Chapter 1: iLive by the Creed

Author: Brother Bandit

In retrospect, I see why she was always the way she was.

She was always caring and doting to the point that I just want to run away. Now, I understand.

She knew that one day, her son would grow up.

She knew that I would become something beyond her control.

She knew that those were the few years during which I would remain her little boy.

She knew that she had to cherish me as her son before I grew into a man…

…before I had to take on the duties of my father and everybody else in my family.

I was born into it, I didn't choose.

The life I'm living now…It chose me.

Now I stand here on a nearby rooftop looking across to my old home.

I see the fire escape, where I hung out during my teenage years.

I see the place where I got my first kiss.

I see my old life, when everything was so innocent

I see her sitting there on my old bed, oh how I wish to see her again.

I see the days I spent in that apartment with my friends and so much did I have!

My friends are still with me today, standing by my side.

"Come on, Fred-weird we have to get to the Bureau by sunset," said a hooded girl behind me. Her blonde curls fluttering in the wind and eyes of sapphire. Next to her was another girl, but with brunette hair and hazel eyes.

"Don't worry Freddie, she'll be fine," she said me.

I grunted.

Slowly, I rose from my crouch and stood overlooking Bushwell Plaza.

"Bye Mom, thank you for taking care of me," I whispered, "I hope to see you again."

I pulled my own hood over my head and turned to my two companions.

"Let's go."

Quickly, we sprinted away to the end of the rooftop and leaped to the other side. Together, we traversed the concrete jungle that was Seattle. Gone are my innocence and my childhood, and in their place, a sense of duty. Now I live to protect the world from callous despots eager for power in the expense of others.

My name is Fredward Benson, and I am an Assassin.