Valeria's senses were overwhelmed once the doors opened. Delicious aromas from the street vendors wafted into her nostrils, the smell of barbeque being the most notable. Masses of hooded people swarmed around an indoor marketplace, with all kinds of odd wares that Valeria had never seen before. From where she stood, she made out three different stores.

A large sign shaped like a flask was the first to catch her eye. It was impossible to miss when the green lights in the flask flashed as they filled the container, disappeared, and flashed again in a repetitive pattern. Bright green letters spelled out, "Tommy's Terribly Terrific Toxins."

An explosion rang out from the opposite direction, and Valeria ducked instinctively. She was the only one, as everyone else simply cheered or laughed. She stood and observed the shop to her right, a large sign shaped like a bomb above it's entrance. Fireworks exploded every time its fuse reached the bomb's surface, illuminating the words, "Snaps, Claps, and Traps."

Unlike the flashier shops, the last one resembled a traditional clothing store. Closer inspection of the display window revealed odd sets of leather jackets and pants. Some appeared fashionable, others looked more like sets of armor. A simple white sign embossed with the words, "Legendary Leatherworks," hung above its entrance.

Valeria froze in place, her eyes filled with wonder as she took in this new world and the odd people that inhabited it. Most wore black leather gear trimmed with different colors, some armed with knives, guns, or other assorted weapons. Others were gathered in groups around the stores, smoking, drinking, or gambling. Frank waited up ahead, a broad grin across his face.

"Welcome to my world - welcome to Coterel. Follow me."

Valeria tried to follow Frank through the bustling marketplace, but had trouble keeping up as the local shopkeepers catcalled with offers for cheap food, drinks, and drugs.

"A new protege, eh?" a merchant asked, stepping in front of her. "You must be nervous about meeting the Sovereign," he said while reaching in his bag. "Don't worry, I've got just the thing for ya," he said as he removed a joint and lit it. "Wonder Woman here will give you all the courage you need."

Valeria exhaled with disbelief, an awkward smile across her face. She had been sent to the detention center three times for possession of marijuana. Now she was being offered weed in public? She had to admit - she liked this new world already.

She reached for the joint and put it out between her fingers. "I'm underage! You know that's illegal right? Shame on you!" she chastised, pretending to throw the joint away, but secretly slipping it into her back pocket.

"Does it look like I give a shit, kid?" the drug dealer replied, his beefy hand clasping her shoulder. "You still owe me twenty bucks."

"Holy Crap! What the hell is that?!" Valeria yelled, pointing with her free arm. When the shopkeeper turned, she kicked one of his legs out and sprinted into a store on the opposite end of the walkway.

Where the hell am I?

Candles illuminated the dark room, their light glinting off the endless slivers of metal hanging from the walls. Her innate night vision turned on, revealing hundreds of knives on display. Their shape, length, and designs varied, but the quality of the craftsmanship was undeniable. A large sign shaped like a knife hung at the back of the room, the words, "Darrow's Daggers" imprinted in red bold faced letters.

A man was conversing with the shopkeeper nearby. He was tall, covered in a black hooded jacket with red accents, and had a dagger and pistol clearly visible in his belt. He inspected a massive knife, twirling it around his hand with amazing speed. The display was unlike anything Valeria had seen before. That settled it; she wanted to be like him.

"There you are, you little brat!" the drug dealer yelled as he entered the store. He pointed at Valeria and exclaimed, "You owe me twenty bucks, kid!"

She wasn't prepared for what happened next. With a flash of motion, the man in red appeared in front of her, pointing his knife at her throat.

"Is that true, girl?"

Valeria's entire body was paralyzed with fear. Her tongue was flaccid, her mouth was dry.

The man in red leaned closer, his hood still obscuring his eyes. "In the old days," he said, weaving the knife dangerously close to her neck, "Stealing inside these walls was punishable by death. But I think that would be a waste, dispatching a pretty little thing like you. Maybe there's some way you could repay my leniency?"

Someone appeared behind her assailant and placed a knife across his throat. "Release the girl, or I'll release your carotid," Frank said, his voice low and full of malice.

The hooded figure laughed. "We both know you don't have the nerve, Pip-squeak."

Frank nicked his neck with the knife. "I don't kill 'cause I've never had to. If you don't leave the girl alone...per the Charter's rules about protégés, I'll have no choice."

The hooded figure released her and put his knife away. Frank did the same before returning to Valeria's side. She tried to rationalize what happened, but clearly this was an irrational new world.

"I didn't realize she was a protégé. Better teach her the rules, Pip-Squeak," the figure in red said, his voice rumbling before he turned back to the counter.

Frank turned toward the drug dealer next. "How much does she owe?"

"Twenty bucks."

Frank sighed as he handed him the money. He turned toward Valeria and pointed to the exit. "Outside! Now!"

Valeria followed him outside the shop and flinched as he spun around and pointed a finger in her face.

"What did I tell you?! I told you to stay by me at all times!"

"I'm sorry," she said, trying her best to sound sincere. "Thanks for saving me. I hate to admit it, but that creep looked pretty cool."

"Cool? Assassins like him give Rogues a bad name. His kind embarrasses me."

"He embarrasses you? Why?"

Frank shook his head. "Listen to me, Valeria. A truly gifted Rogue – one who mastered their stealth – should never have to use lethal force. While Assassins are a part of the Rogue Faction, most of them follow a different code. They kill for two reasons: they lack the stealth and intelligence to carry out missions, or they take pleasure in taking life. Understood?"

Valeria nodded. She had encountered murderers before, and most of them didn't wear hoods.

Frank appeared to calm down. "It's not entirely your fault. I should have warned you about Assassins."

"Why?"

"Assassins are temperamental and look down on other Rogues."

"Well that's stupid," Valeria replied, her fear and disbelief replaced with irritation. "Why do other Rogues put up with their crap? Why not kick them out?"

"A good question," Frank replied with a nod, "And one I ask myself often. The rules were set up with the Rogue Faction Charter, created hundreds of years ago."

Valeria couldn't think of a reply. She had stumbled into another world, one laden with all sorts of rules she needed to learn. When Frank didn't elaborate further, she decided to remind him that Fantasy World 101 wasn't part of the detention center's curriculum. "I have no idea what that means, Frank."

He exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It's an old set of rules that keeps the peace between the different Rogue guilds. The main point is: we don't bother them, they don't bother us."

"Alright," Valeria replied, inspecting individuals within the marketplace. "How do I know if someone's an Assassin?"

"Good question. Part of the Charter states that all Assassins need to make themselves identifiable to other Rogues. They do this by wearing the color red."

This made sense. The Assassin they encountered wore black leather with red accents. As she studied the different hooded individuals passing by, she noticed at least four other colors and wondered what they signified.

"What do the other colors mean?"

Frank's trademark smirk returned. "You'll find out. Come on, it's time to meet the Sovereign."

"The what?"

"We need to work on your vocabulary, kiddo. Sovereign – by definition – means leader. Follow me and try to stay out of trouble."

Valeria struggled to keep up with Frank's quick pace. He weaved in and out of the crowded marketplace with ease, while she barreled her way through. The hairs on Valeria's neck prickled; she got the odd feeling that someone was watching them. She stopped, turned and surveyed the area, but didn't find anything abnormal. Nothing unusual for this strange place, at least.

She gave up her search and ran after Frank. She found him outside a hallway guarded by a man and a woman. The female Rogue wore a black leather hood with red accents, so Valeria quickly ducked her head and avoided eye contact.

Frank looked over to the male dressed in black leather with orange accents. "I need to see the Sovereign."

The female Rogue in red blocked his path. While her hood blocked most of her face, Valeria still noted her smug expression and crooked nose. "The Sovereign is meeting with our leader," she said, her tone condescending, "you and your mutt will have to wait."

Frank stared her down and leaned forward, his body language threatening. "She is a new protégé - a gifted one - so show some respect. All new protégés meet with the Sovereign immediately - no matter what. You know the rules, so move aside...Brigitte."

"Do not use my name in public," the assassin hissed, slowly reaching for her knife. Frank and the other Rogue quickly produced their own.

The male Rogue frowned at her. "You know he's right. If that's a new protégé, they need to be let through. Move aside."

Brigitte scowled as she allowed them to pass. "I don't care how important you are. Don't ever disrespect me in public again."

Frank scoffed, sheathing his weapon. "I don't need to disrespect you. You never had any self respect to begin with, Brigitte."

Valeria ducked her head as she followed Frank, who didn't pay Brigitte any mind. He led the way through the candle lit hallway and stopped at the exit, where she observed a large cylindrical room. The walls were laden with bookshelves, a desk with a computer, and candlelit tables with litters of scrolls. She noticed a woman and man, both dressed in black leather, talking in close proximity at the center of the room. She leaned forward to observe their features.

The man was large, broad shouldered, and had a prominent red sash that crossed his chest and back. He was bald, middle aged, and had smooth dark skin. The woman next to him was also African American, with only a slightly lighter complexion. Valeria guessed she was middle aged – maybe in her forties – but was easily more beautiful than women half her age with smooth skin and long silky black hair pulled back in a ponytail. Her back was turned to them, and she wore a simple leather outfit that revealed a smaller, athletic frame.

"Bring her in, Frank," she said without turning around.

Frank went inside the room first, and Valeria followed with her head lowered. He stopped in front of them and nodded to the woman first. "Lady Jada." He turned to the man next with a sigh. "Dontrell."

The Assassin leader scoffed. "Long time no see...Pip-Squeak."

Frank marched up to him, coming within inches of his face. "I may put up with your goons calling me that, but I do not have to take it from you Donny-boy!"

"Step back...now!" Jada commanded. Both men took a step back as she came between them. "Not in front of a protégé," she whispered between clenched teeth.

Frank crossed his arms and nodded at the Assassin. "He started it."

Dontrell laughed. "Yeah, and you're too scared to end it."

"Shut up! Both of you!" Jada yelled, her voice echoing throughout the cylindrical room. "I am the Sovereign of this Faction," she continued, pacing around the two men. "And as such, I demand respect – even from the two men I love."

She looked over at the Assassin first. "Whether it's my brother," she said before turning and facing Frank, "Or my husband. Understood?!"

Both men turned and knelt before her. "Yes, Sovereign."

The woman looked to Valeria. "You are the Protege, correct?"

Valeria knelt down and avoided eye contact. Part of this was motivated by fear - the rest involved admiration. "Yes, Sovereign."

Jada sighed. "Stand up, girl. I am not your Sovereign yet."

Valeria stood, but continued avoiding eye contact. Not that it mattered, Jada's attention was focused elsewhere.

"We will finish our discussion later, brother. Leave us. Both of you."

Both men stood, speaking in unison, "Yes, Sovereign."

The Assassin looked over at Valeria with a sly grin. "I look forward to welcoming you to my guild later."

"The hell you will," Frank hissed.

"Enough! Get out!" Jada yelled before both men left for the exit.

Frank stopped by Valeria and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "She appreciates honesty."

Valeria nodded and watched him leave. She turned and observed Jada, who looked vaguely familiar. Had they met before?

Jada stood by her desk, studying Valeria with a piercing gaze. "I'm sorry you had to see that. Believe it or not, they used to be best friends." When Valeria didn't respond, Jada walked over to the nearby table and poured herself a glass of wine. "Care for a drink?"

"I'm underage, Sovereign."

Jada laughed. "Call me Jada for now. Children today consume much worse things than wine. Go on, have a glass."

Valeria shook her head. "No thanks. Have we...met before?"

Jada turned and smirked as she brought the glass to her lips. "Suit yourself, and maybe we've met before, in another life. So, tell me Valeria Torres, do I frighten you?"

Valeria met her eyes defiantly. "No. Should I be afraid?"

"Not yet. As a protégé, you know nothing, so nothing is expected of you. I'm here to educate and persuade you to join us."

Valeria did a double take. "The queen begs people to volunteer? That doesn't sound reassuring."

"I never beg," Jada replied, her voice reflecting a hint of irritation, "But I offer you the choice. This custom has been passed down by every faction leader around the world for centuries."

Valeria rolled her eyes. "Why you? Why not have some underling do it?"

"Because," Jada said after finishing a sip of wine, "Protégés with strong natural gifts are rare in the modern era. You are valuable to me, and to the survival of my faction. Meeting me allows you to understand this, while giving me a chance to decide if you're worthy."

"So am I?" Valeria tried her best to sound humble. She truly had no idea if this woman would find her worthy of anything. No one else had.

"That remains to be seen. Your performance in the Hall of Shadows was above average, especially for a protégé who has never learned anything about our ways."

"I could do better if I practiced." Valeria tried to let the eagerness manifest in her voice. She hungered for the chance to prove herself, as opportunities like this were never granted to girls like her - girls no one cared about.

"I'm sure you could," Jada replied, a smile slowly forming across her lips. "But first things first. The rules state that every Protégé gets to ask the leader of a faction three questions, and then I will get to ask you three questions. I suggest you take a moment to think and choose your questions carefully."

Valeria didn't hesitate. "How did you become the leader?"

Jada's smirk widened as she took another sip from her glass. "Good question. Thinking of taking my place someday, huh? Maybe you will. See this dagger?" she asked, pointing to an intricate white-handled dagger with blue jewels on her belt. "This is Carnwennan. Ever heard of it?"

Valeria shook her head.

"Of course not," Jada replied, "But you might have heard of its big brother: Excalibur."

Valeria gaped at the dagger on Jada's belt. She had never read any novels about Camelot, but was still vaguely aware of the sword considered to be the most famous weapon in myths, legends and history. And yet, while she was familiar with Excalibur, she never realized its owner wielded a second mythical weapon.

"That knife belonged to King Arthur?" she asked, her eyes still locked onto Jada's dagger.

"Mm-hmm. It's remained within the Rogue Faction for hundreds of years. Whoever wields it earns the right to lead all the Rogue Guilds. If you want it; you'll need to kill me – or steal it from me. You should know that many have tried both and failed."

Valeria inspected the woman with even more respect. She wanted to be like her someday.

"That was all part of the first question. What's your next question?"

Valeria paused a moment, before coming up with another question. "How does the public not know anything about you all?"

Jada scoffed. "Stupid question. We are Rogues: our mission in life is to remain invisible amongst the masses, and safe amongst ourselves. We have perfected this over the years, while the public is even more easily distracted by technology in the modern era. Next question."

Valeria considered her response a moment."Besides invisibility and shelter, does the Rogue faction have any other primary objectives?"

Jada cracked a smile. "That is the perfect question. It's up to the Sovereign to decide that answer during his or her reign. Throughout the years, the answer has changed."

"What's your answer?" Valeria asked.

"That's four questions. Now it's my turn."

"No, it's not," Valeria countered. "You never answered my original question. What are the Rogue Faction's primary objectives?"

Jada studied her silently for a moment. "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. My Faction's primary objectives right now are threefold: Remain hidden from the outside world, do not harm the innocent, and balance the scales of financial opportunity."

Valeria considered this a moment. "So, you steal from the rich and give to the poor? Like Robin Hood?"

Jada exhaled impatiently. "In layman's terms...yes. Now it's my turn. Which of those objectives is most important to you?"

Valeria paused before answering. "The first one."

Jada eyed her curiously. "A selfish but understandable choice. Why do you want to remain hidden from the world?"

Valeria crossed her arms as Jada asked the second question. She knew there was only one suitable answer. "Because it's brought me nothing but pain."

Jada exhaled and broke eye contact for a moment. After a brief pause, she looked over and said, "I've read about some of your past, and I know you haven't had an easy life. Someone once told me the past does not always dictate the future. You can't change your past here, but if you join us, you can change your future."

"Okay, what's your last question?"

Jada finished her glass, and wiped her mouth. "Last question: To permanently hide from the real world, would you be willing to take a life?"

Valeria closed her eyes momentarily as she pondered this question. She had been able to escape so many terrible situations in her short life, but always ended up back at the detention center due to this question. Other criminals may take life easily to cover up their crimes, but Valeria had decided against this long ago. She took a deep breath and finally offered her reply.

"Never."

After an uncomfortable pause, Jada offered her hand. "Very well. Welcome to the Rogue Faction. That's of course, if you've decided to join us?"

Valeria shook her hand. "I have. What happens now?"

"Now we find out where you will live. Eddie!!"

Valeria turned and recognized the guard she had seen earlier.

"Yes, Sovereign?"

"Alert everyone: There will be an Accommodation Ceremony in two hours. Anyone interested will need to make the necessary preparations."

"Yes, Sovereign."

Valeria watched the man run off before looking over at Jada with concern. "Is it too much to ask what happens next, Sovereign?"

"No, it's not. Everyone around the world is being notified about you right now. The Rogue faction allows Rogue families to have either one child, or one protégé. Anyone who currently does not have a protégé – or a child of their own – can submit a request to take you in. They will be notified about your Hall of Shadows score, preliminary research, and my assessment. If they still want you, a sophisticated matching and lottery system will take place over the next two hours."

Valeria whistled. "Sounds very high tech. I'm honestly worried no one will want to take me in. No one has before."

"That's their loss. For our faction, protégés are valuable for many reasons. The system will identify five households that match the best for you, and each house will get to proposition you directly in front of the entire faction."

Valeria scoffed. "In front of the entire faction? What does that mean?"

"It means the entire thing is live-streamed on our dark web."

"Why?"

"Because," Jada continued with a smile, "It's a joyous occasion, and each guild gets to brag about where the protégé ends up afterward."

"Guilds?"

"Yes," Jada continued as she motioned to a tapestry along the wall. The top end of the tapestry was embroidered with an elegant black crescent moon. "The Rogue Faction – which is represented by the Crescent Moon – has five main guilds." She produced a small book and placed it on the table. "This guide has information about all five guilds, and I suggest you read it. A Rogue will learn the talents associated with all five guilds during their training, but will obviously focus more on their respective guild's strengths."

Valeria picked up the book and flipped through its contents. "Which guild do you think is best for me?"

Jada wagged her finger. "I'm not supposed to direct you toward any particular guild, but I might have accidentally bookmarked the Thief and Bounty Hunter guilds," she said with a wink. "Read about them all and choose wisely. My associate will come back for you in two hours."

"And then what?"

"Then you will choose which family, and guild, you will live with."