I threw my backpack at the backseat and hopped into my red E350 convertible cabriolet. I put my hands on the steering wheel and gave out a sigh. Oh how I love my car. When I was out looking for a car, Fidget ran to this car. And I knew this was the one. After a few jobs, I could finally afford this car. It's sleek figure, lovely red color, powerful motor, it was like love at first sight.

Fidget hopped on the door and landed on the seat next to me. I tossed him a piece of beef jerky. He ate it in a couple of bites, then curled up to take a nap.

I scoffed, "You're going to make me drive alone, Fidge? Fine, but I'm playing the radio."

I looked to my right, and I saw the Hollywood sign. It still stands proudly on the mountain side. America is so different, it's America's Medieval period. What's with all this medieval thing going around?

The president had the thought that's it's best to rule the land from before. Conquer lands and so on, with that he had his family become the royal family. The title of President is passed down to father to the first born son. The title currently is held to Samuel Nicholson, his great grandfather was the one who thought of this medieval thing. President Samuel's title will be passed down to his son Austin, he's I think a year older than me, 20.

I arrived at LAX and went into the parking lot. I'm puting my car in the long-term parking facility. I rubbed Fidget's head and he slowly woked up. He climbed up my shoulder and yawned cutely. I put my car's roof up and locked the doors. I gave the guy my keys and payed him the amount for how long I was going to leave her, my car I meant. I headed into the airport. People were buzzing in and out the doors, going to place where they needed to go. It was total chaos. I hated it, that's why I never like the busy city. I think everything should be slow, people should take their time.

I sighed and bought Fidget's and my tickets.

"ID, please ma'm," the attendent said.

"Yeah sure." I handed her my ID.

She scanned it. "Melody Richards, you sound kind of familiar."

I chuckled nervously. "I get that a lot."

"Yes, yes I'm sure you do."

She returned my card and I gave me the tickets. If she put two and two together, Richardson to Richards she could have called in the police.

In case you were wondering, house-broken pets are allowed to sit in the plane if you have the money. I whistled a tune that came to my head, a slow and peaceful one. People who passed me started to slow down, become more calm. I smiled, I love it when I do this. I like to change people moods to happier ones, if people know what I did, they would thank me. If the knew who I was, they would hate me on the spot. 

I gave in our tickets and went into the terminal. Goodbye Los Angeles, hellooo Miami.

We arrived at about 6 p.m at Miami, Florida. I booked a 5-star hotel that's pretty close to the beach. I changed to some warmer clothes since it's late July. I changed into some denim short shorts and a grey cameo tank top with strappy gladiator sandals. I put my violin into it's felt violin case, and slung it over my shoulder.

"Ready to go, Fidge?"

Fidget stretched, and yipped. He climbed up me and sat on my shoulder, like he always does. 

I walked out of the hotel, heading for the beach. It's really hot, maybe I should have brought my swimsuit. I should probably go back to get it in my room.

"Miss!" Someone called me.

I turned and saw a mounted policeman come to me. He got off his horse and nodded to me. The police wore more protective armor like in the medieval time. But President Samuel didn't want the police to go bulking around in some heavy armor. So he had the armor made with a light, but strong material. And it was embroidered with the U.S.A colors.

He didn't wear his helmet, so he could show his short black hair. He was pretty handsome for an officer, about 21 or 22 I think.

He grinned gallantly at me. "Hello ma'm, the name's Sir Charles."

"Melody." I replied.

"Why that's a beautiful name," he took my hand and kissed it.

Ah, I see. He's only here to flirt with me. Fidget hopped to my shoulder and glared at the officer.

"What a cute pet." He said.

"Yes, well I should be going-"

"You seem to be a tourist, let me show you around."

"No thank you sir, I can manage."

Another officer came up to us and got off his horse.

He took off his helmet. He had slightly long blonde hair, he was kinda hot too. "Charlie, are you flirting with another girl, again?"

"I'm not flirting with her, I'm just offering some Miami's finest service." Sir Charles said. 

The officer laughed. "Sure you are."

Sir Charles went back to me. "So how about it? Let me show you the sights."

"No thank you, I don't need any service."

"But I insist ma'm," he persisted, stepping towards me.

I had to take a step back. "And I said no thank you."

"C'mon Charles, leave her alone."

"But I must have her change her mind."

By now I would have punch him, so he could leave me alone. But you can't do that to an officer. Stupid rules. I have to be very polite about this.

He grabbed my hand, "Come, let me show you-"

I slapped my hand away from his. "I'm sorry, but I have to refuse."

He was about to take my hand again, but a long rod pushed his hand away from me.

The rod was actually a sword scabbard, the case that holds a sword, that was attached to the guys belt. He was facing with his back towards us. He held his scabbard to keep Sir Charles' hand away from me.

He slightly looked behind him, looking at Sir Charles. "I'm sorry officer, but the girl said no. Can't you take a hint?"

Sir Charles snapped back to reality and glared at him. He then grabbed the guy's scabbard.

"Officer, could you please let go of my property?" the guy asked calmly.

"No, now tell me who you are."

"I'm just a passing citizen who happened to see a damsel in distress."

"As you can see she isn't, now you may go."

"I'd rather not, the girl seems to still be in distress. By you."

"The only thing she's scared about is your sword. Why do you carry a weapon?"

"For self-defense, of course."

"Do I have a permit?"

"Ask yourself that, before asking me, officer."

I snorted, he was playing smart on the officer. He wouldn't show-off a weapon when he didn't have a permit right in front of the police.

"How dare you play smart on me."

"How dare you touch my property," the guy mocked.

Finally giving up, Sir Charles let go of the sword.

The guy turned around and had a grin on his face.

Fidget hissed at him, as if he hated him at the first sight of him. But I don't know why, he was so... hot. He was about 2 or 3 inches taller than me, about the same height as Sir Charles, who's probably 5'9". He had short brown hair and had this messy look. His hair is cut short on the sides and back, the front is longer with razored ends. He had sky blue eyes, that had this mischievous glint in them. He was wearing black jeans and a red plaid short sleeve shirt with a t-shirt of some logo, despite the heat. He was a swordsman, but he carried two swords. One was strapped to his side, and the other was slung over across his back. I gulped, he may look cute but he looks very skilled and experienced with the sword. 

"Now if you excuse us, we'll be leaving." He grabbed me by the waist and walked past the officers.

When we were about a couple of blocks away from them, the we stopped in an alley.

He smiled. "That was fun."

I stared at him. "I didn't need your help, I could have managed."

"Manage?" He scoffed. 

"If he were to get any more 'friendlier', I would have kneed him for self defense."

He smirked. "A simple thank you would suffice."

We were giving each other a staring contest until I gave in. "Fine, thank you for your service."

"May I have my prize?" He asked hopefully, leaning down to my height.

"Ugh, you're worse than that officer." I started to walk away, but he came in front of me.

"It was a joke, please don't think of me as that pathetic excuse for an officer."

"Whatever." I tried to walk past him but he stopped me. 

"What's your name, I should know the person I rescued."

I rolled my eyes. "My name's Melody Richards."

"It fits you," he said, obviously eyeing my birthmark tattoo.

"Where are my manners? I'm Dominic Fetcher."

I gasped, pretending to be impressed. "You're the Dominic Fletcher?"

"Why yes, you heard of me?"

"No."

He frowned. "Your sarcasm wounds me."

"My apologies."

He smirked. "Let me show you around, you seem to be a tourist."

"No, really it's okay."

"No, the streets of Miami can be quite dangerous when a pretty girl like you walk alone."

I ignored his clever compliment he put in the sentence. "I have Fidget." I stroked Fidget, and he nuzzled my head.

Dominic finally noticed Fidget, who was perched on my shoulder the entire time. "An American Marten? That's quite rare to have one as obedient as that."

"Yeah, he's been my best friend for 12 years."

"Wow, may I?"

"Sure."

I had Fidget jump on my arm. Dominic held out his hand to pet Fidget. When it was inches away from him, Fidget bit his hand. Dominic cursed and pulled his hand from Fidgets jaws. I was as shocked as Dominic was.

I held Fidget's snout. "Fidget! What is wrong with you!" 

All he did was growl, staring at Dominic. I looked at Dominic, trying to nurse his hand. I gently took his hand. It had Fidget's teeth mark embedded into his hand, and it was bleeding. 

"I'm so sorry, he never bites strangers." Minus bad guys when we're on our jobs.

"I- It's okay."

"He was raised well. He'd never do this, unless..." I trailed off.

"Unless what?"

"He, or well we, have this hatred for blades, swords really." I admitted.

He looked down at his sword. "Why?"

I said nothing.

"I kinda got bitten by your marten, I think I should know."

"My parents, they were murdered... by a swordsman."

"I'm sorry," he said, his face showing regret of his nossiness. "I shouldn't have asked."

"No, no it's okay." I looked back at his hand. "I could fix this if you want."

"Well I do want this fix, but a rabies shot and bandage should do the trick."

"Fidget doesn't have rabies," I defended. "But I really can fix it."

"How?"

"I can't tell you."

He snorted. "Then how can you do it?"

"Just answer. Do you want me to fix it or not?"

"Yeah, but..."

"Then I'm really sorry about this."

"Sorry about wh-?"

I didn't let him finish. I placed my index finger on a pressure point on his neck. Dominic's eyes rolled backwards and he slumped forward. I grabbed him just in time, and set him against the wall. I looked at Fidget who was still glaring at him, then he looked at me. It was as if he was saying, why are you helping him?

I told Fidget. "You and I are going to have a long talk, Mister."

I held Dominic's hurt hand. I noticed a tattoo of two swords pierced into a two Ds. That kind of fits him. I sang a healing tune, the bite mark faded away, leaving no scar. I tapped Dominic's face, and he snorted awake.

He stood up. "What happened? Why am I on the floor?"

I stood up, too. "Sorry, I-"

He looked at his hand. "It's gone, how?"

I put my finger to my lips. "It's a secret."

"I do like secrets, can you tell me?"

I shook my head. "No."

He looked at his hand again and shook his head. "I should thank you for whatever you did."

"No, you already "saved" me from that officer. It's alright." I made the quotation marks gesture.

"No, you young lady are starved, dinner's on me."

"I-"

"I'm not taking no for an answer," he sang.

I gave in. "Fine, and I must admit, I'm hungry."

He smiled. "Good, I know the best restaurant in town."

I looked at Fidget and whispered, "Be nice."

Then we both walked to this so called, 'best restaurant in town.'

I snorted the food like there was no tomorrow. 

"Ohmigawd, this is so good."

Dominic chuckled with amusement. "See, I told you this is the best restaurant in town."

"I was never really a fan of seafood, but now... I'm in love with seafood again." I too a bite of the lobster.

"I'm glad Joe's Stone Crab, change your thought of seafood."

Fidget ate his fish but still glared at Dominic. I noticed this and sighed.

"I really am sorry, Dominic."

"No need to apologize. The wound is gone, and was never the type to hold a grudge. Especially against a  marten."

"Oh, I'm glad."

"So tell me, why do you carry a violin?"

"Why do you carry two swords?"

"I asked first."

"Fine, I'm a musician."

He took a sip of his drink. "Could have never been my first guess."

I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm. 

"So is it an electric violin?"

I shook my head. "I tried it before, but I rather prefer acoustic."

"Do you play other instruments."

"I can play anything."

He raised an eyebrow. "Anything? Are you sure you're not exaggerating?"

I scoffed. "No, I'm not. I can literally play any instrument you throw at me."

Dominic eyed the band playing for the restaurant. "What I would really like is to hear you play. Would you play for me sometime?"

I nodded.

He waved for the waiter, who then had to get the manager. They talked quietly as I sat there wondering. The manager nodded then walked away.

"What was-?"

The manager tapped the microphone. "I would like everyone's attention please."

Everyone turned to him. I eyed at Dominic. "What did you do?"

"Just listen."

The manager said. "We have a special request for a musician here in this restaurant to preform in this restaurant. Would we all give a round of applause for the lovely lady sitting there."

To my embarrassment, he pointed at me. Everyone looked towards me and my mouth dried. 

"Come miss, we would all like to hear you play."

I glared at Dominic who had this amused look in his face. I stood up and walked to the stage as everyone applauded. A violinist offered me his violin but I shook my head. I pulled out my own, and tuned it a little.

"This is something I came up," I said. "I hope you all enjoy."

I closed my eyes and began to play a melodious music. It was both cheerful and calming at the same time, everyone started to sway to my song. I looked over at Dominic who had a look of astonishment on his face. I smiled as I continued to play. As soon as I played the last note, everyone burst into applaud. Some even stood up, I bowed down and went back to my seat.

"That was amazing," Dominic said.

I couldn't help but blush. "Thank you."

"Your very welcome."

"Now it's your turn, why do you carry 2 swords?"

"I'm a swordsman."

"Yes, I've noticed that. But most swordsmen carry one sword, and wouldn't bother learning how to use 2 swords. So the swords either are very important to you and you learned how to use both of them, or..."

I sat forward and whispered, "You're a bounty hunter."

He stiffened, and stared at me. Suddenly he cursed and rubbed his neck. I couldn't help but smirk knowing this.

"Yes, you got me, now I must erase your memory."

My eyes widened. "What?"

He chuckled. "I was kidding. But yes, the swords were passed down from my parents to me. And I'm living off as a bounty hunter."

"I find it cute that you learned to use two swords since both of them were from you parents."

"Yes, I am cute, aren't I?" He smiled. "But you won't tell anyone, would you?"

I shook my head. "Of course I won't because...I'm one too."

"Seriously?"

Fidget stared at me. He was asking me,' what do you think you're doing?'

I nodded. "Seriously."

"So who are you? I'll tell you if you do."

"I can't, I'm a masked vigilante. It'll mess up my code."

He snorted. "So you're that kind of bounty hunter huh? Being some kind of superman?"

I smirked. "What about you? You don't keep your identity?"

"Well I don't really want to hide this pretty face of mine- he gestured to himself- and if any unlucky bad guys see me, well, I'm the last person they see you can say."

"Ooh."

"Give me a hint, please?"

I thought for a moment. "I wear...a mask."

He threw his hands up in the air. "C'mon, there's a lot of bounty hunters who where masks."

"Really? Who?"

"There's the Hidden Hawk, the Concealed One, the Masked Musician."

I kept a straight face, so he wouldn't get who I was. "The Masked Musician, I never heard of that bounty. He knew a newbie or something?"

"Why are you jealous you have competition with someone with a musical talent."

I snorted. "No."

"Well, I hear here and there that the Masked Musician is actually a girl and represents the state of California."

I nodded. Bounty hunters represent the state their from, it makes it more easier to keep track how many their are in each state. I represent the state of California, Dominic represents the state of the Florida.

"Oh."

"So what do you represent?"

"California," I replied.

He nodded. "So are you one of the big leagues, 'cause I am."

"Well I don't really know, I just do jobs here and there."

When meaning of the big leagues, you're like a celebrity. You're famous, experienced and talented. That's what every bounty hunter wants to be in.

"Well if you told me who you are, I could tell you if you're in the big leagues or not."

"Nice try, but I'm still not telling."

He shrugged. "I'll figure out sooner or later anyway."

The waiter came in with the check. After a long argument Dominic was the one who payed the check, while I payed the tip. 

Dominic offered to walk me back to me to my hotel, even though he knew I can handle it, literally.

"Mine is black with white outline."

"My outfit is black too."

He nodded. "Black's a pretty good color, conceal yourself in the darkness, y'know?"

"Yeah."

"And what about Fidget, he goes with you on your jobs?"

I petted Fidget. "Yup, he's my partner."

"That narrows it down, sorta."

"It does?" I scolded myself in my mind for telling him Fidget's with me.

"There's a lot of bounty hunters that partner themselves with an animal, and many wear a mask."

"Yeah, there's Hidden Hawk, Insecto, White Wolf."

He snorted. "It's pretty useless for White Wolf to wear a mask. Where will you find a white wolf in New York?"

I laughed with him. "Yeah, that one wasn't very thought out."

I stopped in front of my hotel. "This is it."

He gave out a whistle. "Damn, the bounty hunter life has been good to you huh?"

I smiled at that comment. "Yup."

"I had a great day with you, Melody."

"Me too, Dominic."

"How long will you stay here?"

I shrugged, "Probably a couple of days. Why?"

"I want to know if you'd like to hang out some more."

I gave it a thought and nodded. "Yeah, of course."

"Cool, see you tomorrow?"

"Sure."

He then walked away, whistling a happy tune. 

I headed up my room and changed my clothes for bed. Then a thought crossed my mind, he carried two swords. Could he be the swordsman who... No. There's a lot of bounty hunters who carry 2 swords, like Dos Swords, Killer Kantanas, or the Bloody Blades.

I shivered at his name, Bloody Blades. He's nicknames that for his two blades that are drenched with blood from his victims.

He wasn't a bounty hunter, he was an assassin. What's the difference? Bounty hunters are people who can legally carry weapons to hunt down wanted criminals. But assassins, they're different. They illegally carry weapons. And hunt people down not caring if they're good or bad. Sometimes they do it as a sport, for the fun of it. I'm disgusted at the thought, and I hate it even more when people think bounty hunters and assassins are thought to be the same thing. 

And that's why I think he's the one, the one who killed my parents. 

Heyyy, thanks for reading this chapter. I sneaked in two new characters, Dominic Fletcher and Bloody Blades. Ooooh, I'm so excited, aren't you?

My friend Lena (can't say real name for safety) put this song in my head 'Lay Me Down' by Dirty Heads. And it's still awesome!!!

I'm dedicating this to my awesome friends who I shall be putting them in this story through some bounty hunter characters. Lovette, Shaba-Laba-Ding-Dong/ Shamu, and Fernando (not real name). And I'm also dedicating it to awesome S.A.M. Thanks all 3/4 (not including Fernando since you're not reading this) for reading this. I love you guys!!!

Peace out,

RubixCube89201