Some don't care, some try to avoid it, and others try to cause as much damage as possible, going out of their way to cause harm. You have to find your own reason for doing this, and not just because of your sister, I don't think you were trying to save only your sister's life that night."

"What?"

Viola rustled Ray's hair. "Don't worry, you still have time to figure it out, but I do hope you can make it back, I'll be sure to watch you."

"But you can't help right?" Ray asked.

"No, that is one of our strict codes we have to follow, especially someone at my strength. At the end of the day we have to look out for ourselves, we can't put ourselves in danger for the sake of others."

Ray, and Viola hear steps coming from upstairs, they look at each other, knowing it was Vincent, they both step out of the study room, and waited for him to come down, as he came through the door, Vincent hair was a mess, he only had baggy clothes, he yawn when he look at them, Viola couldn’t help but do the same.

“Good, you are already awake, let's discuss what you are going to do, meet me at the kitchen table, Viola can you bring a map of the village.”

“Sure.”

“Thank you, fresh-blood, get the table ready.”

“Ok.”

They both went to do as they were told, Vincent made himself hot tea, and joined the two at the table, Vincent quickly looked at the map, and grabbed some spare coins from his pocket, placing eleven coins around the map.

“Alright, these are patrolling routes for the day, if you're lucky you might be able to kill them before anyone notices, and start ringing the bells, though try to get at least seven kills, ok.”

Ray nodded his head, looking at the coins, and which they were at.

“Viola will give you a mask later, before you start your mission, the most important here, is that you never take that mask off, you can’t control your facial features, yet, so if you take it off, or someone manages to pry it off you, then it over, for the three of us, understand.” Vincent warned.

{Ok, so that's why Eda had a mask on the paper, she was covering her identity too.}

“Yes, I won’t let it happen.” Ray said.

“Good, if the worst comes to pass, and you fail, Viola will kill you, and erase your body, that’s if you don’t die first.”

“Good to know.” Ray said, under his breath.

“When do you plan to head out?” Viola asked.

“Well I want to kill them quietly, and quickly, so I’ll do it after sunset.” Ray said

“Alright, in ten hours you finally start your mission, Viola are you ready to watch over him?” Vincent said.

“Yes, I’ll like to visit the village just to be safe before Ray starts his mission, you know.” Viola said.

“That’s fine.” Vincent said.

“What will you be doing Vincent?” Ray asked.

“I’ll be in the middle of the village as well, when the bells eventually start ringing, during that, I’ll gather as many villagers as I can, and lead them out of the village, in case we run into each other, be sure to ignore me.” Vincent said.

“Won’t that raise some question, you know if he kills other villagers but leaves you alone, you do know how important you are to the village, he could use you as a hostage?” Viola said.

“No, I won’t be useful, I need the villagers to be able to trust me, when it comes to a crisis, so if by chance we do run to each other, make sure to ignore me, and leave the area as fast as you can.” Vincent said.

“Ray nodded his head.

“Alright I guess that is everything, is there anything else that you need?” Vincent said, as he was drinking his tea.

“No, I got everything I need,” Ray said.

“Well I’ll be back, I need to finish Ray’s gift after all.” Viola said, as she started heading out the door.

Vincent, and Ray, sat in silence, while Viola left. After a couple of minutes Vincent broke the silence and spoke.

“Alright, what do you want?” Vincent said.

“I talked to Viola about it, and was wondering about you as well.”

“Wondering about what?”

“When you first started killing people, was it hard for you to accept?” Ray asked.

“No, humans regardless of what they are, knights, or innocents don’t matter to me, I just want to live an easy simple life.” Vincent answered.

“And you think being a hybrid will allow you to do that.”

Vincent shrugged his shoulders. “Well when I was a human, I was homeless, begging for money, or food. I was starving constantly, and now look at me. Wealthy, power, a longer lifespan, and what do I have to do to gain it. Kill some people, and get stronger, I’ll take that deal again, and again. Becoming a hybrid was the best thing that could happen to me. And once we take down the pillars, I will finally be a free man.”

“What if you die before then?”

“Then I don’t have to worry about it anymore, it really is not that complicated, I want a simple life, and I took the easiest way to get to it.”

“If I survive until the end, what should I do?” Ray asked.

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“Whatever you want, if you have the strength, to back it up, you live, or whatever you want.”

“I only want to live a peaceful life, with my sister.” Ray said.

“Since the both of you are still new to this, don’t get too optimistic that the both of you will be able to survives this until the end, after all, there are countless hybrids who tried doing what you and your sister are trying to do, what makes the both of you different from the others?”

“I’m not sure, but as long as she is alive, I’ll be sure to try my best to survive as well, I made a promise to her, after all.” Ray said.

“You're going to need more than that.” VIcnet said.

“I’m still looking for it.” Ray said.

“Tell me fresh-blood, what was going through your mind, when you killed those knights, the day I found you.”

Ray rubbed his palm, unsure how to answer. “When I killed those knights, the only thing that was going through my mind was my mentor, while he was in a pool of blood. I also remembered feeling nothing but anger, but after everything was done, I felt disgusted with what I did.”

“I’m sure you will get used to it, the more missions you do, the more people you will kill. You don't really notice when you stop caring about that, after a few kills, you just have to accept that part of you will die, you struggle with it, sure. But it needs to happen, if you are going to make it out of this alive.” Vincent said.

“I’ll make sure it won’t affect my work.”

“You sure act like it, when I found you, you acted like nothing had happened, as if killing those knights was just another ordinary day for you.” Vincent said. “In a way, you remind me of Rita, how the both of you started believing that only killing your target is enough. Who would have thought her becoming that strong, even stronger than me.” Vincent said.

“Did the two of you work together?” Ray asked.

“Yeah, she was my first partner, who knows after this mission, or after a couple your master might assign you someone to work with.”

“Hopefully we get along.”

“Ha! knowing you, I’m sure you’ll argue all the time, just make sure not to follow his orders all the time”

“I won’t, I only take orders from master Senya, or whoever is in charge of me.” Ray said.

“Well make sure that isn’t all you do,” Vincent said.

“What do you mean?” Ray asked.

“Nevermind, let me ask you, what would you do if you found out your sister died during one of her missions?”

“I’ll find the person who killed her, and kill them.” Ray quickly answered.

“You answered quickly, at least you won’t do something foolish, I’m sure your master will let you know if anything happens to your sister.”

“I really hope so.”

“Well I’ll be in my room, let me know when Viola comes back.” Vincent said, as he left the table with his tea.

Ray stood up, and went into the study room, taking the map with him. He studies it, trying to remember as much as he can, until Viola finally comes back.

After a couple of hours, there was a knock at the door. Ray went and opened the door, he saw Viola, she was holding a black bag over her shoulder, Ray moved out of the way to let her in.

“Sorry it took so long, just had to finish your gift.”

“My gift?” Ray said.

Viola put down the bag, and reached into it, pulling out an oval shaped object that was wrapped, and handed it to Ray.

“Here you go, hopefully it lasts you for a while.” Viola said.

Ray grabbed the gift, and tear off the wrap. It was a silver oval shaped mask, with two holes in the eyes. The front had one red line, The red line started from the bottom left crossing the left eye hole, and stopping at the top of the right eye hole.

“Go on, try it on.” Viola said.

Ray turned the mask around and saw three back trips, he put the mask over his face, and settled it, his eyes were the only thing that can be seen through the mask.

“How is it, can you breathe ok?” Viola asked.

Ray nodded his head, the mask felt smooth on his skin, he tapped on the mask.

“What is this made of?” Ray asked.

The outside is made with metal, while the inside is made with a layer of wood, so it will be easier to wear.

“Oh your back.” Vincent spoke out on top of the stairs.

Ray, and Viola, look up at him. Vincent looks at Ray with wide eyes.

“It looks nice, how does it feel?” Vincent said, as he went down the stairs.

“I like it.” Ray said.

“Do you have his clothings as well?” Vincent asked Viola.

“Yes, I got everything right here,” Viola said, turning towards the bag on the floor. She reached in and took a smaller bag out of the black bag, and handed it to Ray.

“What’s this?” Ray said.

“The clothing you will be wearing when you leave for your mission, it will cover mostly everything, your hair, your arms, and legs. So the knights will have a tough time knowing where your mark is.” Viola said.

“Should I try it on?” Ray asked.

“Yeah, go to your room, and make sure the blinds are covering the widows.” Vincent said.

Ray looked inside the bag, every clothing was black, Ray took off the mask and put it in the bag. He went upstairs to go change. He covered the windows, The black clothing covered most of his body. The shirt was a hoodie, that went below his waist almost reaching his knees. Ray looked at himself in the mirror, and put on the mask.

{Wow, so this is what a hybrid is supposed to look like, man the only thing they would be able to see is my eyes, oh right! the hoodie.}

Ray covered his hair with the hoodie making sure none of his hair stood out, and called for Vincent, and Viola. They knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Ray said.

Viola opened the door, and went in, with Vincent behind her, Ray spread his arms, and showed them.

“Not bad fresh-blood, it doesn’t bother you?” Vincent said.

“No, it’s good.” Ray said.

“You sure, it's not too tight anywhere?” Viola asked.

“I’m fine, it fits me.” Ray said.

“Alright if you say so, now we wait until you have to start, you ready.”

“Ready, as I will be.”

“Good, don’t forget Viola will make sure to watch over your mission, so you better keep in mind the rules I set for you.” Vincent said.

“Yes, Viola, will you be wearing something like this?” Ray said.

“Yes, though I will be wearing a mask, I don’t like changing my facial features, it feels weird to me.” Viola said.

{Oh right, I forgot we can do that, huh if a person changes their gender they also get that? Should I ask? No, that’ll be weird.}

“You ok Ray? You have a weird look on your face?” Viola said.

“Yes, sorry about that, I was thinking about something.” Ray said.

“Alright then, I’ll be in the study room, Viola will join me, Ray, it’s best if you hang back just in case.” Vincent said.

“Right.” Ray said, as he close the door behind them, after undressing he sat down on the bed, he look at the clock, he had five more hours until his mission started, he laid on the bed, he stood up and grab the mask that was on top of the clothes, but it slip out of his hand, and into the floor. Ray carefully reached for it.

{Who would have thought, I wonder what uncle Oliver will say if he finds out about us, wait wouldn’t he already know because my name is already in the paper, no. My name is kinda common. He probably thinks I died with the rest of the village, what are the chances that one of the knights that came from the destroyed villages has a nephew that has turned into a hybrid. Uncle Oliver, and Jose, Dennis, and Rick. I hope we don’t meet them.}

After staying in his bed for a few hours Ray heard his name being called from downstairs. He put on his clothes and went downstairs, where Viola was waiting for him, and Vincent was putting on a jacket.

“Alright fresh-blood you start in two hours, I will be in the village in the meantime, I’ll be sure to be on the other side of the village when you begin your attack, if we are lucky we shouldn’t even cross paths, Viola will leave an hour later to meet up with me, to be seen with, after that she will quickly head back home, and change and wait for you to start, if you have any question this is your last time to asked them.” Vincent said.

“...Nothing comes to mind, I’ll be ok.” Ray said.

“Ok, be sure to do your mission, and…. goodbye.” Vincent said, as he held out his hand towards Ray.

Ray grabbed it and shook it.

“I’ll be sure to come back in one piece.” Ray said.

Vincent nodded his head, and headed out the door. Ray and Viola stood in silence for a couple of minutes before Ray broke it.

“So you’ll be leaving in an hour?”

“Yes, it is better if we are seen to attract less attention towards ourselves, it is a good thing I don’t live near the village, so when the bells do go off, I can pretend I was asleep during the attack.” Viola said.

“You know the whole time I was here I never visited your home.” Ray said.

“Alright let's change that, if you do come back I’ll be sure to prepare your favorite meal of deer, and give you a tour of my house, deal?”

“Deal.” Ray said.

They waited for an hour to pass, and as soon as it did, Viola got ready to head out.

“Ok, so I’ll be in the village for around forty minutes, and head to change, I will be wearing a clothing similar to yours, once you killed Sierra, and killed the ones that manage to attack you, I will pick you up, and head into the woods, so we can pretend to escape but actually head here, and drop you off, and then head back to my place, understand?” Viola said.

“Yes, be careful out there.” Ray said.

Viola smiles at him, and ruffles his hair.

“Be sure to survive ok, I plan on keeping my end of the deal, you should too.”

“I will survive no matter what.” Ray said.

“Good, goodbye Ray.”

“Goodbye Viola.”

Ray closed the door behind her, and headed back to his room, and sat on the bed, looking at the clothing, and the mask that were on the table in his room.

As the hour was approaching he looked out every window he could, double checking nobody was around, he headed back into the room and change. he put the mask at his side, and went out the back door, quickly heading into the woods. Ready to start his mission.