The Heart of China

Chapter 2

Crimson and I exit the forest into the village. As we enter the village children surround us, begging us to play with them. I ignore them and keep walking, Crimson on the other hand stops to pick some them up, spin them around and sets them back down with the promise to play with them later.

"Still don't like children I see." Crimson's sudden return almost startles me, almost.

"No. Or most people."

"I know you barely tolerate me." His voice wasn't disdainful but almost humorous.

But, he is right. I keep to myself, mostly because in this line of work you have to be careful who you trust. Trusting the wrong person can get you killed. Just ask my parents.

We keep walking through the village full of brick walled, simple, identical houses until we final reach the road that leads to the temple. The temple is at the outer edge far away from the village so that the Blue Mask can keep to himself. That's the shortest explanation anyway.

"Why do you think that Blue Mask summoned both of us?" Crimson's voice broke the silence.

Why both of us is a good question. On your own it's either to be rewarded and praised or tortured and possibly killed, depending on how your latest kill went.

"I don't kbow, but it can't be anything good if it's both of us." I wanted think that The Blue Mask was just killing two birds with one stone-literally or figuratively-but that's very unlikely.

"You're probably right Shadow." When he said this I looked at his face. His murky green eyes were full of worry. I couldn't help noticing his raven, short, curly hair was slicked back perfectly. Old feelings from when we were younger came rushing back. We were close back then.

We returned to our silence as we reached the temple. We paused at the stairs thst led to the sun kissed gold building before climbing them.

When we reached the last step we both stopped and stared at the massive golden doors. Once again Crimson is the one who broke the silence.

"You ready?" He tried his hardest to hide his unease, but I still heard it.

"No. But, we don't have a choice now do we." I laughed trying to lighten the mood, but it didn't work.

"No we don't." Crimson said.

And with that he pushed open one of these massive doors and we both entered.

Priests greet us with their heads bowed down in respect for their master's guests. Crimson and I return the geture and continue past the statues of armor. Each suit represents a fallen assassin, two of these are for my parents.

Crimson and I finally reach The Blue Mask and his enormous throne. We bow again, but this time we get down on one knee and bowed our heads.

"Do you know why I summoned both of you here?" The Blue Mask's deep voice carried through the throne room.

Before I could find my voice Crimson answered.

"No sir."

"Crimson Death and Silent Shadow rise." The Blue Mask ordered.

Crimson and I did as we were told. I looked up. The Blue Mask looked the same as always. Midnight Blue mask, matching robe, and a sword and bow ready to go in case he has to kill anyone.

After what seemed a life time The Blue Mask finally spoke.

"Well I won't keep you too long so I'll keep this short. You both will begin your training to replace me as The Blue Mask tomorrow."

Mine and Crimson's mouth went slack. His dropped probably more because of the fact that The Blue Mask isn't immortal, mine went slack because there has never been a woman as The Blue Mask.

"Both of you are dismssed." The Blue Mask's voice broke me away from my thoughts.

With that Crimson and I left.