Blaniana's POV

I had woke up and got ready this morning, today was the day. Today I was going to get tested on to see my capabilities of an assassin and what kind can I be. Sadly I have to sacrifice the one thing to identify myself as a boy; my long dark hair. As much as I hate to see it cut short I must, I go to the kitchen where my mother was waiting for me. I stood up straight and took a deep breathe as I sat down on the chair.

Mother looked at me, "Are you sure you want to cut your hair?" she asks as she brushes my hair.

I nodded, "Its for the best, it will grow back soon," I assured her. She nodded and got out the blade. She had soaked my hair and washed it. She started at the ends and worked her way up to the roots of my hair. I looked down as I saw large strands of hair falling from my head. I sighed and wanted this to be over.

An hour later she stops, "All done, let me rinse out your hair and you can see what it looks like." Mother said as she rinsed off the access hair.

After my mother rinsed off my hair, I towel dried it and went to the bathroom. I looked at the mirror and saw my short hair. My bangs were still intact and I had almost looked like a boy. I go to the kitchen to see that my mother was brooming the floor to get the hair. "Thank you mother for this," I thanked her.

She smiled and nod, "Where's father?" she points up to the roof. "He is waiting for you," she said, cleaning. I nodded and kissed her cheek. "I will be back soon," I said as I headed out the door.

I had climbed to the roof as I met my father. I had put on my mask and hood, my father turned around and saw me and my new haircut. He nodded in approval, "That should do," I nodded.

"Where is the Secret Council?" I asked him. He hands me my sword, "It's hidden in the forest, not far from here. I had got us or horses to make it there faster." he points to the horses. "You know how to ride, don't you?" he asks.

I nodded, "Yes father, I know how to ride, let's go," I said as I jumped off the roof and landed. I got onto my horse and waited for father. Father joined me right after and took the lead.

We were riding on a dirt road as we approached the forest. We were met by two men as we stopped.

One of the men went up to my father, "Augustus, its been too long my friend," he greeted.

"To you as well, my old friend," My father chuckled. The other guy went up to the man, 'I guess that's his son,' I thought.

"This is my son, Grey," the man pats his son on the back. My eyes widen in surprise, 'No this can't be! ' I yelled inside my head.

My father nods, "This is my son, Blaine," he introduced me. I nodded and greeted to him.

"Nice to meet you lad, I'm Jacob Smith, but everybody calls me Smith," He said.

"Its an honor to meet you Smith," I said in a low tone.

He nods in approval "I see you have taught him some manners, think you can teach my lad?" he pats Grey on the back. "He has been a handful and does not know how to respect women if you know what I mean," he winked.

I rolled my eyes and they laughed, "You were in his shoes not that long ago Smith," he chuckled.

Smith nodded chuckling, "The truth you speak yes," he moves aside, "The council is waiting for you, good luck." Smith encouraged me.

I nod and thanked him as I rode my horse through the dark forest, Grey looked at me and smirked. I shook my head I looked at my father, "So the test starts when you get into the forest, unfortunately I cannot go in with you. You will face five tests, just like the training." He said patting my back.

"The council will meet you inside," he said. I nodded and rode my horse into the dark forest.

*
One person was wearing a robe, it was more of a monk's dressing.

The Camouflage Test- Day 3

The person greeted, "I am Sernin, Assassin of Disguise and Camouflage," he greets.

I greeted myself, "Blaine Blacksin, Son of Augustus Blacksin."

The assassin nods, "Get off your horse as I tell you further instruction." He commanded. I followed his command and got off my steed, holding the reign. "Now, you will leave your horse here at the end of this test." I nodded and tied the reign to the tree nearby.

I walked up to the assassin and waited for further commands, he looked at me unimpressed, "Very good I guess," he said nonchalantly. "Let's carry on with the test," he turned his back to me as he started walking through the forest.

Following his path I looked around carefully, being aware of my surroundings however not showing that I was cautions. "Very observant, aren't you young one?" Sernin asked, looking back as he cocked an eyebrow.

"You can say that sir," I replied lowly, not showing any sign of sincerity of that was true.

"Good manners, hard for any boy to have and to learn," Sernin sighed before he complemented. "Though a boy can learn how to strike, that simply cannot learn a proper way to greet a lady without flirting,"

'For a boy,' I thought. 'I guess my mothers advice and slaps on the back had taught me a thing of two,'

"Now that were here," Sernin said, interrupting my thoughts. "Your job is to hide, but at the same time find the five disguised and camouflaged assassins,"

I looked at him puzzled, not understanding the whole concept. He looked at me, "Is there a problem, Mr. Blacksin?" he asked a bit annoyed.

"Not a problem, but a question sir," I stated to him, he nodded to go on. "I don't quite understand the goal of this test." I started, "How does one hide then catch one's hiding when others have you on each side?" I asked him.

He smiled, "A very good question, but the answer is right in front of you," he answered. I tilted my head in confusion.

"You are an assassin Blacksin, assassins learn varieties on how to reach their destination or goal. How you can pass I cannot say, but you will find a way."

I sighed, nodding at his answer, "Thank you for your answer,"

Sernin nodded in approval, "Now your test will begin once you'll hear or see a flock of birds headed east, good luck," he said as he faded in the shadows in the forest.

Looking around my surroundings, I close my eyes and take a deep breath. The sound of the sway of trees, the grass brushing against the wind, I focus on what Sernin said to me.

' the answer is right in front of you'

'You are an assassin Blacksin, assassins learn varieties on how to reach their destination or goal.'

I focused and listened closely to the surroundings as get ready to move.

'Your job is to hide, but at the same time find the five disguised and camouflaged assassins,'

To hide and to catch—That's it!

The first moment I heard the flock, I run to the middle of the forest. I finally know how to do this, time to show off!

Grey POV

We were at one of the secret chambers they would use for meetings and private conversations. My father, Blaniana's dad and I were looking down at the forest to observe "Blaine's" skills, this one in particular. 

Camouflage and capture

One of the hard tests out of the five other than sword fighting on a plank, parkour onto tall buildings and trees, and hiding in disguise in a crowded city while following a destination. 

Though this one will be the hardest she will ever go through, but I'm interested on how she will get through. 

I see her, her eyes closed as peaceful as she could be, what is she doing?

"That's it Blaine, just focus," her father said. 

I look back to her and see her aura show a beautiful crimson red, "Woah..." I breathed out. 

"Wow indeed, tell me Augustus, when did he learn he possessed this power?" My father asked. 

"Just yesterday, isn't that crazy? The though of the test today probably triggered him to figure it out by now." My father nods in understanding.

"What I expected from a great assassin," he gave Augustus a cheeky grin. 

"You are also an excellent assassin also Smith, look at your son!" I broke my gaze to Blainianna, looking towards him. He continued "Your son has grown the last time I have saw him, has he passed the test?" 

"With flying colors sir," I informed. "I believe that your son will passed this test, now, the test is about to start," he said with a bit of excitement. They both smiled and looked over to the forest, it was surrounded by a wall camouflaged along with a few pillars which are the the chambers we are in. 

I watch over to her then I see the crows flock at the corner of my eye then she immediately ran out to the center of the forest. She runs and leaps to tree to tree until she stopped. She sat in the middle of the grass field and closed her eyes. She stood still peacefully as the find blew away the bangs from her face. 

"What is she doing?" I said to myself, I then bit my tongue on what I said, I'm such a fool.

"What was that Grey?" My father asked. I acted quick. 

"I mean, why would he just be sitting there doing nothing?" I recovered. 

"Yes, son, I wonder what he would be planning? Augustus?" he turns to him, Augustus scratched his beard lightly in frustration. 

"I'm afraid I don't know, I have a theory what he might be thinking," he admitted, we nod to continue. He sighs, "He will listen to any sound to where he's at if he is calm and quiet. He may even listen to our conversation right about now," 

My eyes widen in surprise, I look to her, "You are full of surprises aren't you sweetheart?" I whispered to myself, only I can here. 

Blainiana's eyes still shut, but then a sudden blush appeared on her cheeks, I chuckled silently. 

"Looks like one of the assassins are getting near him," my father said, I looked around and saw one just a few yards back.

"He's trying to lure them to him," Augustus said lowly. "He believes that if he is able to get all of them at once, then it will be an easy capture," 

I nodded, not bad idea I can say. I looked to her again and saw another one, even closer to her. "A risky yet smart trick he has up his sleeve," I commented.

Augustus nods, looking to her again, "And the other one is far away from where he is at, I still wonder how she will get them all at the same time?" My father said. 

I watch her carefully, both of the assassins were in her reach she just had to move or else...

'Just move damn it!' 

She shot open her eyes and attacked, she was quick as the white strike of lightning as she tripped one of the assassins then kicked them in the gut. Then as the other assassin slashes her in the arm, she doesn't let it stop her and took out her sword and clashed blades. 

Now I understood it all; She defeated the first assassin and sacrificed a wounded arm to the second one and attacks to keep him occupied and waiting for the third one. She had it the easy way while I had to do it the hard way. 

Getting back into thought, I saw her occupying the second as the third assassin came into the area, still hidden in plain sight. I saw a refection of metal as I look closer, my eyes widen. "Well, looks like the tables had turned," I said, as I saw the third assassin with a bow, aiming at her. 

My father looks towards my direction causing her father to look also, "Well, let us see how this will end.."

Blainiana POV

Clashing metal to metal, dagger to sword, I was waiting for the third assassin. I was growing very impatient on waiting for the last one, the second one saw my hesitation. As we separated from our clash, fighting for God knows how long, I heard something...

It was faint, but enough that I caught the movement. I close my eyes yet again to hear...

I heard the second one inching to me hesitantly, but at a fast pace. Then I heard something stretch...in the trees... I scrunch my eyebrows in confusion.

Then, that's when I heard what it was! The stretch of the string was an arrow!

The second assassin charged fast, lunging towards me as the archer launched the arrow. I took a deep breath and shot open my eyes, then as quick as the wind, I grabbed the second assassins arm, where his dagger was being held. 

I turned and locked his arm to his back as the arrow hit him straight into the chest. Then, I quickly grabbed the dagger from his hand, holding him as a shield against the archer and threw the dagger to the archer's arm. 

I panted, laying the assassin on the ground softly as I sat on the soft grass field. I closed my eyes and calmed my heart rate, only focusing on my surroundings. Minutes passed by until I heard horses galloping from a distance, the assassins that were down stood up. I looked at them confused, but alert. My father, Smith, and Grey came by on their horses.

"Ease down son, they are not going to attack you," Smith said, patting my shoulder. 

I ease down as I looked over to them, "They're not dead?" I asked. 

Grey shakes his head, "They had padding under them, you would have to try 3x harder to kill them," he smirked. 

I huffed, "Like you actually could?" I asked him mockingly.

"Is that a challenge?" He grit his teeth. Smith patted his shoulder. 

"Now children, lets not start a fight now, especially since you son went through a test," Smith chuckled. "I'm still surprised you still have the energy to fight," 

"Me too," Grey smirked, I glared at him.

"Now, I have an idea. The test is a three-day assignment, so it won't hurt for them two to stay with each other." He smiled. 

My eyes widen at the idea as Grey smiled, "That's a good idea father, I would like to more about Blaine and soon become his accomplice," he smiled to me. 

I turned to my father, hoping he could save the day for me, "That would be a great idea Smith, let them know each other for a while before they kill each other," They both laugh at the idea.

I looked at him with surprised look, what the heck is he thinking?!

Grey wrapped his arm around my shoulder, "I have a feeling tonight will be fun," he grinned. 

I gulped, mother if you could only see me now....father's kisses can't even hold down your rage of this...

*****Cliff hanger****

SIKE!!!! I have been letting you guys wait for so long, I'm not going to torture you anymore. So, let me continue the story just a bit****

Blainiana POV

"Grey, why won't you show Blaine here where your quarters are while I catch up with his old man," Smith grinned as we were in the quarters building. 

The quarter's building was a little walk from the testing area, but we made it here in less time in horseback. 

"Says the one with two kids Smith," My father chuckled. Two kids? 

Grey nodded and motioned to follow him, "Follow me," he said, I nodded and followed him down the hall.

Once we were going down another hall, unseen, I sighed and put down my mask, but not my hood yet. He went up to the room and opened the door leading me in. 

I looked around, examining the quarters as there were two separate twin beds with a little nightstand. I felt a hand on my hood, but it was too late for me to smack it off. He had pulled my hood down, showing my short hair and face. "Such a shame, I liked your long, raven hair," he said as he ran the tip of his finger on the edge of my bangs.

I grabbed his hand and forced it down, "I don't know what you're talking about Grey," I grit my teeth, "But do that next time or I'll-"

"Do what exactly? May I remind you that I had passed the test?" He interrupted as he caught my hand on my sword I was going to take out. 

"Part of the test, Grey, that still doesn't mean you're the best at all," I retorted, "and as I said, do that next time and your pretty little fingers will be nothing, but bones to the wolves," I released his hand from my grip and sighed. 

He had his grip on my hand to my sword and looked at me intently, then he leaned his forehead to mine, causing my face to burn up. I tried to push him off me, "What are you doing-" he caught my hand and pulled me closer so that his chin was resting upon my head as my face was against his chest. 

We were both in silence, so quiet I heard his breathing and heartbeat. He kissed the top of my head and ran his hand down the nape of my neck, causing me to shiver from his touch. 

He sighed, feeling his warm air through my hair as he looked at me with his dark eyes, "It's been so long yet, you have grown beautiful since I last saw you back then," he said quietly. 

I looked at him, Back then? When we were children? I tried to recall the time I had met him in childhood. 

"Don't grow up too much," I said, trying to remember him back then on what he said, "or else I won't be able to swing you around if you do," I looked up to him to meet his widen eyes, "That's what you said, right?"

Grey slightly smiled and enveloped me in his embrace, "I told you not to grow up," he chuckled softly. I couldn't help but smile as I returned the gesture.

He sighed and separated from the embrace, "Get ready for tomorrow, the test will be much harder if you don't get enough rest." he said, patting my head. 

I took off my cloak and folded it on the side of my bed, "Why is that?" I asked, taking off my gloves. 

He smirked, "Let's say you're going to be 'jumping over' to get to your destination." 

"Yes!" I whispered yelled, then I got myself ready for tomorrow and got ready to sleep.

****And that's it! Sorry to keep you guys waiting, I was going to write all parts but to let you guys wait that long, I wanted to publish separate parts so you guys can stop waiting. 

What do you think about them two~? Please vote, comment and follow!!!

~B