Valeria spent the next two hours reading about the different guilds. She sat in the Sovereign's quarters, sitting at a desk and casually flipping through the chapters. The first started with a symbol of a green faced raccoon. The Thieves guild is the oldest of the five, and represented by nature's cleverest thief – the raccoon. She spent most of the time studying this chapter, which focused on skills suitable for a thief. Lock picking, Pickpocketing, Burglary, Disguise, elaborate non-violent heists.

The next chapter depicted an orange spider. The Bounty Hunter guild is the youngest, and represented by the spider – nature's best trapper. Their chapter was also interesting; Bounty Hunters focused on non-violent means to capture villainous criminals. Traps, Nets, Tranquilizers, elaborate cons and schemes to ensnare victims.

The  third chapter had a symbol in the shape of a purple dragon. The Ninjas Guild is the third oldest guild, and represented by the most regal creature in Eastern mythology. Their guild piqued her interest; they used stealth to focus on espionage. Misdirection, Acrobatics, Hacking, Explosives, Disguise.

The fourth chapter depicted a blue Orca whale. The Pirates Guild is the fourth oldest, and represented by the Orca, one of the ocean's fiercest predators. She didn't bother with the Pirate guild; their description failed to garner much interest. Naval training, marksmanship, Explosives, Hacking, and bartending.

The last chapter's symbol displayed a red scorpion tail. The Assassin guild is the second oldest, and represented by nature's most violent predator, the scorpion. Their guild didn't have many surprises. Unarmed combat, Armed combat, Marksmanship, Explosives, Disguise.

Valeria closed the book and groaned. She had no idea which guild to pick; she had rarely been given any options in life, let alone five. She ran her hands through her hair and massaged her temples. Frustrated, she stood and paced around the room, studying her surroundings.

A bookshelf at the far wall caught her attention, and she studied the names inscribed on their spines. Some memorable titles included: The Five Factions, The Dark War: The Story Untold, and Merlin: The Man the Myth, the Legend. She ran her fingertips along the book edges until she touched an untitled black book near the end. This book differed from the others; it was worn, frayed, and mold was detectable on its surface, but that didn't stop her from touching it.

The effect was immediate: she felt dizzy, her hand felt numb. Everything slowed around her, all noise ceased to exist. Everything except a whisper.

"In...Anna...In...Anna..."

Valeria felt like she might throw up. She heard someone calling out to her, and when she removed her hand from the book, everything returned to normal.

"They're ready for you, Protégé."

The guard had returned. Upon closer inspection, most of his outfit was made of black leather with an orange trim. Her head was ringing, her mouth felt dry. She had no idea what just happened, but Valeria knew she needed to play it cool. She didn't want to get in trouble for snooping around the leader's chambers.  "You're a Bounty Hunter, aren't you?"

The guard smiled. "Yes, all Faction enforcers are from that guild. We settle disputes without taking lives."

"That makes sense. And they treat you well?"

"Of course," the guard replied with a laugh. He leaned closer and said, "I'm not supposed to say this – but I hope you choose us. The rumors about you are spreading like wildfire."

Valeria raised an eyebrow. "Yeah? Like what?"

"They're saying your score in the Hall of Shadows is the second highest ever by a new protégé."

Valeria smiled. She must have done well in that dark obstacle course.

"This way, Protégé, and Prometheus watch over you."

She wanted to ask what that meant, but the guard had already left. After navigating an endless array of candle lit hallways, they reached a massive ballroom with people seated around the concert stage. Six people stood by a large podium at the center, and Valeria recognized three of them. Jada stood at the podium, flanked by Frank, and Dontrell. While the Assassin leader wore the same black leather outfit and red sash, Frank had changed into a similar outfit with a green sash.

She was greeted with cheers from the audience as the enforcer led her to the stage. Jada motioned for Valeria to join her at the podium. "Up here with me, Protégé. Face your peers, and tell them your name."

She took slow, unsteady steps across the stage. She had never been the center of attention before. She paused by the microphone and took a deep breath. "I'm Valeria."

The audience cheered again; some started chanting her name. Jada pointed to the wall behind her. "Some of you've heard the rumors already, but I'm here to tell you – Valeria is one of the highest ranking protégés to grace this stage in a long time."

Her name was projected along the wall with a subtitle underneath.

Hall of Shadows First Attempt:
Rating: 96/100

The room erupted with nervous chatter, but Jada silenced the crowd with her booming voice. "Now, as many of you are aware, Valeria's first attempt in that Hall is second to one other preliminary score in the history of our faction." She turned to Valeria with a smirk. "Mine."

She looked over at Jada with a sudden realization. Jada wasn't just an average leader of this faction of outlaws; she was the most powerful Rogue in existence. And while Valeria had no idea what kind of power this woman possessed, the notion that she could match her someday was overwhelming. She noticed another set of unfamiliar statistics that popped up underneath, one at a time.

Preliminary Scoring:
———————————-
Strength: 64 / 100
Endurance: 88/ 100
Dexterity: 98 / 100
Perception: 82 / 100
Charisma: 90 / 100

The crowd cheered upon each statistic being revealed, and the place went nuts after seeing her Dexterity score. This is crazy, Valeria thought to herself. I feel like a rock star or an elite college athlete.

Jada stepped beside her. "I know it's been a while since we've had a protégé to celebrate; the last one graced us almost a year ago. But I think everyone can agree that Valeria is better than most. And now," she said while turning and placing a hand on Valeria's shoulder, "It's time to find your home. Since you're sixteen, you will live at this residence for two years. After that, your home will be wherever you make it!"

The crowd erupted into raucous cheers. Valeria tried to savor the moment, but her past experiences left her skeptical.

Jada turned to the people near the podium. "Some introductions are in order. You already met Frank Pipino, my husband, World-Master, and Leader of the primary Thieves Guild here in New York."

Rogues in green trimmed attire cheered around the room. She turned to Frank with wide eyes, while he simply shrugged. "Looks like I'm sort of a big deal," he whispered, shaking her hand.

Valeria laughed while Jada introduced her brother next. "You also met Dontrell Jackson, my brother, World-Master, and Leader of the primary Assassins Guild in Moscow, Russia."

Rogues dressed in red trimmed gear cheered around the room. Dontrell leaned closer and shook her hand. "Only I can help you rectify your past," he whispered. "Keep that in mind."

She didn't have a response for that. Her entire life needed rectifying, and she wondered what he was really offering. She leaned back and noticed Frank studying her intently. He gave a subtle shake of his head before returning to an emotionless expression.

Jada motioned to a different man. He was tall, dark skinned, and wore a black leather armor with an orange sash. "Next up Is Ndidi Achampong, World-Master, and Leader of the primary Bounty-Hunter Guild in Accra, Ghana."

He leaned close as they shook hands and whispered, "One who can trap their foes does not need to be invisible. Good luck my dear."

Jada introduced a short Asian woman next. Her black leather suit looked different than the others; its loose fit resembled a flowing robe with purple accents. "Next is Xun Guan, North American Master and leader of the tertiary Ninja Guild in New York." Jada turned to the podium and addressed the audience. "World-Master Xiang Yu regrets he cannot be here in person. There was an urgent matter at the primary Ninja guild in Beijing."

Valeria leaned in to shake the young woman's hand and observed her features; she didn't look much older than herself. As they shook, the ninja leaned closer and whispered in her ear. "Everyone around here calls me Xun. I hope you're smart enough to realize Ninjas are the best at overall stealth and remaining invisible among the public. But if you want to be dumb and go somewhere else, that's your prerogative."

While some might have found Xun offensive, Valeria found her directness refreshing. She understood the game being played. The leaders were offering sales pitches like coaches recruiting an athlete.

Jada pointed to the last person on the stage, a tall blonde haired woman wearing a leather outfit decorated with blue tassels. "Lastly, there's Penny Kinnon, North American Master and Leader of the tertiary Pirate guild here in New York."

Valeria extended her hand – but was surprised when the young woman lifted and inspected it.

"Oy, you've got some of the most beautiful skin I've ever seen," she said with an Australian accent.

Valeria gasped as the young woman caressed her arm and kissed her hand.

"It's truly an honor to be in the presence of such a lovely beauty."

Jada coughed into the microphone before coming between them. "Flirting with a new Protégé," she hissed, "especially an underage one – will not be tolerated. Do you understand me?"

Penny released Valeria's hand and rolled her eyes. "Oh please. She's only two years younger than me. I was paying a compliment, Sovereign. Don't be such a sourpuss."

Jada frowned before turning back to the podium. "Pirate World-Master John Finch couldn't make it here today for some unknown reason. I'm willing to bet he got drunk and passed out somewhere."

The room erupted with laughter as Valeria looked over at Penny, who simply shrugged.

"It's probably true."

Valeria smiled as she turned to Jada, who was trying to calm everyone down. "Alright. Now on the screen behind me, we will reveal the households from each guild that Valeria will get to choose from."

She turned and noticed a screen against the back wall. The projector showed the symbol of a blue Orca, followed by a world map that zoomed in on Buenos Aires, Argentina. A man and woman appeared on the screen and smiled back at her.

Santana Household.

"Buenas noches, Valeria," both said at the same time. They went on to make their case for why she should choose them. Buenos Aires has no animosity toward Latino immigrants, and she would be exposed to beautiful scenery, weather, and a relaxed learning environment.

When they finished, Jada handed her a blue tassel. "I will give you a tassel from each guild after they finish. At the end, you will make your decision by holding the color of your choice overhead. While deciding, you can eliminate choices by dropping them on the floor."

A purple dragon symbol was projected next. The world map zoomed in on South America, and centered on Sao Paulo, Brazil. The screen changed and an Asian man and a Latina woman smiled back at her. Like the other couple, they greeted her in Spanish.

Valeria tried to conceal her distaste. She knew what was going on here; they were all trying to play the Latina card. She listened politely as the couple made their case:

Hispanic and Chinese culture blended harmoniously there. Both are trilingual, as they spoke Portuguese - Brazil's most common language - as well as Spanish and English. Beautiful weather, excellent training, blah...blah...

She didn't want to mean any disrespect, but the whole ordeal felt so...detached. She wanted to feel special with so many well-respected people fighting over her – but didn't. Valeria knew they didn't care about her; they cared about the prestige of winning over a top Protege. She accepted the purple tassel and tried to remain polite as the Bounty Hunter household went next.

Barcelona, Spain. West African female and Spanish Male. Harmonious blend of African and European Culture. Deep religious scene and easy access to Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Valeria accepted the orange tassel and bowed, but secretly groaned in her mind.

Okay who's next?

The green raccoon logo flashed on the screen, and the map zoomed in on New York City. She raised an eyebrow and searched the audience, wondering who her next bidder would be. She gasped upon watching Frank step forward.

"Hello, Valeria. My wife and I want to invite you into our home."

Valeria turned to Jada, who stormed over to her husband. Both Valeria and the crowd reacted with surprise as she slapped him in the face with a mighty blow.

"You signed us up without consulting me?!"

There were audible gasps around the concert hall, and Dontrell approached the podium next. "This is completely unacceptable. A World-Master and the Sovereign can't just rig the system to snatch up a top protégé!"

Jada shook her fist at her brother. "You think I had something to do with this?!"

Frank turned toward the podium's microphone. "Any Rogue has the right to submit their name in the registry. There was nothing illegal about my request."

"Maybe not," Jada countered, "But as Sovereign, I can deny your application."

"True," Frank said with a nod. "But if you do that, the Thieves guild will have no chance at accommodating Valeria."

The concert hall erupted into loud boos and jeers, and Jada tried to calm everyone down. "Okay, everyone. I'm just as unhappy about this as you all." She thrust her finger at her husband's chest. "Make your case to me, the girl, and everyone here. Why should she stay with us?"

"I will," Frank said before turning to Valeria. "Of course you know my wife and I can offer you a beautiful home, and exceptional training." He paused and took a deep breath.

Valeria detected something in his eyes. She knew something was troubling him, and he was having trouble spitting it out.

"What Valeria doesn't know," he continued, his voice raw, "is that my wife and I had a daughter your age that passed away from leukemia last year." He looked over at Jada, who still looked enraged. He exhaled, turned, locked eyes with Valeria and said, "I know you've been alone most of your life. While you will never replace my daughter, I will promise to treat you like one, and that you will never be alone with us. I promise to always look after you, and you will always be welcome in our home."

Valeria's breathing slowed. She had been lied to so many times, and had expected another one. There was no guile in his eyes this time; this was no lie. She turned to Jada, who continued glowering at her husband. "What can you promise me, Sovereign?"

Jada shook her head before turning to Valeria with an icy stare. "Unlike my husband, I am still mourning the loss of my daughter. You may not be alone in my house, but you will not be comfortable either. Mark my words: I will push you harder than you can possibly imagine. I never made things easy for my daughter, and it certainly won't be any easier for you."

Valeria nodded. While Jada's offer - if that's what you could call it - sounded terrifying, it was honest.

Frank handed her the green tassel. "Give us the chance to look after you, kiddo."

She took the tassel and waited patiently, her mind overwhelmed by the turn of events. She exchanged curious glances at Frank and Jada, but they had turned to look at the screen behind them. A red scorpion logo appeared, followed by a map of Central America. The map settled on San Salvador, El Salvador.

My hometown?!

Valeria immigrated to the United States with her aunt one year after her parents' deaths, and barely remembered her hometown. Out of the corner of her eye, she swore she saw Dontrell – the Assassin leader – grinning at Frank. She turned and focused on the screen as a Latino couple greeted her in Spanish.

She listened with little interest as they offered the usual amenities – but snapped to attention once they mentioned her parents.

"Yes, Valeria," the man on the screen said. "We knew your parents. We also know members of the gang that took part in their execution. If you agree to come live with us, we'll teach you to become a feared assassin and help you avenge your parents' deaths."

Valeria stared at the screen, her mouth ajar as the couple bid her farewell. She blinked, trying to blot out the memory of her parents' lifeless bodies on the ground outside their house. She had been five years old at the time, and remembered every gruesome detail sitting between them.

I don't...I can't think of that right now.

Her eyes moistened with tears, and she tried to wipe them away without drawing attention. The room was enveloped in silence, and Jada offered the red tassel. "It's time to choose now. Take all the time you need."

She tried to reign in her emotions as she studied the five colored tassels in her hands. It didn't take long for the blue tassel to fall to the floor, followed by the purple. She held up the green, red, and orange tassels, and after a long moment, dropped the orange tassel.

There were audible gasps around the room – but Valeria ignored them. She studied the green tassel in her left hand, and the red one in her right.

Do I choose the home and sanctuary I've never been able to find since losing my parents?

Or do I choose to avenge them and endure a life of bloodshed?

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and simultaneously dropped one tassel while lifting the other overhead.